Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Innovation characteristics of formal manufacturing firms in Uganda

Manufacturing firms ought to innovate in order to stay competitive in a highly liberalised and open economy. This is even more crucial in low income countries, which seek accelerated economic growth and transformation. In this paper, we describe innovation characteristics of formal manufacturing firms in Uganda, in the subsectors of food and beverages, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. We show from empirical findings that formal manufacturing firms in the aforementioned subsectors in Uganda are active in incremental and adaptive innovations. The innovations are accomplished in-house with some assistance from other firms abroad. Local universities and research organisations appear not to be participating much in formal manufacturing firms' innovation processes. The challenge, from the perspective of firms, is fear of competition and lack of trust. Universities and research organisations, on the other hand, need to be proactive in engaging firms. Conferences, business associations, inter-firm visits, and joint programmes are some of the firm-preferred means of fostering interactions between firms, universities and other organisations. Innovation capabilities of Ugandan manufacturing firms could be enhanced if local universities and research organisations become more actively involved in firm innovation processes.
The Effects of Dual Enrollment Credit and Huskins Program Credit on College Readiness

This causal-comparative study researched the effects of dual enrollment and Huskins Bill course experience on traditional-age North Carolina community college students. The study examined dual enrollment and Huskins Bill course effects on academic success, retention and graduation rate using quantitative statistical measures including parametric and non-parametric means comparisons. The study found that dual enrollment and Huskins Bill courses showed a positive effect on GPA and graduation rate and that this effect is evident in technical, medical and college transfer programs. Dual enrollment and Huskins Bill courses also showed positive effects on GPA and graduation rates for non-white students and female students enrolled in all programs. Findings in this study support continuing and expanding dual enrollment offerings as one aid for college readiness. They also support promoting dual enrollment programs to help underserved student populations. Recommendations for further research include more examination of the effect dual enrollment has on four-year students and the significance of site as a factor in dual enrollment course success.
The effects of alcohol on coagulation in trauma patients: Interpreting thrombelastography with caution

BACKGROUND The effects of alcohol on coagulation after trauma remain unclear. In vitro studies show that alcohol may decrease clot strength and inhibit fibrinolysis. Observational data indicate that alcohol leads to altered thrombelastography (TEG) parameters indicative of impaired clot formation. Clinical studies have been inconclusive to date. METHODS Longitudinal plasma samples were prospectively collected from 415 critically injured trauma patients at a single Level 1 trauma center and were matched with demographic and outcome data. Citrated kaolin TEG and standard coagulation measures were performed in parallel. Univariate and group comparisons were performed by alcohol status, with subsequent linear and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 264 patients (63.6%) had detectable blood alcohol levels (EtOH, >10 mg/dL). These patients were primarily male (87% vs. 79%), were bluntly injured (77% vs. 59%), and had lower median Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score (9.5 vs. 14, all p < 0.05) than the EtOH-negative patients. There were no notable differences in pH (7.29 vs. 7.31, p = nonsignificant) or injury severity (median Injury Severity Score [ISS], 11 vs. 14; p = nonsignificant) between the groups. The alcohol-positive patients had a prolonged TEG citrated kaolin R-time (reaction time), or time to initial clot formation (5.91 minutes vs. 4.43 minutes, p = 0.013), prolonged K-time (kinetics time), or time to fixed level of clot strength (1.77 minutes vs. 1.43 minutes, p = 0.036), and decreased &agr; angle (66.5 degrees vs. 70.2 degrees, p = 0.001). In multiple linear regression, for every 10-mg/dL increase in EtOH, R-time was prolonged by 3.84 seconds (p = 0.015), and &agr; angle decreased by 0.11 degrees (p = 0.013). However, in multiple logistic regression analyses, EtOH was a negative predictor of coagulopathy by international normalized ratio (>1.3) and was not predictive of transfusion requirements or early or late mortality. CONCLUSION Patients with elevated EtOH present with impaired clot formation as assayed by TEG, but this does not correlate with standard measures of coagulopathy or with outcome. Reliance on TEG for determining coagulopathy in intoxicated trauma patients may lead to a misperceived hypocoagulable state and inappropriate transfusion. TEG appears to be affected by EtOH in a previously unreported way, warranting further investigation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic and epidemiologic study, level III.
The Economic Impact of the Federal Credit Union Usury Ceiling

This study measures the impact of the Federal credit union usury ceiling on consumer credit availability and loan rates. When binding, the ceiling keeps loan rates low, but it reduces credit union lending. There is also evidence that a binding loan rate ceiling affects the competitiveness of credit unions in the market for deposits. Although the Federal Credit Union Act specifically mandates federally chartered credit unions to be a source of low cost consumer credit and to promote thriftiness, it is not at all clear that the intent of the Act is served by a binding usury ceiling.
Iconic memory and parietofrontal network: fMRI study using temporal integration

We investigated the neural basis of iconic memory using functional magnetic resonance imaging. The parietofrontal network of selective attention is reportedly relevant to readout from iconic memory. We adopted a temporal integration task that requires iconic memory but not selective attention. The results showed that the task activated the parietofrontal network, confirming that the network is involved in readout from iconic memory. We further tested a condition in which temporal integration was performed by visual short-term memory but not by iconic memory. However, no brain region revealed higher activation for temporal integration by iconic memory than for temporal integration by visual short-term memory. This result suggested that there is no localized brain region specialized for iconic memory per se.
Non-invasive measurement of human endothelium dependent arterial responses: accuracy and reproducibility.

OBJECTIVE--To assess a non-invasive test for endothelial dysfunction, an important early event in the atherogenic process. METHODS--Using high resolution ultrasound, the accuracy of detecting small changes in vessel diameter was assessed using phantom "arteries", and the same equipment was then used to measure flow mediated dilatation in the brachial artery of 40 healthy adults aged 22-51 years, studied on four occasions; intervals between scans were 1-2 days, 1-2 weeks, and 2-4 months. RESULTS--Differences between pairs of phantom "arteries" with diameters 0.1-0.2 mm apart were correctly estimated in 162 of 264 cases (61%); no measurement by any of four independent observers was > 0.1 mm in error, and the mean error was 0.04 mm. For in vivo scans, the overall coefficient of variation for flow mediated dilatation was 1.8% (1.6% for women, 1.9% for men, P = 0.18). In 34/40 subjects (85%), all values for flow mediated dilatation were within 2.5% of the overall mean for each subject. A nested analysis of variance showed the expected between patient variability, and also significant day to day variation, but little between weeks or months. Using these data to generate power function analyses, we calculated that for individuals, an improvement in flow mediated dilatation of 4-8% is significantly greater than natural variability. In clinical trials, a mean improvement in flow mediated dilatation of at least 2% would usually be required to detect a treatment benefit, with much larger subject numbers needed for a parallel group compared to a crossover trial design. CONCLUSIONS--Vascular responses to endothelium dependent and independent stimuli in systemic arteries can be studied non-invasively in man. Subjects should be studied on at least two occasions before and after any intervention, to optimise the chance of showing a significant effect from any potentially beneficial therapy.
Analyzing intellectual capital information in sustainability reports: some empirical evidence

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the content, frequency and quality of intellectual capital voluntary disclosure (ICVD) and the changes that took place over two years (2005 and 2006) in a sample of 37 sustainability reports published by Italian listed companies.Design/methodology/approach – The intellectual capital framework consists of three levels: “IC categories”, “IC items” and “IC indicators”, while content analysis was performed using a quality multidimensional scheme composed of three disclosure profiles, namely, time orientation, nature of information and type of information.Findings – The findings evidence a high and increasing incidence over time of ICVD, with strong emphasis on human capital disclosure, which represents the most reported category, followed by relational and organisational capital. ICVD is mainly expressed in non‐financial, quantitative and non‐time‐specific terms with a low level of forward‐looking information.Research limitations/implications – This study .
Cracks in a policy paradigm – poverty reduction and social security: the case of Belgium

Poverty reduction rests on the mechanisms of horizontal and vertical solidarity and on prevention and repair of social risks. In this contribution, we argue that in contemporary welfare states the poverty-reducing capacity of existing social security systems has inherent limitations. Focusing on Belgium, we present and discuss empirical indications of a persistent (over a period of at least 30 years) decline in poverty reduction through social transfers, particularly among households who are highly dependent on such transfers. Firstly, we show that prevention and repair have failed to contribute to a reduction in the proportion of work-poor households who are highly dependent upon social security and face a high (rising even) poverty risk. Secondly, we find that given the fragmentation of social risks – in terms of both ex post poverty outcomes and ex ante social stratification – horizontal redistributive mechanisms through risk pooling have become less obvious, especially in respect of unemployment. Thirdly, it appears that the mechanisms of vertical solidarity also face inherent limitations. In a final section we summarise some important research questions for the future and potentially worthwhile policy avenues to resolve the question of how social policy-making might succeed in the future where it has failed in the past.
Social entrepreneurship – a survey of current research

The phenomenon of social entrepreneurship, sometimes denoted societal entrepreneurship, receives increased attention and popularity by policy makers, opinion leaders, as well as by researchers. The concept lacks a rigorous definition and in this survey we list a number of alternative definitions and classifications made in recent research. These are based on comparisons between social entrepreneurship and other forms of organization, the core elements supposed to accrue to social entrepreneurship and on identification of environmental factors in which social entrepreneurs operate. In addition, despite the strong recent increase in research interest comprising several schools of thought, there is a lack of reliable data. One of the few comprehensive attempts to collect comparable data is the 2009 GEM study, measuring levels of social entrepreneurship activity in 45 countries. In this working paper we contribute an intrapolated figure for Sweden using cubic splines, which shows that Sweden ranks in the middle of the European countries. At the political decision level both the European Union and individual member states begin to adopt or suggest special legal framework conditions, including beneficial treatment, for so called social enterprises. The paper concludes that there are a limited number of studies using quantitative methods, a lack of rigorous hypothesis testing, little variety in research design, a need for an unambiguous definition that can serve as a foundation for future research and a thorough analysis of the contributions to society that can be attributed social entrepreneurship.
Marker rescue of endogenous cellular genetic information related to the avian leukosis virus gene encoding RNA-directed DNA polymerase

Endogenous cellular genetic information related to the avian leukosis virus gene encoding RNA-directed DNA polymerase was studied, using a marker rescue assay to detect biological activity of subgenomic fragments of virus-related DNAs of uninfected avian cells. Recipient cultures of chicken embryo fibroblasts were treated with sonicated DNA fragments and were infected with a temperature-sensitive mutant of Rous sarcoma virus that encoded a thermolabile DNA polymerase. Wild-type progeny viruses were isolated by marker rescue with fragments of DNA of uninfected chicken, pheasant, quail, and turkey cells. The DNAs of these uninfected avian cells, therefore, appeared to contain endogenous genetic information related to the avian leukosis virus DNA polymerase gene.
Phase I–II study on isolation antiblastic fotemustine perfusion after dacarbazine chemosensitization for advanced melanoma of the extremities

Isolation limb perfusion (ILP) is the treatment of choice for locally advanced limb melanoma. With melphalan, the referral drug, complete response (CR) is achieved in about 50% of patients, but significant local toxicity occurs in up to 30%. The aim of the present phase I–II study was to challenge fotemustine (F) in ILP after systemic chemosensitization with dacarbazine (DTIC), given its lower toxicity and greater efficacy, as reported in a previous pilot study. Eleven patients with locally advanced limb melanoma were subdivided into triplets, and given F ILP at escalating doses (starting from 25 mg/l) after intravenous administration of 500 mg/m2 DTIC. Acute and chronic locoregional and systemic toxicity, tumour response and clinical outcome were evaluated. Two patients in the first triplet had G3–G4 local toxicity, so that the scheduled F dosage was halved. At drug levels of 12.5, 15.6 and 18.2 mg/l, local toxicity decreased, but only one of eight patients showed CR. The trial was then interrupted due to the low tolerability and poor efficacy of this perfusion regimen. At present, F ILP after DTIC chemosensitization should not be recommended for the treatment of locally advanced limb melanoma.
The comparison of cold-water immersion and cold air therapy on maximal cycling performance and recovery markers following strength exercises

This study examined the effects of cold-water immersion (CWI) and cold air therapy (CAT) on maximal cycling performance (i.e. anaerobic power) and markers of muscle damage following a strength training session. Twenty endurance-trained but strength-untrained male (n = 10) and female (n = 10) participants were randomised into either: CWI (15 min in 14 °C water to iliac crest) or CAT (15 min in 14 °C air) immediately following strength training (i.e. 3 sets of leg press, leg extensions and leg curls at 6 repetition maximum, respectively). Creatine kinase, muscle soreness and fatigue, isometric knee extensor and flexor torque and cycling anaerobic power were measured prior to, immediately after and at 24 (T24), 48 (T48) and 72 (T72) h post-strength exercises. No significant differences were found between treatments for any of the measured variables (p > 0.05). However, trends suggested recovery was greater in CWI than CAT for cycling anaerobic power at T24 (10% ± 2%, ES = 0.90), T48 (8% ± 2%, ES = 0.64) and T72 (8% ± 7%, ES = 0.76). The findings suggest the combination of hydrostatic pressure and cold temperature may be favourable for recovery from strength training rather than cold temperature alone.
Travel Motivations

Abstract The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the travel motivations of both Asian and domestic college students. A comprehensive review of the literature was used to identify psychological motivations for travel and these were further assessed in terms of their importance and performance. Based on survey responses from 525 students enrolled at three universities in the U.S. Midwest, there seem to be many similarities as well as some clear differences in the students' travel motives. The importance-performance technique is used to assess the relative significance of attributes and satisfaction with the fulfillment of needs. Implications for marketing decision makers are suggested.
The Choice between Firm-Commitment and Best-Efforts Offering Methods in IPOs: The Effect of Unsuccessful Offers

Previous research questions the use of best-efforts offering methods for IPOs since firm-commitment offerings have lower direct issue costs. This paper attempts to explain the choice of best-efforts methods by focusing on an indirect offering cost: the possibility that an offering will be unsuccessful. Determinants of offering success, including offering size, price, underwriter reputation and the clustering of filings, have different impacts on the likelihood of success for these offering methods. Unsuccessful offerings are also found to be costly. Issuers select the offering method that provides the greater ex ante probability of success, all else equal, consistent with cost minimization.
Productivity, Asset Returns, and International Index Momentum

This paper demonstrates that rational momentum can exist in an economy where autocorrelated risk and convex dividend policies are present. It then studies the momentum role of firms. When a firm actively creates positive productivity shocks and accordingly increases its production scale, its output will be convex in productivity. This productivity convexity can generate momentum because a positive productivity shock helps the firm to achieve both higher realized past return and higher expected future return (due to increased exposure to productivity risk). Empirically, productivity-based return components (PBR) on average explain over 50% of the momentum effect in international index returns. This result is robust after adjusting for other risk factors. Macroeconomic variables are also shown to have certain explanatory power for momentum, partially through PBR. Finally, as a robustness check, we find that PBR also explains about 30% of industry momentum in the US.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN THE FEDERALIST SYSTEM: THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF NPDES INSPECTIONS

This paper examines the consequences of the delegation of regulatory authority to local officials. The study evaluates three hypotheses of the role delegation plays in the implementation of regulatory policy: (1) the federal case, which predicts that delegation has no effect; (2) the state/local model predicts that delegation is, in fact, abdication; and (3) the full impact model predicts that both interests determine how environmental policy is implemented. The results provide evidence that, while delegation does not completely remove national policymaker ability to alter regulatory policy, it does allow local interests to alter national standards. Copyright 1998 by Oxford University Press.
Estimating the Values of Cattle Characteristics Using an Ordered Probit Model

In this study we evaluate the preferences of cattle producers in Manitoba, Canada, for different cattle characteristics using the conjoint analysis methodology. Preferences are estimated for three different segments of the cattle production system: purebred breeders, commercial cow-calf producers, and cattle feeders. Data were collected for steers and bulls via a mail survey in 1993. Here we provide relative valuation for the different characteristics by segment of the cattle sector. Evidence is provided that different segments of the cattle sector do not value characteristics the same. For example, purebred breeders have higher preferences for reproduction traits, while feedlot operators give higher values to commercial attributes such as heavy slaughter weight and carcass yield. The different valuations of characteristics across segments of the cattle sector suggest that signals regarding preferences may be noisy. As a result, it might be difficult to design some breed improvement programs to be broadly acceptable, if they have differential benefits to the different segments of producers, when using standard profit-oriented selection indices. Copyright 1997, Oxford University Press.
Mannose‐binding lectin and susceptibility to tuberculosis: a meta‐analysis

It has been proposed that mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) levels may impact upon host susceptibility to tuberculosis (TB) infection; however, evidence to date has been conflicting. We performed a literature review and meta‐analysis of 17 human trials considering the effect of MBL2 genotype and/or MBL levels and TB infection. No significant association was demonstrated between MBL2 genotype and pulmonary TB infection. However, the majority of studies did not report MBL2 haplotype inclusive of promoter polymorphisms. Serum MBL levels were shown to be consistently elevated in the setting of TB infection. While this may indicate that high MBL levels protect against infection with TB, the increase was also of a degree consistent with the acute‐phase reaction. This analysis suggests that the relatively poorly characterized MBL2 genotypes reported are not associated significantly with susceptibility to pulmonary TB infection, but high MBL serum levels may be.
Neuroanatomic correlates of stroke-related myocardial injury

Background: Myocardial injury can occur after ischemic stroke in the absence of primary cardiac causes. The neuroanatomic basis of stroke-related myocardial injury is not well understood. Objective: To identify regions of brain infarction associated with myocardial injury using a method free of the bias of an a priori hypothesis as to any specific location. Methods: Of 738 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke, the authors identified 50 patients in whom serum cardiac troponin T (cTnT) elevation occurred in the absence of any apparent cause within 3 days of symptom onset. Fifty randomly selected, age- and sex-matched patients with ischemic stroke without cTnT elevation served as controls. Diffusion-weighted images with outlines of infarction were co-registered to a template, averaged, and then subtracted to find voxels that differed between the two groups. Voxel-wise p values were determined using a nonparametric permutation test to identify specific regions of infarction that were associated with cTnT elevation. Results: The study groups were well balanced with respect to stroke risk factors, history of coronary artery disease, infarction volume, and frequency of right and left middle cerebral artery territory involvement. Brain regions that were a priori associated with cTnT elevation included the right posterior, superior, and medial insula and the right inferior parietal lobule. Among patients with right middle cerebral artery infarction, the insular cluster was involved in 88% of patients with and 33% without cTnT elevation (odds ratio: 15.00; 95% CI: 2.65 to 84.79). Conclusions: Infarctions in specific brain regions including the right insula are associated with elevated serum cardiac troponin T level indicative of myocardial injury.