Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PENGARUH DESENTRALISASI FISKAL TERHADAP DISPARITAS PENDAPATAN REGIONAL DI INDONESIA TAHUN 2001-200

Studi ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis bagaimanakah pengaruh desentralisasi fiskal terhadap disparitas pendapatan regional di Indonesia selama periode 2001-2008. Studi dilakukan terhadap Kabupaten/Kota di Indonesia yang merupakan titik tolak dari desentralisasi di Indonesia. Sampel yang diteliti sebanyak 253 Kabupaten/Kota. Variabel yang digunakan sebagai proxy dari desentralisasi fiskal adalah: belanja langsung (desentralisasi pengeluaran), serta PAD, DAU dan Dana Bagi Hasil (desentralisasi penerimaan). Studi menggunakan pendekatan data panel dan alat analisis Least Square Dummy Variables (LSDV) atau juga dikenal sebagai Fixed Effect Model (FEM) dan Newey West Method atau juga dikenal sebagai HAC (heteroscedasticity-and autocorrelation-consistent) untuk menghilangkan heteroskedastisitas dan autokorelasi. Hasil studi menunjukkan bahwa variabel belanja langsung telah mampu untuk mengurangi disparitas pendapatan regional, sebaliknya DAU justru mengakibatkan meningkatnya disparitas pendapatan regional. Terdapat indikasi bahwa penyebab utamanya adalah adanya missallocated di dalam mekanisme alokasi DAU. Sementara itu variabel PAD dan Dana Bagi Hasil tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap disparitas pendapatan regional. This study aims to analyze how the influence of fiscal decentralization on regional income disparity in Indonesia during the period 2001-2008. Studies conducted on municipalities in Indonesia. 253 municipalities are used as samples. The variables used as proxies of fiscal decentralization are: direct expenditure (expenditure decentralization), and PAD, DAU and DBH (revenue decentralization). The study is using panel data approach and Least Square Dummy Variables (LSDV) as an analytical tool or also known as the Fixed Effect Modeland Newey West method or also known as HAC (heteroscedasticity-and Autocorrelation-consistent) to remove heteroscedasticity and autocorrelation. The study shows that direct expenditure variable has been able to reduce regional income disparities, on the contrary DAU has increased regional income disparity. There are indications that the main cause is the presence missallocated in DAU allocation mechanism. Meanwhile, PAD and DBH have no significant effect on regional income disparities.
The central Scotland Escherichia coli O157:H7 outbreak: risk factors for the hemolytic uremic syndrome and death among hospitalized patients.

Little is known about risk factors for complications of Escherichia coli O157:H7 infection in adults. The 1996 outbreak in central Scotland involved the largest number of adult case patients in whom hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) developed and, ultimately, the largest number of deaths associated with E. coli O157:H7 infection that has yet been recorded. We investigated risk factors for HUS in a retrospective study of all hospitalized case patients in this outbreak. Of 120 case patients, 34 had HUS develop, 28 of whom were adults. Sixteen adults died. Significant risk factors for HUS were age <15 years or >65 years (odds ratio [OR], 4.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-14.4), hypochlorhydria (OR, 6.7; 95% CI, 1.9-24.0), and coincidental antibiotics (OR, 4.7; 95% CI 1.4-16.5). Factors associated with HUS were as follows: white blood cell count >20 x 10(9) cells/L (OR, 8.25; 95% CI, 1.1-60.3), neutrophil count >15 x 10(9) cells/L (OR, 8.5; 95% CI, 1.5-50.1), and serum albumin level <35 g/L (OR, 7.2; 95% CI, 1.2-42.5) < or =3 days after symptom onset. Deaths were confined to case patients >65 years of age. Early identification of risk factors for HUS is vital and could select case patients for trials of preventative and treatment therapies.
Characterization of Saccharomyces uvarum (Beijerinck, 1898) and related hybrids: assessment of molecular markers that predict the parent and hybrid genomes and a proposal to name yeast hybrids

The use of the nuclear DNA reassociation technique has led taxonomists to consider Saccharomyces uvarum a synonym of S. bayanus. The latter, however, is not a species but a hybrid harbouring S. eubayanus (Seu) and S. uvarum (Su) subgenomes with a minor DNA contribution from S. cerevisiae (Sc). To recognize genetically pure lines of S. uvarum and putative interspecies hybrids among so-called S. bayanus strains present in public culture collections, we propose the use of four markers that were defined from the S. bayanus CBS 380T composite genome, namely SeuNTS2 (rDNA), ScMAL31, MTY1 and SuMEL1. Saccharomyces carlsbergensis CBS 1513 was found to be similar to S. bayanus except that it carries the SeuMEL1 allele. Different marker combinations revealed that among 33 strains examined only a few were similar to CBS 380T, but many pure S. uvarum lines and putative Su/Seu-related hybrids occurred. Our results demonstrated that these hybrids were erroneously considered authentic S. bayanus and therefore the varietal state 'Saccharomyces bayanus var. uvarum comb. nov. Naumov' is not valid. Our markers constitute a tool to get insights into the genomic makeup of Saccharomyces interspecies hybrids. We also make a proposal to name those hybrids that may also be applicable to other fungal hybrids.
Physics of Spotless Mode of Current Transfer to Cathodes of Metal Vapor Arcs

A fresh attempt is made to clarify the physics of the diffuse, or spotless, mode of current transfer that may occur on cathodes of vacuum arcs if the average cathode surface temperature is high enough, about 2000 K. It is shown that in the case of chromium cathode the usual mechanism of current transfer to arc cathodes cannot sustain current densities of the order of 105-106 A · m-2 observed in the experiment, the reason being that the electrical power deposited into electron gas in the nearcathode space-charge sheath is insufficient. It is hypothesized that the electrical power is supplied to the electron gas primarily in the bulk plasma, rather than in the sheath, and a high level of electron energy in the vicinity of the sheath edge is sustained by electron heat conduction from the bulk plasma. Estimates of the current of ions diffusing to the sheath edge from the quasineutral plasma gave values comparable with the experimental current density, which supports the above hypothesis. On the contrary, the spotless attachment of vacuum arcs to gadolinium cathodes may be interpreted as a manifestation of the usual mechanism of current transfer to arc cathodes. Results given for gadolinium cathodes by a model of near-cathode layers in vacuum arcs conform to available experimental information.
Use of poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐based films for equilibrium‐modified atmosphere packaging to extend the postharvest shelf life of garland chrysanthemum

Abstract A uniaxial‐stretched poly(ε‐caprolactone)/poly(propylene carbonate; PCL/PPC) composite film was prepared using a twin‐screw extruder, and its utility as an equilibrium‐modified atmosphere packaging (EMAP) film extending the shelf life of garland chrysanthemums stored at 2~4°C was explored. The oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor penetration properties, mechanical properties, and gas permselectivity of PCL/PPC film used to package garland chrysanthemums were determined and compared to those of controlled low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and PCL films. Physicochemical properties such as package headspace gas composition, weight loss, leaf color, total chlorophyll content, ascorbic acid content, lipid peroxidation extent, and the sensory traits of garland chrysanthemums were investigated over a storage period of 14 days to compare the preservative effects of the various packages. PPC blending decreased the PCL gas and water vapor permeability and slightly increased the CO 2 permselectivity. These effects on gas and water vapor permeability, combined with the effects on gas permselectivity, enhanced preservation of packed garland chrysanthemums. Furthermore, an O2 inner atmosphere level of 2%~5%, and a CO 2 concentration not greater than 8%, was established by the PCL/PPC film in the absence of condensation. The results thus suggest that biodegradable film can be used as an EMAP film to better maintain the quality of freshly harvested garland chrysanthemums and to afford a longer shelf life during cold storage compared to LDPE film. Sensory evaluation indicated that the garland chrysanthemums were market‐acceptable after 14 days of storage; LDPE‐packed chrysanthemums were acceptable only up to 8 days of storage. The film thus improved storage life compared to that afforded by LDPE.
A Dual Role of IFN-α in the Balance between Proliferation and Death of Human CD4+ T Lymphocytes during Primary Response1

Type I IFNs (IFN-αβ) enhance immune responses, notably T cell-mediated responses, in part by promoting the functional activities of dendritic cells. In this study, we analyzed the direct impact of IFN-α on proliferative and apoptotic signals upon in vitro activation of human naive CD4+ T lymphocytes. We demonstrate that IFN-α protects T cells from the intrinsic mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis early upon TCR/CD28 activation. IFN-α acts by delaying entry of cells into the G1 phase of the cell cycle, as well as by increasing Bcl-2 and limiting Bax activation. Later, upon activation, T cells that were exposed to IFN-α showed increased levels of surface Fas associated with partially processed caspase-8, a key component of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway. Caspase-8 processing was augmented furthermore by Fas ligation. Overall, these findings support a model whereby IFN-α favors an enhanced clonal expansion, yet it sensitizes cells to the Ag-induced cell death occurring at the end of an immune response. These observations point to a complex role of type I IFN in regulating the magnitude of proliferation and survival of naive CD4+ T cells during primary response and underline how crucial could be the timing of exposure to this cytokine.
Mean field stochastic games with binary actions: Stationary threshold policies

This paper considers mean field games in a multiagent Markov decision process (MDP) framework. Each player has a continuum state and binary action. We analyze two stationary mean field games with discounted individual costs and long-run average individual costs, respectively. We show existence of a solution to the associated equation system, leading to threshold policies. Uniqueness is obtained under a product form cost and positive externalities.
A Cross-Layer Solution for Dynamic Selection of Data-Rate in WLAN using Traffic Differentiation

Wireless devices operating under IEEE 802.11 x standards have the ability to transmit at various data-rates. However, there is no specification in the standard for dynamically selecting a suitable value of data-rate. Numerous solutions are available, mainly from device manufacturers and research community; focusing on a particular algorithm and its suitability for the overall system. However, none of the previous designs were flexible to change their behavior with changes in traffic nature and pattern. Not all traffic types have the same requirements and so should be the behavior of underlying algorithms for data-rate control. This paper highlights various data-rate control algorithms; classifying them on the basis of several parameters and discusses their suitability for different traffic patterns. It also proposes an algorithm, specifically designed for real time services. The cross-layer framework monitors traffic nature and patterns at the transport layer and activates one of three available rate control algorithms which suits the requirements of a particular type of traffic. According to the specific design of a selected algorithm, it then selects data-rate values at runtime. The results verify the tremendous difference among the three algorithms in terms of throughput and delay and signify their usability for specific traffic types.
Synthesis And Characterization Of Reverse Osmosis Membranes Modified With BaTiO 3 Nanoparticles To Improve Performance

This paper deals with the synthesis and the characterization of reverse osmosis membranes reached by barium titanium oxide nanoparticles. A composite membrane containing BaTiO3 nanoparticles (NPs) was prepared by the in situ interfacial polymerization (IP) process on porous polysulfone supports. Aqueous m-phenyl diamine (MPD) and organic trimesoyl chloride (TMC)-NPs mixture solutions were used in the IP process. BaTiO3 NPs with a size between 100–200 nm were used as the fillers to fabricate nanocomposite membranes at concentrations ranging from 0.001% to 0.01% wt%. The membranes were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM) and contact angle technique. Their performances were evaluated based on the water permeability and salt rejection. Results indicated that the BaTiO3 nanoparticles are well dispersed in polyamide (PA) layer and improved membrane performance under optimal concentrations. By changing the content of filler (by introducing different concentration of BaTiO3 nanoparticles inside the Reverse Osmosis Membrane (0.001% to 0.01% wt%), hydrophilicity and roughness of the composite membranes were increased. Notably, the permeate water flux increased from 26 to 42 L/m 2 h at BaTiO3 concentration of 0.009% with the maintaining of sodium chloride (NaCl) high salt rejection of 98%. These results were obtained with initial NaCl concentration of 2000 ppm and under pressure of 225 psi. For the hydrophilicity, the contact angle was decreased from 73° to 24°.
Accidental Infection of Laboratory Worker with Vaccinia

We report the accidental needlestick inoculation of a laboratory worker with vaccinia virus. Although the patient had previously been vaccinated against smallpox, severe lesions appeared on the fingers. Western blot and polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism were used to analyze the virus recovered from the lesions. The vaccinia virus–specific immunoglobulin G levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our study supports the need for vaccination for laboratory workers that routinely handle orthopoxvirus.
Extracellular matrix modulates the proliferation of rat astrocytes in serum‐free culture

The mechanism of glial proliferation in the developing nervous system, as well as in response to injury, inflammation, and tumor invasion, is unknown. Several growth factors and extracellular matrices have been shown to stimulate the proliferation of cultured cells of various origin, including astrocytes. We investigated the effect of extracellular matrix components, including fibronectin (FN), laminin (LN), and collagen types I and IV, on the growth of astrocytes during stimulation by various growth factors. When astrocytes were grown on FN‐ and LN‐coated wells in a serum‐free, chemically defined medium, their increase in number significantly exceeded that of cells grown on plastic wells. The addition of platelet‐derived or basic fibroblast growth factor to cells cultured on FN ‐ or LN ‐coated wells significantly potentiated astrocyte proliferation. The collagen preparations had no such effect. These observations indicate that FN and LN have a fundamental part in converting the quiescent astrocyte into the proliferating phenotype, which may be required for remodeling damaged brain tissues in vivo. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
National Innovation System and the Development of Scientific and Innovation Policy in the Republic of Armenia

The ongoing change means transition to knowledge based economy. There is a growing understanding that knowledge is at the core of economic development. This is also reflected in OECD publications referring to the knowledge based economy (OECD 1996; Foray and Lundvall 1996). Much of the recent analytical works on the relationship between technological development, innovation, and economic performance has been focused on the concept of the «National In novation System». Here, the emphasis is not just on the constituent actors within that system — firms, universities, government research laboratories, and so on, but more importantly on the relationships and linkages between them. National innovation system is «the network of institutions in the public and private sectors whose activities and interactions initiate, import, modify and diffuse new technologies» (Freeman, 1987). The study of national innovation systems directs attention to the linkages or web of interaction within the overall innovation system. An understanding of these systems can help policy makers to develop approaches for enhancing innovative performance in the knowledge-based economies of today. Innovation being at the basis of economic development is instrumental for developing countries, and the process of innovation is still a challenging subject of research in economics, sociology and political sciences, and most efforts have concentrated on the understanding of the process in industrialized countries rather than in developing countries. This paper deals with an overview of developments in S&T and innovation sectors in Armenia during the last decade, describes its background, current situation, adopted policy documents directed to promote innovation and develop national innovation system, and analyzes the government actions towards addressing the pressing challenge of reformation of S&T and innovation system in accordance with the requirements of the market economy and needs of economic development of the country. It also derives the policy implications that, to my mind, might have
In Vitro Susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Clinical Isolates to Garenoxacin and DA-7867

ABSTRACT The in vitro activities of DA-7867, a novel oxazolidinone, and garenoxacin (BMS-284756) were compared to those of linezolid in 67 susceptible and drug-resistant clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. DA-7867 was the most active drug with an MIC90 of 0.125 μg/ml, compared to the MIC90s of 4 μg/ml of garenoxacin and 2 μg/ml of linezolid.
Less fighting than expected: experiments with wars of attrition and all-pay auctions

We use experiments to compare dynamic and static wars of attrition (i.e. second-price all-pay auctions) and first-price all-pay auctions. Many other studies find overbidding in first-price all-pay auctions. We can replicate this property. In wars of attrition, however, we find systematic underbidding. We study bids and revenue in different experimental frames and matching procedures and draw a link to the literature on stepwise linear bidding functions.
Intervention model for sustainable food security in the drylands of Kenya: case study of Makueni district

A chronic problem of household food insecurity in Kenya is concentrated in the rural drylands constituting two-thirds of the country’s land mass. Drought is cited as the main culprit, aggravated by inappropriate policy, such as the Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAPs) of the 1990s, said to have created an institutional vacuum in the provision of various agricultural services in Kenya. The combined effect has been erosion of farm productivity and food security of households. The potential of external intervention to bridge the service gap has been demonstrated by strong support from donor organizations. However, there is need to identify effective strategies and processes for attaining the food security objective. The research in this dissertation contributes by providing an intervention model for sustainable household food security in the drylands of Kenya. The research used ex-post evaluation of multiple intervention case studies in order to compare and identify most effective strategies. The cases were selected in Makueni, one of the dryland districts having the highest level (70 percent) of food insecurity in the country. A “with” and “without” intervention comparative approach was used in which the food security outcomes (farm productivity, non-farm income and food energy acquisition) were compared between a ‘treatment’ and a ‘control’ group. To understand the processes behind observed impacts of an intervention, the designs of the interventions were also analysed. The results from the analysis showed that only two of the five cases studies had significant impact on household food security. Emerging effective strategies were integration of irrigation with access to inputs, credit and output markets. But non-farm strategies, such as trading opportunities were highly preferred by households for stabilising incomes. An emerging key intervention objective is to raise farm aggregate incomes to the relative poverty line. The implication for future intervention planning is integration of irrigation, markets and non-farm income-generating strategies with the ultimate objective of raising household income at least to the relative poverty line; through the three-level linkages provided in the research.
The Large Homogeneous Portfolio Approximation with a Two-Factor Gaussian Copula and Random Recovery Rate

In this paper we consider the large homogeneous portfolio (LHP) approximation with a two-factor Gaussian copula and random recovery rate. In addition, we assume that the earlier the default occurs, the less the asset recovers; in other words, random recovery rate and individual default times have a positive rank correlation. Under the LHP assumption, the conditional cumulative loss of the reference portfolio is approximated by the product of loss given default and conditional default probability. In order to derive semi-analytic formulas for the loss distribution and the expected tranche loss, we use a Gaussian two-factor model and assume that the recovery rate depends on one systematic factor. In addition, we consider stochastic correlation for a better fit to credit default swap index tranches. The derived semi-analytic formula only involves integration with respect to the standard normal density and can be computed by Gauss–Hermite quadrature. Numerical tests show that the two-factor model with stochastic correlation and random recovery fits iTraxx tranche premiums better than other correlation or recovery assumptions under the Gaussian LHP framework. We also apply our model to credit risk assessment such as value-at-risk of the loss distribution.
Construction of National Standards of Weight and Height and Growth Charts of Iranian Children: A Review Article

Objectives: Growth charts are the most important evaluation tools for the assessment of growth and development of children which could be further used to develop preventive interventions. This study was undertaken with the aim of reviewing different current growth curves, their advantages and disadvantages, and performing a review of the studies conducted in Iran and other countries on determination of weight and height standards. Methods: In order to collect materials for this review, a detailed search of Scientific Information Database (SID), Iran Medex, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Web of Science was carried out for the time period 2005-2010. Results: The results of performed studies in European and Asian countries showed that the height and weight curves of these children were different from WHO and NCHS growth standards. The finding of growth trend study of Iranian children showed that the mean height and weight of girls and boys were increased. In spite of these increases, the median height and weight of Iranian girls and boys under 15 years was under 20th percentile of the United States National Center for the Health Statistics. Conclusions: Considering the epidemiological changes and existing genetic differences and different children's weight and height growth patterns, it seems that the global standard for the children's growth, including the WHO standards, are not applicable to all the populations and each country should construct a separate national standard.