Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The politics of bureaucratic competition: The case of natural resource policy

Many concerned with how government functions consider creating competition between bureaucracies an attractive option. Others are skeptical of what impact rival agencies have when they are operating within a political context. Reflecting these discrepant viewpoints, some scholars believe that regulators will compete vigorously for resources and responsibilities; others assert that agency members will act passively as they attempt to protect their autonomy. To assess these contrasting perspectives and determine why competitive agency structures might exist, the following analysis examines one of the classic situations where agencies can serve as functional substitutes: the relationship between the United States Forest Service and the National Park Service. The results demonstrate that agencies put far more weight on autonomy than competition. The principal advantage of functional rivalry for politicians-at least where federal lands are concerned-is to expand the choice set of alternatives available to them.
Residential lead-based-paint hazard remediation and soil lead abatement: their impact among children with mildly elevated blood lead levels.

OBJECTIVES This prospective study describes the impact of residential lead-based-paint hazard remediations on children with mildly elevated blood lead levels. METHODS Changes in blood lead levels were observed following paint hazard remediation alone and in combination with soil abatement. RESULTS After adjustment for the confounding variables paint hazard remediation alone was associated with a blood lead increase of 6.5 micrograms/dL (P = 0.5), and paint hazard remediation combined with soil abatement was associated with an increase of 0.9 microgram/dL (P = 36). CONCLUSIONS Lead-based-paint hazard remediation as performed in this study, is not an effective secondary prevention strategy among children with mildly elevated blood lead levels.
The Effect of Large‐Scale Privatization on Public Sector Pay Gap in a Transition Economy

type="main" xml:id="ecot12052-abs-0001"> Estimating the public–private sector earnings differentials in Serbia from 1995 until 2008 this paper finds significant changes at the mean and across the earnings distribution. The results show that the average public sector pay gap was negative at early stages of economic transition but grew to be positive during large-scale privatizations. The paper uses different sources of data and adopts a number of statistical procedures, including a novel instrument to infer the likelihood of changes in the individual public sector status due to privatization.
Mental ill‐health among adult patients at healthcare centres in Sweden: district nurses experiences

BACKGROUND Mental ill-health among the general population is increasing in Sweden. Primary Health Care (PHC) and Healthcare Centres (HCC), where district nurses (DNs) work, bear the basic responsibility for treatment of mental ill-health, while severe mental ill-health fall under the responsibility of psychiatric specialist care. The increased prevalence of mental ill-health in the community means that DNs increasingly encounter people with mental health problems - not least as a comorbidity. How well DNs are equipped to deal with mental ill-health is currently unclear. AIM The purpose of this study was to explore district nurses' experience of encountering and dealing with mental ill-health among adult patients at healthcare centres. DESIGN A qualitative explorative approach was used to capture the experiences of the phenomena under study. METHODS Individual interviews were conducted with 10 DNs working at six HCCs. The interviews were transcribed and analysed by qualitative content analysis. RESULTS The result emerged as several subcategories captured by three categories: (i) having competence - a prerequisite for feeling confident; (ii) nursing mental ill-health requires time and commitment; and (iii) working in an organisation without preparedness, encompassed by the synthesising theme; nursing mental ill-health requires specific competence and organisational support. CONCLUSION Working as a DN requires formal and informal competence when encountering patients with complex health needs. The findings revealed that the DNs could feel insecure regarding how to deal with patients with mental ill-health due to lack of knowledge. Assessment of patients with mental ill-health is time- and energy-consuming and calls for improved teamwork at HCCs as well as effective collaboration with psychiatric specialist care and other care givers. The DNs responsibility to fulfil their work considering the increasing number of mental ill-health among people that seeks help at HCCs needs to be acknowledged and met by the PHC organisation.
Risk-Return Analysis

Publisher Summary This chapter examines several risk–return criteria, but focuses principally on the oldest and still most widely used, namely, mean-variance analysis. Important properties and fast computing procedures are known for mean-variance analysis, in general. Additional properties and much faster algorithms are known for certain of its distinguished special cases. It explores both the general case and some of the distinguished special cases. A risk–return analysis seeks “efficient portfolios”, i.e., those which provide maximum return on average for a given level of portfolio risk. It examines investment opportunities in terms familiar to the financial practitioner: the risk and return of the investment portfolio. On the other hand, it can be related to the theory of rational behavior overtime and under uncertainty—e.g., as formulated by von Neumann and Morgenstern, Leonard J. Savage and R. Bellman— by viewing a function of portfolio “risk” and “return” as an approximation to a “derived utility function”. This view is useful in exploring practical questions such as choice among alternate measures of risk in the risk–return analysis, and the relationship between the single-period analysis and the many-period investment problem.
Volumetric object reconstruction using the 3D-MRF model-based segmentation [magnetic resonance imaging]

A number of segmentation algorithms have been developed, but those algorithms are not effective on volume reconstruction because they are limited to operating only on two-dimensional (2-D) images. Here, the authors propose the volumetric object reconstruction method using the three-dimensional Markov random field (3D-MRF) model-based segmentation. The 3D-MRF model is known to be one of the most efficient ways to model spatial contextual information. The method is compared with the 2-D region growing scheme under three types of interpolation. The results show that the proposed method is better in terms of image quality than the other methods.
Hate in Cyberspace: Regulating Hate Speech on the Internet

The Internet is a global network providing connections for many forms of speech. All the processes of message transmission occur in real space through a system of identifiable algorithms. The information is posted on the Web by individuals or groups intending it to be read by and to affect a limited or expansive audience. The worldwide potentials for the Internet offer a mechanism for spreading democracy and commercial entrepreneurialship throughout the world. However, the Internet is also a breeding ground for hate groups who use it to expand their membership and to solidify their forces. The packages of information about how to instigate a racial war or to limit the opportunities for identifiable groups do not exist in a virtual world, absent from reality. False messages which are intended to stifle and exploit existing negative stereotypes impact individuals' lives and the societies where they reside. They strengthen the purveyors of racism, anti-Semitism, sexism, and gay-bashers. They also intimidate traditional scapegoats and limit their ability to exercise the full extent of their fundamental right to autonomy. In this article, I argue that criminal penalties should be imposed on persons who intend harm and violence against identifiable groups. I begin with a technological explanation of the Internet. I next turn to the proliferation of Internet sites that spread messages promoting racial and ethnic hatred and oppression. I then demonstrate the harm to hate posses to egalitarian democracy. The next part discusses how Canada and Germany have managed to honor freedom of speech on the Internet while contemporaneously prohibiting hate propaganda. Finally, Part V considers whether it is appropriate to enact laws prohibiting the distribution of hate speech on the Internet, and if so, to what extent such expression may constitutionally be limited.
Perceived Welfare Effects of Current Account Deficit - Evidence from American Economy 1967-2005

The paper addresses the question, whether the increasing current account deficit has negative impact on American economy and society. Using data for American economy in years 1967 – 2005, it will be shown that perceived welfare effects, as measured by changes in Consumer Confidence, asymmetrically reflect changes in exports and imports. The provided VAR analysis allowed to filter out potential output and cyclical movements in endogenous factors and to describe the remaining error in terms of external trade volatility. Keeping information on exports and imports as external factors allowed to estimate a structure of the model, where the responsiveness of perceived welfare in respect to simulated changes in current account was studied. The provided analysis shows that opening the economy enhanced observed volatility of the Consumer Confidence, while presence of the current account deficit allowed to obtain superior welfare.
Profit Sharing and Unemployment: An Approach with Bargaining and Efficiency-Wage Effects

We offer a unified framework to analyse the determination of employment, employee effort, wages, and profit sharing when firms face stochastic revenue shocks. We apply a generalized Nash bargaining solution, which extends the wage bargaining literature by incorporating efficiency-wage considerations, profit sharing, and exogenous capital structure. The profit-sharing instrument is demonstrated to have positive effort-enhancing and wage-moderating effects, which exactly offset the negative dilution effect in equilibrium. We show that the introduction of profit sharing decreases equilibrium unemployment if the benefit replacement ratio is high enough, whereas the reverse holds if the benefit replacement ratio is low.
[Unilateral external fixator combined with simple internal fixation for severe open tibia-fibular fracture].

OBJECTIVE To improve the treatment for severe open tibia-fibular fracture. METHODS From 1994 to 2000, 146 patients with severe open tibia-fibular fracture were treated. According to Gustilo classification, all patients were of type III. Among them, 96 patients belonged to III A, 36 III B, and 18 III C. One hundred and eight patients were male and 38 female, aged from 11 to 68 years, with an average of 31. All patients were treated with unilateral external fixator combined with simple internal fixation (general screw or Kirschner wire). Thirty patients were treated with secondary flap operation. Among them, 19 patients received pedicle gastrocnemius muscle flaps, 9 free vastus lateralis muscle flaps, and 2 free latissimus dorsi muscle flaps. RESULTS Three patients of type IIIB were subjected to amputation because of advanced age and associated cerebral or thoraco-abdominal injury. Five patients of type III C had amputation because of insufficient postoperative blood supply and necrosis. The rupture of other 138 patients was well reduced, and firmly fixed. They were followed up for 6 months-6 years, with an average of 2.5 years. The average time of fracture-union was 27 weeks, and the average time for removal of fixtors was 28 weeks. The motion of knee joint ranged from 0 to 120 degree in 110 patients; from 0 to 100 degrees in 25, and from 0 to 90 degrees. The motion of ankle joint was approximately normal. CONCLUSIONS For patients with severe open tibia-fibular fracture, comprehensive analysis should be made for preservation of the wounded limb or amputation as for elderly patients with vessel-nerve injury or with cerebral- thoracoabdominal injury, emergency amputation should be done. Unilateral external fixator combined with simple internal fixation (general screw or Kirschner wire) for severe open tibia-fibular fracture is advantageous for a simple and reliable fixation. It is less traumatic.
Integrated semiconductor vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers and PIN photodetectors for biomedical fluorescence sensing

Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs), optical emission filters, and PIN photodetectors were fabricated as part of a monolithically integrated near-infrared fluorescence detection system. The integration of these micro-fabricated components with micro-arrays, flow channel arrays, and biochips can drastically reduce cost and enable parallel sensing architectures. An optoelectronic design is presented that integrates VCSELs, optical filters, and photodetectors through a modification to a typical VCSEL structure. System designs were simulated and compared, leading to several innovative approaches for integrated sensors. The laser and detector modules were characterized independently and subsequently integrated to form a complete sensor. VCSELs with oxidation apertures measuring 4, 7, 14, and 20 /spl mu/m showed a lasing wavelength of /spl lambda/=773 nm, threshold current densities from 6400 to 1300 A/spl middot/cm/sup -2/, and maximum output powers of 0.6-4 mW, with transverse single-mode and multimode operation. PIN photodetectors were fabricated with integrated emission filters. Quantum efficiencies above 85% were observed with a dark current of 500 fA/(mm detector diameter). Complete sensor units were tested and near-infrared fluorescent molecules (IR-800) were detected. A theoretical detection limit of 10/sup 5/ fluorophores//spl mu/m/sup 2/ was determined. The compact parallel architecture, high-power laser, and low-noise photodetector make this sensor a good candidate for biomedical fluorescence-based sensing applications.
HIV-1 resistant strains acquired at the time of primary infection massively fuel the cellular reservoir and persist for lengthy periods of time

Objective:Characterization of the early establishment of the viral reservoir in patients acquiring resistant strains at primary HIV-1 infection (PHI), and longitudinal analysis of resistance mutations in circulating virions and intracellular HIV strains. Patients and methods:Drug-resistance was compared between HIV RNA and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-HIV DNA at the time of PHI in 44 patients enrolled in the Primo Cohort and harbouring plasma HIV-1 resistant to at least one antiretroviral drug. Longitudinal monitoring of viral load and resistance genotype was performed in plasma-HIV RNA and PBMC HIV DNA for at least 24 months in a subset of 10 patients. Phylogenetic analysis of HIV DNA protease gene clones was used to explore the diversity of quasi-species at baseline. Results:Baseline resistance profile was identical in paired HIV RNA and PBMC HIV DNA for all 44 patients. All resistance-associated mutations persisted in plasma and PBMC over 2 years in the five untreated patients. Of the five patients started on empirical HAART, two achieved undetectable HIV RNA at month 6, with long-term persistence of archived drug-resistance mutations in PBMC HIV DNA. Virological failure was observed in the other three patients, resulting in the accumulation of additional drug-resistance mutations in HIV RNA and HIV DNA for two of them. Phylogenetic analysis of HIV DNA clones showed highly homogenous and exclusively resistant quasi-species in the cellular reservoir at baseline. Conclusion:HIV resistant strains acquired at the time of PHI massively fuel the cellular reservoir, and their prolonged persistence is supported by the early expansion of a dominant homogenous and resistant viral population. Results in treated patients showed that classical empirical triple-combination may be suboptimal.
Highly reproducible and scalable transparent PDMS thin film with super-hydrypobic surface

This paper describes a simple method of making an optically transparent super-hydrophobic PDMS thin film by using a reusable photo-curable polymer mold. A photoresist mold is prepared using underexposed and under-baked positive photoresist (PR), which create unique hierarchical micro/nano structures. The reverse image of the PR mold is replicated to a PDMS substrate on its surface. The patterns of replicated mold is transferred again to the photo-curable polymer using a home-made UV exposure system. The photo-curable polymer mold is very suitable for the use in a roll-to-roll system for mass production of the film. Nano-silica powder with hydrophobicity is additionally sprayed on the micro/nano structured PDMS surface for further improvement of the hydrophobicity, which slightly decrease the transparency of the film. The fabricated PDMS thin films with hierarchical micro-/nano-scale surface texturing show water contact angle of 150° or greater. Optical transmittance within the range of visible light of wavelengths between 400 and 800 nanometers is experimentally confirmed using a spectrophotometer. High optical transparency of the super-hydrophobic PDMS film is also confirmed on solar panels.
Prepared salads and public health

In recent years the importance of prepared salads as potential vehicles of gastrointestinal infection has been highlighted by several large outbreaks both nationally and across international boundaries. Between 1992 and 2006, 2274 foodborne general outbreaks of infectious intestinal disease were reported in England and Wales, of which 4% were associated with the consumption of prepared salads. In total, 3434 people were affected, with 66 hospitalizations and one death reported. The attribution of prepared salad types and pathogens among prepared salad associated outbreaks are presented and discussed. Findings from UK studies on salad vegetables, fruit and mixed salads from 1995 to 2007 (21 247 samples) indicate that most bacteria of concern with regard to human health are relatively rare in these products (98·6% of satisfactory quality); however, outbreaks of salmonellosis were uncovered associated with bagged salad leaves and fresh herbs during two such studies. Although it is known that fresh salad vegetables, herbs or fruit may become contaminated from environmental sources, only in recent years has the association of foods of nonanimal origin, such as salad vegetables, with foodborne illness become evident and recurrent, demonstrating that major health problems can arise from consumption of contaminated prepared salads if hygiene practices breakdown.
Accounting for Option-Based Compensation: The Economic Cost Approach

The "intrinsic value" approach amortizes over the life of the option, the difference between the stock price on the date of the grant and the exercise price of the option. The "fair market value" approach amortizes over the life of the option, the market value of stock options on the date of the grant. These approaches do not reflect the changes in the option-based compensation cost after the grant date. This paper proposes an "economic cost approach" that not only adjusts for the changes in the value of the options during its life but also records the issuance of the stock at fair market value on the exercise date. Copyright Blackwell Publishers Ltd 2002.
The pupillographic sleepiness test in adults: Effect of age, gender, and time of day on pupillometric variables

The Pupillographic Sleepiness Test (PST) measures the level of alertness based on spontaneous oscillations in pupillary size. Reference data are available for male and female adults within the age range 20–60 years. The aim of the present multicenter study was to extend the age range for reference data from 20 to 79 years.
Randomized Phase II Study of Afatinib Plus Simvastatin Versus Afatinib Alone in Previously Treated Patients with Advanced Nonadenocarcinomatous Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Purpose This phase II study examined whether the addition of simvastatin to afatinib provides a clinical benefit compared with afatinib monotherapy in previously treated patients with nonadenocarcinomatous non-small cell lung cancer (NA-NSCLC). Materials and Methods Patients with advanced NA-NSCLC who progressed after one or two chemotherapy regimens were randomly assigned to a simvastatin (40 mg/day) plus afatinib (40 mg/day) (AS) arm or to an afatinib (A) arm. The primary endpoint was response rate (RR). Results Sixty-eight patients were enrolled (36 in the AS arm and 32 in the A arm). The RR was 5.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.7 to 19.2) for AS and 9.4% (95% CI, 2.0 to 25.0) for A (p=0.440). In arms AS and A, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 1.0 versus 3.6 months (p=0.240) and the overall survival was 10.0 months versus 7.0 months (p=0.930), respectively. Skin rash, stomatitis, and diarrhea were the most common adverse events in both arms. More grade 3 or 4 diarrhea was observed in arm A (18.8% vs. 5.6% in arm AS). In all patients, the median PFS for treatment including afatinib was not correlated with the status of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation (p=0.122), EGFR fluorescence in situ hybridization (p=0.944), or EGFR immunohistochemistry (p=0.976). However, skin rash severity was significantly related to the risk of progression for afatinib (hazard ratio for skin rash grade ≥ 2 vs. grade < 2, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.78; p=0.005). Conclusion There were no significant differences in the efficacy between AS and A arms in patients with NA-NSCLC.
The Effects of Wind Turbines on Property Values in Ontario: Does Public Perception Match Empirical Evidence?: Reply

type="main" xml:lang="fr"> Le developpement accru de l'energie eolienne en Amerique du Nord suscite, chez les residents qui demeurent a proximite d'eoliennes, des inquietudes quant aux repercussions potentielles de la presence d'eoliennes sur la valeur des proprietes. Ce genre d'inquietudes a ete souleve dans le canton de Melancthon (situe dans le sud de l'Ontario) a la suite de la construction d'un important parc eolien. Dans la litterature existante, la nature de ces repercussions ne fait pas l'objet d'un consensus. Dans le present article, nous utilisons une methode hedoniste pour analyser les donnees detaillees de la vente de 5 414 proprietes rurales et de 1 590 terres agricoles en vue d'estimer les repercussions de la presence d'eoliennes dans le canton de Melancthon sur la valeur de proprietes avoisinantes. Ces repercussions sont analysees sous deux angles, soit la proximite et la visibilite des turbines, deux facteurs qui pourraient constituer une nuisance. Les resultats des modeles hedonistes, qui sont solides par rapport a certaines specifications d'autres modeles, y compris l'analyse des ventes repetees, permettent de penser que ces eoliennes n'ont pas eu de repercussions significatives sur la valeur des proprietes avoisinantes. Ainsi, ces resultats ne corroborent pas les inquietudes soulevees par les residents concernant les repercussions negatives de la presence d'eoliennes sur la valeur des proprietes.