Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mergers & Acquisitions in India : A sectoral analysis

Globalization, deregulation and technological improvements have resulted in increase in M&A across the globe. There is enormous literature existing in the advanced economies. However, very little information is available regarding M&A in India. Various sectors have witnessed differential involvement in M&A activity indicating higher participation by some. Particularly, certain sectors such as financial services and pharmaceuticals demonstrate higher M&A activity. To emphasise differential importance of sectors in M&A activity, it is necessary to conduct a sector-wise analysis. Accordingly, this study attempts to investigate the differential representation of various sectors in M&A. Further, it explores the role played by India in the rising global M&A activity. In light of this, it specifies the factors driving consolidation in the financial sector globally.
Pneumococci in nasopharyngeal samples from Filipino children with acute respiratory infections

The presence of Streptococcus pneumoniae in the upper respiratory tract was studied in 318 Filipino children less than 5 years old with an acute lower respiratory tract infection. Nasopharyngeal samples were obtained from 292 children. With both quantitative bacterial culture and detection of capsular polysaccharide antigens by coagglutination, counterimmunoelectrophoresis, and latex agglutination, pneumococci were found in 160 (70%) of the 227 samples eligible for analysis. Culture was positive in 115 samples and antigen was positive in 140 samples. The culture isolation rate was significantly lower if the patient had received antimicrobial agents in the 48 h prior to the sampling. The seven most common types or groups of pneumococci were 6, 14, 19, 23, 15, 7, and 11, which together accounted for 64% of all pneumococcal findings.
Gender and rural land reform in Ethiopia: reform process, tenure security, and investment

This thesis consists of three inter-related empirical papers. It examines the gender dimensions of rural land reform process and impacts by exploring the accessibility and benefits of land-use certificates for female household heads vis-a-vis male household heads in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. The existing literature lacks a gender lens of the reform process and impacts. The first paper examines the factors that determine which lands are included in the household’s land-use certificate (status of certification), when during the reform process they become included (timing of certification), and whether there are gender differentials in each of these outcomes. The findings show that there was gender bias in the rural land reform process of the Amhara region in terms of both outcomes. The second paper examines the impact of land-use certificates and socioeconomic factors on household perceived tenure security by gender. The findings suggest that what consistently matters more for enhancing perceived tenure security of both male, and particularly female household heads is possession of legal documented rights to land holdings i.e. land-use certificates. The impact of socioeconomic factors such as male presence in the household, mode of production or land use do not seem to be relevant for determining the perceived tenure security of male and female household heads. The third paper examines the impact of land-use certificates and socioeconomic factors on land related investments by gender. The findings suggest that land-use certificates are significant determinants for enhancing land investments among both male and female household heads, although a relatively lesser impact on the latter group is observed. While the findings show that land-use certificates are important for enhancing land related investments, the results also suggest that the impact of socioeconomic factors are relevant for the female household heads such as renting-out land, and male presence in the household.
Deformed Jarzynski Equality

The well-known Jarzynski equality, often written in the form e − β Δ F = 〈 e − β W 〉 , provides a non-equilibrium means to measure the free energy difference Δ F of a system at the same inverse temperature β based on an ensemble average of non-equilibrium work W. The accuracy of Jarzynski’s measurement scheme was known to be determined by the variance of exponential work, denoted as var e − β W . However, it was recently found that var e − β W can systematically diverge in both classical and quantum cases. Such divergence will necessarily pose a challenge in the applications of Jarzynski equality because it may dramatically reduce the efficiency in determining Δ F . In this work, we present a deformed Jarzynski equality for both classical and quantum non-equilibrium statistics, in efforts to reuse experimental data that already suffers from a diverging var e − β W . The main feature of our deformed Jarzynski equality is that it connects free energies at different temperatures and it may still work efficiently subject to a diverging var e − β W . The conditions for applying our deformed Jarzynski equality may be met in experimental and computational situations. If so, then there is no need to redesign experimental or simulation methods. Furthermore, using the deformed Jarzynski equality, we exemplify the distinct behaviors of classical and quantum work fluctuations for the case of a time-dependent driven harmonic oscillator dynamics and provide insights into the essential performance differences between classical and quantum Jarzynski equalities.
Leukaemia and Sellafield: is there a heritable link?

The demonstration of a statistical association between paternal preconceptional irradiation and childhood leukaemia appeared to provide a satisfactory explanation for the excess of cases in the village of Seascale, close to the Sellafield nuclear installation, and became the basis of two legal claims for compensation. In the ensuing scientific debate the biological plausibility of a causal interpretation of this association focused on the heritability of leukaemia and a comparison ofthe genetic risks implied by this finding with current information on the induction of genetic damage by irradiation. After a wide ranging review of the mechanistic issues it is concluded that there is no genetic basis for a causal relationship and this, together with recent appraisals of epidemiological studies, suggests that the association between childhood leukaemia and paternal preconceptional irradiation exposure is most likely to be a chance finding. (JMed Genet 1995;32:251-256) 1984 Independent Advisory Group chaired by Sir Douglas Black confirmed a media report of an excess of childhood leukaemia in Seascale, a village near the Sellafield nuclear installation in West Cumbria operated by British Nuclear Fuels plc. ' A leukaemia and lymphoma case control study was re- commended and in 1990 Gardner et al23 reported the results on cases born and diagnosed in West Cumbria while under 25 years of age during 1950-1985. This became known as the Gardner Report. The most notable finding was a statistical association between relatively high levels of paternal preconceptional irradiation (ppi) received occupationally at Sellafield and the incidence of leukaemia (and leukaemia plus non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL)) in their offspring.
The safety dance: biophysics of membrane protein folding and misfolding in a cellular context

Abstract Most biological processes require the production and degradation of proteins, a task that weighs heavily on the cell. Mutations that compromise the conformational stability of proteins place both specific and general burdens on cellular protein homeostasis (proteostasis) in ways that contribute to numerous diseases. Efforts to elucidate the chain of molecular events responsible for diseases of protein folding address one of the foremost challenges in biomedical science. However, relatively little is known about the processes by which mutations prompt the misfolding of α-helical membrane proteins, which rely on an intricate network of cellular machinery to acquire and maintain their functional structures within cellular membranes. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the physical principles that guide membrane protein biogenesis and folding in the context of mammalian cells. Additionally, we explore how pathogenic mutations that influence biogenesis may differ from those that disrupt folding and assembly, as well as how this may relate to disease mechanisms and therapeutic intervention. These perspectives indicate an imperative for the use of information from structural, cellular, and biochemical studies of membrane proteins in the design of novel therapeutics and in personalized medicine.
Yellow dye laser treatment of vascularized corneal stromal scars in pediatric patients.

Patients with a variety of corneal diseases may develop stromal scars that interfere with vision. Vascularization of these scars may lead to inflammation, extravasation of lipid, and progressive opacification. Laser treatment of the neovascular vessels may induce regression of these vessels, with resultant increased corneal clarity and improved vision. We describe the treatment and outcome of 3 pediatric patients with vascularized corneal stromal scars treated with yellow dye laser. Using a PubMed search, we were unable to find any previous reports of this treatment in pediatric patients. Informed consent was obtained from the patients and parents before performing the treatment. The affected eye was pretreated with pilocarpine hydrochloride, 2%. The laser was used with the patients awake using topical proparacaine hydrochloride. An iridotomy contact lens using high ( 25) slitlamp magnification was used. A laser (Lumenis, Santa Clara, California) was used with a wavelength of 568 nm. The spot size was 50 μm. The power ranged from 200 to 300 mW, with a duration of 0.1 second. The laser was begun at the distal (corneal) end of the vessels and continued backward toward the limbus. The power was increased until occlusion of the vessels was visualized. The number of spots per session ranged from 30 to 501. Postoperatively, patients were treated with topical prednisolone acetate, 1%, drops 4 times a day and cyclopentolate hydrochloride, 1%, drops twice a day for 3 days.
An efficient, 35 dBm, inverse class-F, UHF RF power amplifier Module on a 12 mm2 footprint designed in first pass through accurate modeling and simulation

This paper describes the design, simulation and experimental verification of an efficient, 35 dBm, RF power amplifier (PA) module, implemented in gallium arsenide heterojunction bipolar transistor semiconductor technology (GaAs HBT). The PA module, which includes all the power supply decoupling and matching components, occupies an area of only 12 mm2 and achieves outstanding output power flatness (±0.125 dB) from 824 to 915 MHz and a power added efficiency (PAE) of 60%. The simulation methodology developed allowed for the accurate prediction and optimization of performance entirely through simulation, enabling first pass success both in die and laminate fabrication. The amplifier did not require any tuning or component adjustment to achieve full performance after automated fabrication, resulting in a significant decrease in development time.
A transmit MIMO scheme with frequency domain pre-equalization for wireless frequency selective channels

In this paper, we introduce a transmit multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) scheme with frequency domain pre-equalization for a multipath or frequency selective channel. In this scheme, MIMO processing in the frequency domain is performed at the transmitter or base station so that the receiver or mobile station only requires limited processing. This scheme provides high data rates and also inherits from the frequency domain equalization the property of relatively low complexity in severe multipath environments. The MIMO transmit processing is derived by minimizing the minimum mean square errors (MMSE), and expressions for the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio and error probability based on the Gaussian approximation of the interference term are provided. Some important associated issues, such as channel errors and computational complexity, are also investigated. Numerical simulations are also provided and these demonstrate the improved performance of our proposed scheme compared to other transmit MIMO schemes. In particular, they show that the proposed system can attain multipath or frequency diversity of the channel.
E-Payment Technology Effect on Bank Performance in Emerging Economies–Evidence from Nigeria

The development of the financial sector has been a major growth driver in all economies, especially in emerging economies. Part of the financial innovations in the sector in recent times is the electronic payment system. Several studies in developed countries have substantiated the positive transformation of this financial innovation. This paper therefore contributes to this debate with three research innovations: first, it adopts a new measure of bank performance—the sortino index; second, it relates market risk exposure of banks to electronic payment technologies; and third, it controls for “without effects” of these innovations on bank performance using interacting dummies. Based on the time dimensional and panel least square models, it finds that bank performance increased after the adoption of electronic payment technologies. Finally, its findings show that bank performance contradicts autoregressive and random walk processes and thus implies that investors should not be disturbed about previous bank performances but concerned about current bank resources.
Islamic banking employee loyalty level in Banda Aceh – Indonesia: An Islamic perspective

The purpose of this paper is to assess the loyalty level of Islamic Banking employee in Banda Aceh, Indonesia based on criteria in the Islamic perspective that has been established. The writing of this paper uses the method of library study and empirical method in the form of quantitative. An investigation was conducted involving 277 respondents of Muslim Islamic banking employees in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Data were cited using questionnaire instruments and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. There are five criteria of employee loyalty in Islam, namely Amanah (Trust), Compliance to the leadership, Ikhlas (Sincerity), Responsible and Welfare at Work. The results showed that the overall level of Muslims’ employee loyalty in Islamic Banking in Banda Aceh, Indonesia is at a high level.
Low tolerability of carbamazepine in psychiatric patients may restrict its clinical usefulness

There are reports of prophylactic efficacy of carbamazepine (CBZ) in manic depres sives when compared with placebo and chlorpromazine. Following a successful open pilot study by one of the authors, an attempt was made to compare carbamazepine and lithium carbonate in a double-blind, crossover trial, each patient being assigned to take each drug for 9 months in random order. However, of the first 14 patients to take carbamazepine four were withdrawn because of drug rashes and another two because of other adverse effects. The trial was discontinued, and a casenotes survey of 50 consecutive psychiatric patients who had been prescribed carbamazepine for mood disorders was then carried out, to establish the tolerability of the drug in clinical practice. Of these, 22 per cent had suffered dizziness, nausea or unsteadiness despite slow introduction of doses. Drug rashes occurred in 16 per cent of patients within the two weeks of starting treatment. A further 14 per cent had other unwanted effects. In total, 36 per cent of the patients had the drug stopped because of adverse effects. With regard to efficacy, in those taking the drug for more than 4 weeks, clinicians reported a definite or probable advantageous effect in 62 per cent of the sample, definite or probable lack of effect in 19 per cent and no opinion in 19 per cent. This low tolerability is not in accordance with previous reports of 2-6 per cent incidence of drug rashes and 10 per cent overall intolerance in neurological patients. We conclude that tolerability is a major drawback to the use of carbamazepine in some groups of psychiatric patients, although all the side- effects were reversible. However, clinical impressions suggested that in a number of patients no other therapeutic strategy was as effective in preventing mood swings.
Pansharpening by Convolutional Neural Networks

A new pansharpening method is proposed, based on convolutional neural networks. We adapt a simple and effective three-layer architecture recently proposed for super-resolution to the pansharpening problem. Moreover, to improve performance without increasing complexity, we augment the input by including several maps of nonlinear radiometric indices typical of remote sensing. Experiments on three representative datasets show the proposed method to provide very promising results, largely competitive with the current state of the art in terms of both full-reference and no-reference metrics, and also at a visual inspection.
Vision and Mobility Performance of Subjects with Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Purpose. To investigate the effects of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) on mobility performance and to identify the vision determinants of mobility in subjects with ARMD. Methods. Walking speed and the number of obstacle contacts made on a 79-m indoor mobility course were measured in 21 subjects with ARMD and 11 age-matched subjects with normal vision. The mobility measures were transformed to percentage preferred walking speed and contacts score. The vision functions assessed included binocular visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and visual field. Results. In this study, subjects with ARMD did not walk significantly slower or make significantly more obstacle contacts on the mobility course than the normally sighted subjects of similar age. Between 29% and 35% of the variance in the ARMD mobility performance was accounted for by visual field and contrast sensitivity measures. The most significant predictor of mobility performance scored as percentage preferred walking speed was the size of a binocular central scotoma. Conclusion. As the size of a binocular central scotoma increases, mobility performance decreases.
How to enhance IT B2B service innovation? An integrated view of organizational mechanisms

Purpose Drawing on the resource-based view, this paper aims to extend prior information technology (IT) B2B service research by building and empirically testing a theoretical model in which organizational agility mediates the relationship between organizational capabilities (IT capability and organizational learning) and service innovation performance, under conditions of entrepreneurial alertness. Design/methodology/approach The theoretical hypotheses are confirmed by partial least squares analysis of survey responses collected from 170 IT B2B service firms. Findings The results reveal that the effect of either IT capability or organizational learning on service innovation performance is fully mediated by organizational agility, and organizational agility has a greater impact on service innovation performance under a high level of entrepreneurial alertness than under a low level. Practical implications The results of this study provide specific managerial guidelines for how to effectively manage organizational mechanisms to enhance IT B2B service innovation performance. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature of service innovation, IT B2B (industrial) marketing and dynamic capability by providing theory-driven and empirically proven explanations to help managers better understand the IT capability-service innovation relationship from the perspective of organizational mechanisms (organizational agility, organizational learning and entrepreneurial alertness).
Review on the APP/PS1KI mouse model: intraneuronal Aβ accumulation triggers axonopathy, neuron loss and working memory impairment

Accumulating evidence points to an important role of intraneuronal Aβ as a trigger of the pathological cascade of events leading to neurodegeneration and eventually to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with its typical clinical symptoms, like memory impairment and change in personality. As a new concept, intraneuronal accumulation of Aβ instead of extracellular Aβ deposition has been introduced to be the disease‐triggering event in AD. The present review compiles current knowledge on the amyloid precursor protein (APP)/PS1KI mouse model with early and massive intraneuronal Aβ42 accumulation: (1) The APP/PS1KI mouse model exhibits early robust brain and spinal cord axonal degeneration and hippocampal CA1 neuron loss. (2) At the same time‐point, a dramatic, age‐dependent reduced ability to perform working memory and motor tasks is observed. (3) The APP/PS1KI mice are smaller and show development of a thoracolumbar kyphosis, together with an incremental loss of body weight. (4) Onset of the observed behavioral alterations correlates well with robust axonal degeneration in brain and spinal cord and with abundant hippocampal CA1 neuron loss.
Outcome of renal transplantation from very old donors.

To the Editor: The use of kidneys from elderly donors may permit more transplantations, but it has been associated with poorer outcomes than transplantations performed with kidneys from younger donors.1 According to data from the United Network for Organ Sharing, the rates of graft loss and patient death among recipients of grafts from donors 70 years of age or older are 24% and 21% higher, respectively, than rates among recipients of grafts from donors 60 to 69 years of age.2 We previously reported that the outcomes of transplantations performed with kidneys from donors older than 60 years of age were .
Market response to divestiture announcements: A screening theory perspective

Capital market investors have limited information about the motives, exchange terms, and expected outcomes of corporate divestitures. Thus, when a firm announces a divestiture, capital markets may have difficulty distinguishing divestitures that are likely to be beneficial and investment worthy from those that signify hidden problems. Drawing on screening theory, we argue that one way investors might overcome their information disadvantages is to use screens to identify investment-worthy divesting firms. We test this logic using one such screen: change in blockholding equity stakes prior to a divestiture announcement. Data from 858 European Union divestitures occurring in 13 Western European Countries show that investors’ reaction to a divestiture announcement is positively associated with pre-divestiture changes in blockholdings in the divesting firm. Furthermore, investors’ valuations were more positive in higher performing divesting firms that had increases in blockholding equity stakes before the divestiture than those that had reductions in these owners’ equity stakes. The findings extend our understanding of how outsiders, such as investors, navigate incomplete information about divestitures. We describe how our study offers a range of implications for divestiture research.
Socioeconomic inequalities in use of delivery care services in India

RESULTS : Significant differences existed in availing of delivery care services among various segments of the population. Women residing in rural areas were less likely than urban women to use the health care services (P<0.001). Both economic and educational status of women were positively associated with use of medical facilities (P<0.001). Christian and Sikh women utilized the reproductive health services far better than Hindu and Muslim women (P<0.001).