Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Labour Productivity and Investments as Determinants of Wages: A Pool Data Analysis of the Romanian Hotel and Restaurant Sector

This paper analyses the factors influencing wages in the hotel and restaurant sector of Romania on the basis of a macroeconomic and regional analysis of gross investments and employment in the tourism industry. The authors constructed a pool data model to investigate the existing relationship between real wages, labour productivity and gross investments in the eight development regions of Romania during 1999–2007. The results may be useful to policy makers and professionals seeking to understand the mechanism of the tourism labour market in Romania and, further, to mobilize the labour force in the sector in order to obtain better results by using appropriate instruments adapted to domestic labour.
Costs and Paradoxes of Market Creation: Evidence and Argument from Brazil

In the early 1990s, the Brazilian car industry gradually began to be regarded, in both Brazil and abroad, as a “promising emerging market”. Heavy cross subsidy and subvention were involved in the attempt to realise what was perceived as a “market opportunity” for the Brazilian car industry. Massive income transfers occurred among consumers, producers, workers and government in Brazil, as well as between local actors and companies and, rentiers abroad. In short, the process of market creation involved heavy social costs. This paper maps several dimensions of the process of market creation as well as the social costs and the paradoxes involved. It raises issues of policy design for market creation, particularly in developing countries, and underlines the need to include market creation mechanisms in the research agenda of the automobile industry.
Dual Liquidity Crises - A Financial Accounts Framework

This paper analyzes dual liquidity crises, i.e. funding crises which encompass the private and the public sector, and the shock absorbing capacity of central banks within a closed system of financial accounts. We find that a central bank that operates under a flexible exchange rate is most effective in containing a dual liquidity crisis. A central bank of a euro area type monetary union has a similar capacity as long as the integrity of the union is beyond doubt. By contrast, within any fixed exchange rate system the availability of inter‐central bank credit determines the elasticity of a central bank in providing liquidity. Finally, domestic constraints, i.e. collateral rules, risk taking ability or legal prohibitions, can limit the elasticity of the central bank's response to liquidity shocks.
Short-course ciprofloxacin treatment of acute uncomplicated urinary tract infection in women. The minimum effective dose. The Urinary Tract Infection Study Group [corrected].

BACKGROUND Three studies were undertaken to determine the minimum effective dosing regimen of ciprofloxacin for the treatment of acute, symptomatic, uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection. METHODS All studies were multicenter, prospective, randomized, double-blind trials. A total of 970 evaluable patients with a diagnosis of urinary tract infection received oral ciprofloxacin (200 mg to 500 mg daily in one or two divided doses for 1, 3, 5, or 7 days) or norfloxacin (400 mg twice daily [BID] for 7 days). The primary measure of efficacy was bacteriologic eradication at the end of therapy. RESULTS In study 1, bacteriologic eradication was reported in 95 (89%) and 101 (98%) of patients in the groups who received ciprofloxacin, 500-mg single dose and 250 mg BID for 7 days, respectively. Clinical success occurred in 101 patients (94%) who received a 500-mg single dose and in 103 patients (100%) who were administered 250 mg BID for 7 days. In study 2, eradication rates in the groups who received ciprofloxacin, 100 mg BID for 3 days, 250 mg BID for 3 days, and 250 mg BID for 7 days, were 98 (93%), 95 (90%), and 98 (93%), respectively. Clinical success was reported in 102 (97%), 105 (100%), and 104 (98%) of the patients, respectively. In study 3, the eradication rates in the groups who received ciprofloxacin in dosages of 500 mg once daily for 3 days and 500 mg once daily for 5 days and norfloxacin in a dosage of 400 mg BID for 7 days were 137 (92%), 134 (90%), and 133 (94%) of the women, respectively. Clinical success was the same (97%) in all three groups. Overall, short-course (either 3- or 5-day) therapy with ciprofloxacin was statistically equivalent to conventional (7-day) therapy with either ciprofloxacin or norfloxacin. Single-dose ciprofloxacin therapy was statistically less effective than conventional treatment. CONCLUSIONS Ciprofloxacin at a dosage of 100 mg BID for 3 days was the minimum effective dose for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infection in women.
Course of the International Normalized Ratio in response to oral vitamin K1 in patients overanticoagulated with phenprocoumon

Oral vitamin K1 is used for the treatment of excessive anticoagulation. Detailed information on changes in the International Normalized Ratio (INR) in response to vitamin K1 is not available. We therefore measured the INR for the first 7 d following the oral intake of 1–5 mg of vitamin K1 in 24 patients routinely treated with phenprocoumon who had an INR 6.0 at presentation. On the first 2 d after administration of vitamin K1, the mean INR decreased by 40% and 23% respectively. After day 2, the day‐to‐day proportional change in the mean INR depended on the dose of vitamin K1 and varied from a decrease of 12% to an increase of 21%. On day 7 the mean INR was higher than on day 2 in three out of five treatment groups. Between day 2 and day 7, in general, 32% of the patients had an INR value within the target zone, 25% had an INR value 6.0 and 8% had an INR value <2.0. These findings suggest that our routine treatment of overanticoagulation in patients on phenprocoumon should be intensified to improve its efficacy.
Dual-energy x-ray imaging by simultaneous integration and campbelling readout

Dual-energy imaging is based on the acquisition of two spectrally distinct attenuation measurements. The two most common techniques are the dual-kV technique and the dual-detector layer technique. More recently, another technique was introduced based on the simultaneous acquisition of photon-counting and current integration data (CIX) by means of a dedicated detector readout ASIC. All of the above methods have certain advantages and disadvantages. While depending on the particular realization (e.g., kVp switching, dual-tube systems in computed tomography), the dual-kV technique suffers from a time-lag between the two acquisitions and as a result from susceptibility to motion. The dual-layer technique usually offers less spectral separation and requires a dedicated detection system. The CIX technique suffers from a reduced dynamic range due to the limiting rate performance in the counting channel. In this paper we introduce yet another dual-energy technique, similar to the CIX, however, without the restrictions coming from the limited count rate. We propose dual-energy imaging based on simultaneous acquisition of the mean (DC) and variance (AC) components of the electrical detector signal, i.e., simultaneous integration-mode readout and Campbell-mode readout (fluctuation mode). The method is based on “Campbell's theorem” which states that the variance of the deviations from the mean detector signal is proportional to the second moment of the incoming x-ray energy spectrum. We compare in simulations the dual-energy performance of the proposed new technique with conventional dual-kV and dual-crystal techniques and present first experimental Campbell-mode CT images obtained from a scintillator crystal coupled to a photomultiplier tube. Moreover, we demonstrate the feasibility of separating iodine from calcium with the novel technique and compare it to the separability achieved with a dual-kV technique.
Interaction between BDNF Polymorphism and Physical Activity on Inhibitory Performance in the Elderly without Cognitive Impairment

Background: In the elderly, physical activity (PA) enhances cognitive performances, increases brain plasticity and improves brain health. The neurotrophic hypothesis is that the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is implicated in brain plasticity and cognition, is triggered by PA because motoneurons secrete BDNF into the bloodstream during exercise. Individual differences in cognitive performance may be explained by individual differences in genetic predisposition. A single nucleotide polymorphism on the BDNF gene, BDNFVal66Met, affects activity-dependent BDNF secretion. This study investigated the influence of the BDNFVal66Met polymorphism on the relationship between PA and controlled inhibition performance in older adults. Methods: A total of 114 healthy elderly volunteers (mean age = 71.53 years old) were evaluated. Participants were genotyped for the BDNFVal66Met polymorphism. We evaluated inhibitory performance using choice reaction times (RT) and error rates from a Simon-like task and estimated their PA using two self-reported questionnaires. We established four groups according to PA level (active vs. inactive) and BDNFVal66Met genotype (Met carriers vs. Val-homozygous). The results were analyzed using ANOVA and ANCOVA, including age, gender and body mass index as covariates. Results: The BDNFVal66Met polymorphism interacted with PA on controlled inhibition performance. More specifically, inactive Val-homozygous participants exhibited a lower inhibition performance than active Val homozygotes and inactive Met carriers; the former had a higher error rate without differences in RT. Conclusion: Differences between individuals on inhibitory performance may be partially understood by the interaction between genetic influence in BDNF secretion and PA level. The results of this study clearly support the neurotrophic hypothesis that BDNF synthesis is an important mechanism underlying the influence of physical activity on brain structure and functions.
The intergenerational transmission of welfare participation: Facts and possible causes

This article explores two methodological issues in measuring intergenerational correlations in welfare participation. First, a method is proposed that controls for differences in eligibility as well as participation. Second, the use of event history analysis allows all available information on mothers' and daughters' welfare histories to be used. The National Longitudinal Survey of Youth is used to measure the intergenerational correlation among whites, blacks, and Hispanics. Three broad conclusions emerge. First, parental participation in Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) is correlated with daughters' AFDC participation for whites and Hispanics-daughters living in households that received assistance have higher probabilities of having a child and receiving assistance in the year of first birth than similar daughters whose parents didn't participate (or participated for shorter periods). Second, parents' participation does not seem to be capturing solely the effects of low income which leads to a correlation in mothers' and daughters' eligibility. Finally, the loss of income if the parent does not participate raises the probability that the daughter will receive assistance. The effect of this income loss offsets nearly half of the participation effect for whites.
The Wavering Line in the Sand: The Effects of Domestic Violence and Sexual Coercion

Control and power regarding sexuality and fertility challenges many women, especially those involved in abusive relationships. This preliminary study was done to explore the relationship between domestic violence, sexual coercion, and pregnancy. The sample was comprised of community-dwelling women attending support groups for survivors of abuse, and women attending group therapy sessions while housed at a battered woman's shelter. Both questionnaires and focus groups addressed the women's experiences with contraception, sexuality, pregnancy, and domestic violence. Only the qualitative phase of the study, plus demographics from the questionnaires, are presented in this article. The responses suggest that many of the women felt they could not avoid intercourse with their abusers, despite fears of pregnancy. Focus group transcript analysis revealed recurrent themes of problems regarding pregnancy, tactics of abuse, inability to access birth control, and denial and mistrust. This article explores the reality these women face and the thought processes they employ to survive and remain in their relationship. Health care providers can use this information to better understand their clients, to assist them in obtaining and using effective contraception, and to support clients as they make their decisions.
USE OF LITERATURE IN LANGUAGE TEACHING COURSE BOOKS

In recent years the number of proponents of literature use in language classes has been considerably increasing due to increased awareness of benefits of including literature into language programs. A number of books have been published to help guide language teachers on how to use literature in their lessons, and publishers have begun to investigate ways of including literature into their language teaching course books. The aim of this paper is to examine to what extent and how literature has been integrated into course books specially prepared for language teaching. To this end, three sets of course books used at the preparatory schools of four state and four private universities in Izmir have been scanned. According to the results of the study, there is a noticeable effort to increase learners’ awareness of literature. Even though literary texts are rarely used, there are frequent references to the names of authors and the titles of literary works and fictional characters. When the advantages of integrating literature in language teaching are considered, it can be strongly recommended that many more attempts are needed for more use of literature in more effective ways in language course books. Keywords : Literature, Language Teaching, Course Books, University Preparatory Classes
A voltage scaling 0.25–1.8 V delta-sigma modulator with inverter-opamp self-configuring amplifier

A 2nd order discrete time (DT) ΔΣ modulator with very wide supply voltage range of 0.25-1.8 V is presented. An inverter-opamp self-configuring amplifier (IOSA) is proposed with sufficient gain through sub-threshold to strong inversion region. The amplifier senses the supply voltage and automatically configures either to operate as an inverter or an opamp. The prototype ADC fabricated in 180nm CMOS achieved SNDR of 53dB at a supply voltage of 0.3V and a best FoM of 0.09 pJ/step. At 1.8 V supply the modulator achieves SNDR 61dB and operates down to 0.25V.
Immigration and the Welfare State: Immigrant Participation in Means- Tested Entitlement Programs

This paper documents the extent to which immigrants participate in the many programs that make up the welfare state. The immigrant-native difference in the probability of receiving cash benefits is small, but the gap widens once other programs are included in the analysis: 21 percent of immigrant households receive some type of assistance, as compared with only 14 percent of native households. The types of benefits received by earlier immigrants influence the types of benefits received by newly arrived immigrants. Hence there might be ethnic networks that transmit information about the availability of particular benefits to new immigrants.
The multiple mini‐interview: how long is long enough?

Objectives The multiple mini‐interview (MMI) overcomes the limitations of the traditional panel interview by multiple sampling to provide improved objectivity and reliability. Reliability of the MMI is affected by number of stations; however, there are few data reporting the influence of interview duration on MMI outcome and reliability. We aimed to determine whether MMI stations can be shortened without affecting applicant rankings or compromising test reliability.
Recruitment in Recovery

Burgess (1993) finds that job finding rates for the unemployed do not move proportionately to changes in the overall hiring rate. Burgess hints at employed job seekers that start looking in tight conditions and crowd out the unemployed. But he leaves the search behaviour of firms unaddressed. Russo et al. (2000) and Russo et al. (2001), however, shows that firms switch their preferred recruitment channel in changing labour market conditions. We introduce recruitment channels in a search model and find an additional mechanism through which the unemployed obtain less than their â€˜fair shareâ€™ of the job offers. We then test our modelâ€™s predictions using panel data from the Netherlands and find support for this hypothesis.
Throwing the baby out with the bathwater

Looks at the dominance of relationship marketing (RM) in the current marketing debate and challenges some of the notions which appear to have grown up around the concept. In particular looks at a number of aspects of RM, which, despite the rhetoric, remain largely unsubstantiated. Examines the various claims of RM as a “new marketing paradigm”, whether it represents a united and cohesive force and if this is perceived as such by both academics and practitioners. Looks at the economic arguments underlying RM and whether they stand up to rigorous scrutiny and at consumers’ responses to relational strategies. Finally, questions the “satisfaction/loyalty/profit” hypothesis frequently suggested as the underlying model for RM.
Health-related quality of life of patients with severe heart failure. A cross-sectional multicentre study.

BACKGROUND Heart failure is a serious chronic syndrome that is accompanied by significant physical and psychological burdens, resulting in poor quality of life. AIM To assess the quality of life of patients with severe heart failure and its correlation with patient demographic, socio-economic and clinical characteristics. METHOD We studied 199 patients with heart failure who were hospitalized in the Cardiology Department of three general hospitals of Greece during a 1-year period. Demographic and socio-economic data were obtained using a short questionnaire, while clinical data were obtained from medical record review. The assessment of the patients' quality of life was performed using Minnesota Life with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLWHFQ). FINDINGS The mean MLWHFQ score was 62.7 (±20.3). Significantly lower quality of life was found in patients with diabetes mellitus (Coefficient beta (β)=11.4; 95% Confidence Interval (CI), 5.2-17.5), hypertension (β=10.3; CI, 1.4-19.1), chronic renal failure (β=13.9; CI, 5.9-21.9), chronic respiratory failure (β=11.2; CI, 4.7-17.7), cancer (β=12.3; CI, 2.3-22.4), psychiatric disease (β=10.5; CI, 0.6-20.4) and those patients who were classified in New York Heart Association class IV (β=10.6, CI=4.1-17.0). CONCLUSIONS The average score of the MLWHFQ was high, and this reflects the poor quality of life of patients. Higher scores in specific patient groups show the negative influence of these factors in quality of life. The holistic care of patients with heart failure by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals could improve their quality of life.
Commodity Returns and Capital Asset Pricing

The capital asset pricing model has most often been applied to securities markets. Recent studies have used models of capital market equilibrium to examine also the pricing of commodity contracts. Dusak [3] first applied the capital asset pricing model to commodity futures prices for corn, wheat, and soybeans. More recently, Black [1] has derived expressions for the expected change in the price of futures contracts and expressions for the values of forward commodity contracts and commodity options. To date, however, there has not been a test of the capital asset pricing model for spot commodity prices. The spot price of a commodity is the price at which it can be bought or sold for immediate delivery. There are some reasons why the capital asset pricing model may not apply as well to spot commodity prices as it does to security prices. Because most commodities are produced only during certain seasons
Timing and magnitude of peak height velocity and peak tissue velocities for early, average, and late maturing boys and girls

Height, weight, and tissue accrual were determined in 60 male and 53 female adolescents measured annually over six years using standard anthropometry and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). Annual velocities were derived, and the ages and magnitudes of peak height and peak tissue velocities were determined using a cubic spline fit to individual data. Individuals were rank ordered on the basis of sex and age at peak height velocity (PHV) and then divided into quartiles: early (lowest quartile), average (middle two quartiles), and late (highest quartile) maturers. Sex‐ and maturity‐related comparisons in ages and magnitudes of peak height and peak tissue velocities were made. Males reached peak velocities significantly later than females for all tissues and had significantly greater magnitudes at peak. The age at PHV was negatively correlated with the magnitude of PHV in both sexes. At a similar maturity point (age at PHV) there were no differences in weight or fat mass among maturity groups in both sexes. Late maturing males, however, accrued more bone mineral and lean mass and were taller at the age of PHV compared to early maturers. Thus, maturational status (early, average, or late maturity) as indicated by age at PHV is inversely related to the magnitude of PHV in both sexes. At a similar maturational point there are no differences between early and late maturers for weight and fat mass in boys and girls. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 13:1–8, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Can Corporate Governance Be Rated? Ideas Based on the Greek Experience

The paper presents an attempt to quantify the compliance of Greek companies with international best practices. Based on 37 indicators (composed out of 54 questions) it was found that Greek companies demonstrate a fairly satisfactory degree of compliance with OECD guidelines. Their weak points lie in: the role of stakeholders and corporate social responsibility; the organisation of CG; the effective role of the independent members of the board (which may be attributed to the small size of the pool of potential independent board members); disclosure of remuneration; and risk management. Methodologically, the merit of the exercise lies in its approach towards the creation of "collectively subjective" weightings, an effort to discuss the benefits of separating the rating of the market from the rating of companies and the discussion on typologies of work that can be effectively performed through rating exercises. Copyright Blackwell Publishing Ltd. 2004.