Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measuring economic ill-being using objective and subjective indicators: evidence for the Philippines

The mismatch between a country’s macroeconomic performance and the people’s economic well-being represents the overall economic ill-being in a society. This mismatch is measurable using objective indicators such as the inflation rate and the joblessness rate as well as subjective indicators such as personal evaluations on the inflation and joblessness rates. That is, the inflation rate shows the affordability of goods and services; and the subjective evaluation indicates whether people see the goods and services as affordable or not. In addition, the joblessness rate indicates the portion of the labor force that does not enjoy gainful employment; and the subjective evaluation indicates whether people see themselves as jobless or not. The results for the Philippines show a high-level of overall economic ill-being especially in the decade covering 2005 to 2014. This finding unveils a different scene from what the mainstream discourses are portraying as the current state of the Philippine society.
Linking vitamin D status, executive functioning and self-perceived mental health in adolescents through multivariate analysis: A randomized double-blind placebo control trial.

The aim of the present randomized double-blind placebo control trial was to investigate if vitamin D supplementation had an effect on vitamin D status, executive functioning and self-perceived mental health in a group of Norwegian adolescents during winter time. Fifty adolescents were randomly assigned into an intervention group (vitamin D pearls) or a control group (placebo pearls). Before (pre-test in December/January) and after (post-test in April/May) the intervention period the participants were exposed to a test procedure, consisting of blood draw, completion of cognitive tests (Tower of Hanoi and Tower of London), and the Youth Self-report version of the Child Behavior Checklist. Multivariate data analysis showed that participants with low vitamin D status scored worse on the Tower of London tests and the more difficult sub-tasks on the Tower of Hanoi tests. They also had a tendency to report higher frequency of externalizing behavior problems and attention deficit. At pre-test, the overall mean vitamin D status measured as 25-hydroxy vitamin D was 42 nmol/L, defining deficiency (Intervention group = 44 nmol/L, Control group = 39 nmol/L). However, vitamin D supplementation caused a significant increase in vitamin D status resulting in a sufficient level in the Intervention group at post-test (mean 62 nmol/L). The results also revealed that the intervention group improved their performance on the most demanding sub-tasks on the ToH. Overall, the study indicates that vitamin D status in adolescents may be important for both executive functioning and mental health.
Valuation of properties and economic models of real estate markets

Appraisals should assess the market value of properties and are necessary for buying, selling or building decisions, for lending and for taxation. Despite this unambiguous task different techniques exist for ascertaining market values. An valuation approach should be in accordance with economic theory and should generate appraisals, which are reliable estimates for transaction prices. This dissertation analyzes the three most important valuation approaches, i.e. cost, sales comparison, and income approach, shows the underlying market models and evaluates the valuation techniques that are codified in the German Regulation on Valuation (WertV). For the latter evaluations, appraisals are compared with observed transaction prices. In addition, the dissertation gives an overview on real estate price indices and on the hedonic approach. Extensive data on Berlin’s real estate market are used for the econometric analysis.
Climate risk and state-contingent technology adoption: The role of risk preferences and probability weighting

Climate risk represents an increasing threat to poor and vulnerable farmers in drought-prone areas of Africa. This study assesses the maize and fertilizer adoption responses of food insecure farmers in Malawi, where Drought Tolerant (DT) maize was recently introduced. A Field experiment, eliciting relative risk aversion, loss aversion and subjective probability weighting parameters of farmers, is combined with a detailed farm household survey. A state-contingent production model with cumulative prospect theory preferences is estimated. More risk averse households were more likely to have adopted DT maize, less likely to have adopted other improved maize varieties and less likely to have dis-adopted traditional local maize. Exposure to past drought shocks stimulated adoption of DT maize and dis-adoption of local maize. Over-weighting of small probabilities was associated with less use of fertilizer on all maize types.
MRI of trabecular bone using a decay due to diffusion in the internal field contrast imaging sequence

To characterize the DDIF (Decay due to Diffusion in the Internal Field) method using intact animal trabecular bone specimens of varying trabecular structure and porosity, under ex vivo conditions closely resembling in vivo physiological conditions. The DDIF method provides a diffusion contrast which is related to the surface‐to‐volume ratio of the porous structure of bones. DDIF has previously been used successfully to study marrow‐free trabecular bone, but the DDIF contrast hitherto had not been tested in intact specimens containing marrow and surrounded by soft tissue.
Reliability and validity of the maximal anaerobic running test.

Physically active men (n = 13) twice performed the Maximal Anaerobic Running Test (MART) on a treadmill and once the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) on a cycle ergometer. The MART consisted of n 20-s runs with 100-s recovery between the runs. The speed of the first run was 14.6 km.h-1 and the inclination 4 degrees. Thereafter, the speed was increased by 1.37 km.h-1 every run until exhaustion. During all tests oxygen uptake was measured breath-by-breath and blood samples were taken from the fingertip 40s after each run to determine the lactate concentration (BLa). Power at submaximal BLa levels and maximal power (P5mM, P10mM and Pmax, respectively) were calculated and P was expressed as the oxygen demand of running according to the American College of Sports Medicine equation. In the MART the Pmax was 108 ml.kg-1.min-1 and peak BLa was 15.6 mM. The reliability for the power indices in the MART were as follows: r = 0.92 (p < 0.001) for Pmax r = 0.80 (p < 0.001) for P10mM and r = 0.67 (p = 0.01) for P5mM. The average contribution of anaerobic energy expenditure was calculated to be 68% but it ranged from 64% to 72% during the MART. Although four out of seven of the correlations between the corresponding variables of the MART and WAnT were significant (0.52 < r < 0.59) they were not high. It is concluded that the anaerobic energy production is high in the MART, the test is reliable, and that the treadmill and cycle ergometer test measure slightly different qualities.
The Relationship Between Pricing Policies and Measures of the Economic Independence of Rating Agencies: Evidence from Fitch, Moody's and S&P

Rating agencies normally apply an issuer-pay model, which is acknowledged as a possible source of collusion risk. In order to control this risk, raters are requested to monitor only the yearly top customers’ revenues, without considering the value of multi-period relationships.Looking at Fitch, Moody’s and S&P customers for the time horizon 1999–2008, this paper evaluates the sensitivity of different concentration measures to the pricing policy adopted, highlighting the greater fitness of more comprehensive measures. The results also show that a multi-period horizon is less sensitive to changes in the discounting policy and more suitable for regulatory purposes.
Fibroblast growth factor 18 gives growth and directional cues to airway cartilage

The majority of congenital airway anomalies arise from deficits in the respiratory tract cartilage, emphasizing the importance of this cartilage to the form and function of the upper airway. The primary objective of this study was to characterize molecular mechanisms that regulate rate and direction of chondrocyte growth in the larynx and trachea. Our hypothesis for this study was that fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF18) provides proliferative and directional cues to the developing laryngeal and tracheal cartilage in the mouse by up‐regulating the cartilage‐specifying gene, Sox9.
The Relationship between Fama-French Three Risk Factors, Industry Portfolio Returns, and Industrial Production

This paper uses the Fama-French three-factor model to explain the cross-section of stock returns over various time scales using a new approach. The new approach is based on a wavelet multiscaling method that decomposes a given time series on a scale-by-scale basis. The empirical results provide that MKT, proxied by excess market return, plays an important role in explaining stock returns over all time scales. However, SMB and HML can also play a role over all time scales, depending on the specific industry, in explaining the variation of industry returns. In addition, it is found that because SMB and HML are closely related to overall macroeconomic risk in the long run, their explanatory power for the idiosyncratic elements in industry returns, controlled by business cycle movements, is limited.
Farm-level choice of crop insurance coverage level: A preliminary assessment

The response of farmers to crop insurance incentives has been studied extensively. In particular, studies following the landmark ARPA legislation in 2000 have taken a close look at farmer participation changed with changes in the insurance subsidies. However, few if any studies have looked at the extent of farmer participation as measured in terms of their choice of coverage levels. This analysis uses farm-level observations of crop insurance choices to examine how changes to premium rates and subsidies may affect farmer choice of insurance coverage levels. Specifically we examine farmer choices of from a set of discrete coverage levels to changes in insurance premium subsidies that occurred in 2008 and 2009 while accounting for farm characteristics and market conditions. Some portion of the farmer choice of coverage levels were due to policy choices in the 2008 Farm Bill, whereas others were a result of significant price or other market changes between 2008 and 2009.
Cyclic strain induces reactive oxygen species production via an endothelial NAD(P)H oxidase

Vascular endothelial cells are constantly subjected to pressure‐induced cyclic strain. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in atherosclerosis and vascular remodeling. Recent evidence indicates that a vascular NAD(P)H oxidase may be an important source of ROS in both physiologic and pathophysiologic situations. The aim of this study was to investigate cyclic strain‐induced NAD(P)H oxidase activity in endothelial cells. ROS production was examined by electron paramagnetic resonance and lucigenin chemiluminescence. Cyclic strain‐induced NAD(P)H oxidase activity was quantified by activity assay while the expression of p22phox was monitored by Northern blotting. Endothelial cells produce basal amounts of ROS that were enhanced by cyclic strain. Moreover subsequent stimulation with TNF‐α resulted in significantly greater ROS production in cells previously exposed to cyclic strain as compared to static conditions. Cyclic strain resulted in a significant increase in message for the p22phox subunit as well as activity of the NAD(P)H oxidase. The induced oxidative stress was accompanied by increased mobilization of the transcription factor NFκB, an effect that was blocked by a pharmacological inhibitor of NAD(P)H. These results demonstrate a pivotal role for NAD(P)H oxidase in cyclic strain‐induced endothelial ROS production and may provide insight into the modulation of vascular disease by biomechanical forces. J. Cell. Biochem. Suppl. 36: 99–106, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence and factors associated with asthma among school children inrural Puducherry, India

There is paucity of data on magnitude and risk factors associated with asthma in developing countries like India. The study aims to assess the prevalence and factors associated with asthma. A cross sectional study was conducted among 275 school children aged 12-15 years age group using modified International study on Allergy and Asthma in childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire in rural Puducherry. Data on various risk factors were collected. Data was analysed by univariate and multivariate analysis and expressed in proportion or percentages. The overall prevalence of bronchial asthma was found to be 8.7%. The prevalence of asthma was comparatively more in 12-13 year age group (11.4%) compared to 14-15 year age group (7.1%). Boys had a higher prevalence of asthma (10.1%) compared to girls (7.1%). Family history of bronchial asthma (OR=6.64), presence of hey in the house (OR=9.79), exercise as aggravating factor (OR=4.63) and 2nd birth order (OR=0.06) were independently associated with bronchial asthma. Asthma among school children is a public health problem in this area. Further descriptive and analytical studies will be required to describe the risk factor analysis in different geographical regions.
Applications of controlled-flow laser-polarized xenon gas to porous and granular media study

We report initial NMR studies of continuous flow laser-polarized xenon gas, both in unrestricted tubing, and in a model porous media. The study uses Pulsed Gradient Spin Echo-based techniques in the gas-phase, with the aim of obtaining more sophisticated information than just translational self-diffusion coefficients. Pulsed Gradient Echo studies of continuous flow laser-polarized xenon gas in unrestricted tubing indicate clear diffraction minima resulting from a wide distribution of velocities in the flow field. The maximum velocity experienced in the flow can be calculated from this minimum, and is seen to agree with the information from the complete velocity spectrum, or motion propagator, as well as previously published images. The susceptibility of gas flows to parameters such as gas mixture content, and hence viscosity, are observed in experiments aimed at identifying clear structural features from echo attenuation plots of gas flow in porous media. Gas-phase NMR scattering, or position correlation flow-diffraction, previously clearly seen in the echo attenuation data from laser-polarized xenon flowing through a 2 mm glass bead pack is not so clear in experiments using a different gas mixture. A propagator analysis shows most gas in the sample remains close to static, while a small portion moves through a presumably near-unimpeded path at high velocities. © 2003 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
Pre-entry experience, technological complementarities, and the survival of de-novo entrants. Evidence from the US telecommunications industry

ABSTRACT We investigate the effect of pre-entry experience on firms’ performance in terms of survival. In particular we focus on entrants from a related upstream industry – semiconductors – into a downstream industry – telecommunications. We examine a sample of 336 de-novo start-ups in the US telecommunication industry and we estimate a discrete time hazard model of firm exit. Our findings show that, after controlling for both firms and founders’ characteristics, firms whose founders had prior experience in a related upstream industry such as semiconductors enjoy a relatively lower hazard of exit with respect to intra-industry spinoffs and other types of start-ups. Additionally, background heterogeneity of the founding team is an important determinant of survival for the firms in our sample. Our results point to the role of interdependences and technological complementarities between two vertically related industries in affecting the performance of new entrants.
Individual factors that influence experiences and perceptions of stigma and discrimination towards people with mental illness in Ghana

People with a mental illness often encounter stigma and discrimination from a variety of sources, reinforcing negative self-perceptions and influencing their health and well-being. Even though support systems and attitudes of the general public act as powerful sources of stigma, views and perceptions held by people with mental illness also influence their sensitivity to the experiences they encounter. The aim of the present qualitative study was to examine perceptions of stigma and discrimination and self-stigma in individuals diagnosed with a mental illness. This study adopted a narrative, descriptive method, using a semistructured interview guide to elicit participant perceptions regarding sources of stigma, discrimination, and personal factors that might influence their experiences. Twelve outpatients attending a clinic in Ghana were interviewed. Thematic content analysis was completed and augmented by field notes. Participants' perceptions about personal impacts of stigma were found to be influenced by self-stigma, anticipated stigma and discrimination, perceived discrimination, and their knowledge about their illness. For many participants, their views served to augment societal views, and thus reinforce negative self-perceptions and their future. However, for other participants, their views served as a buffer in the face of environmental situations that reflect stigma and discrimination. Stigma is a complex, socially-sanctioned phenomenon that can seriously affect the health of people with mental illness. As such, it requires coordinated strategies among public policy makers, governmental bodies, and health-care providers to address stigma on a societal level, and to address its potential impacts on broad health outcomes for individuals with mental illness.
Association of Emotional Intelligence with Alexithymic Characteristics

We examined the association of emotional intelligence and alexithymic characteristics as the personality trait in cohorts of 267 college students and 398 psychiatric outpatients. Score on the Toronto Alexithymia Scale were significantly correlated with those on the Emotional Intelligence Scale, suggesting that alexithymic characteristics are related to lower emotional intelligence. In conclusion, these data suggest that emotional intelligence overlaps with alexithymia.
Governing Economic Globalization: The Pioneering Experience of the OECD

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has pioneered global governance in three areas of vital importance to international commerce: competition, foreign direct investment, and tax policy. The results have varied sharply; most national policy change has resulted from policy diffusion in which the OECD role was supportive but not critical. Greater consistency among states in competition policy has been thwarted by differing objectives, legal systems, administration, and penalties. The Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI) failed mainly because the problems it addressed lacked urgency. This contrasts sharply with some OECD tax activity that has focussed on urgent needs for greater international policy congruence.
Standardization of corneal haze measurement in confocal microscopy.

PURPOSE Corneal stromal haze cannot be compared in longitudinal studies or across laboratories without standardization. In this study, a method was devised of standardizing image brightness in confocal microscopy of the cornea. METHODS Thirty-six normal corneas of 18 untreated volunteers and 35 corneas of 18 patients 3 years after LASIK were examined by slit scanning confocal microscopy. The mean image intensity of each frame was adjusted for daily variations in sensitivity of the microscope by using scans through a solution of Amco Clear (GSF Chemicals, Columbus, OH). Adjusted image intensities were expressed in scatter units (SU), representing the concentration of Amco Clear that produced the same intensity as the image. The intensity from the stroma in corneas after LASIK was compared to that in untreated corneas by using generalized estimating equation models. RESULTS In the untreated corneas, image brightness was 1079 ± 242 and 758 ± 142 SU in the anterior and mid stroma, respectively. Three years after LASIK, image intensity in the flap was 740 ± 186 SU, approximately 30% lower than in corresponding stroma of the untreated corneas (P < 0.001). At mid stroma, brightness was 715 ± 117 SU after LASIK, and was not significantly different from brightness in untreated corneas (P = 0.26). CONCLUSIONS Clinical confocal microscopy provides a high-resolution measurement of corneal haze, and Amco Clear provides a means of standardizing these measurements. This method can detect subtle decreases in haze in the corneal flap 3 years after LASIK and could be used to examine changes in haze after lamellar keratoplasty.
Phonology and Orthography in Visual Word Recognition: Evidence from Masked Non-Word Priming

Three lexical decision experiments in French investigated the effects of briefly presented forward-masked non-word primes on latencies to phonologically and/or orthographically related targets. At 64-msec prime presentation durations, primes that are pseudohomophones of the target produced facilitatory effects compared to orthographic controls, but these orthographically similar non-word primes did not facilitate target recognition compared to unrelated controls. These results were obtained independently of target word frequency and independently of the presence or absence of pseudohomophone targets in the experimental lists. With a 32-msec prime duration, on the other hand, pseudohomophone and orthographic primes had similar effects on target recognition, both producing facilitation relative to unrelated controls. The results are discussed in terms of the time course of phonological and orthographic code activation in the processing of pronounceable strings of letters.
Monitoring of motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease through a mHealth platform

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex, chronic disease that many patients live with for many years. In this work we propose a mHealth approach based on a set of unobtrusive, simple-in-use, off-the-self, co-operative, mobile devices that will be used for motor and non-motor symptoms monitoring and evaluation, as well as for the detection of fluctuations along with their duration through a waking day. Ideally, a multidisciplinary and integrated care approach involving several professionals working together (neurologists, physiotherapists, psychologists and nutritionists) could provide a holistic management of the disease increasing the patient's independence and Quality of Life (QoL). To address these needs we describe also an ecosystem for the management of both motor and non-motor symptoms on PD facilitating the collaboration of health professionals and empowering the patients to self-manage their condition. This would allow not only a better monitoring of PD patients but also a better understanding of the disease progression.