Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Bargain At Any Price? Child Care Costs and Women′s Employment

This paper examines how three dimensions of child care costs affect women's labor supply: (1) women's perceptions of the price of substitute care; (2) the amount of money that parents spend on child care; and (3) the availability of relatives for providing care. Tobit analyses, using data from the National Child Care Survey 1990, demonstrate that the cost of care has a multidimensional impact on women's employment. What mothers think about price matters: women's perceptions of price exert a negative influence on their time spent in paid work. As perceived minimum price increases, women's labor supply decreases. However, actual price, as indicated by predicted expenditures, affects women's labor supply in a curvilinear fashion with low- priced and high-priced care discouraging women's employment time.
Transient Heterogeneity in an Aquifer Undergoing Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons

Localized, transient heterogeneity was studied in a sand aquifer undergoing benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene bioremediation using a novel array of multilevel, in situ point velocity probes (PVPs). The experiment was conducted within a sheet‐pile alleyway to maintain a constant average flow direction through time. The PVPs measured changes in groundwater velocity direction and magnitude at the centimeter scale, making them ideal to monitor small‐scale changes in hydraulic conductivity (K). Velocities were shown to vary nonuniformly by up to a factor of 3 when a source of oxygen was established down‐gradient of the petroleum spill. In spite of these local variations, the average groundwater velocity within the 7 m × 20 m sheet‐piled test area only varied within ± 25%. The nonuniform nature of the velocity variations across the gate indicated that the changes were not due solely to seasonal hydraulic gradient fluctuations. At the conclusion of the experiment, microbial biomass levels in the aquifer sediments was approximately 1 order of magnitude higher in the oxygen‐amended portion of the aquifer than at the edge of the plume or in locations up‐gradient of the source. These data suggest that the transient velocities resulted, at least in part, from enhanced biological activity that caused transient heterogeneities in the porous medium.
Changing organisation of public-sector research in Europe — implications for benchmarking human resources in RTD

There have been widespread changes to the organisation and structure of public-sector research (PSR) throughout Europe. The changes appear to have negative consequences for human resources in research and technological development (RTD) but we lack reliable empirical evidence to assess their impact. Four elements of the reorganisation are discussed: the increase in short-term against long-term secure posts; the growth of student numbers; the erosion of PSR autonomy; and the introduction of new management practices. This discussion leads on to identification of the topics which benchmarking should address. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
Hyperventilation-Induced Nystagmus in Patients with Vestibular Neuritis in the Acute and Follow-Up Stages

Objective: Our purposes were to characterize hyperventilation-induced nystagmus (HVIN) in patients with unilateral vestibular neuritis (VN) through follow-up examinations and to determine the effects of hyperventilation on vestibular imbalance in patients with VN. Materials and Methods: The horizontal eye movements in 35 patients with acute VN were recorded. The eye movements were analyzed and the maximum value of slow-phase eye velocity (SPV) was obtained during and after hyperventilation. Nineteen of 35 patients underwent follow-up examinations around 7 weeks later. When spontaneous nystagmus was present, the SPV of spontaneous nystagmus was subtracted from that of HVIN. A maximum SPV of HVIN of ≧4°/s was considered abnormal. The direction and SPV of HVIN were analyzed. Results: The incidence of HVIN in patients with VN was significantly higher in the acute stage (18 of 35; 51%) than the follow-up stage (4 of 19; 21%). The direction of HVIN present in the follow-up stage was entirely towards the contralesional side (contralesional HVIN). However, the direction of HVIN in the acute stage was mixed, towards the contralesional side (10 of 35; 28%) and towards the ipsilesional side (8 of 35; 23%). The SPVs (49 ± 56°/s) of ipsilesional HVIN were significantly greater than the contralesional HVIN in the acute stage (8 ± 3°/s). Robust nystagmus (SPV ≧25°/s) was entirely ipsilesional HVIN, which was observed only in the acute stage. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that hyperventilation can result in aggravation of vestibular imbalance in the acute and follow-up stages in different ways. Hyperventilation resulted in contralesional HVIN in both the acute and follow-up stages, each in approximately a fourth of the patients, which suggests a disruption of central static compensatory mechanisms. However, ipsilesional HVIN was elicited only in the acute stage (in approximately a fourth of the patients). About half of the patients with ipsilesional HVIN showed robust responses, which is a characteristic finding, suggesting a transient intense increase in vestibular activity on the lesional side.
Feasibility of fludarabine added to VAD during induction therapy in multiple myeloma: a randomised phase II‐study

Multiple myeloma (MM) is considered to be an essentially incurable haematological malignant disease, probably because of the existence of resistant clonal precursor cell with self‐renewal capacity. Recent data have indicated that the myeloma cell hierarchy includes circulating clonal memory B cells, which differ considerably from the classical end‐stage plasma cells, infiltrating the bone marrow. The pathophysiological significance of these cells is unknown, but hypothetically they may serve as ‘sleeping’ myeloma stem cells responsible for and ‘feeding’ post‐treatment relapse and progression. The present study evaluates the toxicity and feasibility of fludarabine, added to the VAD‐induction regimen in MM, and investigates the effect on the myeloma cell hierarchy. Nineteen patients were randomised to receive either four cycles of VAD (n = 9) or two cycles of VAD, followed by two cycles of VAD combined with 5 days fludarabine 25 mg/m2/day i.v. (n = 10). Toxicity evaluation showed more profound neutropenia in the fludarabine‐treated patients and two infectious episodes in each study arm: three were fever of unknown origin while one, in the fludarabine‐arm, was a local skin infection at the insertion site of the central venous line. Nine of the fludarabine‐treated patients responded to treatment (two complete remission, seven partial remission), compared with five responders (all PR) in the control‐arm. The effects on the blood circulating myeloma compartments identified an increased reduction of CD19+ B cells and myeloma plasma cells in the fludarabine‐arm. In conclusion, adding fludarabine to VAD induction in multiple myeloma is feasible and may be clinically effective by reducing the myeloma clone.
Catching-Up Industrial Development of East Asian Economies and Its Application to Vietnam

This paper examines the catching-up process in industrial development in East Asia. For this purpose, RCA curve will be used to depict this process and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient will be employed as a supporting evidence for the catching-up. Evolving specialization patterns of East Asian economies are consistent with the prediction of the Catching-up Product Cycle model. Japan has the most advanced industrial structure, followed by NIEs, and ASEAN. Their specialization patterns evolved from a late-industrializing pattern to an intermediate, and finally to an advanced pattern. The late-industrializing economies followed in the footsteps of early industrializing ones creating a regional interdependence linkage. The paper suggests that the late industrializing economies could accelerate industrialization by following in the footsteps of the early industrializing economies. The paper further finds that Vietnam joined the regional network. However, its trade policy has been impeding industrial development so that labor-intensive production has been untapped, on one hand, and Vietnam selected the 'wrong' industries to target on the other hand.
Drivers of Exploitation and Inequity in Non‐Timber Forest Products (NTFP) Value Chains: The Case of Indian Bay Leaf in Nepal and India

This article presents the findings of a study that analysed the Indian Bay Leaf (Cinnamomum tamala) Nees and Eberm value chain (VC) in Uttarakhand, India and Udayapur, Nepal. The results show that bay‐leaf VCs are loosely integrated and consist of stakeholders with asymmetrical power relations and different priorities. Traders in India dominate the chains and inappropriate standards lead to the exploitation of small producers and inequity in the chain. Policy measures are suggested for improving co‐ordination and competitiveness in the bay‐leaf VC which could be applied to the NTFP sector as a whole.
The moderating role of switching barriers on customer loyalty in the life insurance industry

In recent service management literature, researchers have incorporated switching barriers as an important potential influential factor on customer loyalty and found that the impact of customer satisfaction on customer loyalty might vary under different switching barrier conditions. However, switching barriers and their importance in the life insurance service contexts have received little in-depth attention. This study aims to examine the impact of switching barriers as a potential moderator on the complex interrelationships among the antecedents and consequences of customer satisfaction in the life insurance service context. The main findings of this study show that the switching barriers do have a moderating effect and play a crucial role in winning customer loyalty.
Procyclicality of financial systems: is there a need to modify current accounting and regulatory rules?

Financial systems have an intrinsic tendency to exacerbate business cycle fluctuations rather than smoothing them out. The current crisis is a perfect illustration of this. Some commentators have argued that the recent reforms to international bank regulation (Basel II) and accounting rules (IAS 39) are likely to increase this intrinsic procyclicality in the future. This article examines whether this accusation is founded and what policy decisions could be envisaged to alleviate this undesirable feature of financial systems.
Identifying infection in chronic wounds.

Repeated wound infections can lead to depression and anxiety for the patient due to increased systemic symptoms and an obvious visible deterioration of the wound8. They are expensive5 and cannot heal, increasing treatment costs and the demand on nursing resources7. Therefore, efficient diagnosis and treatment of wound infection is essential. However, this can prove to be challenging and as there is no expert consensus on the best assessment methods, it is entirely dependent upon the skill of the individual clinician9.
EMPLOYMENT, GENDER, EDUCATION AND OTHER RELEVANT VARIABLES: THE FINANCIAL CRISIS IMPACT IN SPAIN

The present paper aims to ascertain whether gender differences continue to exist in Spain's working population. It sets out to obtain empirical evidence of the employment profile according to gender, quantify the extent to which self-employment or salaried employment is associated with certain characteristics (age, education, marital status and economic sector) and to analyse the evolution undergone during the recent economic crisis (2005-2009). In the study multivariate analysis statistical techniques will be applied to micro-data from the Working Population Survey compiled by Spain's National Statistics Office (INE). Results shows that significant gender differences in employment status are seen when this is disaggregated and that the economic crisis has had a negative impact especially in certain groups.
Phylogenetic Diversity of Nitrogen Fixation Genes in the Symbiotic Microbial Community in the Gut of Diverse Termites

ABSTRACT Nitrogen fixation by the microorganisms in the gut of termites is one of the crucial aspects of symbiosis, since termites usually thrive on a nitrogen-poor diet. The phylogenetic diversity of the nitrogen-fixing organisms within the symbiotic community in the guts of various termite species was investigated without culturing the resident microorganisms. A portion of the dinitrogenase reductase gene (nifH) was directly amplified from DNA extracted from the mixed population in the termite gut. Analysis of deduced amino acid sequences of the products of the clonally isolated nifHgenes revealed the presence of diverse nifH sequences in most of the individual termite species, and their constituents were considerably different among termite species. A majority of thenifH sequences from six lower termites, which showed significant levels of nitrogen fixation activity, could be assigned to either the anaerobic nif group (consisting of clostridia and sulfur reducers) or the alternative nif methanogen group among the nifH phylogenetic groups. In the case of three higher termites, which showed only low levels of nitrogen fixation activity, a large number of the sequences were assigned to the most divergent nif group, probably functioning in some process other than nitrogen fixation and being derived from methanogenic archaea. The nifH groups detected were similar within each termite family but different among the termite families, suggesting an evolutionary trend reflecting the diazotrophic habitats in the symbiotic community. Within these phylogenetic groups, the sequences from the termites formed lineages distinct from those previously recognized in studies using classical microbiological techniques, and several sequence clusters unique to termites were found. The results indicate the presence of diverse potentially nitrogen-fixing microbial assemblages in the guts of termites, and the majority of them are as yet uncharacterized.
A randomized controlled trial of an HIV sexual risk-reduction intervention for young African-American women.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of a community-based social skills human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention intervention to enhance consistent condom use. DESIGN A randomized, single-blind controlled trial. SETTING Bayview-Hunter's Point neighborhood of San Francisco, Calif, a predominantly African-American community that is economically disadvantaged. PARTICIPANTS A sample of 128 sexually active, heterosexual, African-American women 18 through 29 years of age was recruited using street outreach techniques. Participants completed a structured baseline interview; 100 women (78.1%) completed 3-month follow-up interviews. INTERVENTION Women randomized to the social skills intervention completed five sessions that emphasized ethnic and gender pride, HIV risk-reduction information, sexual self-control, sexual assertiveness and communication skills, proper condom use skills, and developing partner norms supportive of consistent condom use. Women randomized to the HIV education condition participated in a single session that provided HIV risk-reduction information. Women randomized to the delayed HIV education control condition received no HIV risk-reduction information until all follow-up interviews were completed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Consistent condom use, HIV risk-reduction knowledge, sexual self-control, sexual assertiveness, sexual communication, and partner norms supportive of consistent condom use. RESULTS Compared with the delayed HIV education control condition, women in the social skills intervention demonstrated increased consistent condom use (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03 to 4.15; P = .04), greater sexual self-control (adjusted OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.00 to 3.60; P = .05), greater sexual communication (adjusted OR, 4.1; 95% CI, 1.67 to 10.01; P = .002), greater sexual assertiveness (adjusted OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.01 to 3.27; P = .05), and increased partners' adoption of norms supporting consistent condom use (adjusted OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.08 to 3.87; P = .03). No statistically significant differences in outcome variables were observed between the HIV education condition relative to the delayed HIV education control condition. CONCLUSION Community-based HIV risk-reduction programs that are gender relevant and culturally sensitive and provide social skills training can effectively enhance consistent condom use.
A Conceptual Framework of the Determinants of Export Performance

Abstract This paper examines existing knowledge in export marketing, dealing in particular with the relationship between internal and external factors, marketing strategy and export performance. The purpose of the paper is: (1) to expand on the nature of the links among these factors and (2) to shift contingencies on the marketing-performance relationship. Based on a combination of recent grounded findings in the field (Lages, 1999) and literature concerning the traditional approach to export performance's determinants (Zou and Stan, 1998), a non-traditional perspective is presented. A conceptual framework is developed whereby the preceding year's export performance, internal factors and external factors are shown as influencing the current year's export performance through the degree of marketing program adaptation. Managerial implications and directions for further research are discussed.
Real‐time line tracking based on web robot vision

This study presents a real‐time line tracking application based on web robot vision. The application is implemented with the help of Web‐SUN robot platform specially designed for research and development. Real‐time images were processed with the support libraries. The processes such as monitoring, tele‐control, parameter adjustment, and remote‐reprogramming were implemented on the designed platform through standard Internet browser without any additional software. A projection‐based line tracking algorithm and conventional PID control algorithm are used in study. Line tracking experiments are performed on a test track drawn by red tape on floor which includes curves and corners in laboratory environment. In this study, our real‐time line tracking experiments was completed smoothly in 10 tours on the test track with a maximum deviation of 12 cm. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 19: 806–813, 2011
Coalition Governments and Fiscal Policy in the Netherlands

Reininga analyses the features of the fiscal policy regime adopted in the Netherlands since the mid-90s and places them in the historical perspective of Dutch fiscal policy after 1945. He points out that at an earlier stage it was the urgency of consolidating public finances that reduced disagreement among political parties in the Netherlands over priorities in public finance. This enabled Governments in the 80s to embark on tighter fiscal policies than their predecessors, aiming at a considerable reduction in the budget deficit. Concerning more recent developments, Reininga suggests that the increased significance of coalition agreements as a commitment device for participating political parties may have facilitated the formation of coalition governments with programmes targeted at deficit reduction. Consequently, when public finances appeared to be under control again, the Dutch government was able to introduce a trend-based budgetary policy, featuring medium-term ceilings for government expenditures, a transparent and orderly budgetary process, automatic stabilisation with regard to the business cycle and - to some extent - tax smoothing on the revenue side.
Quantifying the Black Economy: ‘measurement Without Theory’ Yet Again?

I shall argue that 'measurement without theory' is a fair description of the published empirical work aimed at guestimating the size of the 'hidden' or 'black economy'. ' I shall also argue that a mere guestimate of the overall size of the black economy is of limited value for the policy maker; it is also important to know who is doing what, where, how and why. Then we can see what should and/or can be done about legislating for or against the black economy. In assessing the various attempts to measure the size of the black economy, one should also be aware of a political dimension to some of this work. Perhaps a large and growing black economy is an indication that the economy is overtaxed and over-regulated and a neo-liberal adjustment is needed to free it up? If a large part of the black economy is social security fraud, then maybe unemployment is not really as bad as it looks? Clearly such political conclusions depended on having good theoretical as well as sound quantitative foundations and both these components were generally missing.
Projecting the World Economy to 2050: Agriculture in the Economy-wide GTAP Model

Recent analyses of the possible adverse effects of climate change and policy responses on agriculture and mining have raised food and energy security concerns in both rich and poorer countries. Analysing possible effects of ways of dealing with those concerns requires first projecting the world economy forward to 2050 and beyond. This paper provides as background a set of projections to 2050, drawing on the global economy-wide model known as GTAP. The projection is calibrated to ensure the real prices of primary products remain broadly unchanged from their levels in the model's base year of 2004. Alternative scenarios could have been calibrated to show (a) rising real prices for both food and energy raw materials (consistent with forecasts of several international agencies), by assuming some slowdown in productivity growth in primary sectors, or (b) declining real prices for agricultural and mining products (consistent with the experience of most of the 20th century), by assuming somewhat faster productivity growth in primary sectors. The set of projections shown for 2030 and 2050 is thus an intermediate set. The key impacts on international prices, agricultural self-sufficiency, sectoral shares of national economies and national shares of the global economy are highlighted. The paper concludes with implications for R&D spending and research policy.