Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trade Barriers or Trade Catalysts? The Effects of Phytosanitary Measures on U.S. Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Imports

U.S. imports of fresh fruits and vegetables have increased sharply since the late 1980’s. With increased imports come increased concerns that pests and diseases may infest shipments of fresh agricultural products. To address this concern, USDA’s APHIS implements phytosanitary measures that mitigate pest and disease risks. These regulations vary from documentation requirements, inspection, or requiring that shipments receive a phytosanitary treatment. A growing body of literature attempts to assess the generic trade flow effects of SPS measures. Still, little evidence is available to shed light on the nature, size, and scope of SPS standards and their role as “trade barriers” versus “trade catalysts. ” This thesis fills the void in the literature in two respects. First, a novel database on phytosanitary measures pertaining to U.S. imports of 47 fresh fruit and vegetable products from 95 countries is developed for the period 1996-2007. This disaggregated approach allows for the effects of specific phytosanitary treatments to be identified. Second, following recent literature, the issue of “zeros” is addressed while estimating a gravity model of international trade. The findings suggest that phytosanitary treatments initially inhibit fresh fruit and vegetable imports. However, their trade reducing effects are uneven across product sectors, development status categories and treatment types. Finally, globally large exporters facing a treatment requirement ship more fresh fruits and vegetable relative to small exporters facing the same regulation, suggesting the role of SPS measures as “trade barriers” versus “trade catalysts” depends on the relative size of the exporter in the global market.
Insulin‐like growth factor axis (insulin‐like growth factor‐I/insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein‐3) as a prognostic predictor of heart failure: association with adiponectin

Insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I is a regulator of glucose/fatty acid metabolism and may be involved in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease, but it remains unclear whether endogenous IGF‐I is associated with the prognosis of heart failure (HF). We investigated whether the IGF axis, the ratio of IGF‐I to IGF‐binding protein‐3 (IGFBP‐3), was a predictor of clinical outcomes in HF. The association of IGF axis with serum adiponectin level, a prognostic marker of HF as well as a regulator of glucose/fatty acid metabolism, was also analysed.
Reputation Capital of Directorships and Demand for Audit Quality

This study examines whether boards of directors use external auditing to protect their reputation capital. We hypothesize and find that audit quality increases with the level of directors’ reputation capital. More specifically, using ten-year panel data on Finnish listed companies, we find that our measures of reputation capital based on the number of directorships that directors possess and their compensation are positively associated with various proxies for audit quality. We also find that the observed reputation effect on audit fees is stronger in companies with an audit committee, and that reputation capital matters in auditor choice in those companies in particular. In combination, our results add to the literature on the reputation capital of those in charge of corporate governance.
The Use of an ERP System to Facilitate Regulatory Compliance

This article reports the findings of a case study conducted in a multinational organization that aims to investigate how an enterprise resource planning system (ERP) can facilitate control over reporting processes and thus ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. The findings demonstrate how the use of an ERP to comply with financial regulation can impact organizational roles. In particular, IT managers must ensure that the ERP addresses regulatory requirements for internal control over financial reporting.
Persistence of airway hyperresponsiveness and viral antigen following respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis in young guinea-pigs.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis in infancy is known to be followed by chronic respiratory symptoms and airway hyperresponsiveness in a subgroup of patients. To further investigate the pathogenesis of RSV-induced chronic airway pathology, we infected young guinea-pigs at 4 weeks of age with RSV applied as an aerosol (n=30), and control guinea-pigs with virus-free culture medium (n=24). Infection was confirmed by positive antibody titre to RSV after 6 weeks, and by typical pathological changes of bronchiolitis after 1 week in six animals from each group. Airway hyperresponsiveness was measured weekly for 5 weeks by histamine challenge, using body-plethysmographic measurement of compressed air (CA). The provocative concentration of histamine producing significant airway obstruction (i.e. CA = 0.1 mL) (PC0.1 mL CA in mg x mL(-1)) was calculated from dose-response curves. Six weeks postinfection, the lungs were investigated for the presence of inflammation and of viral antigen by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry using a rabbit hyperimmune serum and monoclonal antibodies. Airway responsiveness was increased in the RSV group 1 week postinfection compared to the control group (PC0.1 mL CA median 2.50 vs >10 mg x mL(-1); p<0.001) and this persisted up to 5 weeks postinfection (PC0.1 mL CA median 1.61 vs >10 mg x mL(-1); p<0.001). During the same period, viral antigen persisted in the lungs of infected animals, although there was less inflammation at 6 weeks postinfection than at 1 week postinfection. In guinea-pigs, respiratory syncytial virus infection of the airways causes persistent airway hyperresponsiveness over a period of at least 5 weeks. During this time, viral antigen, but not inflammation, remains detectable in the lungs and might be responsible for ongoing airway hyperresponsiveness.
PRODUCTION AND FTIR ANALYSIS OF BIO-POLYMER BY BACILLUS SP ISOLATED FROM VELLAR ESTUARY SEDIMENT

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) a lipid-like polymer of 3-hydroxybutyrate and the representative member of polyhydroxyalkanoates formed in many bacteria. In the present study, six different bacterial isolates were obtained from sediment sample and the bacterial isolates were screened on solid agar medium using Sudan black. On the agar medium, out of 6 isolates, one was produced PHB. The biochemical investigations of the isolated bacteria showed gram positive rod shape and confirmed as Bacillus sp. As the optimized conditions like salinity (2%), temperature (40˚C), pH (4.0), carbon (maltose) and nitrogen (yeast extract) showed higher PHB production. Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) spectrum of the PHB sample revealed 5 major peaks at 3430, 1651, 1645, 1636 and 649 cm-1. And the structural analysis confirmed the presence of polyester group. On the basis of data obtained in this study it is concluded that the Bacillus sp is capable of producing PHB and can be used for manufacturing of biodegradable goods.
The Importance of Graft Placement and Task Complexity for Transplant‐Induced Recovery of Simple and Complex Sensorimotor Deficits in Dopamine Denervated Rats

The present study examined the role of graft placement and behavioural task complexity in determining the functional efficacy of intrastriatal grafts of dopamine‐rich fetal ventral mesencephalon (VM) placed in the dopamine (DA) depleted striatum. The functional effects of two different striatal placements of VM grafts were evaluated using tests of drug‐induced motor asymmetry, simple sensorimolor orienting response, and a more complex sensorimotor integrative task (disengage behaviour), in which the rat has to perform the orienting response while in the act of eating. Rats with complete unilateral 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) lesions of the mesostriatal DA pathway, received either implants of dissociated fetal VM in the central or ventrolateral portions of the denervated striatum. Nongrafted lesioned rats served as controls. Nine weeks after grafting, the rats were tested on separate days for disengage behaviour, sensorimotor orientation, and amphetamine‐induced rotational behaviour. Consistent with previous findings, the two graft placements had differential effects on drug‐induced motor asymmetry and sensorimotor responses: the centrally placed VM grafts reversed amphetamine‐induced rotational asymmetry but had little effect on the sensorimotor deficit, whereas the ventrolaterally placed grafts reversed the sensorimotor orientation deficits without any effect on the drug‐induced rotation. In contrast, fetal VM grafts, regardless of their placement, did not ameliorate the observed deficits in disengage behaviour; that is the grafted rats that had recovered their sensorimotor response in the absence of food were unable to perform the same orienting response while eating. These results provide evidence that functional intrastriatal VM grafts which are capable of restoring sensorimotor responses or motor asymmetry fail to affect lesion‐induced deficits in a task that requires more complex sensorimotor integration. It is suggested that the degree of anatomical integration of the grafted DA neurons into the host circuitry will determine the efficacy of the grafts to influence more complex sensorimotor integrative deficits in the DA lesion model.
Effectiveness of central bank communication on financial markets in emerging economies, with a special focus on China

Central bank communication has become an important monetary policy tool. This is because it helps to improve the effectiveness of monetary policy by sharing information, which reduces uncertainty. Previous research on the topic has concentrated on central banks in developed economies, such as the Bank of England, the European Central Bank, and the Federal Reserve. This research contributes to the literature by providing insights from the perspective of emerging economies, where communications of Chinese and Indian central banks are examined. The first empirical chapter investigates the effectiveness of communication of People s Bank of China (PBOC) on Chinese financial markets: the interbank money market, the equity market, and foreign exchange markets, are analysed using time-series models. The main focus of the chapter includes an analysis of PBOC s credibility, construction of a new communication index on global economic outlook, more detailed communication indexes, and addressing how-to-communicate questions in the PBOC s communication strategies. The results indicate that the PBOC has credibility and its communication generally reduces volatility in these markets. The second empirical chapter looks at the role of the PBOC s communication in predicting policy rates, using an ordered probit model. The communication indexes constructed in the chapter cover both formal and informal communications of PBOC for 2009 to 2015 and a new communication index on money supply was also constructed. The main finding is that PBOC s communications (particularly on inflation) are useful for predicting PBOC s monetary policy stance. The money supply communication index has some, but not much predictability powers. Finally, the third empirical chapter compares central bank communications in China and India. The contribution of the chapter lies in the comparative analysis of two central banks communications of developing economies, which were overlooked in the extant literature. It shows that the communications on the countries monetary policy inclination have influence on macroeconomic variables of the countries, particularly, the short-term inflation expectations. The findings, therefore, suggest the effectiveness of communications as an unconventional monetary policy tool in emerging economies.
Clinical development of therapeutic recombinant proteins.

Only a small subset of the therapeutics that enter clinical studies will prove to be safe and effective in humans and gain approval for marketing. The success of the products and, by inference, the sponsoring companies can be measured by tracking advancement through the clinical phase and review transitions to marketing approval. To determine phase transition probabilities and approval success rates for recombinant protein (rDNA) therapeutics, the Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development collected data for 271 rDNA therapeutics that entered clinical study between 1980 and 2002. The data were stratified into eight therapeutic categories. Approval success rates were calculated for rDNA therapeutics with two possible fates: (i) approval in any country and (ii) U.S. approval only. Global approval success rates ranged from 23% to 63%, and U.S. approval success rates ranged from 17% to 58%. Trends in clinical phase lengths over five time periods and an overview of the rDNA therapeutics currently under Food and Drug Administration review are discussed.
The role of demographics and Facebook activities in users' concerns about online privacy

Online social networking sites, such as Facebook, have become an integral part of society –mainly due to a need for social engagement. Unfortunately, cyber-related crimes have increased owing to individuals displaying their personal information so freely online. The reported inconsistencies in terms of the associations of different users and user activities in terms of their levels of online privacy served as an impetus for this study. Against the backdrop of the uses and gratifications theory and the reported inconsistencies from previous studies, the purpose of this study is to investigate how certain socio-demographic variables and activities of Facebook users are associated with concerns about information privacy on Facebook. Data was collected through 210 selfadministered questionnaires. Results suggest that females are less likely than males to provide accurate personal information on Facebook. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between internet experience and a Facebook user’s privacy concerns. The value of this study lies in understanding the balance between privacy concern and sharing personal information, as well as to assist Facebook practitioners in terms of dealing with the issue of privacy for different Facebook users. Privacy concerns also have an impact on a user’s likelihood of implementing advanced privacy settings, and the results from this study may be able to assist Facebook practitioners to minimise the negative consequences of future Facebook interactions. Key phrases Facebook, internet experience, online privacy, personal information, privacy concerns Y JORDAAN TN NDHLOVU The role of demographics and Facebooks activities in users’ concerns about online privacy Journal of Contemporary Management DHET accredited ISSN 1815-7440 Volume 14 2017 Pages 940-962 Page 941
ATS/ERS statement: raised volume forced expirations in infants: guidelines for current practice.

Over the past few years, a series of documents (1–8) have been produced by the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society Task Force on Standards for Infant Respiratory Function Tests, and this document represents part of this series. The aim of this task force is to summarize what is currently seen to be good laboratory practice, and to provide recommendations for users and manufacturers of infant lung function equipment and software. Recently, infant lung function equipment has been developed and marketed that uses the raised volume technique. Because this equipment is now also available to clinicians as well as researchers, standardization of the technique is critical (9, 10). Although consensus has been reached on many aspects of the raised volume technique, there are still several issues that require further investigation. Therefore, the format for this article is to summarize what is current practice and the rationale for these practices and, where it has been possible to reach a general consensus after widespread communication on an international level, to provide recommendations. Areas that require further study to facilitate future developments in this field have also been highlighted. It is important to emphasize that the recommendations presented here apply only to spontaneously breathing infants and do not invalidate previously published data collected with less automated systems or without all the quality control suggested
The need for palliative care in the management of heart failure

Patients with heart failure and those with advanced malignant disease, who are the main focus of palliative care specialists, share many physical, psychological, and social problems. However, it might be inferred from the respective standard textbooks that cardiology and palliative care are mutually exclusive disciplines; neither refers to the other, the former failing to mention palliative care even when detailing the management of end stage cardiac failure,1 while the Oxford textbook of palliative care 2 does not envisage the extension of palliative care programmes beyond their present scope. There have, however, been a few articles from palliative care teams and cardiologists,3 epidemiologists,4 and psychiatrists5 which have begun to redress this situation by highlighting the problems faced by heart failure patients during the final months and days of life. The identified deficiencies in their care are compelling and need to be addressed. Conventional cardiological treatments are demonstrably inadequate or inappropriate for solving these problems, but some of the skills and experience acquired in palliative care could be adopted, or adapted to do so. A common misconception is that palliative care is specifically for the management of patients in the terminal stages of malignant disease. This is, in effect, a paraphrase of the Oxford textbook of palliative care definition2 and reflects the origins of palliative care in the hospice movement for the care of cancer patients. The World Health Organization, while also focusing exclusively on cancer patients, elaborates on the scope of the care which should be provided: “the active total care of patients . control of pain, of other symptoms and of psychological, social and spiritual problems is paramount”. 6 It notes that “Many aspects of palliative care are also applicable earlier in the course of the illness” and that it “offers a support system …
Identifying the best practices in green operations strategy of hospitals

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the best practices in the green operations strategy of hospitals. Design/methodology/approach A total of 25 cases from all over the world were investigated. The source of data was the annual sustainability reports that were retrieved from Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) database. The present research adopted the benchmarking method and the quantitative content analysis of sustainability reports. Then, the indicative models of best practices were developed by using two analysis approaches; within cluster analysis and across clusters analysis. Findings This study found four major taxonomies of green operation strategy in hospitals. The significant strategic groups were resources/waste management; electrical power management; non-hazardous waste management; and emissions/resources management. Indicative models for the relationship between actions and key green performance indicators were developed in the two stages of the analysis. Originality/value The best practices of green operations strategies in hospitals have not so far been investigated. Countries around the world should obey the new regulations for their environmental footprint; if they do, it will exert pressure on all sectors and organizations at all levels to take immediate steps to measure and improve their environmental performance.
The Agile Organization : How to Build an Innovative, Sustainable and Resilient Business Ed. 1

Given today's context of tough change, organizations need to be able to innovate as well as develop and implement strategy quickly and efficiently. The key to this is agility - a set of capabilities that can help organizations to rapidly adapt to changing circumstances. At the same time, resilience is also essential if benefits are going to endure over the longer term and if employees are to be kept on board. The Agile Organization focuses on how to build both agility and resilience at individual, team and organizational levels. It draws on a wealth of research, including the lived experience and learning of managers and HR and organization development (OD) professionals to show how it is possible to 'square the circle', becoming more sustainably agile while also enhancing employee engagement and resilience. The Agile Organization showcases the latest thinking - new organizational models, ground-breaking themes and case studies - that illustrate how organizations are addressing the challenge of developing organizational agility. Packed with helpful checklists and practice pointers, this book is a 'go to' guide for senior leaders and managers, HR and OD specialists who want to help bring about organizational transformation and create the new resiliently agile 'business as usual'.
Lamellar Body Counts for Fetal Lung Maturity Testing Lamellar Body Counts for Fetal Lung Maturity Testing

Diana Ramaðauskaitë1* Graþina Stanislava Dràsutienë2 1 Department of Obstetrics, Vilnius City University Hospital, Antakalnio 57, LT-2040 Vilnius, Lithuania 2 Vilnius University, Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Antakalnio 57, LT-2040 Vilnius, Lithuania The purpose of our study was to evaluate the lamellar body count (LBC) in amniotic fluid as a predictor of fetal lung maturity by using a Sysmex K-1000 hematology analyzer. The study was performed at Vilnius City University Hospital from May 2002 till June 2003. We conducted a prospective clinical outcome study in which 113 specimens associated with delivery within 72 h of collecting amniotic fluid were correlated with neonatal outcomes. The diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) was based on the results of the clinical examination by the attending neonatologist, the chest rentgenogram and supplementary oxygen requirement. All cases classified as transient tachypnea were considered as non-RDS cases. RDS was diagnosed in 18.6% of the infants (21 cases). The ability of LBC to predict fetal lung maturity was evaluated by calculating the sensitivity and specificity of each LBC value from 0 to 438,000 per μl. Receiver operating characteristic curves were then constructed to determine the LBC that would optimize the test’s ability to predict fetal lung maturity. With a cut-off point of 28,000 per μl the diagnostic accuracy for LBC was as follows: sensitivity 95.2%, specificity 88%, positive predictive value 64.5%, negative predictive value 98.8%. The LBC is a quick, simple, universally available and accurate test for fetal lung maturity prediction.
Sexual activity level and sexual functioning in women prenatally exposed to diethylstilbestrol.

&NA; Thirty women with a history of prenatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) underwent a detailed sexual history and were compared to a demographically similar sample of 30 women with a history of an abnormal Pap smear. The DES women were found to have less well‐established sex‐partner relationships and less experience with child‐bearing, to be lower in sexual desire and enjoyment, sexual excitability, and orgasmic coital functioning, but to be comparable (and low) with regard to such sexual dysfunctions as vaginismus and dyspareunia. Both potential psychosocial and neuroendocrine explanations are discussed.