Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multiple sclerosis in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa: an epidemiological and clinical study

Background Since the study by Dean, almost 40 years ago, there has been no systematic South African study on the prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) using the modern diagnostic criteria. KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), one of the nine provinces in South Africa, is home to 9.9 million people belonging to all racial groups. Aim To determine the period prevalence of MS in KZN in the different racial groups, using the revised McDonald's criteria. Methods The charts of all KZN patients given the diagnosis of MS were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis. All patients were contacted telephonically over a period of one month (July 2005) to determine whether they were still alive and still resident in KZN. Clinical, laboratory and treatment data were also extracted from the charts. Results The crude period prevalence per 100 000 for whites was 25.63, for Indians 7.59, people of mixed ancestry 1.94 and for blacks 0.22. The corresponding age standardized prevalence per 100 000 were 25.64, 7.15, 1.72 and 0.23, respectively. The clinical features were similar to that seen in the Western world. Up to half of the 167 patients had significant motor disability and optic neuritis was seen in 43/167 (25.7%) of patients. Whilst all traceable MRI brain scans showed some abnormality, 96/139 (69.1%) met three of the four McDonald's MRI criteria. CSF oligoclonal bands were present in 102 of 124 (82.3%) samples tested. Conclusion MS in KZN is more frequent than previously believed and occurs in all racial groups being most frequent in whites followed by Indians. MS, although rare, does occur in blacks. The increased prevalence figures may reflect better case ascertainment and use of modern diagnostic techniques. However, an absolute increase in numbers cannot be excluded. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 1095—1099. http://msj.sagepub. com
The impact of classes of innovators on technology, financial fragility, and economic growth

In this article, we study innovation processes and technological change in an agent-based model. By including a behavioral switching among heterogeneous innovative firms, the model is able to replicate, via simulations, well-known industrial dynamic and growth type stylized facts. The main original element of the model is that firms are allowed to endogenously change among three different classes, namely, single innovators, collaborative innovators, and imitators. Moreover, our analysis focuses on the impact of these three innovation categories on micro, meso, and macro aggregates. We find that collaborative companies are those having the highest positive impact on the economic system. Furthermore, we have paid particular attention to the role of credit market in promoting smart growth. For this purpose, we analyze the role of banks as sources of external funds for innovative entrepreneurs. Our results suggest a trade-off between short-term profit maximization and long-term efficiency, which prevents banks to foster investment in R&D and technological progress. The model is then used to study the effect that different innovation policies have on macroeconomic performance. Copyright 2013 The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Associazione ICC. All rights reserved. , Oxford University Press.
Hispanic Women Business Executives' Self-Perceptions of Leadership Effectiveness

Hispanic Women Business Executives’ Self-Perceptions of Leadership Effectiveness by Daniel R. Dusch Jr. MST, Seton Hall University, 2000 BS, University of Pittsburgh, 1989 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Applied Management and Decision Sciences Walden University February 2015
Economic Reform, Skill Formation and Foreign Capital

Does trade liberalisation promote skill formation and positively influence the inflow of foreign capital in an economy? How do incentives offered to foreign capital affect skill formation and skilled-unskilled wage inequality? Is liberalisation of agricultural exports counterproductive to skill formation and foreign capital inflow in the economy? We try to capture these relationships between foreign capital and skill formation in a small open economy facing various exogenous shocks. Among other results, we show that import liberalisation increases skill formation and the inflow of foreign capital in the country. We explore the evolving state of the skilled-unskilled wage gap in a regime of greater skill formation.
Foreign Trade and Economic Reform in China

This study, first published in 1992, explores the relationship between China's foreign trade reforms and the domestic economic reforms that underlie China's policy of openness. It provided the first comprehensive analysis of how China emerged, since reform began in 1978, as one of the most dynamic trading nations in the world. It examines both the external policy changes, such as the decentralisation of trading authority and the devaluation of the domestic currency, and internal economic reforms such as the increased use of markets and prices. The volume concludes with an analysis of the sources of China's export growth and outlines further domestic economic reforms that the author believes will be required to sustain China's integration into the world economy.
European business systems : firms and markets in their national contexts

Introduction - Richard Whitley PART ONE: THE COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF BUSINESS SYSTEMS Societies, Firms and Markets - Richard Whitley The Social Structuring of Business Systems National Business Recipes - Keijo R[um]as[um]anen and Richard Whipp A Sector Perspective PART TWO: NATIONAL BUSINESS SYSTEMS IN EUROPE Introduction - Richard Whitley European Business Systems - Christel Lane Britain and Germany Compared European Business Systems - Ad van Iterson and Ren[ac]e Olie The Dutch Case Strategies Against Structure - Peer Hull Kristensen Institutions and Economic Organization in Denmark A Dominant Business Recipe - Kari Lilja, Keijo R[um]as[um]anen and Risto Tainio The Forest Sector in Finland Small Country Business Systems - Jane Marceau Australia, Denmark and Finland Compared PART THREE: BUSINESS SYSTEMS, INDUSTRIAL SECTORS AND STRATEGIC CHOICES Introduction - Richard Whitley Business Systems, Industrial Wisdom and Corporate Strategies - Bo Hellgren and Leif Melin Business Systems, Consumption and Change - David Knights, Glenn Morgan and Fergus Murray Personal Financial Services in Italy The Societal Construction of Labour Flexibility - Jacqueline O'Reilly Employment Strategies in Retail Banking in Britain and France Firm Development and Diversification Strategies as Products of Economic Cultures - J M Nishida and S G Redding The Japanese and Hong Kong Textile Industries PART FOUR: CONCLUSION The Comparative Study of Business Systems in Europe - Richard Whitley Issues and Choices
Grain Yield and Quality of Semiflint Maize Hybrids at Two Sowing Dates

Summary Hybrid selection has an important infl uence on specifi c end-use of maize (Zea mays L.) grain. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the grain yield and quality of four recently released (1999-2002) maize hybrids compared to a check hybrid Bc 462 released in 1982. All hybrids were of semifl int type, that belong to the various maturity groups (FAO 200-400). Hybrids were grown over two years at the optimum (around 1 May) and delayed (about two weeks later) sowing dates. Grain yields were signifi cantly higher in the growing season of 2004 averaging 7247 kg ha-1 compared to 6114 kg ha-1 in 2003. Larger grain yields in 2004 were primarily associated with the heavier 1000-kernel weights. Grain protein and oil contents did not vary across two years and averaged 112 and 43.4 g kg -1 , respectively. Hybrids signifi cantly diff ered in grain yield, yield components and grain quality traits. A new, longer-maturity hybrid Zlatko produced the largest grain yields, which were by 22 % higher than those of the lowest yielding Tvrtko 303, a shorter-season hybrid. Sowing date did not aff ect grain yield and protein content in any of the tested hybrids, but all hybrids tended to have slightly, yet signifi cantly lower oil content with delayed sowing date. A full-season check hybrid Bc 462 had signifi cantly higher grain protein and oil content than all recently released hybrids, which did not diff er among themselves for those quality traits. However, Bc 462 produced signifi cantly smaller protein, oil and starch yield per hectare than Zlatko because of lower grain yields for the former. Positive correlation existed between grain protein and oil content among tested hybrids, whereas these quality traits negatively correlated with grain yield and starch content. Th us, end-users that require high grain quality maize may need to provide incentives to growers to off set the negative correlation of grain yield with protein and oil content.
Is the Real Interest Rate Stable

Univariate time series models for consumption, nominal interest rat es, and prices each appear to have a single unit-root before 1979. If nominal interest rates have a unit-root , but inflation and forecast errors do not, then ex ante real interest rates have a unit-root and are therefore nonstationary. The unit-root characteristic of real interest rates is puzzling: man y models imply that the growth rate of consumption and the real interest rate should have similar time-series characteristics; also, nominal returns for other assets appear to have very different time-series properties. Copyright 1988 by American Finance Association.
THE GROWTH HORMONE RELEASING HORMONE (GHRH) RESPONSE TO A MIXED MEAL IS BLUNTED IN YOUNG ADULTS WITH INSULIN‐DEPENDENT DIABETES MELLITUS WHEREAS THE SOMATOSTATIN RESPONSE IS NORMAL

Following a standard mixed meal, plasma concentrations of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH), somatostatin (SMS) and growth hormone (GH) were measured every 30 min for 300 min in six young adults with type I insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and five normal controls. Mean blood glucose concentrations were higher and mean free insulin levels lower in the diabetics compared with controls both in fasting specimens and at all times following the mixed meal. Basal concentrations (mean±SEM) of GHRH were similar in diabetic (12.7±1.8 pg/ml) and control subjects (11.8±1.1 pg/ml). Following ingestion of the mixed meal, a rise in GHRH was observed in the control subjects maximal between 30 and 240 min (P < 0.025) but the response was blunted in the diabetics. Mean GHRH concentrations were greater in the controls than in the diabetic subjects at all stages during the test, the maximum difference being noted at 120 mins (P < 0.04). Basal SMS concentrations and those observed after the mixed meal were similar in diabetic and control subjects. These results indicate that glucose and insulin may play a role in the regulation of GHRH release following a mixed meal but circulating levels of GHRH and SMS are unlikely to be relevant to the abnormal regulation of GH in IDDM.
THE GINI-TYPE FUNCTIONS: AN ALTERNATIVE DERIVATION

The purpose of this note is to propose an alternative and intuitively simpler derivation of the Gini coefficient (in Section 1), to show how it can be generalized and how then a number of coefficients (concentration coefficient, Kakwani's progressivity index) are obtained directly from this generalization (Section 2), and finally to use this approach to obtain some Gini relationships (Section 3). Copyright 1994 by Blackwell Publishing Ltd and the Board of Trustees of the Bulletin of Economic Research
The Exchange Rate in the Japanese Economy: The Past, Puzzles, and Prospects

Selected topics in the literature on the exchange rate, in particular the yen, are reviewed from the viewpoint of some academic/practical puzzles. A survey is provided of past work covering use of the yen on PPP, covered and uncovered interest rate parity, the unbiasedness of expected future exchange rates, volatility spillover across borders and the effectiveness of intervention. The role of the yen in the international financial structure and its future role in global and regional financial markets are discussed.
Testing the Significance of Income Distribution Changes over the 1980s Business Cycle: A Cross-National Comparison

Using kernel density estimation we describe the distribution of household size-adjusted real income and how it changed over the business cycle of the 1980s in the United States and the United Kingdom. We confirm previous studies that show income inequality increased in the two countries and the middle of the distribution was squashed down. Using a series of statistical tests, however, we find that while the mass in both tails of the distribution increased significantly in both countries over the period, by far the greatest gains were in the upper tail.
A new time/frequency technique for detecting chirped signals

A new time/frequency technique is developed to detect chirped signals. Specifically, we detect pulses that become dispersed by transmission through the ionosphere and are manifested as nonlinear chirps. Standard wavelet methods have been shown to be successful in transionospheric signal analysis, but we find they are not the best way to represent the signals of interest. A new wavelet technique is developed, tailored to capture the characteristics of a nonlinear chirp pulse. Experimental results using actual satellite data demonstrate the new method is a useful tool in detection of nonlinear chirp pulses at low signal-to-noise ratios.
Preparing Action Competent Environmental Educators: How Hard Could It Be?

Abstract This article describes an interpretive study that evaluated a new subject in teacher education called ‘Education for Sustainable Development’. The study evaluated the subject for its ability to prepare pre-service teachers for their roles as environmental educators. We used perspectives in place-based pedagogy and critical thinking to underpin the subject design and our analysis. Data sources include instructor journals, planning documents, interviews with students and student thinking books. Interpretive analysis of the data corpus was a collaborative process that involved both subject instructors and students who took the subject. Themes that emerged from the research were centred around: (1) how the students built connections between primary school education and environmental education; (2) how students developed action competence through the activities in the subject; (3) how students were challenged to think differently about themselves as educators; and, (4) how the subject design presented its own challenges for both instructors and students.
Digital storytelling: a tool for health promotion and cancer awareness in rural Alaskan communities

Background The purpose of this study was to learn community members’ perspectives about digital storytelling after viewing a digital story created by a Community Health Aide/Practitioner (CHA/P). Methods Using a qualitative research design, we explored digital storytelling likeability as a health-messaging tool, health information viewers reported learning and, if viewing, cancer-related digital stories facilitated increased comfort in talking about cancer. In addition, we enquired if the digital stories affected how viewers felt about cancer, as well as if viewing the digital stories resulted in health behaviour change or intent to change health behaviour. Findings A total of 15 adult community members participated in a 30–45 minute interview, 1–5 months post-viewing of a CHA/P digital story. The majority (13) of viewers interviewed were female, all were Alaska Native and they ranged in age from 25 to 54 years with the average age being 40 years. Due to the small size of communities, which ranged in population from 160 to 2,639 people, all viewers knew the story creator or knew of the story creator. Viewers reported digital stories as an acceptable, emotionally engaging way to increase their cancer awareness and begin conversations. These conversations often served as a springboard for reflection, insight, and cancer-prevention and risk-reduction activities.
Zwanzig Jahre Versuchsaufforstung Stillberg: Überleben und Wachstum einer subalpinen Aufforstung in Abhängigkeit vom Standort | Twenty years experimental afforestation Stillberg: Survival and growth in a subalpine afforestation in relation to site conditions

In an experimental afforestation (Stillberg near Davos) close to the subalpine tree line, we studied mortality and height development of planted Swiss stone pines, mountain pines and European larches, and their relationship to microsite parameters such as exposure, soil type and duration of snow cover in spring, as well as to meteorological parameters. The most important cause of mortality among the planted trees was the pathogenic fungus Gremmeniella abietina, which particularly occurred on sites with prolonged snow cover in spring. This study revealed changes in the ranking order among the species three times within twenty years, both for survival and for tree height, which demonstrates the necessity of long-term studies.
Quotas: A Pathway of Political Empowerment?

Over the last 20 years, the problem of low levels of representation of women in political office has been mobilising women, and especially feminists, throughout the world. The adoption of quotas has become a much-used tool to address the challenge of increasing women's political representation, and as a route to enhancing women's political empowerment. In Latin America, many countries have adopted quota systems, but with widely varying effects. This article takes stock of Latin American experience and asks to what extent quota systems have served as a pathway of women into politics. Identifying challenges to implementation and factors that have contributed to their success or failure, the article seeks to explore lessons that can be learnt from this experience that can help contribute to strengthening mechanisms and processes that support the achievement of greater equality in a sphere in which women continue to be grossly under-represented.
Is There a Relationship Between Blood Pressure and Intraocular Pressure? An Experimental Study in Hypertensive Rats

Purpose: Evaluation of relation between blood pressure (BP) and intraocular pressure (IOP) in two hypertensive rat strains: spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and double transgenic (dTGR) (harboring human renin and angiotensinogen genes) rats, and in their normotensive control Wistar Kyoto and Sprague Dawley rats, respectively. Methods: Each rat strain was divided into medicated and non-medicated groups. Medicated rats were treated orally with an angiotensin II receptor type 1 blocker. IOP was measured using a specific rebound tonometer and BP by a tail-cuff method. Both parameters were determined in conscious animals every second week. For comparison, at the end of the study, IOP was measured in conscious and anesthetized rats. Results: The baseline IOP was higher in hypertensive rats vs their normotensive controls. Eight weeks of treatment with an angiotensin type 1 receptor blocker did not prevent a slight increase in IOP, although it abolished the development of hypertension in SHR. The markedly elevated IOP was reduced in medicated and non-medicated dTGR animals during the short follow-up period. General anesthesia reduced IOP significantly. Conclusion: The results suggest a positive relation between BP and IOP in hypertensive rats.
Resource Allocation for Multiple-User AF-OFDMA Systems Using the Auction Framework

We develop auction-based algorithms for joint allocation of resources, i.e., power profiles at the source and relay nodes and subcarrier assignment profile for multiple-user amplify-and-forward (AF) orthogonal frequency-division multiple-access (OFDMA) systems. The first algorithm is based on sequential single-item auction, where each user submits a bid based on either the marginal increase or the relative marginal increase in the data rate using the subcarrier. The first bidding strategy maximizes the sum data rate, whereas the second bidding strategy maximizes the fairness index. In both cases, the subcarrier is assigned to the user who submits the highest bid. The algorithm proceeds in a sequential fashion until all subcarriers are assigned. To reduce the synchronized interactions between the base station and the users, we propose a one-shot auction algorithm, where each user submits bids for all subcarriers at once based on the Shapley value, a well-known cooperative-game theoretic concept. The user evaluates each subcarrier based on an estimation of the Shapley value. The subcarriers are then assigned based on the submitted bids using an iterative algorithm that maximizes the fairness index. The throughput and fairness indices are used to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithms. Numerical results are used to show the merits of each algorithm.
Exploring consumers' perceptions of eco‐conscious apparel acquisition behaviors

Purpose - The purpose of this research is to advance understanding of the socially responsible apparel consumer by exploring apparel consumption behaviors perceived by consumers to be eco-conscious. Design/methodology/approach - This study used a qualitative approach to collect and analyze data from 26 American apparel consumers. Data collection for the study occurred through semi-structured interviews. Findings - Results indicate that the participants engaged in a number of perceived eco-conscious apparel acquisition behaviors. First, they adhered to acquisition limits by acquiring apparel based on need and extending the lifetime of their apparel. Second, they acquired apparel made from fibers or having other attributes perceived as environmentally preferable. Finally, they acquired apparel through sources believed to be environmentally preferable, including second-hand sources, eco-conscious companies, independently owned companies, and home sewing. Research limitations/implications - The sample of 26 American consumers means that the results cannot be widely generalized. Future research should examine the apparel acquisition behaviors of a larger sample and include consumers from outside the USA. Practical implications - This study provides evidence that consumers engage in a range of eco-conscious apparel acquisition behaviors, and a market segment of eco-conscious apparel consumers exists. Apparel industry professionals can use this baseline information to aid in the development of eco-conscious apparel consumption strategies. Originality/value - This study contributes to increased understanding of eco-conscious apparel consumption, an area with limited previous research, by identifying apparel acquisition behaviors that consumers perceive to be eco-conscious. The findings are valuable in the promotion of eco-conscious apparel consumption.