Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of Microcredit for Poverty alleviation in Pakistan: A Case Study of Punjab Rural Support Programme

Poverty is a global phenomenon which is adversely affecting the economy of the country. In rural areas of the country situation is more adverse as people don’t have much financial resources to spend a prosperous life. Most of the population of the country is spending their lives under the poverty line. Micro credit is considered a vital tool to alleviate poverty. This study depicts that microcredit helps the poor in reducing poverty by increasing their incomes. For the purpose, borrowers and non-borrowers are interviewed through a detailed questionnaire. Multiple Linear Regression Model (MLRM) is used for the empirical analysis of the primary data. The results show that loan participation has positive and significant impact on the incomes of the beneficries. Moreover Paper includes the borrowers’ opinions regarding services of Punjab Rural Support Programme (PRSP) and also presents some suggestions/ Policy implications for the improvement of microfinance sector in Pakistan.
Evidence for enhanced mixing on the super-meteoritic Li-rich red giant HD 233517

Context. HD 233517 is among the most Li-rich stars in the sky. It is a rapidly rotating, single K giant thought to be on its first ascent on the red giant branch. The star has also the highest known infrared excess among any of the known first-ascent giants. Aims. We revisit the physical parameters of the system and aim to map its surface temperature distribution. Methods. New time-series photometry and high-resolution spectroscopy were obtained with our robotic facilities STELLA and Amadeus Automatic Photoelectric Telescope (APT) in 2007‐2011. Inverse line-profile modelling is performed on a total of 167 echelle spectra and six Doppler images are presented. Results. Light and radial-velocity variations suggest a stellar rotation period of 47.6 ± 0.3 d. The atmospheric parameters agree with previous studies and verify a super-meteoritic log 7 Li abundance of 4.29 ± 0.10 with undetected 6 Li, while the metals are generally deficient by ‐0.4 dex with respect to the Sun. We determine a lower than normal isotopic carbon ratio of 12 C/ 13 C = 9 +4 −2 . Our Doppler images indicate warm and cool spots with an average temperature contrast of just ±65 K with respect to the effective temperature. Doppler maps from Li i 670.78 reveal practically identical surface morphology, with a higher average contrast of ±160 K and errors that are five times larger. Reconstructions with simultaneously 1617 and 3007 spectral lines showed both a signal degradation with respect to our 56-line final image. An error analysis indicates an average temperature error per surface pixel of just ± 4K . )
Improving the quality of learning in a blended learning environment for first-year biology

Improving the quality of learning in a blended learning environment for first-year biology Abstract Increased class sizes and rapid advancement of information technology has prompted institutions to move toward blended learning. The effectiveness of the instructional design of the blended learning courses has not been studied extensively in large classes. This study aims to interrogate the effectiveness of the instructional design of a large first year biology class with the aim of providing the most effective blend for all students but focusing on the at-risk and murky middle students. This was done by firstly investigating which of the different learning opportunities contributed most to the success of the students and secondly by investigating student engagement with the learning opportunities provided to them. The results show that small, face-to-face tutorial classes and online formative assessments contributed the most to student success. The results also show that at-risk and murky middle students tend to make use of learning opportunities less after the first summative assessment, possibly putting them at risk of failing.
Comment to the Editor Location of the TEMPO Moiety of TEMPO-PC in Lipid Bilayers In a recent

In a recent article in Biophysical Journal entitled ‘‘Effects of Dimethyl Sulfoxide on Surface Water near Phospholipid Bilayers’’ by Lee, Pincus, and Hyeon (1), the authors conducted molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of fluid-phase phosphatidylcholine (PC) membranes in the presence of DMSO/water mixtures. They plotted trends for the spatial variation of water diffusivity along the membrane normal as a function of DMSO concentration in the solvent (Figure 1 a, upper panel) and found that the computed diffusivity trends with DMSO concentration at the height of the choline group (about 2 Å above the phosphate group, jzj1⁄422 Å in their computational study) disagreed with the experimental trends for surface water diffusivity near unilamellar PC vesicle surfaces (Figure 1 b). The authors further show that when the surface water diffusivity is normalized by the bulk water diffusivity, there is qualitative agreement between the simulated and experimental results (even when simulated values are taken any point between the choline level and 8 Å outward, jzj1⁄422-30 Å), but state that agreement is ‘‘coincidental. ’’ At the center of the dispute is the experimental location of the surface water measurements as probed by Overhauser dynamic nuclear polarization (ODNP) (2). ODNP relies on a small fraction of lipids functionalized with a nitroxide radical spin label, here TEMPO tethered on top of the PC moiety of the PC head group, termed TEMPO-PC. We, the authors of (2), relied on the established knowledge of the wider electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) community that TEMPO of TEMPO-PC is on average located at about 5 Å above the phosphate level, with literature support for this statement provided below. It should also be noted that ODNP averages local contributions of water within about 5–10 Å of the TEMPO labels. In other words, the ODNP measurements with TEMPO-PC are capturing the surface water diffusivity within 0 – 10 Å distance above the phosphate level (which would correspond to (jzj1⁄420-30 Å). The authors of (1) rely on their computed values to be quantitative to within
NBT STRESS AND RADIATION RELATED DEGRADATION AND UNDERLYING MECHANISMS IN POWER VDMOSFETS

In this paper we provide an overview of instabilities observed in commercial power VDMOSFETs subjected to irradiation, NBT stress, and to consecutive exposure to them. The results have indicated that irradiation of previously NBT stressed devices leads to additional threshold voltage shift, while NBT stress effects in previously irradiated devices depend on the gate bias applied during irradiation and on the total dose received. This points to the importance of the order of applied stresses, indicating that for proper insight into the prediction of device behaviour not only harsh conditions, but also the order of exposure have to be considered. It has also been shown that changes in the densities of oxide trapped charge and interface traps during spontaneous recovery after each of applied stresses can be significant, thus leading to additional instability, even though the threshold voltage seems to remain stable, pointing to the need for clarifying the responsible mechanisms .
The impact of bundles of strategic human resource management practices on the performance of European firms

The relationship between HRM practices and perceived firm performance was analysed in 3,281 firms located in European Union countries using data derived from the Cranet data set. A factor analysis of 80 different HRM practices resulted in 15 bundles of HRM practices which were then further categorized as being either ‘calculative’, ‘collaborative’ or ‘intermediary’. While controlling for contingency factors, firm strategy, firm size, market conditions and degree of unionization, as well as controlling for industry and country, the resulting analysis indicates that while five of the six calculative practices and two of the three intermediary practices have a significant impact on performance none of the six collaborative practices has. Significantly it was further noted that the overall effect of HRM on performance was relatively modest.
Federal Reserve Policy Viewed Through a Money Supply Lens

Federal Reserve nonborrowed reserve supply systematically responded to changes in inflation and in the output gap over the period 1969-2000. While the feedback from output gap is always negative, the response of money supply to changes in inflation varies considerably across time. Nonborrowed reserves decreased with inflation in the post-1979 period and increased in the pre-1979 period. Applying a standard macro-model, the estimated reaction functions are shown to ensure equilibrium determinacy. Viewed through the money supply lens, Federal Reserve policy substantially changed over time, but has never allowed for endogenous fluctuations, which contrasts conclusions drawn from federal funds rate analyses.
GENOTOXIC AND MUTAGENIC STUDIES OF THE ANTIEPILEPTIC DRUG LEVETIRACETAM IN PREGNANT RATS AND THEIR FETUSES

Objective: Levetiracetam (LEV) is an anti-epileptic drug, initially approved as an adjunct therapy in adult patients with partial-onset seizures, and used as monotherapy treatment during pregnancy. However, very few, if none, investigations have been focused on LEV neurotoxicity or hepatotoxicity at the molecular level. This study aimed to evaluate the genotoxic and mutagenic potential of LEV, in liver and brain tissues of treated pregnant rats and their fetuses during pregnancy. Methods: LEV was administered to pregnant female albino rats at doses 300 or 600 mg/kg b. w, from gestation days 5-18. Comet assay, DNA fragmentation were performed for detection of DNA damage. Single-stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) followed by DNA sequencing were accomplished for detecting possible mutagenicity. Results: Administration of the two tested doses of LEV resulted in a significant increase of DNA damage as detected by alkaline Comet assay, and an appearance of both apoptotic laddered and smeared DNA in the tissues tested. Moreover, a significant incidence of mutations in exon 2 and 3 of Harvey rat sarcoma viral oncogene ( HRAS) gene, were detected in fetal liver and brain tissues respectively, using single-stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and were conﬁrmed by DNA sequencing. Conclusion: Maternal and fetal DNA damage induced by LEV was evidenced in our study, even at the commonly used therapeutic dose (300 mg/kg), and thus these side effects should be considered when using LEV for long-term during pregnancy.
Current evidence suggests the concept of executive function consists of at least three interrelated but independent subfunctions (

Executive function and attention difficulties are reported in very preterm (VPT) children at school entry, but it is unclear if these remain at later ages and/or if these difficulties are mediated by more basic functions, such as processing speed. Processing speed has been shown to underlie academic and behavioral problems in VPT children in middle childhood (Mulder, Pitchford, & Marlow, 2010, 2011), so may also underpin executive function and attention difficulties. We investigated this by comparing VPT (gestational age ,31 weeks; N 5 56) to term children (N 5 22) aged 9–10 years on a comprehensive battery of executive function and attention tasks from the Test of Everyday Attention for Children (Manly, Robertson, Anderson, & Nimmo-Smith, 1999) and NEPSY (Korkman, Kirk, & Kemp, 1998). Selective and sustained attention, inhibition, working memory, shifting, verbal fluency, planning, and processing speed were examined. Group differences favoring term children were shown on most executive function tasks (i.e., inhibition, working memory, verbal fluency, and shifting), all of which were mediated by slow processing speed in the VPT group, except response inhibition. Seemingly, processing speed is an important determinant underpinning many neuropsychological deficits seen in VPT children in middle childhood. (JINS, 2011, 17, 445–454)
More colors to the palette

1. Lee SY, Choi JE, Jeon HS et al. A genetic variation in microRNA target site of KRT81 gene is associated with survival in early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer. Ann Oncol 2015; 26: 1142–1148. 2. Robles AI, Ryan BM. KRT81 miR-SNP rs3660 is associated with risk and survival of NSCLC. Ann Oncol 2016; 27: 360–361. 3. Campayo M, Navarro A, Vinolas N et al. A dual role for KRT81: a miR-SNP associated with recurrence in non-small-cell lung cancer and a novel marker of squamous cell lung carcinoma. PLoS One 2011; 6: e22509.
Semantic-related Word Root Sets: To Work, or Not to Work

The study investigates whether semantic-related word root sets, such as -graph- & -scrib-, meaning to write, assist learning and analysis of morphological complex academic words in the EFL middle high setting. Two intact classes of 88 EFL learners (L1: Mandarin) were treated with two varied word lists grouped under semantic-related word root sets vs. alphabetical-ordered ones individually. Learning gains were measured on two levels of sensitivity, including two form recognition tests (target words and new words) and one form recall test. Although the effect of semantic-related word root sets seems negative on the form recall test, semantic-related word root sets may assist learners with the form recognition of new words. The study provides specific information to researchers, education practitioners and publishers fascinated with form-focused morphological awareness vocabulary instruction.
Polymer/Montmorillonite/Silver Nanocomposite Micro- and Nanoparticles Prepared by In-Situ Polymerization and Electrospraying Technique

Polymer nanocomposite materials have the capacity for producing a synergetic association with surpassing merit properties which cannot be obtained from the individual components. Such materials can be obtained by simply mixing required organic and inorganic components. The introduction of inorganic material into the polymer matrix has proved to be an effective and low-cost method to improve the performance of the existing polymer materials (Okamoto et al., 2000; Ramos et al., 2000; Wu et al., 2006; Zhu et al., 2000). It has various applications, such as new biological materials (biosensors and biochips), biocompatible thin coatings for medical applications, biodegradable scaffolds, drug delivery system and filter systems (Matsumoto et al., 2005; Okuda et al., 1996; Salata et al., 1997; Sinha et al., 2004). The synthesis of polymer nanocomposites can be carried out by many different methods. For example, in-situ polymerization of monomers inside the galleries of the inorganic host has been one of the common methods for preparation of nanocomposites. Another common methods are based on melt intercalation, solventless melt intercalation, using microwaves, latex-colloid interaction, solvent evaporation, spray drying, shirasu porous glass membrane emulsification technique and electrospraying, etc. (Berkland et al., 2001; Ma et al., 1999; Messersmith et al., 1993; Mu et al., 2001; Oriakhi et al., 1995; Rosca et. al.,2004; Usuki et al., 1993). This article is concerned with fabrication of polymer nanocomposite particles by in-situ suspension polymerization and electrospraying which are represented as a traditional and current general method for synthesis of nanocomposite. The effectiveness of these nanocomposite particles are demonstrated with a field emission-type scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), a transmission electron microscopy (TEM), an optical microscope, a reflection type X-ray diffraction (XRD), a
Interpersonal Power

Power is a fundamental force in social relationships and is pervasive throughout various types of interactions. Although research has shown that the possession of power can change the power holder, the full extent of power’s consequences on individuals’ decision-making capabilities and social interactions within organizations is not fully understood. The goal of this paper is to review, synthesize, and critique the literature on power with a focus on its organizational and managerial implications. Specifically, we propose a definition of power that takes into account its three defining characteristics—having the discretion and means to enforce one’s will—and summarize the extant literature on how power influences individuals’ thoughts, emotions, and actions both in terms of prosocial and antisocial outcomes. In addition, we highlight important moderators of power and describe ways in which it can be studied in a more rigorous manner by examining methodological issues and pitfalls with regard to its measurement and manipulation. We also provide future research directions to motivate and guide the study of power by management scholars. Our desire is to present a thorough and parsimonious account of power’s influence on individuals within an organizational context, as well as provide a foundation that scholars can build upon as they continue to make consequential contributions to the study of power.
The competing effects of sulfide saturation versus degassing on the behavior of the chalcophile elements during the differentiation of hydrous melts

There is a lack of consensus regarding the roles of sulfide saturation versus volatile degassing on the partitioning of Cu and Ag during differentiation and eruption of convergent margin magmas. Because of their oxidized character, volatile‐rich magmas from the Eastern Manus Back‐arc Basin (EMBB) only reach sulfide saturation following magnetite‐driven reduction of the melt: the so‐called “magnetite crisis. ” If sulfide saturation typically precedes volatile saturation, the magnetite crisis will limit the proportion of Cu and Ag that can partition from the melt into an exsolving volatile‐rich phase, which may contribute to the sporadic occurrence of magmatic‐hydrothermal ore deposits at convergent margins. However, it is unclear whether the magnetite crisis is a common or rare event during differentiation of volatile‐rich magmas. We report major and trace element data for submarine volcanic glasses from the Tonga arc‐proximal Valu Fa Ridge (VFR; SW Pacific). Cu‐Se‐Ag systematics of samples erupting at the southern VFR suggest magnetite fractionation‐triggered sulfide saturation. The similarity in chalcophile element systematics of the southern VFR and EMBB samples is unlikely to be coincidental, and may indicate that the magnetite crisis is a common event during differentiation of hydrous melts. However, unlike many convergent margin magmas, it is unlikely that the evolving VFR and EMBB were saturated in a S‐bearing volatile phase prior to magnetite fractionation. Hence, the metal‐depleting magnetite crisis may be restricted to back‐arc basin magmas that do not degas volatiles prior to magnetite fractionation and potentially convergent margin magmas fractionating at high pressures in the continental crust.
Basic Research — Technology Shaping Ability of 4 Different Single-file Systems in Simulated S-shaped

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the shaping ability of 4 different single-file systems in simulated S-shaped canals. Methods: Sixty-four S-shaped canals in resin blocks were prepared to an apical size of 25 using Reciproc (VDW, Munich, Germany), WaveOne (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), OneShape (Micro M ega, Besançon, France), and F360 (Komet Brasseler, Lemgo, Germany) (n = 16 canals/ group) systems. Composite images were made from the superimposition of preand postinstrumentation images. The amount of resin removed by each system was measured by using a digital template and image analysis software. Canal aberrations and the preparation time were also recorded. The data were statistically analyzed by using analysis of variance, Tukey, and chi-square tests. Results: Canals prepared with the F360 and OneShape systems were better centered compared with the Reciproc and WaveOne systems. Reciproc and WaveOne files removed significantly greater amounts of resin from the inner side of both curvatures (P < .05). Instrumentation with OneShape and Reciproc files was significantly faster compared with WaveOne and F360 files (P < .05). No instrument fractured during canal preparation. Conclusions: Under the conditions of this study, all single-file instruments were safe to use and were able to prepare the canals efficiently. However, single-file systems that are less tapered seem to be more favorable when preparing S-shaped canals. (J Endod 2015;-:1–5)
Baicalin and ginsenoside Rb 1 promote the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells in Alzheimer ’ s disease model rats Running title : Effect of Baicalin and ginsenoside Rb 1 on brain injury

Background: This study aimed to explore the effect of ginsenoside Rb1 and baicalin on the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells (NSC) in Alzheimer’s disease model rats. Method: The healthy Sprague Dawley male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, model group, ginsenoside Rb1 group and baicalin group. Besides, the animal model of dementia was induced by the injection of Aβ1-40. 2 weeks later, the rats in the baicalin and ginsenoside Rb1 groups were injected with baicalin and ginsenoside Rb1, respectively. The contents, expression sites of Nestin, GFAP and NSE and the percentage of viable cells were detected by immunohistochemistry. In addition, the expression levels of Nestin, GFAP and NSE in hippocampus of rats were detected by western-blot and metrology analysis was performed using quantity. Results: Injection of Aβ1-40 significantly reduced the number of neuronal cells (p < 0.05). In addition, compared with the control group, the percentages of positive cells of NSCs, astrocytes and neuronal were increased. Besides, compared with the model group, the percentage of positive neural cells was improved by ginsenoside Rb1 (p < 0.05), and the percentages of astrocytes and neuronal were increased by ginsenoside Rb1 and baicalin (p < 0.05). Moreover, the expressions of Nestin and NSE were enhanced by ginsenoside Rb1 and baicalin (p < 0.05), while the GFAP level was only affected by ginsenoside Rb1 (p < 0.05) when compared with the model group. Conclusion: Ginsenoside Rb1 and baicalin might promote the proliferation and differentiation of endogenous NSCs in AD rat model.
Distribution, Diversity and Potential Production of Yams ( Dioscorea spp.) in Sheko District, Southwest Ethiopia

Yams are the Dioscoreaceae vine plants grown as staple food in tropical and sub-tropical regions that produce underground tubers or aerial bulbs. This researchwas developed with objective of assessing the distribution, diversity and potential production of yams (Dioscorea spp.) in sheko district, Bench Maji Zone, Ethiopia. A total of 147 informants were selected from six Kebeles using purposive and random sampling method. Reliable data were collected from households using semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and field observations which were analyzed by using Microsoft excel and descriptive statistics. A total of 3 different types of yam species (Dioscorea abyssinica, Dioscorea alata and Dioscorea bulbifera) were recorded from Sheko district. Yams were identified as a main staple food for the Sheko people. Four well adopted varieties selected by indigenous farmers of Sheko district were identified; among white yam is most preferred one due to its taste and high yield performance. The findings of the study revealed that most of the farmers (96.8%) highly practicing intercropping whereas few farmers (3.2%) practice monoculture mode of cultivation. Farmers’ indigenous experience on production of yam crops in almost all representative kebeles of the District was observed to be tremendous. Therefore, indigenous knowledge of farmers must be valued and supported by research to analyze the productive variety and further improved production and post harvest technology should be introduced.