Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of acoustic environment on work in private office rooms and open-plan offices – longitudinal study during relocation

The aim was to determine how the perceived work environment, especially acoustic environment, and its effects differed in private office rooms and in open-plan offices. The subjects consisted of 31 workers who moved from private office rooms to open-plan offices and who answered the questionnaire before and after the relocation. Private office rooms were occupied only by one person while open-plan offices were occupied by more than 20 persons. Room acoustical descriptors showed a significant reduction in speech privacy after relocation. The noise level averaged over the whole work day did not change but the variability of noise level reduced significantly. Negative effects of acoustic environment increased significantly, including increased distraction, reduced privacy, increased concentration difficulties and increased use of coping strategies. Self-rated loss of work performance because of noise doubled. Cognitively demanding work and phone conversations were most distracted by noise. The benefits that are often associated with open-plan offices did not appear: cooperation became less pleasant and direct and information flow did not change. Nowadays, most office workers, independent of job type, are located in open-plan offices without the individual needs of privacy, concentration and interaction being analysed. This intervention study consisted of professional workers. Their work tasks mainly required individual efforts, and interaction between other workers was not of primary concern, although necessary. The results suggest that the open-plan office is not recommended for professional workers. Similar intervention studies should also be made for other job types.
The GATT/WTO Welfare Effects: 1950-2015

This paper provides a comprehensive evaluation of the welfare impact of GATT/WTO in its entire history of 1950-2015 for 180 countries. The analysis embeds nonparametric matching methods in structural quantitative simulations. The results indicate substantial (but highly heterogeneous) welfare gains created by GATT/WTO at the global level and across more than six decades of its history. An extensive set of robustness checks with respect to model speci fications, parameter values, and matching estimations are provided. We also characterize the effects of GATT/WTO on global income disparity, its interaction with preferential trade agreements, and the effects of China's WTO entry.
Brain responses to uncertainty about upcoming rectal discomfort in quiescent Crohn's disease – a fMRI study

Patients with Crohn's disease (CD) in remission are exposed to chronic psychological distress, due to the constant risk of relapse. This permanent situation of anticipation and uncertainty can lead to anxiety, which may, in turn, trigger relapse. We aimed to investigate the effects of uncertainty on behavioral and brain responses to anticipation of visceral discomfort in quiescent CD patients.
Dynamic MRI signals in the second week of radiotherapy relate to treatment outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma: a preliminary result

Aim: Radiotherapy (RT) has been used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in recent years. Despite its good local control, slow tumoral shrinkage and rapid recurrence compromise treatment outcomes. We evaluated the signal intensity of the hepatic parenchyma and tumours by using dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and correlated the findings with clinical outcomes. Nineteen patients with advanced HCC received 50 Gy in 25 fractions. They underwent a dynamic contrast‐enhanced, turbo fast low‐angle shot MR sequence at 1.5 T before therapy, at 2 weeks of therapy, and 1 month (week 9) later. Initial first‐pass enhancement slopes (slope) and peak enhancement ratios (peak) were measured.
Self–Employment, Wealth and Start–up Costs: Evidence from a Financial Crisis

Abstract Using individual-level data from three uniquely comparable surveys (Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, English Longitudinal Study of Ageing and Health and Retirement Study) in Europe and the United States, as well as the World Bank’s Doing Business data, this paper empirically zeroes in on the impact of start-up costs on the self-employment–wealth relationship. The longitudinal nature of the data enables us to investigate the potential effects of the last global financial crisis. Results confirm the strong positive relationship between the entrepreneurial choice and wealth as well as the negative effect that stems from the increase in start-up costs. Interestingly, although there is no strong evidence that wealth in itself played a bigger role during the crisis, we find that the negative impact of start-up costs on the entrepreneurship–wealth relationship proved to be significantly pronounced during the last crisis.
Development by dispossession: the post-2000 development agenda and land rights in Lesotho

This paper questions the novelty of post-2000 development strategies, in particular the US’s Millennium Challenge Corporation and its ethos of ‘poverty reduction through economic growth. ’ Using land as a lens, I explore recent eras of development assistance and ask if the Millennium-era has been appreciably different from pre-2000 development. The backdrop of my study is an MCC-sponsored land reform in Lesotho. I use data drawn from fieldwork in Lesotho to argue that the logics and outcomes of the Development industry’s land policies have remained largely the same. Despite the anti-poverty rhetoric, the residents of a peri-urban village near Maseru, Lesotho’s capital, are more likely to be dispossessed of their land than they were before the MCC’s land reform began. The reform provided Lesotho with economic growth, but no apparent poverty reduction. I argue that the MCC’s land reform project in Lesotho demonstrates the continued primacy of economic growth in post-2000 international development. There is a gulf between economic growth and poverty reduction that is not addressed by Development practitioners who claim that growth itself is sufficient to reduce poverty. In the case of Lesotho, I argue that the work of Development and dispossession are linked, amounting to ‘Development by dispossession. ’
Probability management and the flaw-of-averages

Uncertainty is ever-present and is an integral part of life. Recognising the existence of uncertainty and its possible effects on decision-making may be important for the profitability, financial success, or even survival of an organisation. A relatively new discipline, - known as probability management, - has recently emerged as part of operations research/management science. This paper will attempt to provide a brief introduction to the concepts of probability management and the motivation behind its development. One of the major driving forces resulting in this development is the phenomenon known as the ‘ flaw-of-averages ’ . The flaw-of-averages has important consequences in industrial engineering, financial, business, and economic models. The classic newsvendor problem will be used as an illustrative example. However, the main purpose of this paper is to discuss the most important characteristics of the flaw-of-averages. It will investigate and attempt to quantify some of the generic factors that may have an influence on the existence and severity of the flaw-of-averages and its expected consequences. Various models will be developed, and experiments will be conducted using Microsoft Excel as a modelling tool and an experimental approach based on Monte Carlo simulation modelling.
Angiostatin produced by certain primary uveal melanoma cell lines impedes the development of liver metastases.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the ability of human uveal melanomas to produce angiostatin in vitro and the effect of angiostatin on the development of liver metastases in vivo. METHODS Human uveal melanoma cell lines (OCM1, OCM3, MEL202, MEL285, 92-1, OM431, and OMM1) were assayed for their ability to produce angiostatin in vitro by an angiostatin bioassay and by Western blot analysis. The OCM3 and OMM1 tumor cells were inoculated either in the posterior or the anterior segment of nude mice. One group of mice in each experiment underwent enucleation and hepatic metastases were assayed by histopathologic and liver function analysis. RESULTS OCM1, OCM3, and 92-1 cell lines significantly inhibited bovine endothelial cell proliferation in vitro and generated 38-Kd angiostatin molecules. Enucleation of eyes containing OCM3 in the posterior segment resulted in a higher number of metastatic foci (26.5) in that group compared with the nonenucleated group of mice (11.17). After enucleation, elevated levels of serum aspartate transaminase and alanine aminotransferase were observed in mice bearing OCM3 in either anterior or posterior segments. The enucleation of eyes containing OMM1 (nonangiostatin-producing cells) had no significant effect on liver metastasis. CONCLUSION By removing a source of angiostatin, enucleation of melanoma-containing eyes may unwittingly exacerbate the metastatic potential of uveal melanomas. CLINICAL RELEVANCE In certain circumstances, enucleating a melanoma-containing eye may unwittingly exacerbate metastatic disease. The results also suggest that exogenous angiostatin may have potential therapeutic implications in the management of patients with primary intraocular melanomas.
Cooperative and Noncooperative Games for Capacity Planning and Scheduling

This tutorial provides an overview of cooperative and noncooperative games for capac- ity planning and scheduling decisions. For both cooperative and noncooperative games, we present some basic definitions and concepts, review the recent literature, and dis- cuss our own current research. The discussion of the literature of cooperative games includes sequencing games, models of outsourcing operations, and economic lot-sizing and schedule planning games. Our research considers a combined capacity plan- ning and scheduling problem where a supplier allocates capacity to distributors, who may then cooperate to share their capacity allocations and resubmit revised orders. The discussion of the literature of noncooperative games includes capacity allocation mechanisms based on order sizes and sales, incentives for truth telling, models of decentralized versus centralized decision making, and auction mechanisms for capac- ity allocation. Our research develops an auction mechanism to allocate capacity to various agents with jobs that can be scheduled profitably; depending upon the choice of market good in the auction, there may be some flexibility in converting the allo- cated capacity into a feasible schedule. We also provide a discussion of future research directions, where we identify several issues that can be studied using new cooperative and noncooperative games.
Reversible Acetylation Regulates Salt-inducible Kinase (SIK2) and Its Function in Autophagy*

Background: Salt-inducible kinase (SIK) 2 is an AMP-activated protein kinase family kinase that mediates hormonal and nutrient signaling but has no known link to cellular stress response. Results: p300/CBP and HDAC6 reciprocally regulates Lys-53 acetylation of SIK2, consequently impacting its activity and function in autophagosome maturation. Conclusion: SIK2 kinase activity, via a acetylation-based regulatory switch, contributes to autophagy progression. Significance: SIK2 may be linked to neurodegenerative or protein aggregate disorders. Salt-inducible kinase 2 (SIK2) is a serine/threonine protein kinase belonging to the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) family. SIK2 has been shown to function in the insulin-signaling pathway during adipocyte differentiation and to modulate CREB-mediated gene expression in response to hormones and nutrients. However, molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of SIK2 kinase activity remains largely elusive. Here we report a dynamic, post-translational regulation of its kinase activity that is coordinated by an acetylation-deaceytlation switch, p300/CBP-mediated Lys-53 acetylation inhibits SIK2 kinase activity, whereas HDAC6-mediated deacetylation restores the activity. Interestingly, overexpression of acetylation-mimetic mutant of SIK2 (SIK2-K53Q), but not the nonacetylatable K53R variant, resulted in accumulation of autophagosomes. Further consistent with a role in autophagy, knockdown of SIK2 abrogated autophagosome and lysosome fusion. Consequently, SIK2 and its kinase activity are indispensable for the removal of TDP-43Δ inclusion bodies. Our findings uncover SIK2 as a critical determinant in autophagy progression and further suggest a mechanism in which the interplay among kinase and deacetylase activities contributes to cellular protein pool homeostasis.
Correlates of knee pain in older adults: Tasmanian Older Adult Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE To describe the association between chondral defects, bone marrow lesions, knee and hip radiographic osteoarthritis (OA), and knee pain. METHODS Knee pain was assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. T1- and T2-weighted fat saturation magnetic resonance imaging was performed on the right knee to assess chondral defects and subchondral bone marrow lesions. Radiography was performed on the right knee and hip and scored for radiographic OA. Body mass index (BMI) and knee extension strength were measured. RESULTS A total of 500 randomly selected men and women participated. The prevalence of knee pain was 48%. In multivariable analysis, prevalent knee pain was significantly associated with medial tibial chondral defects (odds ratio [OR] 2.32, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.02-5.28 for grade 3 versus grade 2 or less; OR 4.93, 95% CI 1.07-22.7 for grade 4 versus grade 2 or less), bone marrow lesions (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.04-2.00 per compartment), and hip joint space narrowing (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.07-1.73 per unit), as well as greater BMI and lower knee extension strength. It was not significantly associated with radiographic knee OA. These variables were also associated with more severe knee pain. In addition, there was a dose response association between knee pain and number of sites having grade 3 or 4 chondral defects (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.12-1.73 per site), with all subjects having knee pain if all compartments of the knee had these defects. CONCLUSION Knee pain in older adults is independently associated with both full and non-full-thickness medial tibial chondral defects, bone marrow lesions, greater BMI, and lower knee extension strength, but is not associated with radiographic knee OA. The association between radiographic hip OA and knee pain indicates that referred pain from the hip needs to be considered in unexplained knee pain.
Evidence that the hrpB gene encodes a positive regulator of pathogenicity genes from Pseudomonas solanacearum

The hrp gene cluster of Pseudomonas solanacearum GMI1000 strain encodes functions that are essential for pathogenicity on tomato and for the elicitation of the hypersensitive response on tobacco. In this study, we present the nucleotide sequence of one of the hrp genes (hrpB) located at the left‐hand end of the cluster and we show that hrpB encodes a positive regulator controlling the expression of hrp genes. hrpB has a coding capacity for a 477‐amino‐acid polypeptide, which shows significant similarity to several prokaryotic transcriptional activators including the AraC protein of Escherichia coli, the XylS protein of Pseudomonas putida and the VirF protein of Yersinia enterocolitica. The predicted hrpB gene product belongs to a family of bacterial regulators different from the previously described HrpS protein of the hrp gene cluster of Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola. Genetic evidence demonstrates that the hrpB gene product acts as a positive regulator of the expression in minimal medium of all but one of the putative transcription units of the hrp gene cluster and also controls the expression of genes located outside this cluster. We also show in this paper that the transcription of hrpB is induced in minimal medium and is partly autoregulated.
An Efficient Cluster-Tree Based Data Collection Scheme for Large Mobile Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) play a vital role in today's real world applications. The effectiveness of WSNs purely depends on the data collection scheme. Numerous data collection schemes such as multipath, chain, tree, cluster and hybrid topologies are available in literature for collecting data in WSNs. However, the existing data collection schemes fail to provide a guaranteed reliable network in terms of mobility, traffic, and end-to-end connection. In this paper, a Velocity Energy-efficient and Link-aware Cluster-Tree (VELCT) scheme for data collection in WSNs is proposed which would effectively mitigate the problems of coverage distance, mobility, delay, traffic, tree intensity, and end-to-end connection. The proposed VELCT constructs the Data Collection Tree (DCT) based on the cluster head location. The data collection node in the DCT does not participate in sensing on this particular round, however, it simply collects the data packet from the cluster head and delivers it to the sink. The designed VELCT scheme minimizes the energy exploitation, reduces the end-to-end delay and traffic in cluster head in WSNs by effective usage of the DCT. The strength of the VELCT algorithm is to construct a simple tree structure, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the cluster head and avoids frequent cluster formation. It also maintains the cluster for a considerable amount of time. Simulation results have demonstrated that VELCT provides better QoS in terms of energy consumption, throughput, end-to-end delay, and network lifetime for mobility-based WSNs.
ONLINE LEARNING IN A RURAL SCHOOL SETTING

Background: Online learning is a growing delivery model for education; however, there exists a void in the literature regarding the adoption of online learning models in rural K-12 school systems. Purpose: To provide pertinent data to the rural school administrator so that they may make an informed decision in regards to the potential implementation of asynchronous online learning within their school and/or district. Literature Review: Explores the history, impact on student outcomes, graduation rates, cost effectiveness and student engagement factors in regards to online learning. Research Design: A quantitative ex-post facto, causal-comparative design was used while embracing Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation Theory. Data Collection and Analysis: Student achievement data were collected from a rural high school where some students participated in an asynchronous online learning environment while other students participated in the traditional face-to-face environment. Results: Students participating in asynchronous online learning environments performed below students in traditional learning environments for all four subjects (a) English Language Arts, (b) mathematics, (c) science, and (d) social studies, on both metrics, test score and percentile rank. Conclusion: Although this study would probably not result in the exclusion of online learning in rural settings, it may assist school boards and principals to consider the inclusion of online learning carefully, before extensive financial input occurs. The results also assist with identifying key pitfalls to avoid when establishing online learning environments. INDEX WORDS: Asynchronous online learning, Student achievement ONLINE LEARNING IN A RURAL SCHOOL SETTING
Understanding Value-based Reimbursement Models and Trends in Orthopaedic Health Policy: An Introduction to the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015

In 2015, the US Congress passed legislation entitled the Medicare Access and CHIP [Children’s Health Insurance Program] Reauthorization Act (MACRA), which led to the formation of two reimbursement paradigms: the merit-based incentive payment system (MIPS) and alternative payment models (APMs). The MACRA effectively repealed the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula while combining several CMS quality-reporting programs. As such, MACRA represents an unparalleled acceleration toward reimbursement models that recognize value rather than volume. The first pathway, MIPS, consolidates several Medicare quality-reporting programs into one composite score that will be derived by four performance categories, including quality (30%), resource utilization (30%), meaningful use (25%), and clinical practice improvement activities (15%). The APM pathway includes the following programs: Medicare accountable care organizations as part of the Medicare Shared Savings Program, Bundled Payments for Care Improvement, and Comprehensive Primary Care initiative. Existing APMs have yet to be determined as eligible. We provide a contextual framework of the healthcare legislation that has led to the formation of current health policy and offer recommendations regarding SGR how orthopaedic surgeons may best steer through such reimbursement models.
Does Social Support Buffer the Effect of Financial Strain on the Trajectory of Smoking in Older Japanese? A 19-Year Longitudinal Study.

OBJECTIVES Although there is extensive research on the stress-buffering effects of social support on health, there is little understanding of this effect on health behaviors such as smoking, particularly during old age. This study aimed to estimate the effect of financial strain and the stress-buffering effect of social support, on the trajectory of smoking over an extended period of time among older Japanese. METHOD Data came from a national sample of more than 4,800 adults, aged 60 and older in Japan, with up to 7 repeated observations between 1987 and 2006 (16,669 observations). Hierarchical linear modeling was used to analyze the intrapersonal and interpersonal differences in smoking. RESULTS Higher financial strain at baseline was associated with greater amount of smoking, and a slower rate of decline, after adjusting for sociodemographic attributes. Greater instrumental support partially offset the deleterious effect of financial strain on the rate of decline in smoking. DISCUSSION Our findings add a dynamic dimension to understanding the relationship among financial strain, social support, and smoking in old age. This knowledge is significant when designing health policies and interventions regarding health behaviors in late life.
Income Shifting in the Spanish Dual Income Tax

Based on a model of behavioural response to taxes, and using the Taxpayers Panel of the Institute of Fiscal Studies for the period 1999–2009, we analyse whether the dual nature of the Spanish Personal Income Tax (PIT), reinforced by the reform of the year 2007, has influenced taxpayers’ behaviour, causing them to convert part of their “general income” (from labor, real estate or economic activities) into “savings income” (from movable capital or capital gains). We also extend the analysis of income shifting and study whether Spanish taxpayers also responded to the different tax treatment given to the two types of savings income (movable capital and capital gains) until 2007, transforming savings income from one type to another. The results of our study demonstrate three facts. First, Spanish taxpayers did respond to the different tax rates, shifting income from the general base to different forms of savings, especially capital gains. The highest-income individuals and the self-employed and business owners are the groups where this behaviour was most marked. Second, self-employed and business owners also turned income from movable assets into capital gains, guided by their different tax rates. And third, we have found signs of “anticipation” and “learning” effects caused by the 2007 tax reform. We believe that the results obtained will enrich the growing literature on income shifting. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved