Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED WEST AFRICAN MONETARY ZONE ON COWPEA TRADE IN WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA

Member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are expected to form a West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) by 2004 whereby member countries would use a common currency in an attempt to promote regional integration. Evidence suggests that reduction in transaction cost as a result of a decrease or complete elimination of non-tariff barriers (NTBs) and a decrease in real interest rates in response to elimination of exchange rate differentials positively influence trade. The objective of this study is to quantify the effects of (a) a 7% real interest rate on capital and (b) zero NTBs within ECOWAS countries on cowpea trade in West and Central Africa in order to provide a measure of the potential impacts of a common monetary policy. The study applied a spatial and temporal price equilibrium (SPE) formulated as a four-period mixed complementary programming (MCP) in GAMS and solved using GAMS/PATH solver focusing on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) trade in the Nigerian Cowpea Grainshed (NCG) comprising Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, and Togo in ECOWAS, and Cameroon, Chad, and Gabon in Central African Economic and Monetary Cooperation (CAEMC) using 1999/2000 as base marketing year. The results showed that if WAMZ results in reduced real interest rates within ECOWAS, the larger of the two monetary unions, consumers in the relatively larger coastal economies and producers in the smaller Sahelian economies would benefit while all others lose. However, net social welfare would increase by 0.19% over the base case of US$6.3 billion. Removing NTBs among countries in the larger trading bloc may alter the pattern of cowpea flows with total trade volume increasing by 3%, but inter-bloc trade decreases by about 8%. The net total regional social welfare would increase by 0.14%, or US$15 million, benefiting only consumers in importing countries and producers in exporting countries. The results emphasize the importance of specialization based on regional comparative advantage, but also draw attention to the need to devise ways to ensure acceptable welfare distribution among producers and consumers in line with policy objectives of the individual countries within the proposed WAMZ. Finally, this paper contributes to the literature on the application of spatial and temporal models incorporating both ad valorem tariffs and differential interest rates in developing economies.
Plasma Antioxidant Status and Nitrate Levels in Patients With Hypertension and Coronary Heart Disease

In this study, we investigated first; the possible involvement of nitric oxide and antioxidant enzyme level in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension and second we investigated serum nitrite-nitrate and antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid profiles (total, HDL and LDL cholesterol, trygliceride) to determine the relationship between these parameters in atherosclerosis. 13 patients with coronary heart disease, 18 patients with essential hypertension and 16 age-matched health subjects were taken into this study. Plasma nitrite, nitrate levels were measured by Griess reaction, erythrocyter superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were determined by the methods of Misra&Fridovich and Aebi, respectively. Serum lipid analysis were performed in the autoanalyser. A decrease in superoxide dismutase activity and nitrite&nitrate levels, along with an increase in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride values were found in patients with hypertension. There was a positive correlation between nitrite and HDL-cholesterol levels in the same patient group. A decrease in superoxide dismutase activity and nitrate levels and no significant difference in nitrate, LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglyceride levels were detected in patients with coronary heart disease. On the other hand, catalase activities in both of the groups did not show any significant difference. These findings focus the attention to interactions between nitric oxide, antioxidant status and atherogenesis and propose that nitric oxide may be important physiopathologically in essential hypertension and atherosclerotic heart failure.
Using process mining for the analysis of an e-trade system: A case study

Системы электронной торговли применяются повсеместно в автоматизации торговли. Неэффективность и узкие места в процессах электронных продаж ведут к коммерческим потерям. Традиционные подходы, применяемые для выявления проблем при выполнении процессов, требуют большого количества времени и сильно зависят от субъективных оценок. В статье предложен новый подход, основанный на применении методов process mining. Методы process mining предназначены для извлечения, анализа, исправления и усовершенствования бизнес-процессов. При этом используется информация о реальном поведении информационной системы, записанная в так называемом журнале событий. В данной работе анализируется бизнес-процесс, исполняемый информационной системой онлайн-бронирования и продажи билетов. Разобран конкретный пример практического применения предложенного подхода. Показаны результаты применения методик Process mining для анализа информационной системы электронной торговли. Основываясь на этих результатах, выдвинуты гипотезы и предложены пути для усовершенствования бизнес-процессов, обеспечивающие улучшение экономических показателей функционирования информационной системы бронирования и продажи билетов. Рекомендации, сформулированные по итогам анализа логов событий системы, приводятся в этой работе для иллюстрации реальных возможностей, выгод и недостатков применения process mining. Предложенный подход обобщается для применения к широкому спектру информационных систем электронной торговли. В работе использовалась программная среда ProM, состоящая из множества подсистем, реализующих различные методы process mining. Инструменты автоматического анализа логов событий необходимы для решения поставленных задач, однако необходимо избегать ошибок, связанных, прежде всего, с неправильной или неточной интерпретацией результатов работы методов. В статье показаны возможные трудности и подводные камни, возникающие при решении практических задач с использованием process mining.
Effects of Selection Systems on Job Search Decisions

On the basis of Gilliland's (1993) model of selection system fairness, the present study investigated the relationships between selection procedures, perceived selection system fairness, and job search decisions in both hypothetical and actual organizations. We conducted two studies to test the model. In Study 1, we used an experimental method to examine job seekers' perceptions of, and reactions to, five widely used selection procedures. Results suggested that applicants viewed employment interviews and cognitive ability tests as more job related than biographical inventories (biodata), personality tests, and drug tests, and that job relatedness significantly affected fairness perceptions, which in turn affected job search decisions. Study 2 examined the hypothesized relationships between the selection systems and job seekers' pursuit of actual, relevant organizations. Results from both studies offer support for the hypothesized model, suggesting that selection tests have differential effects on perceived selection system validity and fairness, which affect subsequent job search decisions.
STOCK ASSESSMENT OF PAINTED GRUNT, PLECTORHYNCHUS PICTUS IN KUWAIT WATERS

Plectorhynchus pictus, painted grunt (local name: (fersh), is a common fish in the Arabian Gulf (Kuronuma and Abe, 1986) and has attained much economic significance in recent years in Kuwait. The production of this species in Kuwait is mainly from the fish trap fishery using Mhows' (traditional woodenhulled boats, powered with a diesel engine ranging from 150 to 450 hp). Latest statistics show that landings of Plectorhynchus species increased from 90 to 330 t during 1985-'87 (Hakim et ah, In press).
Adaptive responses to water stress by nitric oxide (NO) in cotton (Gossypium spp.)

Title of Thesis : Adaptive responses to water stress by nitric oxide (NO) in cotton (Gossypium spp.) Full Name of the Degree Holder : Biswabiplab singh Admission No. : 2015BS33M Title of the Degree : Master of Science Name of Discipline : Plant Physiology Name and Address of Major Advisor : Dr. J.K. Sandooja Prof. & Head of the department Department of Botany & Plant Physiology CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar 125004, Haryana, India. Degree Awarding University : CCS HAU Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India Year of Award of Degree : 2017 Major Subject : Plant Physiology Total Number of Pages in Thesis : 56 + xi Number of Words in Abstract : 328
Demographic Determinants of Students Susceptibility to Peer Victimization in Secondary Schools in Osun State, Nigeria

This study examined age, sex, class and religion as determinants of students’ susceptibility to peer victimization. Onethousand five hundred students from 10 public secondary schools were selected by stratified sampling techniqueusing class level as strata. A validated multi-dimensional peer victimization scale (MPVS) was used to collect datafor the study. Results showed that students in the age range 13-14years were more susceptible to peer victimization,there was a significant influence ofage on students’ susceptibility to peer victimization (Fc2, 1428=7.45; p<0.05). Itwas revealed that there was difference in the male and female susceptibility to peer victimization (df =1429; t= 4.72;p<0.05). It was also found that class level has significant influence on students’ susceptibility to peer victimizationwith more peer victimization at junior level (Fc2, 1428=6.95; p 0.05). Based on religion, it was found that there is asignificant influence of religion on students’ susceptibility to peer victimization (Fc2, 1412=33.47; p< 0.05) itshowed that there was a significant difference in students’ susceptibility to peer victimization based on religion.Implications for counselling support services and counsellor in schools for both at-risk (vulnerable) students and theschool authority are discussed.
Employment Prospects of Young Adults With Mental Disorders

Abstract We examine how type of diagnosis, educational trajectories and educational qualifications affect the employment prospects of young adults with mental disorders. We draw on a novel dataset based on data from the Swiss Federal Social Insurance Office. Our analysis shows that individuals with mental disorders that typically have an onset in early childhood, those who experience educational trajectories including special needs education, and those attaining higher levels of qualification are more likely to be employed in early adulthood.
Multiproduct Competition in Vertically Related Industries

The paper investigates how competition between two multiproduct downstream firms in vertical relationships affects horizontal relationships: competitor collaboration and performance difference. When the upstream market consists of exclusive suppliers, the efficient firm may have incentive for technology transfer without any payment to its less efficient rival, which can be a credible device of the efficient firm to enlarge its more profitable product. Moreover, such technology transfer enhances both consumer surplus and social welfare. The inefficient downstream firm may earn more than the efficient firm under upstream markets with exclusive suppliers and with discriminatory monopolist.
Capital Structure’s Dynamic Response to Exogenous Variables: A Case of Listed Manufacturing Firms in Indonesia

Research on capital structure has been shifting from static to dynamic approaches. This shift is denoted by efforts to verify the presence of optimal leverage and how a firm would adjust to changes in variables that affect the leverage. This research derives an Error Correction Model from a quadratic cost function to investigate the presence of optimal leverage and how a firm adjusts its capital structure toward the optimal one. This research reveals the existence of the dynamic adjustment process. The negative signs of error correction terms confirm that the firm would have a reversal response to its current leverage position. If it is below the optimal level, the firm would adjust upward; and vice versa. The speed of adjustment are different across industry. This research confirms the importance of the trade-off and market timing theories in explaining the dynamics of capital structure of manufacturing firms in Indonesia.
Toll-like Receptors , crucial role in the progress of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis(NEC), the most common gastrointestinal disease and one of the major causes of high mortality and morbidity in premature infants, especially in very low and extra low birth weight premature infants, is a common difficulty seen in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). As the immune system of neonates is immature, microbes infection becomes an important risk factor of NEC, but the detailed pathogenesis of NEC still remains ambigious. Tolllike receptors(TLRs), a group of pattern recognition receptors of innate immune system, play a crucial role in recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns (such as lipopolysaccharide, nucleic acid of microbes, etc) and danger-associated molecular patterns (such as self DNA released from damaged cells). In addition, the signaling pathways of TLRs could activate immune inflammation cascade reaction to break the balance between pro-inflammation and anti-inflammation in gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, they also regulate the activities of enterocytes including apoptosis, migration, autophagy and proliferation, which are participated in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). In particularly, TLR4 as the important adaptor of intestine innate immune system is essential to the pathogenesis of this disease through the regulation of not only the production of inflammation cytokines but also various activities of intestine epithelia cells. In this review, we summarize recent studies on the role of TLRs, especially TLR4, in the intestine immunity and pathogenesis of NEC, in order to explore the novel approaches in preventing or delaying NEC progression.
PERFORMANCE OF XPERT MTB/RIF ASSAY FOR DETECTION OF M.TB IN PULMONARY AND EXTRA-PULMONARY SAMPLES IN INDIAN PATIENTS

Introduction: Conventional methods like Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining and liquid culture have been the mainstay for diagnosis of Tuberculosis (TB). The gold standard Liquid Culture method has a longer turnaround time. In the wake of the TB catastrophe, newer rapid and easily accessible methods of detection are the need of the hour. A molecular method like the Xpert MTB/RIF assay has revolutionized the early and rapid diagnosis of TB. Objective of the current study was to assess the performance and utility of Xpert MTB/RIF assay for the diagnosis of M. tuberculosis in pulmonary and extra-pulmonary clinical specimens in a large Indian reference laboratory. Methodology: The reference methods used were MGIT Liquid Culture system and ZN smear microscopy. Our study was performed in Global Reference Laboratory, Metropolis Healthcare, Mumbai, India for a period of 18 months with consecutive one thousand and forty two (518 Pulmonary + 524 extra-pulmonaryspecimens) clinical specimens obtained from the patients with clinical suspicion of tuberculosis. Diagnostic performance (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of the three methods were calculated with standard formulae. Results: In comparison to MGIT Liquid culture, sensitivity of Xpert MTB/RIF assay for pulmonary and extra pulmonary specimens were 87.18% and 68.92%, respectively while in comparison to ZN smear microscopy the sensitivity of Xpert MTB/RIF assay for pulmonary and extra pulmonary specimens were 92.67% and 83.81%, respectively. Conclusion: Our study concludes that in combination with the MGIT culture, Xpert MTB/RIF assay will significantly improve the detection rate of MTB bacteria. SAARC J TUBER LUNG DIS HIV/AIDS , 2017; XIV(1), page: 7-13
Effects of replacing soybean meal with alternative sources of protein on nutrient digestibility and energy value of sheep diets

The study determined the potential of eight locally produced protein sources to replace soybean meal (SBM) in the diet of sheep. Three in vivo digestibility trials were conducted using a Latin square (3x3, 4x4 and 4x4) experimental design with castrated Chios rams. The authors estimated nutrient digestibility coefficients and energy value of diets with soybean meal (control), lupin seeds (LS), rapeseed meal (RSM), sunflower meal (SFM), fababean seeds (FBS), vetch seeds (VS), pea seeds (PS), flaxseeds (FS), and chickpea seeds (CS). The results showed that the SBM, RSM, and PS diets had similar nutrient digestibility and energy value. The SFM diet had lower organic matter (OM) digestibility than the SBM diet. The FS and SFM diets had similar crude protein (CP) digestibility to the SBM diet. Additionally, FS, VS, and SBM diets had similar energy value. Furthermore, SBM, SFM, VS and FS diets had similar dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), hemicelluloses, and cellulose digestibility coefficients. The SBM, LS, FBS, and CS diets had similar DM, OM, NDF, hemicelluloses, and cellulose digestibility coefficients. Additionally, SBM, LS, and CS diets had similar energy value. This study reveals that diets with RSM, PS, FS, and LS, compared with diets with SBM, did not have adverse effects on nutrient digestibility and energy value. These results tend to support the idea that some locally available protein sources seem to have the potential to replace SBM in sheep diets. Keywords: Dietary supplementation, nutrition, nutrient digestibility, protein, ruminants
Genetic Study of Recent Samples of American Marten (Martes americana) from Vermont

American marten (Martes americana) was listed as endangered in Vermont in 1987 due to an absence of detection since 1954. Between 1989 and 1991, marten from Maine were reintroduced into southwestern Vermont but studies deemed the reintroduction unsuccessful. However, since 1998 marten have been detected in northeastern Vermont and are thought to represent colonization from a northern New Hampshire population. As of 2010 marten have also been detected in southwestern Vermont. The objective of this study was to provide insight into the source of the recently discovered marten population in southwestern Vermont by testing three hypotheses: (1) the northern New Hampshire population as the source of the northeastern Vermont population; (2) the southwestern Vermont population being derived by long distance dispersal from northeastern Vermont and/or northern New Hampshire populations; and (3) the southwestern Vermont population being remnants of the reintroduction. Three microsatellite loci were compared among 12 marten samples from northeastern Vermont, 3 samples from southwestern Vermont, and 12 samples from northern New Hampshire. No significant genetic differentiation existed between the populations and no samples from northern Vermont could be excluded as members of the northern New Hampshire source population, therefore the first hypothesis could not be rejected. There was evidence of a founder effect (lower genetic variation and loss of rare alleles) shown by the lower effective number of alleles for both the southern Vermont population (3.024) and northern Vermont population (3.512) as compared to the New Hampshire population (4.169), along with the presence of heterozygosity excess for both Vermont populations. There was also evidence of migration and assignment of samples from southern Vermont to the northern Vermont and New Hampshire source populations, thus the second hypothesis could not be rejected. Similar findings (lower genetic variation and loss of rare alleles) could also result from a recent bottleneck due to the reintroduction program. The third hypothesis, therefore, could not be rejected and additional supporting evidence was exhibited by a presence of different alleles in the southwestern Vermont population. Comparing the second and third hypotheses, a found effect is more likely than a bottleneck due to the inability to exclude northern Vermont and/or northern New Hampshire as a source of the southern Vermont population.
Prevalence of intestinal helminthes parasite in stools of nursery and primary schools pupils in Uga, Anambra State, Nigeria

The study was designed to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminthes parasite of Nursery and Primary schools pupils in Uga, Anambra State. A total of 416 stool samples were examined using the direct faecal smear method and formal ether concentration techniques. Well-structured questionnaires were administered to the pupils with the help of their teachers. Out of the 416 pupils examined, (44.71%) harboured intestinal helminthes parasites. The parasites isolated were Hookworm (21.8%), Ascaris lumbricoides (56.2%), Taenia species (28.3%), Trichuris trichiura (19%). Prevalence among female (46.1%) were higher than that of the males (43.2%), there was no significant difference between prevalence of infection and sex (P > 0.05). The age group between 3 – 5 years had the highest prevalence (66.2%) while age group between 12 – 14 years had the lowest prevalence (20.7%) and the infection reduced as age increased but there were a significant difference between prevalence of infection and age (P < 0.05). The risk factors observed in the schools are: indiscriminate defecation, open dumping of refuse dumps within school premises and pupils playing around the refuse dumps, poor source of water (absence of pipe – borne water in the study area) and lack of public health education. Health education for pupils, parents and teachers on the modes of transmission, prevention and treatment of helminthes infections is needed.
Synthetic Pyrethroids Pesticide Residues in Soils and Drinking Water Sources from Cocoa Farms in Ghana

The contamination of pesticides in 32 soils and 64 drinking water samples was investigated from cocoa farms in the Dormaa West District of Ghana to assess pollution status. A total of nine synthetic pyrethroids pesticides were measured with a high resolution Varian CP-3800 Gas Chromatograph equipped with 63 Ni electron capture detector (ECD). Eight synthetic pyrethroid residues namely fenvalerate, deltamethrin, cypermethrin, bifenthrin, permethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, allethrin and cyfluthrin were detected with lambda-cyhalothrin and allethrin occurring most frequently in soil and water respectively. The concentrations of synthetic pyrethroids residues in the soil samples were in the ranges of; 0.02-0.03 mg/kg for lambda-cyhalothrin, 0.010-0.02 mg/kg for allethrin, 0.010-0.04 mg/kg for cyfluthrin, 16-30m>above 30m). All synthetic pyrethroids pesticide residues recorded in the water samples were below and within their respective WHO MRLs for drinking water except for deltamethrin, which exceeded the WHO MRL at Kwakuanya (S4) at distance 0-15m from a cocoa farm. The presence of synthetic pyrethroids residues in the soil and water samples analysed is an indication of the use of the pesticide by cocoa farmers in the study area. The routine monitoring of pesticide residues in the study area is necessary for the control and reduction of environmental pollution.