Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Effective Iron Repleting Protocol for Renal Anaemia in the Haemodialysis Population

Most patients on haemodialysis require erythropoietin therapy and iron repletion for correction of anaemia. The frequency of iron status measurements and guidelines for iron replenishment were modifi ed to improve iron balance and erythropoiesis. Intravenous iron polymaltose was administered in 40 haemodialysis patients over an eighteen-month period according to a specifi c intermittent intravenous protocol. Haemoglobin levels were maintained at 12 g/dL with an initial rise (at 6 months) in serum ferritin to 486 ug/L and transferrin saturation to 30% from baseline values of 350 ug/L and 26%, and these levels were sustained throughout the study period. In the fi rst 6 months of the study erythropoietin (Epoetin alfa) dosage was reduced from 9600 U/Wk to 9300 U/Wk when administered subcutaneously, and this reduction was maintained for the second 6 months of the study. The study’s iron replenishment regimen successfully maintained haemoglobin with diminished need for erythropoietin and avoidance of iron overload.
Digital strategy patterns in information systems research

Organizations use digital strategy to take advantages of their existing strengths and capabilities. Digital strategy has a wide range of scope and operate in a highly dynamic context in which the organization operates. There is increasing attention to digital strategy in academic research while questions surrounding digital strategy arise, such as issues related to differences between digital strategy and information technology (IT)/information systems (IS) strategy or aspects of digital strategy. In this paper, we conduct a systematic literature review in the basket of eight senior IS journals and the proceedings of the International Conference on Information Systems (ICIS) conference, aiming at understanding insights into digital strategy and its related issues. The findings indicate several aspects of digital strategy concerning environments, challenges, approaches, stakeholders, and capabilities. We also provide insights into the relations among these aspects, as well as the distinction between digital and IT/IS strategy.
Modeling dynamic behavior of volatile organic compounds in a zero energy building

Abstract With increasing building airtightness, the design of an adequate ventilation system gains importance. The first generation of ventilation systems, based on continuous supply of the nominal airflow rate, are now being replaced by demand controlled ventilation (DCV). These systems, often H2O and/or CO2 controlled, typically do not take into account the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to the indoor environment. A small, airtight, zero energy building that has been designed as the Belgian submission to the international Solar Decathlon competition (2011) was rebuilt afterwards in Ostend, Belgium. This building will be used as test facility for the development and validation of a holistic VOC source model. In this study, results are obtained from thermal, airflow and contaminant simulation models of the test facility to check the potential of this facility for research concerning VOCs. The different models and modeling assumptions are discussed. A dynamic VOC source model, derived from literature, is used as proxy to obtain possible VOC concentrations. The results show an important influence of temperature and humidity on the indoor VOC levels with VOC concentrations exceeding health guidelines. It is therefore important to design DCV systems and controls taking into account possible elevated VOC levels and while doing so, incorporate the dynamic behavior (influence of temperature and humidity) of the VOC emissions.
An Index Approach to Assess the Reliability of Purchasing Power Parities in China

The introduction of representative products in International Comparison Program makes the purchasing power parities (PPPs) become a computable concept. The representative extent of the product list for the participating countries has important impacts on the reliability of PPPs and the global results. However, the measurement of representativeness and its induced biases in the estimated PPPs has not been carried out to our knowledge. Therefore, the paper designs a new index approach——Intra-national Assessment, to assess the reliability of PPPs via representativeness. First, there exits the common products in the basket of goods in each country’s consumer price index (CPI) and the international baskets used in the ICP and thus we use the common food products both in CPI and ICP to measure the basic missing degree of representativeness in ICP. Then we add other household consumption expenditures and fixed capital formation to calculate the full missing degree of representativeness in ICP. Because of the full participation of China and its significant role in ICP, we apply this new index approach to empirical assess the reliability of China’s PPPs in 2011 ICP. Reliability implications in this study would be helpful for measuring the real size of the world economy.
What a Pity, Pepper!: How Warmth in Robots' Language Impacts Reactions to Errors during a Collaborative Task

We investigate the impact of warmth in robots' language on the perception of errors in a shopping assistance task (N=81) and found that error-free behavior was favored over erroneous if the dialogue is machine-like, while errors do not negatively impact liking, trust and acceptance if the robot uses human-like language. Warmth in robots' language thus seems to mitigate negative consequences and should be considered as a crucial design aspect.
Labor Laws and Manufacturing Performance in India: How Priors Trump Evidence and Progress Gets Stalled

Strong labor protections for ordinary workers are often portrayed as a `luxury developing countries cannot afford`. No study has been more influential in propagating this perversity trope in the context of the Indian economy than the QJE article of Besley and Burgess (2004). Their article provides econometric evidence that pro-worker regulation resulted in lower output, employment, investment and productivity in India`s registered manufacturing sector. This paper reviews existing critiques of Besley and Burgess (2004), which highlight conceptual and measurement errors and uncover econometric weaknesses. The paper takes a step beyond these: it reports a failure to replicate Besley and Burgessâ€™ findings and demonstrate the non- robustness of their results. My deconstruction is not only about the econometrics, however. I show that Besley and Burgess` findings are not just inconsistent with their theoretical priors, but also internally contradictory and empirically implausible, taxing any personâ€™s capacity for belief. The paper, written by two `useful economists`, exhibits a gratuitous empiricism in which priors trump evidence. On all counts, it fails the test of being useful to the purpose of `evidence-based` public policy advice.
Exploring Activities of Social Influence Asserted through Social Networking Sites: A Stage Theory Approach

The advent of Social Networking Sites (SNS) took social influence to a new level allowing a large number of individuals to interact, and influence each other unlike the traditional society bound by face-to-face interactions. While this substantial change generated by SNS has motivated information systems researchers to examine social influence and attitude and behavioural change in individuals in the context of SNS, the studies have not paid adequate attention to exploring how individuals behave in light of the social influence s/he receives. As such, adopting a literature meta-analysis approach, and reviewing 65 studies, this research identified four distinct categories of responses to social influence given by individuals in SNS, based on social influence theoretical perspective. While the study was completed in SNS context, the broader implications of this study are applied to research development and methodology, where the study implications apply broadly across all research contexts.
Investment driven credit in the Peoples’ Republic of China

This paper examines the processes of money and credit creation in the contemporary People’s Republic of China, and the regulation of these processes by the Chinese authorities. The approach taken by the authorities in China is examined in the context of the institutional framework that has resulted from the transition from central planning to a market-based system. It is argued that the current approach of targeting base money, in conjunction with administrative controls on credit, will become less effective as the level of financial development in China increases, weakening money multiplier relationships. The implementation of monetary policy based on liberal interest rate policy faces obstacles from the high level of liquidity in the private sector. This has arisen as a consequence of high levels of investment and exports, and increasingly represents a form of endogenous credit creation. The declining ability of the authorities to control the level of private credit in the economy is exacerbated by the recent current account surpluses which have given rise to large increases in foreign exchange reserves. The paper also presents an analysis of the Chinese flow of funds accounts, with reference to the stock-flow consistent modelling systems of Godley and Lavoie. It is argued that the structure of financial systems, and the form taken by flows through these systems, are vital elements in the understanding of monetary and credit relationships in a disequilibrium analysis.
Effect of Ivabradine on Left Ventricular Diastolic Function, Exercise Tolerance and Quality of Life in Patients With Heart Failure: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background Ivabradine is a heart rate-lowering drug that selectively inhibits the funny (If) current of the sinoatrial node. It is currently recommended in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in sinus rhythm and a heart rate of ≥ 70 beats per minute (bpm) at rest. To investigate whether ivabradine has an effect on diastolic dysfunction, exercise tolerance and quality of life (QOL), we conducted a systemic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods We searched PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials for studies on the effect of ivabradine on left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction, exercise tolerance, QOL, readmission for worsening HF and mortality in both patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and HFrEF. Results Thirteen RCTs with 881 patients met the inclusion criteria. According to the pooled analysis, for the HFpEF subgroup, treatment with ivabradine resulted in a decrease in early diastolic mitral inflow to late diastolic flow ratio (E/A) (standardized mean difference (SMD): -0.53; 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.99, -0.07; P < 0.000) and increase in peak oxygen uptake during exercise (VO2) (SMD: 0.05; 95% CI: -0.35, 0.45; P < 0.00; I2 = 95.1%). Similar effect was seen in the HFrEF subgroup with decrease in E/A ratio (SMD: -0.33; 95% CI: -0.59, -0.06; P < 0.000) and early diastolic mitral inflow to annular velocity ratio (E/e’) (SMD: -1.01; 95% CI: -1.49, -0.54; P < 0.012). Ivabradine therapy increased peak VO2 and 6-min walk test (6MWT) in HFrEF patients (SMD: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.35, 1.32; P < 0.00; I2 = 97.5% and SMD: 1.11; 95% CI: 0.82, 1.41; P < 0.000, respectively). There was also significant reduction in Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) score (SMD: -0.68; 95% CI: -0.91, -0.45; P < 0.000). However, there was no significant difference in readmission for worsening HF and all-cause mortality between ivabradine and control (risk ratio (RR): 1.44; 95% CI: 0.73, 2.16; P < 0.148 and RR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.19, 1.33; P < 0.907, respectively). Conclusions Ivabradine therapy is associated with improved LV diastolic function, increases exercise tolerance and hence QOL, but it has no significant effect on readmission for worsening HF and all-cause mortality.
The Mediating Role of Social Media in Enhancing Organizational Performance: A Team Creativity Perspective

In today’s competitive business environment, it is insufficient for organizations to depend only on the strengths of individual employees to respond to the ever-changing market trends and demands. To optimize their competitiveness, organizations increasingly recognize the importance of leveraging individuals’ skillset and competencies in teams via social media. The increasing reliance on teams to achieve innovation performance urges the academic and professional circles to better understand the preconditions that facilitate innovation performance in teamwork settings. Over the past decade, user engagement via social media has exponentially increased. Social media is regarded as an effective and efficient tool that facilitates transparent, formal, informal, relaxed, and/or personal communication in teams. In this study, we investigate the impact of social media on organizational performance from a team creativity perspective. We focus on studying the mediating role of social media in supporting team creativity.
Is Phenotypic Variability in Leaf Vein Density in Rice Associated with Grain Yield

Rice, Oryza sativa L. is the staple food of half of the world’s population, mostly in Asia. Therefore, it is essential to increase rice yield to meet the rising food demand by the year 2050. This target is further challenged by rising atmospheric temperature, rainfall extreme events and limited land availability. The designing of C4 rice along with greater efficiencies of water, nitrogen and radiation use, has been identified as one of the best pathways to increase yield potential. Increased leaf vein density is an essential prerequisite for C4 photosynthesis. It facilitates rapid exchange of C4 carbon intermediates and photo-assimilates and has been identified as a new trait for genetic engineering of C4 photosynthesis into C3 crops.
Shareholder Proposals as Governance Mechanism: Insights from the Market Value of Corporate Voting Rights

This paper studies the influence of shareholder proposals on the market value of voting rights. We back out implied voting values from prices of single-stock options and relate them to the rich set of characteristics offered by shareholder proposals, including resolution types, approval rates, and sponsors. The empirical analysis is carried out on 3,083 shareholder proposals in S&P-1500 firms with liquid stock options in the period 2002-2013. Voting values are (significantly) positive prior to the last cum-voting date of general meetings (0.28% of the share price on average) and drop to zero afterward, when the shareholder register is closed. Shareholder proposals lead to significantly higher voting values when ballots are contested, i.e, approval rates are close to 50%. Votes on the redemption of antitakeover measures or the increase of board independence are found to be particularly valuable. Conversely, shareholder proposals that deal with managerial compensation, shareholder rights, corporate transparency, environmental issues, or social responsibility do not lead to higher voting values. Similarly, the identity of the resolution sponsor is largely unrelated to the value of voting rights. However, when labor unions file close-vote proposals that target compensation practices, significantly higher voting values are observable. We attribute this effect to the shareholders’ incentives to fight against resolutions filed by unions that would otherwise harm firms’ economic prospects.
FORECASTING INDONESIAN INFLATION WITHIN AN INFLATION-TARGETING FRAMEWORK: DO LARGE-SCALE MODELS PAY OFF?

We examine the usefulness of large-scale inflation forecasting models in Indonesiawithin an inflation-targeting framework. Using a dynamic model averaging approachto address three issues the policymaker faces when forecasting inflation, namely,parameter, predictor, and model uncertainties, we show that large-scale modelshave significant payoffs. Our in-sample forecasts suggest that 60% of 15 exogenouspredictors significantly forecast inflation, given a posterior inclusion probability cut-offof approximately 50%. We show that nearly 87% of the predictors can forecast inflationif we lower the cut-off to approximately 40%. Our out-of-sample forecasts suggest thatlarge-scale inflation forecasting models have substantial forecasting power relative tosimple models of inflation persistence at longer horizons.
Seroprevalence of transfusion transmitted infections among blood donors at a Tertiary Care Hospital Blood Bank in North India

Background: Blood transfusion service is a sensitive issue as it is covered by “Drug and Cosmetics Act” and has legal implications. Strict criteria are followed while selecting a donor so that proper blood free of all pathogens is available for recipient. Aim: To study seroprevalence of transfusion-transmitted major infections (HIV, hepatitis B virus [HBV], hepatitis C virus [HCV], syphilis, and malaria) among blood donors at a Tertiary Care Government Hospital Blood Bank in North India and to compare positivity of markers of these infections in voluntary and replacement donors. Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted over a period of 5 years (July 2010–June 2015). A total number of donors screened during this period was 130,920. Samples were tested for HIV, HBV, HCV, syphilis, and malaria and retested if found positive by third generation ELISA tests (HIV, hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg], HCV). Comparative analysis was done using Chi-square for linear trend. Comparison between prevalence rates among voluntary and replacement donors was done using Chi-square tests using Microsoft Excel 2007 software. Results: Of total 130,920 donors, 114,214 (87%) were voluntary and 16,706 (13%) were replacement donors. Male donors predominated, 128,781 (98.37%) male and female 2139 (1.63%). Average seropositivity of HIV, HBsAg, anti-HCV, syphilis, and malaria was 0.10%, 1.60%, 0.18%, 0.89%, and 0.04% among all donors. Significant difference (P < 0.001) in the seropositivity of HIV, HBsAg, HCV, and syphilis was seen between voluntary and replacement donors. Seroprevalence of HIV, HBsAg, HCV, syphilis, and malaria was 0.08%, 1.56%, 0.13%, 0.71%, 0.03%, and 0.25%, 1.90% 0.51%, 2.12%, and 0.04% in voluntary blood donor and replacement blood donor, respectively. Conclusion: Comparing a retrospective data over a long period showed decreasing trend in seroprevalence of HIV, HBsAg, anti-HCV, syphilis, and malaria. Results of the study reflect the prevalence of these infections in the healthy population and warrant measures that should be taken to detect these infections and prevent transmission.
The Effects of Police Violence on Inner-City Students*

Nearly 1,000 officer-involved killings occur each year in the United States. This article documents the large, racially disparate effects of these events on the educational and psychological well-being of Los Angeles public high school students. Exploiting hyperlocal variation in how close students live to a killing, I find that exposure to police violence leads to persistent decreases in GPA, increased incidence of emotional disturbance, and lower rates of high school completion and college enrollment. These effects are driven entirely by black and Hispanic students in response to police killings of other minorities and are largest for incidents involving unarmed individuals.
Mental health, labor supply and disability insurance: does recovery matter?

A large share of Disability Insurance recipients suffer from mental health problems and are expected to recover at some point. Contrasting expected health improvements, the outflow rates from these temporary disability schemes are negligible. This paper estimates the disincentive effects of disability benefits on the response to a mental health improvement using administrative data on all Dutch disability benefit applicants. Using the completion of mental health treatment as a proxy for health improvement/recovery, we estimate a difference-in-differences specification, comparing those below the DI threshold with those above. We find that disincentives substantially offset the response to health recovery: employment among benefit recipients increases with 1.5-2.5% points less than among those without benefits. The difference in the working hours response is 1.7-4.5 hours. Using drops in healthcare expenditures as an alternative proxy for recovery confirms these results, and shows that they extend to physical health improvements. We compare these results to predictions from a structural labor supply model, estimated using individual earnings potential from the DI application data. These predictions show that disincentives can be substantially larger in case of full recovery. ∗Affiliations: 1 Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 2 Tinbergen Institute, 3 Leiden University, 4 IZA. Corresponding author: Roger Prudon (r.e.k.prudon@vu.nl). We thank Owen O’Donnell and Maarten Lindeboom for useful comments. The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support from Instituut Gak for this research project, as well as UWV for providing access to their data on DI applications. Results in this paper are based on non-public microdata from Statistics Netherlands (CBS). Under certain conditions, part of these microdata are accessible for statistical and scientific research. For further information: microdata@cbs.nl.
Influence of Low Static Magnetic Field (SMF) on Immature Development and Survival of The Mosquito, Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae)

In this study, experiments were performed to investigate the effect of the low static magnetic field (SMF) on hatchability, development, and survival of Culex pipiens mosquito immature under laboratory conditions. Egg-rafts of Cx. pipiens were exposed to SMF at different intensities of 5 mT, 25 mT, and 50 mT for 20 minutes at a temperature of 28±1 oC. Hatching rate, hatching delay time, and larval development significantly affected by SMF. The numbers of hatched larvae decreased with increasing SMF at 50 mT (133.33 ± 6.0) as compared to the control (302.23 ± 10.9). Also, the hatching rate significantly lengthened (P < 0.05) with high intensity of SMF. A total of 88.3% and 44.33% eggs hatched at 5 mT and 50 mT, respectively. For Cx. pipiens immatures, the duration time shortened and survival (%) reduced after exposure to high dose (50 mT) than to low dose (5 mT). We concluded that SMF affects egg hatchability and immature development which could be applied as a strategy in mosquito control.