Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D and overall mortality

Vitamin D is a steroid molecule, mainly produced in the skin that regulates the expression of a large number of genes. Several meta‐analyses of epidemiological studies support the evidence that low vitamin D serum level, which is highly prevalent worldwide, could be a ‘new’ risk factor for many chronic diseases including cancer, and for all‐cause mortality. A meta‐analysis in healthy subjects suggested that current doses of vitamin D supplements could be associated with decrease in total mortality rates. However, these associations are insufficient to establish causality between vitamin D and all‐cause mortality. Furthermore, long‐term health effects of high doses of vitamin D, that is, prolonged supplementation and association with different baseline vitamin D levels, remain to be investigated. Several trials are ongoing but population‐based, placebo‐controlled randomized trials with total mortality as the main endpoint should be planned to confirm a real beneficial effect of vitamin D for non‐skeletal diseases and to prove causality.
Market-driven international fish supply chains: the case of Nile Perch from Africa's Lake Victoria

This paper analyses the organisation of the post-harvest Nile perch supply chain centred on Lake Victoria in East Africa to test the practical relevance of the market-driven supply chain thesis proposed by Folkerts and Koehorst (1998). It finds that while international consumer demand, particularly in demanding improved quality standards according to HACCP principles, is having profound local organisational ramifications, the evolving supply chain is presently best characterised as being a hybrid one - neither exclusively production, nor marketdriven.
Combinação de Previsões de Volatilidade: Um Estudo

A avaliacao de tecnicas de combinacao de previsoes para previsao de valores esperados de uma serie e um topico bastante difundido, com a recomendacao do uso de tais tecnicas para previsao. Por outro lado, nao ha estudos comparativos do desempenho de combinacao de previsoes para previsao de volatilidade condicional, em relacao a modelos individuais univariados. Comparando os modelos da familia GARCH, de Alisamento Exponencial e o de Volatilidade Estocastica e tecnicas de combinacao por media aritmetica, combinacao de pesos fixos proposta por Granger e Ramanathan (1984) e a tecnica de combinacao com pesos movel de Terui e Dijk (2002) para Ibovespa, Dow Jones e IGP-M, concluimos que os modelos de combinacao de previsao apresentam melhores resultados em termos de MSE, MAPE e Theil-U para todas as series, com destaque para o modelo de pesos fixos via regressao e o de pesos moveis.
Effects of feeding meals with various soluble-carbohydrate content on muscle glycogen synthesis after exercise in horses.

OBJECTIVES To determine effects of feeding diets with various soluble-carbohydrate (CHO) content on rates of muscle glycogen synthesis after exercise in horses. ANIMALS 7 fit horses. PROCEDURES In a 3-way crossover study, horses received each of 3 isocaloric diets (a high soluble CHO [HC] diet, a low soluble CHO [LC] diet, or a mixed soluble CHO [MC] diet). For each diet, horses were subjected to glycogen-depleting exercise, followed by feeding of the HC, LC, or MC diet at 8-hour intervals for 72 hours. RESULTS Feeding the HC diet resulted in a significantly higher glycemic response for 72 hours and significantly greater muscle glycogen concentration at 48 and 72 hours after exercise, compared with results after feeding the MC and LC diets. Muscle glycogen concentrations similar to baseline concentrations were detected in samples obtained 72 hours after exercise in horses when fed the HC diet. Rate of glycogen synthesis was significantly higher when horses were fed the HC diet, compared with values when horses were fed the MC and LC diets. Glycogen synthase activity was inversely related to glycogen content. Protein content of glucose transporter-4 was the lowest at 72 hours after exercise when horses were fed the HC diet. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Muscle glycogen synthesis was slower after glycogen-depleting exercise in horses, compared with synthesis in humans. Feeding HC meals after strenuous exercise hastened replenishment of muscle glycogen content, compared with results for feeding of LC and MC diets, by increasing availability of blood glucose to skeletal muscles.
[Controlled analgesia in a burn patient: fentanyl sparing effect of clonidine].

OBJECTIVE To determine the sparing effect of clonidine (C) on fentanyl (F) demand in burned patients under PCA. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, randomized, double blind study versus placebo. PATIENTS Twelve consecutive patients with mean burn surface area of 20 +/- 9%, studied between the third and the eighth day post-burn. METHODS F was delivered by a PCA pump (bolus: 1 mg.kg-1). In the morning, burn patients received additional F (5 mg.kg-1) before hydrotherapy. After randomisation, C or placebo (P) were alternatively infused over 24 hours. Demands for F during the morning, the afternoon and the evening were noted. Pain scores were measured on a visual analogic scale. In eight patients, plasma levels of F (pF) were iteratively measured. Heart rate, arterial pressure, respiratory rate and SpO2 were monitored. RESULTS Analgesic demands were 19.5/day under P and 9.5 under C (P < 0.0001). Pain reoccurred for pF of 4.1 under C vs 5.7 under P (P < 0.05) with same pain scores in the two groups. After a pain stimulus, pain scores were lower under F, despite lower pF (P < 0.05). Arterial pressure and heart rate were significantly lowered during the first hour of C infusion. CONCLUSION Doses of F and pF required to reach analgesia were very high. Adding C decreases by 50% the F demand and lowers pF. Minor haemodynamic effects were observed during the first hour of C infusion.
Implementation structures as institutions

When Benny Hjern and David Porter announced (perhaps prematurely) the death of the “single lonely organization” in the study of implementation, they initiated the increasing recognition of the complexity of that fundamental policy process. The basic logic of their argument, and of a good deal of subsequent literature concerning implementation, is that making a program work effectively generally, and increasingly, involves multiple actors. Much of the initial spate of literature on implementation recognized the role of multiple public sector organizations in implementation but continued to assume a more top-down logic for implementation, meaning that the implicit question in implementation was why did all of these pesky organizations interfere in putting programs into effect as intended.
Knowledge transfer costs and dependence as determinants of financial reporting

This paper examines the circumstances in which financial reporting exists. Jensen and Meckling (1995) observe that where there are high knowledge transfer costs, then decentralisation is necessary; and that where decentralisation occurs there is a control problem, which can be addressed by providing a control system. I predict that where there are high knowledge transfer costs there will be a control system; if the control system uses financial reports, these will occur for activities with high knowledge transfer costs. The ability to decentralise is reduced where dependence makes it potentially costly to allow a subordinate to make decisions about the activity. The paper predicts that high dependence will be negatively associated with the existence of financial reports. The results confirm the predictions that financial reports are positively associated with knowledge transfer costs and negatively associated with dependence.
MPA Modulates Tight Junctions' Permeability via Midkine/PI3K Pathway in Caco-2 Cells: A Possible Mechanism of Leak-Flux Diarrhea in Organ Transplanted Patients

Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is prescribed to prevent allograft rejection in organ transplanted patients. However, its use is sporadically linked to leak flux diarrhea and other gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances in around 75% of patients through yet unknown mechanisms. Recently, we identified Midkine as a modulator of tight junctions (TJs) permeability in MPA treated Caco-2 monolayer. In the present study, we investigated the possible involvement of Midkine dependent PI3K pathway in alteration of TJs under MPA treatment. Caco-2 cells were grown as monolayer to develop TJs and were treated for 72 h with DMSO (control) or MPA in presence and absence of Midkine inhibitor (iMDK) or PI3K inhibitors (LY/AMG). Caco-2 monolayer integrity was assessed by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and FITC-dextran assays. Our functional assays showed that PI3K inhibitors (LY/AMG) can significantly inhibit the compromised TJs integrity of MPA-treated Caco-2 cells monolayer. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses showed a significant epigenetic activation of Midkine, PI3K, Cdx-2, and Cldn-2 genes and epigenetic repression of Cldn-1 gene after MPA treatment. The MPA-induced epigenetic alterations were further confirmed by mRNA and protein expression analysis. Collectively, our data shows that PI3K pathway as the downstream target of Midkine which in turn modulates p38MAPK and pAKT signaling to alter TJs permeability in Caco-2 cell monolayers treated with MPA. These results highlight the possible use of either Midkine or PI3K inhibitors as therapeutic agents to prevent MPA induced GI disturbances.
Seeking security and development : the impact of military spending and arms transfers

Introduction and Overview, N.A. Graham Unpacking "Threat" - a Conceptual Analysis, J.J. Nutter Security in the Third World - Searching for the Core Variable, M. Ayoob Arms Transfers and Military Spending - Technology Diffusion and Security in the Third World - an Overview, D.J. Louscher Soviet and Russian Arms Transfers to the Third World, L. Racioppi and W. Phillips Patterns and Future Trends in Indian Weapons Acquisition and Arms Production, A. Gupta Modelling the Expansion of Military Spending - a Case Study of Taiwan, 1953-1988, J. Hartman and W. Hsiao the Impact of Military Spending on Development - the Political Economy of Military Expenditures in Developing Countries: Establishing Some Empirical Norms, L. Snider Military Expenditures, Investment Funds, and Economic Growth, J. Zoninsein The Military and Development in Thailand and Indonesia - Patrimonialism Versus the Market, D. Crone Military Regimes, Military Spending, and Development - a Comparison of Brazil, Nigeria, Pakistan, and South Korea, N.A. Graham and P. Lewis Arms Production and State-Society Relations in Egypt and Turkey, W.R. Phillips War, Military Spending, and Food Security in Africa, M. Cheatham. Conclusion - the Quest for Security and Development, N.A. Graham.
Global Crises, fiscal space and national response

The main aim of this paper is to examine the impacts of the crisis on fiscal space and government social spending. It also examines the design and implementation of national rescue packages, concentrating in particular on the composition of stimulus packages in terms of social protection and employment measures. This study analyses data from the year 2000 to 2011 in order to find out the Global Crises, fiscal space and national response. In this analysis various secondary sources have been used. It analyses the impacts, shortcomings, challenges, and policy reform measures of the Global food crisis. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization estimates that the average annual shortfall in funding needed to meet the internationally agreed development goals in education is $16 billion, $5 billion more than previously estimated (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization, 2010). The crisis dampens the prospects for closing this gap. Thus, policy adjustments to support social spending and improve economic growth are essential to limit the impact of the crisis on poverty
Measuring the impact of set-aside programs on the minority business sector

In addition to remedying discrimination, set-aside programs can play an important role in minority business development. While it is understood that set-aside programs have positive impacts on the minority business sector, the magnitude of these impacts has not been explored. This study is an econometric analysis of the economic impacts within the minority business sector that are attributable to City of Chicago spending with minority-owned firms. Where appropriate, and to better operate as business development tools, set-aside programs should target the emerging lines of minority enterprise, include Target Market Programs, and contain provisions for debundling large contracts.
An experimental survey of LV equipment for their clustering and control in a n-grid

The present paper includes the results of a wide experimental survey concerning current and power consumptions of some single-phase loads supplied in Low Voltage (LV). In particular home/office equipment has been monitored during its starting phase. For the purpose a custom monitoring system has been implemented and used. The results of the monitoring survey has permitted the characterization of spectrum variability of the single load, that can be useful both for knowing its harmonic behavior, for clustering the equipment, and finally for getting information that can be used for their control in a smart n-grid. The main novelty of the work is to propose a new way to consider transient analysis by suitably coupling the sensing step, usually envisaged in the signal acquisition stage, with a classification step driven to discriminate the transient typology.
The Governance of Accounting Academia: Issues for a Debate

Abstract Philosophy and sociology of science have devoted significant attention to processes which define what counts as valid scientific knowledge thus making the producers of such knowledge legitimate academics at the expense of those who do not conform to the cliché. In accounting, too, a vibrant debate has augmented our understanding of the conditions which make certain kinds of accounting knowledge more acceptable than others. The debate included, but was not limited to, issues such as, the institutional arrangements of accounting academic associations and doctoral training regimes and how these shape journals' editorial boards and the selection of published articles. This introduction aims to reopen that debate on the two realms of institutions and practices. In terms of institutional arrangements, we note relevant changes in the forces which contribute to define the quality and relevance of accounting knowledge. We discuss the institutional space towards which accounting departments and scholars are increasingly migrating, that is, business schools. These are often separated from universities and operate under pressures which are sometimes only marginally academic in nature. In terms of practices, we observe changes in academic training regimes which favour the proliferation of opportunistic behaviours. These changes call for a debate on the governance of accounting academia, if academia is to be a knowledge and ethical, and not simply rather a business enterprise.
Taylor-Kuznetsov fault-tolerant memories: A survey and results under correlated gate failures

This paper gives a brief survey of information theoretic results on fault-tolerant memory systems. The main focus is on Taylor-Kuznetsov memory architecture which has been shown to achieve nonzero computational capacity. A new approach for analyzing fault-tolerant memories that takes into account gate failure correlation is also presented. The analysis was done by modelling gate failures by Markov chain.
The mechanism of protein synthesis in the developing chick embryo. The incorporation of free amino acids.

The mechanisms for the synthesis of protein that have been suggested in recent years have usually visualized free amino acids as being the starting material of the process. The suggestion has been made, however, that in embryonic tissues existing storage proteins are converted into new cell through intermediates do not include free amino conclusion from precursors persuaded by results obtained with embryonic cells in culture. bonded amino acids haemoglobin
Cointegrating Regressions with Time Heterogeneity

This article considers the cointegrating regression with errors whose variances change smoothly over time. The model can be used to describe a long-run cointegrating relationship, the tightness of which varies along with time. Heteroskedasticity in the errors is modeled nonparametrically and is assumed to be generated by a smooth function of time. We show that it can be consistently estimated by the kernel method. Given consistent estimates for error variances, the cointegrating relationship can be efficiently estimated by the usual generalized least squares (GLS) correction for heteroskedastic errors. It is shown that the U.S. money demand function, both for M1 and M2, is well fitted to such a cointegrating model with an increasing trend in error variances. Moreover, we found that the bilateral purchasing power parities among the leading industrialized countries such as the United States, Japan, Canada, and the United Kingdom have been changed somewhat conspicuously over the past thirty years. In particular, it appears that they all have generally become more tightened during the period.
Factors affecting the stock price performance of share issued privatizations

Shareholders in many share issued privatizations (SIPs) have enjoyed substantial increases in the value of their investments. This study examines the factors that influence the long-run stock price performance of an international sample of SIPs, focusing on three-year buy and hold returns. After controlling for market-wide changes in stock prices, one finds that the relative size of the company has a negative effect on stock price performance, retained government ownership has a positive effect, the presence of a golden share has a negative effect, initial underpricing has a positive effect, and the timing of the privatization has no effect. Performance also depends on the industry and home country.
Semi-field assessment of the BG-Malaria trap for monitoring the African malaria vector, Anopheles arabiensis

Odour-baited technologies are increasingly considered for effective monitoring of mosquito populations and for the evaluation of vector control interventions. The BG-Malaria trap (BGM), which is an upside-down variant of the widely used BG-Sentinel trap (BGS), has been demonstrated to be effective to sample the Brazilian malaria vector, Anopheles darlingi. We evaluated the BGM as an improved method for sampling the African malaria vectors, Anopheles arabiensis. Experiments were conducted inside a large semi-field cage to compare trapping efficiencies of BGM and BGS traps, both baited with the synthetic attractant, Ifakara blend, supplemented with CO2. We then compared BGMs baited with either of four synthetic mosquito lures, Ifakara blend, Mbita blend, BG-lure or CO2, and an unbaited BGM. Lastly, we compared BGMs baited with the Ifakara blend dispensed via either nylon strips, BG cartridges (attractant-infused microcapsules encased in cylindrical plastic cartridge) or BG sachets (attractant-infused microcapsules encased in plastic sachets). All tests were conducted between 6P.M. and 7A.M. , with 200–600 laboratory-reared An. arabiensis released nightly in the test chamber. The median number of An. arabiensis caught by the BGM per night was 83, IQR:(73.5–97.75), demonstrating clear superiority over BGS (median catch = 32.5 (25.25–37.5)). Compared to unbaited controls, BGMs baited with Mbita blend caught most mosquitoes (45 (29.5–70.25)), followed by BGMs baited with CO2 (42.5 (27.5–64)), Ifakara blend (31 (9.25–41.25)) and BG lure (16 (4–22)). BGM caught 51 (29.5–72.25) mosquitoes/night, when the attractants were dispensed using BG-Cartridges, compared to BG-Sachet (29.5 (24.75–40.5)), and nylon strips (27 (19.25–38.25)), in all cases being significantly superior to unbaited controls (p < 000.1). The findings demonstrate potential of the BGM as a sampling tool for African malaria vectors over the standard BGS trap. Its efficacy can be optimized by selecting appropriate odour baits and odour-dispensing systems.
Human resource management in the Spanish call centre sector: the bird cage model of call centre work

This paper examines the nature of human resource management (HRM) in call centres in Spain. After reviewing the institutional perspective and other previous contributions to the characterisation of HRM practices in call centres, the authors present evidence of the use of high commitment working practices (HCWP) in this sector. The findings report only a moderate presence of HCWP in the sector generally, but the analysis points towards the existence of four significant and distinct clusters of HRM practices. The results also show categorical evidence that work discretion is almost non-existent across all of the clusters, even in those with more evolved high commitment practices. This lack of autonomy, as well as an intensive use of performance monitoring systems, leads us to model the results in a bird–cage analogy.
Wideband Circularly Polarized Trapezoidal Dielectric Resonator Antenna

A wideband circularly polarized (CP) trapezoidal dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) is investigated in this letter. The DRA is simply excited by a single 45° inclined slot fed by a microstrip feed line. It is found that the 3-dB axial ratio (AR) bandwidth of the proposed antenna can be as wide as 21.5%. The antenna gain varies between 5.28 and 8.40 dBi across the antenna passband (3.11-3.86 GHz). This letter also presents a modified trapezoidal DRA that has a notch at its top. The modified version improves the impedance match, as the AR and gain remain almost unchanged. The reflection coefficient, AR, radiation pattern, and antenna gain of each proposed configuration are studied, and reasonable agreement between the measured and simulated results is observed.
Impact of mechanical strain on the charge collection mechanisms of nanometer scaled SOI devices under heavy ion and pulsed laser irradiation

We investigate the impact of performance boosters using mechanical stress on the Single-Event Transient (SET) response of nanometer scaled Fully-Depleted Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) devices. Heavy ion-induced charge collection mechanisms are analyzed through the measurement of fast transients on dedicated test structures processed either on standard relaxed or bi-axially tensile strained SOI substrates.