Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical Investigations Increased Arterial Calcification in Pagets Disease of Bone

When examining radiographs of patients with Pagets disease of bone (PD), we often observed calcifi- cation of the aorta and iliac or femoral arteries. The processes of extraosseous calcification or mineralization are very close to the mechanisms regulating minerali- zation of bone tissue. The aim of our study was to quantify the number, extent (length and thickness), and type (arteriosclerotic or medial arterial calcification) of vascular calcification in patients with Pagets disease and to compare them with those of controls, in order to discover whether PD is accompanied by increased cal- cification. Vascular calcification was quantified on the aorta, the iliac arteries, and their branches, the femoral, gluteal, and pelvic arteries of 42 patients with Pagets disease and 36 control subjects. Of the PD subjects, 52.4% had arteriosclerotic calcification versus 30.6% of controls (P = 0.05), and 38.6% of PD patients had medial arterial calcification versus 11.1% of controls (P = 0.05). The mean length of calcification was greater in PD patients: 1.93 ± 2.85 cm versus 0.84 ± 1.69 cm in controls (P = 0.04). The thickness of calcification was also greater in PD patients: 1.24 ± 1.30 mm versus 0.56 ± 0.94 mm (P = 0.01). Patients with Pagets dis- ease more frequently had medial arterial or arterioscle- rotic calcification than controls. These calcifications were longer and thicker. Our clinical study therefore confirms that abnormal vessel wall calcification and bone remodeling in Pagets disease are probably linked, although the mechanism of this relation is as yet unex- plained.
Do Growth Expectations Help Explain Characteristic-Sorted Portfolio Returns?

We find that accounting ratios (asset and sales growth, profitability, and equity dilution) that predict stock returns are associated with errors in analyst long-term growth forecasts. Specifically, accounting information that is associated with favorable long-term growth forecasts tends to predict negative analyst forecast errors and negative future excess returns. This and other evidence we present is consistent with the idea that biased long-term growth forecasts generate the observed return premia of popular characteristic-sorted portfolios.
The Dollar During the Great Recession: US Monetary Policy Signaling and the Flight to Safety

Conventional wisdom holds that lowering a home country's interest rate relative to another's will depreciate the domestic currency. We document that US monetary policy easings actually had the opposite effect during the Great Recession. We attribute this effect to calendar-based forward guidance that signaled economic weakness which resulted in a flight-to-safety effect and lower expected inflation in the United States. Our results imply that accusations that the Federal Reserve engaged in a "competitive devaluation" over the Great Recession were unfounded.
Investment decisions when utility depends on wealth and other attributes

The problem of optimal investment under a multivariate utility function allows for an investor to obtain utility not only from wealth, but other (possibly correlated) attributes. In this paper we implement multivariate mixtures of exponential (mixex) utility to address this problem. These utility functions allow for stochastic risk aversions to differing states of the world. We derive some new results for certainty equivalence in this context. By specifying different distributions for stochastic risk aversions, we are able to derive many known, plus several new utility functions, including models of conditional certainty equivalence and multivariate generalisations of HARA utility, which we call dependent HARA utility. Focusing on the case of asset returns and attributes being multivariate normal, we optimise the asset portfolio, and find that the optimal portfolio consists of the Markowitz portfolio and hedging portfolios. We provide an empirical illustration for an investor with a mixex utility function of wealth and sentiment.
Do export transitions differently affect firm productivity? Evidence across Vietnamese manufacturing sectors

ABSTRACT This paper, by exploring the enriched information in annual Vietnamese enterprise surveys from 2010 to 2015, tries to shed light on the causal effect of the various statuses of export transitions on total factor productivity occurring across 20 manufacturing sectors and during various phases of export transition. The empirical results derived from the system GMM estimation provide evidence of causal direction from export transitions to total factor productivity, after controlling for endogenous variables and taking firm heterogeneity into account. Our results indicate that export effects on productivity are highly dependent on specific manufacturing sectors, and on type of export transition. From the perspective of trade and industrial policies, while supporting the creation of new exporters, some issues related to a high level of subsidy and tax incentives by the government to every exporting firm and export-oriented unit in every manufacturing sector seem to be questionable.
Does Short Selling Increase Speculation? Evidence from the Chinese Stock Market

Using difference-in-differences method, this paper examines the effect of the introduction of short selling in the Chinese stock market on the speculative trading of underlying stocks and makes a further exploration of the cause from the perspective of the changes in shareholder structure. It is found that speculative trading of underlying stocks is significantly decreased after short selling is introduced, and the speculation of stocks with low market value and low idiosyncratic volatility is increased more than those with high market value and high idiosyncratic volatility. Leaving the short selling markets of some small and institutional investors, who prefer to speculative trading, are able to partially and well explain these study results.
Anaerobic digestion in Uganda: risks and opportunities for integration of waste management and agricultural systems

Abstract Much of the global population lacks access to basic public sanitation, energy and fertilizers. Micro-scale anaerobic digestion presents an opportunity for low-cost decentralized waste management that creates valuable co-products of renewable energy and organic fertilizer. However, field-based assessments of system performance and clearly articulated guidelines for digestate management and field application are needed. Feedstocks and effluent from seven digesters in Kampala, Uganda were monitored for standard wastewater and fertilizer metrics including indicator organisms (Escherichia coli and fecal coliform), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD5), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), total phosphorous (TP), heavy metals, pH, temperature and total solids (TS) over 2 yr. Results reveal that digester effluent does not meet standards for wastewater discharge or international safety standards for field application. Data indicate that digestate could be a suitable source of fertilizer (TKN = 1467 mg L−1, TP = 214 mg L−1) but poses issues for water quality if not managed properly (TS = 26,091 mg L−1, COD = 3471 mg L−1 and BOD5 = 246 mg L−1). While effluent from the digester contained pathogen indicator organisms (fecal coliform = 8.13 × 105 CFU/100 ml, E. coli = 3.27 × 105 CFU/100 ml), they were lower than the influent concentrations, and lower than reported concentrations in drainage canals. All digestate samples contained little to no heavy metals suggesting effective source separation. Data suggest that micro-scale biogas systems have potential to improve waste handling and meet standards associated with fertilizer application with proper post-digestion treatment.
Volatility and Z-Type Jumps of Euro Exchange Rates Using Outlying Weighted Quarticity Statistics in the 2010s

Purpose – This paper examines the recently realized continuous volatility and discrete jumps of US Dollar/Euro returns using the frequency of five minute returns spanning the period from February 2010 through February 2018with periodicity filters. <br><br>Design/Methodology – This paper adopts the nonparametric estimation. The realized volatility and Realized Outlying Weighted variations show non-Gaussian, fat-tailed, and leptokurtic distributions. Some significant volatility jumps in returns occurred from 2010 through 2018, and the very exceptionally large and irregular jumps occurred around 2010-2011, after the EU financial crisis, and 2015-2016. The outliers occurred somewhat frequently around the years of 2015 and 2016. <br> <br>Originality/value – When we include periodicity filters of volatility such as MAD, Short Half Scale, and WSD, the five minute returns of US Dollar/Euro exchange rates have smaller daily jump probabilities by 20-30% than when we do not include the periodicity filters of volatility. Thus, when we consider the periodicity filters of volatility such as MAD, Short Half Scale, and WSD, the five minute returns of US Dollar/Euro have considerably smaller jump probabilities.
The expression of β-amyloid protein in hippocampus of patients with cerebral infarction

Objective To investigate the expression of β-amyloid protein(Aβ)1-40 and Aβ1-42 in neurons of hippocampal CA_1 region after cerebral infarction.Methods Totally 43 human brains with cerebral infarction obtained at autopsy were investigated to clarify the possible accumulation of Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 in neurons of hippocampus after cerebral infarction.According to ischemic time,the specimens were divided into 7 groups.6 brains from patients died of other diseases without cerebral ischemia were taken as controls.Morphological changes were analyzed by observing HE staining,and the time course of Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 immunoreactivities in neurons of hippocampal CA_1 region after cerebral infarction were examined respectively.The terminal deoxyribonucleotide transferase(TdT)-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL) assessment was used to clarify the neuronal death in the hippocampal CA_1 region caused by cerebral infarction.Results In neurons of the CA_1 region,the immunoreactivities of Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42,both of which predominantly presented in the cytoplasm,were observed in both control and ischemic groups,and the accumulation of both Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 was increased dramatically in the ischemic groups.The staining of Aβ1-40 reached a peak after 72 hours((36.30±2.67)/Hpf) and Aβ1-42 reached a maximum at 24-47 hours((30.87±4.62)/Hpf). The staining of TUNEL was predominantly localized in nucleus,and TUNEL positive cells were detectable at 6-23 hours,and markedly increased at 48-71 hours((27.56±6.76)/hpf). At 2-5 hours,most neurons had relative normal morphology;at 24-47 hours,the neurons showed a significant pathological morphology;after 72 hours,some neurons showed necrotic features.Conclusions The increase of Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 immunoreactivities in neurons of hippocampal CA_1 region after cerebral infarction indicate that the cerebral ischemia might promote conditions that are favorable to the accumulation of Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42.The accumulation of the cytotoxic Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 fragments in the CA_1 neurons,might in turn reflect its participation in the development of delaying neuronal death after the ischemic insult.
A REASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF MONETARY POLICY ON ECONOMIC GROWTH: STUDY OF NIGERIA

Nigeria has over the years been controlling her economy through various macroeconomic policies of which monetary policy is among using some monetary policy instruments in efforts to drive along the desired path. This study empirically reassessed the impact of monetary policy on economic growth of Nigeria adopting the Error Correction Model approach. It utilized time series secondary data spanning between 1982 and 2013. The result showed that a unit increase in Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) led to approximately seven units increase in economic growth in Nigeria. The result was in consonance with economic literature as monetary policy among other objectives is geared towards achieving the macroeconomic objectives of sustained economic growth and price stability. Therefore, the study recommends that monetary authorities should give priority attention to CRR monetary policy tool as it will produce a more desired result in terms of economic stabilization. And also some combination of fiscal policy measures are needed to attain the complementary balance required to drive an economy towards to desired goals.
Within- and Between-Individual Variation in Nutrient Intakes with Day of the Week and Season in Korean Adults

This study was performed to examine component of variance in nutrient intakes and to estimate the level of accuracy with varying degree of precision in order to achieve estimates of usual nutrient intakes. Three-day dietary records including both weekdays and weekends were collected every 4 season over a I-year period from 36 males and 93 females aged 40 - 65 y. For each nutrient, we partitioned total intake variance into weekly (weekday vs weekend), seasonal, within- and between- individual variation as components of variance, using analysis of variance. It was found that major components of variance were within- and between-individual variation. Particularly, within-individual variation (57.2 - 87.1 %) was greater than between-individual variation (12.2 - 37.4%) for all nutrients. Weekly and seasonal variation contributed small components of variance for most nutrients. For protein, fat and carbohydrate, there were a little significant weekly variation (0.00 - 1.35%) in females but not in males. For some micronutrients, there were moderately significant seasonal variation (0.15 - 5.48%) in both sexes. Ratio of within- to between- individual variation ranged 1.4 (vitamin B) -4.5 (vitamin B) in males and 1.6 (carbohydrate) -2.9 (fat) in females. With total 12-day dietary records data, the maximum percentage deviation of observed intakes from usual (true) intakes ranged 12-37%. To estimate usual individual intakes within 20% of the true mean with 90% confidence level, 3 - 9 days of dietary survey were required for energy, protein, carbohydrate, phosphorus and iron, 13 - 19 days for fat and calcium, 25 - 29 days for vitamin A and vitamin C. Correlation coefficients between observed and true nutrient intakes were 0.71 - 0.91 for males, 0.81-0.91 for females. In conclusion, mean intakes of several nutrients can be reliably measured with the record method, using a limited number of days. Both nutrients of interest and the primary objectives should be taken account when planning method of assessment and number of replicates.
Preoperative intensive inspiratory muscle training to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications in high-risk patients undergoing CABG surgery:A randomized clinical trial

Context:Postoperative pulmonary complications(PPCs)after coronary artery bypass graft(CABG)surgery are a major source of morbidity and mortality,and increase length of hospital stay and resource utilization.The prehospitalization period before CABG surgery may be used to improve a patient's pulmonary condition.The efficacy of preoperative inspiratory muscle training(IMT)in reducing the incidence of PPCs in high-risk patients undergoing CABG surgery has not yet been determined.Objective:To evaluate the prophylactic efficacy of preoperative IMT on the incidence of PPCs in high-risk patients scheduled for elective CABG surgery.Design,Setting,and Patients:A single-blind,randomized clinical trial conducted at the University Medical Center Utrecht,Utrecht,the Netherlands,with enrollment between July 2002 and August 2005.Of 655 patients referred for elective CABG surgery,299(45.6%)met criteria for high risk of developing PPCs,of whom 279 were enrolled and followed up until discharge from hospital.Intervention:Patients were randomly assigned to receive either preoperative IMT(n=140)or usual care(n=139). Both groups received the same postoperative physical therapy.Main Outcome Measures:Incidence of PPCs,especially pneumonia,and duration of postoperative hospitalization.Results:Both groups were comparable at baseline.After CABG surgery,PPCs were present in 25(18.0%)of 139 patients in the IMT group and 48(35.0%)of 137 patients in the usual care group(odds ratio [OR],0.52;95%confidence interval [CI],0.30-0.92). Pneumonia occurred in 9(6.5%)of 139 patients in the IMT group and in 22(16.1%)of 137 patients in the usual care group(OR,0.40;95%CI,0.19-0.84). Median duration of postoperative hospitalization was 7 days(range,5-41 days)in the IMT group vs 8 days(range,6-70 days)in the usual care group by Mann-Whitney U statistic(z=-2.42;P=.02). Conclusion:Preoperative IMT reduced the incidence of PPCs and duration of postoperative hospitalization in patients at high risk of developing a pulmonary complication undergoing CABG surgery.
Impact of remittances on economic growth and poverty reduction amongst CIS countries

ABSTRACT The main goal of this paper is to assess the effect of remittances on economic growth and poverty reduction amongst the post-Soviet states, compared with other external sources of capital, such as foreign aid and foreign direct investment. In this paper we use a panel data set on economic growth and poverty estimates (poverty headcount, poverty gap and poverty severity) in 10 selected former post-Soviet republics i.e. Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). We found that, on average, a 1% increase in remittance flows provokes around a 0.25% rise in per capita GDP and a 2% decline in poverty severity. Remittances seem to have produced a significant reduction on poverty through increasing income and smoothing consumption levels.
ANALSIS FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI KETAATAN WAJIB PAJAK ORANG PRIBADI DALAM MELAPORKAN SURAT PEMBERITAHUAN TAHUNAN

The purpose of the research is to analysis factors that affect individual taxpayer compliance. In this research there are four factors on tax compliance, namely: awareness of taxpayer, tax knowledge, quality of services and tax penalties. The data of this study were obtained by distributing questionnaires with a sample of 84 taxpayers at Tax Office of Medan City. The research method used is multiple regression. The conclusion of this study is that each independent variable namely awareness of taxpayer, tax knowledge, quality of services, and tax penalties has a positive and significant impact on the compliance of individual taxpayers. Key words: awareness of taxpayer, tax knowledge, quality of services, tax penalties, and tax compliance.
Ear Press Combined with Medicine in the Treatment of Mild and Moderate Vascular Dementia:An Analysis of 30 Cases

Objective:To observe the effect of medicine with ear press on vascular dementia with mild and moderate levels.Methods:There were 30 cases in the treatment group and 30 patients in the control group.Treatment group was with Auricular-plaster therapy combined with drug therapy.Select auricular points Shenmen,brain,kidneys and heart with taking oral medicine Naofukang simultaneously.Both groups were treated for three months.Results:The total effective rate was 90% in the treatment group;the total effective rate was 63.3% in the control group.Conclusion:Ear-acupoint therapy and medicine Naofukang on patients with mild and moderate vascular dementia are valid.The efficacy of ear press with medicine was superior to simple western medicine Naofukang.
Toi, moi et la politique : amour et convictions

« Comment la politique, des lors qu’elle n’est plus dans l’espace public, se reflechit-elle dans l’espace prive ? Quelle part occupe-t-elle dans le monde des echanges et des interets personnels, dans l’intimite du lien amoureux, mais aussi dans le cadre familial et dans les liens d’amitie ? L’accord est-il une necessite inherente a la vie affective ? Ou bien y a-t-il place pour le desaccord ? Peut-on tomber amoureux de quelqu’un qui fait des choix politiques opposes aux siens ? Quels sont les seuils d’acceptation de la difference ? La politique peut-elle etre un ciment d’amour ? Peut-elle aussi devenir une cause de desamour ? La politique en soi, pour soi, entre soi et l’Autre, avec les autres… » C’est donc la politique au cœur de l’identite intime de l’individu que ce livre explore. Base sur une large enquete et largement nourri d’entretiens, il montre, comme dans un theâtre d’ombres, la facon dont la politique se refracte dans l’intimite et dans le jeu des affects. (Resume editeur)
Measuring the welfare effects of forests: an application of the travel cost model

Abstract In this paper, a travel cost model was applied to the case of firewood collection to assess how the inclusion of household fixed effects and how assumptions regarding conditions in the local labor market impacted resulting welfare estimates. To assess these impacts, a unique household panel data set from Kagera, Tanzania was used. It was estimated that, under the assumption of constrained labor markets, households in the Kagera region of Tanzania are willing-to-pay, on average, $120 per year (2016 USD) for access to local forests. These estimated figures were nearly 50 per cent higher when household fixed effects were excluded and nearly 10 per cent higher under the assumption of perfect labor markets. In addition, these results support previous research showing that, in many developing countries, households' demand for firewood is inelastic and that households would be willing to spend a significant amount of their resources on forest access.
Thirty Years of Urban Bias: An Estimation of the Rising Disparities in Female Rural and Female Urban Unemployment and Income in Egypt

This article highlights the disparities between female urban and rural employment and income in Egypt over the last decades, mainly resulting from urban bias policies. Despite their inferior educational levels, females in rural Egypt manifested higher levels of employment than their counterparts in urban Egypt, a phenomenon that the article attributes to the standard definition of unemployment, which includes unpaid family members as part of the ‘employed’, besides other methodological issues. As such, statistics could misleadingly imply better female rural income compared to female urban income. By means of an innovative attempt to estimate female rural and urban incomes, this article provides some evidence that female rural per capita income accounts for only 0.43 of female urban per capita income, despite rising from 0.2 in 1981. The female rural/urban gap was mitigated when female national incomes rather than female per capita incomes were estimated, with female rural national income accounting for nearly 0.73 of female urban national income.
Value Creation Around Merger Waves: The Role of Managerial Compensation

This paper examines the relation between executive compensation and value creation in merger waves. The sensitivity of CEO wealth to firm risk increases the likelihood of out‐of‐wave merger transactions but has no influence on in‐wave merger frequency. CEOs with compensation linked to firm risk have better out‐of‐wave merger performance in comparison to in‐wave mergers. We also present evidence that cross‐sectional acquirer return dispersion is greater for in‐wave acquisitions. Our results suggest that the underperformance of acquiring firms during merger waves can be attributed in part to ineffective compensation incentives, and appropriate managerial incentives can create value, particularly in non‐wave periods.