Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adoption and the Role of Fertilizer Trees and Shrubs as a Climate Smart Agriculture Practice: The Case of Salima District in Malawi

Fertilizer trees and shrubs can improve degraded soil and avert the impacts of climate change on smallholder farmers in Malawi. This paper analyses the roles of fertilizer trees and shrubs and factors that determine adoption, as well as the intensity of use of fertilizer on trees and shrubs in maize-based farming systems using the Tobit model. A household survey involving 250 smallholder farmers was conducted in Salima district, Malawi. The analysis shows that adopters of fertilizer trees and shrubs considered fertility improvement, shade, source of food and erosion control as main roles of fertilizer trees and shrubs. The Tobit model shows that households with relatively more land are more likely to adopt fertilizer trees and shrubs than those with small land sizes. Adoption is higher among farmers who had been exposed to fertilizer trees and shrubs for longer periods than others had. Land tenure, education and availability of labor also influence the adoption of fertilizer trees and shrubs. Results further show that household and farm characteristics and availability of extension services explain the current adoption rates of tree-fertilizer technologies. Our findings can guide effective targeting of farmers to ensure higher adoption and sustainability of fertilizer-tree and shrub technology for climate-smart agriculture among the smallholder farmers.
Abnormal Hedgehog pathway in myelodysplastic syndrome and its impact on patients’ outcome

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorders characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis and by cytopenias. Approximately 30% of patients with MDS progress to acute myeloid leukemia. [1][1] Thus, it is important to identify risk factors for AML progression and to guide
What decision-makers want and what they have been getting.

I believe we would all agree that the only reason we produce health technology assessments (HTAs) is to inform health policy decisions, and when they fail to do so they are a waste of time and effort. Nevertheless, at the present time it seems that HTAs often have little impact [1–4]. My first objective will be to consider some of the factors that cause HTAs to fail to influence policy. My second will be to report on an ongoing experiment in HTA development that attempts to minimize these factors, and has resulted in an extremely high impact of HTA reports on health policy decisions. Before I start, I have two caveats. First, my remarks are not evidence-based. They are reflections resulting from my reading and my personal experience both as an HTA producer and as a health-care decision-maker. Second, my experience is mostly Canadian, so some of my reflections may not be completely relevant to other countries. Furthermore, the decision-makers I will be referring to are the meso-level policymakers, the people who make technology acquisition decisions at the hospital or regional level. In our Canadian system of universal health insurance, top-level policy, such as decisions on what programs will be funded, are taken at government level. Increasing the impact of HTAs on such decisions has been discussed elsewhere [5]. But hospitals or regions mostly take meso-decisions, such as those on the acquisition and use of new technologies. These organizations are usually given a capped budget and expected to conform to the Canada Health Act, according to which they must to give all “necessary” treatments to all Canadians, a feat that clearly requires careful prioritization. Sound prioritization decisions require well-prepared, objective evidence such as is found in HTAs. So if HTAs are not influencing these decisions it is urgent that we consider what to do about it. Our options are limited. I believe the UK solution to this problem is not an option for us in Canada. In the UK the final path of all HTAs is the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE), and their policy “recommendations” are now virtually mandatory, and Regional Authorities are required to follow them. North America is probably too big and regional differences too great for such a solution to be accepted. So we must consider the other option. We must ask why many HTAs lack impact and what we can do about it.
Construir el mercado.

Lejos del laissez faire, el mercado como distribuidor de los recursos es una institucion muy compleja cuyo funcionamiento precisa la definicion de normas de comportamiento y la especificacion de reglas de convivencia poco naturales. El capitalismo de mercado se confirma en la medida en la medida en que es portador de nuevos valores, vinculandose al desarrollo del estado moderno. Desde Adam Smith hasta John Maynard Keynes, se define la idea de una sociedad de mercado en la que la competencia individual solo es posible si se comparten las normas basicas de la convivencia comun.
Statistical methodology: VIII. Using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in emergency medicine research.

How many underlying characteristics (or factors) does a set of survey questions measure? When subjects answer a set of self-report questions, is it more appropriate to analyze the questions individually, to pool responses to all of the questions to form one global score, or to combine subsets of related questions to define multiple underlying factors? Factor analysis is the statistical method of choice for answering such questions. When researchers have no idea beforehand about what factors may underlie a set of questions, they use exploratory factor analysis to infer the best explanatory model from observed data "after the fact. " If, on the other hand, researchers have a hypothesis beforehand about the underlying factors, then they can use confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to evaluate how well this model explains the observed data and to compare the model's goodness-of-fit with that of other competing models. This article describes the basic rules and building blocks of CFA: what it is, how it works, and how researchers can use it. The authors begin by placing CFA in the context of a common research application-namely, assessing quality of medical outcome using a patient satisfaction survey. They then explain, within this research context, how CFA is used to evaluate the explanatory power of a factor model and to decide which model or models best represent the data. The information that must be specified in the analysis to estimate a CFA model is highlighted, and the statistical assumptions and limitations of this analysis are noted. Analyzing the responses of 1,614 emergency medical patients to a commonly-used "patient satisfaction" questionnaire, the authors demonstrate how to: 1) compare competing factor-models to find the best-fitting model; 2) modify models to improve their goodness-of-fit; 3) test hypotheses about relationships among the underlying factors; 4) examine mean differences in "factor scores"; and 5) refine an existing instrument into a more streamlined form that has fewer questions and better conceptual and statistical precision than the original instrument. Finally, the role of CFA in developing new instruments is discussed.
TINJAUAN MAQASID SYARI’AH TERHADAP OBLIGASI SYARIAH (SUKUK)

Abstract One of the instruments offered in the capital market, namely sharia bonds (sukuk). This has become a major attraction for both corporations and governments. With the acquisition of funds through the issuance of sukuk, corporations and the government means that there will be large funds available so as to increase the financing of sharia financial institutions. The need for companies or governments to build the infrastructure and expansion of private companies, this becomes one of the options in realizing alternative funding sources for the company and economic progress nationally. These five needs are aimed at fulfilling the following objectives: (1) Dharuriyah, which is the mandatory requirement to fulfill the needs of the world and the hereafter, (2) Hajj is the need which alleviates the burden of the masyaqah (difficulties) of every human being, (3) Tahsinat, complementary needs. The purpose of this study, trying to outline the benefits of the issuance of sukuk country to the nation and state of Indonesia, also see how the view of maqasid syariah about the benefits of Islamic bonds (sukuk). Keywords: Syariah Bond, Maqasid Syariah , Capital Market Instruments . Abstrak Salah satu instrumen yang ditawarkan di pasar modal, yaitu obligasi syariah (su kuk). Hal ini telah menjadi daya tarik utama bagi korporasi maupun pemerintah . Dengan diperolehnya dana melalui penerbitan sukuk, korporasi maupun pemerintah berarti akan tersedia dana yang besar sehingga dapat meningkatkan pembiayaan lembaga keuangan syariah. Kebutuhan perusahaan atau pemerintah guna membangun infrastruktur dan ekspansi perusahaan swasta, hal ini menjadi salah satu pilihan dalam mewujudkan sumber dana alternatif bagi perusahaan dan kemajuan ekonomi secara nasional. Kelima kebutuhan ini bertujuan memenuhi tujuan-tujuan berikut, yaitu: (1) D haruriyah, yaitu kebutuhan wajib agar terpenuhinya kebutuhan dunia dan akhirat, (2) Hajiyat, yakni kebutuhan yang meringankan beban masyaqah (kesulitan) setiap manusia, (3) Tahsinat, ialah kebutuhan pelengkap. Tujuan dari penelitian ini, mencoba menjabarkan manfaat atas penerbitan sukuk negara bagi bangsa dan negara Indonesia, juga melihat bagaimana pandangan maqasid syariah tentang manfaat o bligasi s yariah (sukuk). Kata Kunci: Obligasi Syariah, Maqasid Syari’ah, Instrument Pasar Modal.
An Analysis of Home Advantage in the English Football Premiership

Home advantage has been examined across different sports. Pollard provided evidence of this phenomenon in association football (soccer). This present study further considers the prevalence in the English Football Premiership, a division created from the former Football Association First Division in 1992. Archived data were obtained for the First Division seasons 1984–5 to 1991–2 from the Football Statistics Archive and for the English Football Premiership (1992–3 to 2002–3). Chi square analysis confirmed home advantage from season to season since 1984 (p < .05). Analysis of variance compared Pollard's findings and data for the English Football Premiership (1992–2003), as well as the intervening period (1984–92). Home advantage was significantly lower in these more recent periods. Possible factors contributing to the apparent decline in home advantage were highlighted.
Mind the gap: Institutional and individual antecedents of entrepreneurial trajectories in the academic context

This study analyses institutional, job-related, and individual antecedents of entrepreneurial activi-ties from a longitudinal perspective. We take a holistic look at the start-up process incorporating entrepreneurial gestation activities (nascent entrepreneurship) and finally business creation (entre-preneurship) by combining two waves of a survey with a time interval of three years. Focusing on researchers reporting an entrepreneurial intention in wave one we found for example that pull factors as motivation to start a business reduce the probability to give up the business idea. Furthermore having generated an invention prevents researchers with a business idea from becoming a so-called "quitter" and pushes them towards starting their own business.
The effects of regional anaesthesia for caesarean section on maternal and fetal blood flow velocities measured by doppler ultrasound

We studied the effects of spinal anaesthesia (Group S), epidural anaesthesia (Group E), and combined spinal and epidural anaesthesia (Group SE), on maternal and fetal blood flow in 24 healthy parturients (n = 8/group) with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies using Doppler technique. Prior to the induction of anaesthesia, the patients were prehydrated with balanced electrolyte solution 15 ml kg‐1 over a period of 15 min. After the induction of regional anaesthesia, the systolic blood pressure was maintained within 15% limits of the preoperative values using prophylactic etilefrine infusion in Groups S and SE. The flow velocity waveforms of the maternal femoral artery, the main branch of the uterine artery (placental side), the foetal umbilical and middle cerebral arteries were recorded by Doppler technique before and after prehydration as well as after onset of T7 analgesia and the pulsatility indices (PI) were derived. Rapid intravenous prehydration had no effects on uteroplacental or fetal circulation as indicated by unaltered uterine, umbilical, and fetal middle cerebral artery Pis. After the onset of T7 analgesia, the uterine artery PI was increased in Group S indicating increased uterine vascular resistance while no changes occurred in Groups E and SE. No adverse effects were observed on the neonates as indicated by the Apgar score and the umbilical artery and vein acid–base status in any of the groups.
Accounting and Corporate Governance Literature Review in Hellas 1991-2017

The purpose of this paper is to examine and review the literature regarding Corporate Governance and Delisting in Hellas – Athens Stock Exchange (ASE). Hellas has different characteristics from other Continental Europe countries (such as Italy, Spain) and that is why is an interesting case to investigate. This literature review gathers all relevant, reliable and timely information and could help researchers in order to exploit gaps in the empirical literature and focus there their research. In addition, this report is beneficial to market participants (i.e. individual and potential investors, both foreign and domestic) in order to reach more reliable conclusions and market decisions.
A comparative study of Dextran 70 and a sulphated polysaccharide in the prevention of postoperative thromboembolic complications

A prospective randomized study has been performed, comparing a semisynthetic polysulphated xylan of vegetable origin (mol. wt ˜ 4000) with Dextran 70 as prophylactic agent against postoperative thromboembolic complications following elective abdominal surgery. A total of 109 patients entered the trial and the analysis after exclusions is based on 86 patients. The overall frequency of125 I ‐labelled fibrinogen test‐detected thrombosis was 2·9 per cent in the polysaccharide group against 19·2 per cent in the Dextran 70 group (P < 0·05). There was no difference in haemorrhage or different complications.
Type I allergic hypersensitivity reactions due to ethylene oxide sterilised leucocyte filters in patients with thalassaemia: report of four cases

Ethylene oxide (EO) is a highly reactive gas used in sterilisation of heat sensitive medical devices, such as infusion sets, cannulae, intubation materials, ventriculoperitoneal shunts, dialysis catheters and stents. Allergic reactions due to EO have been reported in haemodialysis patients, patients undergoing extracorporeal photopheresis and donors of plasmapheresis. Clinical manifestations vary considerably and generally do not allow differentiation between IgE-mediated anaphylaxis and anaphylactoid reactions. We report four patients with thalassaemia who experienced anaphylaxis during transfusion due to ethylene oxide sterilised leucocyte filters. The aim of this report is to highlight the fact that frequently transfused patients can have allergic reactions due to EO particles left in leucocyte filters.
Failure of opsonization as a sign of lethal sepsis.

Klebanoff and Clark [1] and Pincus and Klebanoff [2] have shown that the incorporation of radiolabeled iodide (1125) with polymorphonuclear leukocytes and an opsonized particle such as zymosan leads to formation of iodide in a precipitable and measurable form. This iodination value can be converted to a phagocytic index. Normal indices are calculated; decreased values occur in patients with myeloperoxidase deficiency, chronic granulomatous disease, and complement deficiencies. The iodination reaction is actually a measure of polymorphonuclear leukocytes' ability to phagocytize as well as of the ability of the serum to support phagocytosis through opsonization. If patient cells are mixed with normal serum, the former is tested; if patient serum is mixed with normal cells, the ability of the serum to support opsonization is tested. A group of 10 surgical intensive-care patients at high risk for developing sepsis were observed. Serial iodination studies were performed on each patient to determine the phagocytic index of the polymorphonuclear leukocytes and, indirectly, the ability of the patient's serum to support opsonization. These values were
Education and Training of Small-Scale Entrepreneurs: A Tool for Poverty Reduction in the Nkoranza South Municipality, Ghana

Educating and training of small-scale entrepreneurs has been identified as key determinants in the establishment, growth, and survival of businesses which ultimately reduce poverty levels. In spite of the relationship that exists between education and training and poverty reduction among small-scale entrepreneurs, very little empirical examination has been done. This informed the current study to examine how educating and training of small-scale entrepreneurs by the Business Advisory Centre (BAC), a promotional institution, contribute to poverty reduction in the Nkoranza South Municipality (NSM). The study employed descriptive and evaluative designs. All the small-scale entrepreneurs who were registered with the BAC were included in the study. The systematic and purposive sampling methods were used to draw 278 small-scale entrepreneurs and three members of staff of the BAC. Questionnaires, interviews guide and focus group discussion guide were principally used to collect data from the respondents. The results from the study showed that the Business Advisory Centre (BAC), with its education and training programmes in the municipality has, to a large extent helped reduce the poverty levels among entrepreneurs. This was observed in increased outputs, incomes and levels of savings among the respondents. The study recommends to the BAC to increase the coverage and intensifies its education and training within the municipality.
Distinct roles for Hedgehog and canonical Wnt signaling in specification, differentiation and maintenance of osteoblast progenitors

Hedgehog and canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling are implicated in development of the osteoblast, the bone matrix-secreting cell of the vertebrate skeleton. We have used genetic approaches to dissect the roles of these pathways in specification of the osteoblast lineage. Previous studies indicate that Ihh signaling in the long bones is essential for initial specification of an osteoblast progenitor to a Runx2+ osteoblast precursor. We show here that this is a transient requirement, as removal of Hh responsiveness in later Runx2+, Osx1+ osteoblast precursors does not disrupt the formation of mature osteoblasts. By contrast, the removal of canonical Wnt signaling by conditional removal of the β-catenin gene in early osteoblast progenitors or in Runx2+, Osx1+ osteoblast precursors results in a similar phenotype: osteoblasts fail to progress to a terminal osteocalcin+ fate and instead convert to a chondrocyte fate. By contrast, stabilization of β-catenin signaling in Runx2+, Osx1+ osteoblast precursors leads to the premature differentiation of bone matrix secreting osteoblasts. These data demonstrate that commitment within the osteoblast lineage requires sequential, stage-specific, Ihh and canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling to promote osteogenic, and block chondrogenic, programs of cell fate specification.
Neuropsychological performance of right- and left-frontotemporal dementia compared to Alzheimer's disease

The performance of 16 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) was compared to 11 patients with right-frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and 11 patients with left-FTD on a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Standardized scores (i.e., z scores based on normal control data) were analyzed for 5 cognitive domains. The results revealed that the AD group displayed significant impairment in visual–constructional ability relative to the two FTD groups; however, no significant difference was found between the groups on memory scores (verbal and nonverbal). Patients with left-FTD scored significantly below patients with AD on the language measures (e.g., word retrieval, verbal semantic memory), and verbal executive ability (phonemic fluency); AD patients did not differ from patients with right-FTD on these measures. Patients with right-FTD exhibited significantly more perseverative behavior than AD patients; AD patients did not differ from left-FTD patients on this parameter. These results indicate that the pattern of neuropsychological performance of AD patients is distinguishable from patients with left and right frontal frontotemporal dementia. (JINS, 2001, 7, 468–480)
Malignant teratoma in the thyroid gland of an adult.

SUMMARY A case of a highly malignant teratoma in the thyroid gland is presented. In contrast to most of the reported cases, the neoplasm in this case did not appear clinically until adult life; the bulk of the tissue was embryonic in structure, and it was highly malignant. Radical extirpation of the gross neoplasm was followed by rapid recurrence. External irradiation produced temporarily effective palliation.
Expanding the Definition of the Classical Bipartite Nuclear Localization Signal

Nuclear localization signals (NLSs) are amino acid sequences that target cargo proteins into the nucleus. Rigorous characterization of NLS motifs is essential to understanding and predicting pathways for nuclear import. The best‐characterized NLS is the classical NLS (cNLS), which is recognized by the cNLS receptor, importin‐α. cNLSs are conventionally defined as having one (monopartite) or two clusters of basic amino acids separated by a 9‐12 aa linker (bipartite). Motivated by the finding that Ty1 integrase, which contains an unconventional putative bipartite cNLS with a 29 aa linker, exploits the classical nuclear import machinery, we assessed the functional boundaries for linker length within a bipartite cNLS. We confirmed that the integrase cNLS is a bona fide bipartite cNLS, then carried out a systematic analysis of linker length in an obligate bipartite cNLS cargo, which revealed that some linkers longer than conventionally defined can function in nuclear import. Linker function is dependent on the sequence and likely the inherent flexibility of the linker. Subsequently, we interrogated the Saccharomyces cerevisiae proteome to identify cellular proteins containing putative long bipartite cNLSs. We experimentally confirmed that Rrp4 contains a bipartite cNLS with a 25 aa linker. Our studies show that the traditional definition of bipartite cNLSs is too restrictive and linker length can vary depending on amino acid composition.