Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Local Support for Alcohol Control Policies and Perceptions of Neighborhood Issues in Two College Communities

Background Although valuable, national opinion surveys on alcohol policy may be less informative for policy development at the local level. Using samples of adult residents in 2 college communities, the present study: (1) measured public support for local alcohol control policies to stem underage drinking and alcohol overservice in on-premise outlets, (2) assessed residents’ opinions regarding neighborhood problems, and (3) identified factors associated with strong policy support. Methods We administered random-sample telephone surveys to residents aged 21 years and older in college communities located in Community 1 (N = 501; mean age = 57.4 years, SD = 14.7) and Community 2 (N = 505; mean age = 56.0 years, SD = 15.2). The response rates were typical of telephone surveys (Community 1: 33.5%; Community 2: 29.9%). We assessed support for 16 alcohol control policies and the occurrence of specific types of neighborhood incidents (e.g., witnessing intoxicated people). We used multiple regression analyses to determine factors associated with policy support. Results Residents in Community 1 reported significantly higher weekly alcohol use, a greater number of witnessed neighborhood incidents, and a higher level of perceived neighborhood problems than did residents in Community 2. Residents in Community 1 perceived local alcohol control policies and their enforcement to be significantly stricter. Overall, policy support was high and did not differ between the communities. In both communities, higher policy support was significantly associated with being female, being older, less weekly alcohol use, and lower perceived strictness of alcohol control policies and enforcement. Conclusions It is important for campus officials and community leaders to be aware of and publicize favorable public opinion when advocating for policy change, especially at the local level. Information on residents’ perceptions of the neighborhood issues they face can also inform local policy and enforcement efforts.
KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS HEPATITIS B AND HEPATITIS C AMONG DENTAL MEDICINE STUDENTS

SUMMARY Background: Hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C viruses (HCV) are highly contagious and important occupational hazard for health workers. Dental practice often includes direct contact with patients’ body fluids and exposure at high degree to potentially HBV and HCV infected materials and instruments. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the level of knowledge about hepatitis B and C infections and the attitude towards hepatitis B virus vaccination among Dental Medicine students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 96 students of Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University of Varna in March, 2015. The questionnaire contained 22 questions divided into 4 major sections. SPSS ver.16 software package was used for statistical data processing. Results: Most of the participants (82,3 %) considered hepatitis B and C as serious diseases and had positive attitude towards HBV vaccination (75 %). Almost 90 % considered that dental practice could enhance the risk of infection with HBV and HCV. Unfortunately, only 57,4 % of students knew their vaccination status and 13,9 % had checked HBV antibodies‘ level. Conclusions: The majority of respondents demonstrated a high level of knowledge of HBV and HCV infections. All participants were aware about the risk of potential HBV and HCV transmission in their future practice and anticipated applying preventive measures at work. However, deeper information about HBV vaccination and checking anti HBs titer is still needed among dental students, as well continuous target education in the field.
The application of entropy for detecting behavioral responses in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) exposed to different toxicants

Growing concern over environmental pollution by chemicals that may directly or indirectly impact human and ecosystem health make it increasingly necessary to establish a biological early warning system to minimize these impacts. To achieve this, simple and reliable approaches and criteria for environmental risk assessment must be developed. We propose a new approach for detecting behavioral responses to toxicants in flowing water. We conducted a series of tests to determine toxic responses of Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) to lethal concentrations of potassium cyanide (KCN; 10 mg L−1) and phenol (25 mg L−1). Fish movements were tracked by three‐dimensional (3D) biomonitoring under flow‐through conditions. The 3D data were used to evaluate behavioral responses in terms of swimming speed, vertical position in the water, and entropies of these parameters. Fish exposed to KCN surfaced more frequently than unexposed fish, whereas fish exposed to phenol stayed near the bottom. Maximum swimming speed significantly increased after exposure to both test chemicals, whereas median swimming speed significantly decreased after exposure. Despite large variations in swimming behavior between individual fish, toxic behavioral responses could be identified by the significant decrease in the entropy of vertical position after 10–30 min of exposure to the test chemicals. We conclude that the use of entropy can contribute to the development of a biological early warning system for detecting toxicants at early stages of pollution. To use the present approach to detect lower concentrations of toxicants, further studies should be conducted using long‐term monitoring of fish exposed to sublethal concentrations. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2010.
An additive‐multiplicative mean residual life model for right‐censored data

Many studies have focused on determining the effect of the body mass index (BMI) on the mortality in different cohorts. In this article, we propose an additive‐multiplicative mean residual life (MRL) model to assess the effects of BMI and other risk factors on the MRL function of survival time in a cohort of Chinese type 2 diabetic patients. The proposed model can simultaneously manage additive and multiplicative risk factors and provide a comprehensible interpretation of their effects on the MRL function of interest. We develop an estimation procedure through pseudo partial score equations to obtain parameter estimates. We establish the asymptotic properties of the proposed estimators and conduct simulations to demonstrate the performance of the proposed method. The application of the procedure to a study on the life expectancy of type 2 diabetic patients reveals new insights into the extension of the life expectancy of such patients.
Smectite/Illite Distribution and Diagenesis in the South Timbalier Area, Northern Gulf of Mexico

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Immune Responses of HLA Highly Sensitized and Nonsensitized Patients to Genetically Engineered Pig Cells

Background We investigated in vitro whether HLA highly sensitized patients with end-stage renal disease will be disadvantaged immunologically after a genetically engineered pig kidney transplant. Methods Blood was drawn from patients with a calculated panel-reactive antibody (cPRA) 99% to 100% (Gp1, n = 10) or cPRA 0% (Gp2, n = 12), and from healthy volunteers (Gp3, n = 10). Serum IgM and IgG binding was measured (i) to galactose-&agr;1-3 galactose and N-glycolylneuraminic acid glycans by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and (ii) to pig red blood cell, pig aortic endothelial cells, and pig peripheral blood mononuclear cell from &agr;1,3-galactosyltransferase gene-knockout (GTKO)/CD46 and GTKO/CD46/cytidine monophosphate-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase-knockout (CMAHKO) pigs by flow cytometry. (iii) T-cell and B-cell phenotypes were determined by flow cytometry, and (iv) proliferation of T-cell and B-cell carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester-mixed lymphocyte reaction. Results (i) By enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, there was no difference in IgM or IgG binding to galactose-&agr;1-3 galactose or N-glycolylneuraminic acid between Gps1 and 2, but binding was significantly reduced in both groups compared to Gp3. (ii) IgM and IgG binding in Gps1 and 2 was also significantly lower to GTKO/CD46 pig cells than in healthy controls, but there were no differences between the 3 groups in binding to GTKO/CD46/CMAHKO cells. (iii and iv) Gp1 patients had more memory T cells than Gp2, but there was no difference in T or B cell proliferation when stimulated by any pig cells. The proliferative responses in all 3 groups were weakest when stimulated by GTKO/CD46/CMAHKO pig peripheral blood mononuclear cell. Conclusions (i) End-stage renal disease was associated with low antipig antibody levels. (ii) Xenoreactivity decreased with increased genetic engineering of pig cells. (iii) High cPRA status had no significant effect on antibody binding or T-cell and B-cell response.
Economic freedom, ethnic separatism, and ethnic conflict

Ethnic conflict has not been tested using economic theory, except its most extreme forms - violence and warfare. This paper adopts the newer economic approach to conflict to analyze ethnic conflict more broadly defined. The analysis is able for the first time to derive equilibrium discrimination by a dominant group and separatism by a weaker group. Consistent with the predictions developed, cross-sectional instrumental-variables estimates and other evidence indicate that government restrictions on commerce promote separatism and conflict and hamper trust. Economic freedom is thus argued to be a key if thus far largely neglected force for ethnic cooperation within states, consistent with the empirical findings for nation-state interactions.
THE GLOBAL VALUE CHAIN

The global value chain concept has become one of the most influential frameworks used in the study of globalization. The paradigm, however, is deficient in explicating the exploitative nature of global value chain governance. Based on a study of soccer ball production in China and Pakistan, this article analyzes global production from three perspectives: the role of the state in shaping the host countries' mode of production and legal framework, the issue of how surplus value is created and distributed, and the use of child labor or prison labor to remain competitive in the chain. The article shows, in the case of Pakistan, how a country using a lower-labor-costs strategy to retain a place in a global value chain allows its workers to be exploited and pauperizes its people.
New drugs for Clostridium difficile infection.

or persistent disease, to give oral metronidazole or oral vancomycin. Prior experience with these drugs shows that they are generally effective for acute disease, but treatment is often complicated by recurrences after treatment. Our experience with 189 patients, including 100 with endoscopy-proven pseudomenbraneous colitis, showed that 96% of the patients responded to oral vancomycin, but 24% experienced relapses when vancomycin therapy was discontinued [5]. Other studies have reported a similar experience [6].
Fool's gold: major sport events and foreign direct investment

Whether or not a city or a country should bid to host the Olympics or one of the big international football tournaments is often the source of heated debates. One question that is always raised is whether hosting such an event yields positive economic benefits. Using data from the period 1970–2009 we investigate whether there is a link between hosting a major sport event and the amount of foreign direct investment (FDI) a country receives. We employ time-series cross-section data for countries that have hosted either the Summer Olympics, the Winter Olympics, the FIFA World Cup or the UEFA European Championship in that period. While our overall results, on balance, offer support to the ‘pessimistic’ side of the debate about the economic effects of hosting mega events, our findings also indicate that some FDI benefits might still accrue to the host. Results are not unambiguous, however. More detailed analysis suggests that staging the Olympics has virtually no effect on FDI inflows, whereas hosting a major, nationwide football tournament might have a small positive impact on foreign investment, particularly in the years leading up to the event. These latter results seem to be driven by smaller nations.
Persuasion Effects in Electoral Campaigns – A Comparative Analysis of Household Panel Data

This study looks at the campaign effects of national elections, using household panel surveys from Germany, Great Britain and Switzerland. As household panels collect the party preferences of the same individuals on an annual basis, we are able to study individual dynamics over the electoral cycle. This makes it easier to distinguish between activation and persuasion effects than studying electoral panels conducted during campaigns. Using random effects models, we find strong evidence for the activation and persuasion effects of campaigns. Furthermore, we find that citizens with a high level of political awareness are least likely to be (de)activated and persuaded, but that, only in Great Britain, political awareness interacts significantly with the electoral cycle.
Rubeosis iridis in patients with diabetes: not forgetting oculoischaemic syndrome as a differential

This case illustrates an oculoischaemic syndrome presenting with iris neovascularisation in a patient with established diabetic retinopathy. It highlights the importance of considering the differential diagnosis of rubeosis in all patients, including those with an underlying vascular pathology. Moreover, it urges clinicians to consider the sequelae of a compromised vascular system, such as the iatrogenic central retinal artery occlusion as a result of intravitreal injections. Early diagnosis not only informs correct ophthalmic treatment, but is crucial in preventing ischaemic stroke and, therefore, reducing the risk of systemic morbidity and mortality.
Cognitive Biases in Government Procurement – An Experimental Study

Abstract Competitive bidding (CB) is the dominant governmental contracting mechanism by which hundreds of billions of dollars are allocated annually. We claim that when bid evaluators assess the qualitative components of competing bids while being exposed to the bid prices, a systematic bias occurs that gives an unjust advantage to the lower bidder. We term this the Lower-Bid Bias. It is then shown that this bias can be neutralized by splitting the evaluation process into two stages, whereby bid price is revealed only after the evaluation process has culminated (two-stage CB). This is demonstrated through the findings of a survey and three controlled experiments, the first to be conducted with procurement officials. We also explain why this bias is undesirable and suggest a mandatory rule, requiring two-stage CB for any competitive public procurement based on evaluation criteria other than price. Further applications of the experiments’ findings are also discussed.
Press Release Disclosure of ‘Pro Forma’ Earnings Metrics by Large German Corporations – Empirical Evidence and Regulatory Recommendations

This paper is set against the background of recent regulatory action and standard-setting activities pertaining to the disclosure of so-called ‘pro forma’ earnings. For a sample of large corporations listed on the Frankfurt stock exchange, I individually analyze quarterly earnings announcements published for the fiscal years 2005 and 2006. Given voiced concern about the potential of pro forma metrics to misrepresent firm performance and thus to potentially mislead investors, research questions pertain to the use, the calculation and the presentation of pro forma earnings, and the impact of recent recommendations issued by European securities commissions. The results indicate that firms make extensive use of so-called ‘EB’ (earnings before) metrics and, more importantly, of pure non-GAAP performance measures, both in terms of frequency and reporting emphasis. The transparency of adjustments to GAAP earnings turns out to be low. Year-to-year analysis suggests that recent recommendations by European securities regulators have had no discernible impact on these disclosure patterns. Taken together, this evidence suggests that regulatory concern may be warranted. At the same time, it points out the need for more research into the determinants and the investor reception of pro forma earnings disclosures in EU jurisdictions.
Book Versus Taxable Income

Income reported to shareholders (book income) and income reported to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (taxable income) are alternative measures of U.S. corporate economic performance discussed in recent research, academic texts, and by U.S. legislators. In measuring economic performance, taxable income contains more 'mandated rule' error than book income because legislators generally write tax rules to raise revenue and motivate behavior and not specifically to measure performance. However, recent research suggests taxable income likely contains less 'managerial bias' error (i.e. error due to managers' biased application of rules) than book income. We decompose book income and taxable income into operating cash flows, book accruals, and tax accruals. We find that tax accruals have explanatory power for contemporaneous annual stock returns incremental to book accruals and operating cash flows, but that book accruals have relatively more explanatory power. However, the dominance of book accruals over tax accruals declines significantly and from 1997-2001, tax accruals explain returns as well as book accruals. In contrast to the conventional notion that low book relative to taxable income indicates high quality book income and vice versa, we find the opposite: tax accruals explain returns better than book accruals when the ratio of book to taxable income is low. Book losses partially, but do not fully, explain our results. Our results are relevant to policy debates concerning book-tax differences and to explanations for changes in the value relevance of book income during the 1990's.
Evaluating economic impacts of expanded global wood energy consumption with the USFPM/GFPM model.

A U.S. forest sector market module was developed within the general Global Forest Products Model. The U.S. module tracks regional timber markets, timber harvests by species group, and timber product outputs in greater detail than does the global model. This hybrid approach provides detailed regional market analysis for the United States although retaining the broader global market analysis. We describe how the U.S. Forest Products Module is structured within the global model and show projections based on Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change scenarios with long-range assumptions about economic activity, population growth, and wood energy demands. Results show that real prices for industrial roundwood would increase as a result of significant global expansion in wood energy demands. Expansion of global wood energy demands would influence the comparative economic advantages of U.S. versus foreign producers, with U.S. producers gaining some comparative advantages and increased net exports in scenarios where average foreign industrial roundwood prices are projected to increase more than in the United States. These results suggest that national wood energy policies should consider how the impacts of wood energy use on domestic forest product markets depend on trends in global forest product markets. Le module du secteur forestier aux Etats-Unis (USFPM) a eteelaborea partir du modele mondial du secteur forestier (GFPM–Global Forest Products Model). Le USFPM permet de suivre l’evolution des marches regionaux du bois d’œuvre, des recoltes de bois d’œuvre par groupe deessences et des produits derives de fa con plus detaillee que le modele mondial. Ce modele hybride offre une analyse detaillee des marches regionaux aux Etats-Unis tout en conservant une analyse generale du marche mondial. Dans le present article, nous decrivons la structure du module du secteur forestier aux Etats-Unis par rapport au modele mondial du secteur forestier et presentons des previsions formulees d’apres des scenarios elabores par le Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur levolution du climat (GIEC) et renfermant des hypotheses long terme sur l’activiteeconomique, la croissance de la population et la demande de bois energie. Nos resultats indiquent que les prix reels du bois rond industriel risquent d’augmenter en raison de la croissance substantielle de la demande mondiale de bois energie. Cette croissance aurait des repercussions sur les avantages comparatifs des producteurs americains par rapport aux producteurs etrangers, mais les producteurs americains obtiendraient certains avantages comparatifs et une hausse des exportations nettes dans les scenarios ou les prix moyens du bois rond industriel etranger augmenteraient par rapport aux prix observes aux Etats-Unis. Ces resultats autorisent ȧ penser que les politiques nationales en matiere de bois energie devraient examiner de quelle facon les tendances sur les marches forestiers mondiaux influencent l’utilisation du bois energie sur les marches forestiers interieurs.
Top income shares and crime

This article estimates the relationship between income inequality approximated by the top 10% and 1% income shares derived from income tax return data and nine crime categories for the US states between 1979 and 2003. We fail to find a positive relationship between inequality and crime, except for the case of the top 10% share and motor vehicle theft.
Rent-Sharing in the Labor Market

Is the labor market well-approximated by a competitive model or is wage determination instead a kind of non-competitive rent-sharing? This unsettles question lies at the heart of labor economics and macroeconomics. The paper argues that new research -- drawing upon data of a kind not available to previous generations of researchers -- appears to provide persuasive evidence for the existence of rent-sharing in the labor market.
The impact of liabilities for retiree health benefits on share prices

Health insurance provided by corporations to retired employees represents an important benefit to retirees and a significant and growing expense to employers. If liabilities for retiree health benefits have already reduced share prices dollar-for-dollar or at least in a similar manner to other liabilities, there would be little cause for concern that the introduction of new, more revealing, accounting standards for these benefits would lead to financial pressure on companies to redi.ce or cancel benefits. This study identifies firms as sponsoring or not sponsoring retiree health plans, and liabilities for retiree health benefits are estimated using the framework of the new accounting pronouncement on nonpension postretirement benefits. Stock value is regressed on several independent variables, including estimated retiree health liability. The results clearly suggest that retiree health liabilities impact stock prices. Furthermore, some evidence indicates that the impact may be less than balance sheet liabilities. This latter finding is consistent with market expectations that the firms or the federal government will take actions to reduce future payouts of health benefits to retirees by corporate sponsors, although it also may be due in part to measurement error associated with the variable for retiree health liabilities.