Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Land Policies and Farm Performance in Thailand's Forest Reserve Areas

Illegal or unregistered occupation and utilization of public lands characterize the practice of large numbers of farmers in many less-developed countries. Economic theory suggests that, because squatters lack secure land ownership, they will have fewer investment incentives than farmers with secure ownership. Further, because squatters cannot legally use the land as loan collateral, their access to institutional credit, especially medium- and long-term credit, is inhibited. This has negative effects on squatters' ability to invest. Squatters also face short-term institutional credit constraints, implying a low use of variable inputs. Consequently, theory suggests that squatters' land is less productive than titled land.1 One policy frequently adopted with the intention of increasing squatters' productivity is the granting of usufruct rights or similar nontradable entitlements. Such policies are viewed by many policymakers as adequate alternatives to the provision of full, unrestricted ownership. Empirical studies of these issues are scant, and no quantitative assessments of the impact of policy measures addressing squatters have been reported. This article presents the results of a quantitative research focusing on Thailand as a case study. In Thailand, an estimated 5.3 million hectares, or about one-fifth of the land officially designated as state-owned forest reserve, is under permanent occupation and cultivation by squatters. This is about 21% of the land under cultivation and involves about 1 million farm households. Much of the encroached area is suitable for permanent agricultural cultivation, and its continued exploitation poses no substantial environmental risks.
ON CORPORATE DEBT MATURITY STRATEGIES

debt. The debt maturity decision involves a consideration of both cost and risk elements. This paper will explore one dimension of the risk associated with different maturity policies: the effects of bond maturity upon the variance of net income, and subsequently on the firm's cost of equity capital. One element of the risk of borrowing is the risk that the firm's cash inflows will not be sufficient to cover the fixed outflows necessary to service the debt. One way in which firms attempt to deal with this risk is to follow a hedging policy whereby the maturity of the debt is chosen so as to approximately equal the life of the asset. By matching debt maturity to asset life the costs of financing the asset are known over the life of the asset, and it is expected that the cash flows generated by the asset will be sufficient to service and retire the debt by the end of the asset's life.2 Debt of maturity shorter than asset life is considered more risky since there is some possibility the asset will not have generated sufficient cash flows by the maturity date to retire the debt. This possibility exists for longer maturities, but it is less likely and has the advantage of pushing the possible "crisis at maturity"3 further into the future. Debt of maturity longer than the asset life is considered risky due to the uncertainty of the source and volume of the cash flows which are necessary to service the debt after the asset is retired.
Superpixel-based semantic segmentation trained by statistical process control

Semantic segmentation, like other fields of computer vision, has seen a remarkable performance advance by the use of deep convolution neural networks. However, considering that neighboring pixels are heavily dependent on each other, both learning and testing of these methods have a lot of redundant operations. To resolve this problem, the proposed network is trained and tested with only 0.37% of total pixels by superpixel-based sampling and largely reduced the complexity of upsampling calculation. The hypercolumn feature maps are constructed by pyramid module in combination with the convolution layers of the base network. Since the proposed method uses a very small number of sampled pixels, the end-to-end learning of the entire network is difficult with a common learning rate for all the layers. In order to resolve this problem, the learning rate after sampling is controlled by statistical process control (SPC) of gradients in each layer. The proposed method performs better than or equal to the conventional methods that use much more samples on Pascal Context, SUN-RGBD dataset.
Chinatown Gangs: Extortion, Enterprise, and Ethnicity

Ko-lin Chin provides a systematic study of New York City's Chinatown gangs. First-hand data was collected from a substantial number of gang victims, gang members, community leaders, and law enforcement authorities. Also examined are the details and severity of gang extortion, gang characteristics, gang violence, gang enterprise, and gang control stategies.
The effect of guided self-determination on self-management in persons with type 1 diabetes mellitus and HbA1c ≥64 mmol/mol: a group-based randomised controlled trial

Objectives To determine whether the impact of guided self-determination (GSD) applied in group training (GSD-GT) in people with chronically elevated HbA1c and type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) was superior to ‘care as usual’ in improving HbA1c and psychological functioning. Setting An outpatient clinic at a university hospital in Western Norway. Participants A total of 178 adults (all Caucasian) aged 18–55 (mean age 36.7±10.7, 62% women) with type 1 DM for at least 1 year and HbA1c ≥64 mmol/mol (8.0%) were randomly assigned to participate in either GSD-GT or a control group (CG). Exclusion criteria were severe comorbidity, major psychiatric disorder, cognitive deficiency/language barriers and pregnancy. Intervention Intervention group met seven times for 2 hours over 14 weeks to promote patient autonomy and intrinsic motivation using reflection sheets and advanced professional communication in accordance with the GSD methodology. Primary and secondary outcome measures The primary outcome was HbA1c and secondary outcomes (all outcomes 9 months post intervention) were self-monitored blood glucose frequency, self-reported diabetes competence, autonomy support by healthcare providers (Health Care Climate Questionnaire), autonomous versus controlled diabetes motivation (Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire), diabetes distress (Problem Areas In Diabetes Scale (PAID) and Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS)), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale) and psychological well-being (World Health Organization five-item Well-Being Index scale). Results Among participants allocated to the GSD-GT (=90) 48 completed the study, whereas 83 completed in the CG (n=88). With 95% CIs GSD-GT did not have effect on HbA1c (B −0.18, CI (−0.48, 0.12), p=0.234). GSD-GT improved autonomy-motivated behaviour (B 0.51, CI (0.25, 0.77), p<0.001), diabetes distress (PAID, B −6.96, CI (−11.40, −2.52), p=0.002), total DDS (B −5.15, CI (−9.34, −0.96), p=0.016), DDS emotional burden (B −7.19, CI (−13.20, −1.19), p=0.019) and self-esteem (B 1.43, CI (0.34, 2.52), p=0.011). Conclusions Results from this behavioural intervention must be interpreted cautiously because of recruitment and attrition problems. Medical outcomes did not improve. Psychological outcomes improved, especially reduced diabetes distress. Trial registration number Clinical Trials.gov NCT 01317459.
Exchange Rate versus Price Level Targets and Output Stability

Two alternative targets for monetary policy are considered: stability of the price level (or the rate of inflation) and stability of the exchange rate. The interest rate is the main instrument of the central bank. Credibility requires low output variability. The advantages of the alternative policy rules from the point of view of output stability are considered in the simplest possible model. Conditions favoring a price level rule are high volatility of aggregate demand, low volatility of aggregate supply, high volatility of the foreign price level, a low price elasticity of aggregate demand, and a high price elasticity of aggregate supply. Copyright 1996 by The editors of the Scandinavian Journal of Economics.
Regional Determinants of Employer-Provided Further Training

We analyze the influence of regional determinants on the decision of employers to provide within-firm further training. We estimate the effects of the regional population density, the unemployment rate and the regional concentration of an industry against the background of several determinants of further training at establishment level. To account for the clustered and longitudinal structure of our data – with annual observations of firms and firms nested within regions – we apply multi-level random effects logit models. Our empirical analysis is based on the IAB-Establishment Panel Survey 2001 to 2007. As we do not find evidence for a correlation between most of our regional determinants, employer provided firm training can be explained first and foremost by firm determinants. Nevertheless, we identify a negative association between the regional unemployment rate and employer-provided further training in West Germany.
Performance impacts of interorganizational cooperation: a transaction cost perspective

This study builds on the transaction cost theory to examine the performance effects of interorganizational cooperation and develops an understanding of how different forms of cooperative relationships affect organizational performance within a major service sector, namely the healthcare industry. The authors study, in particular, two cooperative forms applied to hospitals: hospital-based health networks and health systems. An empirical investigation of 382 hospitals in Taiwan shows that interorganizational cooperation exerts positive effects on hospital performance. In addition, health systems have greater positive effects on hospital efficiency than health networks. Furthermore, this study finds that the positive impact of participation in health systems is especially significant for private hospitals, local community hospitals, and hospitals in highly competitive regions. The findings reveal that performance impacts of interorganizational cooperation are contingent on the cooperative arrangements in the healthcare industry.
EVIDENCE THAT ATRIAL NATRIURETIC FACTOR IS THE HUMORAL FACTOR BY WHICH VOLUME LOADING OR MANNITOL INFUSION PRODUCES AN IMPROVED RENAL FUNCTION AFTER ACUTE ISCHEMIA: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY IN DOGS

This experimental study in dogs was designed to investigate whether maximal loading produces atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) release and whether this physiological peptide is involved in the improvement of the early renal function recovery after acute ischemia. The experimental protocol included a renal artery occlusion for 45 min in uninephrectomized dogs and the measurement of various parameters of renal function over 2-hr period after declamping. There were 3 experimental groups. In the control group (I) (n=10), the dogs received, after ischemia, an isotonic saline solution infusion at a rate of 0.2 ml/kg/min. In group II, (n=10) the animals underwent acute volemic expansion (1 ml/kg/min) with whole blood (hematocrit ≈25%) during the ischemic period, and after declamping, an isotonic saline infusion (NaCl 0.9%) infusion at the same rate as in the control group. In group III, (n=8) the dogs only received NaCl 0.9% (0.2 ml/kg/ min) before ischemia and α human ANF (3.6 ng/kg/min) dissolved in saline after ischemia and during the 2 hr of the renal recovery period. Volemic expansion induced a highly significant increase of the cardiac filling pressures concomittant with a prompt but transient 5–6-fold increase in ANF levels (357±92 pg/ml versus 60±4.1 pg/ml in controls at the time of declamping [P<0.05]). With these higher plasma ANF levels in overloaded animals, we observed, 2 hr after declamping, considerably improved renal function recovery in terms of glomerular filtration rate—37.5%±8.7 versus 11.8±3.9%; urinary sodium excretion rate—53.89 μeq/min versus 5.36±1.2 μeq/min …
Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy: First Single-Center Experience in the Balkans

Abstract Introduction: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become the preferred approach for removal of the adrenal gland for the management of benign or malignant functioning or nonfunctioning adrenal masses. We aimed to present our initial experience with this procedure. In addition, we compare the clinical outcomes of laparoscopic (LA) vs. the open adrenalectomies (OA) performed at our institutions. Also we report a case of successful laparoscopic treatment of splenic artery aneurism involving laparoscopic splenectomy. Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis of the data of all patients who underwent adrenalectomy at three institutions, over the last 12-year period, since the laparoscopic adrenal surgery was introduced in our country. All patients were assessed regarding the demographic data, hormonal status, operative time, estimated blood loss, complications, size of the tumor, number of patients requiring blood transfusion, hospital stay and conversion to open surgery for LA. Results: Thirty five consecutive patients, aged from 33 to 67 (average age 54 years) underwent unilateral LA adrenalectomy during the study period including 14 right and 21 left sided. The laparoscopic procedure was successfully completed in all except 4 cases, which were converted to open surgery to control bleeding from the avulsed adrenal veins. LA proved superior to OA, resulting in less estimated blood loss, shorter operating time, shorter time to resumption of oral intake, shorter postoperative hospital stay and less analgesic requirements. During the follow-up of 3 to 36 months no tumor recurrence and/or metastasis developed. Conclusions: Our results concur with other retrospective reviews comparing laparoscopic and open adrenalectomy, demonstrating unequivocal advantages in terms of reduced length of hospital stay, blood loss, return of bowel function, functional recovery and post-operative morbidity.
The complex interaction between real estate cap rates and interest rates

Low interest rates have played a key role in the recent decline in cap rates over the last three years. Falling interest rates have allowed real estate investors to pay a premium for assets by using leverage to enhance returns. With cap rates near historic lows, and short-term interest rates likely to increase as the US Federal Reserve gradually raises rates, investors are concerned about the effects of higher interest rates on asset values. It seems obvious that real estate cap rates and interest rates should be related. But the interaction between interest rates and real estate values is complicated. This paper looks at the recent trend in cap rates and uses duration, a concept used in the fixed-income market, to create a model for estimating the impact of higher interest rates on real estate values. Copyright © 2005 Henry Stewart Publications
Efficacy comparison of atorvastatin versus rosuvastatin on blood lipid and microinflammatory state in maintenance hemodialysis patients

Abstract Introduction: To investigate the effect of Atorvastatin (ATO) and Rosuvastatin (ROS) on blood lipid, high sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), albumin (ALB), prealbumin (PA), and transferring (TF) in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Methods: Eighty MHD patients were enrolled and divided into two groups: ROS and ATO. Patients in Group ROS (n = 38) received ROS (10 mg/day), and those in group ATO (n = 42) received ATO (20 mg/day) for 12 weeks, respectively. Findings: Administration of ROS and ATO both significantly reduced the concentrations of TC, LDL-C, TG, hs-CRP, and IL-6, but increased high-density lipoproteincholesterol (HDL-C), ALB, PA, and TF levels. Furthermore, the level of LDL-C decreased more significantly with inhibited microinflammation and improved nutrition situation in ROS group compared with ATO group. ATO and ROS not only decreased blood lipid levels but also inhibited the microinflammatory state and improved nutrition situation in MHD patients. Discussion: The results have shown that ROS is better than ATO in the treatment of MHD patients.
Cost and Cost-Effectiveness of Switching From d4T or AZT to a TDF-Based First-Line Regimen in a Resource-Limited Setting in Rural Lesotho

BackgroundLatest World Health Organization guidelines recommend shifting away from Stavudine (d4T)-based regimens due to severe side effects. However, widespread replacement of d4T by Tenofovir (TDF) or Zidovudine (AZT) is hampered by cost concerns. MethodsWe established the cost-effectiveness of alternative first-line regimens using primary utilization, cost, and outcome data from a program in a rural district in Lesotho. We calculated cost per patient-year, incremental costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios per life year, and per Quality Adjusted Life Year gained. Uncertainty was assessed using multiway and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. ResultsOur study included 1260 patients representing 1635 patient-years on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Six hundred eight patients were on TDF, 290 were on AZT, and 362 were on d4T. Patients on d4T experienced more toxicities; toxicities with the biggest impact on quality of life were moderate neuropathy and severe lipodystrophy. The cost per patient-year ranged from US $266 on d4T to US $353 on TDF. Inpatient care and essential drug costs were higher for patients on d4T than on AZT or TDF. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio results suggest that AZT-based ART is weakly dominated by a combination of d4T- and TDF-based ART. DiscussionThis is one of the first analyses to investigate the cost-effectiveness of TDF using primary data in a resource-poor setting. Although TDF-based first-line ART is more costly than d4T, it is also more effective. Political pressure should be exerted to encourage further price reductions and additional generic manufacturing for TDF and partner drugs such as Efavirenz. This should be met by a commitment from donors and implementers to ensure that supply is met by a clear demand.
Ownership Concentration, Asymmetric Information, and the Positive Announcement Effect of New Equity Placements

The literature has documented a positive announcement effect for privately placed seasoned equity issues. The two widely cited explanations are Wruck's (1989) ownership concentration changes hypothesis and Hertzel and Smith's (1993) asymmetric information mitigation hypothesis. However, these two hypotheses are premised on a debatable idea that private investors play an active, value-enhancing role through new equity purchases (as challenged by Barclay, Holderness and Sheehan 2001). Further questioning the validity of these hypotheses, this paper shows that both the hypotheses are based on results obtained from using an unusual measure of announcement return that biases the related tests in favor of these hypotheses. Using a standard return measure and a unique Hong Kong data set that can isolate the factors that underlie the two hypotheses, we find no evidence for these two hypotheses. A more interesting and important finding is that positive announcement returns of equity placements (including some non-private placements) reflect an endogenously determined information effect, consistent with a generalized Myers-Majluf model.
Analysis of Differentiation Potentials and Gene Expression Profiles of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Periodontal Ligament and Wharton’s Jelly of the Umbilical Cord

PDLSC-mediated periodontal tissue regeneration is considered a promising method for periodontitis treatment, but the supply of PDLSCs is limited. As a potential alternative, WJCMSCs are readily available; however, there is a lack of evidence proving that WJCMSCs are suitable for periodontal tissue regeneration. In this study, we investigated the characteristics of WJCMSCs and PDLSCs. We found the osteo-/dentinogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation potentials of PDLSCs were more powerful than those of WJCMSCs. Microarray analysis discovered that 903 genes were significantly down-regulated and 726 genes up-regulated in WJCMSCs compared with PDLSCs. Based on the microarray data, we found that several genes may be associated with MSCs characteristics. Further bioinformatic analysis identified that TGF-β and WNT signaling pathways, and several genes, including STAT5B and ITGA4, may play key roles in MSCs. Our results indicate that the differentiation potentials of WJCMSCs are far less than those of PDLSCs, and that unmodified WJCMSCs may not be good seeding cells for periodontal tissue regeneration. Our results also help to elucidate the differentiation mechanisms in MSCs and to find the key factors to prompt WJCMSC-mediated periodontal tissue regeneration.
Social welfare and social choice in different individuals’ preferences

This paper discusses both social welfare and social choice using Arrow’s impossibility theorem for multi-profile preference case and two versions of it for single-profile preference case. Between these two versions first one assumes a two-individual society and the second one, which is similar to a theorem of Pollak, assuming two or more individuals. In single-profile version decisiveness, simple and complex diversity must occur. This paper considers a special case of Arrow’s theorem, namely single-profile preference. Diversity and decisiveness of preferences are discussed for two individuals and more than two individuals in a society.
Downward Wage Rigidity: a Micro-Level Empirical Analysis for France in the 90s

We use microdata to examine the existence of downward wage rigidity in France, during the second half of the 90s. We use three annual datasets : a sample of the Declarations Annuelles de Donnees Sociales, the Fiscal Income Survey and the Labour Force Survey. The first two sources, compiled on behalf of the fiscal administration, are reputed to be more accurate than the last one, subject to the traditional limitations of household surveys. Indeed, we show a tendency to underdeclaration as well as massive rounding to be present in the LFS wage measure. According to standard economic analysis, wages reflect individual productivity. All mechanisms reducing the transmission of productivity shocks to wages induce by definition wage rigidity. In practice, the presence and extent of wage rigidity must be deduced from the comparison between the actual wage evolution and some « reference evolution » observed in the absence of rigidity. A classical identifying assumption holds that downward wage rigidity transforms negative variations in the reference distribution into zero variations in the actual distribution, thus inducing a spike at zero in the latter. In French data, only the LFS exhibits such a spike, which seems to stem solely from reporting errors. We investigate the presence of more complex downward wage rigidity, by testing for the symmetry of the response of wages to positive and negative productivity shocks. For that purpose, we match the employee files with a firm level dataset (Benefices Reels Normaux). Results suggest that wages adjust less completely in the case of negative shocks. Although this asymmetry is shown to decrease with the initial wage level, wage rigidity cannot be reduced to the sole presence of a minimum wage. In particular, it is also shown to be higher for executives, and increasing in the local rate of unemployment.