Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Individual and Household Determinants of Women's Autonomy: Recent Evidence from Egypt

This paper explores determinants of women’s autonomy in Egypt around the time of the initial Arab Spring uprising in 2011.While previous research focuses on individual determinants, we examine individual, household, and community effects on women’s autonomy. Using the 2006 and 2012 Egyptian Labor Market Panel Survey (ELMPS), multilevel models show that across all autonomy outcomes, household wealth and region are consistently associated with women’s autonomy. In 2006 and 2012, women in rural and urban Upper Egypt have less autonomy compared to women in the Cairo region, and in 2012, characteristics of spouses, like education, are important determinants of women’s autonomy.
Targeted Serum Metabolite Profiling Identifies Metabolic Signatures in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus and Brain Tumor

Progression to AD is preceded by elevated levels of 2,4-dihydroxybutanoic acid (2,4-DHB), implicating hypoxia in early pathogenesis. Since hypoxia may play a role in multiple CNS disorders, we investigated serum metabolite profiles across three disorders, AD, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) and brain tumors (BT). Blood samples were collected from 27 NPH and 20 BT patients. The profiles of 21 metabolites were examined. Additionally, data from 37 AD patients and 46 controls from a previous study were analyzed together with the newly acquired data. No differences in 2,4-DHB were found across AD, NPH and BT samples. In the BT group, the fatty acids were increased as compared to HC and NPH groups, while the ketone body 3-hydroxybutyrate was increased as compared to AD. Glutamic acid was increased in AD as compared to the HC group. In the AD group, 3-hydroxybutyrate tended to be decreased with respect to all other groups (mean values −30% or more), but the differences were not statistically significant. Serine was increased in NPH as compared to BT. In conclusion, AD, NPH and BT have different metabolic profiles. This preliminary study may help in identifying the blood based markers that are specific to these three CNS diseases.
Polynomial Counting in Anonymous Dynamic Networks with Applications to Anonymous Dynamic Algebraic Computations

Starting with with work of Michail et al., the problem of Counting the number of nodes in Anonymous Dynamic Networks has attracted a lot of attention. The problem is challenging because nodes are indistinguishable (they lack identifiers and execute the same program), and the topology may change arbitrarily from round to round of communication, as long as the network is connected in each round. The problem is central in distributed computing, as the number of participants is frequently needed to make important decisions, including termination, agreement, synchronization, among others. A variety of distributed algorithms built on top of mass-distribution techniques have been presented, analyzed, and experimentally evaluated; some of them assumed additional knowledge of network characteristics, such as bounded degree or given upper bound on the network size. However, the question of whether Counting can be solved deterministically in sub-exponential time remained open. In this work, we answer this question positively by presenting Methodical Counting, which runs in polynomial time and requires no knowledge of network characteristics. Moreover, we also show how to extend Methodical Counting to compute the sum of input values and more complex functions without extra cost. Our analysis leverages previous work on random walks in evolving graphs, combined with carefully chosen alarms in the algorithm that control the process and its parameters. To the best of our knowledge, our Counting algorithm and its extensions to other algebraic and Boolean functions are the first that can be implemented in practice with worst-case guarantees.
Quality of Worklife Human Well-being Linkage: Integrated Conceptual Framework

Quality of work life (QWL) is not only one of the most important domains in peoples’ lives, but also affects and shapes many of the components of the general/ total quality of life (wellness) of organizational members, as well as other peoples at the community, national, regional and even global levels. There has been ample research studying QWL, but very little attempts have been made to link QWL with general wellness/ well – being. As peoples every where suffer from the many unfortunate and sad crises and outcomes brought by organizations, QWL deserves more intensive and in-depth research, especially examining QWL linkage with whole well – being. This paper attempts to provide a framework of guidelines to help organizations create and develop high QWL that can enhance and promote the welfare, goodness and total wellness, not only of organizational members, but also all other stakeholders and the broader societies at community, national and global levels. Thus, developing and nurturing among organizational members not only good organizational citizenship behavior, but also good national and even global citizenship behavior.
Government ‘strength’ and budget deficits in advanced democracies

Roubini and Sachs provided the first systematic test of the idea that political structure the size, composition, diversity, and/or stability of a governing cabinet - is related to budget deficits. In this paper, we take issue with several of Roubini and Sachs' choices concerning data and operationalization, and argue that their approach cannot offer clear conclusions about the relationship between national political structure and budget deficits. We test the ‘strength of government’ hypothesis using central government finance data on 16 countries, 1959–1990. We measure deficits in a way that maximizes comparability across countries but avoids the potential problems of standardizing by GDP. We examine carefully the definition and measurement of ‘strength of government’, in light of recent theoretical and empirical work in comparative politics. We perform pooled time-series regression analysis of deficit change in 16 OECD countries for the period 1959–1990. We argue that while structural differences between governments may have little impact on deficits during good economic times, they may become especially noticeable and influential during periods when governments struggle to cope with severe economic problems.
Homicide and Robbery in New York City: An Economic Model

OVER the past few years economists have offered a radically different approach to the study of criminal behavior. A fundamental idea underlying economic models of crime-that criminals respond consistently to incentives-is not in itself new. Few question that valuable objects are more attractive to thieves than worthless ones, or that thieves are more likely to come from the ranks of the unemployed than from the privileged classes. Legal sanctions have long been thought of as a deterrent as well as retribution for antisocial activity. Hence the rationale for public executions and displays of corpses in societies that have pretensions to civilization. Another implication of models of rational crime, the potential trade-off in deterrent impact between the severity of punishment and the likelihood of punishment, is an idea at least as old as Jeremy Bentham. What is new is the focus of social scientists on the explanation of variance in crime rates directly via social and economic variables rather than indirectly via the psychological make-up of potential criminals. Just as models of collective consumer behavior can have powerful analytic uses without benefit of a complete psychological theory of consumption, so too can testable models of "rational" criminal behavior fruitfully bypass the fundamental psychological origins of crime. The seminal framework of Becker' seeks to explain crime as a problem in the constrained maximization of utility. Individuals maximize expected personal gain by choosing between legal and illegal activities, specializing in one or the other, or equating marginal gains in each by mixing the two. The formal analysis generally yields intuitive results: the greater the expected reward for successful crime or the lower the opportunity cost of time not spent on legitimate activities, the more crimes will be attempted; the higher the perceived probability of apprehension or the perceived penalty for apprehension, the fewer crimes. However, other conclusions do not so obviously follow: the relative deterrent impact of the probability of punishment and
Replacement Decisions for Potentially Hazardous Substances

As public awareness of environmental hazards increases, a growing concern for corporations is the potential negative environmental impact of their products and the chemicals these products contain. In this paper, we analyze the optimal decisions of a firm when a substance within its product is identified as potentially hazardous. Although the substance is not currently regulated, regulation may occur in the future. Therefore, the firm must devise a strategy for the development and implementation of a replacement substance. In an environment where replacement costs can be millions of dollars, regulation is uncertain, and both consumer and non-governmental organization pressures exist, a carefully developed plan that balances costs and risks is critical for a firm. Our results demonstrate that as long as a threat of regulation exists, a firm should always dedicate resources towards developing a replacement substance. However, it is not always optimal for a firm to implement a developed replacement. Regarding competitive dynamics, we find that competition between firms can offset a low chance of a shift in consumer perception about a substance and compel firms to replace; however, competition can lead to inefficient outcomes in which firms incur avoidable costs to implement ahead of potential regulation.
Identification of and Spatio-Temporal Differences between Microbial Assemblages from Two Neighboring Sulfurous Lakes: Comparison by Microscopy and Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis

ABSTRACT The microbial assemblages of Lake Cisó and Lake Vilar (Banyoles, northeast Spain) were analyzed in space and time by microscopy and by performing PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and sequence analysis of 16S rRNA gene fragments. Samples obtained from different water depths and at two different times of the year (in the winter during holomixis and in the early spring during a phytoplankton bloom) were analyzed. Although the lakes have the same climatic conditions and the same water source, the limnological parameters were different, as were most of the morphologically distinguishable photosynthetic bacteria enumerated by microscopy. The phylogenetic affiliations of the predominant DGGE bands were inferred by performing a comparative 16S rRNA sequence analysis. Sequences obtained from Lake Cisó samples were related to gram-positive bacteria and to members of the divisionProteobacteria. Sequences obtained from Lake Vilar samples were related to members of theCytophaga-Flavobacterium-Bacteroides phylum and to cyanobacteria. Thus, we found that like the previously reported differences between morphologically distinct inhabitants of the two lakes, there were also differences among the community members whose morphologies did not differ conspicuously. The changes in the species composition from winter to spring were also marked. The two lakes both contained sequences belonging to phototrophic green sulfur bacteria, which is consistent with microscopic observations, but these sequences were different from the sequences of cultured strains previously isolated from the lakes. Euryarchaeal sequences (i.e., methanogen- and thermoplasma-related sequences) also were present in both lakes. These euryarchaeal group sequences dominated the archaeal sequences in Lake Cisó but not in Lake Vilar. In Lake Vilar, a new planktonic population related to the crenarchaeota produced the dominant archaeal band. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that new bacterial and archaeal lineages were present and that the microbial diversity of these assemblages was greater than previously known. We evaluated the correspondence between the abundances of several morphotypes and DGGE bands by comparing microscopy and sequencing results. Our data provide evidence that the sequences obtained from the DGGE fingerprints correspond to the microorganisms that are actually present at higher concentrations in the natural system.
Conceptualization and Operationalization of Destination Image

The destination image has received much attention for about three decades. Studies of various aspects of destination images increased in volume during the 1990s. Echtner and Ritchie's (1991) review of destination image literature resulted in several suggestions in terms of both the conceptualization and operationalization of destination image. This study looks at the evolutionary nature of tourism destination image studies from both theoretical and operational perspectives. Necessary adjustments in the methodological rigor and the focus of inquiry for destination image research are offered using Echtner and Ritchie's review as a guide. A review of literature about destination image and other pertinent concepts indicated that several of Echtner and Ritchie's recommendations have been followed, whereas others have not. Also, several other important conceptualization- and methodology-related issues identified in the destination image literature are addressed.
Treatment of chronic hepatitis C in polytransfused thalassaemic patients: a meta‐analysis

Summary. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of liver‐related morbidity and mortality among thalassaemic patients. In order to analyse the effect of the current anti‐HCV treatment in this subset of HCV‐infected patients, we conducted a systematic review with meta‐analysis of the available literature. The outcome was sustained viral response. Both comparative [odds ratio (OR)] and non‐comparative indeces (success rate) were used to run the meta‐analytical procedure. Data encompassing 429 thalassaemic HCV‐infected patients treated with conventional or pegylated interferon monotherapy or combination therapy with ribavirin were collected from 13 articles (10 prospective cohort studies, 1 randomized‐controlled trial and 2 controlled trials). Pooled sustained viralogical response (SVR) was 44.7% (34.6–54.9). Pooled ORs of SVR for Genotype 1 vs non‐Genotype 1 infected thalassaemic patients were 0.46 (95% CI: 0.22–0.95) in IFN monotherapy and 1.7 (95% CI: 0.46–6.04) in ribavirin combination therapy. Our meta‐analysis shows that thalassaemic patients with Genotype 1 infection significantly benefit from the addition of ribavirin to their therapeutic regimen. It seems that using ribavirin in thalassaemic patients increases transfusion need by a median of 30–40%, but does not increase major adverse events or treatment withdrawal. Current literature is lacking sufficient evidence about the use of PEG‐IFN as monotherapy or in combination with ribavirin in thalassaemic patients.
Modeling and validating stakeholder preferences with probabilistic inversion

Despite the vast number of models that have been developed for analyzing stakeholders' preferences, it is difficult to find any true out-of-sample validation for these models. Based on the theory of rational preference, utilities are specific to the individual. Unlike subjective probability, there is no mechanism for changing utilities on the basis of observation, and no operation for getting people's utilities to converge. The proper goal of stakeholder preference modeling must therefore be the characterization of a population of stakeholders via a distribution over utility functions. Drawing on the theory of discrete choice and random utility theory, we apply probabilistic inversion methods to derive a distribution over utility functions. The utility functions may either attach to the choice alternatives directly, or may be functions of physical attributes. Because the utilities are inferred from discrete choice data, out-of-sample validation is enabled by splitting the data into a test set used to fit the model and a validation set. These techniques are illustrated using discrete choice data for the valuation of health states. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Qualitative and quantitative histopathology in transitional cell carcinomas of the urinary bladder. An international investigation of intra- and interobserver reproducibility.

BACKGROUND Histopathologic, prognosis-related grading of malignancy by means of morphologic examination in transitional cell carcinomas of the urinary bladder (TCC) may be subject to observer variation, resulting in a reduced level of reproducibility. This may confound comparisons of treatment results. Using objective, unbiased stereologic techniques and ordinary histomorphometry, such problems may be solved. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN A study of 110 patients with papillary or solid transitional cell carcinomas of the urinary bladder in stage Ta through T4 was carried out, addressing reproducibility of both qualitative and quantitative grading methods. Grading of malignancy was performed by one observer in Japan (using the World Health Organization scheme), and by two observers in Denmark (using the Bergkvist system). A "translation" between the systems, grade for grade, and kappa statistics were used in evaluating the reproducibility. Unbiased estimates of nuclear mean volume, nuclear mean profile area, nuclear volume fraction, nuclear profile density index, and mitotic profile density index were obtained twice in 55 of the studied cases by one observer in Japan and one in Denmark, using a random, systematic sampling scheme. RESULTS The results were compared by bivariate correlation analyses and Kendall's tau. The international interobserver reproducibility of qualitative gradings was rather poor (kappa = 0.51), especially for grade 2 tumors (kappa = 0.28). Likewise, the interobserver agreement on the Bergkvist scheme was poor (kappa = 0.43). On the other hand was the interobserver agreement on invasion high (kappa = 0.75). The intraobserver reproducibility of the quantitative histopathologic variables was excellent in both Japan and Denmark for estimates of nuclear mean volume (r = 0.93), for nuclear mean profile area (0.78 < r < 0.83), and for nuclear profile density index (0.85 < r < 0.89), whereas the reproducibility for nuclear volume fraction was somewhat poorer (0.68 < r < 0.64). The slopes of the correlation lines were not significantly different from unity. Estimates of mitotic profile density index also showed acceptable intraobserver reproducibility (Kendall's tau > 0.53). CONCLUSIONS The international, interobserver reproducibility of the quantitative estimators yielded similar results for all histopathologic variables investigated, except for nuclear volume fraction (r = 0.54). This can probably be related to the manual design of the sampling scheme and may be solved by introducing a motorized object stage in the systematic selection of fields of vision for quantitative measurements. However, the nuclear mean size estimators are unaffected by such sampling variability. The results obtained in this study stress the need for objective, quantitative histopathologic techniques substituting qualitative, subjective methods in prognosis-related grading of malignancy.
Is the Size Distribution of Income in Canada a Random Walk

Several recent studies have investigated whether the size distribution of income in the United States follows a random walk meaning that it has a unit root, with mixed results. In this paper, we investigate the same issue using Canadian national and provincial income inequality data. The investigation is conducted using three different unit root tests. The results suggest modeling the Gini coefficients for Canada and for most provinces as an I(1) is quite reasonable.
Low pressure spherical thermal anemometer for space missions

A novel spherically shaped thermal anemometer for low pressure, Mars-like conditions, is described. The concept has been designed using finite element multyphysics simulations to find out the thermal conductance to the ambient for varying conditions of wind speed and direction and ambient pressure and temperature. A prototype 1cm diameter suitable to work under these environment in the range 0.25-10m/s speed has been build using 3D printing and tested inside a low pressure chamber. The protopype shown has two separated hemispheres, independently heated above the ambient temperature, providing angle sensitivity in one plane. Measurements of the heating power in both hemispheres required to keep an overheat of 30K are shown as a function of the wind direction showing good sensitivity at 0.5m/s. One improvement of this sensor is the means provided to also heat the core of the sphere where the circuit board is located thereby avoiding most of the conduction losses to the supports. The concept is scalable to other wind speed and pressure conditions and also to full 3D measurements.
Tumor necrosis factor alpha-dependent proinflammatory gene induction is inhibited by cyclic tensile strain in articular chondrocytes in vitro.

OBJECTIVE To understand the intracellular mechanisms of the action of mechanical strain on articular chondrocytes during inflammation. METHODS One of the major mediators responsible for cartilage destruction in inflamed articular joints is tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha). Therefore, in this study we examined the intracellular mechanisms of actions of cyclic tensile strain (CTS) on the recombinant human TNFalpha (rHuTNFalpha)-induced proinflammatory pathways in primary cultures of chondrocytes. The expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) for TNFalpha-dependent proinflammatory proteins was examined by semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The synthesis of proinflammatory proteins was examined by Western blot analysis in cell extracts, followed by semiquantitative measurement of bands using densitometric analysis. Nitric oxide production was measured by Griess reaction, and prostaglandin E2 production was assessed by radioimmunoassays. The proteoglycan synthesis in chondrocytes was assessed by incorporation of Na2(35)SO4 in chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans. RESULTS By exposing chondrocytes to CTS in the presence of TNFalpha in vitro, we showed that CTS is an effective antagonist of TNFalpha actions and acts as both an antiinflammatory signal and a reparative signal. CTS of low magnitude suppresses TNFalpha-induced mRNA expression of multiple proinflammatory proteins involved in catabolic responses, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase 2, and collagenase. CTS also counteracts cartilage degradation by augmenting induction of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2. Additionally, CTS augments the reparative process via abrogation of TNFalpha-induced suppression of proteoglycan synthesis. Nonetheless, CTS acts on chondrocytes in a TNFalpha-dependent manner, since exposure of chondrocytes to CTS alone had no effect on these parameters. CONCLUSION CTS of low magnitude acts as an effective antagonist of TNFalpha not only by inhibiting the TNFalpha-dependent induction of proinflammatory proteins upstream of mRNA transcription, but also by augmenting the proteoglycan synthesis that is inhibited by TNFalpha.