Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lymphatic Filariasis in Thailand A Review on Distribution and Transmission

form, although the other Mansonia species carried developing or infective larvae as well. W. bancrofti third stage larvae were found in the Aedes /jiVeus-subgroup, particularly in Ae. harinasutai. Additionally Ae. desmotes and M. dives proved to be infected with third stage larvae of this filarial species. Brugia like microfilariae and adults were found in cats from localities endemic either for periodic or subperiodic B. malayi. No wild or domestic animal, however, was infected with Wuchereria like filariae. A yet unidentified Brugia species has been discovered in cats in a suburb of Bangkok. The rather high prevalence and high mosquito density increase the risk that this filaria might get adapted to man.
Reit Dividend Determinants: Excess Dividends and Capital Markets

The determinants of excess dividend payments above mandatory requirements in real estate investment trusts (REITs) are evaluated. Payment of excess dividends is related to factors associated with reduced agency costs, strong operating performance, the implementation of a stock repurchase plan and an ability to access short-term bank debt. Recognizing that access to external capital is essential for long-term growth, REITs manage dividend policy to allow for capital acquisition in the form of both equity and debt. The acquisition and use of short-term bank debt provides REIT management flexibility in determining dividend policy.
A Hybrid CPG–ZMP Controller for the Real-Time Balance of a Simulated Flexible Spine Humanoid Robot

Although a few researchers have started to realize the importance of a flexible spine in generating more natural-looking behaviors for humanoid robots, there has been no work on trying to make a full-body humanoid robot (that has a flexible spine) to maintain balance. The main reason for this is that it is very costly and difficult to develop and control this kind of robot. This paper serves two purposes. First, it proposes the use of a realistic 3-D robot simulator as a platform for costly flexible spine humanoid robotics research. Second, it presents a hybrid CPG-ZMP controller for the simulated robot. The biologically inspired CPG component of our controller allows the mechanical spine and feet to exhibit rhythmic motions using only two control parameters. Through monitoring the measured ZMP location, the engineering component modulates the neural activity of the CPG to allow the robot to maintain balance while it is standing and exhibiting motions on the sagittal and frontal planes in real time. The final postures of the simulated humanoid emerge automatically in real time through dynamic interactions between the neural networks, the robot itself, and its environment. Since experimental results have also demonstrated that our system is robust against disturbances from external pushing forces, our controller has the potential to be applicable to the next generation of humanoid robots.
A simple EBG structure for dual-band circularly polarized antennas with high directivity

A simple electromagnetic band gap (EBG) structure is used as a superstrate to enhance the directivity of circularly-polarized (CP) corner-truncated microstrip patch antennas in two frequency bands. The EBG structure is composed of two simple unprinted identical dielectric slabs and its symmetry is exploited to transform the less directive CP beam of the patch to a highly directive CP beam. Computed results confirm the concept of this simple and novel dual-band circularly polarized EBG resonator antenna and its ability to generate CP with good axial ratio in two discrete frequency bands.
La compétence collective dans le contexte de la globalisation du management : retrouver le lien avec la performance

Tres usite dans les recherches francophones, le concept de competence collective ne se retrouve que tres peu dans la recherche anglo-saxonne, et semble peu repris par les dirigeants ou les cabinets de conseil. Dans un contexte non plus national mais global, que faire pour trouver ou retrouver le lien entre competence collective et performance ? L’objet de cette communication est de contribuer a l’etude de cette question en considerant aussi bien des recherches francophones et anglophones que des observations empiriques directes ou indirectes. Sur la base de ces observations, nous proposerons d’enrichir la modelisation de ce concept par de nouveaux axes d’analyse le reliant a la performance.
The smarter supply chain of the future

Purpose – The aims of this paper is to show how supply chains can become a lot smarter to deal effectively with risk and meet business objectives.Design/methodology/approach – For this Global Chief Supply Chain Officer Study, IBM group leaders interviewed 400 senior executives from North America, Western Europe, and the Asia Pacific region who are responsible for their organizations' supply‐chain strategies and operations.Findings – Findings in five key areas summarize the state of supply‐chain management today: cost containment; visibility, risk; customer intimacy; and globalization.Practical implications – IBM sees a different kind of supply chain emerging – a smarter supply chain with three core characteristics: Instrumented – supply‐chain data previously created by people will increasingly be generated by sensors, RFID tags, meters, actuators, GPSs, and other devices and systems; Interconnected – smarter supply chains would take advantage of unprecedented levels of interaction that will facilitate col.
New evidence on the importance of the renin–angiotensin system in the treatment of higher-risk patients with hypertension

We reviewed the drug treatment of hypertension in the light of recent trials. β-Blockers and diuretics clearly reduce mortality, strokes, and coronary heart disease (CHD) in hypertension. Recent trials assessed whether newer agents that block the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, or calcium blockers, offer any additional advantage, or have benefits in high-risk individuals with conventionally ‘normal’ blood pressure. The recent ALLHAT study claimed no differences in CHD or mortality when chlorthalidone, amlodipine, and lisinopril were compared. However, the decrease in blood pressure was not the same with the three agents, and a substantial proportion of patients enrolled did not have clinical disease. In contrast, the LIFE study (comparing losartan and a β-blocker) and the ANBP-2 study [comparing angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition and a diuretic] reduced blood pressure similarly, yet demonstrated benefits in favour of angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs) and ACE inhibitors. Other trials indicated similar advantages of ACE inhibitors or ARBs in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Among high-risk patients with initial blood pressure in the ‘normal’ range, ACE inhibitors significantly reduce clinical events (mortality, strokes, and myocardial infarction), despite modest decreases in blood pressure, suggesting that additional mechanisms are responsible. Recent results of the Prospective Studies Collaboration show lower risk, even in the normal blood pressure range; high-risk patients will benefit further from ACE inhibitors and ARBs (and β-blockers after myocardial infarction). Data for other blood pressure decreasing agents are unavailable in such populations. We conclude that blood pressure decreasing per se is of clinical benefit, but drugs that block the renin–angiotensin system offer additional advantages. Drug choice is best determined by the patient's clinical condition.
A liberal actor in a realist world? The Commission and the external dimension of the single market for energy

ABSTRACT This article investigates the European Commission's external energy policy through the lens of the regulatory state. It argues that because of the nature of its institutions, policy tools and resources, the Commission remains a liberal actor even as the world leaves the benign pro-market environment of the 1990s and becomes more mercantilist – or ‘realist’. The article tests seven hypotheses related to two key challenges as perceived by the Commission: building energy markets, and making them work. It finds that the Commission seeks to project the single market beyond its jurisdiction to deal with transit infrastructure problems; extend international regimes to cover energy trade; deal with monopolists such as Gazprom through classical competition policy; and fix global energy market failures with clear regulatory state tools. Importantly, however, some actions by the Commission can be seen as an attempt to counterbalance external actors, or as second-best efforts to address energy market failures.
Efficacy and Effectiveness Trials

If health psychology is to maximize impacts on health, there will need to be a shift from relying primarily on efficacy trials to increasing reliance on effectiveness trials. Efficacy trials use homogeneous, highly motivated samples with minimal complications from a single setting receiving intensive treatments delivered under highly controlled conditions. Two effectiveness trials on bullying prevention illustrate the use of a heterogeneous population from multiple sites receiving a low intensity tailored treatment delivered under highly variable conditions. In spite of considerable noise the effectiveness trials produced robust results (odds ratios of about four) that bode well for population impacts under real-world dissemination.
A comparative study on the value of FDG-PET and sentinel node biopsy to identify occult axillary metastases.

BACKGROUND Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) has become a standard treatment in staging axillary lymph nodes in early breast cancer. SNB, however, is an invasive procedure and is time-consuming when the sentinel node is analysed intra-operatively. Breast cancer is frequently characterised by increased 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake and many studies have shown encouraging results in detecting axillary lymph node metastases. The aim of this study was to compare SNB and -positron emission tomography (-PET) imaging, to assess their values in detecting occult axillary metastases. PATIENTS AND METHODS In all, 236 patients with breast cancer and clinically negative axilla were enrolled in the study. 18-FDG-PET was carried out before surgery, using a positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography scanner. In all patients, SNB was carried out after identification through lymphoscintigraphy. Patients underwent axillary lymph nodes dissection (ALND) in cases of positive FDG-PET or positive SNB. The results of PET scan were compared with histopathology of SNB and ALND. RESULTS In all, 103 out of the 236 patients (44%) had metastases in axillary nodes. Sensitivity of FDG-PET scan for detection of axillary lymph node metastases in this series was low (37%); however, specificity and positive predictive values were acceptable (96% and 88%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The high specificity of PET imaging indicates that patients who have a PET-positive axilla should have an ALND rather than an SNB for axillary staging. In contrast, FDG-PET showed poor sensitivity in the detection of axillary metastases, confirming the need for SNB in cases where PET is negative in the axilla.
The New Keynesian Model and the Euro Area Business Cycle

This paper describes a New Keynesian model incorporating transactions-facilitating money and a time-to-build constraint into endogenous capital accumulation. The calibrated New Keynesian model performs almost as well as the estimated vector autoregressive model in replicating Euro area cyclical correlations between key variables such as output and inflation, although it fares less well in predicting the procyclical dynamics of nominal interest rates. The presence of a time-to-build requirement in the model helps to improve its fit to Euro area data, whereas the role of transactions-facilitating money is much less important. Impulse-response functions and a decomposition of variance complete the analysis. Copyright Blackwell Publishing Ltd and the Department of Economics, University of Oxford 2007.
Continuous improvement as seen from groups and 'improvement agents'

In recent years the concept of continuous improvements (CI) has been emphasized by an increasing number of Swedish companies. CI can be seen as one of the activities whereby processes and procedures are implemented which contribute to organizational goals through the continuous improvement of work processes, work places and work interactions. Smallgroup activities and the participation of all employees are often considered an integral part of CI. Most de® nitions of CI include the use of speci® c methods/tools and there are established procedures for using them. Berger (1996) states that in Swedish ® rms it is common to organize CI activities within work groups. The implementation of CI is therefore often connected with the introduction of these work groups. But do groups live up to improvement and/or performance expectations? In his research, Styhre (1998) found that many of the team representatives claimed an inability to make CI appear appealing, rational, or good for their team members. Thus, although small-group activities may increase, many team members are dissatis® ed with their group experience. Something appears to be lacking. Why then are some companies more successful in establishing a lasting improvement process than others? One important element can be that the employees are motivated and see advantages in this way of working. Another can be that `improvement agents’ push the process forward. It is also important if the managers emphasize performance or capabilities. The aim of this work is to ® nd motives for employees to participate in CI activities and to see what support activities they and the improvement agents believe in ̄ uence CI behaviour. In 10 companies, which were establishing improvement processes, management teams and 57 work groups discussed motivation and presented motivating factors. These factors were used as the basis for a questionnaire, which 130 respondents have answered to date. It was found that the motives were very much seen from the individual’s point of view, the most important being job security, rewards, participation and empowerment and facilitation of work. The experience of small-group activities achieving improvements was positive, but extended training in teamwork was requested. Among the vehicles regarded as important for accomplishing CI can be found supporting leadership, incentive systems, support from support functions and attention through communication. Twenty improvement agents (from these and other companies) have had discussions about these factors and their opinions about the incentive policy are presented here. The
The Impact of Religion on the Going Concern Reporting Decisions of Local Audit Practice Offices

We extend research on the effects of local audit office characteristics on audit quality by investigating whether audit offices in highly religious U.S. Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) exhibit going concern decisions that reflect heightened professional skepticism relative to audit offices in less religious MSAs. Prior research links religiosity to risk aversion and ethical development and suggests audit practice offices in more religious MSAs are more likely to issue going concern opinions because they will assess the effects of mitigating factors in a more skeptical manner. Our results indicate that audit practice offices located in highly religious MSAs are more likely to issue going concern audit opinions, consistent with a more skeptical assessment of mitigating factors. Additional tests provide direct evidence consistent with the argument that these audit offices are more risk averse in issuing going concern opinions. Our findings are relevant to auditors, audit clients, researchers, and regulators.
Temporary Migration Overseas and Household Labor Supply: Evidence from Urban Philippines

The impact of international migration on the labor supply of workers' nonmigrant relatives has not been well documented in the literature. Using household survey data representing mostly overseas contract workers, i.e., temporary migrants, this paper shows that labor supplies of migrants and their nonmigrant relatives are inseparable. Migrants reduce the labor supply of nonmigrant relatives, which translates into lower earnings from local labor markets. Households substitute income for more leisure – a significant and previously little recognized benefit of emigration for Philippine households. This benefit varies by gender of nonmigrants and is generally higher for men.
Costs and competitiveness effects of the European Union emissions trading scheme

In this paper, we analyse different approaches that are available in order to assess the impacts of the EU ETS on costs and competitiveness in Europe. In this respect, we focus on existing simulation studies. We have identified the choice of the reference scenario as the most critical issue for an appropriate analysis of the relevant approaches. We find, however, that effects of the scheme on costs and competitiveness are modest, even given the business as usual case that does not take the legally binding framework of the Kyoto Protocol into account. Furthermore, the impacts of the EU ETS are smaller than the impacts of alternative Kyoto-based regulation scenarios. Compared with these other regulation methods ETSs can have positive competitiveness effects. However, the EU ETS is not designed to boost Europe's economy. Its prime purpose and justification is to ensure that Europe's CO2 emissions are brought down and Kyoto targets are reached at minimal costs. In our opinion, it is therefore important that the system as well as modifications to it do not undermine the environmental goals associated with this policy instrument. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
What's Your Poison? The Australian National Pollutant Inventory versus the US Toxics Release Inventory

The Australian National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) is designed to generate political and economic incentives for industry to move towards cleaner production. It enables community groups to put pressure on polluters and provides an opportunity for firms to identify inefficiencies. The inventory is built upon several liberal-democratic premises regarding the power of knowledge, the right to know, the effectiveness of pressure groups, and the ability of government to correct market failures. An older and more extensive US Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) has had significant problems with industry resistance, the restriction of substances covered, and the accuracy of data. There is also the question of the ability of citizens to access and utilise the information provided. This paper analyses the NPI using the TRI as a benchmark for comparison.
Matching Modes of Export Strategy Development to Different Environmental Conditions

Despite its increasing importance on current literature, prior research on export strategy development is limited to the examination of the effectiveness of only two strategy-making modes (formal planning and the entrepreneurial mode) in a non-comparative manner. In contrast, this study evaluates and compares the effects of four different strategy-making approaches on export performance and examines which of the four approaches performs better under different environmental conditions. Specifically, the study examines three characteristics of the environment: dynamism, hostility and diversity. Empirical research on a sample of British exporters confirmed that the choice of the strategy development mode is an important element in the determination of export performance and that environmental conditions moderate this relationship. Of the export strategy-making modes examined, the entrepreneurial and adaptive modes appear to be the most successful.
Patent Protection and Pharmaceutical R&D Spending in Canada

After almost two decades of compulsory licensing of prescription drugs, Canada restored full patent protection in two legislative steps taken in 1987 and 1992. The paper investigates the impact of the strengthening of intellectual property rights on corporate R&D spending in the Canadian pharmaceutical industry. Interindustry comparisons of R&D spending trends within Canada, intercountry comparisons of R&D spending trends within the pharmaceutical industry, as well as trends in Canada's share of foreign R&D spending of US-owned multinationals suggest a statistically significant increase in Canadian pharmaceutical R&D spending after 1987.
Board process attributes and company performance of family‐owned businesses in Turkey

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the relationship between board process attributes and company performance of family‐owned companies within an emerging country context.Design/methodology/approach – A survey questionnaire was developed and conducted on a sample of privately‐held Turkish companies where a total of 386 usable questionnaires were returned. From the original data set a sub‐sample of 266 firms with majority family ownership was created. Based on the extant literature, a set of 18 directors' collective attributes and 15 directors' individual attributes were identified as potentially relevant for company performance. Relying on the perceptions of the respondents, multiple subjective measures of company performance were adopted.Findings – Company performance is found to be positively related to the directors' collective and individual attributes which are associated with access to information, effectiveness of board, observance of fiduciary responsibility and performance evaluation.Practic.
Effect of vonoprazan on the treatment of artificial gastric ulcers after endoscopic submucosal dissection: Prospective randomized controlled trial

Proton pump inhibitors are effective for the treatment of gastric ulcers after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). However, the most excellent therapy is controversial. Vonoprazan, an active potassium‐competitive acid blocker, has a strong gastric acid secretion inhibitory effect, but its efficacy for the treatment of post‐ESD gastric ulcers is unclear. Herein, we aimed to determine the healing effect of vonoprazan on post‐ESD gastric ulcers.
Putting Poverty in Political Context: A Multi-Level Analysis of Adult Poverty across 18 Affluent Democracies

Our study analyzes how political context, embodied by the welfare state and Leftist political actors, shapes individual poverty. Using the Luxembourg Income Study, we conduct a multi-level analysis of working-aged adult poverty across 18 affluent Western democracies. Our index of welfare generosity has a negative effect on poverty net of individual characteristics and structural context. For each standard deviation increase in welfare generosity, the odds of poverty decline by a factor of 2.3. The odds of poverty in the United States (the least generous welfare state) are greater by a factor of 16.6 than a person with identical characteristics in Denmark (the most generous welfare state). Significant interaction effects suggest that welfare generosity reduces the extent to which low education and the number of children increase poverty. Also, welfare generosity reduces poverty among those with low education, single-mother households and young households. We show that Leftist parties and union density reduce the odds of poverty, however their effects channel through the welfare state. Ultimately, poverty is shaped both by individual characteristics and the political context in which the individual resides.
Program Evaluation for Accountability: What's Different Now?

This paper examines the status of the use of program evaluation in human services nonprofits in the Dallas,, Texas, USA area. Using methodology and questions similar to Hoefer (2000) and comparing answers over time, the results indicate that attitudes and use of program evaluation to ensure accountability is increasing. Despite improvement, agencies fall short in some areas, particularly in terms of communicating results to persons outside the agency.