Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Environmental and economic assessment methods for waste management decision-support: possibilities and limitations

A large number of methods and approaches that can be used for supporting waste management decisions at different levels in society have been developed. In this paper an overview of methods is provided and preliminary guidelines for the choice of methods are presented. The methods introduced include: Environmental Impact Assessment, Strategic Environmental Assessment, Life Cycle Assessment, Cost—Benefit Analysis, Cost-effectiveness Analysis, Life-cycle Costing, Risk Assessment, Material Flow Accounting, Substance Flow Analysis, Energy Analysis, Exergy Analysis, Entropy Analysis, Environmental Management Systems, and Environmental Auditing, The characteristics used are the types of impacts included, the objects under study and whether the method is procedural or analytical The different methods can be described as systems analysis methods. Waste management systems thinking is receiving increasing attention. This is, for example, evidenced by the suggested thematic strategy on waste by the European Commission where life-cycle analysis and life-cycle thinking get prominent positions. Indeed, life-cycle analyses have been shown to provide policy-relevant and consistent results. However, it is also clear that the studies will always be open to criticism since they are simplifications of reality and include uncertainties. This is something all systems analysis methods have in common. Assumptions can be challenged and it may be difficult to generalize from case studies to policies. This suggests that if decisions are going to be made, they are likely to be made on a less than perfect basis.
Molecular characterisation of the hepatitis A virus circulating in the 2001–2005 outbreaks in Thailand

Abstract In a recent study of hepatitis A virus (HAV) in Thailand, viral isolates recovered during several outbreaks of infection that occurred between 2001 and 2005 were genotyped and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Anti-HAV IgM was detected, by ELISA, in many of the 283 serum samples that were collected from the provinces of Suphanburi, Songkhla, Chiangrai and Lampang: 40 (48.2% of those investigated), 38 (47.5%), 25 (41.0%) and 32 (54.2%), respectively. The HAV RNA in the positive samples was reverse transcribed and amplified, using a nested PCR focussed on the VP1–2A region, before the nucleotides of the VP1–2A region of each HAV-RNA-positive sample were sequenced. All the isolates investigated clustered in subgenotype IA and, hence, are closely related to the strains previously investigated in Thailand. When the genome of one sample from an outbreak in Lampang (LP014) was fully sequenced, the results of genome comparison and phylogenetic analysis again indicated subgenotype 1A, which appears to be the predominant form of HAV circulating throughout Thailand.
Development of an interoperable tool to facilitate spatial data integration in the context of SDI

The integration of multisource heterogeneous spatial data is one of the major challenges for many spatial data users. To facilitate multisource spatial data integration, many initiatives including federated databases, feature manipulation engines (FMEs), ontology-driven data integration and spatial mediators have been proposed. The major aim of these initiatives is to harmonize data sets and establish interoperability between different data sources. On the contrary, spatial data integration and interoperability is not a pure technical exercise, and there are other nontechnical issues including institutional, policy, legal and social issues involved. Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) framework aims to better address the technical and nontechnical issues and facilitate data integration. The SDIs aim to provide a holistic platform for users to interact with spatial data through technical and nontechnical tools. This article aims to discuss the complexity of the challenges associated with data integration and propose a tool that facilitates data harmonization through the assessment of multisource spatial data sets against many measures. The measures represent harmonization criteria and are defined based on the requirement of the respective jurisdiction. Information on technical and nontechnical characteristics of spatial data sets is extracted to form metadata and actual data. Then the tool evaluates the characteristics against measures and identifies the items of inconsistency. The tool also proposes available manipulation tools or guidelines to overcome inconsistencies among data sets. The tool can assist practitioners and organizations to avoid the time-consuming and costly process of validating data sets for effective data integration.
The influence of local anatomy on the outcome of treatment of gingival recession associated with non-carious cervical lesions.

BACKGROUND The present study evaluates the influence of local anatomy on the reduction in relative gingival recession (Delta RGR) and gain of clinical attachment level (Delta CAL) achieved by coronally advanced flap alone (CAF), CAF plus restoration (CAF + R), subepithelial connective tissue graft alone (CTG), and CTG plus restoration (CTG + R), to treat Miller Class I gingival recessions associated with non-carious cervical lesions. METHODS A total of 78 defects in maxillary canines or premolars were included, and received one of the following treatments: CAF, CAF + R, CTG, or CTG + R. Delta RGR and Delta CAL after 6 months were associated with cervical lesion height (CLH), cervical lesion width, cervical lesion depth (CLD), keratinized tissue width, keratinized tissue thickness, papillae width, papillae height, bone level (BL), and post-surgical position of the gingival margin using stepwise multivariate linear regression. RESULTS CLH was statistically associated with Delta RGR when CAF (P = 0.02) and CTG + R (P = 0.0002) were analyzed and statistically associated with Delta RGR when overall data (P = 0.005) from both CTG groups were analyzed. CLD was significantly associated with Delta RGR in the CAF group (P = 0.0045). BL was statistically associated with Delta RGR when evaluating the CTG group (P = 0.02). It was also significantly associated with Delta CAL when considering the CTG (P = 0.01) and the overall data (P = 0.04) from CAF (CAF and CAF + R). CONCLUSIONS It can be concluded that CLD may influence Delta RGR when CAF is performed to treat combined defects. Additionally, BL may not negatively influence Delta RGR when the CTG technique is used.
The Key Role of the Milk Quota in the Reform of the Swiss Agricultural Policy

The main feature of the Swiss reform is to decoupled direct payments from agricultural production. These payments are given with respect to the degree of ecological farming and not as a function of the quantity produced. We study the impact of these measures within the framework of a single-country, 22-sector computable general equilibrium model, where farm policy instruments are explicitly represented and environmental farming modelled as a public good. For the parameters of our model, the reform decreases the welfare of the farmers. This result comes from the non-compensated diminution of the raw milk quota rent generated by the reduction of price support.
Big data provenance and analytics in telecom contact centers

Cloud computing and big data are the two important technology innovations which have the potential to restructure the value chain of telecom service providers. Apart from total cost saving, there are many operational and business objectives while adopting cloud computing technology into the telecom domain. Telecom service providers typically have terabytes of operational data available. When effectively analyzed, this information can help them to maintain consistent and appropriate service delivery across the seasonal peaks and valleys. Big data analytics offer telecom operators a real opportunity to gain a broad image of their day to day operations, customers, and more over organizations and innovative efforts to be taken. In this research paper we identify and list the key factors affecting the operational performance of a telecom contact center and the potential role of big data analytics and provenance in overcoming the performance bottlenecks. We present a case study evaluating how telecom companies can employ big data analytics in inbound and outbound contact centers for enhancement of operational performance. Results indicate that, despite of many challenges including lack of well-defined big data processing strategies, potential security threats and the need for workforce re-skilling, the use of opportunities of Big Data analytics in telecom domain is unprecedented.
Roles of endothelin receptors in the regional and systemic vascular responses to ET‐1 in the anaesthetized ganglion‐blocked rat: use of selective antagonists

1 Endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) produces vasoconstriction, via activation of ETA and ETB receptors on vascular smooth muscle, and vasodilatation via ETB receptors on endothelial cells. Here we have used the ETA receptor‐selective antagonist, BQ‐123, the ETB receptor‐selective antagonist, BQ‐788 and the ETA/ETB receptor non‐selective antagonist, PD 145065, to study the role of these receptors in mediating the haemodynamic changes induced by an infusion of ET‐1 to the anaesthetized ganglion‐blocked rat. 2 Infusion of ET‐1 (10 pmol kg−1 min−1) increased the mean arterial pressure (MAP) by 57.5 ± 5.1 mmHg over 70 min. This pressor response was reduced by about 50% by coinfusion of BQ‐123 (10 nmol kg−1 min−1), but was unaffected by either BQ‐788 (10 nmol kg−1 min−1) or PD 145065 (10 nmol kg−1 min−1). 3 After infusion of ET‐1 for 70 min the cardiac output had fallen from 102.6±11.3 to 55.7 ± 7.6 ml min−1 and the total peripheral resistance had increased from 3.24 ± 0.6 to 10.0±0.8 mmHg ml−1 min−1 (per 100g body weight). BQ‐123 decreased the magnitudes of these changes whereas BQ‐788 potentiated them. PD 145065 was without effect. 4 ET‐1 increased the vascular resistances of all the organs studied except the brain and stomach. These changes were attenuated by BQ‐123 in the kidneys, skin, adrenal glands and caecum and potentiated by BQ‐788 in the kidneys, small intestine, large intestine and mesentery. PD 145065 had little effect on the individual tissues. 5 Thus, BQ‐123, a selective ETA receptor antagonist, inhibits the pressor and vascular constrictor effects of ET‐1 more actively than PD 145065. As BQ‐788 potentiates some of the vasoconstrictor effects of ET‐1 and increases the effects of ET‐1 on total peripheral resistance, the predominant role of ETB receptors in the rat circulation is to limit the pressor effects of ET‐1.
The consequences of U.S. technology changes for productivity in advanced economies

Since at least the mid-2000's, many advanced economies have experienced low productivity growth. This development is often related to the declining productivity gains at the technology frontier, which is commonly assumed to be determined by the U.S. We challenge this explanation by studying the effects of changes in U.S. technology on the productivity level in other advanced economies. Overall, we find positive but small spillover effects of U.S. technology shocks. The elasticity of foreign labor productivity with respect to a one percent increase in the U.S. technology level is significantly lower than one for many countries. The recent U.S. productivity slowdown, therefore, had a limited effect on productivity developments in advanced economies. Furthermore, our results suggest that institutional factors are not able to explain cross-country differences in the size of the spillover effects. If any, regulation of the service sector seems to play a role.
Cerebrovascular Disease as a Complication of Cardiac Transplantation

Background and Objectives: To characterize the frequency, risk factors, clinical presentation and etiological subtypes of cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) following cardiac transplantation (CTX). Methods: In a retrospective review of our CTX database (period 1984–2002), we assessed demographic data, vascular risk factors, surgery and donor details. We classified ischemic stroke (IS) using the clinical criteria of the Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project and the etiological criteria of the TOAST study. Logistic regression analysis and survival curves were carried out. Results: CTX was performed in a total of 314 patients (age 46 ± 14 years, 78% male) and mean follow-up was 54 ± 57 months. Twenty-two patients (7%) presented CVD: hemorrhagic stroke in 12%, transient ischemic attack in 28% and IS in 60%. CVD were early postoperative (less than 2 weeks) in 20% of patients and late in 80%. The clinical presentation in patients with IS was total anterior circulation (23.1%), partial anterior (38.4%), lacunar (15.4%) and posterior circulation (23.1%), and the etiological classification was large artery atherosclerosis (15.4%), cardioembolism (14.4%), small vessel disease (15.4%), unusual causes (15.4%) and undetermined cause (38.4%). The only independent predictor of CVD was a prior CVD event with an odds ratio of 8.2 (95% CI, 2.2–30.2, p < 0.02). The estimated risk of CVD at 5 years was greater (p < 0.02) in patients with prior CVD (4.1%) than in those without (1.1%). Conclusions: CVD are a relatively frequent complication after CTX (7%) and usually occur in the late postoperative phase. CVD prior to transplantation increase the risk of CVD after this procedure.
Inter-firm Trust between Emerging Markets: Chinese Firms in Africa

The rapid global expansion of marketers from one emerging market to another such as countries in Africa, Latin America, Central Asia, and the Middle East is dramatically changing the landscape of international business relationships. A leading example is Chinese firms in African countries. The element of trust is highlighted in such emerging market relationships that involve large investments from multiple constituents with diverging and sometimes conflicting objectives. Our study provides a broader, more encompassing macromarketing framework by investigating inter-firm trust between two emerging markets from an institutional perspective. Our study develops the inter-firm trust concept in the context of Chinese businesses in Africa on the bases of extant literature, field interviews, and observations focused mainly on three African countries (Ghana, Kenya and South Africa). Drawing from trust theory and institutional theory, our study reveals three dimensions for the inter-firm trust concept and both trustor and trustee factors influence the perception of Chinese businesses in Africa. Macromarketing and practical implications for building and managing inter-firm trust at a multi-level between emerging markets are also discussed.
Empirical Analyze of Exogenous Economic Growth

In 1956, Robert Solow published a paper on economic growth and development titled “A Contribution to the Theory of Economic Growth. ” For this work and for his later contribution to our understanding of economic growth, Solow was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1987. This descriptive paper illustrated Solow model in a short overview. But this model has not yet been assumed various factors such as social capital, international trade, income distribution etc. which are theoretically considered important for the growth of economies. Even though there are some issues in the Solow model with regard to the way the properties of production factors and certain variables were used, it is a mathematically correct model up to date. Moreover, the final section of this Paper illustrates how the Solow model, or its simple extensions can be used to interpret economic growth overtime, highlighting the factors such as investment or capital accumulation. However, this model has the potential to go a long way if the main characteristics were considered thoroughly.
Multiple Functions of mfa-1, a Putative Pheromone Precursor Gene of Neurospora crassa

ABSTRACT A putative pheromone precursor gene of Neurospora crassa, mfa-1 (which encodes mating factor a-1), was identified as the most abundant clone in starved mycelial and perithecial cDNA libraries. Northern analysis demonstrated high mfa-1 expression in all mating type a tissues and suggested low expression levels in mat A tissues. The mfa-1 gene was expressed as an approximately 1.2-kb transcript predicted to encode a 24-residue peptide, followed by a long 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR). The predicted MFA1 sequence showed 100% sequence identity to PPG2 of Sordaria macrospora and structural similarity (a carboxy-terminal CAAX motif) to many hydrophobic fungal pheromone precursors. Mutants with a disrupted open reading frame (ORF) in which the critical cysteine residue had been changed to a nonprenylatable residue, tyrosine (YAAX mutants), were isolated, as were mfa-1 mutants with intact ORFs but multiple mutations in the 3′ noncoding region (CAAX mutants). The 3′ UTR is required for the full range of mfa-1 gene activity. Both classes of mutants showed delayed and reduced vegetative growth (which was suppressed by supplementation with a minute amount [30 μM] of ornithine, citrulline, or arginine), as well as aberrant sexual development. When crossed as female parents to wild-type males, the CAAX and YAAX mutants showed greatly reduced ascospore production. No ascospores were produced in homozygous mfa-1 crosses. As males, YAAX mat a mutants were unable to attract wild-type mat A trichogynes (female-specific hyphae) or to initiate sexual development, while CAAX mat a mutants were able to mate and produce sexual progeny despite their inability to attract mat A trichogynes. In the mat A background, both CAAX and YAAX mutants showed normal male fertility but defective vegetative growth and aberrant female sexual development. Thus, the mfa-1 gene appears to have multiple roles in N. crassa development: (i) it encodes a hydrophobic pheromone with a putative farnesylated and carboxymethylated C-terminal cysteine residue, required by mat a to attract trichogynes of mat A; (ii) it is involved in female sexual development and ascospore production in both mating types; and (iii) it functions in vegetative growth of both mating types.
The Housing Bubble in the Spanish Press: A Media Discourse Captured by the Logic of Elite to Elite Communication Processes?

The bursting of the housing bubble in Spain in 2008 triggered the recent Spanish economic and financial crisis. In this context, we analyze tensions between the technical and popular nature of the housing bubble phenomenon, along with its media coverage for different audiences. We consider the extent to which, media treatment of this issue differs between those newspapers, directed to the elites, and those appealing to the general population. The article argues that in Spain, especially before the bubble burst, press discourse generally was ‘captured’ by the logic of elite to elite communication, the dominant form of news in finance and economics. The results of this research contribute to our understanding of economic issues and policies, both from a journalistic and a political economy perspective.
Patient-specific and surgical characteristics in the development of pressure ulcers.

BACKGROUND Implementation of the ruling on the Inpatient Prospective Payment System by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid has challenged nurses to focus on the prevention of pressure ulcers. Despite years of research, pressure ulcers are still one of the most common complications experienced by patients in health care facilities. OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between patients' characteristics (age, sex, body mass index, history of diabetes, and Braden Scale score at admission) and care characteristics (total operating room time, multiple surgeries, and vasopressor use) and the development of pressure ulcers. METHODS In a cohort study, data from the electronic medical records of 3225 surgical patients admitted to a Midwest hospital, from November 2008 to August 2009 were analyzed statistically to determine predictors of pressure ulcers. RESULTS A total of 12% of patients (n = 383) had at least 1 pressure ulcer develop during their hospitalization. According to logistic regression analysis, scores on the Braden Scale at admission (P < .001), low body mass index (P < .001), number of vasopressors (P = .03), multiple surgeries during the admission (P < .001), total surgery time (P < .001), and risk for mortality (P < .001) were significant predictors of pressure ulcers. CONCLUSION Scores on the Braden Scale at admission can be used to identify patients at increased risk for pressure ulcers. For other high-risk factors, such as low body mass index and long operative procedures, appropriate clinical interventions to manage these conditions can help prevent pressure ulcers.
Ferric citrate spans mineral metabolism and anemia domains in ESRD: a review of efficacy and safety data

Ferric citrate (Zerenex™, Keryx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.), a phosphate binder drug candidate, recently completed a Phase III program confirming efficacy and demonstrating safety when used to treat hyperphosphatemia in patients with end-stage renal disease. Results of these trials demonstrate that ferric citrate effectively controls serum phosphorus and is well tolerated. Additionally, these studies demonstrate that ferric citrate improves iron parameters and reduces IV iron and erythropoietin stimulating agent utilization while maintaining hemoglobin levels. These unique features may further benefit the management of end-stage renal disease-related anemia.
Early response to psychotherapy and long-term change in worry symptoms in older adults with generalized anxiety disorder.

OBJECTIVES To determine the association of early and long-term reductions in worry symptoms after cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in older adults. DESIGN Substudy of larger randomized controlled trial. SETTING Family medicine clinic and large multispecialty health organization in Houston, TX, between March 2004 and August 2006. PARTICIPANTS Patients (N = 76) aged 60 years or older with a principal or coprincipal diagnosis of GAD, excluding those with significant cognitive impairment, bipolar disorder, psychosis, or active substance abuse. INTERVENTION CBT, up to 10 sessions for 12 weeks, or enhanced usual care (regular, brief telephone calls, and referrals to primary care provider as needed). MEASUREMENTS Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) administered by telephone at baseline, 1 month (mid treatment), 3 months (posttreatment), and at 3-month intervals through 15 months (1-year follow-up). The authors used binary logistic regression analysis to determine the association between early (1 month) response and treatment responder status (reduction of more than 8.5 points on the PSWQ) at 3 and 15 months. The authors also used hierarchical linear modeling to determine the relationship of early response to the trajectory of score change after posttreatment. RESULTS Reduction in PSWQ scores after the first month predicted treatment response at posttreatment and follow-up, controlling for treatment arm and baseline PSWQ score. The magnitude of early reduction also predicted the slope of score change from posttreatment through the 15-month assessment. CONCLUSION Early symptom reduction is associated with long-term outcomes after psychotherapy in older adults with GAD.