Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The nexus between infrastructure (quantity and quality) and economic growth in Sub Saharan Africa

ABSTRACT This paper examines the growth effects of infrastructure stock and quality in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA). While previous studies established that the poor state of infrastructure in SSA slows economic growth, there is little evidence on infrastructure quality and a robust analysis on the causal links between infrastructure and economic growth. Using principal components analysis to cluster different infrastructure measures and examining the infrastructure-growth nexus in a Generalised Method of Moments while accounting for heterogeneity in a panel setting, our results reveal strong evidence of a positive effect of infrastructure development on economic growth with most contribution coming from infrastructure stock. The quality-growth effect is weak, thus giving credence to the combined effects of infrastructure stock and quality on growth, especially in regions with moderately high quality, and smaller in those with poorer quality. However, the long-term quality effect is higher than the short-term. Among the disaggregated infrastructure components, electricity supply exerted the greatest downward pressure on growth in SSA. Lastly, we find evidence for a unidirectional causality from aggregate infrastructure to growth. A number of policy implications are discussed.
On the Basel Accord’s Inverse Relationship between Default Probability and Asset Correlation: An Empirical Study

The Basel Accord assumes an inverse relationship between the probability of default and the asset correlation parameter, with the latter being responsible for modeling the degree of cyclicality of default rates. Previous empirical studies that embedded the formula of the Basel Accord into a statistical model, however, were not able to support this relationship. In this article, we find evidence for the inverse relationship between default probability and asset correlation. By replicating the results from previous studies, we provide an explanation for the different findings. Finally, we propose a parametric function to model the relationship between the default probability and the asset correlation.
Aging Workers in Changing Labor Markets and Career Learning.

In many areas, the number of people transitioning to retirement is starting to outnumber the number of young people negotiating their way into the labor market. To sustain economic prosperity, these regions need to prolong the working lives of older workers. Maintaining older workers’ earning power and employment until and past the traditional retirement age will depend simultaneously on strengthening the quality of jobs, and on supporting older workers’ willingness and ability to engage in new career learning so they can keep up with occupational shifts and skill changes. One key challenge policymakers and institutions face in their attempts to address aging-related labor market challenges is the lack of historic examples available to guide decision making. Using a generational transition lens, my dissertation examines the intersections of two global trends – unprecedented population aging and volatile labor markets – at a local level. It focuses on building the case for employability of older workers as a way to inform cross-sectoral policy planning and investments for the benefit of all generations. More specifically, the purpose of my study is to inform policymakers and institutions concerned with the provision of education and skills training for workers later in life as a means of promoting both successful generational transitions and sustainable tax bases.
The Effectiveness of Monetary Policy in Africa: Modeling the Impact of Financial Inclusion

Abstract This study uses annual data over the period 2005-2014 and the Panel VECM approach to examine financial inclusion and monetary policy effectiveness in Africa. The study shows that financial inclusion and monetary policy effectiveness are linked by a set of long-run relationships. Policy reaction to the positive financial inclusion shock is not significant. Policy reaction to the positive money supply shock is statistically significant and positive in the short-run while reactions are not significantly different from zero in the long-run. On the other hand, the positive interest rate has a positive and statistically significant permanent effect on the level of monetary policy effectiveness. To various degrees, financial inclusion, money supply and interest rate shocks have some role in explaining variations in monetary policy effectiveness, but in the long-run, more than 45 percent of variations in policy effectiveness are explained by interest rate shocks. Moreover, there exists a one-way causality from monetary policy effectiveness to financial inclusion. This study establishes that financial inclusion is not a significant driver of monetary policy effectiveness in Africa. On the contrary, monetary policy effectiveness is the driver of financial inclusion. For increased financial inclusion in Africa, therefore, heightened effectiveness of monetary policy will be required.
Rotaviral antibodies in the treatment of acute rotaviral gastroenteritis

The efficacy of hyperimmune bovine colostrum received from cows immunized with simian rotavirus SA11 in the treatment of rotavirus gastroenteritis was compared in a randomized double‐blind trial to colostrum and ordinary milk preparations. One hundred and thirty‐five children aged 6–30 months with rotaviral gastroenteritis received either hyperimmune bovine colostrum (n= 42), ordinary colostrum (n= 42) or milk (n= 41) as a 100 ml solution four times/d for 4 d. Even though the differences were in favour of hyperimmune bovine colostrum in all the variables evaluated [greater weight gain (403 vs 343 g), shorter duration of diarrhoea (3.1 vs 3.6 d), fewer stools during 6 d (11.5 vs 13.6) and fewer stools during the first 3 d (9.3 vs 11.3)], all the differences were statistically insignificant. Differences of this size are clinically unimportant in well‐nourished immunocompetent children, but we suggest that the hyperimmune bovine colostrum tested in our trial had some effects in the treatment of acute rotaviral gastroenteritis and should be evaluated further.
The Impact of Involved Field Radiation Therapy in the Treatment of Relapsed or Refractory Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma With High-Dose Chemotherapy Followed by Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell Transplant

Background:Patients with refractory/relapsed non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) often receive high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) followed by hematopoietic progenitor cell transplant (HPCT) as salvage therapy. We examined the role of involved field radiation therapy (IFRT) in this setting. Methods:The records of 167 patients with refractory/relapsed NHL who underwent HDCT followed by HPCT between February 1990 and November 2003 were reviewed. Fifty-three patients received IFRT and 114 did not receive IFRT in the peritransplant period. Results:Eighty patients were alive at the time of analysis with a median follow up for alive patients of 4.5 years in the no IFRT group and 4.2 years in the IFRT group (P = 0.53). Patients undergoing IFRT were more likely to have bulky (P = 0.02) and extranodal (P= 0.04) disease at initial diagnosis. There was no significant difference between the treatment groups regarding mortality in the first 100 days after HPCT (P = 0.31). Five-year overall survival rates were 46.7% for the no IFRT group and 40.0% for the IFRT group (P= 0.15). Disease-free survival was significantly worse for patients receiving IFRT (P = 0.02); however, when considering local control, the addition of IFRT resulted in a 5-year rate similar to that for patients who did not receive IFRT (68.6% vs. 72.0% respectively, P= 0.73). Conclusions:Although disease-free survival was inferior in patients who received IFRT, despite more adverse clinical features the use of IFRT resulted in similar rates of local control and overall survival compared with those who did not receive IFRT. The use of IFRT was not associated with an increase in the risk of acute mortality or late events.
Evaluation of Once-Daily Vancomycin against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a Hollow-Fiber Infection Model

ABSTRACT For methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, data suggest that the clinical response is significantly better if the total vancomycin area under the concentration-time curve (AUC)/MIC ratio is ≥400. While the AUC/MIC ratio is the accepted pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) index for vancomycin, this target has been achieved using multiple daily doses. We are unaware of a systematically designed dose fractionation study to compare the bactericidal activity of once-daily administration to that of traditional twice-daily administration. A dose fractionation study was performed with vancomycin in an in vitro hollow-fiber infection model against an MRSA USA300 strain (MIC of 0.75 μg/ml) using an inoculum of ∼106 CFU/ml. The three vancomycin regimens evaluated for 168 h were 2 g every 24 h (q24h) as a 1-h infusion, 1 g q12h as a 1-h infusion, and 2 g q24h as a continuous infusion. Free steady-state concentrations (assuming 45% binding) for a total daily AUC/MIC ratio of ≥400 were simulated for all regimens. A validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was used to determine vancomycin concentrations. Although once-daily and twice-daily dosage regimens exhibited total trough concentrations of <15 μg/ml, all regimens achieved similar bactericidal activities between 24 and 168 h and suppressed the amplification of nonsusceptible subpopulations. No colonies were found on agar plates with 3× MIC for any of the treatment arms. Overall, the results suggest that once-daily vancomycin administration is feasible from a PK/PD perspective and merits further inquiry in the clinical arena.
Mitochondrial complex I gene variant associated with early age at onset in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2.

BACKGROUND A common mitochondrial complex I gene polymorphism (10398G) is reported to be inversely associated with the risk of Parkinson disease. We hypothesized that this variant might have a protective effect on the central nervous system and therefore might delay the onset of symptoms in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2). OBJECTIVE To assess the association of the 10398G polymorphism with age at onset in Cuban patients with SCA2. DESIGN Genetic association study. SETTING Holguin, Cuba. PATIENTS Forty-six Cuban patients with SCA2. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Presence or absence of the 10398G polymorphism was determined in 46 Cuban patients with SCA2 and early or late onset of symptoms, defined as at least 2 SDs lower than or higher than the mean age at onset for patients with a similarly sized triplet repeat expansion. RESULTS The polymorphism was present in 11 of 27 Cuban patients with SCA2 and early onset (41%) vs 2 of 19 with late onset (11%) (Fisher exact test; P = .04). CONCLUSION Contrary to our prediction of a later onset of SCA2 in patients with the 10398G polymorphism, we find that this variant is associated with an earlier age at onset in Cuban patients with SCA2.
Hormonal and psychological adaptation in elite male rowers during prolonged training

Abstract In this study, we examined possible hormonal and psychological changes in elite male rowers during a 24-week preparatory period. Eleven elite male rowers were tested on seven occasions over the 6-month training season. Fasting testosterone, growth hormone, cortisol, and creatine kinase activity, together with perceived recovery-stress state were evaluated after a day of rest. Maximal oxygen consumption ([Vdot]O2max) was determined before and after the training period. Training was mainly organized as low-intensity prolonged training sessions. Significant increases in [Vdot]O2max (from 6.2 ± 0.5 to 6.4 ± 0.6 l · min−1) were observed as a result of training. The overall perceived recovery-stress index did not change during the preparatory period. Standardized recovery and stress scores changed during the course of training in comparison with pre-training values. When basal hormone concentrations were compared with the first measurement, significant changes in testosterone and cortisol were observed together with changes in mean weekly training volume. Basal testosterone (r = 0.416; P = 0.010) and cortisol (r = 0.527; P = 0.001) were related to mean weekly training volume. Basal growth hormone did not change during the training. Changes in creatine kinase activity demonstrated similar pattern with changes in mean weekly training volume. The overall perceived recovery-stress index was related to testosterone, cortisol, growth hormone, and creatine kinase activity (r > 0.299; P < 0.015). Our findings indicate that testosterone and cortisol are more sensitive to changes in training volume than either growth hormone or perceived recovery-stress state in elite rowing training. Increases in these stress hormone concentrations represent a positive adaptation to current training load. Significant relationships between hormonal and perceived recovery-stress state suggest that metabolic and psychological changes should be carefully monitored to avoid a negative effect on the training status of elite rowers.
Fly‐Ash‐Amended Sand as Filter Media in Bioretention Cells to Improve Phosphorus Removal

This study identified material with high phosphorus sorption suitable for bioretention filter media. Materials examined were fly ash, two expanded shales, peat moss, limestone, and two common Oklahoma soils—Teller loam and Dougherty sand. The peat moss was a phosphorus source, while the two soils, limestone, and one expanded shale had only modest sorption capacity. One expanded shale and the fly ash had significant phosphorus sorption. Fly ash is unsuitable for use in a pure form, as a result of its low permeability, but phosphorus sorption on the sand was increased significantly with the incorporation of small amounts of fly ash. Column leaching experiments found that the sand with 2.5 and 5% fly ash and the better expanded shale had linear, non‐equilibrium transport retardation factors of 272, 1618, and 185, with first‐order rate coefficients of 0.153, 0.0752, and 0.113 hour −1, respectively. Desorption experiments showed that the phosphorus sorption on the sand/fly ash mixture is largely nonreversible. Transport simulation assuming a 1‐m‐deep sand/fly ash treatment layer, with 5% of the watershed area, showed that the sand/fly ash filter media could effectively treat 1 mg/L influent for 12 years in a paved watershed and 34 years in a grassed watershed before exceeding Oklahoma's scenic rivers' phosphorus criterion of 0.037 mg/L. Significant phosphorus removal would continue for over 100 years.
The transformation process for palliative care professionals: The metamorphosis, a qualitative research study

Background: Palliative care professionals are exposed daily to high levels of suffering. This makes them particularly vulnerable to suffering from stress, which can lead to burnout and/or compassion fatigue. Aims: To analyse the professional trajectory of palliative care workers over time and the factors which influence this trajectory. Design: A qualitative study was designed based on the Grounded Theory approach, using semi-structured individual interviews. Interviews were recorded audio-visually and transcribed verbatim for subsequent analysis using the procedure described by Miles and Huberman. This process was supported using ATLAS.ti 6 software. Setting/participants: A total of 10 palliative care professionals from Extremadura (Spain) took part in the study. Results: The analysis revealed a common trajectory followed by participants in their working lives: pre-palliative care/honeymoon/frustration/maturation. In addition, factors which influence this trajectory were identified. Details of the self-care strategies that these professionals have developed are described. The result of this process, which we have metaphorically termed ‘metamorphosis’, is the formation of a professional who can work satisfactorily within a palliative care context. Conclusion: During their professional activity, palliative care professionals go through a series of phases, depending on the relationship between the cost of caring and the satisfaction of caring, which can influence both the care provided to patients and families and their own personal circumstances. Being aware of this risk, and implementing self-care strategies, can protect professionals and enable them to conduct their work in an optimal manner. Reflecting on the experiences of these professionals could be useful for other health professionals.
Factors Affecting Entrepreneurship Decision in Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines

Entrepreneurship is becoming the popular means to promote economic growth and development in different economies. One fundamental issue though is what factors affect an individual‘s decision to engage in entrepreneurship. This study aims to determine the factors that affect an individual‘s decision to become an entrepreneur. One-hundred entrepreneurs and 100 non-entrepreneurs in Los Banos, Laguna were the respondents of the study. Probit regression was used to estimate the probability that an individual would become an entrepreneur with respect to some factors. The analysis reveals that six variables are significant: gender, family size, wealth, having entrepreneur- parents, years of schooling and risk tolerance. Women are found to be more inclined to engage in entrepreneurial activity. On the other hand, as the years of schooling of an individual increase, the probability of his or her engaging in entrepreneurship decreases. Meanwhile, family size has a direct relationship with the decision to become an entrepreneur. Further, the wealthier an individual is, the more likely that he or she would start a business. Lastly, if any or both of an individual‘s parents is an entrepreneur as well as if an individual is more risk-tolerant, the more likely it is that he/ she would become an entrepreneur. The study recommends that personal entrepreneurial development (PED) trainings, low-interest loans and small business insurance mechanisms should be provided to would - be entrepreneurs. Keywords: entrepreneurship decision, micro-enterprise owner, entrepreneur, non - entrepreneur
The antioxidant effect of Beackea frutescence microemulsions dietary supplements on skin absorption studies

Abstract Objective: To study the effect of two different microemulsions containing Beackea frutescence supplements composed of nerolidool, selenium and vitamin E on absorption effect related to skin health and skin aging. Materials and methods: A total of 39 volunteers with normal and healthy skin were divided into three groups (n = 13) and supplemented for a period of 12 weeks. Group 1 received a mixture of lutein (3 mg/day), lycopene (3 mg/day), α-tocopherol (10 mg/day), selenium (75 μg/day) and β-nerolidool (4.8 mg/day) and Group 2 was supplemented with a mixture of β-nerolidool (4.8 mg/day), lycopene (6 mg/day), selenium (75 μg/day) and α-tocopherol (10 mg/day). Group 3 was the placebo control. Wrinkling, smoothness, scaling and roughness of the skin were determined by Surface Evaluation of Living Skin (Visioscan). Results: Upon supplementation, serum levels of selected nerolidool increased in both groups. Skin thickness and density were determined by ultrasound measurements. A significant increase for both parameters was determined in the serum groups. Roughness and scaling were improved by the supplementation with antioxidant micronutrients. In the placebo group, no changes were found for any of the parameters. Conclusion: Beackea frutescence microemulsion supplements have shown significant change in the texture of human skin as well as scaling, wrinkling, smoothness and roughness were improved by the supplementation.
Genome-wide association scan in psoriasis: new insights into chronic inflammatory disease

Evaluation of: Liu Y, Helms C, Liao W et al. A genome-wide association study of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis identifies new disease loci. PLoS Genet. 4, e1000041 (2008). Genome-wide association scans have delivered on their promise of revealing susceptibility polymorphisms underlying common diseases. This comprehensive psoriasis study by Liu and colleagues reports confirmation of previously identified genes (HLA-C, IL12B and IL23R), identifies several novel psoriasis loci and is the first to report psoriatic arthritis association on a genome-wide scale. Along with other recent studies, this work gives further evidence that IL-23-mediated signaling is a key component of both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis pathogenesis. Importantly, this study provides evidence of a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), 35 kb upstream of HLA-C, which is stronger than Cw*0602 – the variant traditionally attributed to the MHC-linked psoriasis-susceptibility effect. Within this region, the authors also discovered an independent SNP with very strong predisposing effects. SNPs in the COG6 region and the USP8-TNFAIP8l3 region are among the novel psoriasis associations reported. In addition, a region showing linkage on chromosome 1q demonstrated association in the epidermal differentiation complex. Four SNPs over a 439-kb region on chromosome 4q27, where KIAA1109, ADAD1 and two cytokine-encoding genes (IL2 and IL21) reside, exhibit intriguing correlation with psoriatic arthritis, although the signal strength is moderate. These results, while still preliminary, may substantially expand our knowledge of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis genetics, opening new avenues of chronic inflammatory disease research.
Convergence of foodgrains production across Indian states : a study with panel data

This paper attempts tnal convergence―both in terms of sigma and beta convergences―of per capita foodgrains production across the major foodgrains producing states of India over the period 1991-92 to 2011-12, by applying the conventional methods as well as the modern panel model approach for convergence hypothesis. While the former do not suggest sigma convergence, beta convergence is empirically established by the latter methods. Further, the paper also examines the convergence of per capita cereal consumption, and finds some evidence of beta convergence for rural consumption but not for urban consumption.
Surveillance for Progressive Intellectual and Neurological Deterioration in the Canadian Paediatric Population

Abstract Objectives: To conduct active surveillance of the Canadian paediatric population for children who have a progressive intellectual and neurological deterioration to detect the occurrence of cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease or variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Case Definition: Any child who is less than or equal to 18 years of age, who had a progressive loss of already attained intellectual/ developmental abilities and development of abnormal neurological signs of greater than three months duration was eligible for inclusion. Duration: July 1999 to July 2001. Method: Enhanced active surveillance system for progressive intellectual and neurological deterioration was implemented to detect, prospectively, among the Canadian paediatric population. Each month, all paediatricians and paediatric neurologists in Canada were mailed a reporting form. All reported cases were reviewed by the principal investigator who classified the cases into one of four predetermined categories. Cases where there was evidence of neurological and intellectual regression without known cause were reviewed by a panel. Reported cases were reviewed for the possibility of classic or variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Results: Over 2200 physicians took part in this program. There was more than an 80% monthly return rate of the initial report form. Ninety-nine possible cases of progressive neurological and intellectual deterioration were reported. Sixty cases were classified as having a progressive neurological syndrome associated with intellectual deterioration. Fourteen cases were duplicates. One case of Creutzfeldt-Jacob disorder was found but no cases of the variant form of Creutzfeldt-Jacob disorder. Fifteen cases were felt not to meet the above-mentioned entry criteria.