Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Institutional Determinants of Unemployment in OECD Countries: Does the Deregulatory View Hold Water?

The view that unemployment is caused by labor market rigidities and should be addressed through systematic institutional deregulation has gained broad currency and has been embraced by national and international policymaking agencies alike. It is unclear, however, whether there really is robust empirical support for such conclusions. This article engages in an econometric analysis comparing several estimators and specifications. It does not find much robust evidence either of labor market institutions' direct effects on unemployment rate, or of a more indirect impact through the magnitude of adverse shocks. At the same time, we find little support for the opposite, proregulatory position as well: the estimates show a robust positive relationship between union density and unemployment rates; also, there is no robust evidence that the within-country variation of bargaining coordination is associated with lower unemployment (as frequently argued), nor is it clear that bargaining coordination moderates the impact of other institutions. All in all, restrictive monetary policies enacted from an independent central bank and other determinants of real interest rates appear to play a more important role in explaining unemployment than institutional factors.Many thanks to participants in the 2d CofFEE Europe Workshop, as well as Peter Auer, Emilio Castilla, Rob Franzese, Andrew Glyn, Lane Kenworthy, Bernhard Kittel, Stephen Nickell, Michael Piore, Naren Prasad, and Marco Vivarelli for comments on previous versions of this article.
The Four Horsemen of the Fair Housing Apocalypse: A Critique of Fair Housing Policy in the USA

This article examines US fair housing policy from a critical perspective. We describe the impact of the expansion of neoliberal ideology on the fair housing assistance program (FHAP), the fair housing initiatives program (FHIP), and the scope of US Department of Justice activities. Prior findings from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and IRS Form 990 are summarized. We argue that neoliberalism has contributed to the underdevelopment, underfunding, and poor implementation of US fair housing policy. We offer three recommendations for fair housing reform. The first focuses on the need to remove fair housing activities from HUD and place them in an independent fair housing agency. The second focuses on the need for the federal government to mandate fair housing enforcement across all governmental programs and agencies. The third focuses on the need for increased lobbying, litigation, and activism by community-based advocacy organizations for reform.
Estimation of Relative Microscopic Affinity Constants of Agonists for the Active State of the Receptor in Functional Studies on M2 and M3 Muscarinic Receptors

In prior work, we have shown that it is possible to estimate the product of observed affinity and intrinsic efficacy of an agonist expressed relative to that of a standard agonist simply through the analysis of their respective concentration-response curves. In this report, we show analytically and through mathematical modeling that this product, termed intrinsic relative activity (RAi), is equivalent to the ratio of microscopic affinity constants of the agonists for the active state of the receptor. We also compared the RAi estimates of selected muscarinic agonists with a relative estimate of the product of observed affinity and intrinsic efficacy determined independently through the method of partial receptor inactivation. There was good agreement between these two estimates when agonist-mediated inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation was measured in Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing the human M2 muscarinic receptor. Likewise, there was good agreement between the two estimates when agonist activity was measured on the ileum from M2 muscarinic receptor knockout mice, a convenient assay for M3 receptor activity. The RAi estimates of agonists in the mouse ileum were similar to those estimated at the human M3 receptor with the exception of 4-(m-chlorophenyl-carbamoyloxy)-2-butynyltrimethylammonium (McN-A-343), which is known to be an M1- and M4-selective muscarinic agonist. Additional experiments showed that the response to McN-A-343 in the mouse ileum included a non-M3 muscarinic receptor component. Our results show that the RAi estimate is a useful receptor-dependent measure of agonist activity and ligand-directed signaling.
Health biotechnology publishing takes-off in developing countries

To gain insights into the potentials and characteristics of health biotechnology in developing countries, we carried out an analysis of health biotechnology publications in developing nations that have had some successes in this field. We analysed the patterns of health biotechnology publications of authors from seven developing countries from 1991 to 2002. Our results showed a significant growth in health biotechnology publications in developing countries. Their growth in the field was larger than the growth in industrialised countries, but the visibility of their research was limited. Universities were found to be the strongest producers of health biotechnology papers in the countries we studied. This study showed further that international research collaboration of these countries was extensive and domestic knowledge flows between their institutions seems to be increasing. Contrary to other work on health research in developing countries, this study suggested that developing countries' research was focused on local health needs.
On the Usefulness of Operating Income, Net Income and Comprehensive Income in Explaining Security Returns

Abstract This study evaluates the usefulness of three earnings definitions (operating income, net income and comprehensive income) in explaining residual security returns. Usefulness is measured in terms of relative information content and incremental information content. In the former, the goodness-of-fit of the return-earnings relationship is compared under each earnings definition. In the latter, the increase in goodness-of-fit due to additional earnings components is measured. Based on a sample that averages 922 firms a year for 18 years, the analysis shows that operating income weakly dominates net income, and that both operating income and net income dominate comprehensive income, in information content. The results also show that those items that account for the difference between net income and operating income have incremental information content, but not those between net income and comprehensive income. The practical and academic contributions of these findings are discussed.
Acculturation and the influence of ethnicity on market orientation of African and Caribbean companies in Britain

Since acculturation is the process of acquiring the customs of an alternative society we assume that adapting to consumers from various cultures will be a fundamental task for African and Caribbean (A&C) companies in Britain. This study investigates market orientation of A&C service companies and their processes of cultural learning and adaptation using ethnicity as a basis for an exploratory study of the British market. The findings indicate that A&C companies serve as bicultural mediators, both accommodating their consumers and working to alter their consumption patterns to bring them into line with their own ethnic and British national market customs. The adaptation of A&C service companies to the cultural characteristics and needs of their customers results in changes to their companies, consumers and the British marketplace.
HDL and cardiovascular-disease risk--time for a new approach?

Clinical and epidemiologic studies have consistently shown that low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are strongly associated with an increase in the risk of coronary artery disease.1 Moreover, hypercholesterolemic mice with genetic defects in HDL metabolism are markedly atherosclerotic,2,3 providing compelling evidence that HDL is a key modulator of the disease in animal models. These observations, together with the large residual disease risk among patients with coronary disease who are treated with statins, have triggered intense interest in therapies that raise levels of HDL cholesterol. Despite the abundant evidence for the inverse association between HDL cholesterol and the .
Comparison of two platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, eptifibatide and abciximab: outcomes, complications and thrombocytopenia during percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND Platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors have significantly reduced the incidence of 30-day ischemic events during percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). However, each of the three currently available agents has different pharmacological characteristics, safety, efficacy and costs. There has not been a direct comparison between eptifibatide and abciximab in the rates of major adverse cardiac events, major complications and thrombocytopenia. METHODS A total of 642 consecutive patients underwent PCI at our institution between January 2000 and December 2001 and were treated with either eptifibatide (n = 342) or abciximab (n = 300) during the procedure. The selection of the IIb/IIIa inhibitor was arbitrary and left to the discretion of the operator. Complete blood counts were performed by routine protocol on all patients 2 and 4 hours after initiation of the drug. We analyzed the in-hospital clinical outcomes and the incidence of thrombocytopenia in this cohort. RESULTS Baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics and concomitant drug treatment were similar between the 2 groups, except for a higher incidence of diabetes in the eptifibatide group. The rates of in-hospital death (1.2% eptifibatide group versus 1.0% abciximab group; p = 0.7), stroke (0% for both groups), target vessel revascularization (1.2% eptifibatide group versus 1.0% abciximab group; p = 0.8) and major bleeding complications (1.7% eptifibatide group versus 0.7% abciximab group; p = 0.2) were similar between the 2 groups. Thrombocytopenia was more frequent in the abciximab-treated patients (6%, versus 0% in the eptifibatide group; p < 0.001), including 5 patients who developed profound thrombocytopenia (< 20,000 cells/mm3). CONCLUSION Both agents, eptifibatide and abciximab, proved to have the same rates of in-hospital major adverse cardiac events, bleeding and vascular complications. Abciximab therapy was associated with a significantly higher incidence of thrombocytopenia within 4 hours of drug initiation, which prompted immediate drug discontinuation, but was not associated with increased risk of bleeding, vascular or other complications.
Cell-Mediated Immunity Induced by Recombinant Mycobacterium bovis Bacille Calmette-Guérin Strains Against an Intracellular Bacterial Pathogen: Importance of Antigen Secretion or Membrane-Targeted Antigen Display as Lipoprotein for Vaccine Efficacy1

Live recombinant vaccines expressing defined pathogen-derived Ags represent powerful candidates for future vaccination strategies. In this study, we report on the differential induction of protective cell-mediated immunity elicited by different recombinant Mycobacterium bovis Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) strains displaying p60 Ag of Listeria monocytogenes in secreted, cytosolic, or membrane-attached form for T cell recognition. Anti-listerial protection evoked by the membrane-linked p60 lipoprotein of rBCG Mp60 and that of the p60 derivative secreted by rBCG Sp60-40 were nearly equal, whereas cytosolic p60 displayed by rBCG Np60 failed to protect mice from listeriosis. In vivo depletion of CD4 or CD8 T cell subpopulations in rBCG Mp60-vaccinated mice before listerial challenge revealed interactions of both T cell subsets in anti-listerial protection. In rBCG Sp60-40-vaccinated animals, CD4 T cells predominantly contributed to anti-listerial control as shown by the failure of anti-CD8 mAb treatment to impair the outcome of listeriosis in rBCG Sp60-40-vaccinated mice after L. monocytogenes challenge. Hence, differential Ag display by rBCG influences cell-mediated immunity, which in turn may impact vaccine efficacy due to the different requirements of CD4 or CD8 T cells for pathogen elimination.
Market Imperfections and Wage Inequality

This paper investigates the relationship between various market imperfections and the skill premium. The model in this paper assumes perfectly competitive labor markets but distorted product and financial markets. The model predicts that the skill prem ium is positively correlated with market power, modeled using preference for variety, and shorter product cycles. The effect from financial market distortions or taxes on financial income is ambiguous . Positive external effects among firms developing new goods decrease the skill premium.
Socioeconomic disparities in breast cancer treatment among older women.

BACKGROUND Racial disparities in breast cancer treatment among Medicare beneficiaries have been documented. This study aimed to determine whether racial disparities exist among white and black female Medicare beneficiaries in Alabama, an economically disadvantaged U.S. state. METHODS From a linked dataset of breast cancer cases from the Alabama Statewide Cancer Registry and fee-for-service claims from Medicare, we identified 2,097 white and black females, aged 66 years and older, who were diagnosed with stages 1-3 breast cancer from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2002. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used to determine whether there were racial differences in initiating and completing National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice guideline-specific treatment. RESULTS Sixty-two percent of whites and 64.7% of blacks had mastectomy (p=0.27); 34.6% of whites and 30.2% of blacks had breast conserving surgery (BCS) (p=0.12). Among those who had BCS, 76.8% of whites and 83.3% of blacks started adjuvant radiation therapy (p=0.33) and they equally completed adjuvant radiation therapy (p=0.29). For women with tumors over 1 centimeter, whites and blacks were equally likely to start (16.1% of whites and 18.3% of black; p=0.34) and complete (50.6% of whites and 46.3% of black; p=0.87) adjuvant chemotherapy. There were still no differences after adjusting for confounders using GEE. However, differences were observed by area-level socioeconomic status (SES), with lower SES residents more likely to receive a mastectomy (odds ratio [OR]=1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.57) and initiate radiation after BCS (OR=2.24; 95% CI: 1.28-3.93). CONCLUSIONS No racial differences were found in guideline-specific breast cancer treatment or treatment completion, but there were differences by SES. Future studies should explore reasons for SES differences and whether similar results hold in other economically disadvantaged U.S. states.
Theft in South Africa: An Experiment to Examine the Influence of Racial Identity and Inequality

This article uses a dictator game to determine the impact of racial identity and inequality on theft in South Africa. A dictator can take money from a receiver's endowment. The money vulnerable to theft is constant across groups, and there is no threat of punishment. Any differential in the amount taken is due to considerations of the racial identity of the potential victim or to variation in receiver endowments. The results provide weak evidence that theft is impacted by inequality. However, racial identity significantly influences theft decisions. Contrary to expectations, black participants take 15 per cent more from other black participants.
A Study Comparing Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV Among Ex-Red-Light District and Non-Red-Light District Sex Workers After the Demolition of Baina Red-Light District

Objectives:In June 2004, the red-light area of Goa was demolished. We compare HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) between sex workers who had been based in Baina red-light district (ex-RLD-SWs) with sex workers who had never worked in Baina (non-RLD-SWs). Methods:Three hundred twenty-six sex workers recruited using respondent-driven sampling, completed interviewer-administered questionnaires, and were tested for Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, and antibodies to HIV. The association between ever working in Baina red-light area and HIV and STIs was examined using multivariate analysis. Results:Non-RLD-SWs made up 55.3% (n = 201) of the sample, 48% of whom had entered sex work since the demolition. Non-RLD-SWs more likely to be less than 20 years old, Goan, have experienced sexual and intimate partner violence, to work part time, from home or the streets, and to have fewer clients. Ex-RLD-SWs were less likely to have curable STIs adjusted odds ratio of 0.27 (95% confidence interval: 0.10 to 0.73) and were more likely to have been exposed to HIV prevention and report consistent condom use with clients. Conclusions:Non-RLD-SWs were more likely to be engaged in high-risk sexual activity. Although partly explained by lack of exposure to HIV prevention and inconsistent condom use, social and professional isolation and greater experience of intimate partner and sexual violence may play a role.
Pre-procedural antibiotics for endoscopic urological procedures: Initial experience in individuals with spinal cord injury and asymptomatic bacteriuria

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to compare the safety, efficacy, quality-of-life impact, and costs of a single dose or a longer course of pre-procedural antibiotics prior to elective endoscopic urological procedures in individuals with spinal cord injury and disorders (SCI/D) and asymptomatic bacteriuria. Design A prospective observational study. Setting Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA. Participants Sixty persons with SCI/D and asymptomatic bacteriuria scheduled to undergo elective endoscopic urological procedures. Interventions A single pre-procedural dose of antibiotics vs. a 3–5-day course of pre-procedural antibiotics. Outcome measures Objective and subjective measures of health, costs, and quality of life. Results There were no significant differences in vital signs, leukocytosis, adverse events, and overall satisfaction in individuals who received short-course vs. long-course antibiotics. There was a significant decrease in antibiotic cost (33.1 ± 47.6 vs. 3.6 ± 6.1 US$, P = 0.01) for individuals in the short-course group. In addition, there was greater pre-procedural anxiety (18 vs. 0%, P < 0.05) for individuals who received long-course antibiotics. Conclusion SCI/D individuals with asymptomatic bacteriuria may be able to safely undergo most endoscopic urological procedures with a single dose of pre-procedural antibiotics. However, further research is required and even appropriate pre-procedural antibiotics may not prevent severe infections.
AN ANALYSIS OF GOVERNMENT SPENDING ON AGRICULTURAL SECTOR AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TO GDP IN NIGERIA

The Federal Government of Nigeria allocates huge resources yearly to the various sectors of the national economy for the overall development of the country. Using trend analysis and a simple linear regression, this paper aims therefore to examine the level of government spending on the agricultural sector and the consequential effect on the GDP. The result obtained shows that such spending does not follow a regular pattern and that the contribution of the agricultural sector to the GDP is in direct relationship with government funding to the sector. Based on these findings, the study recommends that Government should increase her budget allocation to the sector because of the important role of the sector to the nation’s economic growth and development 1.0 Introduction The importance of agriculture in the economy of any nation cannot be over emphasized. Agriculture plays a major role in virtually all social and economic activities of countries. This is why Rostow (1960) in his Stages of Economic Growth, explained that agriculture is crucial for the “take-off stage” of a nation’s economic growth and development. The pervasive influence of agriculture on Nigeria’s economic and social development has also been articulated by Oluwasami (1966). A strong and efficient agricultural sector would enable a country to feed its growing population, generate employment, earn foreign exchange and provide raw materials for industries. The agricultural sector has a multiplier effect on any nation’s socio-economic and industrial fabric because of the multifunctional nature of agriculture (Ogen 2007). Agriculture has been defined as the production of food and livestock and the purposeful tendering of plants and animals, (Ahmed, 1993). He stated further that agriculture is the mainstay of many economies and it is fundamental to the socio-economic development of a nation because it is a major element and factor in national development. In the same view, Okolo (2004) described agricultural sector as the most important sector of the Nigeria economy which holds a lot of potentials for the future economic development of the nation as it had done in the past. The aim of this paper therefore is to analyze the contribution of the agricultural sector to the development of Nigeria economy between year 1979 and year 2007 using a simple regression analysis.
Nonindigenous Ascidians in Tropical Waters

Ascidians (invertebrate chordates) are abundant in many ports around the world. Most of them are nonindigenous species that tolerate wide fluctuations in temperature, salinity, and even pollution. These sessile suspensionfeeders have a rapid growth rate, usually a short life span of a few months, reach sexual maturity when only a few weeks old, and produce large numbers of shortlived nonfeeding planktonic larvae. They thrive on marina floats, pilings, buoys, and boat bottoms in protected harbors where there is reduced wave action and enhanced nutrients from anthropogenic activities. Nonindigenous ascidians frequently overgrow oysters and mussels, which are often cultivated in or near busy harbors. Adult ascidians on ship or barge hulls may survive transport over thousands of kilometers to harbors with conditions similar to those they left; occasionally live larvae have also been recovered from ships' ballast water. U.S. Navy dry dock movements between major Pacific ports have transported large masses of fouling nonindigenous taxa, including ascidians. Transfer between culture sites of oysters, mussels, and associated lines and nets may provide an additional mode of transport. Once nonindigenous ascidians become established, they provide large local sources of larvae for further possible invasions into additional harbors and nearby natural marine communities. Invasive species include both solitary and colonial forms, with a preponderance of large solitary species that thrive in highly disturbed habitats. In Guam, for example, most nonindigenous ascidians are confined to harbor structures and have not as yet significantly colonized natural reefs. In contrast, healthy natural benthic regions both inside and outside the harbors of Guam are usually stable coral reef communities containing a high diversity, but very low biomass, of native colonial ascidian species. However, in several areas of the Caribbean a native colonial didemnid has recently begun overgrowing coral reefs. In the Gulf of Mexico a nonindigenous didemnid now covers many offshore oil rigs and may become a threat to neighboring natural reefs. Additional data on nonindigenous ascidians in Australia, Palau, Hawai'i, and the Mediterranean are included. Although serious invasion of coral reefs has not yet been reported, more studies and regular monitoring are needed.