Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Value of Understanding Child Welfare Services from Children’s Perspectives

If you go to a hospital, shop in a department store, visit a mechanic to get your car fixed, or even log in to a Web site, you will probably be asked for feedback about the quality of your experience as a consumer. In the 1990s, there was a significant movement toward consumer evaluation of mental health care services, which fortunately has continued (at least to some extent) today (McCran, Ross, Hardy, and Shapiro, 1999; Rapp, Shera, and Kisthardt, 1993; Owen, Rutherford, Jones, Wright, Tennant, and Smallman, 1996). Nevertheless, despite awareness of the need for and value of consumer evaluation of services, one group of consumers continues to be seriously underrepresented: children.
Discretionary Accruals: Signalling or Earnings Management in Australia?

We investigate the signalling effect of discretionary accruals (DAC). Although we find that discretionary accruals are insignificantly related to contemporaneous stock returns, we uncover that income-increasing discretionary accruals of GAAP-complying growth firms are significantly and positively related to contemporaneous stock returns. Furthermore, we find that this positive effect is stronger among firms with better corporate governance mechanisms, such as Board of Directors Independence, Audit Committee Independence and Large Shareholders’ Ownership. In addition to contemporaneous stock returns, we also find similar results with the future increase in dividends. Our findings are consistent with the argument that corporate governance can enhance the signalling effect of reported earnings of GAAP-complying growth firms.
Sinonasal inverted papilloma: narrative review

Abstract Background: Sinonasal inverted papilloma is a benign condition with the potential for recurrence and malignant change. Over the past few decades, numerous studies and reviews have addressed different aspects of this condition. Objective: To amalgamate the current literature on inverted papilloma, in order to review the evidence and consider the gaps in current knowledge. Methods: Retrospective, narrative review. Results: The reported incidence of inverted papilloma varies between centres and is affected by selection bias. The exact aetiology of inverted papilloma is not fully understood. Currently, there is no reliable histological or biological marker to predict the probability of recurrence or malignant transformation. There is no universally accepted staging system available for sinonasal inverted papilloma. Complete surgical removal of the tumour is the mainstay of treatment, but the method of choice depends on the extent of the disease, the skill of the surgeon and the technology available. Conclusion: In order to compare different studies and to enable meta-analysis of the literature, there should be a universally accepted staging and classification system for sinonasal inverted papilloma. Further research on the aetiology of sinonasal inverted papilloma, and on biological markers for its recurrence and malignant transformation, is required. To enable meaningful future research, we would encourage multicentre participation with a consensus on management.
Unspeakable crimes against children. Sexual violence in conflict.

In a disturbing new report Save the Children has collated figures and testimonies on sexual abuse of children from a range of countries affected by conflict over the past decade including Democratic Republic of the Congo Liberia and Colombia. Reliable data on the issue is limited as much sexual abuse goes unreported but taken together the figures collated in the report indicate that children frequently make up the majority of sexual abuse victims in war and its aftermath.
Governing by Panic

The Eurozone’s reaction to the crisis beginning in late 2008 involved not only efforts to mitigate the arbitrarily destructive effects of markets but also vigorous pursuit of policies aimed at austerity and deflation. To explain this paradoxical outcome, I build on Karl Polanyi’s account of a similar deadlock in the 1930s. Polanyi argued that a society-protecting response to malfunctioning markets was limited under the gold standard by the prospect of currency panic, which bankers used to push for austerity, deflationary policies, and labor’s political marginalization. I reconstruct Polanyi’s “governing by panic” theory to explain Eurozone policy during three key episodes of sovereign bond market panic in 2010–12. By threatening to allow financial panics to continue, the European Central Bank promoted policies and institutional changes aimed at austerity and deflation, limiting the protective response. Germany’s Ordoliberalism, and its weight in European affairs, contributed to the credibility of this threat.
Parametric and Threshold Studies of Single Event Sensitivity

There are a number of papers that examine single event effect (SEE) sensitivities. This paper examines published results and demonstrates how the SEE critical charge is related to various parameters. Depending on the type of circuit and the type of test, the critical charge may increase or decrease linearly, or increase quadratically or as the square root of the test parameter. Parametric studies of SEE sensitivities are a very important tool for understanding SEE phenomena; however, they are much more informative when the data is fit using the log normal distribution. We examine the effect of various threshold fits on predicted space upset rates by comparing fits with Weibull functions and log normal functions. As the threshold region makes a very small contribution to the total upset rate, variations in the shape of the curve used to describe the threshold make a very small change in the upset rate. The exception is for very hard devices, where the threshold region makes a larger contribution to the upset rate as the steeper slope of the high LET part of the LET spectrum gives greater emphasis to the onset region. The relative number of upsets in space is the only operationally reasonable measure of device sensitivity. Relative upset sensitivity remains the same for nearly all proton and heavy ion intensive orbits. Scatter plots of space-upset rates versus device thresholds show little correlation. Device onset thresholds, whether determined by the first bit to upset with an exposure of 107 ions/cm2 or by the Weibull threshold, are not an accurate measure of device sensitivity. If one uses the intuitively obvious method of requiring a particular onset threshold as a surrogate for a given upset level requirement, wrong decisions will be made approximately 30% of the time. If upsets are observed at LETS below 15 meV/mg/cm2 , upset rates for protons in low earth orbit may be important. If upsets are observed below 120 meV/mg/cm2 (200 for SOI), system survivability needs to be examined. It is not necessary to use the onset threshold for either of these decisions. The threshold determined by laser testing is not the same as the onset threshold and this measurement may be valuable for hardness assurance purposes. There is a strong correlation between the figure of merit (FOM) and the space upset rate so this approach can be used for quick estimates of system performance.
A comparative study of neck muscle motor neurons in a cricket and a locust

The gross morphology of the neck muscles of a cricket (Gryllus campestris) and their innervation are described and compared with a locust (Schistocerca gregaria) (Figs. 1,2). The motor neurons innervating the neck muscles were stained in crickets and locusts with cobalt chloride introduced via the nerve endings in the muscle. The two species show overall similarities, not only in position of the neck motor neurons in suboesophageal, prothoracic, and mesothoracic ganglia (Table 1) but also in motor neuron morphology (Figs. 4–12). However, muscle 60 in the cricket is innervated by a unique motor neuron with its axon in prothoracic nerve 3, instead of sharing motor neurons in suboesophageal nerve 8 and mesothoracic nerve 1 with muscle 59, as in locust. Muscle 62 has the same attachments and innervation with similar motor neurons in cricket and locust but a different mechanical function in the two species. The findings are discussed with respect to possible segmental homologies and to the origins of the muscles as either dorso‐ventral or longitudinal. As several muscles share the same motor neurons, we suggest that neck muscle function be described in terms of “behavioural units of action”.
High Degree Atrioventricular Block Complicating Acute Myocardial Infarction Treated with Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Incidence, Predictors and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND In the era of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI), information on the incidence and prognostic significance of high degree atrioventricular block (AVB) in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients is limited. OBJECTIVES To assess the incidence, time of onset, predictors and prognostic significance of high degree AVB in a large cohort of consecutive STEMI patients undergoing PPCI. METHODS We retrospectively studied 1244 consecutive STEMI patients undergoing PPCI. Patient records were reviewed for the presence of high degree AVB, its time of occurrence and relation to in-hospital complications, as well as long-term mortality over a 5 year period. RESULTS High degree AVB was present in 33 patients (3.0%), in 25 (76%) of whom the conduction disorder occurred prior to PPCI. Twelve patients (36%) required temporary pacing, all prior to or during coronary intervention, and all AVB resolved spontaneously before hospital discharge. AVB was associated with a significantly higher 30 day (15% vs. 2.0%, P = 0.001) and long-term mortality rate (30% vs. 6.0%, P < 0.001). Time of AVB had no effect on mortality. In a multivariate regression model, AVB emerged as an independent predictor for long-term mortality (hazard ratio 2.8, 95% confidence interval 1.20-6.44, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS High degree AVB remains a significant prognostic marker in STEMI patients in the PPCI era, albeit transient.
Forecasting performance of private sector’s unemployment forecasts in advanced economies

Abstract This paper provides a full characterization of unemployment rate forecasts using the mean values from Consensus Economics for a sample of nine advanced economies between 1989 and 2012. It also assesses the performance of unemployment rate forecasts around business cycles’ turning points. We find evidence for biasedness, inefficiency or information rigidities and lack of accuracy of unemployment rate forecasts and the distribution of projection errors appears to be slightly twisted to over-prediction (which decreases during recession episodes). Additionally, there is a sense of ‘pessimism’ among forecasters during recovery periods.
Mercury and methyl mercury in fishes from Bacajá River (Brazilian Amazon): evidence for bioaccumulation and biomagnification.

This study assessed total mercury (THg) and methyl mercury (MeHg) concentrations, bioaccumulation and biomagnification of THg through the food web in fishes consumed by indigenous communities of Bacajá River, the largest tributary of the right bank of Xingu River. In total, 496 fish (22 species) were sampled. Nine species had THg concentrations above the limit recommended by the World Health Organisation (0·5 µg g(-1) wet mass), and one exceeded the recommended level for Hg in predatory fishes by Brazilian law (1·0 µg g(-1) ). The average concentration of THg increased significantly with trophic guild (herbivorous to piscivorous) and trophic level, with higher accumulation in fishes with greater total length. Ninety-six per cent of all mercury was methylated. These results suggest that feeding habits determine THg concentrations in fishes and that Hg elimination rate is slow during growth, which allows greater accumulation. These findings show that fishes in the Bacajá River contain high concentrations of THg and MeHg.
Early exposure of 17α‐ethynylestradiol and diethylstilbestrol induces morphological changes and alters ovarian steroidogenic pathway enzyme gene expression in catfish, Clarias gariepinus

Environmental estrogens are major cause of endocrine disruption in vertebrates, including aquatic organisms. Teleosts are valuable and popular models for studying the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment. In the present study, we investigated the changes caused by exposure to the synthetic estrogens 17α‐ethynylestradiol (EE2) and diethylstilbesterol (DES) during early stages of growth and sex differentiation of air‐breathing catfish, Clarias gariepinus, at the morphological, histological, and molecular levels. Catfish hatchlings, 0 day post hatch (dph) were exposed continuously to sublethal doses of EE2 (50 ng/L) and DES (10 ng/L) until 50 dph and subsequently monitored for ovarian structural changes and alteration in the gene expression of steroidogenic enzymes till adulthood. Treated fish exhibited morphological deformities such as spinal curvature, stunted growth, and yolk‐sac fluid retention. In addition to ovarian atrophy, DES‐treated fish showed either rudimentary or malformed ovaries. Detailed histological studies revealed precocious oocyte development as well as follicular atresia. Further, transcript levels of various steroidogenic enzyme and transcription factor genes were altered in response to EE2 and DES. Activity of the rate‐limiting enzyme of estrogen biosynthesis, aromatase, in the ovary as well as the brain of treated fish was in accordance with transcript level changes. These developmental and molecular effects imparted by EE2 and DES during early life stages of catfish could demonstrate the deleterious effects of estrogen exposure and provide reliable markers for estrogenic EDCs exposure in the environment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 439–451, 2015.
Deficient NLRP3 and AIM2 Inflammasome Function in Autoimmune NZB Mice

Inflammasomes are protein complexes that promote caspase activation, resulting in processing of IL-1β and cell death, in response to infection and cellular stresses. Inflammasomes have been anticipated to contribute to autoimmunity. The New Zealand Black (NZB) mouse develops anti-erythrocyte Abs and is a model of autoimmune hemolytic anemia. These mice also develop anti-nuclear Abs typical of lupus. In this article, we show that NZB macrophages have deficient inflammasome responses to a DNA virus and fungal infection. Absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome responses are compromised in NZB by high expression of the AIM 2 antagonist protein p202, and consequently NZB cells had low IL-1β output in response to both transfected DNA and mouse CMV infection. Surprisingly, we also found that a second inflammasome system, mediated by the NLR family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) initiating protein, was completely lacking in NZB cells. This was due to a point mutation in an intron of the Nlrp3 gene in NZB mice, which generates a novel splice acceptor site. This leads to incorporation of a pseudoexon with a premature stop codon. The lack of full-length NLRP3 protein results in NZB being effectively null for Nlrp3, with no production of bioactive IL-1β in response to NLRP3 stimuli, including infection with Candida albicans. Thus, this autoimmune strain harbors two inflammasome deficiencies, mediated through quite distinct mechanisms. We hypothesize that the inflammasome deficiencies in NZB alter the interaction of the host with both microflora and pathogens, promoting prolonged production of cytokines that contribute to development of autoantibodies.
Public Perception of Police Activities in Okada, Edo State Nigeria

Police is an important institution in society. However, there are activities of police personnel in public domain which constitute embodiment of integrity problem. In line with this direction, this study specifically investigated public perception of police activities in a semi urban area, Okada in Edo State. The study adopted descriptive cross sectional survey design. Study population consisted of members of resident community. A sample of 194 respondents was used and this size was statistically determined using Cochran’s formula. Data were collected at quantitative and qualitative levels. Method of data analysis was quantitative descriptive statistics and qualitative. Ninety-four percent of respondents had different forms of educational qualifications and 89.7% were 20 years and above. There were 30.0% of respondents that affirmed that police officers engaged in extortion on high way road. Respondents (12.4%) identified extra judicial killings associated with police activities. Other respondents (30.9%) maintained that police officers collaborated with criminals and 13.4% respondents identified harassment of unsuspecting citizens by police men. There were 69.1% respondents who claimed they paid for bail bond and 76.3% were victims of police illegal activities. Perception of service delivery by police men was rated moderate (43.3%), low (35.1%) and high (21.6%). There was consensus among police officials that some officers lacked integrity and public members were main collaborators that aided illegal practice. Police activities especially in Okada town, are fraught with illegal act and this really affected public rating of the organization. Therefore, there is need to intensify training and re-training of police officers especially in area of professionalism and public relations.
Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitor Gene Expression Suppresses Lacrimal Gland Immunopathology in a Rabbit Model of Autoimmune Dacryoadenitis

Purpose. To evaluate the effect of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor protein on lacrimal gland immunopathology and ocular surface disease resulting from induced dacryoadenitis. Methods. Autoimmune dacryoadenitis was induced in rabbits by injecting the lacrimal glands with peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) activated by 5 days of coculture with autologous acinar cells in a mixed cell reaction. In the treated group, an adenoviral vector carrying the TNF inhibitor gene (AdTNFRp55-Ig) was concurrently injected with AMCR-PBL. Tear production was monitored by Schirmer test, and tears were collected for detection of TNF-inhibitor protein. Frozen sections of the glands were immunostained for expression of CD4, CD8, rabbit thymic lymphocyte antigen (RTLA), and CD18. Histological sections of lacrimal glands were examined using the TUNEL technique to monitor apoptosis. Results. Soluble TNF-inhibitor protein was detected by ELISA in tears, with titers at a maximum on day 3, declining by day 7, and undetectable by day 14. Tear production declined in the induced dacryoadenitis group but did not change when glands had been treated with AdTNFRp55-Ig simultaneously with disease induction. Tear break-up time and rose bengal staining properties were not altered by treatment. Fourteen days after the glands were injected with activated PBLs, focal mononuclear cell infiltrates were observed around ducts and venules, some of which assumed the high endothelial phenotype, and between acini. Immune cells in the infiltrates stained positive for CD4, RTLA, and CD18. Glands that received AdTNFRp55-Ig concurrently with activated PBLs had decreased numbers of CD4 cells, CD18 cells, RTLA, and apoptotic cells. Conclusions. In vivo transduction of the lacrimal gland with AdTNFRIp55-Ig resulted in transient expression in the gland and the appearance of TNF-inhibitor protein in tears. The presence of soluble TNF-inhibitor protein partially suppressed the appearance of Sjögren's syndrome–like features of reduced tear production and the immunohistopathology associated with induced autoimmune dacryoadenitis but not tear break-up time and ocular surface disease. This may reflect immunoregulation in the lacrimal gland but not in the conjunctiva.
Voters, Parties and Representation in European Multicultural Democracies

This doctoral dissertation investigates immigrants’ political participation and representation in European democracies. It grounds on the observation that immigration to Europe has increased in the last years changing the ethnic and cultural landscape of the hosting democracies. These social phenomena raise several questions: How does immigration affect electoral democracies? Are immigrant and native voters alike? Or, does immigration emerge as a new social cleavage? Are parties concerned about immigration and open to include immigrant candidates? And, how are immigrants represented in national legislatures? This dissertation is an attempt to provide deep and systematized empirically founded insights on the transformations that national electorates, parties, and political institutions are experiencing in the so-called “age of migration” across Western European democracies.
Curving Entertainment: The Curvilinear Relationship Between Hedonic and Eudaimonic Entertainment Experiences While Watching a Political Talk Show and Its Implications for Information Processing

Two studies were conducted to test the relation between hedonic and eudaimonic entertainment experiences as well as their respective influence on information processing while watching a political talk show on TV. Assumptions from entertainment theory and positive psychology served as theoretical basis. A curvilinear relationship between hedonic and eudaimonic entertainment experiences was found through an online survey (N = 675). The second study (N = 132) was an experiment in which hedonic entertainment experiences were manipulated. Again, a curvilinear relationship between both entertainment experiences was detected. Furthermore, entertainment experiences were associated with information processing in a meaningful pattern. These results point to the distinct relationships and effects of different forms of entertainment experiences. Implications for political media and entertainment education are discussed.
Short-Termism and Capital Flows

During the period 2005-2014, S&P 500 firms distributed to shareholders more than $3.95 trillion via stock buybacks and $2.45 trillion via dividends — $6.4 trillion in total. These shareholder payouts amounted to over 93% of the firms' net income. Academics, corporate lawyers, asset managers, and politicians point to such shareholder-payout figures as compelling evidence that “short-termism" and “quarterly capitalism" are impairing firms' ability to invest, innovate, and provide good wages.We explain why S&P 500 shareholder-payout figures provide a misleadingly incomplete picture of corporate capital flows and the financial capacity of U.S. public firms. Most importantly, they fail to account for offsetting equity issuances by firms. We show that, taking into account issuances, net shareholder payouts by all U.S. public firms during the period 2005-2014 were in fact only about $2.50 trillion, or 33% of their net income. Moreover, much of these net shareholder payouts were offset by net debt issuances, and thus effectively recapitalizations rather than firm-shrinking distributions. After excluding marginal debt capital inflows, net shareholder payouts by public firms during the period 2005-2014 were only about 22% of their net income. In short, S&P 500 shareholder-payout figures are not indicative of actual capital flows in public firms, and thus cannot provide much basis for the claim that short-termism is starving public firms of needed capital. We also offer three other reasons why corporate capital flows are unlikely to pose a problem for the economy.A prior version of this paper was circulated under the title “Short-Termism and Shareholder Payouts: Getting Corporate Capital Flows Right. "