Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The viability of remote mining communities: insights from community perceptions and employment impact assessments

Abstract This article examines community perceptions and employment impacts to assess ex ante the post-mining viability of two settlements in remote north-east South Australia. The results reinforce grave concerns over their future viability following mine closure. However, government employees and traditional owners are more optimistic than other groups about community futures beyond mining. Devastatingly, employment impacts represent approximately 80 and 75% (225 & 1616) of jobs and 90 and 80% ($30 m & $164 m) of employment income in the two locations (Leigh Creek, Roxby Downs). These impacts reach beyond mining into other sectors, particularly Public Services and Trade and Accommodation respectively, and further limit economic diversity and opportunity. Building alternative futures in remote locations like these is problematic, though not impossible. Policy responses should reflect differences in perceptions, impact and case-specific contexts: settlements at the end of their life cycles like Leigh Creek require emergency action including institutional reform; settlements still in the early stages like Roxby Downs have time to begin planning now, though not yet conceived, for a future without mining.
The effects of negative interest rates on the estimation of option sensitivities: The impact of switching from a log-normal to a normal model

The estimation of partial derivatives of the price in respect to the main financial variables, called Greeks, is an essential task for a trader in order to understand the sensitivity of a derivative to the input of pricing model. The study of the level of reactivity of the mark to market is an essential task to manage properly the market risk of a portfolio. Due to the negative interest rates in Euro Area, the pricing model of interest-rates options (cap, floor and swaption) has been changed from a log-normal to a normal framework. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effects of this model change on the calculation of option sensitivities.
Trade Openness, Public Sector Corruption, and Environment: Data Analysis for Asian Developing Countries

This study used panel OLS, fixed and random effects models to check the effect of trade openness and public sector corruption on the environment. Government effectiveness has been used as a measure of public sector corruption. CO2 and methane gas emissions are used as the measure of environmental degradation. Different specification tests, such as F-test and Hausman specification test are used to make selection among ordinary least square, fixed effect and random effect model. Random effect model seems best to handle such a situation. In this study the random effect framework is the preferred model, but this study also presents the results from the fixed effects model for comparison purpose. The results of the random effect model are the main finding of this study which concluded that there is negative and significant effect of trade openness, government effectiveness on both CO2 and methane gas emissions. In this way the world trade openness has also brought to the fore the importance of regulation of government policies towards openness because results has already warned that government effectiveness is volatile and is expected to become more tense thus the strategy needs to identify aspects of government corruption which are hurting economies. Keywords: Environmental Pollution, Fixed and Random Effects Model, Openness to Trade, Public Sector Corruption, Pooled OLS.
The role of intermediate demand and technology for international competitiveness of the KIBS sector: evidence from European Union countries

ABSTRACT In this paper, it is tested whether intermediate consumption of knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) in the economy and technology advancement in the KIBS sector (measured by R&D expenditures) affect the international competitiveness of a country's KIBS sector. First, the definition of KIBS trade, in light of the available data from the balance of payments statistics, is presented. Then, using a panel data set from the EU countries over the period 2000–2009, a panel cointegration approach to estimating the model is adopted. The empirical study shows that among the old EU countries only those with high income are competitive in KIBS exports. Estimation results demonstrate that their competitiveness in KIBS exports is positively determined by domestic and imported KIBS intensity in the economy, as well as by the KIBS sector's technology advancement. The new EU countries usually were not competitive in KIBS exports, and those which were successful in this field seem to have derived their success mainly from international outsourcing rather than from building their own capacities. Their competitiveness in KIBS exports was positively determined by the KIBS sector's endowment in human capital, or via domestic KIBS intensity in the economy together with lower labour costs.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CAPM AND SEVEN FACTORS RISK ADJUSTED RETURN MODEL

This study is a comparison and contrast of the predictive powers of two asset pricing models: CAPM and seven factor risk-return adjusted model, to explain the cross section of stock rate of returns in the financial sector listed at Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE). To test the models daily returns from January 2013 to February 2014 have been taken and the excess returns of portfolios are regressed on explanatory variables. The results of the tested models indicate that the models are valid and applicable in the financial market of Pakistan during the period under study, as the intercepts are not significantly different from zero. It is consequently established from the findings that all the explanatory variables explain the stock returns in the financial sector of KSE. In addition, the results of this study show that addition of more explanatory variables to the single factor CAPM results in reasonably high values of R 2 . These results provide substantial support to fund managers,
Towards TV recommender system: experiments with user modeling

As the number of cable TV programs grows, it becomes more difficult for the viewers to find the right one. This calls for specialized recommender systems, often in a form of electronic program guides, which should provide unobtrusive assistance. In this paper, we analyze such recommender system design under the broadcast scenario, where uplink connection to the network center is not available. We put special emphasis on user modeling algorithm that would be able to efficiently learn the user's interests. Our proposal applies the elements of machine learning and pattern recognition, as well as the information retrieval theory, like vector spaces and cluster hypothesis. The derived algorithm is computationally simple, while experimental results show high acceptance ratio of the proposed recommendations.
Is delaying a quit attempt associated with less success?

INTRODUCTION Delaying a quit date until later may be a cause of, or marker for, low motivation to quit. We tested this possibility in a secondary analysis of a recent clinical trial that allowed smokers flexibility in setting a quit date. METHODS The trial compared quitting abruptly versus gradually with nicotine lozenge among smokers who were actively trying to quit. Smokers in the abrupt conditions set a quit date sometime between 1 and 3 weeks after study onset; smokers in the gradual condition set a quit date sometime between 3 and 5 weeks after study entry. Within each condition, we examined whether later quit dates were associated with less success. RESULTS Independent of study condition, those who set a later quit date were less likely to make a quit attempt, more likely to lapse early on, and showed a nonsignificant trend to be less likely to be abstinent at 6-month follow-up. Those who quit after their planned quit date were more likely to lapse and showed a nonsignificant trend toward less abstinence than those who quit before or on their quit date. CONCLUSIONS Delaying a quit attempt prospectively predicts less success among smokers actively trying to quit. Whether this represents a causal effect is unclear. Further replication tests of our findings and, possibly, randomized trials of quitting sooner versus later are indicated. If delaying reduces cessation success, then treatments for smoking cessation should encourage quitting very soon upon treatment entry.
Comparison of Bank Profitability in China and the USA

This paper examines and compares the profitability of banks in the USA and China. The USA has the largest market-based banking system and the financial system of China is still bank-based. Our analysis indicates that in terms of profitability, banks in China outperformed those in the USA during our study period (2008–2014). Real estate loans had an adverse effect on US bank profitability during the financial crisis and no effect after the crisis but consistently improved the profitability of Chinese banks. Interest margins have no effect on US bank profitability but a consistently positive effect on Chinese banks, confirming that China is a traditional bank-based economy. Interbank loans have a positive and significant effect on Chinese bank profitability, while interbank domestic loans have a negative effect on US bank profitability. Finally, size had a positive effect on US banks after the financial crisis period, confirming the scale economies of large US banks, but a negative effect on Chinese banks, indicating diseconomies of scale.
Targeting the bone marrow microenvironment in multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by clonal expansion of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow (BM). Despite the significant advances in treatment, MM is still a fatal malignancy. This is mainly due to the supportive role of the BM microenvironment in differentiation, migration, proliferation, survival, and drug resistance of the malignant plasma cells. The BM microenvironment is composed of a cellular compartment (stromal cells, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells) and a non‐cellular compartment. In this review, we discuss the interaction between the malignant plasma cell and the BM microenvironment and the strategy to target them.
Evidence for an etiologic relation of the epstein‐barr virus to human malignancies

Studies on virus‐induced animal tumors have provided indirect approaches to a search for viruses causing human malignancies. Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), the cause of infectious mononucleosis, served to illustrate the usefulness of these approaches in linking EBV with Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Despite its demonstrated intimate association with these tumors the role of EBV in their causation remains uncertain.
Inositol hexakisphosphate is a physiological signal regulating the K+-inward rectifying conductance in guard cells.

(RS)-2-cis, 4-trans-abscisic acid (ABA), a naturally occurring plant stress hormone, elicited rapid agonist-specific changes in myo-inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP(6)) measured in intact guard cells of Solanum tuberosum (n = 5); these changes were not reproduced by (RS)-2-trans, 4-trans-abscisic acid, an inactive stereoisomer of ABA (n = 4). The electrophysiological effects of InsP(6) were assessed on both S. tuberosum (n = 14) and Vicia faba (n = 6) guard cell protoplasts. In both species, submicromolar concentrations of InsP(6), delivered through the patch electrode, mimicked the inhibitory effects of ABA and internal calcium (Ca(i)(2+)) on the inward rectifying K(+) current, I(K,in), in a dose-dependent manner. Steady state block of I(K,in) by InsP(6) was reached much more quickly in Vicia (3 min at approximately 1 microM) than Solanum (20-30 min). The effects of InsP(6) on I(K,in) were specific to the myo-inositol isomer and were not elicited by other conformers of InsP(6) (e.g., scyllo- or neo-). Chelation of Ca(2+) by inclusion of 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid or EGTA in the patch pipette together with InsP(6) prevented the inhibition of I(K,in), suggesting that the effect is Ca(2+) dependent. InsP(6) was approximately 100-fold more potent than Ins(1,4,5)P(3) in modulating I(K,in). Thus ABA increases InsP(6) in guard cells, and InsP(6) is a potent Ca(2+)-dependent inhibitor of I(K,in). Taken together, these results suggest that InsP(6) may play a major role in the physiological response of guard cells to ABA.
Brassinosteroid Homeostasis in Arabidopsis Is Ensured by Feedback Expressions of Multiple Genes Involved in Its Metabolism

Homeostasis of brassinosteroids (BRs) is essential for normal growth and development in higher plants. We examined responsiveness of 11 BR metabolic gene expressions to the decrease or increase of endogenous BR contents in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) to expand our knowledge of molecular mechanisms underlying BR homeostasis. Five BR-specific biosynthesis genes (DET2, DWF4, CPD, BR6ox1, and ROT3) and two sterol biosynthesis genes (FK and DWF5) were up-regulated in BR-depleted wild-type plants grown under brassinazole, a BR biosynthesis inhibitor. On the other hand, in BR-excessive wild-type plants that were fed with brassinolide, four BR-specific synthesis genes (DWF4, CPD, BR6ox1, and ROT3) and a sterol synthesis gene (DWF7) were down-regulated and a BR inactivation gene (BAS1) was up-regulated. However, their response to fluctuation of BR levels was highly reduced (DWF4) or nullified (the other eight genes) in a bri1 mutant. Taken together, our results imply that BR homeostasis is maintained through feedback expressions of multiple genes, each of which is involved not only in BR-specific biosynthesis and inactivation, but also in sterol biosynthesis. Our results also indicate that their feedback expressions are under the control of a BRI1-mediated signaling pathway. Moreover, a weak response in the mutant suggests that DWF4 alone is likely to be regulated in other way(s) in addition to BRI1 mediation.
Impact of Patenting on Profitability of Firms

This research paper analyzes the effect of patents on firm profitability. To be more precise, net income, return on assets and Tobin’s q. In order to investigate the relationship, a sample of 2,488 publicly traded U.S. firms for the period of 2000-2008 was gathered. Variables such as net income, return on assets, Tobin’s q, research and development expenses, number of patents and employees, total assets and market value were used in pooled ordinary least squares regressions. The results indicated that patents only lead to higher net income, whereas the relationship between number of patents with return on assets and Tobin’s q is negative. Therefore it leads to a conclusion that while patents lead to higher net income, it might negatively affect other profitability measures of a firm.
Effects of Smoking on Pegylated Interferon alpha 2a and First Generation Protease Inhibitor-based Antiviral Therapy in Naïve Patients Infected with Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 1.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Smoking has multiple effects on factors influencing hepatitis C and antiviral therapy, including lipid metabolism, fibrosis, platelet count and adherence aspects. The aim of this analysis was to determine the impact of smoking on hepatitis C virus antiviral therapy. METHODS Data of two cohorts of an observational multicenter study including therapy-naïve patients infected with genotype 1 hepatitis C virus (HCV) treated with dual antiviral therapy (n=7,796) with pegylated interferon alpha 2a in combination with ribavirin, or triple antiviral therapy (n=1,122) containing telaprevir or boceprevir, were analysed. RESULTS In the univariate matched pair analysis of dual antiviral therapy patients (n=584), smoking was significantly associated with lower sustained viral response rates (p=0.026, OR 0.69 CI: 0.50 - 0.96). The effect of smoking on sustained viral response remained significant (p=0.028, OR 0.67 CI: 0.47 - 0.96) in the multivariate analysis when adjusting for all other baseline parameters with a significant association in the univariate analysis, i.e. diabetes, fibrosis, body mass index, transaminases and baseline viral load. Under protease inhibitors the influence of smoking on virological response did not arise. CONCLUSIONS Smoking has a negative impact on antiviral therapy in naïve patients infected with HCV genotype 1 independently of age, gender, history of drug use or alcoholic liver disease. The effects of smoking might be overcome by the new antiviral agents.
Expression of feeding-related peptide receptors mRNA in GT1-7 cell line and roles of leptin and orexins in control of GnRH secretion

AbstractAim:To investigate the expression of feeding-related peptide receptors mRNA in GT1-7 cell line and roles of leptin and orexins in the control of GnRH secretion.Methods:Receptors ofbombesin3, cholecystokinin (CCK)-A, CCK-B, glucagon-like peptide (GLP)1, melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH)1, orexin1, orexin2, neuromedin-B, neuropeptide Y (NPY) 1 and NPY5, neurotensin (NT) 1, NT2, NT3, and leptin receptor long form mRNA in GT1-7 cells were detected by reversed transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. GT1-7 cells were treated with leptin, orexin A and orexin B at a cohort of concentrations for different lengths of time, and GnRH in medium was determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Results:Receptors of bombesin 3, CCK-B, GLP1, MCH1, orexin1, neuromedin-B, NPY1, NPY5, NT1, NT3, and leptin receptor long form mRNA were expressed in GT1-7 cells, of which, receptors of GLP1, neuromedin-B, NPY1, and NT3 were highly expressed. No amplified fragments of orexin2, NT2, and CCK-A receptor cDNA were generated with GT1-7 RNA, indicating that the GT1-7 cells did not express mRNA of them. Leptin induced a significant stimulation of GnRH release, the results being most significant at 0.1 nmol/L for 15 min. In contrast to other studies in hypothalamic explants, neither orexin A nor orexin B affected basal GnRH secretion over a wide range of concentrations ranging from 1 nmol/L to 500 nmol/Lat 15, 30, and 60 min.Conclusion:Feeding and reproductive function are closely linked. Many orexigenic and anorexigenic signals may control feeding behavior as well as alter GnRH secretion through their receptors on GnRH neurons.
Formative Development of an Intervention to Stop Family Tobacco Use: The Parents and Children Talking (PACT) Intervention

ABSTRACT Intervening with families is a promising strategy for addressing the continuing problem of adult and youth tobacco use. A four-step formative process was used to develop an innovative self-directed family-based intervention: (1) planning and strategy development through structured telephone interviews, a focus group, and a literature review; (2) development and pretesting of concepts, messages, and materials by using feedback from children and adults on prototypic materials; (3) implementing the program by mailing 6 modules to 50 families (composed of at least one adult smoker and a 9–12-year-old) with overall high levels of engagement; and (4) assessing effectiveness and making refinements by measuring the intervention effect on smoking-related communication, skills, and attitudes. Inconsistent intervention effects related to the difficulty of cessation and the influence of parental smoking suggested needed refinements. Engaging smokers willing to make a quit attempt during the intervention time frame may augment children's appreciation for the difficulty of cessation. Content related to stress management may need greater emphasis. Enhancing the personal context in which the influence of parental behavior is conveyed may be needed. Although the family context offers the opportunity to address the parent–child reciprocal nature of tobacco use, it requires sensitivity to the challenges of addressing this topic.
Liver Lesions in Rats Associated with Wrapping of the Torso

Liver lesions were noted in control and dosed rats from a percutaneous toxicity study that involved wrapping of the torso to prevent oral ingestion following dermal application of test articles. Further investigation in a follow-up study revealed that the liver lesions were related to wrapping of the torso rather than to test-article administration because the liver lesions only appeared in wrapped animals, including sham-treated controls, but not in naive control animals. The liver lesions, which included centrilobular coagulative necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration around biliary tracts, histiocytosis, fibrosis, and granulomatous inflammation, were compatible with infarction and associated inflammatory and reparative changes. There was no discernible pattern of involvement of specific hepatic lobes or regions of lobes. Many of the lesions were sufficiently severe to be considered life-threatening. This potentially significant complication should be considered when developing study protocols that involve wrapping of the torso of rats, and consideration should be given to inclusion of a naive control group that is not wrapped.
Philanthropy, political connection and debt finance: Reciprocal behavior of governments and private enterprises

Purpose Philanthropy is taken as a strategic behavior by private enterprises to obtain financial resources from governments. This paper aims to examine the relationship between private enterprise philanthropy and the debt finance, further investigating the way by which governments exchange resources with private enterprises. Design/methodology/approach The paper opted for an empirical study using a sample of 1,489 Chinese private-listed companies from 2007 to 2010. The study analyzed the relationship between philanthropy and debt finance based on the resource dependence theory and social exchange theory and tested the moderating effect of political connection. Findings Philanthropy can help private enterprises to get the debt finance, and this effect occurs mainly among the political connected private enterprises; the higher degree of credit allocation marketization is, the less philanthropy can affect the debt finance and the less influence political connection can exert on that relationship. Philanthropy contributes to debt financing mainly because it can help obtain more long-term loan, and this effect is more obvious for politically connected private enterprises in regulated industries. Originality/value This paper verifies the action logic of private enterprises philanthropy from the perspective of exchange behavior, which is helpful to understand the motive and influence of private enterprises philanthropy.
Harmonic and anharmonic aspects in the dynamics of BPTI: A normal mode analysis and principal component analysis

A comparison is made between a 200‐ps molecular dynamics simulation in vacuum and a normal mode analysis on the protein bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI) in order to elucidate the dual aspects of harmonicity and anharmonicity in the dynamics of proteins. The molecular dynamics trajectory is analyzed using principal component analysis, an effective harmonic analysis suited for comparison with the results from the normal mode analysis. The results suggest that the first principal component shows qualitatively different behavior from higher principal components and is associated with apparent barrier crossing events on an anharmonic conformational energy surface. The higher principal components appear to have probability distributions that are well approximated by Gaussians, indicating harmonicity. Eliminating the contribution from the first principal component reveals a great deal of correspondence between the 2 methods. This correspondence, however, involves a factor of 2, as the variances of the distributions of the higher principal components are, on average, roughly twice those found from the normal mode analysis. A model is proposed to reconcile these results with those from previous analyses.