Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of probiotic supplementation on productive traits, egg quality and plasma cholesterol of broiler breeder hens.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of four different levels of dietary probiotic (protexin) on productive traits and egg quality of broiler breeder hens. One hundred sixty female 64-week-old broiler breeders (Hubbard classic) were involved in this experiment. The birds were randomly assigned to control Group A (unsupplemented diet), Group B (0.25% protexin supplemented diet), Group C (0.5% protexin supplemented diet) and Group D (0.75% protexin supplemented diet) for 10 weeks. Results showed that addition of probiotic had not any significant effect on egg production, egg mass and feed conversion ratio but effect of probiotic on egg weight was significant (P < 0.05), The egg weight of control group was the highest and was higher (P < 0.05) than group B but was not statistically different from group C and group D. Furthermore supplementation of probiotic had no significant effect on percentage of egg shell, shell thickness, egg shell strength, specific gravity and haugh unit. Overall, it was concluded that dietary supplementation of probiotic had no effect on productive traits, egg quality and plasma cholesterol of 64-week-old broiler breeder hens.
Much Ado about Nothing? Evidence Suggests No Adverse Effects of Payday Lending on Military Members

We evaluate the effect that payday loan access has on credit and labor market outcomes of individuals in the U.S. Army. Using the conditional random assignment of servicemembers to different locations, we employ three identification strategies: cross-sectional variation in state policies, within-term variation in payday lending access over time, and a difference-in-difference analysis using the national Military Lending Act. We find few adverse effects of payday loan access on servicemembers when using any of these methods even when we examine dozens of subsamples that explore potential differential treatment effects. JEL Codes: G2, D14, D12, G18 We thank David Lyle, Brigitte Madrian, Adair Morse, John Smith, Jeremy Tobacman; seminar participants at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, University of Notre Dame, Wake Forest University, and West Point; and anonymous referees. Kevin Friedman provided valuable research assistance. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not represent the U.S. Military Academy, the Department of the Army, or the Department of Defense.
The Role of Trust, Leader-Member Exchange, and Organizational Justice in Employee Attitudes and Behaviors: A Laboratory and Field Investigation

An abstract of the dissertation of Rudolph Joseph Sanchez for the Doctor of Philosophy in Systems Science: Psychology were presented October 18, 2002. Title: The Role of Trust, Leader-Member Exchange, and Organizational Justice in Employee Attitudes and Behaviors: A Laboratory and Field Investigation The study of interpersonal relationships continues to be a major focus of theory and research in a wide array of disciplines. The present research examined one of the most prevalent and significant interpersonal relationships in the workplace context the dyadic relationship between a supervisor and a subordinate. This research examined the relationships between trust, quality of the leader-member exchange relationship (LMX; a measure of the quality of the dyadic relationship), perceived organizational justice, and several employee attitudes and behaviors that are important to individual workers and the organizations in which they work. Data were collected in both laboratory and field settings. The laboratory setting allowed for the manipulation of organizational justice, which permitted inferences regarding the causal effects of organizational justice on the relationships between trust and LMX and the outcome variables examined. The field setting allowed for the testing of the hypothesized relationships in a “real world” environment in which external contextual factors (e.g., industry and organizational differences) were naturally controlled. R eproduced with perm ission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without perm ission. Two-hundred and twenty-three currently employed undergraduate students participated in the laboratory study. In the field study, data were collected in a Fortune 500 company from 113 subordinates and their supervisors. Results from both studies indicated that perceptions of trust in one’s supervisor were strongly related to LMX. Importantly, in the field study, quality of the dyadic relationship was modeled as an emergent property of the perceptions of both subordinates and supervisors. Perceptions of LMX were related to a sense of overall fairness, which was jointly determined by procedural and distributive justice. Perceptions of overall fairness were related to job satisfaction, intention to quit, organizational commitment, in-role job performance, organizational citizenship behavior, and organizational retaliatory behaviors. Additionally, results of the laboratory study indicated that established perceptions of trust in one’s supervisor and LMX were adversely affected by violations of either procedural or distributive justice. This adverse effect was greatest when both procedural and distributive justice were low. The theoretical and practical implications of the research are discussed. R eproduced with perm ission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without perm ission.
Private sector lessons for public sector reform in Indonesia [Working paper]

Development economists often analyse the performance of particular sectors of the economy, yet they have largely ignored that of one of the most important sectors, namely, the public sector, the performance of which is demonstrably poor. They are also continually giving recommendations to the Indonesian government as to what constitutes sound economic policy, whereas there is abundant evidence that the bureaucracy has neither the incentive nor the competence to implement such policy. Civil service reform is therefore crucial to improving Indonesia's economic performance. This paper argues that the key to such reform is the adoption of human resource management practices similar to those that can be observed in successful, large business enterprises: namely, creating an environment of open and fair competition for all positions within the organisation.
A vector-based approach to digital image scaling

Image and video capture devices are often designed with different capabilities and end-users in mind. As a result, very often images are captured at one resolution and need to be displayed at another resolution. Resizing thus continues to be an important research area in today's milieu. Well-known pixel-based methods (like bicubic interpolation) have traditionally been used for the purpose. However, these methods are often found lacking in quality from a perceptual standpoint as they tend to soften edges and blur details. Recently, vectorization based approaches have been explored because of their inherent property of artifact free scaling. However, these methods fail to faithfully reproduce textures and fine details in an image. In this work, we present a novel, layered approach of combining image vectorization with a pixel based interpolation technique to achieve high quality scaling of digital images. The proposed method decomposes an image into two layers: a ‘coarse’ layer capturing the visually important structure of the image, and a ‘fine’ layer containing the details. We vectorize only the coarse layer and render at the desired scale, while using classical interpolation on the fine layer. The final scaled image is composed by blending the independently scaled layers. We compare the performance of the proposed method with several state-of-the-art vectorization and scaling methods, and report comparably better performance.
Effect Of Management Accounting Practices On Financial Performance Of Commercial Banks In Kenya

x CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION . Error! Bookmark not defined. 1.1 Background of the Study . Error! Bookmark not defined. 1.1.1 Management Accounting Practices.1 1.1.2 Financial Performance. 2 1.1.3 Management accounting Practices and Financial Performance . 3 1.1.4 Commercials banks in Kenya . 4 1.2 Research Problem . 5 1.3 Research Objective . 7 1.4 Value of the Study . 8 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW . 9 2.
Bisphenol-A glucuronidation in human liver and breast: identification of UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) and influence of genetic polymorphisms

Abstract 1. Bisphenol-A is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant that is primarily metabolized by glucuronidation and associated with various human diseases including breast cancer. Here we identified UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) and genetic polymorphisms responsible for interindividual variability in bisphenol-A glucuronidation in human liver and breast. 2. Hepatic UGTs showing the highest bisphenol-A glucuronidation activity included UGT2B15 and UGT1A9. Relative activity factor normalization indicated that UGT2B15 contributes >80% of activity at bisphenol-A concentrations under 5 μM, while UGT1A9 contributes up to 50% of activity at higher concentrations. 3. Bisphenol-A glucuronidation by liver microsomes (46 donors) ranged from 0.25 to 4.3 nmoles/min/mg protein. Two-fold higher glucuronidation (p = 0.018) was observed in UGT1A9 *22/*22 livers compared with *1/*1 and *1/*22 livers. However, no associations were observed for UGT2B15*2 or UGT1A1*28 genotypes. 4. Bisphenol-A glucuronidation by breast microsomes (15 donors) ranged from <0.2 to 56 fmoles/min/mg protein. Breast mRNA expression of UGTs capable of glucuronidating bisphenol-A was highest for UGT1A1, followed by UGT2B4, UGT1A9, UGT1A10, UGT2B7 and UGT2B15. Bisphenol-A glucuronidation was over 10-fold lower in breast tissues with the UGT1A1*28 allele compared with tissues without this allele (p = 0.006). 5. UGT2B15 and UGT1A9 contribute to glucuronidation variability in liver, while UGT1A1 is important in breast.
Assessment of differences in patient populations selected for excluded from participation in clinical phase III acute myelogenous leukemia trials.

PURPOSE To compare patients treated in or outside clinical protocols, using de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) as a model disorder. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively compared the characteristics of all patients with de novo AML diagnosed in the referral area of our university hospital between 1985 and 1994. RESULTS Of a total of 170 AML patients, 45% were included in a phase III trial for the treatment of AML and 55% were treated outside a protocol. Another 45 patients were registered only at diagnosis but were treated elsewhere. Nonstudy patients differed significantly from patients included in clinical trials with respect to age and performance status at clinical presentation, comorbidity, and type of AML. The great majority of patients excluded from trial participation showed distinct exclusion criteria, such as advanced age and severe comorbidity. Study patients were treated significantly more often with curative intent and achieved better response and survival. Patients treated in an equivalent manner but outside a protocol showed no significant difference in survival compared with patients enrolled onto a trial. CONCLUSION Study patients were not representative for the entire population of patients with AML; many patients were excluded from phase III trial participation for failure to meet stringent entry criteria. Therefore, results of phase III studies may not be extrapolated to all AML patients but should only be applied to patients who do not differ in substantial characteristics from the study population.
Targeting protein-trafficking pathways alters melanoma treatment sensitivity

Protein-trafficking pathways are targeted here in human melanoma cells using methods independent of oncogene mutational status, and the ability to up-regulate and down-regulate tumor treatment sensitivity is demonstrated. Sensitivity of melanoma cells to cis-diaminedichloroplatinum II (cDDP, cis-platin), carboplatin, dacarbazine, or temozolomide together with velaparib, an inhibitor of poly (ADP ribose) polymerase 1, is increased by up to 10-fold by targeting genes that regulate both protein trafficking and the formation of melanosomes, intracellular organelles unique to melanocytes and melanoma cells. Melanoma cells depleted of either of the protein-trafficking regulators vacuolar protein sorting 33A protein (VPS33A) or cappuccino protein (CNO) have increased nuclear localization of cDDP, increased nuclear DNA damage by platination, and increased apoptosis, resulting in increased treatment sensitivity. Depleted cells also exhibit a decreased proportion of intracellular, mature melanosomes compared with undepleted cells. Modulation of protein trafficking via cell-surface signaling by binding the melanocortin 1 receptor with the antagonist agouti-signaling protein decreased the proportion of mature melanosomes formed and increased cDDP sensitivity, whereas receptor binding with the agonist melanocyte-stimulating hormone resulted in an increased proportion of mature melanosomes formed and in decreased sensitivity (i.e., increased resistance) to cDDP. Mutation of the protein-trafficking gene Hps6, known to impair the formation of mature melanosomes, also increased cDDP sensitivity. Together, these results indicate that targeting protein-trafficking molecules markedly increases melanoma treatment sensitivity and influences the degree of melanosomes available for sequestration of therapeutic agents.
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Protect against and Mitigate the Lethality of Total-Body Irradiation in Mice

Abstract Brown, S. L. , Kolozsvary, A. , Liu, J., Ryu, S. and Kim, J. H. Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Protect against and Mitigate the Lethality of Total-Body Irradiation in Mice. Radiat. Res. 169, 474–478 (2008). It was hypothesized that histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors may increase survival after total-body irradiation (TBI) based on previous reports demonstrating that HDAC inhibitors stimulate the proliferation of bone marrow stem cells. Using the time for mice to lose 20% or more of their weight as the end point, two HDAC inhibitors, valproic acid and trichostatin-A, were found to reduce lethality in a dose-dependent manner. HDAC inhibitors were effective at reducing lethality when given either 24 h before or 1 h after TBI. The results indicate that HDAC inhibitors have potential for protecting against and mitigating radiation-induced lethality.
Peripheral neuropathy in myotonic dystrophy type 1

Myotonic dystrophy 1 (DM1) is characterized by a wide range of clinical features. We aimed to verify the presence of peripheral nerve involvement in a large cohort of DM1 patients and to determine clinical consequences. A total of 93 patients underwent detailed neurological examination and nerve conduction studies. Additionally, balance impairment was assessed with the Berg Balance Scale and health status was evaluated with the SF‐36 health survey. Sensory symptoms were not reported and mild sensory signs were found in six patients. Electrophysiological abnormalities consistent with a diagnosis of neuropathy were found in 16 patients (17%). Peripheral nerve involvement was significantly associated with decreased muscle strength (p = 0.001) and absence of Achilles‐tendon reflexes (p = 0.003), but not with age or duration of neuromuscular symptoms. It had no significant effect on balance, mental or physical health. In conclusion, peripheral nerve involvement may be one of the multisystemic manifestations of DM1, but is usually subclinical. Other causes should be excluded when sensory symptoms or signs are severe.
Polychlorinated biphenyls and toxaphene in preferred prey fish of coastal southeastern U.S. bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

Legacy organochlorine (OC) contaminants continue to pose a potential risk to ecological and human health in coastal aquatic ecosystems of the southeastern United States. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and toxaphene (TOX) were analyzed by gas chromatography with electron capture detection and negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry in 77 composites of four inshore fish species commonly preyed upon by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from estuaries near Savannah, Georgia (SAV), Brunswick, Georgia (BRN), and Jacksonville, Florida (JAX), USA. Whereas seasonal and species‐specific differences were minimal, differences among mean total PCB concentrations (∑PCBs) by estuary (42.0 ± 48.3, 1.59 ± 1.24, and 0.281 ± 0.075 μg/g lipid for BRN, JAX, and SAV, respectively) were highly significant. This estuary‐specific trend also held true for mean total toxaphene concentrations (∑TOX): 49 ± 100 (BRN), 1.2 ± 0.52 (JAX), and 0.40 ± 0.19 μg/g lipid (SAV). Congener profiles of PCBs also were found to be significantly different among estuaries, with BRN and (to a lesser extent) JAX samples enriched with highly chlorinated homologs associated with Aroclor 1268, a legacy OC linked to a historical point source in Brunswick. The observed spatial heterogeneity in OC concentrations and PCB congener profiles suggests that contaminated fish from Brunswick pose the greatest risk to ecological and human health via biomagnification and seafood consumption; highly chlorinated PCBs (and possibly toxaphene) are transported in a southerly, alongshore direction; and the uniqueness of Aroclor 1268 underscores its utility as a signature proxy in future regional ecotoxicological studies.
The immune system, amyloid‐β peptide, and Alzheimer's disease

Summary: In this review, the case is made that amyloid‐β peptide in the brain of patients with Alzheimer's disease is a primary cause of the disease and that immunotherapy directed against this peptide has the potential to halt and/or reverse disease progression. This supposition is supported by the capacity of anti‐β‐amyloid peptide antibodies to prevent or reverse the disease in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, preliminary results obtained in a small number of patients with Alzheimer's disease are consistent with the observations made in the mouse model of this disease. We review the relationship between the immune system, amyloid‐β peptide, and Alzheimer's disease and the progress made in applying immunotherapy to patients with Alzheimer's disease.
White Matter Correlates of Cognitive Impairment in Essential Tremor

A series of 55 patients with essential tremor and an equal number of age-matched controls were assessed clinically and by DTI. Alterations in executive and visual spatial functions correlated with DTI measures suggesting an anatomic basis for cognitive impairment in these patients. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Impairment of cognitive functions occurs in essential tremor, though the mechanism is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to find microstructural correlates of cognitive dysfunction seen in essential tremor by using DTI and neuropsychological assessment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-five patients with essential tremor and 55 matched healthy controls were evaluated. Essential tremor was diagnosed by using the National Institutes of Health criteria. Subjects were assessed by using a structured neuropsychological battery. DTI data were acquired by using 3T MR imaging and were analyzed by using tract-based spatial statistics. Fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, radial diffusivity, and axial diffusivity were analyzed. RESULTS: Patients were considered cognitively impaired when the test score was 1.5 SDs below or above the mean of healthy controls (depending on the type of test) in ≥3 neuropsychological tests. Patients with cognitive impairment had significantly higher mean diffusivity, radial diffusivity, and axial diffusivity values in the bilateral frontoparietal regions. In patients with cognitive impairment, mean diffusivity, radial diffusivity, and axial diffusivity showed correlations with various neuropsychological test scores. Executive function correlated with DTI measures of the frontal white matter, cingulum, inferior superior longitudinal and uncinate fasciculi, anterior thalamic radiations, and posterior lobe of the cerebellum. Visuospatial function correlated with the right parieto-occipital lobe, whereas visual-verbal memories correlated with the anterior thalamic radiations, inferior longitudinal and uncinate fasciculi, and the posterior lobe of the cerebellum. No significant correlations were found between fractional anisotropy and any of the neuropsychological test scores. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates a correlation between neuropsychological test scores and DTI measures, suggesting a neuroanatomic basis for cognitive impairment seen in patients with essential tremor.
Drivers of Green Purchase Intentions: Green Self-Efficacy and Perceived Consumer Effectiveness

Purpose: This study aims to combine the literature of consumer behavior and green marketing into a new managerial framework of green motivation. In addition, the present study proposes an original framework to explore the influence of Green Self-Efficacy (GSE) on Green Buying Intentions (GPI) of consumers through the mediating role of Perceived Consumer Effectiveness (PCE). Design/Methodology/Approach: The current study summarizes the literature of four concepts namely green self-efficacy, perceived consumer effectiveness and green purchase intentions to develop a new framework to enhance green purchasing intentions. A questionnaire was administered to empirically verify the hypothesis and data collected from Indian consumers were analyzed using Structural Equation Model (SEM) and Hayes’s Mediation Model. Findings: The study found the positive and significant effect of GSE on GPI through PCE. In addition, the relationship between GSE and GPI are partially mediated by PCE. The conclusions drawn in the study is useful for marketers to understand the factors that affect the purchasing intentions of the consumers and will help them improve the strategies in order to increase green sales. Indeed, green marketing is a distinct and distinguish way of positioning a product or company which can benefit the society with improved environmental conditions and healthy products. Originality: Although researchers have been studying the role of green motivation, particularly in the context of green purchasing behavior, it may safely asserted that the boarder dimension of GM, GSE and PCE have been remained under-researched. This study proposes an original framework to enhance GPI via GSE and PCE.
SEMILATTICES AND THE RAMSEY PROPERTY

Abstract We consider ${\cal S}$, the class of finite semilattices; ${\cal T}$, the class of finite treeable semilattices; and ${{\cal T}_m}$, the subclass of ${\cal T}$ which contains trees with branching bounded by m. We prove that ${\cal E}{\cal S}$, the class of finite lattices with linear extensions, is a Ramsey class. We calculate Ramsey degrees for structures in ${\cal S}$, ${\cal T}$, and ${{\cal T}_m}$. In addition to this we give a topological interpretation of our results and we apply our result to canonization of linear orderings on finite semilattices. In particular, we give an example of a Fraïssé class ${\cal K}$ which is not a Hrushovski class, and for which the automorphism group of the Fraïssé limit of ${\cal K}$ is not extremely amenable (with the infinite universal minimal flow) but is uniquely ergodic.