Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Decomposing inflation using micro-price-level data- South Africa’s pricing dynamics

Inflation, or the general increase in prices, is the result of many unobserved adjustments. Only a fraction of prices change in a month. Some of those prices haven’t changed for over a year while others changed last month. Some are rising or falling faster than others. Some goods are on sale while others are not. These dynamics matter a lot in themselves as they describe pricing behaviour. But they also matter for economic theory forming the foundation of how these prices, and hence inflation, are predicted and forecast. We used a never-before analysed dataset of consumer goods prices to decompose inflation into the fraction of price changes (extensive margin), both increases and decreases, and the magnitude of those price changes (intensive margin). We found the following properties of pricing dynamics in South Africa. First, the average fraction or prices changing from 2009 to 2015 is 27.8 per cent, while the median change is only 12.5 per cent. The average fraction of prices changing per month can vary anywhere between 37 and 18 per cent. There is also substantial heterogeneity between products and over months. Second, the average magnitude of price changes 0.83 per cent, or just under 10 per cent annualised. Multiplying the extensive and intensive margins mean that monthly inflation averages 0.25 per cent, or 3.0 per cent annualised. Third, the variance in monthly inflation is explained mainly by the extensive margin, or the fraction of prices changing. This suggests that inflation in South Africa is state-dependent, rather than time-dependent. Fourth, the variance of inflation is mainly due to price increases (explains 70%). Fifth, sales prices account for only around four per cent of prices but help lower inflation from 4.8 per cent annualised to 3 per cent.
Factors influencing continued use of mobile easy payment service: an empirical investigation

With the fast dissemination of smartphones, Mobile Payment Service was able to spread widely in a short time. Especially, MEPS, one of the most advanced type of MPS, holds a significant part in the South Korean market. However, most research up to now has focused on the initial use intention. Considering the maturity of the market, previous studies have limits on interpreting the current market situation. In order to reflect the current status and predict the future market, we considered the continuous use intention. To do this, we adopted the VAM and conducted a survey on users who have used MEPS. Based on 182 respondents, this study empirically tests the research model using a structural equation model. We examined that all of the benefit side variables have impact on users’ perceived value and the perceived value has impact on the intention of continued use. However, none of the variables regarding sacrifice has impact. This study argued that because consumers only tend to pay attention to the expected benefits of the MEPS, and not its potential disadvantages, managers need to focus on how to offer greater benefits to consumers. Also, we believe that targeting users with high personal innovativeness will be helpful on the diffusion of MEPS.
The characterisation of the lymphoma cell line U937, using comparative genomic hybridisation and multi-plex FISH

The cell line U937, which has been used extensively for studies of myeloid differentiation, bears the t(10;11)(p13;q14) translocation which results in a fusion between the MLLT10 (myeloid/lymphoid or mixed-lineage leukemia [trithorax, Drosophila, homolog]; translocated to 10; alias AF10) gene and the Ap-3-like clathrin assembly protein, PICALM (Clathrin assembly lymphoid myeloid leukaemia). Apart from this translocation, very little is known about the other genetic alterations in this cell line that may represent significant events in disease progression. In this study, conventional G-banding, CGH and M-FISH have been used to characterise fully all of the cytogenetic alterations present in the U937 cell line. M-FISH analysis confirmed the presence of the t(10;11) and an apparently normal copy of both chromosomes 10 and 11. A t(1;5) translocation was observed as well as several unbalanced rearrangements. CGH detected amplifications resulting from duplications of 2q, 6p and 13q. These changes could result in fusion gene products involved in carcinogenesis or the positions of putative oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes. A good correlation between conventional G-banding, CGH and M-FISH was observed.
The impact of servitization on firm performance: a meta-analysis

Purpose Servitization has been recognized as an effective means for manufacturers to achieve superior performance. However, the servitization-performance relationship is controversial since prior empirical studies have provided inconsistent and even contradictory results. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to provide a quantitative review on the servitization-performance relationship based on research findings reported in the extant literature. Design/methodology/approach Studies from 41 peer-reviewed journal articles were sampled and analyzed. A meta-analytic approach was adopted to conduct a quantitative review on the relationship between servitization and firm performance. Findings The results confirm a positive servitization-performance relationship. In addition, the results reveal that the observed servitization-performance relationship is influenced by the operationalization of constructs (servitization and performance) and control variables (industry and region). Originality/value As the first meta-analysis on the servitization-performance relationship, this study contributes to the servitization literature and provides future research directions.
Plasma Rich in Growth Factors Improves Patients' Postoperative Quality of Life in Maxillary Sinus Floor Augmentation: Preliminary Results of a Randomized Clinical Study.

PURPOSE The control of postoperative discomfort may improve the patient's quality of life as well as treatment acceptance. The aim of the present preliminary report was to assess if the use of autologous platelet concentrate during maxillary sinus augmentation may have a favorable impact on pain and other factors related to patient's quality of life in the first week after surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is an interim report of a randomized single-blind study. Fifteen patients with atrophic edentulous posterior maxilla underwent maxillary sinus augmentation using deproteinized bovine bone matrix (DBBM) as the grafting material (control group). In other 15 patients (test group), autologous plasma rich in growth factors (P-PRP) was added to DBBM, then a P-PRP clot was applied to covering the graft before suturing and finally P-PRP was placed over the suture in liquid form. During the first week postsurgery, all patients filled in a questionnaire for evaluation of main symptoms and daily activities. The outcomes of the questionnaires of the two groups were statistically compared. RESULTS In the first days postsurgery, the group using P-PRP reported significantly less pain, swelling, and hematoma, and improved functional activities with respect to the control group. CONCLUSIONS The adjunct of P-PRP to the maxillary sinus augmentation procedure produced a beneficial effect to patients' quality of life in the early postsurgical phase.
Contribution of postexercise increment in glucose storage to variations in glucose-induced thermogenesis in endurance athletes.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the contribution of an increment in glucose storage to the reduced glucose-induced thermogenesis (GIT) characterizing endurance-trained individuals. For that purpose, glucose storage and GIT were determined during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in eight elite endurance athletes exercising between 6 and 16 h/week. Their values were compared with those obtained in five nontrained subjects submitted to two OGTT, i.e., before and 16 h after they had performed a 90-min vigorous exercise. As expected, endurance athletes exhibited a reduced GIT and a greater glucose storage during the OGTT in comparison to the preexercise values of nontrained subjects. Once the latter subjects had performed the 90-min exercise, their glucose storage during the OGTT was similar to the level found in athletes. This adaptation was accompanied by a significant reduction in GIT, which corresponded to 47% of the difference observed between trained and nontrained subjects when both groups maintained their usual life habits. Unlike GIT, resting metabolic rate (RMR) was found to be higher in athletes than in nontrained individuals. When subdividing the athletes into two subgroups on the basis of the duration of their weekly training, it was found that RMR was mainly elevated in those performing the higher amount of exercise. These results demonstrate that the reduced GIT characterizing endurance-trained individuals is partly explained by an increase in glucose storage during an OGTT. As further discussed, this reduced GIT is likely an indirect consequence of modifications of other energy-requiring energy processes rather than a direct result of the postexercise increment in glucose storage.
Evaluation in Nonprofit Organizations: An Empirical Analysis

ABSTRACT Many factors influence the extent to which nonprofit organizations engage in evaluation. Drawing on organization theory, nonprofit scholarship, and public administration research, we propose a set of hypotheses concerning the interrelationships between organizational characteristics and various aspects of nonprofit evaluation. We test these hypotheses using combined data from an original national survey and IRS Forms 990. Analysis reveals that although higher levels of staff compensation support many aspects of evaluation, higher levels of executive compensation exert negative effects. Additionally, evaluation culture mediates the effects of several variables on evaluation rigor and frequency. Practical implications are discussed for scholars and practitioners.
Foreign Ownership and Performance: Evidence from Italian Firms

Abstract This paper studies the impact of foreign ownership on a firm’s economic performance. We use a unique panel data set to test the foreign ownership premium by comparing our sample of firms based in Italy and owned by a foreign subject to a sample of purely domestic firms that, in order to have a proper counterfactual, were selected using propensity score matching. Our difference-in-differences results show the existence of a premium for the size, profitability, and financial soundness of the foreign-owned companies. The premium increases with time, is concentrated in the service sector, and disappears if the foreign investor is based in a fiscal haven.
POSSIBLE SOURCE OF SECONDARY INVADING STAPHYLOCOCCI IN MICE EXPOSED TO ACUTE COLD

Miraglia, Gennaro J. (Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, Pa.) and L. Joe Berry. Possible source of secondary invading staphylococci in mice exposed to acute cold. J. Bacteriol. 85:345–348. 1963. —In an effort to determine the origin of the staphylococci known to invade the deep tissues (liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs, and heart) of mice exposed continuously to 5 C in individual compartments without bedding, the intestinal tract was freed of these organisms, as judged by absence of growth when fecal suspensions were inoculated into selective media. Substitution of 0.01 n hydrochloric acid for drinking water eliminated staphylococci within a few days, yet the incidence of tissue invasion was unaltered. The coagulase-negative strains normally present in feces and in tissues persisted in tissues even though the intestine was seeded with a coagulase-positive strain by feeding contaminated food. Cultures from the external nares continued unaltered. This suggests that the respiratory tract is a possible origin of the staphylococci found in tissues of the cold-stressed mice.
Decomposing the determinants of fathers’ parental leave use: Evidence from migration between Finland and Sweden

The use of parental leave by fathers varies notably between countries. However, the underlying reasons for cross-country differences have not been explicitly studied. We use migration between Finland and Sweden as an instrument to decompose the roles of policy design and social norms in the differences in take-up rates between these two countries. First, we inferred the role of policy by looking at fathers from the same country of origin in various policy contexts. Second, we deduced the role of norms by examining fathers who migrated at different ages and fathers with spouses of different origins. We find that the large cross-country differences in fathers’ use of parental leave between Finland and Sweden mainly stem from differences in policy design. Norms seem to play a smaller but still significant role.
Harmonic performance of multiple sets of solutions of SHE-PWM for a 2-level VSC topology with fluctuating DC-link voltage

Voltage-source converter (VSC) based utility apparatus such as static compensator (STATCOM) and high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) transmission technologies has made the use of pulse-width modulated (PWM) control and insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) possible at development level and in a number of applications at commercial level. However, the presence of semiconductor switching losses associated with the high frequency PWM operation remains a serious obstacle for the reduction of the converter cost and the acceptance of the said system by the utilities. One PWM method to reduce the switching losses to the lowest possible level is the optimal PWM schemes also known as selective harmonic elimination (SHE) techniques. However, when SHE-PWM techniques are considered with the conventional topology, i.e. two-level topology, the multiple sets of solutions, which always existed, can now be derived through optimisation for the first time. The paper discusses SHE-PWM strategies for a classical two-level three-phase converter. The performance characteristics of the said topology are analysed and reported when a low frequency DC-link voltage ripple exists and a suitable method to obtaining immunity to such ripple between the DC and AC sides. Results are presented to indicate that certain considerations must be taken into account when selecting the set of SHE-PWM solutions that can result in a more optimum operation against other criteria to the harmonic performance.
Longitudinal study of the association between ABO phenotype and total serum cholesterol level in a Japanese cohort

The relationship between ABO blood phenotype and total serum cholesterol (TC) level was examined in a Japanese population to determine whether an elevated TC level is associated with phenotype A, as has been demonstrated in many West European populations. Such studies in nonwhite populations are scarce, and findings generally failed to demonstrate the relationship. Inconsistent results from cross‐sectional studies of various racial groups with widely varying ages raised an age effect as a possible explanatory factor. It was also suggested that the ABO–TC association may not be apparent in populations with low fat intake or low mean cholesterol level. These hypotheses are addressed by examining long‐term TC data collected serially from the unexposed controls of the atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima and Nagasaki who were participants of the Adult Health Study program at the Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission‐Radiation Effects Research Foundation between 1958 and 1986. The statistical method of growth curve analysis, through the mixed effect model of Laird and Ware [1982], was used to model age‐dependent changes in cholesterol levels within individuals. The effects of the ABO polymorphism in modifying the resultant growth curve are examined. We demonstrate that TC levels are elevated on average by about 4 mg/dl in phenotype A compared to non‐A in the Japanese (P < 0.00001), and that this relationship is maintained from early to late adulthood, independent of sex, body mass index, cohort status, or city of residence. Thus, phenotype A individuals may be more predisposed to cardiovascular disease through one of its major risk factors. This is the first study of the ABO–cholesterol association in the Japanese, and the first based on a cohort with longitudinally collected TC data. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Flow cytometric DNA analysis of ulcerative colitis using paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens: comparison with morphology and DNA analysis of fresh samples.

OBJECTIVES The detection of aneuploidy in colonic mucosa by flow cytometric DNA analysis has been advocated as an indicator of high risk for ulcerative colitis (UC) patients developing colon carcinoma. To date, studies have primarily utilized fresh tissue and have had two limitations: a significant number of possible false-positive findings (aneuploidy in the absence of detectable dysplasia) that may be due to DNA degradation, and the inherent inability to perform retrospective studies. The latter has compromised the adequate assessment of flow cytometric DNA analysis for its clinical utility in UC patients. Our objective was to attempt to overcome the limitations that have been present in DNA analysis by flow cytometry. METHODS After having established, in our laboratory, an optimal method that allowed reliable DNA analysis on paraffin-embedded mucosal biopsy specimens, we conducted three separate studies to address the above problems associated with DNA analysis with fresh colonic samples: 1) comparison of DNA analysis between fresh and paraffin-embedded colonic mucosal samples from UC patients without dysplasia, 2) correlation between morphology and DNA ploidy on paraffin-embedded tissues showing no dysplasia and various degrees of dysplasia, and 3) sequential analysis of fresh, normal colonic mucosal samples to further evaluate possible causes of false aneuploidy. RESULTS We observed 1) that there is discordance in DNA ploidy between paraffin-embedded and fresh samples showing no dysplasia in that aneuploidy was found in 33/46 (72%) of fresh samples, whereas 3/40 (7.5%) were aneuploid by biopsies from the corresponding anatomic sites. 2) There is excellent correlation between dysplasia and DNA ploidy results with paraffin-embedded tissue, i.e., none of 16 samples negative for dysplasia, none of seven samples indefinite for dysplasia, and seven of eight samples positive for dysplasia were aneuploid. 3) DNA degradation produced a spurious, near-diploid aneuploid peak in a normal colonic mucosal sample when it was left in saline more than 1 hr before analysis. CONCLUSIONS The above-described results demonstrate that performing flow cytometric DNA analysis with formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded biopsy samples is feasible and that this technique may provide more reliable ploidy results than does the use of fresh samples, when rapid refrigeration and/or freezing of the fresh samples cannot be accomplished consistently, and will permit retrospective DNA ploidy studies assessing risk of cancer in UC patients.
Pre-measurement rest time affects magnitude and reliability of toe pressure measurements

Abstract Objectives. Toe pressures are used to evaluate lower extremity healing capacity and screen for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Although toe pressures are commonly used clinically both as an independent measure and in the calculation of the toe–brachial index, the effect of pre-measurement rest duration on the magnitude and reliability of toe pressures is unknown. This study investigated the effect of pre-measurement rest duration on toe pressures. Methods. Seventy community-based participants meeting guidelines for PAD screening were recruited. Systolic toe pressures either at the left or right hallux were manually measured using photoplethysmography following 5, 10 and 15 min of rest in a supine horizontal position. Testing was repeated 7–10 days later. Results. A significant drop in toe pressure (3.86 mmHg) occurred between 5 and 10 min (p = 0.001). No significant change occurred between 10 and 15 min. Reliability after 5 min was excellent (intra-class correlation coefficient, ICC = 0.80, 95% CI 0.68–0.89), increasing slightly at 10 and 15 min (ICC = 0.86, 95% CI 0.77–0.92 and ICC = 0.82, 95% CI 0.69–0.89). Conclusions. Toe pressures stabilize after 10 min of rest in a supine horizontal position. Longer periods of pre-measurement rest did not improve reliability significantly.
INVESTIGATION OF CHITOSAN FOR DECORPORATION OF 60Co IN THE RAT

With the increased threat of terrorist release of radioactive materials, there is a need for non-toxic decorporation agents to treat internal contamination with radionuclides. In this study, low molecular weight chitosan was evaluated for decorporation of radioactive cobalt (60Co). The affinity of chitosan for Co(II) was tested in vitro using spectrophotometric and potentiometric titration techniques. For in vivo studies, the effect of chitosan on ingested 60Co was evaluated using F344 rats administered a single dose followed by oral chitosan. Chitosan was also evaluated for systemic decorporation of 60Co following intravenous injection with repeated chitosan administration over 5 d. Control animals received 60Co without chelation treatment. Excreta and tissues were collected for analysis using gamma-counting techniques. Results from in vitro experiments confirmed the binding of Co(II) to chitosan, with the postulated formation of a mixed cobalt-chitosan-hydroxide complex species; a stability constant was calculated for this complex. For in vivo studies, oral administration of chitosan significantly reduced systemic absorption of orally administered 60Co as evidenced by an increase in fecal elimination and decrease in urinary elimination. However, oral administration of chitosan lactate slightly decreased fecal excretion of 60Co. Further, oral administration of chitosan significantly reduced 60Co levels in kidney, liver, and skeleton compared to control animals receiving 60Co alone. By the IV route, chitosan slightly reduced levels of 60Co in tissues compared to controls, although statistically significant reductions were only observed for blood and kidney. Overall, this commercially available chitosan oligosaccharide exhibited promising potential; further studies are warranted to evaluate the optimal dosing regimen and chemical modifications to increase effectiveness.
Primary congenital glaucoma and Rieger's anomaly: extended haplotypes reveal founder effects for eight distinct CYP1B1 mutations.

PURPOSE Mutations in the cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1) gene are a frequent cause of primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) in different ethnic groups. Cytochrome P450 proteins are monooxygenases, which catalyze many reactions involved in the metabolism of drugs as well as steroids and other lipids. The repeated occurence of several mutations in various ethnic groups raises the question if founder effects or mutation-prone sites in CYP1B1 are the cause for this observation. METHODS A total of 30 individuals (26 PCG patients, three Rieger's anomaly patients, and one variant carrier), presenting 17 variants in CYP1B1 (15 mutations and two variations) were included in our study. We sequenced the entire genomic region of CYP1B1 and analyzed microsatellites flanking the gene in all individuals and constructed haplotypes for all variations using a combination of single nucleotide polymorphisms and microsatellites. RESULTS For the CYP1B1 genomic region, we identified five extended haplotypes associated with 17 variations. These haplotypes were complemented with microsatellite information from the region surrounding this gene. A total of eight CYP1B1 mutations were found more than once, each of them presenting one identical haplotype in different individuals. Six mutations were represented in different ethnic groups. CONCLUSIONS Our results confirm founder effects for most of CYP1B1 mutations. Most of these mutations must have occurred as unique events in the past.