Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Soy Food Consumption and Risk of Prostate Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Soybean products have been suggested to have a chemo preventive effect against prostate cancer. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive meta-analysis on the extent of the possible association between soy-based food consumption and the risk of prostate cancer. Five cohort studies and 8 case-control studies were identified using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Korea Medical Database, KoreaMed, Korean studies Information Service System, Japana Centra Revuo Medicina, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and a manual search. Summary odds ratios (ORs) comparing high versus low categories of soybean consumptions were calculated on the basis of the random effect model. We analyzed the associations based on the different types of soybean consumptions. The summary ORs (95% CI) for total soy foods were 0.69 (CI = 0.57–0.84) and 0.75 (CI = 0.62–0.89) for nonfermented soy foods. Among individual soy foods, only tofu yielded a significant value of 0.73 (CI = 0.57–0.92). Consumption of soybean milk, miso, or natto did not significantly reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Genistein and daidzein were associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer. This systematic review suggests that soy food consumption could lower the risk of prostate cancer. This conclusion, however, should be interpreted with caution because various biases can affect the results of a meta-analysis.
The adoption of value‐based management in large UK companies: A case for diffusion theory

Purpose – In the 1990s, a growing number of companies adopted value-based management (VBM) techniques in the UK. The purpose of this paper is to explore the motivations for the adoption or non-adoption of VBM for managing a business. Design/methodology/approach – An interview-based study of 37 large UK companies. Insights from diffusion theory and institutional theory are utilised to theorise these motivations. Findings – It was found that the rate of adoption of VBM in the sample companies does follow the classical S-shape. It also suggests that the supply-side of the diffusion process, most notably the role played by consultants, was an influence on many companies. This was not, however, a sufficient condition for companies to adopt the technique. The research also finds evidence of relocation diffusion, as several adopters are influenced by new officers, for example chief executive officers and finance directors, importing VBM techniques that they have used in organizations within which they have previously worked. Research limitations/implications – It is quite a small scale study and further work would be needed to develop the findings. Practical implications – Understanding and theorising the adoption of new management techniques will help understand the management of a business. Originality/value – This research adds further evidence to the value of studying management accounting, and more specifically management accounting change, in practice. It shows the developments in the adoption of a new technique and hence how a technique becomes accepted in practice.
Monetary policy in dollarized economies

Dollarization - the holding by residents of a substantial portion of their assets in foreign-currency-denominated assets- is a common feature of developing and transition economies, and therefore typical of many countries with IMF - supported adjustment programs. This paper analyzes policy issues that arise-and various monetary strategies that may be pursued- when the monetary sector is dollarized, and it considers the implications that dollarization has for the design of IMF programs.
The Politics of Growth. Economic Regulation in Sweden 1930-1994

This thesis analyzes the politics of growth, the policies that in the Swedish context have enabled and complemented socio-political strategies of redistribution as well as the development of a well organized and rather peaceful labour market. The core of the analysis is a broad overview of Swedish policies of economic growth, from the emergence of the Swedish model in the 1930s up to entering the European Union in the 1990s. The analysis focuses on the predominant forms of economic regulation, the social forces that shaped regulation, the interaction between institutional structures and social mobilization and the impact of regulation on economic growth patterns. The development of growth policy is also related to labour market regulation and social policy. It is argued that policies for economic growth evolve in interdependence with the regulation of employment and redistribution. Economic regulation influences the form and content of labour market participation and social redistribution, but these regulatory spheres in their turn structure the development of growth policy. This work builds on modern and classical macrosociology, policy analysis and regulation theory. Within these traditions, it is emphasized that the capitalist economies are intertwined with social institutions. Economic regulation varies between different countries, however. National differences in regulation can be explained by institutional trajectories, social relations, the distribution of power in society etc. These considerations form the basis of the empirical part. (Less)
Media diversity and the contested character of the post‐apartheid state

This paper tests the popular view within the Left that the post‐apartheid South African state is ‘neo‐liberal’, as opposed to being a site of contradictory impulses and tensions. This is done though an examination of the policy process towards the formation of a statutory, but independent, Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), to address media imbalances. It primarily examines the tension between, on the one hand, government's ‘social democratic’ commitment—supported by sections of civil society—to reduce a particular social deficit within the media sector; and, on the other hand, the constraints imposed by the neo‐liberal global environment and the liberal‐democratic political order, which encourages the increased commodification of the public sphere, and reduced social spending.
Design of dual active bridge isolated bi-directional DC converter based on current stress optimization

Dual active bridge isolated bidirectional DC converter (DAB-IBDC) has a poor efficiency at light loads and non-unity voltage conversion ratio. In this paper the current stress of the converter is analyzed and the effect of maximum phase shift ratio and leakage inductance on the current stress of the converter is investigated. In order to increase the efficiency of the converter and reduce the current stress, the current stress optimization has been done and the design procedure is presented. Simulation results are used to validate the results of the theoretical analysis.
Training on Movement Figure-Ground Discrimination Remediates Low-Level Visual Timing Deficits in the Dorsal Stream, Improving High-Level Cognitive Functioning, Including Attention, Reading Fluency, and Working Memory

The purpose of this study was to determine whether neurotraining to discriminate a moving test pattern relative to a stationary background, figure-ground discrimination, improves vision and cognitive functioning in dyslexics, as well as typically-developing normal students. We predict that improving the speed and sensitivity of figure-ground movement discrimination (PATH to Reading neurotraining) acts to remediate visual timing deficits in the dorsal stream, thereby improving processing speed, reading fluency, and the executive control functions of attention and working memory in both dyslexic and normal students who had PATH neurotraining more than in those students who had no neurotraining. This prediction was evaluated by measuring whether dyslexic and normal students improved on standardized tests of cognitive skills following neurotraining exercises, more than following computer-based guided reading (Raz-Kids (RK)). The neurotraining used in this study was visually-based training designed to improve magnocellular function at both low and high levels in the dorsal stream: the input to the executive control networks coding working memory and attention. This approach represents a paradigm shift from the phonologically-based treatment for dyslexia, which concentrates on high-level speech and reading areas. This randomized controlled-validation study was conducted by training the entire second and third grade classrooms (42 students) for 30 min twice a week before guided reading. Standardized tests were administered at the beginning and end of 12-weeks of intervention training to evaluate improvements in academic skills. Only movement-discrimination training remediated both low-level visual timing deficits and high-level cognitive functioning, including selective and sustained attention, reading fluency and working memory for both dyslexic and normal students. Remediating visual timing deficits in the dorsal stream revealed the causal role of visual movement discrimination training in improving high-level cognitive functions such as attention, reading acquisition and working memory. This study supports the hypothesis that faulty timing in synchronizing the activity of magnocellular with parvocellular visual pathways in the dorsal stream is a fundamental cause of dyslexia and being at-risk for reading problems in normal students, and argues against the assumption that reading deficiencies in dyslexia are caused by phonological or language deficits, requiring a paradigm shift from phonologically-based treatment of dyslexia to a visually-based treatment. This study shows that visual movement-discrimination can be used not only to diagnose dyslexia early, but also for its successful treatment, so that reading problems do not prevent children from readily learning.
Coastal and Ocean Science-Based Decision-Making in the Gulf of California: Lessons and Opportunities for Improvement

The Gulf of California hosts astounding biodiversity that supports numerous economic activities in the region. These activities, and emerging threats, are placing pressure on the region's ecosystems. Government and civil society are working to address threats through several conservation and management mechanisms. Nevertheless, the use and incorporation of scientific information—a key component for creating effective and durable management—is still deficient. This article presents the concept of science integration and discusses the findings of a study that assesses the regional landscape, existing institutional arrangements, and capacity for using science to inform policy and management decisions. It also explores the current use of science within fisheries policy and management and the capacity of the National Network of Information and Research of Fisheries and Aquaculture (RENIIPA) and the State Fisheries and Aquaculture Councils, two mechanisms in the region. Finally, it shares lessons learned and offers recommendations on how the region can strengthen science-based decision-making. Results indicate that while there are some actors in the Gulf of California producing relevant science, there is varying capacity of intermediary groups connecting producers with users of science, or mechanisms in place to ensure that science is being utilized in decision-making processes. Moreover, despite having a well-developed landscape of producers and intermediaries and mechanisms in place for fisheries management in the region, effective science integration is not occurring.
Tax Credits and Asset Accumulation: Findings from the 2004 N.O.D./Harris Survey of Americans with Disabilities

This article describes findings pertaining to the economic independence of people with disabilities from the 2004 National Organization on Disability (N.O.D.)/Harris Survey of Americans with Disabilities. The 2004 N.O. D. /Harris Survey is based on information from a random sampling of 1038 adults with disabilities and 988 adults without disabilities. Economic independence is central to improving the quality of life for persons living with disabilities. It involves being employed, leveraging tax incentives, the ability to accumulate assets, including through use of financial institutions, and opportunities for home ownership. Major findings include that sampled people with and without disabilities own homes at similar rates overall, that people with disabilities are more likely to be asset poor, have fewer relationships with financial institutions, have lower rates of usage of savings accounts, have lower rates of ownership of stocks and bonds, have lower rates of holding IDAs, and make less use of the home mortgage tax deduction. The importance of asset accumulation and home ownership strategies are discussed as a means to improve economic independence, self-determination, and inclusion into society of persons with disabilities.
A randomized controlled trial of muscle strengthening versus flexibility training in fibromyalgia.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effectiveness of a muscle strengthening program compared to a stretching program in women with fibromyalgia (FM). METHODS Sixty-eight women with FM were randomly assigned to a 12 week, twice weekly exercise program consisting of either muscle strengthening or stretching. Outcome measures included muscle strength (main outcome variable), flexibility, weight, body fat, tender point count, and disease and symptom severity scales. RESULTS No statistically significant differences between groups were found on independent t tests. Paired t tests revealed twice the number of significant improvements in the strengthening group compared to the stretching group. Effect size scores indicated that the magnitude of change was generally greater in the strengthening group than the stretching group. CONCLUSION Patients with FM can engage in a specially tailored muscle strengthening program and experience an improvement in overall disease activity, without a significant exercise induced flare in pain. Flexibility training alone also results in overall improvements, albeit of a lesser degree.
Total Factor Productivity Convergence in Africa: Panel Unit Root Approach

The study tested absolute and conditional convergence of Total Factor Productivity in Africa using a sample of 23 countries and TFP data covering the period between 1960 and 2003 while deploying the panel unit root methodology. Countries that have experienced sustained economic growth rate are found to have invested in both factor accumulation and total factor productivity (technological progress). It has been argued that countries with similar technology and physical capital will converge if they share similar TFP. In this regard, this study aims at finding if there is total factor productivity convergence in Africa. The results show that there is evidence of conditional convergence and emergence of many convergence clubs of TFP in Africa. However, there is weak evidence of absolute convergence in Africa which is contrary to results obtained in developed economies. Based on the results, some recommendations were made. Keywords : Total factor productivity, Convergence, Panel Unit Root.
A Dynamic Inconsistency Problem in PAYG: A Solution to the Turkish Puzzle

Because of the dynamic inconsistency problem in optimal policies of pay-as-you-go (PAYG) systems, parametric reforms tend to be unfair in terms of generational justice and could be inefficient in terms of optimal level of consumption. As long as there are adverse shocks, the planner has to decide on generational distribution of the financial burden in PAYG systems. In this paper we show that if intergenerational transfers are needed to keep the system in balance, any discretionary policy that allocates these transfers between the elderly and the young becomes dynamically inconsistent and the system moves toward being a Ponzi scheme. This may be part of the reason why the government has not been able to resist abusing the system by increasing its generosity for the elderly while expectations on social security wealth for new members have been declining for the last 40 years in Turkey.
Insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins in serum and other biological fluids: regulation and functions.

I. Introduction II. Characteristics of the IGFBPs III. Target Cell Actions of the IGFBPs A. To modulate IGF actions B. To facilitate storage of IGFs in extracellular matrices C. To exert IGF-independent effects IV. IGF-IGFBP Complexes in Biological Fluids A. Serum B. Milk C. Urine D. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) E. Follicular fluid F. Amniotic fluid G. Lymph H. Seminal fluid I. Other biological fluids V. Assays for Circulating Levels of IGFBP A. Western ligand blotting B. Western immunoblotting C. RIA D. Immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) VI. Relative Distribution of IGFBPs in Serum VII. Regulation of Serum IGFBPs A. Physiological conditions B. Development and aging C. Hormonal effects: mechanisms D. Pathological conditions VIII. IGFBP Proteases in Circulation A. Proteases under normal conditions B. Pregnancy-associated proteases C. Proteases under catabolic and disease states IX. Endocrine Functions of IGFBPs in Serum A. To prevent insulin-like effects B. To increase the half-lives of IGFs C. To control the tra.
The transfer of HRM policies and practices to a transitional business system: the case of performance management practices in the US and Japanese MNEs operating in Vietnam

This paper focuses on employee performance management (PM) to explore how multinational enterprises (MNEs) localise their human resources within their subsidiaries in a developing country. It uses qualitative research methods to examine four US and four Japanese MNEs operating in Vietnam. The paper identifies both home and host country effects as significant factors in the transfer of MNEs' PM policies and practices. The US firms emphasised financial and non-financial measurements and utilised a wide range of PM management tools and techniques. These techniques, despite being unfamiliar in Vietnam and possibly considered incompatible with Vietnamese culture, were transferred successfully to the Vietnamese subsidiaries. The Japanese firms' PM approach was characterised by a more informal form of regular performance review, within a strictly top-down process and which suffered from accusations of bias and lack of transparency by Vietnamese respondents. This paper argues that the transitional period in Vietnam from a centrally planned economy to a market-oriented one has made the national business system more receptive to new and seemingly contrasting practices. It provides no evidence to support the argument that transfer of practices is more likely, where the cultures of the countries involved are relatively similar.
How does investor protection affect innovation ? Historical Evidence from Blue Sky Laws

This paper investigates the effect of investor protection on innovation. In the early twentieth century, states passed investor protection statutes called Blue Sky Laws when there was no federal regulation. These laws required companies to disclose information before selling their stocks, increased penalties in case of financial fraud, and setup local institutions regulating security issues. We find that private firms, with limited access to external capital markets, located in early adopting states produced 15-20% more patents. These results highlight the role of institutions and financial development in the economic growth. ∗e-mail: cagri.akkoyun@u.northwestern. edu, I would like to thank Efraim Benmelech, Matthias Doepke, Joseph Ferrie, Carola Frydman, Ben Iverson, and Ramana Nanda for their valuable comments and suggestions. I would like to thank Illinois State Archives staff for their hospitality, and help during my visits.
Macroeconomic Dynamics in a Multi-country Economy: A Dynamic Optimization Approach

Using a multicountry model with perfect-foresight dynamic optimization by infinitely-lived households, the authors analyze the dynamics of macroeconomic nonmonetary and monetary variables. The authors show that the most patient country initially accumulates foreign debt but eventually decumulates this debt and becomes a creditor. It monotonically increases its consumption and experiences monotonic price and exchange-rate appreciation. The moderately-patient country initially accumulates foreign assets but eventually decumulates them, and becomes a debtor. Its consumption also follows a humped path. The least patient country monotonically decumulates foreign assets, lowers its consumption, and experiences rising inflation and exchange-rate depreciation. Copyright 1992 by Economics Department of the University of Pennsylvania and the Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association.
A comparative study of three ultra-wideband log-periodic microstrip antenna arrays

This paper described the design, simulation and fabrication of three ultra-wideband log-periodic microstrip antenna arrays. A comparative study is presented between arrays using rectangular, square and circular patch elements and varying the number of elements (5, 10 e 15). Electromagnetically coupled microstrip patches had been used as radiating element of arrays. The frequency responses of these arrays are analysed using the Ansoft Designer¿ commercial software that implements the method of moments. After the simulations were completed, three prototypes were constructed and measured using a vector network analyzer. The results for the -10 dB return loss bandwidth of the antenna arrays are presented. The good agreement between theoretical and experimental results for the built antenna prototypes validated the used methodology.
Perception of food safety and changes in food consumption habits: a consumer analysis

The relationship between seven types of food safety concerns and the corresponding change in food consumption habits of 236 households in Georgia, USA was evaluated. Results showed a gap between food safety concerns and food consumption habits. Gaps were particularly evident in the cases of pesticide residues, animal drug residues, growth hormones and bacteria. For example, more than 54% of sample households were extremely concerned about pesticide residues, but only 35% actually took extreme precaution in buying items considering this perceived threat. The study indicated that educating consumers about preventive methods to reduce food safety threats will lead to reduced concerns and changes in food consumption habits.
Lessons from Private Sector Brownfield Redevelopers

Abstract Municipal brown field redevelopment efforts have tended to assume that the sites involved were economically non-competitive. They have thus focused on public acquisition of contaminated property and direct incentives to specific on-site activities. The emergence of a growing number of entrepreneurial firms that redevelop brownfields-often with minimal public involvement-suggests limits to the efficacy of this approach for large and very “dirty” sites that continue to stand abandoned to the frustration of local planners and economic developers. New approaches to public support for such regeneration may be suggested by closer examination of the private brownfield entrepreneurs. This article reports the results of a survey of these developers, suggesting that planners can contribute to more efficient use of public economic development resources by recognizing when public intervention really contributes to, and when it may inadvertently detract from, the attractiveness of sites a community wants to see regenerated.