Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The roles of international trade and immigration on U.S. local labor and housing market differentiation

This thesis identifies the effects of international trade and immigration on local labor and housing markets. Housing not only relates to individual welfare, but also affects the performances of local industries, such as construction, real estate, and mortgage financial service industries. Therefore, understanding the effects of international trade and immigration on housing is essential for governments to guide local development, for housing related industries to serve local economy, and for individuals to plan housing mortgage. Chapter 1, ”The Effects of Imports on Local Labor Market: A Decomposition”, uses OECD STAN Bilateral Trade Database by Industry and End-use category to study the effects of import on U.S. local labor market outcomes. The results are comparable to Autor, Dorn, and Hanson (2013), and confirm that total import reduces local wages and employment rates more in more exposed areas. Since OECD also separates import volumes by their enduse categories, I could separately examine the effects of intermediate goods import and final goods import on local labor market. The decomposition exercise indicates intermediate import is the driving force of the negative effects of total import on non-manufacturing industries. Chapter 2, ”The Dynamic Effect of Imports on U.S. Local Jobs and Housing”, highlights the link between import shocks and local housing price differentiation. In this chapter, I perform theoretical and empirical analyses to examine the dynamic effects of intermediate goods import on labor and housing markets across U.S. locations. I separate local industries into tradable and non-tradable sectors and build a two-sector spatial equilibrium model, where local housing and labor markets interact. Consistent with the model, I find that intermediate import reduces rents, housing prices, the employments and wages of both tradable and non-tradable sectors. The mechanism identified is that intermediate import first reduces the local labor demands of the two industry sectors which lead to a local wage decline. The decrease in local wage is followed by a reduction in local rent and housing price. Declining housing price and rent further reduce the local non-tradable labor demand because the non-tradable sector is tightly related with housing.
Reducing residual cardiovascular risk: the relevance of raising high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients on cholesterol-lowering treatment

Reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) with statin therapy represents the cornerstone of dyslipidaemia management in patients with cardiovascular disease, as reflected in current treatment guidelines. Yet even among statin-treated patients who achieve LDL-C targets (< 2.59 mmol/L [100 mg/dL]), the residual risk of further cardiovascular events remains unacceptably high. Although clinical studies indicate that intensive LDL-C lowering may provide some additional benefit, this does not suppress the excess cardiovascular risk sufficiently. This European Expert Panel therefore recognises that there is an unmet clinical need in the management of these patients. Additional intervention to modify other clinically important risk factors should be viewed as a priority. A reduced level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) < 1.03 mmol/L (40 mg/dL) in men and < 1.29 mmol/L (50 mg/dL) in women is an important independent predictive factor for coronary heart disease. HDL-C levels are also predictive of cardiovascular risk in statin-treated patients, irrespective of their LDL-C levels. Therefore, HDL-C represents a logical therapeutic target for reducing cardiovascular risk further in statin-treated patients, including those who achieve LDL-C targets. Given that low HDL-C is common among dyslipidaemic patients with cardiovascular disease, a therapeutic strategy aimed at effectively raising HDL-C, while at the same time lowering LDL-C to target levels, would be expected to offer clinical benefit beyond that achieved through LDL-C reduction alone. Although both nicotinic acid and fibrates raise HDL-C, nicotinic acid has greater potency. Studies show that combination therapy with prolonged-release (PR) nicotinic acid and a statin has an acceptable tolerability profile, normalises an atherogenic lipoprotein profile, and is able to induce regression of atherosclerosis and reduce coronary risk in patients with established cardiovascular disease and suboptimal HDL-C levels. In conclusion, this European Expert Panel recommends that combination therapy with a statin and an HDL-C raising agent, such as PR nicotinic acid, should be considered in these patients, who remain at high residual risk despite achieving target LDL-C levels with statin monotherapy. Ongoing studies are essential to confirm the clinical outcome benefits of this approach.
Effect of microgravity on spatial orientation and posture regulation during coriolis stimulation

Objective To elucidate spatial orientation and posture regulation under conditions of microgravity. Material and Methods Coriolis stimulation was done with five normal subjects on the ground (1g) and onboard an aircraft (under conditions of microgravity during parabolic flight). Subjects were asked to tilt their heads forward during rotation at speeds of 0, 50, 100 and 150°/s on the ground and 100°/s during flight. Body sway was recorded using a 3D linear accelerometer and eye movements using an infrared charge-coupled device video camera. Flight experiments were performed on 5 consecutive days, and 11–16 parabolic maneuvers were done during each flight. Two subjects boarded each flight and were examined alternately at least five times. Results Coriolis stimulation at 1g caused body sway, nystagmus and a movement sensation in accordance with inertial inputs at 1g. Neither body sway, excepting a minute sway due to the Coriolis force, nor a movement sensation occurred in microgravity, but nystagmus was recorded. Conclusions Posture, eye movement and sensation at 1g are controlled with reference to spatial coordinates that represent the external world in the brain. Normal spatial coordinates are not relevant in microgravity because there is no Z-axis, and the posture regulation and sensation that depend on them collapse. The discrepancy in responses between posture and eye movement under conditions of microgravity may be caused by a different constitution of the effectors which adjust posture and gaze.
Increase in presynaptic territory of C‐terminals on lumbar motoneurons of G93A SOD1 mice during disease progression

Compensatory synaptic plasticity is reported in muscle and the central nervous system of motor neuron disease patients, and transgenic SOD1 mice, but direct ultrastructural evidence for spinal motoneurons is lacking. Prompted by our observation in spinal cords from autopsied patients suggesting selective enlargement of the ultrastructurally distinctive C‐type terminal synapsing with spinal motoneurons, we examined the ultrastructural synaptology of lumbar motoneurons during disease progression in age‐ and sex‐matched wild‐type mice, transgenic G93A SOD1 mice, and mice overexpressing normal human SOD1 (WtSOD1). Prescribed criteria classified presynaptic terminals of motoneurons into five ultrastructural classes (S, F, T, M, and C). Computerized morphometry on electronmicrographs was used to measure their appositional lengths, coverage of the motoneuron membrane, and sizes of postsynaptic structures. No terminal degeneration occurred in wild‐type or WtSOD1 mice. In transgenic mice, degeneration of motoneurons and S‐terminals and F‐terminals commenced presymptomatically (10 weeks), and continued into the symptomatic stage (18 weeks). However, C‐terminals were preserved. Morphometry confirmed significant reductions in frequency and membrane coverage for S‐terminals and F‐terminals between 10 and 18 weeks, but a maintained frequency of C‐terminals coupled with increased appositional length and coverage of the motoneuron membrane. Increased C‐terminal size was matched by growth of its characterizing postsynaptic cistern and Nissl body. The results reveal selective preservation and increased presynaptic territory of the C‐type terminal. As C‐terminals derive from cholinergic intrasegmental propriospinal interneurons and may modulate motoneuron excitability, their increased presynaptic territory on surviving motoneurons of transgenic SOD1 mice may represent a means of maintaining excitability, compensating for the loss of overall presynaptic input.
Inhibition of Hepatitis B Virus Replication by Drug-Induced Depletion of Nucleocapsids

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major cause of liver disease. Only interferon-α and the nucleosidic inhibitors of the viral polymerase, 3TC and adefovir, are approved for therapy. However, these therapies are limited by the side effects of interferon and the substantial resistance of the virus to nucleosidic inhibitors. Potent new antiviral compounds suitable for monotherapy or combination therapy are highly desired. We describe non-nucleosidic inhibitors of HBV nucleocapsid maturation that possess in vitro and in vivo antiviral activity. These inhibitors have potential for future therapeutic regimens to combat chronic HBV infection.
EFFECT OF INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS ON FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE BUSINESS ENTERPRISES IN KISUMU CITY, KENYA

There has been controversy as to why there is a declining business survival trend among Small and Medium scale Enterprises despite government’s commitment to availability of funds. Economic Survey 2009 statistics indicate a tremendous growth of Small and Medium scale Enterprises in Kenya over the last ten years; constituting about 96 per cent of all business enterprises in the country; yet 90% of the business start-ups do not operate beyond their third anniversary. The main objective of this study therefore was to investigate the effect of internal control systems on financial performance among Small and Medium scale Enterprises in Kisumu city, Kenya; specifically assessing the relationship between internal control systems and return on investment; and establishing the level of business knowledge of an entrepreneur in internal control systems and its effect on financial performance. The sample was selected from the study population through stratified and simple random sampling techniques. The research was conducted using both quantitative and qualitative approaches; adapting cross-sectional survey research design. The study used both primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaire and interview, while secondary data was obtained from financial statements of the sampled enterprises. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics as well as inferential statistics. The study specifically revealed that a significant change in financial performance is linked to internal controls systems. Based on the findings of the study, it is concluded that internal control systems as supported by the study findings significantly influence the financial performance of Small and Medium scale Enterprises. The investigation recommends training on the significance of internal controls among proprietors of Small and Medium scale Enterprises.
Sagittal Alignment After Single Cervical Disc Arthroplasty

Study Design Prospective study. Objectives To analyze the sagittal balance after single-level cervical disc replacement (CDR) and range of motion (ROM). To define clinical and radiologic parameters those have a significant correlation with segmental and overall cervical curvature after CDR. Summary of Background Data Clinical outcomes and ROM after CDR with Mobi-C (LDR, Troyes, France) prosthesis have been documented in few studies. No earlier report of this prosthesis has studied correlations between static and dynamic parameters or those between static parameters and clinical outcomes. Methods Forty patients were evaluated. Clinical outcome was assessed using the Short Form-36 questionnaire, Neck Disability Index, and a Visual Analog Scale. Spineview software (Surgiview, Paris, France) was used to investigate sagittal balance parameters and ROM. The mean follow-up was 24.3 months (range: 12 to 36 mo). Results Clinical outcomes were satisfactory. There was a significant improvement of Short Form-36, Neck Disability Index, and Visual Analog Scale scores. Mean ROM was 8.3 degrees preoperatively and 11.0 degrees postoperatively (P=0.013). Mean preoperative C2C7 curvature was 12.8 and 16.0 degrees at last follow-up (P=0.001). Mean preoperative functional spinal unit (FSU) angle was 2.3 and 5.3 degrees postoperatively (P<0.0001). Mean postoperative shell angle was 5.5 degrees. There was a significant correlation between postoperative C2C7 alignment and preoperative C2C7 alignment, change of C2C7 alignment, preoperative and postoperative FSU angle, and prosthesis shell angle. There was also a significant correlation between postoperative FSU angle and preoperative C2C7 alignment, preoperative FSU angle, change of FSU angle, and prosthesis shell angle. Regression analysis showed that prosthesis shell angle and preoperative FSU angle contributed significantly to postoperative FSU angle. Moreover, preoperative C2C7 alignment, preoperative FSU angle, postoperative FSU angle, and prosthesis shell angle contributed significantly to postoperative C2C7 alignment. No significant correlation was observed between ROM and sagittal parameters. Few correlations were found between sagittal alignment and clinical results. Conclusions CDR with this prosthesis provided favorable clinical outcomes and maintains ROM of the FSU, overall and segmental cervical alignment. Long-term follow-up will be needed to assess the effectiveness and advantages of this procedure.
Branding early stage media technology startups

This research examined how early stage media technology startups can use branding in the digital environment to innovate their business models and strategically position themselves in their markets. Operating in a global and extensively disruptive industry new tech ventures find it difficult to acquire strong strategic position and sustain a competitive advantage purely on their technological basis. Young tech companies have to innovate their business models from a customer-centric approach and find new ways to increase their competitiveness. Building brand online allows young tech startups to create additional value and establish immutable differentiation which leads to a strong strategic position. This research examined business models of ten prosperous media technology startups through a branding perspective by conducting comparative case studies. The comparison of the cases revealed several significant findings. Early stage media tech companies should innovate their business models through a brand differentiation perspective working towards establishing an online brand presence and customer engagement accompanied with innovate use of technologies for their branding purposes. The following business model elements should be considered as important by startups: brand identity, brand extensions, web-analytics, onboarding experience, personalization, customer engagement, customer service, social media and websites. Tech startups can address those elements by creating coherent brand identity, using brand endorsing strategy, providing interactive onboarding experience on their websites, producing branded content for social media channels, organizing contest and giveaways on social media, using web-analytics and behavior tracking systems, as well as automation marketing services and real-time online support tools for greater relational personalization. The findings indicate the rising role of customers in the media tech industry which implies that startups seeking strategic positioning should place greater importance on brand differentiation and focus on additional areas that can generate value for customers online.
Addressing the Safety Trilemma: A Safe Sovereign Asset for the Eurozone

At the 25th anniversary of the Maastricht Treaty, this paper reviews the merits of introducing a safe sovereign asset for the eurozone. The triple euro area crisis showed the costly consequences of ignoring the ‘safety trilemma’. Keeping a national safe sovereign asset (the German bund) as the cornerstone of the financial system is incompatible with having free capital mobility and maintaining economic and financial stability in a monetary union. The euro area needs a single safe sovereign asset. However, eurobonds are only foreseen after full fiscal integration. To address the safety trilemma member countries must therefore act as the joint sovereign behind the euro and choose from two options. First, they could establish a credible multipolar system of safe national sovereign assets. For this purpose, they could all issue both senior and junior tranches of each national government bond in a proportion such that the expected safety of the senior tranche is the same across countries while the junior tranche would absorb any sovereign default risk. Additional issuance of national GDP-linked bonds could insure governments against a deep recession that might lead to a self-fulfilling default and thereby help to make the junior tranche less risky. The second option is that the member countries together produce a common safe sovereign asset for a truly integrated and stable monetary union by creating synthetic eurobonds comprising both a safe senior claim and a risky junior claim on a diversified portfolio of national government bonds. This appears a more effective solution to the safety trilemma – especially when euro area governments would also issue national GDP-linked bonds – but it requires flanking measures to control for moral hazard.
Ancient wheat and health: a legend or the reality? A review on KAMUT khorasan wheat

Abstract After WWII, the industrialized agriculture selected modern varieties of Triticum turgidum spp. durum and spp. aestivum (durum wheat and common wheat) based on higher yields and technological characteristics. Nowadays, the use of whole ancient grains and pseudo cereals is considered nutritionally important. How ancient grains have positive effects is not entirely known, the fragmentation of the scientific knowledge being also related to the fact that ancient grains are not a homogeneous category. The KAMUT® trademark indicates a specific and ancient variety of grain (Triticum turgidum ssp. turanicum, commonly khorasan wheat), and guarantees certain attributes making studies sufficiently comparable. In this work, studies on KAMUT® khorasan wheat have been systematically reviewed, evidencing different aspects supporting its benefits. Although it is not possible to establish whether all ancient grains share these positive characteristics, in total or in part, this review provides further evidences supporting the consumption of ancient grains.
Customers’ Perception of Corporate Social Responsibility and Brand Satisfaction towards Brand Loyalty : The Evidence from Thailand’ Low-Cost Carriers Industry

การรบรของลกคาเกยวกบความรบผดชอบตอสงคมและความพงพอใจในตราสนคาทมตอความภกดตอตราสนคา : อตสาหกรรมสายการบนตนทนตำในประเทศไทย The main objective of this research is to study the influence of passengers’ perceptions towards CSR in five dimensions (environment, economic, legal, ethical, and social responsibility) and brand satisfaction on brand loyalty in the context of low cost carriers industry (LCCs) in Thailand (Air Asia, Nok Air, and One-two-Go). This research is derived from primary data obtained from self-structured questionnaire of 400 samples. By employing correlation coefficients and multiple regression statistical tools, this research found that passengers’ perception of CSR has a positive relationship with brand satisfaction while both of mentioned variables have a positive influence on brand loyalty at the significant level of 0.05.
Pilocarpine in the presbyope. Demonstration of an effect on the anterior chamber and lens thickness.

High resolution ultrasonic biometry was performed on 25 normal eyes of presbyopic volunteers (60 to 80 years old) prior to and at 15-minute intervals after topical instillation of 2% pilocarpine hydrochloride. Every eye measured demonstrated an axial thickening of the lens (average 0.25 mm) and 85% of the eyes demonstrated a shallowing of the anterior chamber (average 0.19 mm). Pilocarpine has a measureable effect within 15 minutes on the anterior chamber and lens thickness in some patients. Its maximal effect is 45 to 60 minutes after instillation. The elderly presbyopic lens is able to be deformed under pilocarpine stimulation.
Explaining three-dimensional dimensionality reduction plots

Understanding three-dimensional projections created by dimensionality reduction from high-variate datasets is very challenging. In particular, classical three-dimensional scatterplots used to display such projections do not explicitly show the relations between the projected points, the viewpoint used to visualize the projection, and the original data variables. To explore and explain such relations, we propose a set of interactive visualization techniques. First, we adapt and enhance biplots to show the data variables in the projected three-dimensional space. Next, we use a set of interactive bar chart legends to show variables that are visible from a given viewpoint and also assist users to select an optimal viewpoint to examine a desired set of variables. Finally, we propose an interactive viewpoint legend that provides an overview of the information visible in a given three-dimensional projection from all possible viewpoints. Our techniques are simple to implement and can be applied to any dimensionality reduction technique. We demonstrate our techniques on the exploration of several real-world high-dimensional datasets.
PENGARUH PEMBIAYAAN JUAL BELI, PEMBIAYAAN BAGI HASIL DAN INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL TERHADAP KINERJA KEUANGAN BANK SYARIAH

This research aims to examine the effect of trade financing, profit sharing financing and intellectual capital as measured with islamic Bank-Value Added Intellectual Coeficient (iB-VAIC) towards financial performance as measured with Return On Asset (ROA) of islamic bank. The population in this study is an Islamic commercial bank during the period 2011-2014, of all populations there are 9 Islamic commercial bank that have meet the criteria for the research samples. Data used in this research are annual financial statements published on official website of Islamic commercial bank. The analysis technique used in this research is multiple linear regression analysis. These result shows that trade financing don’t affect of financial performance, profit sharing financing don’t affect of financial performance and intellectual capital affect of financial performance. Keywords: Financing, Intellectual Capital, Financial Performance and Islamic Bank
Advance directives for truth disclosure.

INTRODUCTION Although most patients wish to be fully informed about bad news such as a diagnosis of cancer, a significant minority prefer no or minimal information. We examined the value of asking patients about their disclosure preferences at the outset of hospitalization. METHODS Consecutive patients admitted to a respiratory and a geriatric unit were asked whether and how they would wish to be told of cancer or Alzheimer disease. RESULTS Of the 207 patients interviewed, 174 (84%) wanted to be told about cancer or dementia; the proportion who would wish to be told did not differ between older patients (89 of 108 patients; 82%) and younger patients (85 of 99 patients; 86%; p = 0.34). Thirty patients (15%) sought reassurance during or after the interview, and 13 patients (6%) reported that they had been bothered by the questions. Of the 207 patients, cancer or dementia was diagnosed in 23 patients (11%). Preferences for disclosure or nondisclosure were honored for 20 patients (87%). CONCLUSIONS Seeking preferences regarding truth disclosure at the outset of hospitalization is helpful and feasible in everyday practice, and the results can be used by clinicians to improve communication with patients and families in accordance with patients' own wishes.