bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Domestic Debt, Private Sector Credit and Economic Growth in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Mbate Michael 
Published: January 2014

AbstractExercising fiscal prudence in periods of deteriorating fiscal balance requires sound policies which promote debt sustainability. This paper estimates a dynamic cross‐country model and investigates the impact of domestic debt on economic growth and private sector credit in a panel of 21 sub‐Saharan African (SSA) countries over the period 1985 to 2010. System‐GMM results reveal a non‐linear relationship between domestic debt and economic growth, characterized by a maximum turning point of 11.4 per cent of GDP. In addition, domestic debt is found to crowd out private sector credit by an elasticity of negative 0.3 per cent of GDP, deterring capital accumulation and private sector growth. These findings underscore the need for effective debt management strategies which incorporate debt ceiling to limit domestic indebtedness, as well as the design of financial policies which enhance credit availability, promote fiscal discipline and deepen domestic debt markets on the continent.
Real Interest Rate Parity and Two Structural Breaks: African Countries Evidence
Authors: Su Chi‐Wei , Chang Hsu‐Ling , Liu Yan 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis study applies Narayan and Popp's () unit‐root test with two endogenous breaks to assess the validity of long‐run real interest rate parity (RIRP) via investigating the non‐stationary properties of the real interest rate convergence relative to South Africa for ten African countries. This method has been proven to be more powerful than the other unit root models with two breaks (Narayan and Popp, ). Our findings clearly indicate that RIRP holds true for five countries, which implies that the choices and effectiveness of the monetary and fiscal policies in the African economies will be highly influenced by external factors originating from South Africa. Our results have important policy implications for these African countries under study.
Barriers to Family Planning in Sudan: Results from a Survey in White Nile, Kassala and Al‐Gadarif, 2008
Authors: Ahmed Huda Mohamed Mukhtar 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBarriers to family planning are examined in three states in Sudan; White Nile, Kassala and Al‐Gadarif. The study adopted a two‐stage cluster sampling design with calculated sample size of 520 households. Data on households' characteristics as well as the background characteristics of ever married women regarding reproductive health, their knowledge, attitude and practice of family planning, was collected. Both descriptive and analytical statistics were used to examine the factors influencing use of family planning methods. Analytical analysis showed that respondents being satisfied with family planning methods, being wealthy, husband's knowledge about contraceptives and spousal discussions on family planning issues have a positive and statistically significant effect on use of family planning methods, whereas the educational level of both the respondents and their husbands has no statistically significant effect.
Poverty–Lack of Access to Adequate Safe Water Nexus: Evidence from Rural Malawi
Authors: Mkondiwa Maxwell , Jumbe Charles B.L. , Wiyo Kenneth A. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis paper investigates the relationship between poverty and lack of access to adequate safe water in rural Malawi. Data used in the analysis was collected from a survey covering 1,651 randomly selected households. We use Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) as a distinct technique for understanding the poverty–rural water access nexus. CCA results indicate that poverty in the context of low income and expenditure is positively correlated with lack of access to safe and adequate water. Integrated Rural Water Resources Management (IRWM) interventions are therefore needed to address both challenges of poverty and poor access to adequate safe water in rural Malawi.
‘Angola‐mode’ Trade Deals and the Awakening of African Lion Economies
Authors: Habiyaremye Alexis 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAfter decades of continuous flows of mineral exports to rich Western countries and a failed development in Africa, the arrival of China on the African resource market with large infrastructure projects in exchange for access to resources has created completely new growth dynamics for oil‐rich African economies. The Chinese strategy of swapping infrastructure projects for mineral resources, known as an ‘Angola‐mode’ trade arrangement, has brought an army of Chinese infrastructure workers to Africa and contributed to the awakening of fast‐growing African ‘lion economies’. This article examines the role played by Sino‐African resource‐for‐infrastructure swap projects in Africa's new development dynamics. Using panel data of African countries over the period 2001–10, we find that by contributing to easing the infrastructural bottlenecks, Sino‐African trade has played a key role in the fast growth of oil‐rich African countries.
Social Transfer Programmes and School Enrolment in Malawi: A Micro‐simulation
Authors: Nanivazo Malokele 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis paper investigates the impact of social transfer programmes on school enrolment and child labour in Malawi utilizing a micro‐simulation evaluation method. For this purpose, we simulate four hypothetical scenarios in which a household receives: (1) MK1,040 (US$2.5) for each child enrolled in school regardless of the child's gender; (2) MK1,040 (US$2.5) regardless of the child's enrolment status and gender; (3) MK1,040 (US$2.5) and MK2,080 (US$5) for each boy or girl enrolled in school, and (4) MK1,040 (US$2.5) and MK2,080 (US$5) for each boy or girl regardless of their enrolment status. Results show that boys' enrolment increases in all four scenarios, whereas girls' enrolment increases only when the conditionality on enrolment is enforced.
Credit Constraints and Agricultural Risk for Non‐Farm Enterprises
Authors: Gajigo Ousman 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis paper uses two nationally representative datasets collected in 1992 and 2003 in Gambia to analyse small, non‐farm enterprises. The results reveal evidence of significant credit constraint among these non‐farm enterprises. Specifically, household wealth is a significant determinant not only of entry into the enterprise sector but also determines investment levels conditional upon entry. Furthermore, the marginal returns to investments in enterprises are very high and significantly exceed the prevailing lending rates of banks in the country. Besides being credit constrained, these enterprises are also affected by farm‐related variables. Agricultural risk adversely affects enterprise investment. This latter result underscores the importance of livelihood diversification.
MicroRNA Let‐7f: A Novel Regulator of Innate Immune Response in Human Endocervical Cells
Authors: Sathe Ameya , Patgaonkar Mandar S. , Bashir Tahir , Reddy Kudumula Venkata Rami 
Published: January 2014

ProblemEndocervical epithelial cells express pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that aid in innate immune responses. Mechanisms regulating signaling of PRRs are poorly understood.Methods of StudyEndocervical cells (End1/E6E7) were treated with ligands of TLR9 and RIG‐I once or after pre‐stimulation with same ligand. Cytokine responses were determined by ELISA. Differential gene expression was analyzed by microarray. Differentially expressed genes were validated by qPCR /Western blot. Role of let‐7f was studied by inhibition and over‐expression studies using commercial inhibitors and let‐7f encoding plasmids, respectively.ResultsSingle stimulation of cells with TLR9 ligand, but not RIG‐I ligand, induced tolerance to subsequent challenge to the same ligand. Stimulation with TLR9 decreased let‐7f and increased its target Blimp‐1. Conversely, RIG‐I stimulation increased let‐7f and decreased Blimp‐1 expression. Inhibition and over‐expression revealed let‐7f is involved in induction of immune tolerance.ConclusionWe identify let‐7f as a novel regulator of PRR signaling in endocervical cells.
Infant growth is associated with parental education but not with parental adiposity – Early Stockholm Obesity Prevention Project
Authors: Svensson V , Ek A , Forssén M , Ekbom K , Cao Y , Ebrahim M , Johansson E , Nero H , Hagströmer M , Ekstedt M , Nowicka P , Marcus C 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAimTo explore the simultaneous impact of parental adiposity and education level on infant growth from birth to 12 months, adjusting for known early‐life risk factors for subsequent childhood obesity.MethodsBaseline data for 197 one‐year‐old children and their parents, participating in a longitudinal obesity intervention, were used. Obesity risk groups, high/low, were defined based on parental body mass index (n = 144/53) and parental education (n = 57/139). Observational data on infant growth between 0 and 12 months were collected. The children's relative weight (body mass index standard deviation score) at 3, 6 and 12 months and rapid weight gain 0–6 months were analysed in regression models, with obesity risk as primary exposure variables, adjusting for gestational weight gain, birth weight, short exclusive breastfeeding and maternal smoking.ResultsRelative weight at 3, 6 and 12 months was associated with low parental education but not with parental adiposity. No significant associations were observed with rapid weight gain. None of the early‐life factors could explain the association with parental education.ConclusionLow parental education level is independently associated with infant growth, whereas parental obesity does not contribute to a higher weight or to rapid weight gain during the first year.
Maternal thyroid hormones during pregnancy, childhood adiposity and cardiovascular risk factors: the Generation R Study
Authors: Godoy Guilherme A. F. , Korevaar Tim I. M. , Peeters Robin P. , Hofman Albert , de Rijke Yolanda B. , Bongers‐Schokking Jacoba J. , Tiemeier Henning , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Gaillard Romy 
Published: January 2014

SummaryObjectiveVariation in maternal thyroid function during early pregnancy may permanently affect childhood growth and cardiovascular development. We examined the associations of early pregnancy maternal TSH and free T4 (FT4) levels with childhood growth, body composition and cardiovascular characteristics.MethodsWe performed a population‐based prospective cohort study among 5646 mothers and their children. Maternal thyroid parameters were assessed in early pregnancy (median: 13·2 weeks; 95% range: 9·7–17·6 weeks). Childhood growth was repeatedly measured from birth to 6 years. At the age of 6 years, childhood body mass index (BMI), total body and abdominal fat distribution, blood pressure and left ventricular mass were measured.ResultsMaternal thyroid parameters were not consistently associated with childhood length and weight growth characteristics. Lower maternal TSH levels were associated with lower childhood BMI, total fat mass, abdominal subcutaneous fat mass area and diastolic blood pressure (P‐values <0·05), but not with preperitoneal abdominal fat mass area, systolic blood pressure or left ventricular mass. Higher maternal FT4 levels were associated with lower childhood BMI, abdominal subcutaneous and preperitoneal fat mass area (P for trends <0·05), but not with other cardiovascular characteristics. Clinically maternal hypothyroid or hyperthyroid statuses were not associated with childhood growth, body fat or cardiovascular outcomes.ConclusionsMaternal thyroid function during early pregnancy may influence childhood body composition and cardiovascular development. Further studies are needed to replicate these findings and to examine the influence of maternal thyroid hormone levels during pregnancy on long‐term growth and cardiovascular development in the offspring.
Economic Valuation of Subsistence Harvest of Wildlife in Madagascar
Authors: GOLDEN CHRISTOPHER D. , BONDS MATTHEW H. , BRASHARES JUSTIN S. , RODOLPH RASOLOFONIAINA B. J. , KREMEN CLAIRE 
Published: January 2014

AbstractWildlife consumption can be viewed as an ecosystem provisioning service (the production of a material good through ecological functioning) because of wildlife's ability to persist under sustainable levels of harvest. We used the case of wildlife harvest and consumption in northeastern Madagascar to identify the distribution of these services to local households and communities to further our understanding of local reliance on natural resources. We inferred these benefits from demand curves built with data on wildlife sales transactions. On average, the value of wildlife provisioning represented 57% of annual household cash income in local communities from the Makira Natural Park and Masoala National Park, and harvested areas produced an economic return of U.S.$0.42 ha−1· year−1. Variability in value of harvested wildlife was high among communities and households with an approximate 2 orders of magnitude difference in the proportional value of wildlife to household income. The imputed price of harvested wildlife and its consumption were strongly associated (p< 0.001), and increases in price led to reduced harvest for consumption. Heightened monitoring and enforcement of hunting could increase the costs of harvesting and thus elevate the price and reduce consumption of wildlife. Increased enforcement would therefore be beneficial to biodiversity conservation but could limit local people's food supply. Specifically, our results provide an estimate of the cost of offsetting economic losses to local populations from the enforcement of conservation policies. By explicitly estimating the welfare effects of consumed wildlife, our results may inform targeted interventions by public health and development specialists as they allocate sparse funds to support regions, households, or individuals most vulnerable to changes in access to wildlife.Valoración Económica de la Caza de Subsistencia de Vida Silvestre en Madagascar
Thoracic empyema caused by Prevotella spp. diagnosed using 16S rDNA sequence analysis
Authors: Zhou Hua , Shen Yihong , Shen Qian , Zhou Jianying 
Published: January 2014

AbstractWe describe a case of thoracic empyema in a 76‐year‐old male with complication of diabetes mellitus and hypertension. His chief complaints were fever and chest pain. The patient was diagnosed as pleural infection according to the pulmonary computed tomography (CT) scan and laboratory results. The patient had persistent fever after the treatment of continuous percutaneous drainage and 1 week of intravenous moxifloxacin. He was then misdiagnosed as tuberculous pleuritis and still had fever after the treatment of 2 weeks' antituberculosis drugs. Repeated cultures of sputum, blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and pleural fluid were all negative. A gram‐negative bacillus was found in the pleural pus Gram stain, and it was identified as Prevotella spp. by 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequence analysis. The patient recovered after further treatment, including CT‐induced pleural drain and intravenous imipenem. Totally, he received 2‐week imipenem and 1‐month metronidazole therapy from the day he was diagnosed with empyema to the termination of treatment. On the subsequent 2‐month and 6‐month follow‐up visits, no recurrence has been reported for this patient. Routine microbiological methods are important in diagnosis of pleural infection, but they have limitations in some cases, especially for anaerobe. Molecular assay based on 16S rDNA is helpful in detecting causative organisms of thoracic empyema.
Inflammation in new‐onset atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Jacob Kirolos A. , Nathoe Hendrik M. , Dieleman Jan M. , van Osch Dirk , Kluin Jolanda , van Dijk Diederik 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundPostoperative new‐onset atrial fibrillation (PNAF) is the most common complication following cardiac surgery. The pathogenesis of PNAF is multifactorial. The concept of the postoperative inflammatory response, as a potential underlying mechanism has been extensively studied. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of literature relevant to the association between the inflammatory response following cardiac surgery and PNAF.DesignMEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register were systematically reviewed by two independent investigators for studies published between January 1980 and May 2012, in which an association between serum markers of inflammation and PNAF was evaluated, or the effect of drugs with anti‐inflammatory properties on the risk of PNAF.ResultsSixty‐three studies met selection criteria (39 observational and 24 randomized studies) including 27 363 patients. The mean incidence of PNAF after cardiac surgery was 25·5%. Elevated levels of various inflammatory mediators were associated with PNAF, and the most consistent association was found between white blood cell count and PNAF. Of the drugs with anti‐inflammatory properties, statins gave the best protective effect against PNAF, followed by anti‐oxidants, steroids and colchicine. Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs did not prevent PNAF significantly.ConclusionThe postoperative inflammation response may play a role in the pathogenesis of PNAF. However, of the inflammation biomarkers, only elevated white blood cell count reliably predicts PNAF. Pre‐ and perioperative use of statins and several other drugs with anti‐inflammatory properties reduce the incidence of PNAF.
Differential subcellular localization of SK3‐containing channels in the hippocampus
Authors: Ballesteros‐Merino Carmen , Watanabe Masahiko , Shigemoto Ryuichi , Fukazawa Yugo , Adelman John P. , Luján Rafael 
Published: January 2014

AbstractSmall‐conductance, Ca2+‐activated K+ (SK) channels are expressed in the hippocampus where they regulate synaptic responses, plasticity, and learning and memory. To investigate the expression of SK3 (KCNN3) subunits, we determined the developmental profile and subcellular distribution of SK3 in the developing mouse hippocampus using western blots, immunohistochemistry and high‐resolution immunoelectron microscopy. The results showed that SK3 expression increased during postnatal development, and that the localization of SK3 changed from being mainly associated with the endoplasmic reticulum and intracellular sites during the first postnatal week to being progressively concentrated in dendritic spines during later stages. In the adult, SK3 was localized mainly in postsynaptic compartments, both at extrasynaptic sites and along the postsynaptic density of excitatory synapses. Double labelling showed that SK3 co‐localized with SK2 (KCNN2) and with N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors. Finally, quantitative analysis of SK3 density revealed two subcellular distribution patterns in different hippocampal layers, with SK3 being unevenly distributed in CA1 region of the hippocampus pyramidal cells and homogeneously distributed in dentate gyrus granule cells. Our results revealed a complex cell surface distribution of SK3‐containing channels and a distinct developmental program that may influence different hippocampal functions.
Efficacy of reciprocating and rotary NiTi instruments for retreatment of curved root canals assessed by micro‐CT
Authors: Rödig T. , Reicherts P. , Konietschke F. , Dullin C. , Hahn W. , Hülsmann M. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAimTo compare the efficacy of reciprocating and rotary NiTi‐instruments in removing filling material from curved root canals using micro‐computed tomography.MethodologySixty curved root canals were prepared and filled with gutta‐percha and sealer. After determination of root canal curvatures and radii in two directions as well as volumes of filling material, the teeth were assigned to three comparable groups (n = 20). Retreatment was performed using Reciproc, ProTaper Universal Retreatment or Hedström files. Percentages of residual filling material and dentine removal were assessed using micro‐CT imaging. Working time and procedural errors were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed by variance procedures.ResultsNo significant differences amongst the three retreatment techniques concerning residual filling material were detected (P > 0.05). Hedström files removed significantly more dentine than ProTaper Universal Retreatment (P < 0.05), but the difference concerning dentine removal between both NiTi systems was not significant (P > 0.05). Reciproc and ProTaper Universal Retreatment were significantly faster than Hedström files (P = 0.0001). No procedural errors such as instrument fracture, blockage, ledging or perforation were detected for Hedström files. Three perforations were recorded for ProTaper Universal Retreatment, and in both NiTi groups, one instrument fracture occured.ConclusionsRemnants of filling material were observed in all samples with no significant differences between the three techniques. Hedström files removed significantly more dentine than ProTaper Universal Retreatment, but no significant differences between both NiTi systems were detected. Procedural errors were observed with ProTaper Universal Retreatment and Reciproc.
Multinationals' Offshore Operations, Tax Avoidance, and Firm‐Specific Information Flows: International Evidence
Authors: Kim Jeong‐Bon , Li TieMei 
Published: January 2014

AbstractUsing a large sample of multinational enterprises (MNEs) over the period 1999–2009, this study investigates whether and how offshore operations via offshore financial centers (OFCs) impact the extent to which firm‐specific information is incorporated into stock price, relative to common information. Our analyses show that, irrespective of whether a firm is a Type I offshore firm (directly having headquarters registered in OFCs) or a Type II offshore firm (indirectly setting up subsidiaries in OFCs), the amount of firm‐specific information flowing into stock price is lower for offshore firms than for non‐offshore firms. We also find that as offshore firms become more aggressive in their tax avoidance strategies, their stock prices impound a lower amount of firm‐specific information relative to common information. Finally, we find that a strong offshore proclivity also deters firm‐specific information flows, thereby driving up stock price synchronicity. Our results suggest that the opaque and complex nature of business and financial transactions in OFCs, coupled with their institutional characteristics, that is, weak and flexible legal enforcement, zero or extremely low taxation, and low litigation risk, provide offshore firms with not only stronger incentives but also the opportunities and means to adopt opaque disclosure policies and aggressive earnings management.
The International Integrated Reporting Framework: Key Issues and Future Research Opportunities
Authors: Cheng Mandy , Green Wendy , Conradie Pieter , Konishi Noriyuki , Romi Andrea 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis paper has three main aims. First, the paper introduces the concept of integrated reporting (<IR>) as described by the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC). A background to the development of the <IR> concept over the 4‐year period from the inception of the IIRC in 2010 is provided, culminating in the release by the IIRC of a Consultation Draft (CD) of the <IR> framework in March 2013. Second, the paper discusses key issues currently being debated relating to the CD that the IIRC will need to resolve prior to the expected release of their <IR> framework in late 2013. This discussion is based on issues identified and reported to the IIRC by a subcommittee of the International Association for Accounting Education and Research (IAAER) comprised of international accounting academics. Finally, the paper identifies a range of potential research issues relating to the development and implementation of <IR>.