Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Delegative Democratic Attitudes and Institutional Support in Central America

also consist of at least two types of attitudes toward regimes: liberal and delegative dem ocratic. These divergent democratic attitudes have major implications for the develop ment of institutional legitimacy in new democracies. Persons with delegative democratic attitudes are more likely to express support for democratic institutions as support for the democratic regime than persons with other attitudes toward regimes. While delegative democratic support may contribute to the stability of the democratic regime, it is less beneficial to the development of institutional loyalty. As Guillermo O'Donnell argues in his treatise on delegative democracy, only democratic governments with vertical and horizontal institutional accountability are likely to become consolidated democracies.1 Consequently, a high level of support for unrestrained presidentialism is unlikely to contribute to the horizontal institutional accountability necessary to consolidate demo cratic governance. Many studies examine the effects of delegative democracy on institutional perfor mance in new democracies, often focusing on the lack of horizontal and vertical ac countability of the president.2 Few studies rigorously examine the relationship between delegative democracy, public attitudes, and institutional support in cross national comparative research or the vertical accountability of the legislature and judi ciary in the delegative democracy framework. This article fills the void by testing the notion that the delegative democratic attitude, which favors unrestrained presidential power, is distinguishable from both liberal democratic and authoritarian attitudes. Persons with delegative democratic attitudes evaluate judicial and legislative insti tutions differently than persons with liberal democratic and authoritarian attitudes. They give greater support to the democratic regime as a whole, but not specifically to the judiciary and legislature. Scholars who attempt to measure institutional legitimacy in new democracies must take account of the different types of institutional support of citizens with delegative and liberal democratic attitudes. The cases of Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Nicaragua provide variation in democratic development and individual level support for institutions and illustrate that delegative attitudes are distinct attitudes.
Seroprevalence of brucellosis in cattle and their attendants.

A total of 545 serum samples comprising 428 of cattle and 117 of human were examined for brucellosis by standard tube agglutination test (STAT), rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), heat inactivation test (HIT), 2mercaptoethanol test (2-MET) and enzyme linked immunosobent assay (ELISA). A total of 81 (18.93%), 96 (22.43%), 59 (13.785), 50 (11.68%), and 103 (24.07%) of cattle and 8 (6.84%), 9 (7.69%), 5 (4.27%), 3 (2.56%) and 10 (8.55%) of human sera were found positive by the above mentioned tests, respectively. A total of 353 milk samples were tested by milk ring test (MRT), of which 87 (24.66%) were found positive.
INFLUENCES OF PRE-SOWING TREATMENTS ON THE GERMINATION AND EMERGENCE OF DIFFERENT MULBERRY SPECIES SEEDS

Morus genus includes more than 20 species, some of which are commercially important mulberries with different fruit color and shape. Even though the trees of those species are propagated by rooting of cuttings in practice, mulberry seeds are of importance for breeding studies and rootstock seedling propagation. For that reason, this study was conducted to improve the seed performance of four mulberry species by different pre-sowing treatments including; 3% KNO3, GA3 at 500 ppm, organic priming with herbal tea brewed from marigold flowers petals and hydro priming. Results of the parameters of emergence characteristics and seedling vigor were evaluated. According to the results that varied between different species and pre-treatments, since emergence percentage and time, and seedling vigor were improved by the treatments, it was concluded that pre-sowing applications, especially GA3 and hydro priming, were beneficial in improving the seed performance of mulberry species included in the study.
Real‐time variations in body temperature of laying hens with increasing ambient temperature at different relative humidity levels

ABSTRACT In order to measure the real‐time variations in body temperature with increasing ambient temperature (AT) at different relative humidity (RH) levels, 60 Jinghong laying hens (35‐wk‐old) were raised in 3 controlled climate chambers (10 cages with 2 birds per chamber). The RH was fixed at one of 3 levels comprising 35, 50, or 85%, and the AT was increased gradually by 1 degree per 0.5 h from 18 to 35°C in the 3 chambers. The core temperature (CT) and surface temperature (ST) of the hens, as well as the AT in the 3 chambers were recorded at 3 min intervals using mini temperature data loggers. The data were analyzed with a broken‐line model to determine the inflection point temperature (IPT, the certain AT above which the body temperature of the hens started to change). The experiment was repeated 3 times on 3 d. The IPTs of the laying hens were 23.89 and 25.46°C based on ST and CT at 50% RH, respectively, which indicated that the upper critical temperature of the thermoneutral zone of hens may be a specific temperature between 23.89°C and 25.46°C. The IPTs of the laying hens were 24.11 and 25.20°C based on ST and CT at RH 35%, respectively, and 21.93 and 24.45°C at RH 85%. The RH significantly affected the IPT of ST (P < 0.001). The IPTs were higher at 35 and 50% RH than that at 85% RH (P < 0.05). The coefficients of variation for the IPTs between individual hens were 2.96 to 4.51, and coefficients of variation for the IPTs for the same bird measured on 3 d were 0.69 to 1.59, thereby indicating that this method for estimating the IPTs of hens is stable and repeatable, although more samples are needed. In conclusion, our results indicate that analyzing the real‐time variation in body temperature with increasing AT is a reliable method for estimating the IPT to provide an important reference for regulating the temperature in poultry houses.
Plasmodium falciparum dipeptidyl aminopeptidase 3 activity is important for efficient erythrocyte invasion by the malaria parasite

Parasite egress from infected erythrocytes and invasion of new erythrocytes are essential for the exponential asexual replication of the malaria parasite, and both processes are regulated and mediated by proteases. The putative cysteine protease dipeptidyl aminopeptidase 3 (DPAP3) was previously suggested to be essential for parasite egress, but little is known about its biological function. Here, we demonstrate that DPAP3 has proteolytic activity, but contrary to previously studied DPAPs, removal of its prodomain is not required for activation. Interestingly, P. falciparum DPAP3 localizes to merozoite apical organelles from which it is secreted immediately before egress. Using a conditional knock out approach coupled to complementation studies with wild type or mutant DPAP3, we show that DPAP3 activity is critical for efficient RBC invasion and overall parasite replication, and demonstrate that it does not play a role in parasite egress. Overall, this study establishes DPAP3 as a key regulator of erythrocyte invasion.
Hepatitis B and C: Seroprevalence, knowledge, practice and associated factors among medicine and health science students in Northeast Ethiopia

Background Health care professionals, especially medical students, are at greater risk of contracting hepatitis B and C virus infections due to their occupational exposure to percutaneous injuries and other body fluids. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C virus infections among medicine and health science students in Northeast Ethiopia and to assess their knowledge and practice towards the occupational risk of viral hepatitis. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among a total of 408 medicine and health science students during the period from March to September 2017. A pre-coded self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on students’ socio- demographic characteristics, knowledge and practice of hepatitis B and C infections. Blood samples were collected and screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies. SPSS version 20 statistical software was used for data analysis. Results The seroprevalence of HBV infection was 4.2% (95% CI 2.5 to 6.1%) and 0.7% (95% CI 0.0 to 1.7%) for HCV. Older age (AOR = 15.72, 95% CI 1.57–157.3) and exposure to needlestick injury (AOR = 3.43, 95% CI 1.10–10.73) were associated with a higher risk of HBV infection. Majority of the students (80.1%) had an adequate knowledge about hepatitis B and C infection, mode of transmission and preventive measures. Only 50.0% of students had safe practice towards occupational risk of viral hepatitis infection. Almost half (49.8%) of students experienced a needlestick injury; of which, 53.2% reported the incidence, and only 39.4% had screening test result for viral hepatitis. Conclusion A high seroprevalence but poor practice of hepatitis B and C virus infection was found in the study area despite their good knowledge towards occupational risk of viral hepatitis infection.
Tariff Reductions, Carbon Emissions, and Poverty: An Economy-wide Assessment of the Philippines

This study investigates the potential impact of a carbon tax on the economy of the Philippines and on the livelihood of its people. It focuses on the interaction between such a tax and the country's ongoing trade liberalization programme. With energy use on the rise in the Philippines, increases in greenhouse gas emissions are almost inevitable. The policy most widely recommended by economists —a carbon tax —may be an efficient way to deal with the problem, but there is concern about its distributional effects. The study finds that a carbon tax would compensate for any tariff revenues lost through a reduction in trade tariffs. It also finds that the tax would reduce poverty and increase people's welfare. Imposing a carbon tax during the ongoing trade liberalization process —provided the carbon tax is used to reduce income taxes —is a sensible approach that could meet the country's economic, environmental and equity objectives.
Economic Growth and Transition: Econometric Analysis of Lim's S-Curve Hypothesis

This book is the first of its kind to systematically analyze and apply Lim Chong Yah's S-Curve Hypothesis to the various facets of economic growth and economic transition. By augmenting the mathematical and economical sophistication of the hypothesis, this book extends the S-Curve hypothesis to provide further insight into economic growth and transition.It also utilizes a construction of a stochastic growth model to provide the microeconomic foundation for the S-Curve hypothesis. This model resolves the puzzle of why some developing countries experience economic take-off, while others do not. The book analyzes and extends discussion on the S-Curve, and also applies the S-Curve hypothesis to predict long-term growth in Japan and Singapore. It serves as an excellent resource for people interested in Lim's growth theory.
Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis With a Continuous Infusion of Low-Dose Alteplase for Subacute Proximal Venous Thrombosis: Efficacy and Safety Compared to Urokinase

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety associated with catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) using either recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) or urokinase (UK) for subacute deep venous thrombosis (DVT). From January 2014 to December 2016, we conducted a retrospective analysis on a total of 49 patients who underwent consistent CDT with either rt-PA (rt-PA-CDT group) or UK (UK-CDT group) treatment. The thrombolytic rate of the rt-PA-CDT group was significantly higher than that of the UK-CDT group (87.5% vs 60%, respectively; χ2 = 4.751; P = .029). The rt-PA-CDT group exhibited an improved grade III thrombolytic rate (9 patients vs 3 patients; χ2 = 5.144; P = .023). The time for the rt-PA-CDT group to achieve a grade III thrombolytic rate was shorter than that of the UK-CDT group (5.01 ± 1.09 days vs 6.43 ± 1.69 days, respectively; t = −2.187; P = .044). No severe complications were seen in either group and mild complications rates were 16.7% and 20.0% (χ2 = .091; P = .763). The clinical efficacy rates at discharge were 91.7% and 76.0%, respectively (χ2 = 2.200; P = .138). In conclusion, CDT with a continuous infusion of low-dose rt-PA resulted in safe and effective thrombolysis in the great majority of patients with proximal DVT in the subacute phase. Furthermore, rt-PA was significantly better than UK in terms of the thrombolytic rate. In our study, rt-PA-CDT improved the thrombolytic rate of grade III thrombus and achieved a grade III thrombolytic rate in a shorter time than UK-CDT.
Psychiatric disorders in women and men up to five years after undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatment – a prospective cohort study

Abstract This is a prospective cohort study with the objective to describe psychiatric disorders, such as any mood and anxiety disorders, in both women and men five years after assisted reproductive technology (ART). The Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD) questionnaire, based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), was used as the diagnostic tool to evaluate psychiatric disorders. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and confidence interval (CI) for factors associated with psychiatric disorders at the follow-up. Overall, 278 (63.3%) women and 183 (41.7%) men filled in and returned the questionnaire. Approximately 11.5% of women and 5.5% of men fulfilled the criteria for any psychiatric diagnosis. Of these, any mood disorder was present in 9.4% of women and 4.4% of men. The major risk factor for mood or anxiety disorders at follow-up was mood or anxiety disorders at the time of the index ART. Mood disorders were not more common in women who remained childless after ART. In conclusion, these findings indicate that psychiatric disorders at five years follow-up after ART are less common than at the baseline assessment in conjunction with the ART.
Narrative intervention: Stories from the front lines of oncology health care

ABSTRACT This study examined the experiences of health care professionals who participated in monthly narrative oncology groups. Ten professionals participated in separate, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. Using a qualitative research design, the transcriptions of the interviews were analyzed using a phenomenological approach. The analysis yielded descriptive information about the professionals’ positive experiences of participating in narrative oncology sessions and provides insight into the importance of such a group through five themes: (1) Shared perspectives and bearing witness, (2) Comfort in confidentiality and a safe-space, (3) Group-care becomes self-care, (4) Writing gives structure, and (5) Patient stories. Implications for incorporating narrative intervention in an oncology setting are discussed in this paper.
Modulatory Effect of Aerobic Physical Activity on Synaptic Ultrastructure in the Old Mouse Hippocampus

Aerobic physical exercise (APE) leads to improved brain functions. To better understand the beneficial effect of APE on the aging brain, a morphometric study was carried out of changes in hippocampal synapses of old (>27 months) Balb/c mice undergoing treadmill training (OTT) for 4 weeks in comparison with old sedentary (OS), middle-aged sedentary (MAS) and middle-aged treadmill training (MATT) mice. The inner molecular layer of the hippocampal dentate gyrus (IMLDG) and the molecular stratum of Ammon’s horn1 neurons (SMCA1) were investigated. The number of synapses per cubic micron of tissue (numeric density, Nv), overall synaptic area per cubic micron of tissue (surface density, Sv), average area of synaptic contact zones (S), and frequency (%) of perforated synapses (PS) were measured in electron micrographs of ethanol-phosphotungstic acid (E-PTA) stained tissue. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance (ANOVA). In IMLDG, an effect of age was found for Nv and Sv, but not S and %PS. Similar results were found for exercise and the interaction of age and exercise. In post hoc analysis Nv was higher (60.6% to 75.1%; p < 0.001) in MATT vs. MAS, OS and OTT. Sv was higher (32.3% to 54.6%; p < 0.001) in MATT vs. MAS, OS and OTT. In SMCA1, age affected Nv, Sv and %PS, but not S. The effect of exercise was significant for Sv only. The interaction of age and exercise was significant for Nv, Sv and %PS. In post hoc analysis Nv was lower in OS vs. MAS, MATT and OTT (−26.1% to −32.1%; p < 0.038). MAS and OTT were similar. Sv was lower in OS vs. MAS, MATT and OTT (−23.4 to −30.3%, p < 0.004). MAS and OTT were similar. PS frequency was higher in OS vs. MAS, MATT and OTT (48.3% to +96.6%, p < 0.023). APE positively modulated synaptic structural dynamics in the aging hippocampus, possibly in a region-specific way. The APE-associated reduction in PS frequency in SMCA1 of old mice suggests that an increasing complement of PS is a compensatory phenomenon to maintain synaptic efficacy. In conclusion, the modulation of synaptic plasticity by APE gives quantitative support to the concept that APE protects from neurodegeneration and improves learning and memory in aging.
Cruise Passengers’ Spatial Behaviour and Expenditure Levels at Destination

ABSTRACT The article uses the spatial-temporal behaviour of cruise passengers at a given destination as an explanatory factor of their expenditure. First, it shows that different expenditure levels imply different mobility patterns. Second, it identifies the spatial-temporal variables that better explain the cruise passengers’ expenditure at destination. GPS tracking technologies are employed to monitor the mobility of cruise passengers in the city of Tarragona (Catalonia) along with traditional surveys about their expenditure in the city. The combination of both sources allowed for the observation that those tourists with a higher per-capita expenditure are those who spend more time onshore, visit a lower number of tourist sites and spend more time in places with a tourist-oriented, mixed commercial and recreational function. This more thorough knowledge of the relationship between spatial-temporal behaviour and expenditure of cruise passengers onshore is essential for planning the commercial supply and the management of tourists’ mobility.
Soil Seed Bank in Nantucket's Early Successional Communities: Implications for Management

ABSTRACT: Globally rare sandplain grassland and coastal heathland plant communities of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, merit high conservation priority because they support many rare and endangered species. Management (brush-cutting, grazing, and prescribed fire) has been effective in maintaining these communities, but less successful in transforming overgrown native scrub oak shrubland to diverse grassland. These scrub oak (Quercus ilicifolia Wangenh.) communities may lack a seed bank of grassland species in their soil. To examine this on Nantucket, we used the seedling emergence method to compare the soil seed bank of grassland, heathland, and scrub oak sites. We classified seedlings by growth form (graminoid, forb, or woody) and identified them to genus and species when possible. We observed that seedling density declined along a successional gradient, with the highest total density and highest graminoid density at grassland sites and the lowest at one of the scrub oak sites. A nMDS ordination grouped grassland sites with dominant graminoids and heathland sites with dominant woody species and forbs. Seeds of key grassland dominants were absent from scrub oak and heathland samples but were found in grassland samples. Our results suggest that lack of seed bank of desirable grassland species may be a limiting factor in restoration projects intended to convert scrub oak shrubland to sandplain grassland. Scarcity of grassland species in the scrub oak seed bank highlights the importance of maintaining existing grassland communities, rather than attempting to restore them once they are gone.
Decent work for persons with disabilities: promoting rights in the global developmentagenda

This publication originated in 2003 as an ILO contribution to deliberations then taking place in preparation for the development of the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). By examining the development over time of the ‘right to work’ of persons with disabilities, how this matter has been dealt with in international instruments and national legislation to date, and experience around the world in promoting employment and work opportunities, the working paper enabled those involved in the preparation of the proposed CRPD to build on earlier achievements. The UN General Assembly adopted the CRPD on 13 December 2006 and it entered into force less than two years later, in May 2008. It has since been ratified by over two thirds of UN States and the UN Secretary General has called for universal ratification. In view of the considerable interest generated by the working paper and its relevance to States Parties as they moved to implement the provisions of the CRPD, the ILO published an updated version in 2007, and is issuing this further edition now, to take account, not only of the CRPD, but also of other major developments in this field in countries around the world since 2003. This publication contains the following chapters: Chapter 1: a detailed description of international instruments, policies and initiatives; Chapter 2: the different options open to people with disabilities who wish to work in open/competitive employment, sheltered employment, supported employment and social enterprises; Chapter 3: the main approaches which have been adopted at national level to assist people with disabilities in securing, retaining and advancing in employment and work; Chapter 4: a review of key areas which still require attention, in spite of the range of measures introduced at international, regional and national levels to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities.