Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modelling the demand for national security expenditure: a note

In the past, national security for the majority of countries was almost exclusively associated with an external military threat emanating from a rival state(s). This was reflected in the standard models for the demand for military expenditure. The emergence of new security challenges such as terrorism, transnational crime networks, failed and rogue states, has profoundly affected the international security environment and the concept of national security. This note develops a model for the demand for national security expenditure adopting a broader, more inclusive definition of national security and includes concomitant budgetary outlets to meet the new security challenges.
Dynamic Response of an Electrostatically Actuated Micro-Beam in an Incompressible Viscous Fluid Cavity

This paper studies the dynamic instability of cantilever micro-beam submerged in an incompressible viscous fluid cavity and actuated by electrostatic force. Equivalent squeeze film damping is incorporated in the vibrational equation of the micro-beam to obtain the natural frequencies of the coupled system. Then, imposing various step voltages, dynamic responses, and pull-in conditions of the micro-beam are studied. A parametric study is conducted to evaluate the effect of fluidic confinement on the instability voltage. Dielectric constant of the fluid proves dominantly influential compared with viscosity and density. In addition, values of pull-in voltage are seen to be highly dependent on the vertical position as well as the length of the micro-beam.
Effects of dietary cholesterol on ultraviolet light carcinogenesis.

Diet and its relationship to cancer have received much attention in recent years. Although one dietary factor, cholesterol, has been indicted in the development of numerous types of cancer, including actinic, no direct or consistent data have been forthcoming to substantiate such a relationship. Thus, several levels of dietary cholesterol, as well as antioxidant additives, were tested for effect on ultraviolet light (UV) carcinogenesis. Six hundred hairless mice were divided into 12 groups of 50 animals each. The animals received a restricted, semipurified, isocaloric diet containing 0, 0.01, and 2% cholesterol with or without antioxidants (2%, w/w). A regimen of escalating UV irradiation was used until an accumulative dose of 145 J/sq cm had been delivered. Animals were evaluated weekly for actinic lesions and biweekly for body weights, hematocrits, and serum cholesterol levels. A cumulative distribution frequency, based upon the asymptotic theory of extreme values, was used to determine tumor occurrence with time of study. It was found that the tumor development time for 50% of the animals for each dietary cholesterol level used was significantly different, with a longer development period occurring with increasing cholesterol level. Although not as pronounced as previous studies utilizing commercial diets, dietary antioxidants significantly suppressed UV-induced tumor formation. These data indicate that dietary cholesterol does not enhance UV carcinogenesis but rather has a slight, but significant, moderating effect. This effect could result from direct participation of dietary cholesterol in the carcinogenic process or, alternatively, could occur as the result of sterol-altered epidermal parameters which effectively diminish the UV dose reaching respective target sites.
How Does Race and Ethnicity Affect Persistence in Immature Ventures?

Does race/ethnicity affect persistence in an immature venture? Using data from the anel tudy of ntrepreneurial ynamics , we examine how race/ethnicity, access to supplier credit, and personal financial investment affect three entrepreneurial outcomes: continued engagement, new firm creation, and disengagement. We find that compared with whites, blacks were less likely to receive supplier credit and invest more of their own capital, whereas Hispanics did not significantly differ from whites. Blacks were more likely to persist and remain engaged in an immature venture if they did not achieve success after two years in operation, whereas Hispanics were more likely to disengage.
Could State-Level Variation in the Number of Land Trusts Make Economic Sense?

The number of land trusts in a state varies widely across the United States. Could such variation make economic sense? This paper models the optimal number of private conservation agents in a region and highlights two competing forces: spatial externalities in conservation that increase the efficiency of having few agents and diversity in conservation goals that means that specialization and de-concentration can be efficient. A state-level, count data analysis indicates that some observed patterns in the numbers of trusts are consistent with patterns expected in the optimal numbers of trusts. Some results identify areas for research and possible policy intervention. (JEL Q24, L31, H41)
Slum Prevalence and Health in Developing Countries: Sustainable Development Challenges in the Urban Context

Building on prior research, this study investigates the effects of urban slum prevalence or proportion of the total population living in urban slum conditions on multiple macro‐level health outcomes in developing nations. Results of two‐way fixed effects panel analyses of 43 countries for the 1990–2007 period indicate that infant and under‐five mortality rates are positively associated with urban slum prevalence, while average life expectancy for both women and men exhibits a negative association. These findings are statistically significant, net of various other factors including overall urbanization, economic development, fertility rates and HIV prevalence. Overall, the results highlight the importance of examining the ‘upstream’ effects of the built urban environment on human health in the developing countries and the challenges confronting the sustainable development of human societies. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Addressing service quality issues in higher education: the educational environment evaluation from the students' perspective

Abstract Concern about the quality of higher education is on the rise in Europe. To provide quality enhancement of the educational environment higher education institutions should create and implement a strategy for their higher school improvement - a long-term action plan aimed at achieving organisational goals, which includes a) the management of the organisational units as interconnected and interdependent entities; b) the engagement of students in quality assurance activities as enthusiastic and responsible academic community members. This paper discusses the importance of using regular educational environment evaluation, which involves students' indirect participation in decision-making, as one of the most essential quality assurance activities associated with higher school improvement. It also emphasizes the significance of measuring student satisfaction in education, student satisfaction and student motivation being the result of student interactions with the educational environment in the form of .
Psychosocial Risk Associated With Newborn Screening for Cystic Fibrosis: Parents’ Experience While Awaiting the Sweat-Test Appointment

Background. The psychosocial effects on parents of infants with abnormal results in cystic fibrosis (CF) newborn screening (NBS) that uses genetic testing remain unclear. Methods. Twenty-eight individuals representing 14 families participated in grounded theory interviews ∼6 months after their child’s positive NBS results for CF. Participants also completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scales (CES-D) at their infant’s sweat-test appointment (n = 51) and/or ∼6 months after the sweat test (n = 35). Results. Most parents experienced high levels of emotional distress during their wait for the sweat-test appointment (CES-D score, mean ± SD: 16.5 ± 6.7; 43.1% in the clinical range; median wait: 7 days; range: 3–35 days). CES-D scores of these parents were also significantly higher than those of comparison parents. Interviews showed that parental cognitive uncertainty and emotional distress were influenced by the parents’ prior knowledge of NBS, CF, and their carrier status; parents’ adjustment to their new baby; and the physicians’ approach to informing parents. Parents’ coping strategies involved requesting a sweat test as soon as possible, searching for information, assessing the infant’s risk/health, seeking support, praying, or not talking with others. Conclusions. The waiting period from notification regarding positive NBS results to diagnostic test results can be psychologically distressing to parents, causing depressive symptoms that vary depending on their perceptions about the likelihood that their infant has CF. Implications for future research examining psychosocial interventions for NBS are discussed.
Real-time forecasting of inflation and output growth with autoregressive models in the presence of data revisions

We examine how the accuracy of real-time forecasts from models that include autoregressive terms can be improved by estimating the models on ‘lightly revised’ data instead of using data from the latest-available vintage. The benefits of estimating autoregressive models on lightly revised data are related to the nature of the data revision process and the underlying process for the true values. Empirically, we find improvements in root mean square forecasting error of 2–4% when forecasting output growth and inflation with univariate models, and of 8% with multivariate models. We show that multiple-vintage models, which explicitly model data revisions, require large estimation samples to deliver competitive forecasts. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Core and Periphery of Emergency Management Networks

Emergency planning and response increasingly involve close interactions between a diverse array of actors across fields (emergency management, public health, law enforcement, etc.); sectors (government, non-profit and for-profit); and levels of government (local, state and federal). This article assesses the temporal dynamics of emergency management networks in two moderately sized communities that have served as large-scale disaster evacuation hosting sites in the past decade. The paper uses two strategies for tracking the evolution of these networks across time. First, we develop a network roster using newspaper and newswire data sources across a decade. Second, we develop a view of the evolution of the networks by analysing emergency operations plans for each community. Analysis of data reveals a contrast between a core set of consistent (mostly governmental) actors and a peripheral set of rapidly turning over (mostly non-governmental) actors – though the account depends on the mode of data on which one focuses. The article concludes with a discussion of the advantage presented by having a two-tier network for evacuation hosting that mixes core and periphery across multiple sectors.
The expectations hypothesis, term premia, and the Canadian term structure of interest rates

In this paper monthly data are used over the period 1960:7 to 1995:12 to examine the determinants of term premia implicit in the Canadian T-bill term structure of interest rates. In sharp contrast to U.S. evidence, the conditional variances of Canadian macroeconomic variables are found to be insignificant predictors of term premia in the Canadian T-bill term structure. The conditional variances of U.S. macroeconomic variables, however, are found to be important determinants of Canadian term premia.
Glycemic Control in the ICU

From the Departments of Critical Care Medicine and Anesthesia, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto (B.P.K.); and Harvard Medical School, Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — all in Boston (K.C.M.). Address reprint requests to Dr. Kavanagh at the Department of Critical Care Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 555 University Ave., Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada, or at brian . kavanagh@sickkids.ca.
Analysis of a compounding surge and precipitation event in the Netherlands

Hydrological extremes in coastal areas in the Netherlands often result from a combination of anomalous (but not necessarily extreme) conditions: storm surges preventing the ability to discharge water to the open sea, and local precipitation generating excessive water levels in the inland area. A near-flooding event in January 2012 occurred due to such a combination of (mild) extreme weather conditions, by which free discharge of excessive water was not possible for five consecutive tidal periods. An ensemble of regional climate model simulations (covering 800 years of simulation data for current climate conditions) is used to demonstrate that the combined occurrence of the heavy precipitation and storm surge in this area is physically related. Joint probability distributions of the events are generated from the model ensemble, and compared to distributions of randomized variables, removing the potential correlation. A clear difference is seen. An inland water model is linked to the meteorological simulations, to analyze the statistics of extreme water levels and its relationship to the driving forces. The role of the correlation between storm surge and heavy precipitation increases with inland water level up to a certain value, but its role decreases at the higher water levels when tidal characteristics become increasingly important. The case study illustrates the types of analyzes needed to assess the impact of compounding events, and shows the importance of coupling a realistic impact model (expressing the inland water level) for deriving useful statistics from the model simulations.
Determinants of Choice of Alternative Livelihood Diversification Strategies in Solio Resettlement Scheme, Kenya

Livelihood diversification by agricultural households in sub-Saharan Africa contributes significantly to household income. Over the last three decades there has been increased interest in literature on the subject. However, little has been done on the determinants of choice of alternative sets of strategies by households as well as the livelihood strategies chosen by resettled households. This study fills this gap in knowledge. This is important because it will guide policy makers in coming up with policies, programs and projects, that enable resettled households to easily reconstruct their livelihoods. The study addressed two objectives; first, it described the livelihood activities carried out by households in Solio, a resettlement scheme in central Kenya. Secondly, it evaluated the factors that influence the choice of alternative sets of livelihood strategies in the study area. To achieve the first objective, descriptive statistics were used to characterize the resettlement scheme using data collected through a semi-structured questionnaire and focus group discussions. The second objective was achieved by running a negative binomial regression model using data collected through a semi-structured questionnaire involving 196 respondents. The study found that households had diversified livelihoods from agriculture, where off-farm activities contribute over 67.4% of total household income. Age of the household head and possession of a technical skill were found to positively influence the number of livelihood strategies a household was involved in. Time taken to a water source was found to negatively influence the number of livelihood strategies a household was involved in. The study recommended, first, the improvement of access to water for domestic purposes as well as irrigation for crop production to supplement the low rainfall in the study area. Secondly, vi improvement of access to technical skills and training, and increased funding to village vocational training centers, for them to be better equipped to offer technical skills training which positively influence livelihood diversification. Such programs will positively influence livelihood diversification in rural areas and therefore curb the problems of food insecurity and youth unemployment.
Revisiting the Political Cybernetics of Organisations

Purpose - The viable systems theory of autonomous social communities is a cybernetic theory in which politics is seen as a facilitator for social coherence. A recent paper by Yolles explored this dimension, considering, how power and its process affects structure, manipulates information, and influences the way that people behave. A core conceptualization of that paper about political temperament is corrected and further developed. Design/methodology/approach - Interest in this paper lies in the social cybernetics of autonomous social communities that have a culture, normative behaviour, and where the behaviour is ultimately determined from that culture. Autonomous social communities that have culture have a history and dynamic that can be argued to have a potential for behavioural oherence through policy formation and processes of action research. It is through this proposition that politics is engaged in the theory. Findings - This paper offers a correction and development of Yolle's conceptual representation of the notion of political temperament as discussed by Duverger. Political temperament is a part of political culture, and is ultimately connected to the way that power is created, assigned and used. Yolles was concerned with the relationship between political temperament, political management, and processes of power distribution. However, this model was misconceived, and we shall redefine it by expressing political temperament as the relationship between political mindedness, political management, and political centripetality (or process of power distribution). Originality/value - In this paper it is argued that political temperament comes from a set of attitudes that underpin the political nature of a governing body that becomes responsible for the political management of a social community. It is seen to contribute to the formation of the olitical culture of autonomous social communities.
Platelet Activation by Collagen Provides Sustained Release of Anabolic Cytokines

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been increasingly used in sports medicine applications. Platelets are thought to release growth factors important in wound healing, including transforming growth factor (TGF-β1), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-AB), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). However, little is known about the effect of platelet activator choice on growth factor release kinetics. Hypothesis: The choice of platelet activator would affect the timing and level of growth factor release from PRP. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Platelet-rich plasma aliquots were activated with either thrombin or collagen. A control group of whole blood aliquots was clotted with thrombin. Supernatant containing the released growth factors was collected daily for 1 week. Levels of TGF-β1, PDGF-AB, and VEGF were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The use of thrombin as an activator resulted in immediate release of TGF-β1 and PDGF-AB, while the collagen-activated PRP clots released similar amounts each day for 5 days. The use of collagen as an activator resulted in an 80% greater cumulative release of TGF-β1 from the PRP aliquots over 7 days (P < .001). Concentrating platelets to 3 times the systemic blood level resulted in a 3-fold higher release of TGF-β1, 2.5-fold greater release of PDGF, and 5-fold greater release of VEGF (all P < .0001) when compared with whole blood control clots, but no significant differences in the timing of release were noted. Conclusion: These experiments demonstrated that the choice of platelet activator can significantly influence the release kinetics of cytokines from PRP, with thrombin resulting in an immediate release and collagen having a more sustained release pattern. Clinical Relevance: The level and rate of growth factor release depends on the selected platelet activator, a factor that should be considered when selecting a PRP system for a given application.
Breast Cancer and HIV in the Era of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy: Two Case Reports and Review of the Literature

Abstract: The incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is rising in US women; however its impact on breast cancer incidence, stage at presentation, response and treatment toxicity remains unknown. To address the impact of HIV infection and use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on the natural history of breast cancer we present two cases of breast cancer in HIV‐infected women and also review the literature. A literature search was done on Medline using the key words HIV/AIDS, breast cancer, and HAART therapy, restricted to English language. There were mostly case reports and one large series of 20 cases reported by Hurley et al. Data concerning the impact of HIV infection and HAART therapy regarding pathogenesis, stage at presentation, tumor type, response, and toxicity associated with treatment were reviewed. The literature review shows that the breast cancer incidence is either same or less in HIV‐infected patients compared to the general population. However, the patients with HIV infection present with more advanced stage and aggressive disease, and they also have poor chemotherapy tolerance. The impact of HAART on breast cancer incidence in HIV‐infected patients is still unclear.
In vitro marginal fit of three all-ceramic crown systems before and after cementation.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM Full-coverage all-ceramic restorations are widely used. The impact of various classifications of luting agent on marginal discrepancies is not well understood. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cervical fit of all ceramic crowns (IPS e.maxPress, Cergogold, and In Ceram) on bovine teeth with two luting agents before and after cementation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ninety bovine incisors were embedded in resin. The coronal portions of the teeth were prepared to receive full-coverage crowns. Thirty crowns of 7.0 ± 0.5 mm height, 8.0 mm cervical diameter, and 4.2 mm incisal diameter were fabricated for each ceramic system. The crowns were seated on the teeth, and the marginal discrepancy was measured using a measuring microscope. Then, 15 crowns of each ceramic system were luted on the teeth with resin cement (Variolink II) or resin-modified glass ionomer cement (Rely X luting), and the marginal discrepancy was measured. The results were submitted to analysis of variance, t test and Tukey's test (p<0.05). RESULTS The three ceramic systems showed cervical fits after cementation statistically inferior to cervical fits before cementation for the two cements. The IPS e.maxPress showed values for cervical fit statistically superior to Cergogold before cementation. No statistically significant difference was found between IPS e.maxPress and In Ceram and In Ceram and Cergogold. After cementation, no statistically significant difference was found for the three ceramics systems when luted with resin or resin-modified glass ionomer luting agents. CONCLUSIONS Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that both cements studied increase the marginal discrepancy between the crown and the preparation for the three ceramic systems evaluated.
Bodies of Knowledge for Research in Behavioral Operations

Whenever intrepid researchers venture into new terrain, they find that they require knowledge outside of their formal training. This paper reviews bodies of knowledge for operations management (OM) researchers interested in the new area of Behavioral Operations. We highlight theoretical constructs and empirical phenomena from cognitive psychology, social psychology, group dynamics, and system dynamics. We also provide a guide for where to go to learn more about each body of knowledge. Our overall goal is to lower the startup costs for new researchers in Behavioral Operations.