Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
AB0521 Short Term Effect of Belimumab on Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Background Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are bone marrow-derived cells able to differentiate into mature endothelial cells; impairment of number and function of these cells is associated with increased subclinical atherosclerosis. Cardiovascular risk is highly increased in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Several studies demonstrated that EPCs are reduced and impaired in SLE patients, partially accounting for the endothelial dysfunction characterizing these patients. In murine models, the inhibition of B Lymphocyte Stimulator (BLyS) was associated to a reduction of atherosclerotic plaque. In vivo effect of Belimumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting BLyS, on atherosclerotic process has not been yet addressed. Objectives Aim of the study was to assess the short-term effect of Belimumab treatment on EPC number in SLE patients. Methods We enrolled consecutive patients with SLE diagnosed according to 1997 ACR criteria due to start Belimumab for unresponsiveness to standard therapy. Patients with known cardiovascular disease were excluded. As control, we studied age and sex-matched healthy subjects. SLE disease activity was evaluated by SLEDAI 2K at baseline and after 4 and 12 weeks of Belimumab treatment. Blood samples were collected at the same time-point in heparinized vials. Blood samples from healthy subjects were collected on the same day of baseline patients' visit. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were incubated with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled anti-CD34 monoclonal antibodies and phycoerythrin-labeled anti VEGF-R2/KDR; acquisition was performed by flow cytometry. EPCs were defined as CD34/KDR double-positive cells. Kolmogorov-Smirnov showed the normal distribution of EPCs; data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. To test the hypothesis that Belimumab may increase EPCs number we used one-tailed T-test. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results We enrolled 7 female patients (age 45.6±11.2 yrs, disease duration 17.8±10.8 yrs) with active disease (mean baseline SLEDAI 8.4±2.6). After 4 and 12 weeks we observed a trend in disease activity reduction (p=ns). Baseline EPC mean number was significantly lower in SLE patients compared to healthy subjects (0.072 ± 0.004 vs 0,025 + 0.02, p=0.01). At week 4, the mean number of EPC increased to 0.019 ± 0.02 (p=0.025 vs baseline; p=n.s. vs NHS); at week 12 we did not observe any difference compared to baseline nor week 4. We did not find a correlation between SLEDAI and EPCs number at any time-point. Conclusions The results of our pilot study demonstrate, for the first time, the short-term effect of Belimumab on EPC number in SLE patients. Several studies in mouse models established a role for B cells in atherosclerosis. Anti-BLyS could act by selectively depleting B2 cells, a sub-population of B lymphocytes with pro-atherogenic properties or, indirectly, by modulating other pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as Th17 cells, involved in the atherosclerotic process. Disclosure of Interest None declared
Performance measures: Traditional versus new models

This thesis analyzes the performance of 5,987 mutual funds using a database "Steele Mutual Fund Experts" and compares the predicting ability of various measures of performance. The measures discussed in the thesis are Treynor Ratio, Sharpe Ratio, Jensen's Alpha, Graham-Harvey-1 (GH-1) and Graham-Harvey-2 (GH-2). The performance■measures are mostly used by professional money managers and scholars'for literary purposes. This thesis establishes that Treynor's Ratio and Jensen's Alpha lead to more optimistic result's than Sharpe, GH-1 and GH-2. For positive beta, Treynor's Ratio and Jensen's Alpha yield the same result for all categories of mutual funds but these findings are challenged when funds have the negative Beta. Finally, contrary to claim that GH-1 and GH-2 are different from all traditional performance measurements such as Sharpe, GH-1 & GH-2 do not exhibit superior or different results than Sharpe. • i i l orm utual
aprn legislative change in pennsylvania dnp project proposal

Current nursing legislation in Pennsylvania places unnecessary barriers on Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), thus impacting residents in the state by limiting overall access to health care, and placing financial barriers on healthcare services. To address this serious legislative issue, the aim of this project was to examine current legislation, assess current evidenced-based APRN literature and produce talking points specifically for a group of ARPNs referred to as Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs). A literature review table was developed to address evidence about the practice of APRNs and CNSs. The Knowledge to Action framework in conjunction with the Conceptual Model for Nursing and Health Policy were used to direct the proposed CNS legislative change process. A legislative needs assessment in the form of an online survey was developed and sent to all 253 Pennsylvania legislators to assist in forming the talking points to support CNS legislative change in Pennsylvania. The surveys from 8 respondents were analyzed and responses were tabulated using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. The responses from the legislators were used to revise talking points to be more specific about the issues legislators indicated were important to them in the survey. Talking points were then distributed via e-mail, traditional mail and posted on the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association’s website. Section 1: CNS Legislative Change in Pennsylvania
KIDS Thematic Indices: Enabling Investors to Invest in Firms That Cater to Children

Thematic exchange-traded funds have been growing in popularity. In this article, three children-oriented indices are constructed based on equal-weight (KIDSEW), price-weight (KIDSPW), and value-weight (KIDSVW) techniques, respectively. All three indices comprise thirty-nine companies that cater to children in some way. The performance of these three KIDS indices is compared with that of the S&P 500 Index from January 1, 2006, to January 1, 2019. Results in this article indicate that the KIDS indices consistently outperformed the traditional S&P 500 market index in both absolute and risk-adjusted terms. These indices can be used in advancing financial literacy in high schools and among parents, as they are easily understood because of their familiarity with composition and construction methods. TOPICS: Exchange-traded funds and applications, security analysis and valuation, performance measurement Key Findings • Children are a neglected or underrepresented segment of the thematic investment universe. • A thematic index wrapped in an ETF can produce above-market risk-adjusted returns. • Three KIDS indices described in this paper can bring more investors to firms that cater to children and enable financial literacy campaigns to educate children about the investment industry.
Effect of agricultural teaching approaches on skills development for food security: a case of secondary schools in Embu County, Kenya

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the effect of the agricultural teaching approaches employed in secondary schools on skills development for food security in Kenya. Design/Methodology/Approach: Descriptive survey design was employed targeting 46,340 students and 235 agriculture teachers. The actual sample size constituted 490 students in 20 focus discussion groups and 111 agriculture teachers. Data was collected using an Agriculture Teachers’ Interview Schedule and a Students’ Focus Group Discussion Guide. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using inferential statistics and content analysis respectively. Findings: The agricultural teaching approaches employed in secondary schools positively contributed to skills development leading to increased food security. However, the low integration of practical agriculture with hands on experiences derailed adequate skills development and their application for food security. Practical implication: The findings of the study may be used as inputs for the Kenyan education policymakers to develop a guideline on incorporation of agriculture practical sessions on school timetables, school community-based agriculture projects and holiday-based field attachments for students for better skills development as targeted by the Competence Based Curriculum (CBC). Theoretical Implications: This paper makes a contribution to the growing body of knowledge by highlighting learning opportunities that can create more hands-on skills driven towards food security in any country. Originality/value: In current studies on secondary school agriculture in developing countries, a framework which incorporates school community-based projects and field attachments is hardly found. When incorporated into the theory, the approaches can be avenues for enhancing food security from the secondary school level.
Makro Ekonomik Açıdan Vergi Gelirlerinin Belirleyicileri: OECD Ülkeleri Üzerine Bir Uygulama

Bu calismada, secilmis 16 OECD ulkesinde vergi gelirlerinin belirleyicilerinin incelenmesi amaclanmistir. Bu amacla 1991-2015 donemi verileri kullanilarak panel veri analizi gerceklestirilmistir. Analiz kapsaminda, yatay kesit bagimliligi ve duraganlik incelendikten sonra Durbin-Hausman esbutunlesme testi kullanilarak seriler arasindaki uzun donemli iliskiler belirlenmistir. Panel AMG yontemiyle yapilan katsayi tahmin sonuclarina gore, makroekonomik belirleyicilerin vergi gelirleri uzerindeki etkisinin ulkeden ulkeye farklilik gosterdigi gorulmustur. Ele alinan ulkelerin cogunlugunda vergi gelirleri uzerinde issizlik ve ekonomik buyumenin herhangi bir etkiye sahip olmadigi tespit edilmistir. Ayrica cogu ulkede vergi gelirleri uzerinde enflasyonun negatif, ekonomik kuresellesmenin ise pozitif etkilerinin oldugu belirlenmistir.
American structural power within International Financial Governance: from Bretton Woods to globalization

From the 1950s to the 1990s, the international monetary and financial system underwent deep changes with profound consequences, including the breakdown of Bretton Woods and the emergence of the globalized financial system. This paper aims to understand how American domestic political and economic challenges and responses in the 1970s reframed the superpowers’ foreign policy goals with respect to global financial governance. Drawing on the international political economy theory of structural power, this article analyzes U.S. domestic and foreign economic policy and examines international governance outcomes from a historical perspective. It argues that U.S. replies to domestic and international political and economic constraints prompted significant structural changes to the international monetary and financial system. The paper concludes that it is American domestic decision-making that determines the structure of the international financial system due to American structural power to underwrite and rewrite the norms and rules of the international financial governance. Recebido em: fevereiro/2018 Aprovado em: abril/2018
The Welcome Intrusions of TB Nurses. An Interpretive Phenomenological Study of Relational Work in Public Health Nursing

The Welcome Intrusions of TB Nurses. An Interpretive Phenomenological Study of Relational Work in Public Health Nursing. Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science, 2009 Amy Bender, Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto Nurse-client relationships are inherently valued in descriptions of the nature of public health practice and require consideration as intentional work that demands knowledge, skill, and personal engagement. They are also matters of place. In public health, they are largely taken-forgranted, particularly in the area of infectious diseases and the tuberculosis (TB) program specifically. TB nursing is structured within an explicit population focus, which challenges such relationship ideals as client-centered care, autonomy, and empowerment in everyday practice. This interpretive phenomenological study (Benner, 1994) of the relational work of TB nurses was undertaken to understand the nature of nurses’ relational work, wherever it happened, and how it was understood within the mix of assigned program tasks. Carried out in one of Canada’s largest TB programs, this study involved observing nine nurses and 24 clients in their respective visits over time, and interviewing 16 participants. Visits happened in homes and cars, and other assorted locations, highlighting how place shows up in these relationships and how nurses help clients to make sense of TB and broader life concerns shaping the experience of it. How they involve themselves interpersonally in these situations is the stuff that relational work is made of. Through the use of thematic analysis (Benner, 1994; Chesla, 1994), notes and transcripts were analyzed. The resulting interpretation of the nature of relational work is that of ‘welcome intrusions’, a notion that along with three key thematic dimensions: ‘getting through the door’, ‘doing TB but more than that’, and ‘beyond a professional’, addresses the central control-care
Changing attitudes to vocational education

This paper argues for a fundamental change to the way in which vocational education is viewed. Changing attitudes is the next key step in transforming the education system into the inclusive and productive one that is needed to prosper in the global market place. Recent reforms to strengthen vocational education are welcome. But attitudes have not kept up with the pace of change, and it remains the poor relation of academic attainment. At the same time 16 per cent of 16 to 24-year-olds are unemployed and there is consensus that appropriate training needs to be provided to improve and complete the skills of the UK's workforce.
Misallocation or Misspecification? The Effect of “Average” Distortions on TFP Gains Estimations

In recent years a vast literature has been devoted to estimate the degree of misallocation in different countries, sectors and time periods using Hsieh & Klenow (2009) -henceforth HK- framework. Even if we take the HK model at face value, such estimations still depend (heavily) on the assumed production technologies and elasticity of substitution. How much of the estimated TFP gain from eliminating distortions is due to actual TFPR dispersion among firms and how much is related to the specific parameterization of the model? We propose a decomposition of the inferred distortions that allows us to isolate the effect of “average” distortions (which depend on the parameterization and are defined at the industry level) from that of “dispersion” distortions (which are unaffected by the parameters and operate at the firm level). Using a newly available administrative dataset with the universe of Chilean firms between 1999 and 2015, we show that TFP gains from eliminating misallocations using the standard HK parameterization are 58% in the manufacturing sector (68% for the entire economy), but are reduced to 28% (44%) once the “mean” components of the distortions are removed. We find that the fraction of TFP gains explained by ”average” distortions increased significantly in Chile between 2000 and 2013, which is mainly explained by a sustained increase in average markups. We verify the robustness of our results using different datasets from Chile and Colombia.
European Party Politics in Times of Crisis

The chapter studies the transformations of party competition in Austria, France, the Netherlands, and Switzerland since the onset of the Great Recession. In particular, we study the fate of the Radical Populist Right (RPR) in these four countries that are typical examples of party systems with a strong radical right. The economic crisis calls into question the electoral strategy that RPR parties adopt when campaigning in times of crises. We hypothesize that the Great Recession reinforces the RPR strategic move of combining anti-immigration stances with welfare chauvinism (“the new winning formula”), rather than economic liberalism (“the winning formula”), taking into account the economic fears of their electorate. Studying the political dynamics unleashed by the crisis with original media data, the chapter shows that in France and the Netherlands, the government parties’ widespread support for austerity measures coincided with the RPR moving from anti-immigration and pro-economic liberalism stances, to nativist welfare state protectionism. However, in Switzerland, we observe that the RPR remain strictly attached to the winning formula. Austria offers an interesting case, where the RPR embraced shortly (in one election) the welfare chauvinism position, but subsequently returned to its original position of anti-immigration and economic liberalism.
From initial education to working life: making transition work

This chapter presents a summary of results from a comparative policy review entitled 'Thematic review of the transition from initial education to working life', conducted between 1996 and 1998 under the auspices of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 14 OECD countries: Australia; Austria; Canada; the Czech Republic; Denmark; Finland; Hungary; Japan; Norway; Portugal; Sweden; Switzerland; the United Kingdom; and the United States. The review focused on two broad questions: (i) how has young people's transition to working life been changing during the 1990s? (ii) what sorts of policies and programs are effective in delivering successful transitional outcomes for young people? The results of the review are analysed by looking at changes in young people's transition to work during the 1990s, and there are indications that the transitions are taking longer. It is noted that patterns of participation in the pathways that young people take between compulsory education and work were changing in many countries during the 1990s, with a common trend for participation in upper-secondary vocational education pathways to fall, particularly those not linked to tertiary study. Key features of effective transition systems are given: a healthy economy; well-organised pathways that connect initial education with work and further study; effective combinations of education and workplace experience; tightly-knit safety nets for those at risk; good information and guidance; and effective institutions and processes. It is suggested that while these key ingredients of effective transition systems can work in different ways and in different circumstances to achieve success, it is the fact that supportive and effective arrangements are in place, rather than the specific nature of such arrangements, which appears to make the difference between more and less successful transition systems.
Prospects of Quantity Surveyors in a dynamic world of climate change, digitalization and economic recession

Environmental, social and economic challenges cause serious changes that can affect the sustainability of businesses. Climate change, digitalization and economic recession have become topical in recent times. These issues are shaping the way businesses operate. Empirical and anecdotal evidences show that businesses can become worse off, if they do not embrace change. This paper is a desk research which focuses on the prospects of Quantity Surveying businesses in an era of climate change, digitalization and economic recession. It concludes that Quantity Surveyors can thrive in the face of climate change, digitalization and economic recession if they adopt sustainable construction, leverage on Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) and practice Value Management.
Adjusting classical portfolio theories with behavioral practices

This paper represents a study of the concepts and practices defined by the up-and-coming research field, namely Behavioral Finance. In addition to presenting these concepts and practices, the work incorporates behavioral issues in an attempt to build a portfolio model that is based and tailored to a particular investor profile. The paper also presents a brief description of an analysis of the investment funds on the Romanian market, and the emphasis is on the observation of the correlation between the fund allocations strategies in relation to the yields obtained. Therefore, this paper wishes to study the methods and concepts by which Behavioral Finance helps an investor make better decisions. This new direction of research helps discover those aspects that lead to irrational decisions, and by knowing them, corrective measures can be taken upon irrationality. To capture investor behavior correlated with the yields obtained, a sample of mutual funds have been analyzed for the period of Dec 2007 – Apr 2017. This part of analysis reveals the importance of risk perception, and how different perspectives upon risks, drive completely different conclusions. With this observation in mind, we then simulate a portfolio that is tailored to a specific investor profile and his goals, applying along the way portfolio optimization techniques and adjusting it with behavioral finance practices. The end result is a simulated portfolio strategy allocation that can be used as a basis for investment decision.
Long term application of pig manure on the chemical and physical properties of Brazilian Cerrado soil

Abstract Intensive pig farming is an important economic activity and generates a large amount of liquid pig manure as a by-product, which is considered a promising resource for the fertilization of tropical soils, characterized as low natural fertility. In an agricultural area under no tillage soybean-corn cropping system, located in southwest of Brazil, an experiment was carried out with different forms of fertilization; that is, organic fertilization with pig manure (17 years) at different rates of application and with mineral fertilization. Regarding the pig manure application rate, with yearly carbon load of 50 m3 ha−1 tended to promote the mineralization of organic matter, with formation of humic substances and to improve the size of aggregates. The use of LPM promoted little soil carbon addition varying of 0.05-3.41 kg ha−1 with 17 years of LPM application and the continuous application of pig tended to be advantageous for the tropical soil, providing a positive carbon balance, which favored the soil and the environment through the rational waste disposal.
Transitions in Primary Education (Finland)

When commencing primary education (grades 1–6, ISCED 1) after one year of pre-primary education (ISCED 0), children start the compulsory and comprehensive basic education (grades 1–9). Basic education is basically uniform and non-tracking. Nevertheless, since pre-primary education is commonly organized by day-care centers and schools, transition to primary education often means transition from one institution to another. Furthermore, most students change schools when leaving the 6th grade (primary education) and beginning the 7th grade (lower secondary education). These changes entail vertical transition from one institution to another and horizontal transition from one set of social practices or community to another. Research has put considerable emphasis on recognizing these two-dimensional transitions and enhancing the empowerment, learning agency and active collaboration of the pupils (Pietarinen, Pyhältö & Soini 2010). In particular, the transitions from pre-education to primary education must be supported by co-operation between different institutions, as addressed in the National Core Curriculum for Basic Education (EDUFI 2016).