Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterizing Service Components of China's Manufacturing Exports

Based on the World Input-Output Database, we decompose China's manufacturing exports into domestic content and foreign content using the framework proposed by Wang et al. (2013) to calculate and analyze the service components of manufacturing exports. The share of services in China's gross manufacturing exports presented a U-shape trend from 2000 to 2009, and decreased after 2009. Comparison with Japan and the United States in the same period reveals that this pattern is distinctive to China. The empirical study finds that labor cost in production and investment structure are two important factors that influence the service components of China's manufacturing exports.
‘Well, it’s up to me now’ – young care leavers’ strategies for handling adversities when leaving out-of-home care in Sweden

Abstract This qualitative longitudinal study of 20 young Swedish care leavers investigates their subjective experience of and strategies for handling adversities when being in the process of leaving out-of-home care. The empirical data is based on two sets of interviews, the first conducted at time 1 (T1) when they were still in care but the moving out process had begun, the second (T2) 6–10 months later when the vast majority had left care. The thematic analysis based on resilience theory showed that the majority of the informants over time developed process-oriented strategies, which in our categorization emanated either from the inner world of the informants (e.g. through re-framing of experiences and an emerging self-reliance) or from their outer contextual world (e.g. through a restructuring of the social network). The results are discussed from a resilience theoretical perspective in which the informants’ strategies are illustrated by the conceptual pair of ‘navigation’ and ‘negotiation’, used to make sense of their inner and outer world-oriented strategies.
Concussion in youth rugby union and rugby league: a systematic review

Background Children and adolescents who play rugby are at increased risk of concussion and its effects. Competitive rugby union and rugby league feature as major sports in the school sport curriculum in the UK. There is a need for a thorough understanding of the epidemiology of concussion in youth rugby, the mechanisms involved in injuries and predisposing risk factors. Data Sources The publication databases Pubmed, Embase and SportDISCUS were searched in April 2014 for primary research studies of child and adolescent rugby union and rugby league (under 20 years) in English language with data on concussion injuries. The review was conducted within a larger all injury systematic review on rugby union and rugby league where key words used in the search included rugby, injury and concussion with child, adolescent, paediatric and youth. Results There were 25 studies retrieved with data on child or adolescent rugby and concussion, 20 were on rugby union, three on rugby league and in two the code of rugby was unspecified. There was significant heterogeneity in the definitions of injuries and of concussion. The incidence of child and adolescent match concussion ranged from 0.2 to 6.9 concussions per 1000 player-hours for rugby union and was 4.6 and 14.7 concussions per 1000 player-hours for rugby league, equivalent to a probability of between 0.3% and 11.4% for rugby union and of 7.7% and 22.7% for rugby league. Conclusions There is a significant risk of concussion in children and adolescents playing rugby union and rugby league evident from the studies included in this systematic review. There is a need for reliable data through routine monitoring and reporting in schools and clubs and in hospital emergency departments in order to inform prevention. Concussion protocols should be implemented and tested.
EU–China and EU–Brazil policy transfer in regional policy

ABSTRACT The paper investigates the European Union (EU)–Brazil and EU–China regional policy dialogues, viewed as vectors of cross-national policy transfer. Regional policy is considered as having limited transfer potential due to its inward orientation, context specificity and complexity. Yet, knowledge exchange and voluntary policy transfer have taken place between the EU and Brazil and between the EU and China since the mid-2000s. The study investigates and compares actors, motivations, mechanisms of transfer, conditioning factors and types of outcomes, shedding a light on the under-researched phenomenon of international policy transfer in regional policy.
Improving Factor Score Estimation Through the Use of Observed Background Characteristics

A challenge facing nearly all studies in the psychological sciences is how to best combine multiple items into a valid and reliable score to be used in subsequent modeling. The most ubiquitous method is to compute a mean of items, but more contemporary approaches use various forms of latent score estimation. Regardless of approach, outside of large-scale testing applications, scoring models rarely include background characteristics to improve score quality. This article used a Monte Carlo simulation design to study score quality for different psychometric models that did and did not include covariates across levels of sample size, number of items, and degree of measurement invariance. The inclusion of covariates improved score quality for nearly all design factors, and in no case did the covariates degrade score quality relative to not considering the influences at all. Results suggest that the inclusion of observed covariates can improve factor score estimation.
Effect of F(I)O(2) on physiological responses and cycling performance at moderate altitude.

PURPOSE To evaluate physiological responses and exercise performance during a "live high-train low via supplemental oxygen" (LH + TLO(2)) interval workout in trained endurance athletes. METHODS Subjects (N = 19) were trained male cyclists who were permanent residents of moderate altitude (1800-1900 m). Testing was conducted at 1860 m (P(B) 610-612 Torr, P(I)O(2) approximately 128 Torr). Subjects completed three randomized, single-blind trials in which they performed a standardized interval workout while inspiring a medical-grade gas with F(I)O(2) 0.21 (P(I)O(2) approximately 128 Torr), F(I)O(2) 0.26 (P(I)O(2) approximately 159 Torr), and F(I)O(2) 0.60 (P(I)O(2) approximately 366 Torr). The standardized interval workout consisted of 6 x 100 kJ performed on a dynamically calibrated cycle ergometer at a self-selected workload and pedaling cadence with a work:recovery ratio of 1:1.5. RESULTS Compared with the control trial (21% O(2)), average total time (min:s) for the 100-kJ work interval was 5% and 8% (P < 0.05) faster in the 26% O(2) and 60% O(2) trials, respectively. Consistent with the improvements in total time were increments in power output (W) equivalent to 5% (26% O(2) trial) and 9% (60% O(2) trial; P < 0.05). Whole-body [VO](2) (L.min-1) was higher by 7% and 14% (P < 0.05) in the 26% O(2) and 60% O(2) trials, respectively, and was highly correlated to the improvement in power output (r = 0.85, P < 0.05). Arterial oxyhemoglobin saturation (S(p)O(2)) was significantly higher by 5% (26% O(2)) and 8% (60% O(2)) in the supplemental oxygen trials. CONCLUSION We concluded that a typical LH + TLO(2) training session results in significant increases in arterial oxyhemoglobin saturation, [V02] and average power output contributing to a significant improvement in exercise performance.
Accommodation prices on Airbnb: effects of host experience and market demand

Purpose Accommodation sharing is a major trend shaping the hospitality industry, and Airbnb is the most prominent sharing platform driving this growth. While price convenience is reported as one of the main strengths of Airbnb accommodations, only a few studies have examined price determinants. In particular, it is unclear whether hosts dynamically adjust prices for shared accommodation based on their experience with price management and on the level of market demand. The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap by suggesting and testing a comprehensive hedonic pricing model. Design/methodology/approach Data from all 1,056 Airbnb listings for accommodations available in the city of Verona, Italy on four booking dates in 2016 are collected and analysed through regression analysis. Findings The results highlight that price is significantly related to the level of the host’s accumulated experience and the level of market demand on a specific booking date. The findings provide support for the ability of hosts to dynamically adjust prices for their accommodations. Practical implications Drawing on the innovator’s dilemma theory, this study suggests some strategies that traditional hotels may adopt to react to the disruptive nature of Airbnb. Originality/value This is one of the few studies to address hosts’ pricing strategies and specifically consider price adjustments owing to variations in host experience and market demand.
Improved detection of gastrointestinal pathogens using generalised sample processing and amplification panels

Summary We aimed to streamline the diagnosis of gastrointestinal disease by producing multiplexed real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) panels employing universal sample processing for DNA and RNA containing pathogens. A total of 487 stored, previously characterised stool samples comprising bacterial, viral, protozoan and Clostridium difficile positive samples were tested using four multiplexed real time PCR panels. A further 81 pre-selected clinical samples from a teaching hospital were included to provide an independent validation of assay performance. Improved sensitivity was achieved using the protozoan panels and 16 more mixed infections were observed compared to tests with conventional methods. Using the C. difficile panels, 100% sensitivity was achieved when compared to the gold standard of toxigenic culture. In addition, hypervirulent strains including ribotype 027 could be identified directly from primary sample without the need for ribotyping methods. Bacterial and viral panels detecting Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Yersinia enterocolitica, Listeria monocytogenes, norovirus groups I and II, rotavirus A, astrovirus, sapovirus, rotavirus B, adenovirus and adenovirus 40/41 performed as well as conventional methods, whilst allowing detection in 3 hours from processing to result. Multiplex real time PCR panels with universal sample preparation allow streamlined, rapid diagnosis of gastrointestinal pathogens whilst extending the characterisation of pathogens present in stool samples from affected patients.
Tenascin C induces a quiescent phenotype in cultured adult human astrocytes

Astrocytic scar formation occurs subsequent to brain and spinal cord injury and impedes repair. The exact mechanisms of scar formation have yet to be elucidated but it is known that astrocytes within the scar have a different antigenic phenotype from normal or reactive astrocytes. Astrocyte cell culture offers a suitable system to identify factors that induce the scar phenotype as well as factors that reverse this process and that may help identify therapeutic strategies to treat astrogliosis. However, when placed in standard culture conditions, astrocytes become activated/reactive and express molecules characteristic of scar tissue in vivo. In the present study, we made use of this phenomenon to identify culture conditions that change the activated phenotype of cultured astrocytes into one characteristic of normal quiescent astrocytes. In particular, we examined the effect of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins found in the human brain, on the phenotype of human adult astrocytes. Significantly fewer astrocytes expressed scar properties when grown on tenascin‐C (TN‐C) than those cultured on other ECM proteins or poly‐L‐lysine‐coated dishes. TN‐C also significantly reduced the proliferation rate of the astrocytes in vitro. In addition, further manipulation of culture conditions induced partial astrocyte reactivation. Our findings suggest that astrocytes grown on TN‐C revert to a quiescent, nonactivated state that is partially reversible. This raises the possibility that therapeutic strategies aimed at manipulating TN‐C levels during CNS injury may help reduce astrocytic scarring. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
GROWTH REGIMES IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: A MIXTURE MODEL APPROACH

This paper employs a generalized mixture model approach to empirically determine if Sub-Saharan African countries henceforth (SSA) follow a homogenous growth pattern based on the conditional distribution of their growth rates. Latent effects are employed to determine the growth experience of SSA countries and to examine the structural characteristics of the clusters if any exist. Affirmation of clusters might imply significant productivity divergence among Sub-Saharan economies, helping explaining the structural imbalances in the region. Results strongly buttress the existence of clusters and little evidence of a common growth path, implying divergence among Sub-Saharan economies and specific economic reforms are required in the identified clusters to guarantee sustainability and equality of growth in the SSA region. We also observed a positive and significant effect of investment even though the estimated long run effects of investment on economic growth are smaller than expected.
Improving impact assessment of the effects of trade on employment study on qualitative and mixed method approaches

Assessments of the impact of trade on employment tend to be dominated by modelling exercises. Historically, policy deliberations and academic debates about the effects of trade have relied heavily on information from this type of assessments. Over the past number of years, however, increasing attention has focused on the contribution of so-called ‘qualitative’ and mixed method studies in impact assessment. There has been a growing number of such studies along with a growing appreciation of the insights which they may provide. The purpose of this paper is to document a number of contributions which such studies can make in the general context of trade and employment. The paper first addresses conceptual and definitional issues with respect to the ‘qualitative/quantitative’ distinction, ‘participatory’ research approaches, and dimensions of employment and decent work. It then analyses the determinants of methodological choice in impact assessment and presents eight potential contributions of ‘qualitative’ and mixed method approaches with examples from the empirical literature. The paper concludes with a summary of the key areas where ‘qualitative’ and mixed method studies can add value to employment impact assessment and a discussion of the potential for feeding results into the policy process.
1H NMR visible lipids are induced by phosphonium salts and 5‐fluorouracil in human breast cancer cells

Cationic lipophilic phosphonium salts (CLPS) selectively accumulate in the mitochondria of neoplastic cells and inhibit mitochondrial function. The effects of the CLPS p‐(triphenylphosphoniummethyl) benzaldehyde chloride (drug A), and [4‐(hydrazinocarboxy)‐1‐butyl] tris‐(4‐dimethylaminophenyl) phosphonium chloride (drug B), on human breast cells of differing biological properties were assessed using growth inhibition assays and 1H NMR. Drug A and, to a lesser extent, drug B demonstrated selective growth inhibition of the highly tumorigenic DU4475 breast carcinoma cell line compared to the transformed HBL‐100 human breast cell line. However, in contrast to previous studies using other cell lines, no synergistic activity was found when the drugs were used in combination. 1H NMR demonstrated significant increases in mobile lipid acyl chain resonances in both cell lines treated with cytotoxic doses (IC50, 48 h) of the drugs used either alone or in combination. Two‐dimensional NMR revealed accompanying decreases in phosphocholine/Lys levels in HBL‐100 cells treated with A, B, or a 1:1 combination A+B at the IC50, and in DU4475 cells treated with drug A (IC50). This was accompanied by significant increases in cho/Lys ratios with IC50 A or combination A+B treatment. Similar spectra were observed in cells treated with 5‐fluorouracil but not methotrexate, indicating that mobile lipid accumulation is a general but not universal response to cytotoxic insult. Magn Reson Med 45:1001–1010, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Three-dimensional MREIT simulator (MREITSim)

Magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography (MREIT) is being developed to produce high-resolution cross-sectional conductivity images of an object. In MREIT, we scan the imaging object using an MRI scanner while injecting low-frequency current through surface electrodes. This produces change in the phase of precessing protons which is reflected in the MRI phase image. The conductivity imaging method in MREIT is thus based on static bioelectromagnetism and physics of MRI. In this paper, we describe a three-dimensional MREIT simulator (MREITSim) to numerically simulate the underlying physical phenomena in MREIT. We demonstrate the static bioelectromagnetism simulation and MREIT k-space data simulation as applications of this simulator. The simulator will be useful in developing new MREIT pulse sequences and conductivity image reconstruction algorithms.
Diagnostic immunohistochemistry in neuromuscular disorders

Most neuromuscular disorders display only non‐specific myopathological features in routine histological preparations. However, a number of proteins, including sarcolemmal, sarcomeric, and nuclear proteins as well as enzymes with defects responsible for neuromuscular disorders, have been identified during the past two decades, allowing a more specific and firm diagnosis of muscle diseases. Identification of protein defects relies predominantly on immunohistochemical preparations and on Western blot analysis. While immunohistochemistry is very useful in identifying abnormal expression of primary protein abnormalities in recessive conditions, it is less helpful in detecting primary defects in dominantly inherited disorders. Abnormal immunohistochemical expression patterns can be confirmed by Western blot analysis which may also be informative in dominant disorders, although its role has yet to be established. Besides identification of specific protein defects, immunohistochemistry is also helpful in the differentiation of inflammatory myopathies by subtyping cellular infiltrates and demonstrating up‐regulation of subtle immunological parameters such as cell adhesion molecules. The role of immunohistochemistry in denervating disorders, however, remains controversial in the absence of a reliable marker of muscle fibre denervation. Nevertheless, as well as the diagnostic value of immunocytochemical analysis it may also widen understanding of muscle fibre pathology as well as help in the development of therapeutic strategies.
Outcomes of Cartilage Tympanoplasty in the Pediatric Population

Objective To justify the successful use of a patient selection algorithm based on age for primary cartilage tympanoplasty. Study Design Case series with chart review. Setting Tertiary care pediatric hospital. Subjects and Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of patients between ages 4 and 13 years who underwent cartilage tympanoplasty for tympanic membrane perforations from August 2005 to November 2011. Demographics, complication data, and auditory outcomes were collected. Results Patients were subdivided into 3 age groups. Group 1 consisted of patients younger than 7 years (n = 43); group 2, ages 7 to 10 years (n = 40); and group 3, ages 10 to 13 years (n = 36). Mean follow-up was 595 days (range, 48-1742). Complication rates respective to the 3 groups were as follows: remnant perforation (6.97%, 5.00%, 2.78%), revision tympanoplasty (2.33%, 2.50%, 0%), and need for tympanostomy tubes (4.65%, 2.50%, 0%). Logistic regression models were used to evaluate complication rates between groups. No significant differences were found (remnant perforation, P = .710; repeat tympanoplasty, P = .998; tympanostomy tubes, P = .875). No significance was found among audiological outcomes between the 3 groups. Conclusion These data suggest cartilage tympanoplasty can be performed effectively in young children when appropriate conditions exist.
Somatic Complications And Contraceptive Techniques Following Legal Abortion

The purpose of this study was to establish the frequency of complications following legal abortion at our hospital, and also to examine the use of contraceptives among these patients. All women who requested abortion in the first or second trimester up to week 15 during an 8‐month period (n =1000) were included in the study. The patients were characterized with regard to age, parity, previous abortion, contraceptive technique before and after the abortion, presence of endocervical/urethral Chlamydia trachomatis and frequency and type of somatic complications following the abortion. The overall frequency of complications (infection, bleeding, recurettage) was 5.4%, and 2.7% were readmitted to the hospital. No certain relation between complication rate and gestational length, age or parity was seen, possibly related to selective prostaglandin pretreatment of the cervix and doxycycline treatment of patients with positive cultures for Chlamydia trachomatis. In contrast to previous Scandinavian studies, we found a smaller proportion of young patients, a low percentage of Chlamydial infections, and an unchanged high rate of failure to use contraceptives.
Vascular injury caused by mechanical thrombectomy in porcine arteries: AKónya eliminator device versus Arrow-Trerotola percutaneous thrombolytic device.

PURPOSE To compare vascular injuries induced by a nonrotational thrombectomy device equipped with an adjustable basket (the AKónya Eliminator [AKE] device) and the Arrow-Trerotola percutaneous thrombolytic device (PTD) in porcine external iliac arteries (EIAs). MATERIALS AND METHODS The EIAs of nine domestic pigs underwent simulated thrombectomy with the AKE after the diameter of the basket had been adjusted to the vessel's diameter and with the PTD after motor activation. Three animals were euthanized immediately after treatment (group 1, acute), three after 1 week (group 2, subchronic), and three after 6 weeks (group 3, chronic). Vessel diameters were measured angiographically at four anatomic locations at the three time points. A histologic grading system was established to quantify the degree of vascular injury and lumen compromise. Four other EIAs were treated with an "oversized" AKE basket and followed for 6 weeks. RESULTS Histologically, the acute lesions in the AKE-treated vessels were more superficial than those in the PTD-treated vessels. In group 2, two of three PTD-treated arteries occluded, and their subchronic injuries were more serious than those in the AKE-treated arteries. In group 3, all AKE-treated arteries remained patent, but one of the PTD-treated vessels occluded, and the lumen sizes of the PTD- and AKE-treated arteries differed significantly. After 6 weeks, there was no significant difference between arteries treated with the PTD and those treated with the oversized AKE in terms of diameter or histologic grading. CONCLUSIONS The adjustable basket and hand-controlled operation of the AKE were significantly less injurious to the arterial wall than the constant-size PTD basket operated at 3,000 rpm. Damage produced by the oversized AKE basket was similar to that produced by the PTD.