Decomposing Partial Factor Productivity in the Presence of Input-Specific Technical Inefficiency: A Self-Dual Stochastic Production Frontier Approac

The present paper provides a theoretical framework for the decomposition of partial factor productivity in the presence of input-specific technical inefficiency. Based on Kuroda’s dual approach and using the theoretical foundations developed by Kopp, we decompose the growth rate of partial factor productivity into five sources, namely, changes in input-specific technical efficiency, substitution effect, technical change, the effect of scale economies and a homotheticity and input biased technological effect. The empirical model is based on a generalized self-dual Cobb-Douglas stochastic production frontier and on the methodological approach for measuring orthogonal input-specific technical efficiency suggested by Reinhard, Lovell and Thijssen. The model is applied to a panel data set of 723 cereal farms in Greece observed during the 1994-2003 cropping period obtained from FADN. The empirical results suggest that the labor productivity of cereal farms has been increased by 2.89 per cent annually. Technical change was found to be the main source of labor productivity (70.4%), while changes in technical efficiency also contributed significantly over the period analyzed (34.7%). On the other hand, substitution effect was found to affect negatively the rate of labor productivity (-14.2%).labor efficiency and productivity growth, multilateral production frontier

Decomposition of Labor Productivity Growth: A Multilateral Production Frontier Approach

This paper develops a parametric decomposition framework of labor productivity growth relaxing the assumption of labor-specific efficiency. The decomposition analysis is applied to a sample of 52 developed and developing countries from 1965-90. A generalized Cobb-Douglas functional specification is used taking into account differences in technological structures across group of countries to approximate aggregate production technology using Jorgenson and Nishimizu (1978) bilateral model of production. Measurement of labor efficiency is based on Kopp�s (1981) orthogonal non-radial index of factor-specific efficiency modified in a parametric frontier framework. The empirical results indicate that the weighted average annual rate of labor productivity growth was 1.43 per cent over the period analyzed. Technical change was found to be the driving force of labor productivity, while improvements in labor efficiency and human capital account approximately for the 22 per cent of that productivity growth.labor efficiency and productivity growth, multilateral production frontier

Diagnostic approach to Helicobacter pylori-related gastric oncogenesis.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a causative agent of peptic ulcer disease and plays an important role in the development of various other upper and lower gastrointestinal tract and systemic diseases; in addition to carcinogenesis and the development of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, extragastric manifestations of H. pylori are increasingly being unraveled. Therefore, prompt and accurate diagnosis is essential. Within this narrative review we present an overview of the current trend in the diagnosis of H. pylori infection and its potential oncogenic sequelae, including gastric mucosa atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia and gastric cancer. Signs of H. pylori-related gastric cancer risk can be assessed by endoscopy using the Kyoto classification score. New technology, such as optical or digital chromoendoscopy, improves diagnostic accuracy and provides information regarding H. pylori-related gastric preneoplastic and malignant lesions. In addition, a rapid urease test or histological examination should be performed, as these offer a high diagnostic sensitivity; both are also useful for the diagnosis of sequelae including gastric and colon neoplasms. Culture is necessary for resistance testing and detecting H. pylori-related gastric dysbiosis involved in gastric oncogenesis. Likewise, molecular methods can be utilized for resistance testing and detecting H. pylori-related gastric cancer development and progression. Noninvasive tests, such as the urea breath and stool antigen tests, can also be implemented; these are also suitable for monitoring eradication success and possibly for detecting H. pylori-related gastric malignancy. Serological tests may help to exclude infection in specific populations and detect gastric and colon cancers. Finally, there are emerging potential diagnostic biomarkers for H. pylori-related gastric cancer

Depigmentation’s Disorders of the Vulva, Clinical Management

The cancer of the vulva is a rare disease with a positive association to poor developing countries. However, the incidence of vulvar cancer in situ nearly doubled in the last two decades and remained relatively stable. The main reason for this increased incidence of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) in women younger than 45 years is due to changes in sexual behavior, first intercourse at early age, multiple sexual partners, and sexually transmitted diseases that were increasing progressively. Furthermore, it is strongly associated with smoking and the increased incidence of HPV infection. The occurrence of early symptoms of VIN-like pruritus vulvae, pain, and lichen sclerosus led to early diagnosis to perform the adequate treatment. VIN tends to appear multifocal, while most invasive cancers are unilateral located and appeared with well-circumscribed lesions

A systematic review of reading tests

Adequate near and intermediate visual capacity is important in performing everyday tasks, especially after the introduction of smartphones and computers in our professional and recreational activities. Primary objective of this study was to review all available reading tests both conventional and digital and explore their integrated characteristics. A systematic review of the recent literature regarding reading charts was performed based on the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Springer databases between February and March 2021. Data from 11 descriptive and 24 comparative studies were included in the present systematic review. Clinical settings are still dominated by conventional printed reading charts; however, the most prevalent of them (i.e., Jaeger type charts) are not validated. Reliable reading capacity assessment is done only by those that comply with the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) recommendations. Digital reading tests are gaining popularity both in clinical and research settings and are differentiated in standard computer-based applications that require installation either in a computer or a tablet (e.g., Advanced VISION Test and web-based ones e.g., Democritus Digital Acuity Reading Test requires no installation). It is evident that validated digital tests will prevail in future clinical or research settings and it is upon ophthalmologists to select the one most compatible with their examination routine

Thrombophilia and Pregnancy: Diagnosis and Management

Thromboembolic disease during pregnancy is a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality involving venous or arterial thrombosis and possible clinical manifestations like clinical symptoms of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and hyperhomocysteinemia. For diminishing the prevalence of thromboembolic disease, the early identification of pregnant women with various risk factors for thrombosis without clinical symptoms is of great importance. However, the optimal management for asymptomatic pregnant women who have inherited thrombophilia is uncertain and recognized only due to pregnancy complications such as recurrent pregnancy loss and preeclampsia. The clinical approach to thromboembolism is the same in pregnant women with or without thrombophilia. Based on family history, clinical symptoms should begin with simple reliable inexpensive laboratory tests like prothrombin time and activated thromboplastin time to test the status. Early diagnosis and appropriate use of thromboprophylaxis lead to increasing better maternal and perinatal outcomes. Conclusively, it is important to recognize these patients in order to prevent all pregnancy complications

mRECIST criteria and contrast-enhanced US for the assessment of the response of hepatocellular carcinoma to transarterial chemoembolization

PURPOSEWe aimed to evaluate the combination of the modified Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (mRECIST) and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) as a tool for the assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma treated with transarterial chemoembolization. MATERIALS AND METHODSForty-seven hepatocellular carcinoma patients (80 target tumors suitable for mRECIST measurements) were studied. They were treated with scheduled transarterial chemoembolization with doxorubicin-eluting microspheres every 5–7 weeks. Imaging follow-up (performed one month after each transarterial chemoembolization) included a standard, contrast-enhanced modality (computed tomography [CT] in 12 patients or magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] in 35 patients) and CEUS. The study focused on response evaluation after the third transarterial chemoembolization. CEUS required a bolus injection of an echo-enhancer and imaging with a dedicated, low mechanical index technique. The longest diameters of the enhancing target tumors were measured on the CEUS or CT/MRI, and mRECIST criteria were applied. Radiologic responses were correlated with overall survival and time to progression. RESULTSThe measurements of longest diameters of the enhancing target tumors were easily performed in all patients. According to mRECIST-CEUS and mRECIST-CT/MRI, complete response was recorded in five and six patients, partial response in 22 and 21 patients, stable disease in 16 and 14 patients, and progressive disease in four and six patients, respectively. There was a high degree of concordance between CEUS and CT/MRI (kappa coefficient=0.84, P < 0.001). Responders (complete+partial response) according to mRECIST-CEUS had a significantly longer mean overall survival and time to progression compared to nonresponders (37.1 vs. 11.0 months, P < 0.001 and 24.6 vs. 10.9 months, P = 0.007, respectively). CONCLUSIONThe mRECIST-CEUS combination is feasible and has prognostic value in the assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma following transarterial chemoembolization

Hemophagocytic Syndrome in a Patient with Acute Tubulointerstitial Nephritis Secondary to Hepatitis A Virus Infection

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is generally a self-limited disease, but the infection in adults can be serious, to be often complicated by acute kidney injury (AKI) and rarely by virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (VAHS). Our patient, a 48-yr-old man, was diagnosed with HAV infection complicated by dialysis-dependent AKI. His kidney biopsy showed acute tubulointerstitial nephritis with massive infiltration of activated macrophages and T cells, and he progressively demonstrated features of VAHS. With hemodialysis and steroid treatment, he was successfully recovered

Abortions in First Trimester Pregnancy, Management, Treatment

Tujuan dari penelitian: 1. Mendeskripsikan penerepan pendekatan Client Centered dalam mengatasi kepribadian introvert pada siswa kelas XI IPS MA Al Hidayah Kudus Tahun Pelajaran 2016/2017. 2. Mendeskripsikan kepribadian introvert pada konseli siswa kelas XI IPS MA Al Hidayah Kudus setelah diberikan konseling dengan pendekatan Client Centered. Pendekatan client centered adalah pendekatan yang berpusat pada diri klien, yang mana seorang konselor hanya memberikan konseling serta mengawasi klien pada saat mendapatkan pemberian konseling tersebut agar klien dapat berkembang atau keluar dari masalah yang dihadapinya. Introvert merupakan tipe kepribadian individu yang mempunyai kecenderungan menutup diri dari dunia luar. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah peneltian kualitatif studi kasus. Penelitian dilakukan di MA NU Al Hidayah Kudus Tahun Pelajaran 2016/2017, dengan dua subjek penelitian (ABS, DAS). Metode pengumpulan data yang digunakan: 1. Wawancara, 2. Observasi, 3. Dokumentasi dan 4. Home Visit. Analisis data yang digunakan adalah: analisis sistem Bacon. Hasil penelitian: 1. Konseli I (ABS) faktor yang menyebabkan memiliki kepribadian intovert: 1. Tidak percaya diri. ABS yang berusia 16 tahun dan saat ini tengah duduk di kelas XI IPS MA NU Al Hidayah Kudus merasa kurang percaya diri dengan bentuk kaki yang dimiliki membuat ABS menjadi pibadi yang tidak percaya diri dalam pergaulan, sehingga membuat konseli sering mendapatkan perlakuan yang tidak menyenangkan dari siswa-siswi lain. Konseli memang terlahir dengan keadaan yang tidak sempurna karena cacat fisik pada salah satu kakinya atau yang biasa disebut sebagai (Clubfoot) atau kaki pengkor. 2. Perlakuan diskriminasi. Karena bentuk fisik yang dimiliki oleh konseli yang berbeda, konseli mendapatkan perlakuan diskrinasi dari siswa-siswi lain. 2. Konseli II (DAS) faktor yang menyebabkan konseli memiliki kepribadian introvert: 1. Rendahnya kemampuan interaksi konseli. Konseli sering berpindah tempat tinggal sejak usia sekolah dasar membuat kemampuan interaksi DAS kurang. Di sekolah, konseli banyak diperhatikan oleh siswa-siswi di sekolah karena secara fisik DAS merupakan siswa yang berpenampilan menarik. Tetapi kurang interaksi sosial, konseli lebih banyak memilih menyendiri dan tidak terlihat aktif dalam hubungan pertemanan yang sering terjalin pada anak usia sekolah atau remaja awal. 2. Perceraian kedua orang tua konseli. Perceraian yang ditimbulkan karena keuangan keluarga yang memburuk membuat konseli harus bekerja keras untuk membiayai sekolahnya semakin membuat konseli tidak memiliki waktu untuk bersosialisasi dengan teman sebayanya. Setelah pelaksanaan tiga kali konseling client centered terhadap kedua konseli diperoleh keterangan bahwa, konseli I (ABS) telah mampu menerima kekurangan dirinya yang memiliki keterbatasan pada kakinya. ABS telah percaya diri dan mampu bersosialisasi dengan baik. Konseli II (DAS) telah menyadari bahwa kehidupan yang ia alami harus tetap berjalan, dan DAS juga telah memahami bahwa makna kehidupan adalah terus bekerja dan bahagia atas apa yang dimilikinya sekarang. Berdasarkan kesimpulan di atas peneliti dapat memberikan saran: 1. Kepala sekolah: Dalam penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa konseling individual sangat membantu siswa dalam memberikan mengatasi perilaku introvert siswa. Sehingga diharapkan kepala sekolah dapat mendukung adanya layanan konseling indivual ini dengan memfasilitasi guru pembimbing dalam memberikan layanan konseling individual. 2. Guru bimbingan dan konseling: Diharapkan guru bimbingan dan konseling dapat menjadikan hasil penelitian sebagai acuan dalam memberikan pelayanan konseling individual dengan konseling client centered. 3. Siswa: Diharapkan siswa dapat bergaul dengan baik dan semakin meningkatkan hubungan interpersonal. 4. Penelitian selanjutnya: Diharapkan peneliti selanjutnya dapat mengembangkan penelitian yang sejenis dengan menggunakan layanan konseling yang lebih varatif, sehingga didapatkan komparasi yang berbeda dengan penelitian ini