Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Private Sector Participation and Performance of Urban Water Utilities in the People’s Republic of China

In the early 1990s, the People’s Republic of China opened its urban water sector to nonstate capital to help meet increasing urban water demand under severe water resource constraints. By 2007, more than 30% of urban water utilities had attracted private sector participation (PSP). To understand the factors that drive PSP in urban water supply, and to answer the key policy questions whether PSP has boosted investment and improved the efficiency in water supply, we assembled and analyzed a unique dataset consisting of more than 200 urban water utilities covering 1998–2007. Our estimations indicate that, except for the utility’s profitability and urban road infrastructure in the prior year, the characteristics of the utility or city were not strong drivers of PSP. One interpretation is that private investors participating in this newly opened sector were less concerned with short-term factors. For utility performance, we find that PSP has reduced employment, has lowered managerial expenses relative to sales revenues, and has increased profitability significantly, in both the economic and statistical sense. PSP has positively affected utilities in other ways, although the estimates are not statistically significant. Further analysis indicates that most of the changes occurred in utilities with private shareholders in the majority rather than the minority.
Essentials of Corporate Meetings: The Case of Senior Members of the Registrar’s Department, University of Education, Winneba –Ghana

Regular corporate meetings are essential for the development of organisations such as the type instituted by Senior Members in the Registrar’s Department of the University of Education, Winneba. This paper analyzes the views of Senior Members of the Registrar’s Department of the University of Education, Winneba on the bi-weekly regular meetings. A structured questionnaire was used to conduct a survey on a sample of forty-five (45) senior members of the Registrar’s Department in the University. The paper identified that the day for the meeting and the duration are favourable to members. It also indicates that the agenda for the meetings are always followed and welfare needs of members are catered for. The meetings further serves as platform for sharing ideas, receiving information and socializing with colleagues. It further recommends the need to spend less time on correction of minutes and follow through on decisions taken. The need to allow members enough time to express themselves and the need to encourage members to attend meetings regularly are always highlighted.
Multiple Banking Relationships: Competition among "inside" Banks

Why firms apply for credit at several banks? The model presented here provides an answer, based on the customer relationships approach. A bank makes an initial investment in information production on a borrowing firm; such an investment must later be compensated: the firm has to share its profits (if any) with the bank. The bank may be able to impose this sharing, when the firm asks for the rollover of a short term loan, thanks to the informational advantage she has over other lenders; but this "informational rent" lowers the firm owner's incentives to exert effort. Therefore, the firm needs a way to minimize such a rent: this may be done by applying for credit at more than one bank, thus building up competition among "inside" (informed) banks. On the other hand, it is crucial that this competition does not drive the informational rent to zero: in such a case, no bank would be willing to lend. The alternative of a long term loan is also examined, showing that it creates some incentive distortion as well.
Elements of ‘missing heritability’

Purpose of review To discuss the basis of ‘missing heritability’, which has emerged as an enigma in the post-genome-wide association studies (GWAS) era. Recent findings Alleles identified through GWAS account for a relatively small fraction of heritability of the complex phenotypes. Accordingly, a significant part of heritability of the complex traits remains unaccounted for (‘missing heritability’). Recent findings offer several explanations, including overestimation of heritability of the complex traits and underestimation of the effects of alleles identified through GWAS. In addition, yet-to-be identified common as well as rare alleles might in part explain the ‘missing heritability’. Moreover, gene–gene (epistasis) and gene–environmental interactions might explain another fraction of heritability of complex traits. Moreover, transgenerational epigenetic changes, regulated in part by microRNAs, might also contribute to the ‘missing heritability’. Summary The new findings suggest a multifarious nature of the ‘missing heritability’. The findings de-emphasize the focus on delineating the basis of ‘missing heritability’ and shift the focus to elucidation of the molecular mechanisms by which genomic and genetic factors govern the pathogenesis of the complex phenotypes.
The Anatomy of Leaking in the Age of Megaleaks

This paper examines the anatomy of leaking in the age of megaleaks based on a series of reconstruction interviews with 108 Israeli reporters, who recreated a sample of leaked versus non-leaked items (N = 845). Data show that leaking remains a journalistic routine, encompassing one in six items; however, they cease to be the sole game of senior sources, involving substantially more non-seniors. Despite new technologies and the mounting number of channels that enable their exposure, leaks remain an oral practice, exchanged mainly over the telephone. On the journalists’ end, there is little change: leaks are the prerogative of more senior and experienced reporters in print and television news; they are still accompanied by more sources, more cross-checking and more consultation with editors than regular items. These findings concur with theories that perceive the relationship between megaleaks and traditional leaks as co-existing rather than disruptive.
Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) Bertoni ─ A Review

The Sweet Herb of Paraguay, Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) Bertoni is fast becoming a major source of high potency sweetener which produces sweet taste but has no calorific value. Many research activities on its chemical and biological properties have been done in recent past. Several countries including India have started its commercial cultivation. The published literature on this crop is quite scattered. Therefore an effort to compile the literature and review the current status of research and development including cultivation practices has been done in this paper.
Two-dimensional anisotropic Gaussian-Laplace filter design for visibility distance estimation under foggy weather

In order to fully take advantage of structural information of an inflection point line (IPL), we heuristically present a new Two-dimensional anisotropic Gaussian-Laplace filter (AGLF) to detect the inflection point line. Based on the AGLF, a novel and real-time algorithm for calculating visibility distance under foggy weather is proposed. The performance of the proposed method is experimentally validated by using ten test video sequences which are captured in real world. The experimental results demonstrate that our algorithm provides accurate visibility distance estimation through quantitative evaluations.
Earned Value on Fixed-Price Projects

This paper is based on lessons learned applying earned value management to projects performed under firm fixed-price contracts. The information is applicable to project teams considering earned value management for fixed-price projects. Principles and benefits of earned value management do not change. Pros, cons and risks of several approaches to apply earned value management on fixed-price project are presented. Most earned value metrics expose cost. Clear expectations need to be established regarding the earned value information that will be shared with the customer. Performance indices alone provide relatively little information. Metrics, with schedule as the fundamental unit of value (Earned Schedule) is an alternative.
Comparative evaluation of efficacy of sodium fluoride, chlorhexidine and triclosan mouth rinses in reducing the mutans streptococci count in saliva : an in vivo study.

The primary objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of sodium fluoride (0.05%), chlorhexidine (0.12%) and triclosan (0.3%) mouth rinses in reducing the mutans streptococci count in saliva. 60 subjects in the age group of 12 to 14 years were selected from the schools of Mumbai and were equally divided into 4 groups. First 3 groups were test groups and the 4th group was control group. The subjects were instructed to rinse one full marked measure of mouth rinse for 1 minute, twice daily. Salivary samples were collected at baseline and after 2 weeks and cultured on M.S.B.agar. The number of mutans streptococci colonies were counted on agar medium. The results of the study confirmed that chlorhexidine mouth rinses are more efficient in reducing mutans streptococci count in saliva as compared to other mouth rinses.
Study on incorporating tone into speech recognition of Vietnamese

Vietnamese is a syllable-based tonal language where the tone used in syllable pronunciation carries important information about the meaning. In this paper, we investigate several approaches how to incorporate the tone into an acoustic model. We propose 3 basic strategies: a) a phoneme-based, b) a vowel-based, and c) a rhyme-based one. Each can be modified so that we obtain 15 different schemes that are described and compared in experiments performed within the framework of large-vocabulary continuous speech recognition of Vietnamese. We show that the phoneme-based context dependent model performs best, particularly when information about the tone is linked to the syllable end. On the test set, made of 85 minutes of mostly broadcast speech, we achieve 74% syllable accuracy rate. The accuracy is further improved to 78% when the pronunciation lexicon and the language model takes into account also 40,000 most frequent syllable pairs.
Machine Learning: The New AI

Today, machine learning underlies a range of applications we use every day, from product recommendations to voice recognition -- as well as some we don't yet use everyday, including driverless cars. It is the basis of the new approach in computing where we do not write programs but collect data; the idea is to learn the algorithms for the tasks automatically from data. As computing devices grow more ubiquitous, a larger part of our lives and work is recorded digitally, and as "Big Data" has gotten bigger, the theory of machine learning -- the foundation of efforts to process that data into knowledge -- has also advanced. In this book, machine learning expert Ethem Alpaydin offers a concise overview of the subject for the general reader, describing its evolution, explaining important learning algorithms, and presenting example applications. Alpaydin offers an account of how digital technology advanced from number-crunching mainframes to mobile devices, putting today's machine learning boom in context. He describes the basics of machine learning and some applications; the use of machine learning algorithms for pattern recognition; artificial neural networks inspired by the human brain; algorithms that learn associations between instances, with such applications as customer segmentation and learning recommendations; and reinforcement learning, when an autonomous agent learns act so as to maximize reward and minimize penalty. Alpaydin then considers some future directions for machine learning and the new field of "data science," and discusses the ethical and legal implications for data privacy and security.
System-Level ESD Protection for Automotive Electronics by Co-Design of TVS and CAN Transceiver Chips

This paper proposed a co-packaged methodology using transient voltage suppressor (TVS) chips and a controller area network (CAN) bus transceiver to ensure IEC 61000-4-2 system-level ESD protection. The design methodology is verified in a high-voltage silicon-on-insulator process for CAN transceiver chip and an 0.8-<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\mu }\text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> bipolar process for TVS chips. The <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${I}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>–<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> curves of the TVS and CAN transceiver chip are evaluated by the transmission line pulsing system with the pulse width of 100 ns. The breakdown voltage of the bi-directional TVS chips and CAN transceiver chip are higher than ±80 V compared with the ±70 V fault voltage tolerance requirement. The clamping voltage of the TVS device is lower than ±130 V to discharge ESD current before the CAN transceiver chip breakdown for effective ESD protection. The design target of parasitic inductance by bonding wires is calculated to meet the clamping voltage requirement. The CAN bus transceiver IC with TVS chips co-packaged has been evaluated to pass the IEC61000-4-2 contact ±15-kV stress without any hardware damages and latch-up issues.
A Simulation Tool to Assess Recognized Maritime Picture Production in C2 Systems

This paper describes a simulation program used to assess the performance of the Recognized Maritime Picture (RMP) production function of maritime command and control (C2) systems in different scenarios, utilizing appropriate and quantifiable measures of performance (MOPs). The program is a tool for RMP production assessment, addressing the development of a future C2 concept and a future C2 system for maritime operations. The simulation program has been developed as part of a project at Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) sponsored by the Royal Norwegian Navy (RNoN). The objective of the project is to recommend a cost effective and future oriented C2 system for maritime operations.
Effect of type of heat treatment of breastmilk on folate content and pattern.

BACKGROUND Breastmilk is the recommended aliment for preterm infants. Milk banks provide donated breastmilk for the neonatal care of preterm infants when mother's own milk is not is available. To avoid pathogen transmission, donated breastmilk is heat-treated according to different procedures before administration. There is varying information on the effect of heat treatment on folate in breastmilk. Sufficient folate intake, however, is essential for normal growth and brain development. This study determined and compared the effects of different heat treatments on breastmilk folate content and pattern of individual folate forms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Donated Swedish breastmilk samples were heat-treated according to three procedures: two low temperature treatments (57°C, 23 minutes; 62.5°C, 12 minutes) and a rapid high temperature treatment (heating to 73°C in boiling water). The folate content and pattern were determined before and after treatment by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS The folate content in 38 untreated Swedish breastmilk samples was 150±46 nmol/L. Two different folate vitamers were detected: 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (78±7%) and tetrahydrofolate (22±7%). Heat treatment affected only tetrahydrofolate stability and decreased folate content by 15-24%; however, the effects on folate content did not differ among the investigated heat treatment procedures. CONCLUSIONS Folate losses during heat treatment of human milk were considered acceptable. Yet, native folate content of heat-treated, non-fortified breastmilk supplied only 25% of the recommended daily intake for preterm infants.
Guilt and Depression: A Cross-Cultural Comparative Study

Although nearly a century has passed since Kraepelin’s investigations in Java [Cbl Nervenheilk Psychiatr 1904; 27:468–469], one crucial question regarding guilt in the course of depression has still not been decided: Is there a more or less stable connection independent of culture, or is guilt confined to certain civilisations? This study investigated this issue in 100 Pakistani and 100 Austrian out-patients diagnosed with ‘major depression’ according to DSM-IV by means of standardised instruments (Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Life Time Version, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, 21-item version). The experiences of guilt were subdivided into ethical feelings (ethical anxiety and feelings of guilt) and delusions of guilt. It turned out that ethical feelings could be found in both cultures regardless of age and sex. They seem to be primarily related to the extent of depressive retardation. However, the distribution of the two subsets of ethical feelings was culture dependent. Delusions of guilt were confined to patients of the Austrian sample. So, our data qualify the exclusivity of the aforementioned two points of view and support the need for a psychopathologically differentiated approach.
The Role of E-Portfolios in Graduate Recruitment

Portfolios have been used for many years for a number of different purposes. An increased access to technology has resulted in portfolios being presented in an electronic format, but there is no real evidence that employers respond positively to the electronic form—especially if it does not interface with their own electronic application processes. A survey emailed to Australian employers of graduates was used to gather feedback regarding the use of e-portfolios in the graduate recruitment process. The survey results suggest that employers may not be receptive to online presentation. Recommendations from this survey are that employers' willingness to use e-portfolios needs to be nurtured and proponents of e-portfolios need to communicate the benefits of use to employers. In the early stages, tertiary careers advisory services should use caution in recommending that students use online e-portfolios during the application process.
Consumer animosity: a literature review and a reconsideration of its measurement

Purpose – Consumer animosity has gained considerable attention in international marketing literature as a determinant of foreign product purchase behaviour. The purpose of this paper is two‐fold: first, a state‐of‐the‐art review of consumer animosity research is presented and specific issues for future research on consumer animosity are raised. Second, potential problems associated with the measurement of consumer animosity are highlighted and an alternative perspective for operationalizing the construct is proposed.Design/methodology/approach – First, a critical literature review on empirical consumer animosity studies is undertaken. Second, exploratory empirical results are presented, based on unprompted questioning, to identify both targets of animosity by Austrian consumers and underlying reasons for such animosity. Third, a MIMIC model overcoming the shortcomings of the current operationalizations of the consumer animosity construct is proposed.Findings – The exploratory study on Austrian consumers d.
Do Dividend Distributions Affect Stock Returns?

This paper examines price impacts in NYSE and AMEX stocks from reinvestments of dividends. The results provide evidence that stocks experience abnormal returns three days prior to the distribution of dividends, as well as on the actual distribution date. Event study estimates, using data from 2000 to 2013, show that increases in turnover coincide with the abnormal returns. Cross-sectional regression results indicate that the effect from professional ownership on returns is positive. Overall, the results provide strong evidence that price impacts associated with dividend payments are demand driven.
Identification and Evaluation of Risk Factors in Patients With Continuously Uncontrolled Hypertension

An aggressive strategy to manage hypertension in a large integrated healthcare organization achieved blood pressure control in 82% of hypertensive patients, as compared with 52% nationwide. It is unknown why the remaining 18% is uncontrolled. The objective of this study was to identify characteristics associated with patients whose blood pressure remains continuously uncontrolled. This nested case‐control study included 1583 continuously uncontrolled cases and 7901 matched controls. Univariate analysis revealed patients who visited their primary care provider frequently (odds ratio, 0.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.39–0.46) were adherent to antihypertensive medications (odds ratio, 0.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.10–0.14), and dispensed more medications (odds ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.85–0.87) were less likely to be continuously uncontrolled. Patient characteristics that were associated with continuously uncontrolled hypertension were the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 score and higher body mass index. Since patients with controlled hypertension visited their provider more often, patients with continuously uncontrolled hypertension may benefit from more interaction with their healthcare system.
Linear dispersion code with an orthogonal row structure for simplifying sphere decoding

In this paper, we propose a family of full diversity fast decodable Linear Dispersion Codes (LDCs) for use in MIMO systems. These codes have as many as possible the orthogonal rows in the dispersion matrices of the LDC. One of the main advantages of this family of LDCs is that it can be used in MIMO systems with arbitrary numbers of transmitted and received antennas and arbitrary transmission rates. We also develop a simplified Sphere Decoding (SD) algorithm to significantly reduce the decoding complexity for this family of LDCs. Monte Carlo simulation shows that the optimum LDCs with or without this orthogonal structure have nearly identical bit-error rate (BER) performances, but the complexity can be significantly reduced. For a 2×4 MIMO system transmitting 8 QPSK symbols in a block length of 4, the reduction is about 28–52%, and for a 3×3 MIMO system transmitting 10 QPSK symbols in a block length of 6, the reduction is about 28–49%.
Market Innovativeness of Malaysian SMEs: Preliminary Results from a First Wave Data Collection

In today’s dynamic business environment, having good strategies alone is not enough. Businesses must be able to evolve in consonance with the environment and focused on achieving sustained competitive advantages. One potential mechanism through which sustained competitive advantages can be obtained is innovativeness. Drawing upon data from 39 small and medium enterprises in Malaysia, this study examined the relationship of market innovativeness to performance. The findings of this study were somehow consistent with those of the earlier innovativeness study. The result of regression analyses reveals that market innovativeness is significantly related to the performance. Apart from providing some new evidence in the important area of innovativeness of Malaysian SMEs, this study has also important implication for managers and policy makers while revealing considerable scope for future research.
KELIONIŲ AGENTŪRŲ VERSLO RINKOS KAITOS VEIKSNIAI LIETUVOJE

This article analyses business market change factors of travel agencies in Lithuania. Travel agencies and organizers represent an important part of tourism sector, which includes all functions and forms of tourism as well as reflects the trends of this industry. Travel agency business is affected by intense external and internal market change factors. The problem of the research raised in the introduction is that business conditions of the travel agencies are getting complicated. There are two principal external factors that made the most significant impact on travel agency market: internet with new information technologies and deregulation of passenger air transport. The article identifies internal change factors of travel agency business market, analyses emerging challenges and their impact, and the managerial response is analysed which would help travel agencies survive in this business. KEY WORDS: travel agency market, market change factors, information technologies, deregulation. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.15181/tbb.v73i1. 1264