Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Privatization and Productivity in Romanian Industry: Evidence from a Comprehensive Enterprise Panel

We construct and analyze a unique database with 1992-99 information on privatization transactions and labor productivity for the entire surviving population of initially state-owned industrial corporations in Romania. The data permit us to describe the post-privatization ownership structure and to test the effect of alternative privatization policies on firm performance in a panel framework. The results of OLS, LAD, and fixed-effects estimations consistently show a positive, highly significant effect of private ownership share on the level and growth of labor productivity, the estimates ranging from 13 to 32 log points for the level, and 9 to 16 for productivity growth. The strongest estimated impacts arise from sales to foreign and domestic blockholders, but insider and mass privatization are also estimated to have positive, although smaller, impacts on firm performance.
Modularity, Vertical Integration, and Open Access Policies: Towards a Convergence of Antitrust and Regulation in the Internet Age

This article aims to help regulators and commentators incorporate both Chicago School and post-Chicago School arguments in assessing whether regulation should mandate open access to information platforms. The authors outline three alternative models that the FCC could adopt to guide its regulation of information platforms in the future and facilitate a true convergence between antitrust and regulatory policy.
Locomotor activity of Cycloneda sanguinea (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) exposed to volatile semiochemicals and to direct contact with the odour source

N RESUMEN. Cycloneda sanguinea (Linnaeus) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) es un predador polifago oportunista y cuando su menu esta dominado por afidos, es esperable un comportamiento complejo de forrajeo. Un movimiento activo, caracterizado por alta actividad locomotriz, juega un rol importante en la busqueda de esta presa. En este trabajo se analizo el comportamiento de adultos de C. sanguinea expuestos a los semioquimicos volatiles, emitidos por sustratos de Capsicum annuum Linnaeus (Solanaceae) sanos o infestados con Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), o simplemente puestos en contacto directo con esos sustratos. Los tratamientos evaluados fueron: A) hojas de pimiento infestadas con alta densidad de afidos, B) hojas de pimiento infestadas con baja densidad de afidos, C) hojas de pimiento sanas y D) control. La actividad locomotriz no difirio significativamente entre los distintos tratamientos cuando C. sanguinea se expuso solamente a los volatiles. En cambio, cuando los coccinelidos se pusieron en contacto directo con los sustratos evaluados, se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los tratamientos. Estos resultados preliminares indicarian que la sola presencia de un estimulo de olor, no seria suficiente para modular un patron locomotor diferente en C. sanguinea. PALABRAS CLAVE. Comportamiento de forrajeo. Capsicum annuum. Cycloneda sanguinea. Myzus persicae. Actometro. N ABSTRACT. Cycloneda sanguinea (Linnaeus) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is an opportunistic polyphagous predator and when aphids dominate its menu, a complex foraging behaviour can be expected. An active movement characterized by a high locomotor activity plays an important role in the search of this prey. The behaviour of C. sanguinea adults exposed to volatile semiochemicals emitted by Capsicum annuum
PHYSIO-MORPHIC RESPONSE OF WHEAT GENOTYPES UNDER RAINFED CONDITIONS

Fifteen wheat genotypes were evaluated in the experimental area of the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Arid Agriculture, Rawalpindi, during Rabi season 2004-2005. There were highly significant variations among the genotypes for number of tillers per plant, stomatal size, leaf venation, days to heading, days to maturity, spike length, 1000 grain weight and grain yield per hectare. Stomata size and stomatal frequency were negatively correlated. Leaf venation and stomatal frequency were positively correlated it means that high stomatal frequency may result in thick veins per unit leaf area. Stomatal frequency, stomatal size, days to maturity, grain spike -1 and 1000 grain weight showed small positive correlation with grain yield. These results
Randomized Control Trial: Heated Humidity High Flow Nasal Cannula inComparison with NCPAP in the Management of RDS in Extreme LowBirth Infants in Immediate Post Extubation Period

Background: Respiratory failure in neonates remains a difficult challenge and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Current practice reflects the belief that limited exposure to invasive mechanical ventilation and careful use of oxygen support, results in less lung injury and improved long term pulmonary outcomes in preterm infants. Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is a common cause of respiratory failure in preterm infants and occurs in most preterm infants less than 28 weeks gestation. Standard of care involves surfactant administration and providing respiratory support. Objective: To compare the primary outcome, failure of extubation defined by the need for re-intubation and mechanical ventilation within 5 days of initial extubation and secondary outcomes, morbidities and mortality after using of heated humidity high flow nasal cannula (HHHFNC) and Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (NCPAP) in the immediate post-extubation period for preterm infants between 24 and 28 weeks gestation with respiratory distress syndrome. Methods: 60 preterm infants with gestational ages between 24 and 28 weeks were randomized in this study to either HHHFNC or NCPAP. The primary outcome measured was failed extubation defined by the need for reintubation and mechanical ventilation within 5 days of initial extubation after receiving at least 2 doses of surfactant. Secondary outcome measures included: 1. Duration of respiratory support using HHHFNC/NCPAP. 2. Duration of oxygen requirement. 3. Incidence of complications i.e. Nasal breakdown, Sepsis, Intraventricular hemorrhage, Retinopathy of prematurity and Patent Ductus Arteriosis. Preterm infants who remained intubated for more than 24 hours were excluded from the study. Results: 17.2% of neonates placed on HHHFNC failed extubation and required re-intubation within 5 days of initial extubation compared with 20.8% of neonates placed on NCPAP (p value 1.000). Mean duration of respiratory support using HHHFNC was 37.45 days compared with 40.04 days using NCPAP (p value 0.66). Duration of oxygen requirement for infants placed on HHHFNC was 49.41 days compared with 43.75 days for infants placed on NCPAP (p value 0.58). 25% of infants placed on NCPAP suffered nasal trauma, 12.5% developed sepsis, 12.5% had grades III and IV IVH, 41.67% were reported to have a PDA and 41.67% were reported to have varying stages of ROP. No nasal trauma was reported for infants placed on HHHFNC, 3.5% developed sepsis, 13.79% had grades III and IV IVH, 31.03% were reported to have a PDA and 24.14% were reported to have varying stages of ROP. Conclusion: HHHFNC use is comparable to the use of NCPAP in the immediate post-extubation period for preterm infants between 24 and 28 weeks gestations with Respiratory Distress Syndrome without an increased risk for co-morbid conditions.
DIFFERENTIAL DISEASE REACTION OF RICE PATHOGEN XANTHOMONAS ORYZAE PV. ORYZAE PREVAILING IN INDIA ON RICE CULTIVARS

In the present study, the virulence of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) causing bacterial blight disease in rice was analyzed using 200 isolates of Xoo on near isogenic lines (NILs) and rice differentials having single or different gene combinations at field condition. These isolates were assembled from major rice growing areas of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu and Kerala state. From these isolates, 20 pathotypes (races) on NILs and 12 pathotypes on rice differentials were identified based on disease reaction. In this analysis, more number of pathotypes were identified in Bihar state (10 pathotypes) followed by Uttar Pradesh (7 pathotypes), Haryana, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala (6 pathotypes), Odisha (4 pathotypes), Punjab (3 pathotypes) and Tamilnadu (2 pathotypes). Among these, pathotype I was virulent to all rice cultivar harbouring single resistant gene (Xa4, xa5, Xa7, Xa10 and xa13) and it was found to be prevalent throughout India. Significantly, isolates of pathotype III prevailing in Haryana state were noted that they breakdown the resistance of IRBB21 (Xa21) and IRBB52 (Xa4+Xa21). Thus, in this analysis, data clearly is revealed that almost all the isolates were able to overcome only those NILs which harbored a single resistant gene (i.e. IRRB4) or two gene (i.e. IRBB52/DV85) for BB resistance and not those NILs (i.e. IRBB57-IRBB60) which harbored either a 3-gene/4-gene combinations.
Computational analysis of human miRNAs phylogenetics

Over one third of the human genome appears to be regulated by miRNAs which are involved in fundamental cellular processes and are negative regulators of gene expression. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionary conserved across broad phylogenetic distances and have gained considerable attention about evolution, genetic and phylogenetic analysis. Comparing sequences of miRNA precursors within a species and between closely related species should thus help to determine patterns of molecular evolution and the timescales at which different aspects of the evolution of miRNAs can be best investigated. In this study, miRNAs were analyzed for their relationship with each other and pattern of variations among different organisms, and it is hoped that it will enhance our understandings on the use of miRNAs in therapeutics for the treatment of various diseases which are the main focus of modern research these days in molecular studies. Four different sequences of human miRNAs (Homo sapiens miR-99-precursor-21, H. sapiens microRNA let-7a-1, H. sapiens microRNA 145 and H. sapiens microRNA 18a) were retrieved from the NCBI, and multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis of the miRNAs through UPGMA was performed which showed their relationship among each other and pattern of variations among different organisms. Key words: MicroRNA (miRNA), phylogenetics, miR-99, microRNA let-7a-1, microRNA 145, microRNA 18a.
The Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate ( PLP )-Dependent Enzyme Serine Palmitoyltransferase ( SPT ) : Effects of the Small Subunits and Insights from Bacterial Mimics of Human hLCB 2 a HSAN 1 Mutations

1 EastChem School of Chemistry, The University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JJ, UK 2Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20184-4779, USA 3The Edinburgh Cell Wall Group, Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Daniel Rutherford Building, Edinburgh EH9 3JH, UK 4Department of Pharmacology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20184-4779, USA
Gross National Happiness: meaning, measure and degrowth in a living development alternative

Abstract Narrow framings of development founded on GDP growth have led to multiple ecological, social and political-economic crises across the world that threaten the survival of humans and socio-ecologies. With the growing recognition that an expansionist trajectory is no longer viable, a burgeoning global discussion on degrowth has emerged. However, a limited number of living societal solutions exist in response the emergent crisis of over-consumption, deep inequality and resource depletion. The driving development philosophy of Gross National Happiness from the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is a unique living alternative that challenges GDP metrics. With societal happiness as the primary lens for viewing human progress within planetary limits, GNH places socio-cultural, political-economic and spiritual-ecological wellbeing at the center of national development. Based on five years of research in Bhutan, the article discusses GNH as a holistic development alternative in relation to degrowth. It highlights the role of local insights, conceptual innovations, tested methodologies and policy experiences in constructing a unique society, as well as how GNH influences other nations and global debates. The article reflects on challenges that GNH faces in negotiating powerful forces of globalization, geopolitical shifts, climate change and skewed relations of power and privilege that influence scholarship, development and knowledge production. Keywords: Gross National Happiness, degrowth, holistic development, Bhutan
Bioenergetic Properties of Alkaline-tolerant and Alkalophilic Strains of Bacillus firmus

The protonmotive force, Na+/H+ antiport activity and α-aminoisobutyric acid transport were studied in alkaline-tolerant Bacillus firmus ATCC 14575 and in a newly isolated alkalophilic strain of the same species. The alkalophilic strain, which grew over a pH range from 8·0 to 10·5, maintained a cytoplasmic pH of 9·5 or below even at an external pH of 11·0. Evidence was obtained for an electrogenic Na+/H+ antiporter which could play a role in acidification of the cytoplasm as well as in generation of the transmembrane electrical potential. A non-alkalophilic strain, isolated after mutagenesis of the new alkalophile, lacked the Na+/H+ antiporter. The alkaline-tolerant strain of B. firmus, which grew at pH values between 6·5 and 8·5, did not maintain an acidified cytoplasm as the pH was raised above 8·0. A less active, apparently electroneutral, Na+/H+ exchange was found in this strain. Both the alkaline-tolerant and alkalophilic strains exhibited Na+-dependent transport of α-aminoisobutyric acid.
Interactive comment on “ Quasi static ensemble variational data assimilation ” by Anthony Fillion et al

The authors have performed a thorough study of the applicability of Quasi-Static (QS) variational data assimilation schemes on an ensemble Kalman smoother (EnKS), leading to the iterative ensemble Kalman smoother (IEnKS). The QS algorithm has been shown to be crucial by Pires et al. (1996) in 4DVar DA on nonlinear chaotic models. That procedure keeps the analysis error within the region of validity of the linear tangent approach, which nearly corresponds to the cost-function attraction basin including the true model state.
IQ in the Ramsey Model: A Naive Calibration

I show that in a conventional Ramsey model, between one-fourth and one-half of the global income distribution can be explained by a single factor: The effect of large, persistent differences in national average IQ on the private marginal product of labor. Thus, differences in national average IQ may be a driving force behind global income inequality. These persistent differences in cognitive ability--which are well-supported in the psychology literature--are likely to be somewhat malleable through better health care, better education, and especially better nutrition in the worldâ€™s poorest countries. A simple calibration exercise in the spirit of Bils and Klenow (2000) and Castro (2005) is conducted. I show that an IQ-augmented Ramsey model can explain more than half of the empirical relationship between national average IQ and GDP per worker. I provide evidence that little of the IQ-productivity relationship is likely to be due to reverse causality.
Evaluating rebar corrosion damage in RC structures exposed to marine environment using neural network

Data on the effects of the environmental conditions, structure, and properties of concrete onto the degree of damage caused by chloride-induced steel corrosion have been gathered on three concrete structures in an Adriatic marine environment. The damages were classified into six categories based on the type of remedial work necessary. An artificial neural network for feature categorization was used as a tool for classification of the degree of damage. The model was successfully trained and validated for the range of data from investigated bridges. The interactions and sensitivities of the principal parameters were investigated. The model indicates that the exposure and microclimate conditions are rated higher than the porosity, strength, water–cement ratio, cement content, and cement type. The model could be useful for planning the maintenance of investigated structures and design of remedial works.
Estimation of body weight and stature in Latvian hospitalized seniors

Introduction. Weight and height are important measurements for many medical procedures. They are difficult to measure in bedridden patients. They can be estimated through equations based on anthropometric measurements generated in other countries, however their adequacy in different ethnical groups has been poorly studied. Objective. To confirm the adequacy of formulae suggested in literature and to develop weight and height predicting equations for Latvian hospitalized seniors which use a tapeline as only tool and include no more than one measurement require turning bedridden patient. Methods. Anthropometric measurements were taken from hospitalized seniors (≥65 years) admitted to the Gerontology Centre, Riga East University Hospital. Actual body height and weight were compared with their estimates calculated from Chumlea, Rabito, Bernal, Lorenz, Crandell equations. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to create weight and height predictive models. The estimated and actual values were compared through a paired sample t-test. Results. 223 hospitalized seniors, 169 women and 54 men, were assessed. There was no significant difference between actual and estimated mean weight by Rabito in females. The Chumlea formula estimated height in both genders. The Chumlea, Bernal underestimated, but Lorenz and Crandell formula overestimated the mean weight. The best weight predictive models which included only circumference measurements and no more than one measurement requiring to turn bedridden patients were 0.709*abdominal circumference +1.425* arm circumference (AC)+1.083*calf circumference (CC)-68.968, R2=0.962 for males and 0.853* hip circumference+ 1.405*AC+0.499*CC–79.355, R2=0.870 for females. The adjusted height formula was 76.146–4.961* gender-0.151* age+1.245* hemispan, R2=0.732. Conclusions. The suitable equations for the studied population body weight estimation were Rabito and Chumlea equations but for females only. The height was predicted by the Chumlea formula in both genders and by the Rabito equation in males. The best predictive body weight model which uses circumference measurements from which only one requires to turn bedridden patients were created and differed in females and males in the use of hip or abdominal circumference respectively. The height estimating equation which uses a tapeline as the only tool was adjusted for the study population. Validation of created equations is needed in a larger Latvian senior population.
AWARENESS OF HYPERTENSION AND ITS RISK FACTORS IN MAIDUGURI, NORTH EASTERN NIGERIA

Objectives: To determine the level of awareness of hypertension and its risk factors in Gwange community of Maiduguri North-eastern Nigeria. Method: A community based cross sectional study in Gwange community of Maiduguri, a major city in North-eastern Nigeria. Participants were selected through a stratified randomize sample method. Demographic data including age, gender, marital status, highest educational qualification and occupation were recorded. Information on awareness of hypertension and level of awareness of risk factors for hypertension were also obtained. Blood pressure was taken once on the left arm using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer. Results: In all, 485(175 females) were included. The study showed a statistically significant higher level of awareness among young individuals with declining trend with aged (p=0.01). The study also recorded a statistically significant difference in the level of awareness of hypertension among individuals with different educational levels attained, with secondary and tertiary levels of education having higher awareness (p=0.00) and also a statistically significant difference in the awareness of hypertension among different occupational groups, with higher awareness among artisans and professionals. (p=0.00). The study found 13 (6.5%) hypertensives among 199 individuals who are not aware of the risk factors for hypertension, 38 (21.6%) hypertensives among 176 individuals who are aware of one risk factor for hypertension, 12 (23.5%) hypertensives among 51 individuals who are aware of two risk factors for hypertension, and 11 (26.8%) hypertensives among 41 individuals who are aware of three or more risk factors for hypertension. Conclusion: Awareness of hypertension among hypertensives is higher than in normotensives with statistically significant higher awareness of its risk factors. Awareness is also found to be higher among people of young age group, secondary and tertiary levels of education and also among artisans and professional. Special attention should be given to those leaving in remote villages and those least aware or treated in view of the consequences of hypertension on multiple organs and regular blood pressure check should be recommended to all individuals at risk.
Sediment texture in contemporary glacial environment - examples from Hansbreen, southern Spitsbergen

The sediment texture data (grain size, quartz grain abrasion, and roundness) from a range of different glacial environments at Hansbreen in south− ern Spitsbergen are presented. The six main sediment groups were distinguished: subglacial till, supraglacial debris cover, debris flow deposits, supra− and engla− cial meltwater stream deposits, dirt cone and proglacial glaciofluvial deposits. The division is supported by grain size statistics (presented in form of 3D dia− grams), and is also legible in quartz grain abrasion differences. The latter one reveals strong changeability depending on the grain size class. No correlation between clay ratio and standard deviation vs. quartz grain abrasion was found. Lithology has limited impact on clast roundness (analysed for > 2.8 mm frac− tion), although restricted by short distance and time of transportation. A compa− rison with similar data set from Werenskioldbreen shows the deposits of Hans− breen as more mature, which is probably caused by reworking of older deposits and longer transport.
Metazoan fauna parasitizing Peckoltia braueri and Pterygoplichthys pardalis (Loricariidae) catfishes from the northeastern Brazilian Amazon

This study investigated the metazoan parasite fauna in Peckoltia braueri and Pterygoplichthys pardalis from a tributary of the Amazon River system, in northern Brazil. In P. braueri, 630 parasites were collected, belonging to Unilatus unilatus, Nothogyrodactylus sp. , Genarchella genarchella, Proteocephalus sp. , Gorytocephalus elongorchis, Dolops longicauda and Hirudinea gen. sp. , with a dominance of monogenean species. In P. pardalis, 120 parasites were collected, belonging to U. unilatus, Acanthostomum gnerii and Gorytocephalus elongorchis, and this acanthocephalan was the dominant species. In both hosts, the parasites presented clumped distribution, high prevalence, low abundance, low Shannon diversity, and low species richness, with a predominance of helminth species. In P. braueri, host length was positively correlated with parasite species richness and Shannon index. There was no difference in the body condition of parasitized and non-parasitized fishes in either host. This was the first report of these parasites in P. braueri and P. pardalis.