Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is the Sequential Laser Technique for Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome Truly Superior to the Standard Selective Technique? A Meta-Analysis

Background and Objective: To investigate the efficacy of sequential laser coagulation in the treatment of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Data Sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for comparative studies on the efficacy of sequential versus standard selective laser coagulation for TTTS. The primary outcome measure in these studies was survival of at least one twin, both twins and fetal demise. Results: Three cohort studies comparing the selective laser treatment technique (n = 120) versus the sequential technique (n = 224) in 344 monochorionic twin pregnancies were included. Mean survival of at least one twin was 88% in the selective group versus 92% (p = 0.22) in the sequential group. Mean survival of both twins was lower in the selective group (52%) than in the sequential group (75%) (p = 0.002). Donor fetal demise decreased from 34% in the selective to 10% in the sequential group (p < 0.01), and recipient fetal demise decreased from 16 to 7% (p = 0.02). Conclusion: Limited evidence suggests improved double neonatal survival as well as decreased donor and recipient fetal demise with the use of the sequential technique. However, these results are based on small non-randomized studies with evident forms of bias and methodological limitations. A randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of sequential laser technique is therefore required.
BoS Costs - Status and Optimization to Reach Industrial Grid Parity

It is essential to have a complete system overview to optimize photovoltaic (PV) power plants and minimize balance of system (BoS) costs. The described approach leads to a competitive system solution with lower levelized cost of energy (LCoE). Recently, BoS costs have become more important due to rapidly decreasing PV module prices. Improvements for mechanical and electrical BoS costs are validated and benchmarked for PV technologies on a (sub) system level. An example of 30% BoS cost reduction for TF-Si based on a low voltage design, TL inverter, and a new module mounting interface is investigated among others. The BoS cost fractions are expected to fall to 55% (TF-Si) and 60% (c-Si) for ground mounted systems between 2010 and 2016 (including efficiency increase). The annual reduction of BoS costs is expected to be in the range of 8–9.5%. System costs for ground mounted system and commercial roof top plants in Europe and Asia are discussed. In Europe, the system costs dropped from 2.35€/Wp in 2010 to 1.00€/Wp in 2016. LCoE reductions based on sub-BoS optimizations are investigated. Industrial grid parity is expected in 2012 in Italy (with system costs of 1.34€/Wp) and 2016 for Germany (system cost 1.07€/Wp). BoS costs reductions needed for an LCoE of 0.084€/kWh (25% below industrial electricity cost, 2016) and the gas parity level (0.064 €/kWh in 2016) are explored. Evolutionary and revolutionary BoS approaches and cost reductions are discussed to meet these targets. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The structuration of legitimate performance measures and management: day-to-day contests of accountability in a U.K. restaurant chain

This paper reports on a longitudinal field study of accounting systems and their relationship to accountability in a UK restaurant chain. It is based on interviews and observations involving restaurant managers, the operations management hierarchy, and head office managers. In contrast to earlier studies of accounting and accountability this paper presents evidence to suggest that local managers' uses of central performance reports may serve to disseminate head office's strategic vision to operating units. It also suggests that the contests of accountability around performance measurement systems that have previously been reported in connection with major organisational transformations are a feature of everyday organisational management. With reference to structuration theory three modalities of such contests of accountability (signification, legitimation, domination) are distinguished and some of their interrelationships explained. Within an overall frame of strict hierarchical relationships, restaurant chain management exhibited considerable diversity with respect to the uses of performance measures, reflecting diverse local and central factors.
Le financement des agents non financiers en Europe : le rôle des intermédiaires financiers demeure prépondérant

L'objectif de cette etude est d'evaluer, a partir des comptes financiers nationaux (base Eurostat), le degre d'intermediation des financements de treize pays europeens entre 1994 et 2001. Deux approches sont distinguees. L'approche par la demande adopte le point de vue des agents a besoin de financement qui sollicitent un credit aupres d'un intermediaire bancaire ou emettent des titres sur le marche. L'approche par l'offre enregistre l'activite des institutions financieres qui contribuent au financement de l'economie, au-dela du credit bancaire, en achetant des titres sur les marches. Pour parvenir a une mesure du taux d'intermediation en volume, nous corrigeons les encours de titres de la valorisation boursiere. L'idee est de capter uniquement, dans l'augmentation de la capitalisation boursiere, l'aspect « nouveau financement ». Au final, il s'agit de montrer le maintien du degre d'intermediation financiere des financements, dans une phase d'activite soutenue des marches de capitaux, confortant l'idee que le developpement des marches financiers ne saurait se faire au detriment de celui des intermediaires financiers.
The Direct Material Inputs into Singapore's Development

Because human population and socioeconomic activity are both increasingly concentrated in cities, an improved understanding of the environmental consequences of urbanization is needed. A 41‐year annual time series of direct material flows was compiled for Singapore, representing a case of fast, export‐driven industrialization. Results show that the spectacular economic growth of Singapore by a factor of 20 was associated with a similar expansion of domestic material consumption (DMC). DMC remained closely coupled to economic activity, increasing from below 4 tonnes per capita annually in 1962 to more than 50 tonnes annually in 2000. Despite economic structural changes and a growing service sector, no significant improvements in overall material productivity have been observed.
Inferring Time when People Visit a Location Using Social Network Data

In social network applications, a user can disclose their location to other users. For example, a user can post a status update mentioning their location in real time. This feature is known as check-in and the social networks that support this feature are called Geo-Social Networks (GSNs). The popularity of a venue increases as more people check-in. Businesses use these networks to attract more customers. Researchers have studied GSNs to understand why and how people use them. The majority of the work studies how to infer what location a user will visit given the visit time is known. Our approach investigates how to predict the time of a visit (aka - check-in time) given the location is known. Our work studies different GSN features and how they relate to check-in time. We propose an algorithm to generate negative labelled records and adapt binary classification for check-in inference. We evaluate our algorithm using a geo-social dataset and show that our algorithm can predict check-in with high accuracy.
A Taxonomy of Global Careers: Identifying different Types of Internationally Mobile Managers

Research on expatriates indicates that substantial differences exist within internationally active employees. Several typologies of expatriates have been suggested to account for this diverseness. However, empirical evidence on the accuracy of these classification schemes is scarce. On the basis of these research efforts, we introduce a data-based taxonomy of internationally mobile managers. By means of sequence analysis, we derive four career patterns from the curriculi vitae of 202 German managers. These patterns are built on the dimensions mobility and duration of the stays abroad. We further show that these patterns differ with regard to various individual and organizational variables. On the basis of these findings, we argue that expatriation career management practices and responsibilities need to be differentiated.
Health related quality of life and health status in adult survivors with previously operated complex congenital heart disease

Objective: To examine the impact of previously operated complex congenital heart disease on health related quality of life and subjective health status and to determine the relation between these parameters and physical status. Design: Cross sectional; information on medical follow up was sought retrospectively. Setting: Patients were randomly selected from the archives of the paediatric cardiology department, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands, and approached irrespective of current cardiac care or hospital of follow up. Patients: Seventy eight patients with previously operated complex congenital heart disease (now aged 18–32 years) were compared with the general population. Main outcome measures: Health related quality of life was determined with a specifically developed questionnaire (Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research Academic Medical Centre (TNO-AZL) adult quality of life (TAAQOL)) and subjective health status was assessed with the 36 item short form health survey (SF-36). Physical status was determined with the objective physical index, Somerville index, and New York Heart Association functional class. Results: Health related quality of life of the patients was significantly worse than that of the general population in the dimensions gross motor functioning and vitality (p < 0.01). Correlations between health related quality of life and physical status were poor. Patients had significantly worse subjective health status than the general population in the dimensions physical functioning, role functioning physical, vitality, and general health perceptions (p < 0.01). Correlations between subjective health status and physical indices were weak. Conclusion: Adult survivors with previously operated complex congenital heart disease experienced limitations only in the physical dimensions of health related quality of life and subjective health status. Objectively measured medical variables were only weakly related to health related quality of life. These results indicate that, when evaluating health related quality of life, dedicated questionnaires such as the TAAQOL should be used.
Controller design of a manipulator with human multi-joint arm-like viscoelastic properties

In this paper, a controller of a manipulator is designed using time-varying viscoelastic properties during human multi-joint arm movements and a modified forward gaze model. A feedback controller is designed to obtain desired motions based on real measured data from viscoelastic properties of human multi-joint arm, and a modified forward gaze model is used to model dynamics of central nervous system (CNS). The effectiveness of the proposed method is confirmed by the simulation results.
Managing Consultants in a Small Firm: A Case Study

An increasingly noted feature of the small business population is the rise of the small, professional‐service firm. Explanations of the emergence, employment potential and economic contribution of such firms have been much debated. But comparatively little is known of the dynamics of managing such enterprises. This paper aims to illuminate the nature of the management process in such settings by examining the case of one particular management consultancy, WhitCo. A broad conception of the management process is argued for that recognizes the tensions of working in a ‘high‐trust’ environment. The study, which is based on an intensive investigation in the case‐study firm over a year‐long period, explores three processes. First, the development of the enterprise, particularly in relation to the recruitment of consultants; this establishes the basis of ‘trust’ in the firm. Second, the management of client relationships and their impact on work relations. Third, the dynamics of ‘project management’. The findings highlight how fragile ‘co‐operation’ in such a context can be, and identifies tensions that stem from pressures for organizational efficiency and the need to encourage ‘entrepreneurialism’ among key staff
Benign Intracranial Hypertension with Recurrent Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhoea Treated by Laparoscopic Gastric Banding

Abstract We present the case of a 45-year-old woman presenting with a spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea. A CSF leak, arising from a posterior ethmoidal left cell, was closed using an underlay procedure with a turbinate composite graft with applied fibrin glue. Twenty-three months later the CSF rhinorrhoea recurred. Recurrence was imputed to morbid obesity (BMI 48) responsible for benign intracranial hypertension. The patient underwent a laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. CSF rhinorrhoea gradually decreased during the 12 months following surgery, in correlation with the weight loss, until total resolution was achieved. To our knowledge, this is the second reported case of a spontaneous CSF leak treated by bariatric surgery. This observation strengthens the theory that severe obesity can cause benign intracranial hypertension which can lead to CSF leak.
Kinematic classification of iliotibial band syndrome in runners

Several inconsistent causative biomechanical factors are considered to be crucial in the occurrence of iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS). The focus of this study was on assessing differences in the kinematic characteristics between healthy runners [control group (CO)] and runners with ITBS in order to recommend treatment strategies to deal with this injury. Three‐dimensional kinematics of barefoot running was used in the biomechanical setup. Both groups were matched with respect to gender, height and weight. After determining drop outs, the final population comprised 36 subjects (26 male and 10 female): 18 CO and 18 ITBS (13 male and five female, each). Kinematic evaluations indicate less hip adduction and frontal range of motion at the hip joint in runners with ITBS. Furthermore, maximum hip flexion velocity and maximum knee flexion velocity were lower in runners with ITBS. Lack of joint coordination, expressed as earlier hip flexion and a tendency toward earlier knee flexion, was found to be another discriminating variable in subjects with ITBS compared with CO subjects. We assume that an increase in range of motion at the hip joint, stretching of the hip abductors, as well as stretching the hamstrings, calf muscles and hip flexors will help treat ITBS.
Spatiotemporal fate map of neurogenin1 (Neurog1) lineages in the mouse central nervous system

Neurog1 (Ngn1, Neurod3, neurogenin1) is a basic helix‐loop‐helix (bHLH) transcription factor essential for neuronal differentiation and subtype specification during embryogenesis. Due to the transient expression of Neurog1 and extensive migration of neuronal precursors, it has been challenging to understand the full complement of Neurog1 lineage cells throughout the central nervous system (CNS). Here we labeled and followed Neurog1 lineages using inducible Cre‐flox recombination systems with Neurog1‐Cre and Neurog1‐CreERT2 BAC (bacterial artificial chromosome) transgenic mice. Neurog1 lineage cells are restricted to neuronal fates and contribute to diverse but discrete populations in each brain region. In the forebrain, Neurog1 lineages include mitral cells and glutamatergic interneurons in the olfactory bulb, pyramidal and granule neurons in the hippocampus, and pyramidal cells in the cortex. In addition, most of the thalamus, but not the hypothalamus, arises from Neurog1 progenitors. Although Neurog1 lineages are largely restricted to glutamatergic neurons, there are multiple exceptions including Purkinje cells and other GABAergic neurons in the cerebellum. This study provides the first overview of the spatiotemporal fate map of Neurog1 lineages in the CNS. J. Comp. Neurol. 519:1355–1370, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
European monetary arrangements: Implications for the dollar, exchange rate variability and credibility

This paper uses the recent history of the ERM to gain insights into what might happen to exchange rates on the road to EMU. To do this, the paper examines the variability of exchange rates, the transmission of monetary policy between countries, the role of the dollar in ERM exchange rate crises, and ERM members' credibility as measured by the realignment probabilities prior to the September 1992 crisis. We find that behavior of exchange rates has changed over time and differs between ERM and non-ERM currencies. We identify two factors that might have contributed to the September 1992 crisis: high German interest rates and weakness of the U.S. dollar.
IMPUTED EQUITY RETURNS ON REAL ESTATE FINANCED WITH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY LOANS

Life insurance companies represent the single most important source of institutional mortgage lending on multi-family and commercial real estate. In 1966 this institutional group had $28.6 billion of such loans outstanding, or 30.3 per cent of the total.2 The fifteen companies represent a sizeable portion of the life insurance industry lending.3 In the fourth quarter, 1966, the reporting companies represented 58 per cent of the assets and 55 per cent of the mortgages on urban property held by all U.S. life insurance companies. The companies included are all headquartered from Philadelphia east; therefore the data may not reflect unique terms offered in certain areas by local lenders. This exclusion is desirable when we wish to establish some gross, normal relationship for loan terms.
Using Elasticities to Derive Optimal Bankruptcy Policies

This paper characterizes the optimal bankruptcy exemption for risk averse borrowers who use arbitrary unsecured contracts but have the possibility of defaulting. It provides a novel simple formula — which holds in a wide variety of environments — for the optimal exemption as a function of a few observable sufficient statistics. Borrowers’ leverage, the sensitivity of the equilibrium credit spread with respect to the level of bankruptcy exemption, the probability of default, and the change in bankrupt borrowers’ consumption turn out to be the key determinants of the optimal bankruptcy exemption. When calibrated to US data, the optimal bankruptcy exemption implied by the model is larger than actual exemptions. The model implies that moving from the current average exemption to the optimal one generates welfare gains on the order of 1% of ex-ante consumption. JEL numbers: G18, K35, G33
Children’s postoperative pro re nata (PRN) analgesia: Nurses’ administration practices

Abstract Aims and objectives: This paper reports a study aimed at exploring the nursing practices associated with the administration of pro re nata (PRN) postoperative analgesia to children, and at gaining a preliminary understanding of the decisions that nurses make about this important intervention. Background: Nurses are responsible for assessing and administering the appropriate medication at the appropriate time to the child in pain. There was scant published research about the administration of postoperative PRN analgesia to children, or about the decision-making processes inherent in this aspect of clinical nursing care. Design: A sequential mixed methods explanatory study with two data collection phases – quantitative followed by qualitative – was conducted. Results: Nurses used multiple strategies to ascertain children’s need for postoperative PRN analgesia, including reference to pain assessment tools, focussing on the behavioural cues of children, involving parents and children, and drawing upon personal and professional backgrounds and experience. Evaluation of the effectiveness of PRN postoperative analgesia was poorly communicated. Conclusions: Decision-making associated with the selection and administration of appropriate analgesia to children is complex. In-service education should be developed and offered to nurses working with children postoperatively to ensure the appropriate use of PRN pain relief. Relevance to clinical practice: Documentation surrounding this task is poor and needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency to ensure quality patient outcomes.
The Basic Skills of Welfare Recipients: Implications for Welfare Reform

sections of text, not to exceed three paragraphs, to be quoted without written permission, provided that full attribution is given to the source and the above copyright notice is included. iii Foreword This report is the fourth in a series of studies undertaken by PPIC to understand the consequences of the Personal Responsibility and Work Survey to assess the basic skills of adults on welfare and the likelihood that welfare recipients will be able to find and hold full-time jobs, given their educational background and skill level. In spite of the remarkable reduction in welfare rolls since the reform legislation of 1996, and the sustained growth of the California economy, the findings do not augur well for the poor still on the rolls. Welfare recipients in California are found to have substantially lower basic skills than other adults in the state and the nation, even when compared to other adults with the same level of education. Why, then, are the rolls shrinking and applications for assistance continuing to decline? The authors do not have a direct answer, but they do find that over 50 percent of the adults in California who have basic skills and iv demographic characteristics similar to welfare recipients, but who are not receiving welfare, work at least part time. Most hold jobs intermittently, and the jobs are low-paying. These findings suggest that some welfare recipients could be similarly employed. The authors wave a flag of caution, however, and note that any softening of the economy for a sustained period could hit these workers—the ones with the lowest levels of basic skills—the hardest. There is no major reform of public policy that has come under closer scrutiny than welfare reform. For those who cheer the strong economy and the declining caseload, there are others who see a grim tale of poorly educated and undernourished children whose parents will return to the rolls with the first downturn in the California job market. The authors suggest that improving the basic skills of welfare recipients, although difficult, merits public policy attention; some contact with the job market, however unsteady, is a realistic option for some, if not all, of those currently receiving assistance. Future publications by PPIC will explore this welfare/work relationship in further detail. Summary Large reductions in welfare caseloads have led many to conclude that welfare reform initiated by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of …