Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Institutions, resources and firm strategies: a comparative analysis of entrepreneurial firms in three transitional economies

This study contrasts the impacts of institutions on entrepreneurial high technology firms in three transitional economies that share many institutional similarities but have taken different paths to economic reform: China, Poland and Russia. The study explores the impact of institutions on core aspects of the firm including strategic orientation, top management dynamics and firm strategy. We argue that different institutional environments that result from different development paths produce different strategic mindsets and generate different strategic actions. The findings have significant implications for institutional effects on transitional economies, which are discussed in light of future research on entrepreneurial firms.
Control of Wind Energy Conversion Systems Based on the Modular Multilevel Matrix Converter

The nominal power of single wind energy conversion systems (WECS) has been steadily increasing, now reaching power ratings close to 10 MW. In the power conversion stage, medium-voltage power converters are replacing the conventional low-voltage back-to-back topology. Modular multilevel converters have appeared as a promising solution for multi-MW WECSs, due to their modularity and the capability to reach high nominal voltages. This paper discusses the application of the modular multilevel matrix converter to drive multi-MW WECSs. The modeling and control systems required for this application are extensively analyzed and discussed in this paper. The proposed control strategies enable decoupled operation of the converter, provide maximum power point tracking capability at the generator side, grid code compliance at the grid side (including low-voltage ride-through control) and good steady state and dynamic performance for balancing the capacitor voltages in all the clusters. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is validated using simulation and through experimental results obtained with a 27-power-cell prototype.
Lipid transport systems: some recent aspects in swine, cattle and trout during development.

Lipids such as triacylglycerols, free and esterified cholesterol and phospholipids are essentially insoluble in water; lipoproteins, which are complex macromolecules of pseudomicellar structure, have evolved to ensure their efficient transport in the vascular system of vertebrates. Plasma lipoproteins are operationally classified according to their relative lipid and protein contents and thus according to density. The protein components, i.e. apolipoproteins, have a highly specialized structure contributing to particle stability and metabolism. The chemistry and structure of plasma lipoproteins and apoproteins is discussed and their biosynthesis, intravascular metabolism and cellular degradation briefly considered. Circulating concentrations of lipoproteins are under complex control, involving hormonal, nutritional and genetic factors; changes occurring in lipoprotein levels in pigs (Sus domesticus), cattle (Bos sp.) and rainbow trout (Salmo gairdnerii) during development are discussed. In pigs and calves, LDL predominate at the fetal stage and VLDL are absent. During suckling, this pattern is rapidly modified with HDL becoming the major class and low levels of VLDL appearing. These changes in part reflect high levels of exogenous triglyceride lipolysis consequent to the ingestion of fat-rich, maternal milk. With further growth, HDL predominate in both adult pigs and steers, although the LDL:HDL ratio is considerably lower in the latter (0.5-0.8 and approximately 0.2, respectively). Our studies in pigs suggest that the intestinal secretion of lipoproteins commences rapidly after birth since proteins akin to human apo-B48 and apo-B100 are detectable in plasma VLDL some 2-3 h after parturition. Although the trout is an oviparous vertebrate, LDL is also preponderate at the juvenile stage. With sexual maturity, LDL and VLDL levels diminish progressively, plasma HDL attaining concentrations as high as 1,500 mg/dl in adults. Our knowledge of the biochemical mechanisms at the origin of these developmental changes in lipid transport in both mammals and fish remains largely incomplete.
The New African Administrator

A full decade of African administration by Africans has gone by. It will soon be time to examine their achievements and to formulate and explore a number of new questions. What was Africanisation all about? Was it anything more than a localisation of personnel? Have Whitehall attitudes been replaced by Nigerian or Tanzanian, or even African attitudes? Has a newly shaped philosophy of public administration emerged?
The impact of neo-liberal economics on peruvian peasant agriculture in the 1990s

During the 1990s, Peru was among the Latin American countries that underwent the most rapid and radical transformation towards a liberal economy. This had the effect of changing the rules affecting economic agents of all sorts, including peasant producers. Although the collectivist aims of the 1969 agrarian reform legislation had long since been abandoned in favour of policies that sought to privilege market relations in the rural sphere, the liberalization of the agricultural economy became much more explicit in the 1990s. The virtues of free market economics were extolled as a panacea – even for sectors like peasants at the very margins of the economic system. State intervention for agriculture of all sorts was reduced, while producers were forced to compete on more open terms with imports. Such a major transformation naturally brought with it winners and losers in agriculture, just as it did in other sectors of economic life. The 1969 agrarian reform and its effects on Peruvian agriculture gave rise to a substantial literature in the 1970s, but the changes that have taken place since 1990 have received less attention, especially with regard to peasant economy. Although rural poverty has recently become a major topic of debate, much of the writing has focused more on the provision of different types of social support than on resolving the underlying problems of agriculture. The purpose of this article is to examine the ways in which peasant agriculture has responded to the changes in the economic environment in which it operates and the ways it has impacted on those dependent on it for their livelihood. Overall, the conclusion reached here is that, 12 years after it was originally launched, liberalization has probably
Citizens Speak About the Meaning of Genuine Community Governance

This community-based study, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methods, examines the views of citizens across northern British Columbia, Canada who faced a potential shift from a centralized child welfare governance model, to one that was promoted as a more community-sensitive, regional approach to governance. The study utilizes a community survey, focus groups and key informant interviews to solicit the views of residents regarding their awareness of and inclusion in the change process as well as their thoughts about how to create genuine community-based governance. Results indicate that most participants had limited knowledge of the government-initiated consultation process and even less involvement in it. Participants point out government failure to value local knowledge, experience and capacity and an unwillingness to provide communities with the opportunity to craft and implement their own vision for healthy children and families. Features of genuine community governance are also identified.
Economic Sustainability of Italian Greenhouse Cherry Tomato

Greenhouse tomato cultivation plays an important role in Sicily, being the primary production area in Italy, due to its favorable pedo-climatic conditions that permit extra-seasonal productions. In Sicily, more than half of greenhouse tomato production is derived from the Province of Ragusa on the southeastern coast, where especially cherry tomato typologies are cultivated. Over the last decade, the Ragusa Province has registered a decrease both in terms of greenhouse tomato area and harvested production due to several structural problems that would require restructuring of the tomato supply chain. Thus, since recognition of real costs and profitability of tomato growing is a vital issue, both from the perspective of the farm, as well as from that of the entrepreneur, the aim of this paper was to analyze the economic sustainability of Sicilian greenhouse cherry tomato cultivated in the Ragusa Province. In particular, an economic analysis on 30 representative farms was conducted in order to estimate production costs and profits of greenhouse cherry tomato. According to our results, the lack of commercial organization, which characterizes the small farms we surveyed, determines low contractual power for farmers and, consequently, low profitability.
Recent trends in breast cancer incidence and mortality

Breast cancer accounts for one‐third of cancer diagnoses and 15% of cancer deaths in U.S. women. Its 192,000 cases and 40,000 deaths in 2001 make it the most common incident cancer (excluding superficial skin cancers) and second leading cause of cancer death. Over one‐half of the 300,000 breast cancer deaths worldwide in 1990 (the latest year with such data) occurred in developed countries, but annual mortality rates ranged from 27/100,000 women in northern Europe to 4/100,000 women in Asia. Incidence data are less complete, although 1988–1992 rates varied threefold: low in Asia, intermediate in South America and Eastern Europe, and high in North America and Western Europe. Migrant studies suggest that lifestyle factors largely explain these international differences. U.S. incidence rates are generally 20%−40% higher in white women than in non‐white women, but are higher in young (under age 40) black women than in young white women. Incidence rates rose in the 1970s, leveled off in the 1990s, and are declining for young women. Women in some areas of the northeast U.S. have twofold higher mortality than that of other U.S. women, but reproductive and socioeconomic characteristics explain much of that difference. In the 1970s and 1980s, mortality rates held steady in developed countries but rose in developing countries. Since 1987 mortality rates fell by 25% as a result of earlier detection and improved treatment. Age–period–cohort analyses indicate that changes in recognized risk factors may affect mortality patterns. Continued analysis of international and intranational trends may reveal targets for multidisciplinary intervention and prevention efforts. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 39:82–88, 2002. Published 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Constrained Bayesian Reinforcement Learning via Approximate Linear Programming

In this paper, we consider the safe learning scenario where we need to restrict the exploratory behavior of a reinforcement learning agent. Specifically, we treat the problem as a form of Bayesian reinforcement learning in an environment that is modeled as a constrained MDP (CMDP) where the cost function penalizes undesirable situations. We propose a model-based Bayesian reinforcement learning (BRL) algorithm for such an environment, eliciting risk-sensitive exploration in a principled way. Our algorithm efficiently solves the constrained BRL problem by approximate linear programming, and generates a finite state controller in an off-line manner. We provide theoretical guarantees and demonstrate empirically that our approach outperforms the state of the art.
A STUDY OF PERCEIVED RISK AND RISK REDUCTION OF PURCHASING AIR‐TICKETS ONLINE

The concept of perceived risk explains consumers' purchasing behavior that involves risk with unanticipated or uncertain consequences. Using perceived risk theory, this study explored customers' risk perceptions regarding online air‐ticket purchases. This study discovered that security risk was the most important predictor to overall risk regarding online air‐ticket purchases. In addition, nonpurchasers perceived a higher risk than online purchasers, in terms of performance, security, financial, psychological, and time risks. Regarding risk‐reduction strategies, shopping around over the web was more important to online purchasers than to non‐purchasers. In addition, reputation of web vendor, well‐known brand, symbol of security approval, and recommendation of family and friends were perceived as preferred risk‐reduction strategies when making online air‐ticket purchases. Further, this study's results revealed that respondents' perceived risks of online air‐ticket purchases differed according to demographic characteristics. The implications of the research findings for online marketing activities are discussed.
Conservation of Natural Resources Through Religion: A Case Study from Central Himalaya

This study explores the method early settlers in the Central Himalayan region used to develop/adopt an indigenous system for conservation of bioresources. Most of the commonly used tree species were protected/planted in sacred groves. All protected species were located within the boundaries of worship points in village settlements. Today the ''protected resource'' does not enjoy the same status outside the boundary of the temple or worship point. Thus, it appears that early settlers established these religious points as in situ germplasm preservation/collection centers to conserve natural resources, sustain the daily requirement of villagers, and provide the ''elite'' stock material for multiplication. This innovative and intelligent practice has been an effective means of conservation, in total harmony with the environment, and seems to have persisted through generations.
An Experimental Test of “The Mozart Effect”: Does Listening to His Music Improve Spatial Ability?

This experiment was designed as a test of the 1993 findings of Rauscher, Shaw, and Ky who reported a positive effect of listening to classical music on spatial reasoning. Present results do not demonstrate the “Mozart effect. ” In our study, 114 students were pretested on items from the Raven's Progressive Matrices-Advanced Form, then instructed to listen to either 8 min. of Mozart's music, relaxation instructions, or silence. Then subjects were posttested on an equivalent set of Raven's items. The subjects were also asked to provide information about their musical background and preferences. All instructions and treatments were audiotaped and played to individual subjects through earphones in the university language laboratory, ensuring standardization of procedures. Subjects in all 3 treatment groups showed a practice effect, but this improvement in Raven's scores was not dependent on the type of treatment received. There were no differences in Raven's scores among groups before or after treatment so our results do not confirm the prior ones. There was no evidence that the brief music had a different effect on subsequent problem solving according to listeners' musical background and training.
Capital Taxation in an Enlarged EU: The Case for Tax Coordination

The paper reviews coordination steps in European capital income taxation (CIT) in the past and hints at unsolved problems of capital taxation in the EU-25. Based on this experience we argue that there is room for further coordination which properly implemented should be beneficial to the Member States without sacrificing national fiscal autonomy in capital taxation.
EXCHANGE RATE POLICY MANAGEMENT IN CONDITIONS OF CURRENCY ABUNDANCE

One of the most relevant macroeconomic phenomena of recent years has been a persistent revaluation of the peso. This paper puts forward the hypothesis that peso revaluation has been an equilibrium phenomenon, i.e. explained by permanent factors, and although measures have been taken to modify the trajectory of the real exchange rate (and others could be taken), in practice, the benefits of these measures have been dubious, and they probably only slightly delay the downward trend. In view of this, the authors propose concentrating efforts on making peso revaluation compatible with the least possible resource allocation costs, while enhancing the efficiency and productivity of the different economic activities. Similarly, they argue that it is vital to confront this phenomenon realistically, as its dynamic aspects will necessarily lead to the contraction of some productive activities and the possible disappearance of others. However, they conclude that this should not be perceived as negative, but rather as one of the signs of development.
Signalling pathways involved in oocyte growth, acquisition of competence and activation*

Abstract The oocyte's primary function is to be fertilised by a spermatozoon in order to create a viable embryo. Oocyte growth and development are initiated during embryogenesis and occur in parallel to follicular development. Factors produced by the oocyte bind to receptors on follicular cells, ensuring follicular development. Oocytes begin meiosis during foetal development and are arrested in prophase I by elevated levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases triggers degradation of cAMP, allowing oocyte maturation to proceed. The production of progesterone and prostaglandins during the ovulation process ultimately activates proteases, whose action helps to release the oocyte into the Fallopian tube. Oocyte activation depends on fertilisation and is induced by changes in intracellular calcium levels. Dysregulation of these pathways is involved in the pathogenesis of several diseases including the syndrome of oocyte maturation failure.
Zero-Voltage-Switching Control for a PWM Buck Converter Under DCM/CCM Boundary

A new zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) control approach is presented for pulsewidth modulation (PWM) buck converters under discontinuous conduction mode (DCM)/continuous conduction mode (CCM) boundary. This proposed technique compensates for control circuit delay, and hence, turns on power MOS at the instant exactly when drain-to-source voltage becomes zero. No complicated timing calculation circuits or additional external components are required. This proposed integrated ZVS control can be applied to other dc-dc converters as well. The corresponding circuit analysis, implementation, and die photograph are presented in this paper. Simulation and experimental results for an example circuit with V IN of 5 V and V OUT of 3.3 V reveal that buck converters with the presented ZVS technique have higher efficiency than conventional ones, especially at higher frequencies. At about 3.6 MHz operation, the measured conversion efficiency of the PWM buck converter under DCM/CCM boundary mode with the proposed ZVS approach is 11% higher.
Effect of carbon dioxide on background cerebral electrical activity and fractional oxygen extraction in very low birth weight infants just after birth

Decreased arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) results in decreased cerebral blood flow, which is associated with diminished cerebral electrical activity. In such a situation, cerebral fractional oxygen extraction (CFOE) would be expected to increase to preserve cerebral oxygen delivery. This study aimed to determine whether changes in blood gases in infants less than 30 wk' gestation were associated with changes in background electroencephalograms (EEG) and CFOE. Thirty-two very low birth weight infants were studied daily for the first three days after birth. Digital EEG recordings were performed for 75 min each day. CFOE, mean blood pressure and arterial blood gases were measured midway through each recording. EEG was analysed by (a) spectral analysis and (b) manual calculation of interburst interval. Blood pressure, pH and PaCO2 did not have any effect on the EEG. On day one, only PaCO2 showed a relationship with the relative power of the delta frequency band (0.5–3.5 Hz) and the interburst interval. The relative power of the delta band remained within normal limits when PaCO2 was between 24 and 55 mm Hg on day one. There was a negative association between PaCO2 and CFOE. The associations between PaCO2 and EEG measurements were strongest on day one, weaker on day two, and absent on day three. The slowing of EEG and increased CFOE at lower levels of PaCO2 are likely to be due to decreased cerebral oxygen delivery induced by hypocarbia. When PaCO2 was higher, there was suppression of the EEG.
American Free Banking Before the Civil War: a Re-Examination

The free banking law became the dominant regulatory system for banking during the two decades preceding the Civil War. The law possessed two distinguishing features. Most significantly, it opened the field of banking to anyone who could provide a specified minimum of capital. This was a sharp break with the older system of chartered banking in which each bank embodied a grant of privilege from the legislature. But while the law freed entry into banking, it restricted the freedom of the banker by requiring that he deposit designated government bonds with a state authority for all notes issued. The free banking law was adopted in all of the Western states, in New York, in Louisiana, and even in what were then the bastions of conservative banking, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. In several states it passed the test of public referendum, and eventually it served as a model for the National Banking Act of 1863.
Measuring quality of life in Macedonia - using human development indicators *

By the end of the 1980s, the central issue of development was focused on the growth of income and not on the growth of quality of life. Therefore, the development strategies were oriented towards production and left no significant space for improving the welfare of individuals. In the beginning of the 1990s, the human development concept emerged, stressing that economic development ultimately should result in growth of quality of life of individuals, while the goal of the development process was to expand the capabilities of individuals by placing them in the focus of the efforts for development. This paper if focused on the quality of life of the individuals. Moreover, in addition to the previous practice in Macedonia of calculating the human development index (HDI) - as a measure of quality of life, an attempt will be made to calculate the human poverty index (HPI-2) - as a measure of non-income poverty, gender development index (GDI) - as a measure of inequality between men and women, as well as the human development index at the level of aggregated urban and rural municipalities. We hope that it will contribute to the improvement of the quality of decisions made by the state and local authorities in Macedonia when it comes to issues concerning the human development.
Size of employment unit and injury rates in British manufacturing: a secondary analysis of WIRS 1990 data

This article uses unique information provided by the WIRS 1990 dataset in order to explore the relation between size and industrial injury in British manufacturing industry. Results are reported for both independent establishments and for those which form part of larger organisations. The examination of the relation between the injury rate and other variables is permitted by use of a regression model.
Exploring knowledge grid for knowledge supply in the collaborative design

This paper describes a preliminary attempt at using the knowledge grid technologies for knowledge supply platform in a distributed collaborative design environment. By integrating members, roles, and tasks in workflow, three sorts of knowledge demands are gained. Based on knowledge demand information, a knowledge supply model is proposed for the purpose of delivering the right knowledge to the right persons. Knowledge grid, acting as a platform for implementing the knowledge supply, is also discussed mainly from the view of knowledge space. A prototype system of knowledge supply has been implemented and applied in collaborative product development. The proposed platform is viewed as a promising knowledge management method that facilitates the implementation of computer supported cooperative work.