bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conspicuous Leisure: Optimal Income Taxation When Both Relative Consumption and Relative Leisure Matter*
Authors: Aronsson Thomas , Johansson‐Stenman Olof 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn previous studies on public policy under relative‐consumption concerns, leisure comparisons have been ignored. In this paper, we consider a two‐type optimal non‐linear income tax model, in which people care about both their relative consumption and their relative leisure. Increased consumption positionality typically implies higher marginal income tax rates for both ability types, whereas leisure positionality has an offsetting role. However, this offsetting role is not symmetric; concern about relative leisure implies a progressive income tax component (i.e., a component that is larger for the high‐ability type than for the low‐ability type). Leisure positionality does not modify the policy rule for public‐good provision.
The effect of environmental humidity and temperature on skin barrier function and dermatitis
Authors: Engebretsen K.A. , Johansen J.D. , Kezic S. , Linneberg A. , Thyssen J.P. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPhysicians are aware that climatic conditions negatively affect the skin. In particular, people living in equator far countries such as the Northern parts of Europe and North America are exposed to harsh weather during the winter and may experience dry and itchy skin, or deterioration of already existing dermatoses. We searched the literature for studies that evaluated the mechanisms behind this phenomenon. Commonly used meteorological terms such as absolute humidity, relative humidity and dew point are explained. Furthermore, we review the negative effect of low humidity, low temperatures and different seasons on the skin barrier and on the risk of dermatitis. We conclude that low humidity and low temperatures lead to a general decrease in skin barrier function and increased susceptible towards mechanical stress. Since pro‐inflammatory cytokines and cortisol are released by keratinocytes, and the number of dermal mast cells increases, the skin also becomes more reactive towards skin irritants and allergens. Collectively, published data show that cold and dry weather increase the prevalence and risk of flares in patients with atopic dermatitis.
Development of Consumer Acceptable Products using CUB Analysis: An Example with burgers from Dairy Cattle
Authors: Cafarelli B. , Pilone V. , Conte A. , Gammariello D. , Del Nobile M. A. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTIn this work, Combination of Uniform and shifted Binomial random variables (CUB) models were used to understand the role played by liking/disliking toward the sensory meat characteristics and the uncertainty of the respondents. The detection of significant similarities and differences among sensory evaluations was proposed by comparing the parameters estimated by CUB models with the aid of multidimensional scaling (MDS). The MDS approach was also proposed to confirm the presence of the two latent variables – feeling and uncertainty – estimated by CUB models. In particular, the sensory characteristics of a conventional hamburger and a new one produced from dairy cattle at the end of their milk production, properly mixed with chicken and turkey meat were evaluated and compared. This approach resulted useful to understand which hamburger was preferred and why. In particular, the results showed a good level of acceptance for both hamburgers, with a slight preference toward the new product in terms of feeling and uncertainty. The outcomes of the analysis also provided indications to meat producers oriented to exploiting dairy cattle for slaughter and could give suggestions for bottom‐up sustainable food policy implications.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSIn this study, an integrated approach based on CUB models is proposed to evaluate and compare the sensory characteristics of a conventional hamburger and a new one produced from dairy cattle. The conclusions achieved suggested that this approach can be seen as a successful attempt to evaluate consumer acceptability toward a new food product. The results also confirm the importance of consumer‐insight in the innovation process. In particular, the proposed approach allowed integrating the sensory evaluation with marketing processes and efficiently targeting product development activities. Finally, the experimental findings of the current study can be considered an opportunity to valorize livestock production and reduce the environmental impact.
The burden of fungal disease in Denmark
Authors: Mortensen Klaus L. , Denning David W. , Arendrup Maiken C. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThe aim of this study is to calculate the burden of fungal disease in Denmark. We identified all published epidemiology papers reporting fungal infection rates in Denmark. Where no data existed, we used numbers of specific populations at risk and fungal infection frequencies in those populations to estimate national incidence or prevalence. Approximately, one in six Danes will suffer from a fungal infection each year, most of which are skin or mucosal diseases causing disability but no deaths. Good data exist on candidaemia where a national voluntary reporting system is in place and have shown a high rate (9.6 per 100 000 inhabitants) compared other European countries. We present estimates of invasive aspergillosis and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis with rates of 4.4 per 100 000 and 3.1 per 100 000 inhabitants, respectively. Further studies are needed in order to better ascertain high‐burden fungal infections such as recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (~1350 cases in 100 000 women) as well as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (~131 cases in 100 000 inhabitants) and severe asthma with fungal sensitisation (cases in 100 000 inhabitants). In conclusion, more than 93 000 Danes or about 2% of Denmark's population will have a non‐trivial fungal infection during 1 year, which underscores the magnitude of the fungal burden.
Burden of serious fungal infections in Ukraine
Authors: Osmanov Ali , Denning David W. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryUkraine has high rates of TB, AIDS and cancer. We estimated the burden of fungal disease from epidemiology papers and specific populations at risk and fungal infection frequencies. HIV/AIDS cases and deaths (2012) and tuberculosis statistics were obtained from the State Service of Ukraine, while chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cases were from M. Miravitlles et al., Thorax 64, 863–868 (2009). Annual estimates are 893 579 Ukrainian women get recurrent vaginal thrush (≥4× per year), 50 847 cases of oral candidiasis and 13 727 cases of oesophageal candidiasis in HIV, and 101 (1%) of 10 085 new AIDS cases develop cryptococcal meningitis, 6152 cases of Pneumocystis pneumonia (13.5 cases per 100 000). Of the 29 265 cases of active respiratory TB in 2012, it is estimated that 2881 new cases of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) occurred and that the 5‐year period prevalence is 7724 cases with a total CPA burden of 10 054 cases. Assuming adult asthma prevalence is ~2.9%, 28 447 patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) are likely and 37 491 with severe asthma with fungal sensitisation. We estimate 2278 cases and 376 postsurgical intra‐abdominal Candida infections. Invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients is estimated at 303 patients annually; 930 cases in COPD patients. Ninety cases of mucormycosis (2 per 1 000 000) are estimated. In total, ~1 000 000 (2.2%) people in Ukraine develop serious fungal infections annually.
Effect of the implosion and demolition of a hospital building on the concentration of fungi in the air
Authors: Barreiros Gloria , Akiti Tiyomi , Magalhães Ana Cristina Gouveia , Nouér Simone A. , Nucci Marcio 
Published: October 2015

SummaryBuilding renovations increase the concentration of Aspergillus conidia in the air. In 2010, one wing of the hospital building was imploded due to structural problems. To evaluate the impact of building implosion on the concentration of fungi in the air, the demolition was performed in two phases: mechanical demolition of 30 m of the building, followed by implosion of the wing. Patients at high risk for aspergillosis were placed in protected wards. Air sampling was performed during mechanical demolition, on the day of implosion and after implosion. Total and specific fungal concentrations were compared in the different areas and periods of sampling, using the anova test. The incidence of IA in the year before and after implosion was calculated. The mean concentration of Aspergillus increased during mechanical demolition and on the day of implosion. However, in the most protected areas, there was no significant difference in the concentration of fungi. The incidence of invasive aspergillosis (cases per 1000 admissions) was 0.9 in the 12 months before, 0.4 during, and 0.5 in the 12 months after mechanical demolition (P > 0.05). Continuous monitoring of the quality of air and effective infection control measures are important to minimize the impact of building demolition.
Fluorinated Photodynamic Therapy Device Tips and their Resistance to Fouling for In Vivo Sensitizer Release
Authors: Ghogare Ashwini A. , Miller Joann M. , Mondal Bikash , Lyons Alan M. , Cengel Keith A. , Busch Theresa M. , Greer Alexander 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe describe progress on a one‐step photodynamic therapy (PDT) technique that is simple: device tip delivery of sensitizer, oxygen and light simultaneously. Control is essential for their delivery to target sites to generate singlet oxygen. One potential problem is the silica device tip may suffer from biomaterial fouling and the pace of sensitizer photorelease is slowed. Here, we have used biomaterial (e.g. proteins, cells, etc.) from SQ20B head and neck tumors and whole blood for an assessment of fouling of the silica tips by adsorption. It was shown that by exchanging the native silica tip for a fluorinated tip, a better nonstick property led to an increased sensitizer output by ~10%. The fluorinated tip gave a sigmoidal photorelease where singlet oxygen is stabilized to physical quenching, whereas the native silica tip with unprotected SiO–H groups gave a slower (pseudolinear) photorelease. A further benefit from fluorinated silica is that 15% less biomaterial adheres to its surface compared to native silica based on a bicinchoninic acid assay (BCA) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. We discuss how the fluorination of the device tip increases biofouling resistance and can contribute to a new pointsource PDT tool.
A small RNA targets pokeweed antiviral protein transcript
Authors: Klenov Alexander , Neller Kira C. M. , Burns Lydia A. , Krivdova Gabriela , Hudak Katalin A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractRibosome‐inactivating proteins (RIPs) are a class of plant defense proteins with N‐glycosidase activity (EC 3.2.2.22). Pokeweed antiviral protein (PAP) is a Type I RIP isolated from the pokeweed plant, Phytolacca americana, thought to confer broad‐spectrum virus resistance in this plant. Through a combination of standard molecular techniques and RNA sequencing analysis, we report here that a small RNA binds and cleaves the open reading frame of PAP mRNA. Additionally, sRNA targeting of PAP is dependent on jasmonic acid (JA), a plant hormone important for defense against pathogen infection and herbivory. Levels of small RNA increased with JA treatment, as did levels of PAP mRNA and protein, suggesting that the small RNA functions to moderate the expression of PAP in response to this hormone. The association between JA and PAP expression, mediated by sRNA299, situates PAP within a signaling pathway initiated by biotic stress. The consensus sequence of sRNA299 was obtained through bioinformatic analysis of pokeweed small RNA sequencing. To our knowledge, this is the first account of a sRNA targeting a RIP gene.
Symptom‐based management of the idiopathic interstitial pneumonia
Authors: Garibaldi Brian T. , Danoff Sonye K. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe term ‘idiopathic interstitial pneumonia’ (IIP) encompasses a wide variety of diseases with different and often unexplained pathophysiology as well as diverse natural histories. Unfortunately, many of these diseases are progressive and some are poorly responsive to available therapies. Despite the varied nature of IIPs, patients experience common symptoms related to their chronic lung disease. Dyspnoea, cough, fatigue and depression contribute substantially to morbidity and are often difficult to manage. The psychological stress of having a chronic and often life‐limiting disease further complicates symptom control. Effective symptom‐management requires a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates patient education and self‐management to formulate goals of care and treatment plans. In this context, palliative care is incorporated from the time of diagnosis of an IIP and is not restricted to the end stages of the disease. Pulmonary rehabilitation plays a central role in symptom‐management and has beneficial effects across multiple domains. In patients who do not respond to disease‐specific treatments and are not candidates for lung transplant, early referral to hospice may improve quality of life for both patients and their families near the end of life.
Foreign Firms, Domestic Wages*
Authors: Malchow‐Møller Nikolaj , Markusen James R. , Schjerning Bertel 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThree types of theories have been used to explain the wage premium in foreign firms: the theories of heterogeneous workers, heterogeneous learning, and heterogeneous firms. We set up a model that explicitly encompasses two of these theories, and that can illustrate the third. This unifying framework allows us to rigorously compare the predictions of the different theories. Thus, it is a useful tool for interpreting new and existing empirical evidence. We illustrate the usefulness of the model on matched employer−employee data, and we find considerable support for all three theories. In particular, the theory of heterogeneous workers can explain up to 75 percent of the premium.
Sushi or Fish Fingers? Seafood Diversity, Collapsing Fish Stocks, and Multispecies Fishery Management*
Authors: Quaas Martin F. , Requate Till 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe present a model of a multispecies fishery, and we show the following. (i) Consumer preferences for seafood diversity can trigger a sequential collapse of fish stocks under open‐access fishery. (ii) The stronger the preferences are for diversity, the higher is the need for coordinated multispecies regulation. (iii) Second‐best optimal management of only one (or a few) species is less strict than socially optimal management of the same species. (iv) Myopic regulation of one species, ignoring spillovers to other species, can cause depletion of other stocks that would not be depleted under open access.
How do Multiproduct Exporters React to a Change in Trade Costs?*
Authors: Berthou Antoine , Fontagné Lionel 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe use data on individual French exporters to document how a change in trade costs, following the introduction of the euro, affected the export margins of firms in relation to export decisions, the number of products exported, and the average sales per product. Our results confirm two effects predicted by the theory: firms increase the range of products they export as well as their intensive margin. This effect is most evident in markets with moderate monetary policy coordination before 1999. General equilibrium competition effects reduce the initial positive impact on each of these margins. We find no evidence that firms increase their participation in the export market.
Strategic Responses: A Survey Experiment on Opposition to Pension Reforms*
Authors: Scheubel Beatrice , Schunk Daniel , Winter Joachim 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe responses given in opinion polls on future policy reforms reflect both subjective expectations and preferences. We disentangle these factors using data from a controlled survey experiment conducted in Germany. At the time of the experiment, an increased retirement age had been proposed as part of a pension reform. Thus, the survey respondents faced an incentive to give biased responses. By understating their expected work ability at the age of retirement, they could make the increase of the retirement age a less attractive policy option. We find evidence for such strategic response behavior, and this strategic bias appears to be stronger in former communist East Germany.
Using a Microeconometric Model of Household Labour Supply to Design Optimal Income Taxes*
Authors: Aaberge Rolf , Colombino Ugo 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWith regards to empirical applications of optimal taxation theory, analytical expressions are typically adopted for optimal taxes, and then numerical values are imputed to their parameters by calibration or by using previous estimates. We aim to avoid the restrictive assumptions and possible inconsistencies of this approach. In contrast, we identify optimal taxes by iteratively running a microeconometric model, based on 1994 Norwegian data, until a given social welfare function is maximized, given the public budget constraint. The optimal rules envisage monotonically increasing marginal rates (negative on very low incomes) and – compared to the current rule – a lower average rate, lower marginal rates on low incomes, and higher marginal rates on very high incomes.
Why Are Rich Countries More Politically Cohesive?*
Authors: Dalgaard Carl‐Johan , Olsson Ola 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe document empirically that rich countries are more politically cohesive than poorer countries. In order to explain this regularity, we provide a model where political cohesion is linked to the emergence of a fully functioning market economy. Without market exchange, the welfare of inherently selfish individuals will be mutually independent. Whoever has greater bargaining power will be willing to make decisions that enhance the productivity of their supporters at the expense of other groups in society. If the gains from specialization are sufficiently large, however, a market economy will emerge. From being essentially non‐cohesive under self‐sufficiency, the political decision‐making process becomes cohesive in the market economy, because the welfare of individuals will be mutually interdependent as a result of the exchange of goods.
Is Transparency To No Avail?*
Authors: Swank Otto H. , Visser Bauke 
Published: October 2015

AbstractTransparent decision‐making processes are widely regarded as a prerequisite for the working of a representative democracy. It facilitates accountability, and citizens might suspect that decisions, if taken behind closed doors, do not promote their interests. Why else would there be the secrecy? We provide a model of committee decision‐making that explains the public's demand for transparency, and committee members' aversion to it. In line with case study evidence, we show how pressures to become transparent induce committee members to organize pre‐meetings away from the public eye. Transparency does not improve accountability, but it might improve the decision.
House Prices and Stock Prices: Different Roles in the US Monetary Transmission Mechanism*
Authors: Bjørnland Hilde C. , Jacobsen Dag Henning 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe analyze the role of house prices and stock prices in the monetary‐policy transmission mechanism in the US, using a structural vector autoregressive model. If we allow the interest rate and asset prices to react simultaneously to news, we find different roles for house prices and stock prices in the monetary transmission mechanism. Following a contractionary monetary‐policy shock, stock prices fall immediately, while the response in house prices is more gradual. Regarding the systematic response in monetary policy, stock prices play a more important role than house prices. As a consequence, house prices contribute more than stock prices to fluctuations in gross domestic product and inflation.
Buying a Home with a Resale Value: Location, Location, Location*
Authors: Haavio Markus , Kauppi Heikki 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe develop a dynamic multiregion model, where a household's choice of housing location depends on its current wealth and its current type, and involves both consumption and investment considerations. The relative strength of the consumption motive and the investment motive determines the equilibrium pattern of residential sorting. A strong investment (consumption) motive implies sorting according to household type (wealth). The model predicts that large house‐price fluctuations are associated with a low degree of sorting by type. This prediction is consistent with evidence from US metropolitan areas when income, education, and age are used as proxies for household type.
Financial Globalization, Financial Crises, and the External Portfolio Structure of Emerging Markets*
Authors: Mendoza Enrique G. , Smith Katherine A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe study the transitional dynamics of financial integration in emerging economies using a two‐sector model with a collateral constraint on external debt and trading costs incurred by foreign investors. The probability of a financial crisis displays overshooting; it rises sharply initially and then falls sharply, but remains non‐zero in the long run. While equity holdings fall permanently, bond holdings initially fall, but rise after the probability of a crisis peaks. Conversely, asset returns and asset prices first rise and then fall. These results are in line with the post‐globalization dynamics observed in emerging markets, and the higher frequency of crises that they display.
Subjective Performance Evaluations and Reciprocity in Principal–Agent Relations
Authors: Sebald Alexander , Walzl Markus 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe conduct a laboratory experiment with agents working on, and principals benefiting from, a real effort task in which the agents' performance can only be evaluated subjectively. Principals give subjective performance feedback to agents, and agents have an opportunity to sanction principals. In contrast to existing models of reciprocity, we find that agents tend to sanction whenever the feedback of principals is below their subjective self‐evaluations even if agents' pay‐offs are independent of it. In turn, principals provide more positive feedback (relative to their actual performance assessment of the agent) if this does not affect their pay‐off.
Wage Rigidity, Inflation, and Institutions
Authors: Holden Steinar , Wulfsberg Fredrik 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe study the possible existence of downward nominal wage rigidity (DNWR) at wage growth rates different from zero in aggregate data. Even if DNWR prevails at zero for individual workers, compositional effects might lead to falling aggregate wages, while changes in relative wages combined with DNWR might lead to positive aggregate wage growth. We explore industry data for 19 OECD countries, over the 1971–2006 period. We find evidence for a floor on nominal wage growth at 6 percent in the 1970s and 1980s, at 1 percent in the 1990s, and at 0.5 percent in the 2000s. Furthermore, we find that DNWR is stronger in country‐years with strict employment protection legislation, high union density, centralized wage setting, and high inflation.