Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rehabilitation for homeless adolescent substance abusers at a halfway house in Korea.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a rehabilitation program on hope and self-efficacy in a sample of homeless adolescent substance abusers at a halfway house in Seoul, Korea. METHODS Five residents of a halfway house were provided with a 16-week rehabilitation program based on a cognitive-behavioral approach. To evaluate the effectiveness of the program, this study used a single-case experimental design with the variables - hope and self-efficacy - being measured at pre-, post-, and followup tests. RESULTS While three participants showed considerable positive changes in hope and self-efficacy after the program, two participants did not show any positive changes. Despite this lack of consistent patterns in the effectiveness of the rehabilitation program, there was a qualitative change in social status (such as academic and work status) for the participants at the follow-up test. CONCLUSION A rehabilitation program based on a cognitive-behavioral approach may improve the hope and self-efficacy of homeless adolescent substance abusers at a halfway house and help them to reintegrate into society.
Antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of Bombax ceiba

Abstract The antioxidant activity of a methanolic extract of Bombax ceiba was evaluated using several antioxidant assays, in terms of its: (i) ability to scavenge DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl) and hydroxyl free radicals; (ii) action against lipid peroxidation (in rat liver microsomes and soy bean phosphatidylcholine liposomes), induced by ascorbyl radicals and peroxynitrite; and (iii) effect on myeloperoxidase activity. The cytotoxicity was monitored through the mitochondrial activity in the Vero cell line. The extract showed antioxidant activity in all assays, the EC50 (μg/ml) for DPPH was 87 and for lipid peroxidation of microsomes and soy bean liposomes induced by ascorbyl radicals were 141 and 105, respectively, and by peroxynitrite were 115 and 77, respectively. The K0.5 value for myeloperoxidase activity inhibition by the extract was 264 μg/ml. The extract showed very low toxicity toward Vero cells.
Main Determinants of Financial Reporting Quality in the Lebanese Banking Sector

The study aims to investigate the potential determinants that may influence the quality of financial reporting of 88 annual reports of a sample of 22 Lebanese banks for the period 2012-2015. Financial reporting quality index with 40 items was used as the dependent variable, while bank specific characteristics of leverage, size, and profitability as well as corporate governance features of board independence, ownership structure, and board size constitute the independent variables. Using multivariate OLS model, the results indicate that financial leverage, ownership structure and board size has significant and positive relationship with financial reporting quality. On the other hand, bank size, profitability and board independence were found to be not statistically significant in explaining the quality of financial reporting of banking sector in Lebanon. The results reveal that better financial reporting quality of the annual reports in banking sector can be achieved by having higher proportion of debts, higher ownership by the shareholders, and higher board size. These findings could be of interest to potential investors, management and regulators in the process of financial reporting quality enhancement.
A qualitative inquiry into cash waqf model as a source of financing for micro enterprises

Purpose This paper aims to explore the opinions and recommendations of various experts on the integrated cash waqf micro enterprise investment (ICWME-I) model, particularly in terms of its suitability, applicability and prospects in the market. Design/methodology/approach The research involves primary data which are collected from semi-structured interviews conducted with experts from various backgrounds. Thematic analysis was used to examine the data. Findings The experts support the suitability of the ICWME-I model in providing financial services to micro enterprises. They highlight the importance of establishing, managing and operating ICWME-I model under the aegis of the State Islamic Religious Council in Malaysia or the corporate sector. They further emphasize that the characteristics of micro enterprises, the element of sustainable funding, the importance of proper management and administration, legal matters and public awareness are key factors that influence the sustainability of the ICWME-I model. Originality/value This paper adds to the literature on waqf and micro enterprises especially from the Malaysian context. The paper validates the ICWME-I model in terms of its suitability, applicability and prospects in the market by interviewing experts from various backgrounds.
RNA from Borna disease virus in patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective patients, and in their biological relatives

Numerous interactions of the immune system with the central nervous system have been described recently. Mood and psychotic disorders, such as severe depression and schizophrenia, are both heterogeneous disorders regarding clinical symptomatology, the acuity of symptoms, the clinical course, the treatment response, and probably also the etiology. Detection of p24 RNA from Borna disease virus (BDV) by the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and in their biological relatives was evaluated. The subjects were 27 schizophrenic and schizoaffective patients, 27 healthy controls, 20 relatives without psychiatric disease, and 24 relatives with mood disorder, who attended the Psychiatric Ambulatory of Londrina State University, Paraná, Brazil. The subjects were interviewed by structured diagnostic criteria categorized according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders‐IV, axis I, (SCID‐IV). The mean duration of illness in schizophrenic and schizoaffective patients was 15.341±1.494 years and the median age at onset was 22.4±7.371 years. There were no significant differences in gender (P=0.297), age (P=0.99), albumin (P=0.26), and body mass index (kg/m2) (p=0.28), among patients, controls, and relatives. Patients and biological relatives had significantly higher positive p24 RNA BDV detection than controls (P=0.04); however, the clinical significance of BDV remains to be clarified. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 22:314–320, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Grain growth in the envelopes and disks of Class I protostars

We present new 3 mm ATCA data of two Class I young stellar objects (YSOs) in the Ophiucus star forming region: Elias29 and WL12. For our analysis we compare them with archival 1.1 mm SMA data. In the (u,v) plane the two sources present a similar behavior: a nearly constant non-zero emission at long baselines, which suggests the presence of an unresolved component and an increase of the fluxes at short baselines, related to the presence of an extended envelope. Our data analysis leads to unusually low values of the spectral index α_(1.1−3 mm), which may indicate that mm-sized dust grains have already formed both in the envelopes and in the disk-like structures at such early stages. To explore the possible scenarios for the interpretation of the sources we perform a radiative transfer modeling using a Monte Carlo code, in order to take into account possible deviations from the Rayleigh-Jeans and optically thin regimes. Comparison between the model outputs and the observations indicates that dust grains may form aggregates up to millimeter size already in the inner regions of the envelopes of Class I YSOs. Moreover, we conclude that the embedded disk-like structures in our two Class I YSOs are probably very compact, in particular in the case of WL12, with outer radii down to tens of AU.
The Prevalence and Correlates of Depressive Symptoms Among Adolescent Mothers: Results from a 17-Year Longitudinal Study

The objective of the authors in this study was to examine the prevalence and correlates of elevated depressive symptoms in a 17-year cohort study of 173 women who were unmarried, pregnant adolescents between June 1988 and January 1990. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate the associations between correlates and elevated depressive symptoms during five distinct developmental periods of the life course. Depressive symptoms were measured by the Brief Symptom Inventory depression subscale. The prevalence of elevated depressive symptoms in adolescent mothers significantly increased over the 17 years of the study from 19.8% to 35.2%. In adjusted analyses, antenatal depressive symptoms were positively and significantly associated with elevated depressive symptoms at every developmental period. Intimate partner violence was positively and significantly associated with elevated depressive symptoms during all but one developmental period. Other significant correlates of elevated depressive symptoms included welfare receipt, smoking, and parity, all of which were significant at some, but not other, developmental periods. Antenatal depressive symptoms and intimate partner violence were positively and significantly associated with elevated depressive symptoms. Given the public health consequences associated with maternal depression, clinical and community-based interventions should be developed to identify and to treat adolescent mothers at-risk for antenatal depression and intimate partner violence.
The Shift from Active to Passive Investing: Potential Risks to Financial Stability?

The past couple of decades have seen a significant shift in assets from active to passive investment strategies. We examine the potential effects of this shift on financial stability through four different channels: (1) effects on investment funds? liquidity transformation and redemption risks; (2) passive strategies that amplify market volatility; (3) increases in asset-management industry concentration; and (4) the effects on valuations, volatility, and comovement of assets that are included in indexes. Overall, the shift from active to passive investment strategies appears to be increasing some types of risk while diminishing others: The shift has probably reduced liquidity transformation risks, although some passive strategies amplify market volatility, and passive-fund growth is increasing asset-management industry concentration. We find mixed evidence that passive investing is contributing to the comovement of assets. Finally, we use our framework to assess how financial stability risks are likely to evolve if the shift to passive investing continues, noting that some of the repercussions of passive investing ultimately may slow its growth.
The Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid Expansion and Unemployment

We examine how a key provision of the Affordable Care Act—the expansion of Medicaid eligibility—affected health insurance coverage and labor market transitions of unemployed workers. Comparing trends in states that implemented the Medicaid expansion to those that did not, we find that the ACA Medicaid expansion substantially increased insurance coverage among unemployed workers. We then test whether this strengthening of the safety net reduced transitions from unemployment to employment. We find no evidence of such an effect. Acknowledgements/disclaimer: Prepared for presentation at “Defense against the Dark Arts: A labor economics conference in honor of John E. DiNardo,” University of Michigan, September 28-29, 2018. Financial support for this project from the Russell Sage Foundation is gratefully acknowledged. The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the authors and are not attributable to the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco or the Federal Reserve System.
Proteomics indicates modulation of tubulin polymerization by L‐menthol inhibiting human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma cell proliferation

Menthol is a naturally occurring cyclic monoterpene used in oral hygiene products, confectionary, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, pesticides, and as a flavoring agent. In the present study, we analyzed the differentially expressing proteome in L‐menthol‐treated Caco‐2 cell line as it was found to inhibit cell proliferation. Interestingly, free tubulin proteins were observed to be limited after menthol treatment. Semiquantitative RT‐PCR with α‐tubulin primers showed no change in the level of RNA expression in menthol‐treated cell line. However, tubulin polymerization assay with menthol indicated a trend similar to taxol in promoting microtubule assembly. Further, physical counting of apoptotic nuclei and active caspase‐3 assays confirmed onset of apoptosis though the rate was slower as compared with that of taxol treatment. This study is the first report of a monoterpene L‐menthol modulating tubulin polymerization and apoptosis to inhibit cancer cell proliferation.
Performance improvement in complex organizations: the case of smallholder agricultural cooperatives in Malawi

Smallholder agricultural cooperatives have potential to play a vital role in the Malawi economy where smallholder farmers comprise the majority of the agricultural producers. Smallholder farmers individually have little power in the market place but when organized into cooperatives they enjoy protection from exploitation. The formation of cooperatives among smallholder farmers has therefore been accelerated and they now account for more than 55% of all cooperatives in Malawi. However, studies have concluded that the performance of the smallholder agricultural cooperatives is poor, and this research study has also confirmed this conclusion. This thesis therefore attempts to address the research problem: “How to improve the performance of smallholder agricultural cooperatives in Malawi”? The primary aim of this study was to develop a framework for improving the performance of smallholder agricultural cooperatives in Malawi. The research study utilized an interpretive paradigm to explore and describe the various factors that contribute to the poor performance of smallholder agricultural cooperatives. The multiple case study approach was used to gather data for this research study. A total of 8 case studies were conducted among smallholder agricultural cooperatives, and the empirical data that was collected was further analyzed using grounded theory analysis. The findings took the form of factors which contribute to the poor performance of smallholder agricultural cooperatives. A total of 18 factors were identified as contributing to poor performance of smallholder agricultural cooperatives. Thereafter, a performance improvement framework called the Maganga PISHAC Framework was developed by combining the identified factors into four core categories, namely; objectives, knowledge, skills and attitudes. The Maganga PISHAC Framework was constructed by integrating the findings of this study with the current literature in both the cooperative and performance improvement arenas. The Maganga PISHAC Framework can also be customized for use in other countries.
The role of integrins and coreceptors in refining thresholds for B‐cell responses

Summary: Despite compelling evidence that a large proportion of antigens encountered in vivo by B cells are membrane bound, the general view is that B cells are mainly activated by soluble antigens. This notion may have been biased somewhat over the years because the high affinity of the B‐cell receptor (BCR) for soluble intact ligands allows efficient B‐cell stimulation in vitro. In vivo, however, even soluble antigens are likely to be deposited on the surface of antigen‐presenting cells, either by complement or Fc receptors in the form of immune complexes, thus becoming more potent stimulators of B‐cell activation. In this framework, the BCR works in a complex environment of integrins and coreceptors, as well as the B‐cell cytoskeleton. Over the last few years, we have focused on B‐cell membrane‐bound antigen recognition. Here, we discuss some of our findings in the context of what is currently known in this exciting new field.
FARMERS’ ADOPTION OF NEW AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMME IN HAMBANTOTA DISTRICT IN SRI LANKA: AN ANALYSIS OF CONSTRAINING FACTORS

This paper examines the major factors constraining the adoption of a newly introduced paddy improvement technology programme by farmers in the Hambantota district, as seen from the perspective of Agricultural extension officers. Further, the adoption pattern of those technological programmes by farmers was analyzed. A structured interview schedule was used to collect data from a purposively selected sample of 30 AI officers. Data was analyzed using the principal factor model with iteration and Varimax rotation, and simple linear regression analysis was done to explain any relationship between the adoption levels of farmers in each of the adoption stages. The results showed that a majority of AI officers perceived that only 40-60 per cent of farmers actually adopted the new technology programme. As for the percentage of farmers who proceeded to adopt each stage of the multi-stage process, the majority of the farmers in the community progressed to the awareness stage but only about 50 per cent of farmers continued until the final adoption stage was reached. Among the factors that could be cited as constraining the adoption: a lack of resources, incompatibility and complexity of new technology, and socio-economic and cultural constraints. Inadequacies in extension intervention, technical training and information were the main constraints that compromised the information and knowledge network. Moreover, the Yaya 2 programme was hindered by environmental and economic barriers, poor educational competencies of farmers and weak information links with the other actors of the network. These findings suggest that there is an urgent need for researchers, policy makers and administrators of the extension service to consider these constraints seriously so as to overcome them to increase the adoption rate by farmers of the new paddy technology programme in Hambantota. Keywords: Agricultural Technology, Adoption Stages, Adoption, Constraints
Effects of D-Cycloserine Administration on Weekly Nonemotional Memory Tasks in Healthy Participants

Background: The application of weekly doses of D-cycloserine (DCS) to the enhancement of exposure-based treatments has been a particular achievement of translational research. It is not known, however, whether this enhancement effect can be extended to other forms of learning. In this study, we investigated the relative benefit of DCS versus placebo for enhancing nonemotional verbal and nonverbal memory across weekly trials. Methods: We randomized healthy participants to weekly doses of 50 mg DCS or placebo, with 33 participants completing a 5-week protocol. Participants completed baseline neuropsychological evaluation and then 4 subsequent weeks of repeated learning tasks. Results: No improvement was found in immediate or delayed memory following single doses of DCS for the memory tasks repeated on a weekly basis. Trends for an advantage of DCS were evident for novel word lists given each week. Conclusions: The learning tasks in our study were particularly distinct from the extinction learning paradigms that have shown strong DCS effects, and we were unable to demonstrate useful DCS effects with these nonemotional stimuli. Additional research is needed to elucidate the bounds of DCS augmentation effects on therapeutic learning.
Using of Immunohistochemistry Technique for Detection of Foot and Mouth Disease Virus ( FMDV ) Type O in Cattle Tissues

Detection of FMDV type O antigen using Immunohistochemistry (IHC) technique was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues obtained from cattle originally intradermolingual inoculated with FMDV type O strain O Udornthani/87, FMDV type A strain A Lopburi/2012 and FMDV type Asia-1 strain Asia-1 Nakornpathom/85 to consider the cross reaction. The number of animals used for these inoculations were 5, 2 and 2 healthy 6 month old cattle respectively. The primary antibody used in this study was mouse against FMDV type O monoclonal antibody. The positive IHC results were only found in cattle tissues inoculated with FMDV type O strain O Udornthani/87 which moderate to strong positive results were observed in the epithelial cells of sloughing and necrotic tongue epithelium (5/5) and stratum spinosum and stratum basale of the interdigital skin (2/5), in addition, the mild positive results were noticed in a few epithelial cells of the dorsal soft palate (1/5). The important microscopic changes in the organs and tissues of cattle inoculated with FMDV type O strain O Udornthani/87 were necrosis with sloughing and sub-acute to chronic inflammation of tongue (5/5), interdigital skin (3/5), gum (2/5) and larynx (2/5) and chronic inflammation of epiglottis (1/5) and dorsal soft palate (1/5). From the current study, IHC technique showed magnificent results to detect the antigen of FMDV type O without cross reaction, in addition, the IHC positive reaction findings showed the ability of mouse against FMDV type O monoclonal antibody to particularly detect the antigen of the virus even small amounts in FFPE tissues. Furthermore, tongue and interdigital skin with sloughing and necrosis were significant tissues to detect more FMDV antigen. In conclusion, the IHC technique is an alternatively diagnostic method for detection of FMDV antigen since it is specific, sensitive and able to be performed completely within 2 days after obtaining FFPE tissue blocks.
Lateralised vestibular hypofunction: Canal paresis and handedness

In this retrospective study it was found that 549 out of 1175 patients seen for vestibular assessment within an 8-year period within a district hospital service showed lateralised canal paresis as determined by caloric testing. It was found that there was a tendency for canal paresis, indicative of vestibular hypofunction, to be on the side of handedness. This bias showed statistical significance, (chi-squared, p < .005), for the patients overall, as well as for the 65 left-handers considered separately, (p < .05). Surprisingly, this form of bias does not appear to have been reported previously. The bias was shown most clearly in the largest of the groups defined by sex and handedness, namely that of female right-handers. In this group the prevalence of associated hearing loss was similar for canal paresis on either side. This allowed speculation as to the particular type of disorder to which those cases of canal paresis that were associated with the bias might be due, from which it seemed that migraine, rather than Menière's disease or vestibular neuronitis, was likely.