Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detecting Drought-Induced Tree Mortality in Sierra Nevada Forests with Time Series of Satellite Data

A five-year drought in California led to a significant increase in tree mortality in the Sierra Nevada forests from 2012 to 2016. Landscape level monitoring of forest health and tree dieback is critical for vegetation and disaster management strategies. We examined the capability of multispectral imagery from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) in detecting and explaining the impacts of the recent severe drought in Sierra Nevada forests. Remote sensing metrics were developed to represent baseline forest health conditions and drought stress using time series of MODIS vegetation indices (VIs) and a water index. We used Random Forest algorithms, trained with forest aerial detection surveys data, to detect tree mortality based on the remote sensing metrics and topographical variables. Map estimates of tree mortality demonstrated that our two-stage Random Forest models were capable of detecting the spatial patterns and severity of tree mortality, with an overall producer’s accuracy of 96.3% for the classification Random Forest (CRF) and a RMSE of 7.19 dead trees per acre for the regression Random Forest (RRF). The overall omission errors of the CRF ranged from 19% for the severe mortality class to 27% for the low mortality class. Interpretations of the models revealed that forests with higher productivity preceding the onset of drought were more vulnerable to drought stress and, consequently, more likely to experience tree mortality. This method highlights the importance of incorporating baseline forest health data and measurements of drought stress in understanding forest response to severe drought.
Extended or continuous versus short-term intravenous infusion of cephalosporins: a meta-analysis

The authors sought to study whether extended or continuous infusion of cephalosporins is associated with better clinical outcomes than short-term infusion. PubMed and Scopus databases were systematically searched. Studies reporting the clinical outcomes of patients receiving extended or continuous infusion (≥3 or 24 h, respectively) versus short-term infusion (≤1 h) of cephalosporins were considered eligible. Eleven studies (1250 clinically evaluable patients) were included. Clinical cure and mortality were not statistically different between the compared groups (risk ratio: 1.14; 95% CI: 0.94–1.37 and risk ratio: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.80–1.15, respectively). This meta-analysis did not show a difference in clinical cure or mortality regarding extended or continuous versus short-term intravenous infusion of cephalosporins. However, in most of the included studies, patients in the extended/continuous infusion group received a substantially lower total dosage of antibiotic than those in the short-term group for the total duration of treatment.
The impact of military technology transfer on economic growth: international evidence

The purpose of this article is to measure the impact of military technology transfer on economic growth for 67 selected countries during the period 2000 to 2005 through the application of the Malmquist productivity index, which is broken down into efficiency change and technical change. Our main findings are as follows. First, technology diffusion is all-pervading in half of the sampled countries due to pure efficiency and scale efficiency changes. Second, a higher-income level and an excess of arms imports lead to innovative activities. Third, middle-income countries have higher efficiency and pure efficiency changes; these contribute to higher total productivity change. Finally, after separating the impact of capital investment from that of arms imports, the diffusion of military technology has a more positive and substantial impact on economic growth, thereby revealing the presence of externalities between countries.
Sparkling wine choice from supermarket shelves: the impact of certification of origin and production practices

We report the results of a study based on revealed and stated preference data on choice of Prosecco wines in retail stores close to the origin of production in Northern Italy. Emphasis is placed on ability to reconcile the utility structure of stated preference data with that underlying revealed preference data. We extend the analysis to cover nonattendance of key attributes, such as price and certification of origin, while controlling for the large range of brand effects.
Stopped Myopic Policies in Some Inventory Models with Generalized Demand Processes

This paper considers single-item inventory systems with immediate delivery and no economies of scale. Bounds are provided on the value loss relative to optimal cost for restricting attention to the class of inventory stocking policies that behave myopically up to a specified stopping time. The stopping time may be random, and may depend on demand histories as well as information exogenous to the firm. The bounds are robust to the nature of the demand process faced after the stopping time, so are applicable when the statistics of demand after the stopping time are unknown. Stopping times that are large with high probability imply that near-term decisions are completely specified with high probability. The general bounding results allow one to consider demand processes that may otherwise be analytically intractable. It is shown that the class of demand models for which the assumption of additive i.i. d. shocks is appropriate is the same class admitting effective myopic stocking policies. The bounds also make rigorous the intuitive notion that myopic policies are least effective in systems with precipitous drops in demand coupled with an inability to recover cash invested in inventory. The option of selling inventory at discount is a reality in many real systems and enhances the attractiveness of the myopic stocking policy. In numerical examples, the myopic policy is shown to be an effective competitor in a range of systems for which optimal policies are not known. The results suggest that for systems with immediate delivery, no economies of scale, and no currently known optimal policy, the myopic stocking rule is a reasonable default policy to adopt.
The Determinants of DSS Success: An Integrated Model*

The results of a field study investigating the determinants of decision support systems (DSS) success are presented. A multivariate model was developed and tested using multiple regression hierarchical analysis on responses from 118 DSS users. Several specific hypotheses are also proposed and tested. Data analyses indicate that DSS success, as measured by DSS satisfaction and perceived benefits, depends on several factors: previous user experience with DSS, user involvement, user training, top management support, information sources, the level of managerial activity, and task structure, difficulty and interdependence. Based on the research results, several suggestions are made to improve the likelihood of successful DSS implementation.
NORMATIVE, SOCIAL AND COGNITIVE PREDICTORS OF ENTREPRENEURIAL INTEREST IN CHINA, VIETNAM AND THE PHILIPPINES

This study addresses normative, social and cognitive factors related to the interest in becoming an entrepreneur in China, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The study's findings are based on surveys of 782 business students in these countries. A rather consistent pattern of country differences was found on most of the measures, which may reflect differences in the historical, cultural, economic and political contexts of these nations. The results of this study emphasize the importance of developing both self-efficacy and close social supports in enhancing potential for entrepreneurial activity in these countries.
Multidimensionality: redefining the digital divide in the smartphone era

Purpose – In a converged and smart media environment, it no longer makes sense to talk only of a digital divide based on access to a platform – instead, a new “smartphone divide” is created based on a user’s ability to access and use an array of different services. Although there is an extensive literature on the digital divide in broadband access and use, zero research efforts have addressed the digital divide in mobile phone usage. Therefore, this research study aims to fill the gap in the literature by looking into new dimensions of the smartphone divide. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from a college student sample through an online survey and some hypotheses were framed and tested for intergroup (smartphone users vs non-users) and intragroup (active smartphone users vs inactive users) differences based on access, experience and persistence of usage. Findings – Findings are: first, smartphone users were more active online as expected. Although no significant difference was detected i.
Currency Regime and Monetary Autonomy. Empirical Evidence Using Recent and Global Data from 1990 to 2007

This paper analyzes the exchange rate regimes from the perspective of monetary independence. To be specific, using recent and global data, we examine the sensitivity of domestic interest rates to the international interest rate, by conducting co-integration tests and by estimating the adjustment speeds through error-correction model, for different de facto currency regimes and for different types of capital markets. Our estimation results basically support the traditional views of ‘impossible trinity’, as far as the cases with open capital markets are concerned. The floating regime shows the less sensitivity of domestic interest rates to the international interest rate than the fixed regime does, which implies some capacity for domestic monetary autonomy under the floating regime. The cases with closed capital markets, on the other hand, include the cases showing high sensitivity of interest rates in some emerging market economies, which might imply the ‘fear of floating’ hypothesis.
Renegotiation Facilitates Contractual Incompleteness

"Attempts to economize on bargaining costs imply that two parties may write a contract which is incomplete in the sense that each party tacitly cedes some decision rights to the other. If decision makers can be disciplined by the threat of ex post renegotiation of decisions initially delegated to them, contracts may be even more incomplete. In the limit, the parties may leave all nonprice decisions out of the contract. By thus arguing that the threat of renegotiation facilitates contractual incompleteness, the paper reverses the direction of causality stressed by the literature. " Copyright 2007, The Author(s) Journal Compilation (c) 2007 Blackwell Publishing.
The Role of Education in Economic Growth in East Asia: A Survey

This paper surveys the literature on the links between education and economic growth in East Asia. It finds that education is important for economic growth but it is not a sufficient condition. The complementarity between education and other factors in enhancing productivity and efficiency is commonly seen as the driving force of economic growth. However, the empirical evidence is ambiguous due to econometric problems. Statistical analysis suggests that education and economic growth in East Asia have two-way causality. Nevertheless, valuing education has been a widely-accepted part of Asian values. As a result, education consistently presents as a significant income determinant and consequentially a growth factor, regardless of whether education can increase productivity. East Asian education systems are also formed and extended in close relation to the stages of their economic development: the higher the level of economic development, the greater the demand for better and higher education systems.
Dual Energy CT of the Chest: How About the Dose?

Objective:New generation Dual Source computed tomography (CT) scanners offer different x-ray spectra for Dual Energy imaging. Yet, an objective, manufacturer independent verification of the dose required for the different spectral combinations is lacking. The aim of this study was to assess dose and image noise of 2 different Dual Energy CT settings with reference to a standard chest scan and to compare image noise and contrast to noise ratios (CNR). Also, exact effective dose length products (E/DLP) conversion factors were to be established based on the objectively measured dose. Materials and Methods:An anthropomorphic Alderson phantom was assembled with thermoluminescent detectors (TLD) and its chest was scanned on a Dual Source CT (Siemens Somatom Definition) in dual energy mode at 140 and 80 kVp with 14 × 1.2 mm collimation. The same was performed on another Dual Source CT (Siemens Somatom Definition Flash) at 140 kVp with 0.8 mm tin filter (Sn) and 100 kVp at 128 × 0.6 mm collimation. Reference scans were obtained at 120 kVp with 64 × 0.6 mm collimation at equivalent CT dose index of 5.4 mGy*cm. Syringes filled with water and 17.5 mg iodine/mL were scanned with the same settings. Dose was calculated from the TLD measurements and the dose length products of the scanner. Image noise was measured in the phantom scans and CNR and spectral contrast were determined in the iodine and water samples. E/DLP conversion factors were calculated as ratio between the measured dose form the TLDs and the dose length product given in the patient protocol. Results:The effective dose measured with TLDs was 2.61, 2.69, and 2.70 mSv, respectively, for the 140/80 kVp, the 140 Sn/100 kVp, and the standard 120 kVp scans. Image noise measured in the average images of the phantom scans was 11.0, 10.7, and 9.9 HU (P > 0.05). The CNR of iodine with optimized image blending was 33.4 at 140/80 kVp, 30.7 at 140Sn/100 kVp and 14.6 at 120 kVp. E/DLP conversion factors were 0.0161 mSv/mGy*cm for the 140/80 kVp protocol, 0.0181 mSv/mGy*cm for the Sn140/100 kVp mode and 0.0180 mSv/mGy*cm for the 120 kVp examination. Conclusion:Dual Energy CT is feasible without additional dose. There is no significant difference in image noise, while CNR can be doubled with optimized dual energy CT reconstructions. A restriction in collimation is required for dose-neutrality at 140/80 kVp, whereas this is not necessary at 140 Sn/100 kVp. Thus, CT can be performed routinely in Dual Energy mode without additional dose or compromises in image quality.
Spectrum of Intracranial Parenchymal Lesions in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in the Republic of Korea

The incidence of specific intracranial parenchymal lesions of HIV-infected patients varies considerably between countries. In the Republic of Korea, the number of HIV-infected patients is increasing, but little is known regarding the spectrum of intracranial parenchymal lesions in these patients. The aim of the present study was to obtain this information. To identify HIV patients with intracranial parenchymal lesions, the electronic database of radiological reports for 1,167 HIV-infected patients, seen from 1999 to 2008 at the Seoul National University Hospital, were reviewed. Neuroradiologic studies were performed on 165 of these patients, and intracranial parenchymal lesions were detected in 40 (3.4%) of them. Thirty-seven were male, and median age was 41 yr (range, 26-61). At the time of the diagnosis of intracranial parenchymal lesions, median CD4+ lymphocyte count was 40 cells/µL (range 5-560) and in 33 (82.5%) patients, it was less than 200 cells/µL. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (12 patients) is the most frequent intracranial parenchymal lesions, followed by intracranial tuberculoma (7 patients), primary central nervous system lymphoma (7 patients), intracranial cryptococcoma (4 patients), Toxoplasma encephalitis (4 patients), and disseminated non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection (3 patients).
Problems of financial integration in the EU

Abstract A drive for financial integration, especially in the field of securities trading, is a very significant feature of EU policy today. This paper makes a critical assessment of the central component in the financial integration strategy, the Commission's Financial Services Action Plan. It is argued that an exceptional degree of political agreement around the strategy has allowed it to succeed in spite of the formidable technical difficulties to which it gave rise. It is suggested, however, that further reformulations of the strategy will be needed, to cope with the aftermath of the recent stock market crash and to link the strategy more closely to EU strategies in the social sphere.
Market Orientation and Company Performance: Empirical Evidence From UK Companies

SUMMARY There has been little empirical investigation of a relationship between market orientation and performance, which is assumed to exist in the strategic management and marketing literatures. This limited empirical evidence is equivocal, and is dominated by only two US studies. The overall aim of the study reported in this article was to build on this limited empirical evidence about a relationship, by achieving new insights from another national business culture, namely the UK. Unlike the US evidence, the results from this study suggest that the influence of market orientation on performance is moderated by environmental variables. They suggest that market orientation may not be advantageous in highly turbulent markets, and in conditions of low customer power and high technological change.
Scaling up antiretroviral therapy in developing countries: what are the benefits and challenges?

There is a critical need for appropriate technical innovation and development, as well as dramatically improved health sector financing In recent years the case for antiretroviral therapy (ART) in those countries hardest hit by the HIV pandemic is seldom contested. Prior to the widespread availability of antiretroviral therapy in many developing countries, there were however frequent concerns expressed about the safety and feasibility of promoting widespread access to ART in countries such as those in Southern Africa. These concerns were premised on the potential “anarchy” that might be the result of weak health systems leading to widespread virological resistance,1,2 on the grounds that there were more cost-effective interventions available given the limited funding baskets at the time,3 and on the potential to do more harm than good if introducing large and complex new interventions into already weak and fragmented health systems, further increasing inequities.4,5 The first public-sector ART treatment programmes in developing countries (with the exception of Brazil) date back to 2000,6 and data are now emerging on the effectiveness of the interventions. Three clear messages are emerging from the accumulating outcomes reporting from public-sector adult ART treatment programmes in poor countries. First, treatment is effective for those accessing ART. Hogan summarised eight programmes from resource-limited settings,7 demonstrating a range of survival outcomes at 1 and 2 years on ART, but all showing marked improvements over the anticipated natural history without ART. The comparative median survival in those eligible but not receiving ART is variously reported as 24 months, and less than a year for CD4 counts of less than 200 and less than 50 cells/μl, respectively.8 More recently the ART-LINC collaboration demonstrated cumulative mortality at 1 year of 6.4% in 2725 patients across 12 cohorts with active follow-up procedures in place. …
Equilibrium Dynamics of an Endogenous Growth Model with an Erosion Effect and Duplication in R&D

This paper devises an endogenous growth model with physical capital accumulation, knowledge formation and R&D, in which technological progress has an erosion effect in human capital, and innovation is subject to externalities associated to the duplication of research effort. We provide conditions for the existence of a unique feasible steady‐state equilibrium with positive long‐run growth. For appropriate parameter values, the transitional dynamics of the model is represented by a two‐dimensional stable manifold. Numerical simulations show that the incorporation of an erosion effect, as well as duplication externalities, significantly increases the ability of the model to fit the observed data.
The effects of an uncertain country environment upon leadership and strategic planning practices

This study examines the nature of strategic planning activities of companies operating in high uncertainty country environments. In these companies, CEOs perceive strategic planning to lead to better decision making due to better clarification of goals and policies. The tools mainly used comprise financial analysis, SWOT and contingency planning techniques. The CEOs and the top management teams are particularly involved in the strategic planning activity. In contrast, middle, lower-level management and outside consultants play only a minor role.
Wnt/β‐Catenin Signaling Blockade Promotes Neuronal Induction and Dopaminergic Differentiation in Embryonic Stem Cells

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) represent not only a promising source of cells for cell replacement therapy, but also a tool to study the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular signaling and dopaminergic (DA) neuron development. One of the main regulators of DA neuron development is Wnt signaling. Here we used mouse ESCs (mESCs) lacking Wnt1 or the low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 6 (LRP6) to decipher the action of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling on DA neuron development in mESCs. We provide evidence that the absence of LRP6 abrogates responsiveness of mESCs to Wnt ligand stimulation. Using two differentiation protocols, we show that the loss of Wnt1 or LRP6 increases neuroectodermal differentiation and the number of mESC‐derived DA neurons. These effects were similar to those observed following treatment of mESCs with the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway inhibitor Dickkopf1 (Dkk1). Combined, our results show that decreases in Wnt/β‐catenin signaling enhance neuronal and DA differentiation of mESCs. These findings suggest that: 1) Wnt1 or LRP6 are not strictly required for the DA differentiation of mESCs in vitro, 2) the levels of morphogens and their activity in ESC cultures need to be optimized to improve DA differentiation, and 3) by enhancing the differentiation and number of ESC‐derived DA neurons with Dkk1, the application of ESCs for cell replacement therapy in Parkinson's disease may be improved. STEM CELLS 2009;27:2917–2927
Glucose and C-Peptide Changes in the Perionset Period of Type 1 Diabetes in the Diabetes Prevention Trial–Type 1

OBJECTIVE—We examined metabolic changes in the period immediately after the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes and in the period leading up to its diagnosis in Diabetes Prevention Trial–Type 1 (DPT-1) participants. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—The study included oral insulin trial participants and parenteral insulin trial control subjects (n = 63) in whom diabetes was diagnosed by a 2-h diabetic oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) that was confirmed by another diabetic OGTT within 3 months. Differences in glucose and C-peptide levels between the OGTTs were assessed. RESULTS—Glucose levels increased at 90 (P = 0.006) and 120 min (P < 0.001) from the initial diabetic OGTT to the confirmatory diabetic OGTT (mean ± SD interval 5.5 ± 2.8 weeks). Peak C-peptide levels fell substantially between the OGTTs (median change −14.3%, P < 0.001). Among the 55 individuals whose last nondiabetic OGTT was ∼6 months before the initial diabetic OGTT, peak C-peptide levels decreased between these two OGTTs (median change −14.0%, P = 0.052). Among those same individuals the median change in peak C-peptide levels from the last normal OGTT to the confirmatory OGTT (interval 7.5 ± 1.3 months) was −23.8% (P < 0.001). Median rates of change in peak C-peptide levels were 0.00 ng · ml−1 · month−1 (P = 0.468, n = 36) from ∼12 to 6 months before diagnosis, −0.10 ng · ml−1 · month−1 (P = 0.059, n = 55) from 6 months before diagnosis to diagnosis, and −0.43 ng · ml−1 · month−1 (P = 0.002, n = 63) from the initial diabetic OGTT to the confirmatory diabetic OGTT. CONCLUSIONS—It seems that postchallenge C-peptide levels begin to decrease appreciably in the 6 months before diagnosis and decrease even more rapidly within 3 months after diagnosis.