Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alternatives to Custody in the New Zealand Criminal Justice System: Current Features and Future Prospects

Alternatives to custody in New Zealand have followed a format similar to criminal justice systems in the UK and other European countries but with a stronger emphasis on both punitive, work-based options like periodic detention, and more recently home detention, as well as restorative justice models. Much of current practice relies heavily on the now dated Criminal Justice Act 1985. However, a new sentencing and parole act is proposed for 2002. In this paper the authors review the current alternatives to custody in New Zealand, paying particular attention to issues arising from their recent research on home detention—surveillance, control and impacts on family members—and offering a reflection on the future prospects for alternatives to custody.
Financial and Housing Wealth and Consumption Spending: Cross-Country and Age Group Comparisons

In this study we explore the link between household expenditures and wealth across the age distribution by examining the elasticity of consumption spending from different types of wealth. We use a new source of harmonized wealth micro data for five countries: Canada, Finland, Italy, Germany and the US. Our results indicate that the effect of housing wealth dominates the effect of financial wealth in Finland, Italy, Germany, the US, and also in Canada for certain age groups. We find consumption responsiveness to housing wealth to be statistically significantly lower for younger households. The analysis also confirms the existence of between-country differences.
The Effects of Quercetin Supplementation on Body Composition, Exercise Performance and Muscle Damage Indices in Athletes

Background: Flavonoids comprise a large group of plant metabolites, 6,000 of which have been identified to date. Some studies have shown the increased aerobic performance and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and therefore fitness following quercetin intake as a result of elevated number of intracellular mitochondria caused by the flavonoid. Methods: This double-blind clinical trial comprised 60 male students having an athletic history of at least 3 years. Body composition, exercise performance, and some blood biomarkers were analyzed. The individuals were selected by convenient sampling, and then were assigned into four groups of equal number by using permuted block randomization. The first to fourth groups received a 500 mg supplemental quercetin capsule plus a 250 mg vitamin C pill, a 500 mg supplemental quercetin capsule plus a 250 mg placebo vitamin C pill, a 500 mg placebo quercetin capsule plus a 250 mg vitamin C pill, and a 500 mg placebo quercetin capsule plus a 250 mg placebo vitamin C pill, respectively, daily for 8 weeks. The participants were asked to continue their routine diet and physical activity during the study and they were monitored through phone calls or text messages. Results: Lean body mass, total body water, basal metabolic rate, and total energy expenditure increased significantly in the quercetin group after intervention. On the other hand, VO2max increased in the “quercetin” and “quercetin + vitamin C” groups following the intervention, non-significantly. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that supplementation with quercetin in athletes may improve some indices of performance.
The Differential Impact of Wives' and Husbands' Education on Contraceptive Method Choice in Nepal, 1996-2006

The effect of education on fertility, contraceptive behavior, and contraceptive method choice has been extensively researched in the family planning literature. The education levels completed by husbands and wives have been shown to be salient factors in determining the use of specific contraceptive methods. One issue that has been less explored, particularly in the context of Nepal, is how relative education between husbands and wives influences their choice of certain methods. One objective of this paper is to investigate the differential impact of the education levels of husbands and wives in Nepal on their contraceptive method choices using the Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys from 1996, 2001, and 2006. A second objective is to examine how the role of education in family planning use has changed over the past decade, given that significant changes in fertility and family planning have occurred in Nepal during this period. Multinomial logistic regression models are estimated to assess the effects of relative education and of the education gap between spouses on contraceptive method choice while controlling for key socioeconomic determinants of family planning. The results show that although the wife’s education is one of the primary determinants of the type of method chosen by the couple, the husband’s education has more influence on the selection of male methods. Furthermore, the effects of wives’ and husbands’ education differ by their relative education and by their education gap. Finally, differences in the use of any method of family planning by education level have narrowed considerably in the past decade, although differentials remain in the use of some methods. These findings highlight the importance of focusing on couples and involving men in family planning efforts because husbands do seem to play a role in choosing family planning methods, especially in the choice of male methods. ACKNOWLEGEMENTS Author thanks Vinod Mishra, Sarah Bradley, and Simona Bignami-Van Assche for their helpful comments. This research was made possible by a fellowship from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the MEASURE DHS project at the Macro International Inc.
Inequality of Income and Consumption in the U.S.: Measuring the Trends in Inequality from 1984 to 2011 for the Same Individuals

type="main"> This paper examines the distribution of income and consumption in the U.S. using one dataset that obtains measures of both income and consumption from the same set of individuals. We develop a set of inequality measures that show the increase in inequality during the past 27 years using the 1984–2011 Consumer Expenditure Survey. We find that the trends in income and consumption inequality are similar between 1984 and 2006, and diverge during and after the Great Recession. For the entire 27-year period we find that consumption inequality increases almost as much as does income inequality.
The Effects of Sulfur Dioxide Controls on Productivity Change in the U.S. Electric Power Industry

Data envelopment analysis is used to compute a cumulative Malmquist input-based productivity index for coal-burning plants in the U.S. electric generating industry in the 1980s. The authors account for inputs used to control sulfur emissions as well as emissions outputs, and decompose the index into changes in technical efficiency, changes in technology, and changes in scale efficiency. They find that productivity decreased from 1985 to each of their first three target years but grew in the 1985-89 comparison, and that 18.5 percent of their plants, and 27 percent of net generation, lie in the decreasing returns region of the production set. Copyright 1994 by MIT Press.
Propofol and spontaneous movements: an EEG study.

Spontaneous movements during induction of anesthesia with propofol were studied in 21 children aged 6-12 yr. The children were randomly assigned to group A (propofol 3 mg.kg-1), B (propofol 5 mg.kg-1), or C (thiopental 5-7 mg.kg-1). A baseline electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded during 10 min in children awake, supine with eyes closed and opened, and then from the beginning of induction until 5 min after tracheal intubation. Spontaneous movements were observed in all children in group A but only in 14% in groups B and C. The induction EEG sequences were similar for the three groups: after a mean latency of 12 s, the tracing showed an increase in frequency from 9 to 10 Hz (alpha waves) to more than 14 Hz (beta waves). This transition lasted approximately 2 s, followed by delta waves (2-3 Hz) that continued for 1-2 min. Finally, beta waves reappeared and progressively but incompletely replaced delta waves during the next 5 min. Neither spikes, spike-wave patterns, rhythmic theta waves, nor burst suppressions were observed. Spontaneous movements were recorded on videotape and analyzed after the completion of the study by a neurologist unaware of patient treatment. Videotape analysis of the periinduction period showed spontaneous movements to be dystonic and choreiform with flexion, twisting, or extension movements of all extremities. All movements occurred coincident with the appearance of delta waves on the EEG. Their dystonic nature and the absence of EEG abnormalities suggest a subcortical origin and argue against associated cortical epileptic activity.
A retrospective study of the safety of intramuscular ziprasidone in agitated elderly patients.

OBJECTIVE Authors evaluated the safety of intramuscular ziprasidone for use in acute agitation in an elderly population. METHOD Medical records were reviewed retrospectively to identify consecutive patients who were admitted to our neuropsychiatry service with the presenting complaint of dementia (DSM-IV) with agitation and who were given intramuscular ziprasidone and then administered an electrocardiogram (ECG) (N = 23). Some patients also had a baseline ECG (N = 14). QTc intervals were recorded, and significance was defined as a QTc of > or =450 ms or a 10% prolongation from baseline. A paired-samples t test was performed to compare the baseline and postmedication QTc intervals. Confounding factors were examined, and cardiac events (torsades de pointes, cardiac arrest) were recorded. RESULTS There was no significant difference in the QTc interval between the baseline and the post-ziprasidone values. One patient had a QTc greater than 500 ms and 25% over baseline, and therefore the medication was discontinued. The mean prolongation of the QTc interval was only 0.5 ms. There were no episodes of torsades de pointes. Other medications that the patients were taking did not appear to affect the QTc interval in an expected manner. CONCLUSION Larger studies need to be done to evaluate the safety of intramuscular ziprasidone in agitated elderly patients, a population with an increased risk of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes because of their age, comorbid conditions, and concomitant use of multiple medications.
On the effect of income and relative price on demand for health care: EC evidence

This paper demonstrates that the relative price of health care could be used to explain the conflicting results of the empirical studies which attempt to measure the income elasticity of demand. Our empirical results, based on a conventional model and cross-national data set for the EC, show that whereas health care may be labelled as a luxury good, the large income effect can be interpreted as merely offsetting the price effect.
Different Background— Similar Strategies

The literature on enterprises in Sub-Saharan Africa provides evidence that there are significant differences between companies run by members of the majority population and those run by members of minorities. Differences are frequently related to size, age and certain success indicators. However, it remains unclear whether decisions concerning the acquisition of personnel also diverge. This article outlines results of a questionnaire survey on recruitment methods of enterprises in Tanzania. The authors tried to discover differences in the recruitment strategies of Tanzanian-African and Tanzanian-Asian companies, but found none. The interpretation is that companies operate in similar business environments and face comparable exogenously given institutional restrictions. Thus, strategies of personnel recruitment seem to be alike.
A Time Series Analysis of Representative Agent Models of Consumption Andleisure Choice Under Uncertainty

This paper investigates empirically a model of aggregate consumption and leisure decisions in which utility from goods and leisure is nontime-separable. The nonseparability of preferences accommodates intertemporal substitution or complementarity of leisure and thereby affects the comovements in aggregate compensation and hours worked. These cross-relations are examined empirically using postwar monthly U. S. data on quantities, real wages, and the real return on the one-month Treasury bill. The estimated values of the parameters governing preferences differ significantly from the values assumed in several studies of real business models. Several possible explanations of these discrepancies are discussed.
A knowledge management based cloud computing adoption decision making framework

Cloud computing represents a paradigm shift in the way that IT services are delivered within enterprises. There are numerous challenges for enterprises planning to migrate to cloud computing environment as cloud computing impacts multiple different aspects of an organisation and cloud computing adoption issues vary between organisations. A literature review identified that a number of models and frameworks have been developed to support cloud adoption. However, existing models and frameworks have been devised for technologically developed environments and there has been very little examination to determine whether the factors that affect cloud adoption in technologically developing countries are different. The primary research carried out for this thesis included an investigation of the factors that influence cloud adoption in Saudi Arabia, which is regarded as a technologically developing country. This thesis presents an holistic Knowledge Management Based Cloud Adoption Decision Making Framework which has been developed to support decision makers at all stages of the cloud adoption decision making process. The theoretical underpinnings for the research come from Knowledge Management, including the literature on decision making, organisational learning and technology adoption and technology diffusion theories. The framework includes supporting models and tools, combining the Analytical Hierarchical Process and Case Based Reasoning to support decision making at Strategic and Tactical levels and the Pugh Decision Matrix at the Operational level. The Framework was developed based on secondary and primary research and was validated with expert users. The Framework is customisable, allowing decision makers to set their own weightings and add or remove decision making criteria. The results of validation show that the framework enhances Cloud Adoption decision making and provides support for decision makers at all levels of the decision making process.
Impact of business diversification on South African construction companies' corporate performance

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate and examine whether there is any significant relationship between the extent of business diversification and the performance of construction firms in South Africa. The rationale for the examination stems from the view that the relationship between diversification and the performance of construction firms raises important issues in strategic management and cross‐border business. In contractors' growth however, there is a dearth of empirical research and theoretical arguments regarding the effects of business diversification on construction company performance in South Africa.Design/methodology/approach – The study employed the use of a case study and archival approaches using semi‐structured interviews to elicit primary qualitative and quantitative data over a period of five years for large construction companies listed in Grade 7‐9 on the Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) contractor register. The scope of services and geographic diversific.
Miniaturized Microstrip-to-Waveguide Transition Using Capacitance-Compensated Broadside-Coupled Microstrip Line

In this paper, a compact microstrip-to-waveguide transition using the quarter-wavelength broadside-coupled microstrip line (BCML) is proposed. The 15-dB fractional bandwidth of this transition is 20.95%, which could only cover part of the X-band (8.2-12.4 GHz). In order to enhance the bandwidth, the capacitance-compensated BCML is used to replace the quarter-wavelength BCML. The microstrip-to-waveguide transition using the capacitance-compensated BCML, which is as compact as the transition using the quarter-wavelength BCML, has 37.33% 15-dB fractional bandwidth, almost covering the whole X-band. To verify the simulation results, back-to-back microstrip-to-waveguide transitions using the quarter-wavelength BCML or the capacitance-compensated BCML are fabricated and measured where the measurement results are in good agreement with the simulation results for both designs.
The Market Value of Corporate Votes: Theory and Evidence from Option Prices

type="main"> This paper proposes a new method using option prices to estimate the market value of the shareholder voting rights associated with a stock. The method consists of synthesizing a nonvoting share using put-call parity, and comparing its price to that of the underlying stock. Empirically, we find this measure of the value of voting rights to be positive and increasing in the time to expiration of synthetic stocks. The measure also increases around special shareholder meetings, periods of hedge fund activism, and M&A events. The method is likely useful in studies of corporate control and also has asset pricing implications.
Relevance of C1 and C2 Epitopes for Hemopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Role for Sequential Acquisition of HLA-C-Specific Inhibitory Killer Ig-Like Receptor1

Killer Ig-like receptors (KIR) and HLA class I ligands were studied in unrelated hemopoietic stem cell transplantation for chronic myeloid leukemia (n = 108). Significantly improved overall survival was observed in patients, which were homozygous for HLA-C-encoded group 1 (C1) ligands compared with those with group 2 (C2) ligands. Favorable outcome in the former patient group was an early effect that was highly significant in patients transplanted with G-CSF-mobilized peripheral blood and patients with advanced disease stages. In contrast, presence of C1 ligands in the donor was associated with significantly reduced patient survival. The differential roles of the two HLA-C ligands are explained in the context of a biased NK cell reconstitution, which is generally dominated by the presence of C1- but absence of C2-specific NK cells. The clinical observations are corroborated by in vitro experiments showing that NK cells derived from hemopoietic progenitor cells generally acquire the C1-specific inhibitory KIR2DL2/3 at earlier time points and with higher frequency than the C2-specific KIR2DL1. These findings define a novel determinant for understanding the role of NK cells in clinical hemopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Personal Sun Exposure and Serum 25‐hydroxy Vitamin D Concentrations

Solar ultraviolet‐B radiation (UVB) is essential for epidermal vitamin D production. We aimed to quantitate the relationship between personal solar UV exposure and serum 25hydroxy vitamin D (25[OH]D) concentration. Blood was collected for 25(OH)D analysis in 207 South Australian adults aged 27–61 years. At the time of blood collection, each participant completed a questionnaire, which included a calendar for recall of sun exposure in the preceding 16 weeks. We examined the association between solar UV exposure and serum 25(OH)D graphically from smoothed scatter plots, and modeled it using multiple linear regression, with age, sex and body mass index as covariates. Estimated erythemal solar UV exposure in the 6 weeks before blood collection best predicted serum 25(OH)D concentrations. Serum 25(OH)D rose with increasing personal solar UV exposure to a maximum of about 89 nmol L−1 at an estimated mean weekly solar erythemal UV exposure of about 1230 mJ cm−2. The maximum was the same after accounting for clothing coverage and was reached at an estimated whole body equivalent exposure to ambient UV of ca 700 mJ cm−2. These results suggest that an average maximum serum 25(OH)D of ca 89 nmol L−1 is achieved from sun exposure in a healthy Australian adult population.
Depression Dynamics: A New Estimate of the Anglo-American Manufacturing Productivity Gap in the Interwar Period

During the interwar period the manufacturing productivity gap between the US and the UK became much larger than existing estimates suggest. In this article a new comparison of US/UK productivity levels for 1935 is presented, utilizing a more rigorous methodology to revise the widely used, but methodologically outdated, benchmark comparison by Rostas that was published in 1948. Secondly, the comparison is extended to take account of variations in input prices, and it is shown that double deflation has a substantial effect on the new benchmark, particularly at the industry level. Thirdly, labour input is adjusted for actual hours worked. US manufacturing displayed a much higher level of comparative productivity for the key industries of the second industrial revolution, such as chemicals and engineering. These results support revisionist accounts of the depression's strengthening of US productivity leadership.
Restructuring Top Management: Evidence from Corporate Spinoffs

We examine corporate spinoffs as events through which top management is restructured. Our main findings are: (1) firm‐specific human capital and human capital, in the form of governance expertise and top management experience, affect the composition of spinoff firms’ top management; (2) spinoff top management structure is related to the value created by a spinoff; and (3), for a subsample of firms, spinoffs serve as a form of management dismissal, with the opportunity to manage a smaller, weaker spinoff firm serving as a “consolation prize. ”
How, Where and When does Discourse Matter in Small States' Welfare State Adjustment?

Since the 1970s small states seem to have had all the problems of big states and then some. Most importantly, that which had distinguished them most as a group in the early postwar years, their vaunted political institutional capacity to adjust to the international economy without significant problems, despite their greater openness to it, seemed to have been lost. They differed not only in whether and when they experienced economic crisis but also in whether and when they mustered the political institutional capacity to resolve the crisis. Most scholars explain these differential trajectories since the 1970s in terms of small states’ differences in economic vulnerability, in policy legacies, in policy preferences, in policy responses, and in political institutional capacity. In what follows, I will argue that discourse—understood as encompassing both a set of policy ideas and an interactive process of policy construction and communication—also matters. To illustrate, I explore the role of discourse in welfare state adjustment in small states, using examples of advanced European welfare states, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Denmark, Sweden and Switzerland. I proceed by first discussing the mediating factors generally brought in to explain small states’ differential policy adjustment. I then show why discourse matters, that is, why it should be considered as a mediating factor in policy change alongside other factors. I argue that discourse taken in institutional context can be seen as another form of institutionalism, providing a framework for the analysis of policy change that complements the traditional three institutionalisms. I then show how and where discourse matters, that is, how discourse helps create an interactive consensus for change and where institutional context affects discursive interactions. Lastly, I discuss when discourse matters, that is, when it has exerted a causal influence above and beyond the interplay of interests, institutions and culture.