Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Role of Institutions in the Finance-Inequality Nexus in Sub-Saharan Africa

This study contributes to the literature on income inequality by providing evidence that financial development not only impacts income distribution, but the effects can improve when there is a strong institutional framework. Using the system-generalised method of moments (sys-GMM) technique on a sample of 42 Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries from 1996 to 2015, our major findings are summarised as follows: (1) inequality is persistent in the region (2) financial development does not significantly reduce income inequality; and (3) the control of corruption and its interaction with domestic credit exhibit an inverted-U relation with income inequality. Thus, policies that will reduce income inequality require that corruption be controlled given increase in domestic credit.
Rapid and Simple Phenotypic Assay for Drug Susceptibility of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Using CCR5-Expressing HeLa/CD4+ Cell Clone 1-10 (MAGIC-5)

ABSTRACT We describe a rapid and simple novel phenotypic assay for drug susceptibility of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) using a CCR5-expressing HeLa/CD4+ cell clone 1-10 (MAGIC-5). MAGIC-5 cells produced large amounts of HIV-1 in culture supernatants, which enabled us to perform the phenotypic resistance assay. Determination of HIV-1 susceptibility to various protease inhibitors (PI) and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors was completed within 15 days in T-cell-tropic (X4) and macrophage-tropic (R5) viruses using fresh plasma samples containing at least 104copies/ml. The nucleotide sequence of the envelope V3 region of HIV-1 in plasma was almost identical to that of the virus isolated by MAGIC-5 cells, suggesting a lack of selection bias in our assay. The assay variability was confined to within five-fold in all drugs examined. Accordingly, we used a 10-fold increase in the 50% inhibitory concentration as the cutoff value for viral resistance in the present assay. HIV-1 resistant to lamivudine, which was not detected by conventional genotypic assays, was isolated. In HIV-1 with PI-associated primary amino acid substitutions, our assay showed that drug resistance profiles correlated well with previously reported genotypic-assay data. Furthermore, our assay provided comprehensive results regarding PI resistance in the presence of multiple mutations. The novel assay successfully quantified the level of resistance of clinical HIV-1 isolates to a battery of anti-HIV drugs, indicating its clinical usefulness, particularly in patients who failed to respond to antiretroviral chemotherapy.
First-Time Fathers and Stressors in the Postpartum Period

The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the everyday stressors of first-time fathers during the postpartum period and to begin the process of establishing reliability and validity for the use of the Everyday Stressors Index with a sample of first-time fathers. A convenience sample of 19 participants included first-time fathers ranging in age from 18 to 45 years and mostly living in medium-sized cities. The results indicated that factors such as a feeling of not having enough time for too many responsibilities, financial issues, and concerns about the health of the child and other family member(s) were sources of stress. However, with the exception of slight differences in the ranking, everyday stressors among first-time fathers closely resembled previously reported stressors of first-time mothers. Although the sample was small and the results nongeneralizable, these findings suggest that educational efforts by health-care professionals could beneficially be directed toward fathers as well as mothers throughout the prenatal and postpartum periods. Policy implications for nursing and new directions for future research are discussed.
The Variation in Anaemic Parameters in the Ethnic Groups of Pakistan

Aims: To observe any diversity of pattern in the anaemic parameters in the major ethnic groups of Pakistan. Study Design: Observational, cross-sectional. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medicine, Creek general Hospital, Korangi, Karachi, Pakistan from October 2017 to March 2018. Methodology: 1200 adults above 18 years were included. Pregnant females, age less than 18 years, any severe organ insufficiency, stroke, neurodegenerative disease, known blood dyscrasias or terminal illness at baseline evaluation were excluded. Their ethnic background was grouped into Urdu speaking, Punjabi, Balochi Sindhi, Pashtun, Bengali, and Gilgit according to their place of origin, mother tongue or parents’ place of origin. The complete blood picture was performed to identify anaemia, grade the severity, classify the red cell indices and exclude any blood dyscrasias in each of the ethnic group. Results: Out of 1200 adults, 626(52%) were anaemic. In decreasing order, the most anaemic were Bengalis (57.6%), Sindhis (55%), Urdu speaking (54%), Pashtuns (54%), Balochis (52%), Gilgits Original Research Article Nageen et al.; IBRR, 8(2): 1-9, 2018; Article no.IBRR. 42073
Characteristics and control of severe hypertension in a specialist, private practice in Jamaica.

OBJECTIVE To determine the characteristics of patients with severe uncontrolled hypertension, in a Jamaican specialist practice; the level of blood pressure control achieved in routine clinical practice, and the number/type of antihypertensive medications required for blood pressure control. DESIGN This was a retrospective analysis of the medical records of 500 consecutive patients presenting to a consultant physician private group-practice between January and December 2000. Data were extracted from the records of the 48 patients with severe (Grade III) hypertension (WHO/ISH). RESULTS Fifty per cent (252) werefound to be hypertensive, 19% (48) had Grade III hypertension. The patients with severe uncontrolled hypertension were of mixed ethnicity, predominantly African. Most were less than 65 years old, never smoked cigarettes and were overweight/obese. Nearly one-half had LDL cholesterol >3.4 mg/dL. Diabetes (31%) and congestive heart failure (21%) were the most common comorbid conditions. Fifteen per cent had no illnesses other than severe hypertension. Cardiovascular symptoms were predominant, followed by dizziness. Only 19% of patients were asymptomatic. More than half of the patients achieved blood pressure > 140/90 mm Hg during the study period. Most patients received four drugs and the number of drugs prescribed increased with duration of follow-up. The antihypertensive medications most prescribed at one year were--angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (87%), diuretics (78%), calcium channel blockers (63%) and beta-blockers (69%). CONCLUSION Severe hypertension was a common problem in the specialist private practice in Jamaica. Most patients had cardiovascular symptoms, were dyslipidaemic and required four or more antihypertensive drugs for adequate long-term control.
The whey fermentation product malleable protein matrix decreases TAG concentrations in patients with the metabolic syndrome: a randomised placebo-controlled trial

Animal and human studies suggest that a malleable protein matrix (MPM) from whey decreases plasma lipid concentrations and may positively influence other components of the metabolic syndrome such as glucose metabolism and blood pressure (BP). The primary objective of this double-blind, multi-centre trial was to investigate the effects of a low-fat yoghurt supplemented with whey MPM on fasting TAG concentrations in patients with the metabolic syndrome. A total of 197 patients were randomised to receive MPM or a matching placebo yoghurt identical in protein content (15 g/d). Patients were treated during 3 months with two daily servings of 150 g yoghurt each to compare changes from baseline in efficacy variables. MPM treatment resulted in a significantly larger reduction of TAG concentrations in comparison to placebo (relative change − 16 %, P = 0·004). The difference was even more pronounced in subjects with elevated fasting TAG ( ≥ 200 mg/dl) at baseline ( − 18 %, P = 0·005). The relative treatment difference in fasting plasma glucose was − 7·1 mg/dl (P = 0·089). This effect was also more pronounced in subjects with impaired fasting glucose at baseline ( − 11 mg/dl, P = 0·03). In patients with hypertension, the relative treatment difference in systolic BP reached − 5·9 mmHg (P = 0·054). The relative treatment difference in body weight was − 1·7 kg (P = 0·015). The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal in nature. Conclusions from the present study are that consumption of a low-fat yoghurt supplemented with whey MPM twice a day over 3 months significantly reduces fasting TAG concentrations in patients with the metabolic syndrome and improves multiple other cardiovascular risk factors.
Equivalent circuit of a semiconductor optical amplifier chip with the bias current influence

Based on a diode-laser model, this paper presents the equivalent electrical circuit above and below the transparency condition for a chip (unpackaged) semiconductor optical amplifier. The modeling and parameters extraction were obtained as a function of the bias current, achieving good agreement between theoretical and experimental results in a wide frequency range, up to 40 GHz.
Differential Effects of Customers’ Regulatory Fit on Trust, Perceived Value, and M-Commerce Use among Developing and Developed Countries

Despite promising growth, mobile commerce (m-commerce) still represents only a small proportion of the world's total e-commerce market. The research behind this article moves away from the predominantly single-country (typically developed) and utilitarian-focused market scope of past research to examine and provide a more nuanced understanding of customers’ motivations, whether utilitarian or hedonic, for using m-commerce across six countries. The six-country context, with data collected from 1,183 m-commerce users, offers a unique opportunity to advance mobile-retailing literature by comparing customers’ value perceptions, trust, and m-commerce use across disparate national markets. By treating motivations as conditions activated by individuals’ chronic regulatory orientations, our results show that hedonic motivation plays a more significant role in influencing customers’ value perceptions and trust for those who are promotion oriented (Australia and the United States), whereas utilitarian motivation plays a more important role for those who are prevention oriented (Bangladesh and Vietnam). Finally, both hedonic and utilitarian motivations play an important role in influencing customers’ value perceptions and trust for those who are moderately promotion and prevention oriented (India and Pakistan). These results offer insights to mobile retailers operating internationally in their decisions to standardize or adapt the mobile-shopping environment to deliver the most valuable, trustworthy, and engaging solutions to customers.
Long‐Term Expression of a Transferred Gene in Epstein–Barr Virus Transformed Human B Cells

Delivering a gene into the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐transformed B cells is useful in studying effects of the gene on B‐cell functions. However, although people have been able to efficiently transfer genes into and get them expressed in B‐lympho blastoidcells for a time probably long enough to kill the cells using vectors harbouring oriP, the expression time of the delivered gene is not long enough in order to study the gene function in B cells. To solve this problem, we constructed an adeno‐associated virus (AAV) plasmid pAGX(+) based on plasmids pSub201 and pRc/CMV. We developed and packaged recombinant AAV (rAAV) expression vectors containing an antisense or a sense DNA fragment of 6A8 cDNA encoding a human α‐mannosidase, or an antisense fragment of 5D4 cDNA encoding a human cell membrane protein, or EYFP DNA. EBV‐transformed B cell SKW6 and 3D5 were transduced with those rAAV or the mock. Transduction with the rAAV‐EYFP showed an infection frequency of 64 ± 3.5% and 58 ± 6.2% for SKW6 and 3D5 cell, respectively. Genomic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for neoR gene indicated an integration of the transferred gene into the host DNA. After being cultured and propagated for over 12 months, the cells were detected for the expression of the transferred gene. The RT–PCR, enzymatic assay and Con A binding test demonstrated an inhibition of 6A8 α‐mannosidase in both SKW6 and 3D5 cells transduced with the antisense 6A8 DNA. Immunofluorescence staining with monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) 5D4 showed a reduction of the 5D4 protein expression on both the cells transduced with the antisense 5D4 DNA. The DNA fragmentation assay showed a resistance of the cells with 6A8 α‐mannosidase inhibition to apoptosis induction by anti‐Fas antibody. The data indicate that the AAV vector pAGX(+) can efficiently introduce genes into EBV‐transformed B cells and the delivered gene can be expressed in the cells for more than 12 months which may be long enough for the study of gene functions in B cells.
Early life environment determines the development of adult phobic‐like fear responses in BALB/cAnN mice

Environmental factors may unleash genetically determined susceptibility to psychopathology. Great effort has been spent in identifying both the genetic basis and environmental sources of exaggerated fear in animal models of anxiety disorders. Here, we show that the origin of inbred mice, probably via subtle differences in breeding and rearing conditions, may have large consequences specifically on acquisition and retention of fear memories, while leaving anxiety‐related behaviours unaffected. These effects could be seen in BALB/cAnN (BALB), but not in C57BL/6N (C57BL/6) mice, thus suggesting their dependency on the genetic background. Increased susceptibility for developing exaggerated fear responses was accompanied by decreased long‐term depression and increased surface trafficking of the AMPA receptor GluR1 subunit at the level of the basolateral amygdala complex. Together, these data raise a novel caveat in the debate about the origins of variation in behavioural studies with experimental animals. Considering that there are currently no animal models which explicitly consider conceptual analogy to the specific gene–environment interactions observed in the aetiology of phobias, our study might suggest a novel approach and direction for further preclinical studies focusing on such aspects of phobic‐like fears.
Partners in Education

Partners in Education is a school system support organization created by the Richmond County School System. The PIE program bridges the gap between the community and RCSS for the mutual benefit of the students and the citizens of Richmond County and surrounding communities. Each partnership is uniquely designed and planned by the school and community partner to be a measurable, outcome based support activity that aligns with the goals of the PIE program, while supporting the school system’s strategic plan. Partnerships will be reviewed annually to ensure viability for both the partner and school to include feedback from all stakeholders involved. Partnership success will be featured on the RCSS website, school webpages, other media outlets as well as social media.
The role of R&D investments and export on SMEs’ growth: a domain ambidexterity perspective

International sales are critical for the prosperity of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), because of the limited size of their domestic market, but they can be difficult to attain for a number of reasons. The purpose of this paper is to investigate this topic and use a domain ambidexterity framework to analyze why the relationship between research and development (R&D) investments and export initiatives generates managerial tensions in high- and medium-technology industries. In this paper, it is claimed that R&D investments and internationalization can be conflicting objectives that entail a diversity of routines and managerial approaches. This aspect is critical, especially when SMEs are in the early stages of their life cycle and are resource constrained. ,This issue is tested using multiple regressions on data collected through a survey that was conducted in 2014. The sample is composed of 221 SMEs operating in Italy in high-and medium-technology industries. ,The estimates show that combining contemporary high R&D investments and high export activities negatively affects the growth of revenues of SMEs. In detail, when exports over revenue are below 10 percent, R&D investments have a positive effect on revenue growth, whereas when exports over revenue are above 50 percent, the effect of R&D investments on revenue growth is negative. However, age acts as a moderator on this relationship, thus implying that the effect of combining these initiatives varies according to the life cycle of a firm. In particular, combining R&D investments and export generates tensions that limit the growth of revenues in young SMEs (less than ten years old). For firms aged between 10 and 25 years, the effect is positive, while the effect is positive but not statistically significant for mature firms (older than 25 years). These results demonstrate that the diversity of the organizational maturity in SMEs has an impact on their ability to combine activities that require different capabilities (technological vs market). ,This paper offers a theoretical contribution to the literature on domain ambidexterity, as it shows that combining contemporary innovation-related activities with international activities may constrain the performance of SMEs, according to the age of the firm. It extends the theoretical framework of domain ambidexterity to international studies and it reconciles previous mixed evidence about the combination of innovation and internationalization activities of SMEs.
Extent and Severity of Coronary Disease and Mortality in Patients with End‐Stage Renal Failure Evaluated for Renal Transplantation

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between coronary artery disease (CAD), transplantation status and subsequent mortality in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing evaluation for renal transplantation. Two hundred fifty‐three ESRD patients at high risk for CAD underwent coronary angiography as part of a renal transplant evaluation. The cohort was divided into three groups: Group 1 (n = 127) had no vessels with ≥50% stenosis, Group 2 (n = 56) had one vessel with ≥50% stenosis and Group 3 (n = 70) had two or more vessels with ≥50% stenosis. Long‐term survival was determined; median follow‐up was 3.3 years. The baseline characteristics were similar except for older age and higher proportion of diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and peripheral vascular disease in Groups 2 and 3 patients as compared to Group 1. Survival was worse in Group 3 compared to Group 1 (p < 0.0001). Each of the three subgroups had better survival with renal transplantation than those who did not undergo transplantation (p < 0.0001). Although the degree of CAD is related to subsequent mortality, transplantation is associated with better survival regardless of the extent and severity of CAD. Thus, the presence of CAD should not exclude ESRD patients from consideration for this therapy.
[Therapeutic procedure and long-term results in tibial pilon fracture in relation to primary soft tissue damage].

Between 1980 and 1990, 81 fractures of the pilon tibial of type B or C in the AO classification, presenting in 78 patients, were treated operatively in the Department of Traumatology and Emergency Surgery of the University Hospitals of Leuven. One-fourth of the fractures were open, 36 had second- or third-degree soft tissue damage according to the Tscherne classification system. The relationship between the fracture type and soft tissue damage was significant: the more severe the soft tissue damage, the more complex the fracture type. Screw osteosynthesis was performed mostly in fractures without soft tissue damage; plate osteosynthesis was used more frequently than external fixation in fractures with severe soft tissue damage. The number of late complications was much higher when the fracture was combined with severe soft tissue lesions. The number of secondary operative procedures on the soft tissue and bones was especially elevated in fractures primarily stabilized with a plate osteosynthesis. Sixty-four patients were reviewed clinically and radiologically after a mean time of 52.7 months. The subjective and objective end results were classified in accordance to the scales of Ovadia. Of the patients without soft tissue lesions, 86.4% showed excellent or good subjective and 74.6% excellent or good objective end results; 55.6% of the patients with severe soft tissue damage had excellent or good subjective and 48.1% excellent or good objective end results. In pilon fractures with severe soft tissue damage, bony consolidation can only be reached after several operative steps. In the primary procedure, only minimal osteosynthesis, combined with medial external fixation should be performed. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The secD locus of E.coli codes for two membrane proteins required for protein export.

Cold‐sensitive mutations in the secD locus of Escherichia coli result in severe defects in protein export at the non‐permissive temperature of 23 degrees C. DNA sequence of a cloned fragment that includes the secD locus reveals open reading frames for seven polypeptide chains. Both deletions and TnphoA insertions in this clone have been used in maxicell and complementation studies to define the secD locus and its products. The secD mutations fall into two complementation groups, defining genes we have named secD and secF. These two genes comprise an operon, the first case of two genes involved in the export process being co‐transcribed. The DNA sequence of the two genes along with alkaline phosphatase fusion analysis indicates that they code for integral proteins of the cytoplasmic membrane. We suggest that these two proteins may form a complex in the membrane which acts at late steps in the export process.
Inflation-Growth Nexus in Botswana: Can Lower Inflation Really Spur Growth in the Country?

Abstract Does inflation affect economic growth in Botswana over the short-run and long-run? In applying bounds procedure for modelling ARDL cointegation effects applied to empirical data collected between 1975 and 2016 we find that this hypothesis does not hold true for Botswana as inflation is found to be insignificantly related with economic growth over both the short and long-run. Our growth equation estimates point to exports (positive), government size (negative) and an Pula/Dollar exchange rate (negative) as being significantly correlated with steady-state GDP growth. Further empirical exercises show that an appreciated Pula/dollar exchange rate increases inflation whilst bearing no effect on economic growth. Conversely, a depreciated Pula/Dollar exchange simultaneously decreases inflation and economic growth for the Botswana economy. Policymakers should be this aware that attainment of lower inflation rates which occurs through a depreciated Pula/Dollar currency will only retard economic growth.