Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nigeria’s 2015 General Elections: The Salience of Electoral Reforms

Abstract Nigeria’s 2015 general elections were followed by positive remarks by trusted local and international observers. The highpoint of the elections was the emergence of the opposition candidate as the winner of the 28 March presidential elections. Clearly, this is unprecedented in the electoral history of Nigeria considering the enormous influence that surrounds the office of the incumbent executive in the country. This article analyses the reforms that enhanced the integrity of the elections. The article illustrates the electoral reforms introduced by the electoral management body and their connection to the improvement of the integrity of the 2015 general elections.
Healthy Start: The Use of Welfare Food Vouchers by Low-Income Parents in England

The Healthy Start scheme provides food welfare to pregnant women and children under four years old in the UK. The Government provides vouchers to families living on a low income that can be exchanged for infant formula, plain cow's milk and fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables. This article reports on a qualitative study of parents using Healthy Start in England. Interviews were conducted with 107 parents from thirteen areas in England. Most found the scheme easy to use, but some vulnerable groups were unable to access the scheme. The vouchers provided a vital source of food at times of crisis, and put purchase of fruit and vegetables within reach for some. Parents reduced stigma by using self-service tills and by only visiting retailers known to accept the vouchers. Healthy Start provides additional protection by sitting outside of other social security benefits. To continue to provide this essential protection, their value should be reviewed and increased.
Sports attendance: A survey of the Literature 1973-2007

Introduction – 1. Theoretical aspects – 2. Demand definition, data andempirical model – 3. Determinants of attendance (I): Economical aspects – 4.Determinants of attendance (II): Expected quality – 5. Determinants of attendance(III): Uncertainty of outcome – 6. Determinants of attendance (IV): Opportunity cost and other factors – Conclusions – Abstract In this paper, we show a review of the empirical analysis literature about the factors that explain attendance to the stadiums on different sports, mainly in the case of professional sports. Apart from the traditional economic determinants of demand (attendance), the sports events in which the performers have more quality and in those which exists uncertainty of outcome of the match or the championship, have a larger number of spectators. On the other hand, these are not the only factors that explain attendance. Variables that capture the opportunity cost of going to the stadium and other determinants, like unobservable factors associated to the contender teams, also have relevance at the time of analyzing this side of the demand related to professional teams of sports events
Effect of Single-Dose Prophylactic Ampicillin and Sulbactam on Wound Infection After Tension-Free Inguinal Hernia Repair With Polypropylene Mesh: The Randomized, Double-Blind, Prospective Trial

ObjectiveTo assess the value of single-dose, intravenous, prophylactic ampicillin and sulbactam (AS) in the prevention of wound infections during open prosthetic inguinal hernia repair by a double-blind, prospective, randomized trial. Summary Background DataThe use of antibiotic prophylaxis during open prosthetic inguinal hernia surgery is controversial, and no prospective trial has been conducted to examine this issue. MethodsPatients undergoing unilateral, primary inguinal hernia repair electively with the Lichtenstein technique using polypropylene mesh were randomized to receive 1.5 g intravenous AS before the incision or an equal volume of placebo according to a predetermined code of which the surgeons were unaware. Patients with recurrent, femoral, bilateral, giant, or incarcerated hernias or any systemic diseases were excluded. Age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, type of hernia, type of anesthesia, duration of surgery, and use of drains were recorded. Infection was defined according to the criteria of Centers for Disease Control. Patients were evaluated 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery by an independent surgeon. All complications were recorded. Results were assessed using chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and Student t tests as appropriate. ResultsBetween September 1996 and July 1998, 280 patients (140 AS, 140 placebo group) entered the protocol. Four patients from the AS group and seven from the placebo group were excluded because of inadvertent antibiotic administration or follow-up problems. Groups were well matched for all the variables studied and postoperative complications, excluding wound infections, which occurred at a rate of 0.7% in the AS group and 9% in the placebo group (P = .00153). Twelve patients in the placebo group developed wound infections, requiring five repeat hospital admissions in three patients. These three patients suffered deep infections reaching the graft, which resulted in graft loss in two. The single infected patient in the AS group had his graft removed as well because of deep persistent infection. ConclusionsThis study documented a significant (10-fold) decrease in overall wound infections when single-dose, intravenous AS was used during Lichtenstein hernia repair. Deep infections and wound infection-related readmissions were also reduced by the use of AS. Proponents of mesh repairs may therefore be advised to use prophylactic single-dose intravenous antibiotic coverage in the light of the results of this trial. AS proved to be an effective antimicrobial agent.
Trade Liberalisation and Economic Performance: An Overview

This paper surveys the recent literature on trade liberalisation and economic growth. While there are serious methodological challenges and disagreements about the strength of the evidence, the most plausible conclusion is that liberalisation generally induces a temporary (but possibly long-lived) increase in growth. A major component of this is an increase in productivity. Part 2 stresses the importance of other factors in achieving growth, such as other policies, investment and institutions, but argues that many of these respond positively to trade liberalisation. It also considers the implementation of liberalisation and notes the benefits of simple and transparent trade regimes.
Cigarette Taxation and the Social Consequences of Smoking

This paper assesses the appropriate cigarette tax needed to address potential market failures. There is no evidence of inadequate risk decisions by smokers regarding their own welfare. Detailed calculations of the financial externalities of smoking indicate that the financial savings from premature mortality in terms of lower nursing home costs and retirement pensions exceed the higher medical care and life insurance costs generated. The costs of environmental tobacco smoke are highly uncertain, but of potentially substantial magnitude. Even with recognition of these costs, current cigarette taxes exceed the magnitude of the estimated net externalities.
Analgesic and Antipyretic Activities of Methanol Extract and Its Fraction from the Root of Schoenoplectus grossus

The study aims to evaluate analgesic and antipyretic activities of the methanol extract and its different fractions from root of Schoenoplectus grossus using acetic acid induced writhing and radiant heat tail flick method of pain models in mice and yeast induced pyrexia in rats at the doses of 400 and 200 mg/kg. In acetic acid writhing test, the methanol extract, petroleum ether, and carbon tetrachloride fractions produced significant (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05) inhibition of writhing responses in dose dependent manner. The methanol extract at 400 and 200 mg/kg being more protective with 54% and 45.45% of inhibition compared to diclofenac sodium of 56% followed by petroleum ether fractions of 49.69% and 39.39% at the same doses. The extracts did not produce any significant antinociceptive activity in tail flick test except standard morphine. When studied on yeast induced pyrexia, methanol and petroleum ether fractions significantly lowered the rectal temperature time dependently in a manner similar to standard drug paracetamol and distinctly more significant (P < 0.001) after second hour. These findings suggest that the root extracts of S. grossus possess significant peripherally acting analgesic potential and antipyretic property. The phytochemical screening showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins.
Electricity Generation in Microbial Fuel Cells Using Neutral Red as an Electronophore

ABSTRACT Neutral red (NR) was utilized as an electron mediator in microbial fuel cells consuming glucose to study both its efficiency during electricity generation and its role in altering anaerobic growth and metabolism of Escherichia coli andActinobacillus succinogenes. A study of chemical fuel cells in which NADH, NR, and ferricyanide were the electron donor, the electronophore, and the electron acceptor, respectively, showed that electrical current produced from NADH was proportional to the concentration of NADH. Fourfold more current was produced from NADH in chemical fuel cells when NR was the electron mediator than when thionin was the electron mediator. In microbial fuel cells in which E. coli resting cells were used the amount of current produced from glucose when NR was the electron mediator (3.5 mA) was 10-fold more than the amount produced when thionin was the electron mediator (0.4 mA). The amount of electrical energy generated (expressed in joules per mole of substrate) and the amount of current produced from glucose (expressed in milliamperes) in NR-mediated microbial fuel cells containing either E. coli or A. succinogeneswere about 10- and 2-fold greater, respectively, when resting cells were used than when growing cells were used. Cell growth was inhibited substantially when these microbial fuel cells were making current, and more oxidized end products were formed under these conditions. When sewage sludge (i.e., a mixed culture of anaerobic bacteria) was used in the fuel cell, stable (for 120 h) and equivalent levels of current were obtained with glucose, as observed in the pure-culture experiments. These results suggest that NR is better than other electron mediators used in microbial fuel cells and that sludge production can be decreased while electricity is produced in fuel cells. Our results are discussed in relation to factors that may improve the relatively low electrical efficiencies (1.2 kJ/mol) obtained with microbial fuel cells.
Young women with diabetes: using Internet communication to create stability during life transitions.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The aim of the current study was to explore and describe the strategies young women with Type 1 diabetes used to manage transitions in their lives. This paper will describe one aspect of the findings of how women with Type 1 diabetes used the Internet to interact with other people with diabetes and create stability in their lives. BACKGROUND Individuals living with diabetes develop a range of different strategies to create stability in their lives and enhance their well-being. Changing social and emotional conditions during life transitions have a major impact on diabetes management. Although the literature indicates that strategies enabling the individuals to cope with transitions are important, they remain under-researched. DESIGN Using grounded theory, interviews were conducted with 20 women with Type 1 diabetes. Constant comparative data analysis was used to analyse the data and develop an understanding of how young women with Type 1 diabetes used the Internet to create stability in their lives. FINDINGS The findings revealed that the women valued their autonomy and being in control of when and to whom they reveal their diabetic status, especially during life transitions and at times of uncertainty. However, during these times they also required health and social information and interacting with other people. One of the women's main strategies in managing transitions was to use Internet chat lines as a way of obtaining information and communicating with others. This strategy gave women a sense of autonomy, enabled them to maintain their anonymity and interact with other people on their own terms. CONCLUSIONS Having meaningful personal interactions, social support and being able to connect with others were fundamental to the women's well being. Most importantly, preserving autonomy and anonymity during such interactions were integral to the way the women with Type 1 diabetes managed life transitions. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Health professionals need to explore and incorporate Internet communication process or anonymous help lines into their practice as a way to assist people manage their diabetes.
The Fisher Hypothesis under Different Monetary Regimes

We examine the relation between inflation and nominal interest rates under the various monetary regimes in effect in the United States since the turn of the century. Our data include a newly constructed time series of short-term municipal bond yields observed annually since 1902. The results generally support the hypothesis that after-tax nominal yields adjust point-for-point with "rationally" forecasted inflation for the postwar years, but strongly reject that hypothesis for the preceding years. We suggest, and offer supporting evidence, that the difference between the two subperiods may be attributable to differences in the optimal forecasting technique for each era when forecasting is a costly endeavor.
Improved operation of a three phase matrix converter using simple modulation strategy

Present work relates to improved operation of a 3-phase matrix converter using simple modulation strategy. A simple approach for input displacement power factor control is described, which can make the matrix converter as a source or sink of controlled reactive power. Novel feature of this investigation is the study relating to parallel operation of two matrix converters, from the point of view of reduction of input current harmonic, using a simple and reliable control strategy for matrix converter operation. These aspects enhance the possibility of application of matrix converters in grid connected wind energy conversion systems (wind farms).
Proposal on limits for chemical exposure in saturation divers’ working atmosphere: the case of benzene

Saturation diving is performed under extreme environmental conditions. The divers are confined to a limited space for several weeks under high environmental pressure and elevated oxygen partial pressure. At present, divers are protected against chemical exposure by standard exposure limits only adjusted for the increased exposure length, i.e. from 8 to 24 hours a day and from 5 to 7 days a week. The objective of the present study was to indicate a procedure for derivation of occupational exposure limits for saturation diving, termed hyperbaric exposure limits (HEL). Using benzene as an example, a procedure is described that includes identification of the latest key documents, extensive literature search with defined exclusion criteria for the literature retrieved. Hematotoxicity and leukemia were defined as the critical effects, and exposure limits based upon concentration and cumulative exposure data and corresponding risks of leukemia were calculated. Possible interactions of high pressure, elevated pO2, and continuous exposure have been assessed, and incorporated in a final suggestion of a HEL for benzene. The procedure should be applicable for other relevant chemicals in the divers’ breathing atmosphere. It is emphasized that the lack of interactions from pressure and oxygen indicated for benzene may be completely different for other chemicals.
Accounting professionalism – a cultural perspective of developing countries

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of culture on accounting professionalism in 12 developing countries by applying Gray's 1988 model and Hofstede 1980 cultural study.Design/methodology/approach – Connecting seven variables introduced within a testable model lead the finding to classify the twelve countries within a range from statutory control to professionalism. The data set was collected from 1996 to 2000 through different sources. Twelve developing countries have been chosen from the Middle East and South East Asia in this study and cluster analysis is used for analysing and classifying the countries.Findings – The results show while the Gray's hypothesis of statutory control is positively confirmed for Iran, and moderately for Bangladesh, Jordan, Oman, and Qatar, it is negatively rejected for Pakistan, Turkey, Malaysia, and Indonesia.Research limitations/implications – One limitation of this study is the improvised nature of the data set caused by the difficulty in collectin.
Exacerbated loss of cell survival, neuropeptide Y‐immunoreactive (IR) cells, and serotonin‐IR fiber lengths in the dorsal hippocampus of the aged flinders sensitive line “depressed” rat: Implications for the pathophysiology of depression?

Impairment of hippocampal neurogenesis has been proposed to provide a cellular basis for the development of major depression. Studies have shown that serotonin (5‐HT) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) may be involved in stimulating cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus. The Flinders‐sensitive line (FSL) rat represents a genetic model of depression with characterized 5‐HT and NPY abnormalities in the hippocampus. Consequently, it could be hypothesized that hippocampal neurogenesis in the FSL rat would be impaired. The present study examined the relationship among 1) number of BrdU‐immunoreactive (IR) cells, 2) NPY‐IR cells in the dentate gyrus, and 3) length of 5‐HT‐IR fibers in the dorsal hippocampus, as well as volume and number of 5‐HT‐IR cells in the dorsal raphé nucleus, in adult and aged FSL rats and control Flinders‐resistant line (FRL) rats. Surprisingly, adult FSL rats had significantly more BrdU‐IR and NPY‐IR cells compared with adult FRL rats. However, aging caused an exacerbated loss of these cell types in the FSL strain compared with FRL. The aged FSL rats also had shortened 5‐HT‐IR fibers in the dorsal hippocampus, indicative of an impaired 5‐HT innervation of this area, compared with FRL. These results suggest that, for “depressed” FSL rats, compared with FRL rats, aging is associated with an excacerbated loss of newly formed cells in addition to NPY‐IR cells and 5‐HT‐IR dendrites in the hippocampus. These observations may be of relevance to the depression‐like behavior of the FSL rat and, by inference, to the pathophysiology of depression. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The risk of myocardial infarction and pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic myocardial infarction predictors in rheumatoid arthritis: a cohort and nested case-control analysis.

OBJECTIVE To determine the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared with that in patients with noninflammatory rheumatic disorders and to determine risk factors for MI in RA, the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and corticosteroid use, and the relationship between RA treatment and MI. METHODS We conducted a cohort study of MI in 17,738 patients with RA and 3,001 patients with noninflammatory rheumatic disorders who were assessed at 6-month intervals between 1999 and July 2006. We evaluated treatment effect in a nested case-control study of RA participants who were matched by age, sex, study duration, and date of study entry. RESULTS The covariate-adjusted risk of first MI in RA versus that in noninflammatory rheumatic disorders was 1.9 (95% confidence interval 1.2-2.9) (P = 0.005). In RA, MI was predicted by age, sex, education level, hypertension, smoking, exercise, prior MI, diabetes, a comorbidity index, use of low-dose aspirin and antilipemic agents, RA severity and treatment variables, and corticosteroid use. Except for obesity, predictors were of equal strength in RA and noninflammatory rheumatic disorders. The increased risk for MI in RA compared with that in noninflammatory rheumatic disorders lessened when corticosteroid users were excluded. Use of corticosteroids was associated with future development of diabetes and hypertension. CONCLUSION MI in RA is associated with demographic and cardiovascular risk factors and corticosteroid use. Study data support the hypothesis that RA activity causes MI and that corticosteroids are primarily a marker of RA activity. However, corticosteroids increase the risk of diabetes and hypertension and contribute to the overall risk of MI.
ROBUSTNESS AND FEASIBILITY OF CORPORATISM

By considering a standard game between the Government and a centralised trade union, we investigate the robustness of the claim that corporatism has a positive effect on macroeconomic performance. We test this claim with respect to different kinds of non-co-operative equilibria, model parameterisations and unionâ€™s utility functions (different in both form and arguments). Furthermore, we introduce in the literature the issue of the feasibility of corporatism, i.e., whether and under what conditions it is in the interest of both agents to implement a corporatist approach to economic policies.
From integrative to game-based integrative peer response: high ability versus low ability

Peer response is useful to improve student writing. However, traditional peer response takes a single mode, which has some problems, such as effort for preparation of documents or ambiguous feedback. To address these problems, this study presents two peer response approaches, that is, an integrative approach and a game-based integrative approach. Additionally, whether students with these two peer response approaches and those with a non-peer response approach performed differently is examined in this study, where students' ability levels were also considered. The findings suggest that students with the peer response generally demonstrated better writing performance than those without the peer response. Furthermore, students with the game-based integrative approach showed better writing quality than those with the integrative approach. Moreover, the former was more helpful in giving direct feedback on surface features and criticism than the latter. However, the usefulness of peer response approaches was associated with ability levels. More specifically, the integrative approach was beneficial for the high-ability students to improve on their written expression in the aspect of length of composition, while the game-based integrative approach was advantageous to enhance the low-ability students' writing quality in the aspect of clear paragraph.
Monetary Incentives, Motivation, and Job Effort in the Public Sector

What effects do financial incentives have on the effort made by public managers? How do different types of work motivation (i.e., intrinsic, extrinsic, and public service motivation) moderate this effect? We addressed these questions using experimental data from a sample of executives working for the Italian central government and found that monetary rewards had no significant effect on the intended effort of the study participants. Furthermore, the relationship between financial incentives and intended effort, which was insignificant overall, was negatively moderated by the intrinsic motivation of the participants, positively moderated by extrinsic motivation, and unaffected by public service motivation.