Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Historical determinants of government fragmentation: a cross country analysis 1

This paper aims to explain the large differences in the number of local jurisdictions and of government levels across the countries of the world by looking at how historical events shape the populations’ preferences for general public goods, more efficiently provided by higher tiered, larger jurisdictions, and local public goods, better supplied by smaller, lower tiered jurisdictions. Previous analyses explained these influences away by using fixed effects specifications. We instead find that a history of foreign invasions decreases the number of local jurisdictions and raises the number of government tiers, the same effect found for internal risks such as natural calamities. The shape of the land and linguistic fragmentation also generate preferences for local goods and increases horizontal fragmentation. The type of government also matters, as dictatorial regimes are flatter and less fragmented than democracies. These results are robust to alternative specifications of the empirical model and estimation techniques, including the joint determination of horizontal and vertical fragmentation.
Factors Associated With Failure of Metronidazole in Clostridium difficile–associated Disease

Goal: To identify patients likely to fail metronidazole as initial treatment of C. difficile infection. Background: For moderate to severe Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea, metronidazole is the drug of choice for treatment. Oral vancomycin is given to patients who fail metronidazole or have intolerable side effects. Study: Retrospective review identified all patients treated for C. difficile–associated diarrhea during hospitalization from January 2000 to September 2001. C difficile was documented by a positive toxin assay or pseudomembranes on colonoscopy. Metronidazole failure was defined as persistent symptoms of C. difficile–associated diarrhea after 5 days of uninterrupted therapy. Response was defined as improvement in symptoms at day 5 of therapy including reduction of diarrhea to ≤2 bowel movements per day. Results: 119 C. difficile–associated diarrhea patients were identified, and 99 met inclusion criteria. There were 61 (62%) metronidazole responders and 38 (38%) treatment failures. Albumin <2.5g/l and intensive care unit stay at/prior to diagnosis were the only variables associated with treatment failure. The odds ratios for treatment failure were 11.7 (95% confidence interval: 4.0–31.6) and 4.1 (95% confidence interval: 1.3–12.2), respectively. When considering these 2 variables together (low albumin, intensive care unit care), the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.80 for predicting treatment failure. Conclusions: Albumin level <2.5g/l and intensive care unit stay were predictors of failure of metronidazole therapy for C. difficile–associated diarrhea. These patients may benefit from oral vancomycin therapy at outset.
Warming spring air temperatures, but delayed spring streamflow in an Arctic headwater basin

This study will use the Mann–Kendall (MK) non-parametric trend test to examine timing changes in spring (early May to the end of June) streamflow records observed by the Water Survey of Canada during 1985–2011 in an Arctic headwater basin in the Western Canadian Arctic. The MK test shows a general delay in the five timing measures of springtime streamflow, which are based on the 5 percentile (Q5), 10 percentile (Q10), 50 percentile (Q50), 90 percentile (Q90), and 95 percentile (Q95) dates of spring runoff, respectively. However, much stronger trend signals were clearly noted for the high percentiles than that for the low and middle percentiles, indicating different effects of hydroclimate processes working on the timing of springtime streamflow. In contrast, the earlier snowmelt onset derived from daily mean temperatures was found over the 27-year study period. In addition, multiple relationships were correlated between these five timing measures of spring runoff and five hydroclimate indicators (total snowfall, snowmelt onset, spring temperature fluctuation, spring rainfall, and spring rainfall timing) in order to identify possible causes on the changes of springtime streamflow timing. The results indicate that the differences are due to the contradictory effects of winter–spring air temperature changes, temperature fluctuation during the melting period, and spring rainfall to spring runoff. The earlier snowmelt onset, which is attributed to the winter–spring warming, and spring temperature fluctuation that works in the opposite way, result in the minor timing changes of Q5, Q10, and Q50. The increase in spring rainfall and its delayed timing have a significant impact on the dates of Q90 and Q95. Moreover, the decreased total snow accumulation over the winter season only has a minor influence on the timing of springtime streamflow.
Data Dissemination with Dynamic Backbone Selection in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks

Efficient data dissemination in Vehicular Ad hoc NETworks (VANETs) has been a challenging issue due to vehicle movements, limited wireless resources and lossy characteristics of wireless communication. In this paper, we use dynamically generated backbone vehicles to disseminate information. The proposed protocol selects the backbone vehicles by considering vehicle movement dynamics and link quality between vehicles. The proposed approach can significantly reduce the MAC layer contention time at each node while maintaining a high packet dissemination ratio. We show the effectiveness of the proposed protocol by using theoretical analysis and computer simulations.
Origin and evolution of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Asia

Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza caused by H5N1 viruses were reported almost simultaneously in eight neighbouring Asian countries between December 2003 and January 2004, with a ninth reporting in August 2004, suggesting that the viruses had spread recently and rapidly. However, they had been detected widely in the region in domestic waterfowl and terrestrial poultry for several years before this, and the absence of widespread disease in the region before 2003, apart from localised outbreaks in the Hong Kong Special Autonomous Region (SAR), is perplexing. Possible explanations include limited virus excretion by domestic waterfowl infected with H5N1, the confusion of avian influenza with other serious endemic diseases, the unsanctioned use of vaccines, and the under-reporting of disease as a result of limited surveillance. There is some evidence that the excretion of the viruses by domestic ducks had increased by early 2004, and there is circumstantial evidence that they can be transmitted by wild birds. The migratory birds from which viruses have been isolated were usually sick or dead, suggesting that they would have had limited potential for carrying the viruses over long distances unless subclinical infections were prevalent. However, there is strong circumstantial evidence that wild birds can become infected from domestic poultry and potentially can exchange viruses when they share the same environment. Nevertheless, there is little reason to believe that wild birds have played a more significant role in spreading disease than trade through live bird markets and movement of domestic waterfowl. Asian H5N1 viruses were first detected in domestic geese in southern China in 1996. By 2000, their host range had extended to domestic ducks, which played a key role in the genesis of the 2003/04 outbreaks. The epidemic was not due to the introduction and spread of a single virus but was caused by multiple viruses which were genotypically linked to the Goose/GD/96 lineage via the haemagglutinin gene. The H5N1 viruses isolated from China, including the Hong Kong SAR, between 1999 and 2004 had a range of genotypes and considerable variability within genotypes. The rising incidence and widespread reporting of disease in 2003/04 can probably be attributed to the increasing spread of the viruses from existing reservoirs of infection in domestic waterfowl and live bird markets leading to greater environmental contamination. When countries in the region started to report disease in December 2003, others were alerted to the risk and disease surveillance and reporting improved. The H5N1 viruses have reportedly been eliminated from three of the nine countries that reported disease in 2003/04, but they could be extremely difficult to eradicate from the remaining countries, owing to the existence of populations and, possibly, production and marketing sectors, in which apparently normal birds harbour the viruses.
Climate Change and Conservation in Brazil: CGE Evaluation of Health and Wealth Impacts

Abstract Ecosystem services are public goods that frequently constitute the only source of capital for the poor, who lack political voice. As a result, provision of ecosystem services is sub-optimal and estimation of their values is complicated. We examine how econometric estimation can feed computable general equilibrium (CGE) modeling to estimate health-related ecosystem values. Against a back drop of climate change, we analyze the Brazilian policy to expand National Forests (FLONAS) by 50 million hectares. Because these major environmental changes can generate spillovers in other sectors, we develop and use a CGE model that focuses on land and labor markets. Compared to climate change and deforestation in the baseline, the FLONAS scenario suggests relatively small declines in GDP, output (including agriculture) and other macro indicators. Urban households will experience declines in their welfare because they own most of the capital and land, which allows them to capture most of the deforestation benefits. In contrast, even though rural households have fewer opportunities for subsistence agriculture and face additional competition with other rural agricultural workers for more limited employment, their welfare improves due to health benefits from conservation of nearby forests. The efficiency vs. equity tradeoffs implied by the FLONAS scenario suggests that health-related ecosystem services will be underprovided if the rural poor are politically weaker than the urban rich. In conclusion, we briefly discuss the pros and cons of the CGE strategy for valuing ecosystem-mediated health benefits and evaluating contemporary policies on climate change mitigation.
Normal values of cardiac mechanical synchrony parameters using gated myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography: Impact of population and study protocol

Purpose of the Study: Normal values of cardiac mechanical synchrony parameters in gated myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (GMPS) are well established in literature from the Western population. The aim of the study is to establish normal values of mechanical synchrony with GMPS in Indian population and to find out whether it differs significantly from established values. Procedure: We retrospectively analyzed 1 day low-dose stress/high-dose rest GMPS studies of 120 patients (sixty males, 52 ± 11.7 years) with low pretest likelihood of coronary artery disease and having normal GMPS study. In GMPS, first-harmonic fast Fourier transform was used to extract a phase array using commercially available software. Phase standard deviation (PSD) and phase histogram bandwidth (PHB) were used to quantify cardiac mechanical dyssynchrony. Results: The values obtained were as follows, PSD: In men, 14.3 ± 4.7 (stress) and 8.9 ± 2.9 (rest), in women 11 ± 4 (stress) and 7.7 ± 2.7 (rest), and PHB: In men, 40.1 ± 11.9 (stress) and 30.6 ± 7.6 (rest), in women, 34.7 ± 12.6 (stress) and 25.3 ± 8.6 (rest). The value of PSD and PHB was significantly less in Indian population as compared with established values in literature. We also observed that synchrony indices derived from the low-dose stress studies are higher than high-dose rest studies. Conclusions: The value of synchrony parameters differs significantly according to population and methodology suggesting that specific population and methodology-based normal database for assessment of cardiac mechanical dyssynchrony should be established.
Obstetric Hemorrhage and Coagulation: An Update. Thromboelastography, Thromboelastometry, and Conventional Coagulation Tests in the Diagnosis and Prediction of Postpartum Hemorrhage

Globally, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. In the current treatment of severe PPH, first-line therapy includes transfusion of packed cells and fresh-frozen plasma in addition to uterotonic medical management and surgical interventions. In persistent PPH, tranexamic acid, fibrinogen, and coagulation factors are often administered. Secondary coagulopathy due to PPH or its treatment is often underestimated and therefore remains untreated, potentially causing progression to even more severe PPH. In most cases, medical and transfusion therapy is not based on the actual coagulation state because conventional laboratory test results are usually not available for 45 to 60 minutes. Thromboelastography and rotational thromboelastometry are point-of-care coagulation tests. A good correlation has been shown between thromboelastometric and conventional coagulation tests, and the use of these in massive bleeding in nonobstetric patients is widely practiced and it has been proven to be cost-effective. As with conventional laboratory tests, there is an influence of fluid dilution on coagulation test results, which is more pronounced with colloid fluids. Fibrinogen seems to play a major role in the course of PPH and can be an early predictor of the severity of PPH. The FIBTEM values (in thromboelastometry, reagent specific for the fibrin polymerization process) decline even more rapidly than fibrinogen levels and can be useful for early guidance of interventions. Data on thromboelastography and thromboelastometry in pregnant women are limited, particularly during the peripartum period and in women with PPH, so more research in this field is needed. Target Audience: Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians Learning Objectives: After participating in this CME activity, physicians should be better able to manage postpartum hemorrhage and to evaluate the possible uses of thromboelastography and thromboelastometry to treat obstetric hemorrhage.
Emerging Bioinformatic Networks: Contesting the Public Meaning of Private and the Private Meaning of Public

This paper explores the complexity of public/private identities in the emerging global economies of gene sequence mapping and analysis. In so doing we seek to offer a less over-determined acccount of what it means to describe institutional actors as either 'public' or 'private'. Instead, these 'codes' can be seen to offer actors a means of mutual positioning that, more usually conceals broader interdependencies within the world's bioinformatics networks.
[Results of parasitological examinations of faecal samples from horses, ruminants, pigs, dogs, cats, hedgehogs and rabbits between 1998 and 2002].

The results of coproscopical examinations in horses, ruminants, pigs, dogs, cats, hedgehogs and rabbits between 1998 and 2002 are presented. In 4399 samples from horses 37.4% stages of strongylids, 1.4% anoplocephalids, 1.3% Strongyloides westeri, 0.9% Parascaris equorum, 0.04% Oxyuris equi, 0.04% Eimeria sp. and 0.04% Fasciola hepatica were found. In 998 samples of cattle 22.1% stages of strongylids, 11.2% of Eimeria spp. , 3.5% of cryptosporidium, 2.9% of Moniezia spp. , 1.3% of Trichuris spp. , 0.7% of Dictyocaulus sp. , 0.6% of Fasciola hepatica, 0.6% of Strongyloides sp. , 0.5% of Nematodirus spp. and 0.4% of Capillaria sp. could be detected. In 524 samples of sheep 60.7% eggs of strongylids, 43.1% oozysts of Eimeria spp. , 11.1% stages of Nematodirus spp. , 9.5% of Moniezia spp. , 7.8% of Trichuris spp. , 6.7% of Strongyloides sp. , 1.7% of Fasciola hepatica, 1% of Capillaria spp. , 0.4% of protostrongylidae, 0.2% of Skrjabinema sp. and 0.2% of Dictyocaulus sp. were found. 33.9% of the 118 samples of goats that were examined were positive for oocysts of Eimeria spp. , 30.5% for eggs of strongylids, 6.8% for Nematodirus spp. , 4.2% for Trichuris spp. , 3.4% for Moniezia spp. , 0.8 for protostrongylids and 0.8% for Strongyloides sp. 5.7% of 1427 samples of pigs contained stages of strongylids, 1.5% of Ascaris suum, 0.4% of Isospora, 0.3% of Eimeria spp. , 0.3% of Trichuris sp. , 0.1% of Giardia sp. , 0.1% of cryptosproidium as well as 0.1% of metastrongylids. In 1281 of the samples of dogs 2.3% Giardia sp. , 2.3% Isospora sp. , 2.2% Toxocara canis, 1.4% ancylostomids, 0.8% taeniids, 0.6% larvae of Crenosoma sp. , 0.2% Capillaria sp, 0.2% Trichuris vulpis and 0.2% Hammondia-like oocysts were found. In 441 samples of cats 10.7% stages of Isospora sp. , 3.9% eggs of Toxocara cati, 1.6% of ancylostomids, 1.4% of taeniids, 1.1% of Giardia sp. , 0.7% of Toxoplasma-like oocysts, 0.7% of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, 0.5% of Toxascaris leonina and 0.2% of Capillaria spp. were found. Furthermore 0.2% of the samples contained proglottids of Mesocestoides and 0.2% stages of Dipylidium sp. Eggs of Capillaria sp. were found in 33% of the 106 samples of hedgehogs, larvae of Crenosoma striatum in 27.4%, oocysts of Isospora sp. in 5.7% of the cases. In 232 samples of rabbits 56.9% oocysts of Eimeria sp. , 4.8% stages of Passalurus ambiguus, 1.3% of strongylids, 0.9% of Strongyloides sp. , 0.4% of trematodes were found.
Do Taxes Matter? Lessons from the 1980s

The response of the economy to two major -- although in important respects offsetting -- tax reforms has been much smaller than ardent supply-side revolutionaries expected, thus suggesting that a reassessment of the grounds for revolt is in order. This paper offers such a reassessment by first discussing how the evidence from the tax reforms of 1981 and 1986 reflects on our understanding of the response to taxation -- with particular reference to savings and capital gains realizations. I then reconstruct a 1992 view about how taxes affect behavior. A unifying theme is that the tax system does much more than alter the relative prices of real variables -- it also provides incentives to misreport income, restructure financial claims, time transactions, change the legal form of organization, and so on. For this reason, observed low tax elasticities of real variables may be due to either low elasticities of substitution or the fact that tax policy changes opportunity sets in complex ways. Disentangling these explanations requires an emphasis on the transaction-based nature of the tax system and the administration and enforcement of tax laws.
Knowledge processes and learning outcomes in MNCs: an empirical investigation of the role of HRM practices in foreign subsidiaries

By examining the case of American and European firms operating in Japan, this article contributes to the central debate of how and when multinational corporations (MNCs) learn from their foreign subsidiaries. Through structural equation modeling, we assess how specific human resource management (HRM) practices (critical thinking encouragement, supervisory encouragement, learning incentives, deployment of internal mechanisms and processes, expatriation, and corporate training) enhance (1) knowledge transfer outflows from the subsidiary to other parts of the MNC and (2) the subsidiary's performance in its local market. We find learning orientation to be a key antecedent of all HRM practices we investigated. From a practical point of view, a noticeable finding relates to the lack of effects of critical thinking encouragement on market knowledge acquisition and dissemination when (1) there is a significant presence of expatriates in the subsidiary and (2) when local managers have access to training programs at headquarters (HQ) and other affiliates. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Key success factors for Russian‐foreign joint ventures

This article identifies key success factors (KSFs) for Russian-foreign joint ventures. Based on case studies of two successful and two unsuccessful Russian-foreign joint ventures, four KSFs are identified. The presence of the four KSFs is then assessed in a sample of 30 Russian-foreign joint ventures. To assess the generalizability of the KSFs, discriminant analysis is then applied to the 30 joint ventures to differentiate between successful and unsuccessful joint ventures. The results show that the KSFs can explain 83.3 percent of the variance in the performance of joint ventures in the sample.
Sustaining Fiscal Policy through Immigration

Using a calibrated general equilibrium overlapping generations model, which explicity accounts for differences between immigrants and natives, this paper investigates whether a reform of immigration policies alone could resolve the fiscal problems associated with the aging of the baby boom generation. Such policies are found to exist and are characterized by an increased inflow of working‐age high‐and medium‐skilled immigrants. One particular feasible policy involves admitting 1.6 million 40–44‐year‐old high‐skilled immigrants annually. These findings are illustrated by computing the discounted government gain of admitting additional immigrants, conditional on their age and skills.
Impact of public sector reforms on service delivery in Tanzania

This paper is an investigation on the impact of public sector reforms on service delivery in Tanzania. The main question was to what extent the public sector reforms has contributed or inhibited service delivery. The question was considered imperative to conduct a systematic inquiry in this area. The paper was guided by three objectives and instrumental questions towards the achievement of its findings. The questions were identification of reforms that have been effected, an assessment on its impact on service delivery and finally identification of challenges that affect implementation of reforms. Review of documentary information relevant to the subject matter was made. To compliment on secondary information the author administered questionnaires to sampled respondents. Observation method was also adopted. Data was qualitatively analyzed. Also descriptive approach was used for primary data. The paper concludes that, public sector reforms in local authorities for improved service delivery in Tanzania in general have had many positive results despite a few challenges. Findings justifies that, currently the contribution of public sector reforms in local authorities has significant impact. Findings were in agreement with the literature that reforms are necessary for improved service delivery. However, the implementation came with challenges that needed to be addressed for fruition, enjoyment and cerebration on results of reforms. The areas that need a special attention include the existing legal frame work aiming at addressing corruption and other unethical conducts and training are the issues this paper recommends. Key words: Public sector reforms, service delivery and challenges
Characteristics of Age‐Related Changes in Cultured Human Vocal Fold Fibroblasts

Objectives/Hypothesis: Normal human vocal fold fibroblast (hVFF) primary cell lines are unavailable commercially and are very difficult to acquire, subsequently little is known about their characteristics. The purpose of this study was to compare the morphological and proliferation characteristics and gene expression of hVFFs from different aged donors.