Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Health Effects of Climate Change in the WHO European Region

The evidence of observed health effects as well as projections of future health risks from climate variability and climate change is growing. This article summarizes new knowledge on these health risks generated since the IPCC fourth assessment report (AR4) was published in 2007, with a specific focus on the 53 countries comprising the WHO European Region. Many studies on the effects of weather, climate variability, and climate change on health in the European Region have been published since 2007, increasing the level of certainty with regard to already known health threats. Exposures to temperature extremes, floods, storms, and wildfires have effects on cardiovascular and respiratory health. Climate- and weather-related health risks from worsening food and water safety and security, poor air quality, and ultraviolet radiation exposure as well as increasing allergic diseases, vector- and rodent-borne diseases, and other climate-sensitive health outcomes also warrant attention and policy action to protect human health.
Prognostic factors in multiple myeloma

The pretreatment characteristics of 265 multiple myeloma patients treated between 1977 and 1983 were evaluated as potential prognostic factors for survival. Patients whose diagnosis was based on bone marrow plasmacytosis (> 30%) were noticed to have poorer survival (P < 0.001). Although classification of patients according to stage has traditionally been used to identify prognostic groups, differences in survival were noted only between Stage III and Stage I or II patients using one of two common staging systems. Multivariate analysis using Cox's proportional hazards model identified the following prognostic factors in order of importance: plasmacytosis (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.49 to 3.27), hypercalcemia (HR = 1.68, CI = 1.22 to 2.32), hypoalbuminemia (HR = 1.51, CI = 1.15 to 1.99), alkaline phosphatase (HR = 1.62, CI = 1.18 to 2.23), hyperuricemia (HR = 1.46, CI = 1.09 to 1.96), and renal insufficiency (HR = 1.48, CI = 1.08 to 2.04). All patients were followed from 2 to 7.5 years and 130 (49%) survived over 2 years. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that hyperuricemia, hypoalbuminemia, renal insufficiency, plasmacytosis, gender, alkaline phosphatase, and hypercalcemia were significant predictors of 2‐year survival. Knowledge of these factors could be of value in predicting prognosis and planning therapy in patients with multiple myeloma.
Hedging jump risk, expected returns and risk premia in jump-diffusion economies

This article presents a pure exchange economy that extends Rubinstein [Bell J. Econ. Manage. Sci., 1976, 7, 407–425] to show how the jump-diffusion option pricing model of Black and Scholes [J. Political Econ., 1973, 81, 637–654] and Merton [J. Financ. Econ., 1976, 4, 125–144] evolves in gamma jumping economies. From empirical analysis and theoretical study, both the aggregate consumption and the stock price are unknown in determining jumping times. By using the pricing kernel, we determine both the aggregate consumption jump time and the stock price jump time from the equilibrium interest rate and CCAPM (Consumption Capital Asset Pricing Model). Our general jump-diffusion option pricing model gives an explicit formula for how the jump process and the jump times alter the pricing. This innovation with predictable jump times enhances our analysis of the expected stock return in equilibrium and of hedging jump risks for jump-diffusion economies.
Effects of Protease Inhibitors on Mediator Preservation in the Supernatant of Induced Sputum

Abstract Addition of protease inhibitors in induced sputum samples may help improve the recovery of mediators. The effect of protease inhibitors, in induced sputum, on the measurement of fibronectin, VEGF, IL‐5, IL‐6, and IL‐8 was assessed. Protease inhibitors were added to sputum supernatant of atopic asthmatic subjects. Mediators were measured by ELISA or EIA. No differences were found in VEGF, IL‐5, and IL‐8 levels between protease inhibitors studied. Concentrations of IL‐6 and fibronectin were higher when using, respectively, the commercial cocktail, and aprotinin. Protease inhibitors, if added, should be carefully chosen at the beginning of each study, to optimize the results.
Learning in a Medium-Scale DSGE Model with Expectations Based on Small Forecasting Models (pp. 65-101)

In this paper we evaluate the empirical performance of a medium‐scale DSGE model (Smets and Wouters 2007) when agents form expectations about forward variables by using small forecasting models. Agents learn about these simple AR and VAR forecasting models through Kalman filter estimation and they combine them either using a prediction based weighting scheme or fixed weights. The results indicate that a model, in which agents use a mixture of simple forecasting models to form expectations, does fit the data better than the full rational expectations model. Adaptive learning leads to substantial time variation in the coefficients of the forecasting models. Especially the beliefs about the dynamics of the inflation process turn out to be very important for the overall performance of the model. Agents’ beliefs about the persistence of inflation display a peak the late seventies, and follow a clear downward trend starting during the Volcker disinflation period. This pattern in beliefs, which is in line with other recent evidence in the literature on inflation persistence, implies that the response of inflation to the various shocks declined significantly over the last 25 years. In this way, adaptive learning about inflation persistence also explains the observed decline in both the mean and the volatility of inflation as well as the flattening of the Phillips curve. Allowing for learning about inflation dynamics also results in lower estimates for the persistence of the exogenous processes that drive price and wage dynamics in the Rational Expectation version. We also find that the implicit beliefs of agents based on small forecasting models are more closely related to the survey evidence on inflation expectations than the beliefs under rational expectations. JEL codes: C11, D84, E30, E52
Prospective evaluation of failure modes in autogenous radiocephalic wrist access for haemodialysis.

INTRODUCTION Radiocephalic wrist arteriovenous fistulae (RCAVF) are the primary and best option for vascular access for haemodialysis treatment. However, 10-24% of these AVFs fail due directly to thrombosis and non-maturation. In a prospective study, the failure modes of radiocephalic AVFs and the impact of surgical and interventional treatment on fistula outcome were investigated. METHODS The rate of thrombosis and non-maturation was evaluated in 43 RCAVFs. The selection of RCAVF creation was made on preoperatively determined duplex parameters. Fistula function was evaluated post-operatively by clinical examination and non-invasively measured AVF blood flow. A policy of a liberal use of radiological and/or surgical revision of non-functioning RCAVFs was made on the basis of duplex measured blood flow and angiographically detected vessel stenosis. RESULTS Primary fistula function was achieved in 26 of 43 patients (60%). Non-maturation and thrombosis occurred in 14 (33%) and three (7%) patients, respectively. A total of 12 interventions (PTA 6; surgery 6) were needed, resulting in salvage of eight RCAVFs (47%). The blood flow in functioning AVFs was significantly higher compared to non-functioning AVFs at 1 (754 vs 440 cc/min), 7 (799 vs 524 cc/min) and 42 days (946 vs 532 cc/min) post-operatively. At the end, 34 RCAVFs (79%) became functional as vascular access for haemodialysis treatment. CONCLUSION Primary RCAVFs have a high rate of failure. An aggressive approach towards early interventional treatment of these non-functional AVFs is worthwhile and leads to a considerable salvage rate. Early post-operative AVF flow measurement indicates the chance of successful maturation of RCAVF.
Unobserved-Component Time Series Models with Markov-Switching Heteroscedasticity: Changes in Regime and the Link between Inflation Rates and Inflation Uncertainty

In this article, I first extend the standard unobserved-component time series model to include Hamilton's Markov-switching heteroscedasticity. This will provide an alternative to the unobserved-component model with autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity, as developed by Harvey, Ruiz, and Sentana and by Evans and Wachtel. I then apply a generalized version of the model to investigate the link between inflation and its uncertainty (U.S. data, gross national product deflator, 1958:1-1990:4). I assume that inflation consists of a stochastic trend (random-walk) component and a stationary autoregressive component, following Ball and Cecchetti, and a four-state model of U.S. inflation rate is specified. By incorporating regime shifts in both mean and variance structures, I analyze the interaction of mean and variance over long and short horizons. The empirical results show that inflation is costly because higher inflation is associated with higher long-run uncertainty.
Contrasting paradigms: segmentation and competitiveness in the formation of the chinese labour market

An urban labour market is in the process of being formed in China. The objective of this paper is to analyse the stage that it has reached. A 1999 household survey is used to investigate whether the labour market has three tiers comprised of recently retrenched and re-employed urban workers, non-retrenched urban workers, and rural–urban migrants. It tests whether wage levels and structures differ across these categories of worker. Panel data are used to model the evolution of the wage structure and, specifically, the impact of retrenchment and re-employment. The results indicate that non-retrenched urban workers enjoy a wage premium, although migrants receive similar returns to education. Re-employed workers receive no return to education and appear to have lost out on the wage rises enjoyed by the non-retrenched. There is evidence to suggest that the urban labour market is segmented into these categories, which differ in their openness to market competition. The urban labour market has a long way to go before it is fully competitive.
First Week HCV RNA Level Under the Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Treatment Predicts Sustained Virological Response

This study was planned to investigate whether the decrease in the hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA levels at the first week of combined pegylated interferon and ribavirin treatment of naive genotype 1 patients with HCV was predicting sustained virologic response (SVR). Fifty-two patients were enrolled into the study. HCV RNA levels were measured at the baseline, first, fourth, and 12th weeks of treatment. Thirty-four patients achieved SVR, which basal, first week, and fourth week HCV RNA levels were log 5.57, log 3.65, and log 1.92, respectively. Eighteen patients could not achieve SVR, which basal, first week, and fourth week HCV RNA levels were log 6.22, log 5.45, and log 3.84, respectively (P < 0.05). Patients were distributed in 2 groups according to the amount of decrease in HCV RNA levels at the first week as less or more than 1.5 log. There were 20 patients with ≥1.5 log decrease in the HCV RNA levels at the first week. They were named as patients with very rapid virologic response (VRVR). All patients (100%) with VRVR were achieved SVR. In only 14 (44%) of the 32 patients without VRVR, SVR was achieved. In 16 (84%) of the 19 patients with rapid virologic response and 33 (79%) of the 42 patients with early virologic response, SVR was achieved. A ≥1.5 log decrease (VRVR) in HCV RNA levels of patients with HCV at the first week of combined pegylated interferon and ribavirin treatment predicts SVR very strongly.
Women in Entrepreneurship Education in U.S. Higher Education

Recent literature in business education acknowledges the gender gap is diminishing. This study formulated and tested four hypotheses concerning the gender gap in entrepreneurship degrees and certificates awarded in the United States between 1996 and 2008. Integrated Research findings indicate that although female students outnumbered male students in general business education, fewer female students than male students were awarded entrepreneurship degrees and certificates. Interestingly, the majority of female students who pursued entrepreneurship degrees and certificates did so through associate colleges, while a higher percentage of male students pursued entrepreneurship degrees and certificates through doctoral and research universities. The authors provide possible explanations based on theories of schooling and society.
The Problem of Externality

ON the modern research agenda externalities occupy a rather prominent position. The increasing complexity of modern technology and society seems to create yet additional unwanted side effects that require classification on a lengthening list of externalities. However, externalities are of interest not only as current policy issues but also from a more theoretical point of view. Using Pigou's terminology, we say that when an externality is present there is a divergence between private and social cost. We interpret this to mean that when all voluntary contractual arrangements have been entered into by market transactors, there still remain some interactions that ought to be internalized but which the market forces left to themselves cannot cope with. This is the basis, for example, for the assertion of Buchanan and Stubblebine that "externality has been, and is, central to the neoclassical critique of market organization. "' Without interference in the price mechanism, some transactions that would be beneficial are not carried out. Two conclusions follow: first, that since market forces by themselves are unable to eliminate the remaining inefficiencies, some government action is automatically necessitated; second, a conceptually feasible alternative to government action is that, through a suitable establishment of appropriate markets, economic agents can be made to take into account the side effects they generate.2 One may then inquire why market transactors are unable to make the emittor of an externality internalize the costs of his actions. The only reason why wealth-maximizing economic agents do not undertake these transactions must be that the cost of carrying out the actual transaction is greater
Behavioural Heterogeneity Under Evolutionary Pressure: Macroeconomic Implications of Costly Optimisation

A model is developed in which a continuum of agents makes interdependent output decisions in a stochastic environment characterized by strategic complementarity. Two groups are distinguished: naive agents follow a costless adaptive expectations rule, while sophisticated agents incur an optimization cost to achieve self-fulfilling expectations. The paper studies the dynamics generated as the population composition evolves under pressure of differential payoffs. Sophisticated agents are favored if optimization is cheap or the stochastic environment highly variable but naive agents generally persist. A higher long-run share of sophisticated agents is associated with greater output variability and low output persistence. Copyright 1995 by Royal Economic Society.
Risk Aversion with Local Risk Seeking and Stock Returns: Evidence from the UK Market

Post and Levy (2005) find that investors are risk averse for losses and risk seekers for gains and that stocks which exhibit low risk in bear markets and high potential for gains in bull markets may demand a premium. The present study examines if this type of risk preference creates a premium in UK stock prices using a third-degree stochastic dominance test. We find that an arbitrage portfolio long on stocks with low past downside risk in bear markets and high past upside potential in bull markets and short on stocks with high past downside risk in bear markets and low past upside potential in bull markets generates a premium of 2.89% per month. This premium cannot be explained by the CAPM or the Fama and French 4-factor model, but it exhibits significant similarities to the momentum premium.
Correlation of Two Colposcopic Indices for Predicting Premalignant Lesions of Cervix

Cervical cancer is the second most common malignancy among women in India, mainly affecting the females of Peri-Menopausal age group. Colposcopy has been very useful for diagnosing cervical cancer to guide the biopsy. Reids and Scalzi proposed the Reids Colposcopic Index (RCI) to make colposcopic diagnosis less subjective, which is currently the most accepted scoring system. Recognizing the correlation of size of the lesion with likelihood of harbouring high grade disease, a new scoring system, the Swede score, has been devised by Strander et al in 2005. In present study we compared the Reids colposcopic index with Swede score. From the present study it is evident that Swede score of 8 or more has 100% specificity and can be used for performing direct excisional procedure as a “see-and-treat” method at this cut-off. This may be the preferred method for the treatment of high-grade CIN because it reduces the number of visits to the clinic and failure to receive treatment.
Prefrontal infusion of PD098059 immediately after fear extinction training blocks extinction‐associated prefrontal synaptic plasticity and decreases prefrontal ERK2 phosphorylation

A previous study has demonstrated that disruption of fear extinction‐induced long‐term potentiation (LTP) in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is associated with the return of fear responding. Given that immediate posttraining infusion of PD098059, an inhibitor of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, into the mPFC also promotes recovery of fear, we investigated whether impairment of mPFC ERK/MAPK cascade also interferes with development of extinction‐related LTP in the mPFC in rats. In Experiment 1, extinction training consisting of repetitive presentations of a tone previously associated with eyelid‐shock application induced LTP‐like changes at hippocampal inputs to the mPFC that were evident for ˜2 h following fear extinction. Infusion of PD098059 into the mPFC immediately after extinction training abolished training‐related prefrontal LTP and impaired retention of extinction memory tested on the following day. In Experiment 2, immunoblotting assays revealed that posttraining infusion of PD098059 into the mPFC produced a significant reduction of mPFC ERK2. These data, along with previous findings, suggest that low levels of ERK2 phosphorylation in the mPFC may interfere with mechanisms of retention of extinction training. The involvement of mPFC LTP in fear extinction is discussed. Synapse 60:280–287, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Simple Indicators of Adaptation versus Rigidity in History-Dependent Firm Activities and Decision Rules

Evolutionary theory suggests that firms' activities and decision rules are history-dependent: firms tend to do what they have done in the past. This paper proposes some simple indicators of adaptation versus rigidity in the amount of effort that a firm devotes to a history-dependent activity, as well as in a decision rule that specifies alterations in the amount of activity. Without requiring complex statistical procedures, runs tests in combination with some simple arithmetic measures of changes in firm behavior over time can help distinguish between rigidity and adaptation in firm behavior. As an illustration, the procedures are applied to data on oil industry R&D activities. Copyright 1998 by Oxford University Press.
Access to Institutional Finance and the Use of Trade Credit

I develop a conceptual framework for analyzing the effect of the availability of institutional loans on firms' demand for supplier (trade) finance. I test for the existence of credit constraints and their effect on corporate financing policies. My empirical results support the hypothesis that trade credit is taken up by firms as a substitute for institutional finance at the margin when they are credit constrained. Further, in line with studies on the credit channel of monetary policy transmission, I find an increased reliance on trade credit by financially constrained firms during periods of tight money. Copyright (c) 2007 Financial Management Association International.
Foreign direct investment, technology sourcing and reverse spillovers

Recent theoretical work points to the possibility of foreign direct investment motivated not by 'ownership' advantages which may be exploited by a multinational enterprise but by the desire to access the superior technology of a host nation through direct investment. To be successful, technology sourcing foreign direct investment hinges crucially on the existence of domestic-to-foreign technological externalities within the host country. We test empirically for the existence of such 'reverse spillover' effects for a panel of UK manufacturing industries. The results demonstrate that technology generated by the domestic sector spills over to foreign multinational enterprises, but that this effect is restricted to relatively research and development intensive sectors. There is also evidence that these spillover effects are affected by the spatial concentration of industry, and that learning-by-doing effects are restricted to sectors in which technology sourcing is unlikely to be a motivating influence. Copyright Blackwell Publishing Ltd and The Victoria University of Manchester, 2003.
An Overview of Web Mining in Societal Benefit Areas

A survey of web mining research related to areas of social benefit is the focus of this paper. We particularly focus on web mining that may help and benefit societal areas in ways of extracting new knowledge, providing support for decision making and empowering valuable management of societal issues. E-commerce and E-business are two fields empowered by web mining having lots of applications for increasing sales and doing intelligence business. Have areas of social interest also been empowered by web mining applications? What is currently the ongoing research and current trends in e-services areas infields like E-learning, E-Government, E-Politics and E-democracy? What other areas of social interest can be benefited from web mining? This paper will try to provide the answers by reviewing the literature for applications and methods applied to the above fields.
Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapies Are Effective against HIV-1 Cell-to-Cell Transmission

HIV-1 cell-to-cell transmission allows for 2–3 orders of magnitude more efficient viral spread than cell-free dissemination. The high local multiplicity of infection (MOI) observed at cell-cell contact sites may lower the efficacy of antiretroviral therapies (ART). Here we test the efficacy of commonly used antiretroviral inhibitors against cell-to-cell and cell-free HIV-1 transmission. We demonstrate that, while some nucleoside-analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) are less effective against HIV-1 cell-to-cell transmission, most non-nucleoside-analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI), entry inhibitors and protease inhibitors remain highly effective. Moreover, poor NRTIs become highly effective when applied in combinations explaining the effectiveness of ART in clinical settings. Investigating the underlying mechanism, we observe a strict correlation between the ability of individual drugs and combinations of drugs to interfere with HIV-1 cell-to-cell transmission, and their effectiveness against high viral MOIs. Our results suggest that the ability to suppress high viral MOI is a feature of effective ART regimens and this parameter should be considered when designing novel antiviral therapies.