Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Awareness of Biotechnology among Farmers in Lagelu Local Government of Oyo State, Nigeria

The improvements in biotechnology especially in the agricultural sector will not only help place Nigeria among the contributors but also help boost the economic growth of the country. The specific objectives are: (a) to examine the socio-economic characteristics of farmers in the study area (b) to ascertain the farmers’ awareness in biotechnology in the study. (c) to examine the constraints to awareness of biotechnology. The study was carried out in Lagelu Local government of Oyo State. Random samplings were used to select 81 farmers for the study. The data was subjected to descriptive and inferential analysis. Ages of farmers were below 41years of age, and 67.9% of respondents were married. Majority of the respondents advances beyond secondary school education and most respondents were having less than 6 years of experience. About sixty percent of the farmers indicated that only their personal savings as source of capital for their farm business. Majority of respondents purchased their land for farming and most of the farmers were into livestock farming. Majority of respondents were aware of different biotechnology while some claimed not to be aware and respondents were aware of biotechnology through extension agents, 24.7% have adopted the biotechnology procedure for their agricultural program. All constraints listed were major problems, and conclude that there is still a lack of awareness of the biotechnology.
Evolution of the shut-off steps of vertebrate phototransduction

Different isoforms of the genes involved in phototransduction are expressed in vertebrate rod and cone photoreceptors, providing a unique example of parallel evolution via gene duplication. In this study, we determine the molecular phylogeny of the proteins underlying the shut-off steps of phototransduction in the agnathan and jawed vertebrate lineages. For the G-protein receptor kinases (GRKs), the GRK1 and GRK7 divisions arose prior to the divergence of tunicates, with further expansion during the two rounds of whole-genome duplication (2R); subsequently, jawed and agnathan vertebrates retained different subsets of three isoforms of GRK. For the arrestins, gene expansion occurred during 2R. Importantly, both for GRKs and arrestins, the respective rod isoforms did not emerge until the second round of 2R, just prior to the separation of jawed and agnathan vertebrates. For the triplet of proteins mediating shut-off of the G-protein transducin, RGS9 diverged from RGS11, probably at the second round of 2R, whereas Gβ5 and R9AP appear not to have undergone 2R expansion. Overall, our analysis provides a description of the duplications and losses of phototransduction shut-off genes that occurred during the transition from a chordate with only cone-like photoreceptors to an ancestral vertebrate with both cone- and rod-like photoreceptors.
Effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on oncogenes and cell proliferation

Background Helicobacter pylori , the main cause of chronic gastritis, is a class 1 gastric carcinogen. However, it remains unclear whether H. pylori affects molecular alterations in chronic gastritis. Thus, this study was designed to investigate the effect of H. pylori eradication on the expression of human telomerase RNA (hTR), human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), c‐myc and proliferation nuclear cell antigen (PCNA) in H. pylori associated chronic gastritis.
Pengaruh kepemilikan institusional, kualitas audit, dan masa penugasan audit terhadap biaya pinjaman bank pada perusahaan industri penghasil bahan baku yang terdaftar di bei periode 2010-2012

This study is applied Empirical Study for all industrial companies that produce raw materials listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange 2010-2012. The purpose of this study is to determine influence of Institutional ownership, Audit Quality, and Tenure on the Cost of Bank Loan. The data was employed in this study is secondary data from industrial companies that produce raw materials listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange during 2010-2012. Purposive sampling method is taken and generates 30 companies as sample. Statistical analysis which used in this study is multiple regression method by SPSS version 17.00. The results show that Institutional Ownership, Audit Quality, and Tenure have significant influence of Cost of Bank Loan. Institutional Ownership shows 0.002 < 0.05 in significant result because Pvalue smaller than alpha score (0.05), Audit Quality shows 0.004 < 0.05 in significant result because Pvalue smaller than alpha score (0.05), and Tenure shows 0.018 < 0.05 in significant result because Pvalue smaller than alpha score (0.05). Based on the test result of the coefficient determination, the value of the Adjust R Square is 46.8% while the remaining 53.2% is influenced by other variables that are not included in this study such as audit committee, flexibility, corporate governance, organizational skill, etc. Keywords: Institutional Ownership, Audit Quality, Tenure, and Cost of Bank Loan
Reciprocity for patients with head and neck cancer participating in an instrument development project.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To examine reciprocity (i.e., a mutual exchange of benefit) in study participation via a thematic analysis of field notes on study participation from a parent psychometric study. DESIGN Qualitative. SETTING Head and neck surgery clinic in an urban tertiary hospital. SAMPLE Seven patients with head and neck cancer recruited to participate in an instrument development project. METHODS Symbolic interactionism was employed to frame the examination of field notes from observations and interactions with patients, as well as participant notes accompanying returned retest questionnaires. Analysis relied on the constant comparative technique at the levels of open and axial coding. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Participation in an instrument development project. FINDINGS Four content themes emerged in the analysis: Willingness to Help, Reassurance That the Deficits Patients Experience Are Common, Participation Provides Social Contact, and Confirmation of Clinically Significant Findings. A process theme, Unveiling the Experience, integrated the content themes in relation to participation itself. The role of the study nurse appears to be pivotal in this process. CONCLUSIONS A notion of reciprocity in research participation is apparent. The role of the study nurse is an important element in the process of reciprocity. This role should be explored to enhance study participation. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Implications, particularly for clinical trial nurses, include recasting the benefits of participating in research, better addressing preparation for patients scheduled to receive treatment for head and neck cancer, and exploring and enhancing the role of the study nurse.
Cochlear Dead Regions in Adults and Children: Diagnosis and Clinical Implications

Abstract The inner hair cells (IHCs) are the transducers of the cochlea; they convert mechanical vibrations to neural activity. When the IHCs and/or neurons are nonfunctioning over a certain region of the cochlea, this is referred to as a dead region. A dead region can be defined in terms of the characteristic frequencies of the IHCs and/or neurons immediately adjacent to the dead region. Dead regions can be detected, and their limits can be determined, using the threshold equalizing noise (TEN) test or by measurement of psychophysical tuning curves (PTCs). Both PTCs and the TEN test can be used to assess children as young as 7 years of age. The identification of dead regions can be helpful in determining the appropriate form of amplification. For both adults and children with restricted dead regions (“holes”), benefit is obtained from amplification of frequencies up to at least 4 kHz. For adults and children with extensive continuous dead regions starting at a relatively low frequency (≤ 1.5 kHz) there may be little or no benefit from amplification of high frequencies.
Outsourcing in the financial services industry: An exploratory study into the changing trends within the sector

Outsourcing is a core strategy within the financial services industry (Jensen & Pedersen, 2011) and the objective of this paper is to gain a deeper understanding of the trends of outsourcing and offshoring by a leading global firm within the sector. Through qualitative research in the form of semi-structure interviews with managers in the firm, significant learnings are revealed that will guide managers who need direction on how to effectively outsource or offshore. The research resulted in three key findings. The first relates to the trends of functions outsourced by the firm. Initially non-core, repetitive, low risk tasks were outsourced but with increased cost pressure and developed relationship with vendors, core-higher risk functions were outsourced (Park & Wu, 2009). This led to the firm losing control over processes, as front to back tasks were fully operated by a vendor, thus highlighting the second key finding; the models of outsourcing or offshoring used within the industry. As there is a significant risk with loss of intellectual capital with a third part vendor model, alternative models such as utilisation of a captive center, which is a wholly-owned entity of the firm, or offshoring to low cost locations within the firms entity are preferred models that reduce risk while managing costs (Kotlarsky, et al., 2009). The third key finding refers to the lessons learnt from experts in the field; the managers interviewed. Their advice includes treating outsourcing as a long term strategy, with the functions to be outsourced phased to a vendor or offshore location in a planned manner (Krebsbach, 2004). Importantly also is the need to engage middle managers in all stages of the strategic planning and project management of outsourcing or offshoring. There are many implications from this research including the impact regulatory policies have on outsourcing strategies, the effect of outsourcing on graduate jobs and the changes in skills needed in the Irish labour market. Education bodies need to identify and ensure the required skills are thought for positions in governance and remote management, as this is the area of growth in Ireland (Gaitonde, 2007). It is recommended that further research be conducted on other firms within the industry, as well as in various regions across the globe, as this area of research is significant in understanding the future trends within the financial services industry.
Possible ecosystems and the search for life on Europa.

No broadly accepted definition of life exists. Most proposed definitions (1–5) face severe objections (3, 6, 7). Nevertheless, one working definition of life has become influential in the origins-of-life community: “life is a self-sustained chemical system capable of undergoing Darwinian evolution” (8). The notion that “the origin of life is the same as the origin of evolution” is a popular corollary. But however valuable this Darwinian definition may be for guiding laboratory experiments, it is unlikely to prove useful to a remote in situ search for life (3, 6). In a search for extraterrestrial life in our solar system, we instead fall back on a less ambitious notion of “life as we know it,” meaning life based on a liquid water solvent, a suite of “biogenic” elements (most famously carbon, but others as well), and a source of free energy (7). The availability of these on a given world would suggest life to be possible, so that further exploration may be warranted.
Quality Practices, Priorities and Performance: An International Study

This paper presents the results of a survey administered across seventeen countries that seeks to examine quality practices, priorities and performance. The participating countries were Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, China, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain,Sweden, UK and USA. The methodology involved the use of a self-administered questionnaire to director/head of operations/manufacturing in best practice firms within the sector of firms classified by ISIC(rev.2) Division 38. There is evidence of both similarities and differences across the countries studied. Further analysis is required to explore the convergence versus “culture specific” argument.
Epstein–Barr virus and systemic lupus erythematosus

Purpose of reviewSystemic lupus erythematosus is a complex human disease likely influenced by a compilation of necessary, but not individually sufficient, features. Although many genetic and environmental factors are associated, this review will focus on the evolving evidence for key Epstein–Barr virus specific roles. Recent findingsRecent studies have shown additional molecular mimicry mechanisms between early events in lupus autoimmunity and specific Epstein–Barr virus responses. In addition, several recent papers have demonstrated increased Epstein–Barr viral load, increased numbers of latently infected peripheral B cells, impaired functional T cell responses, and association of the presence of Epstein–Barr virus DNA in systemic lupus erythematosus patients compared with controls. Additional work has continued to show association of various aspects of Epstein–Barr virus serology with systemic lupus erythematosus and a recent paper outlines differences in the pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus humoral immune response to Epstein–Barr virus nuclear antigen-1 compared with matched controls. SummaryThis review will briefly outline the recent advances that show serologic, DNA, gene expression, viral load, T cell responses, humoral fine specificity, and molecular mimicry evidence for differences between systemic lupus erythematosus patients and controls and the impact that these findings have on understanding the role of Epstein–Barr virus in systemic lupus.
Leadership as a determinant of innovative behaviour

In knowledge-intensive services innovative behaviour of co-workers is a critical success factor. In sectors like consultancy, research and architecture the nature of the work implies that projects are never alike. Innovative behaviour means that co-workers generate ideas for better and/or different products, services or working methods, and strive for implementing such changes. By carrying out certain leadership styles, entrepreneurs are able to boost innovative behaviour of their employees. This study presents an overview of innovation-enhancing leadership styles.
CD8 T Cell-Initiated Blood–Brain Barrier Disruption Is Independent of Neutrophil Support

Blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption is a common feature of numerous neurologic disorders. A fundamental question in these diseases is the extent inflammatory immune cells contribute to CNS vascular permeability. We have previously shown that CD8 T cells play a critical role in initiating BBB disruption in the peptide-induced fatal syndrome model developed by our laboratory. However, myelomonocytic cells such as neutrophils have also been implicated in promoting CNS vascular permeability and functional deficit in murine models of neuroinflammatory disease. For this reason, we evaluated neutrophil depletion in a murine model of CD8 T cell-initiated BBB disruption by employing traditionally used anti-granulocyte receptor-1 mAb RB6-8C5 and Ly-6G–specific mAb 1A8. We report that CNS-infiltrating antiviral CD8 T cells express high levels of granulocyte receptor-1 protein and are depleted by treatment with RB6-8C5. Mice treated with RB6-8C5, but not 1A8, display: 1) intact BBB tight junction proteins; 2) reduced CNS vascular permeability visible by gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging; and 3) preservation of motor function. These studies demonstrate that traditional methods of neutrophil depletion with RB6-8C5 are broadly immune ablating. Our data also provide evidence that CD8 T cells initiate disruption of BBB tight junction proteins and CNS vascular permeability in the absence of neutrophil support.
Automated Teller Machine network market structure and cash usage

This study discusses the effects of the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) network market structure on the availability of cash withdrawal ATM services and cash usage.The aim and novelty of the study is to construct the ATM equation.The study also contributes to the earlier discussion on the effects of ATMs on cash usage.The monopolisation of ATM network market structure and its effects on the number of ATMs and on cash in circulation are analysed both theoretically and empirically.The unique annual data set on 20 countries used in the estimations has been combined from various data sources.The observation period is 1988-2003, but the data on some countries are available only for a shorter period.Based on our theoretical discussion, as well as the estimation results, monopolisation of the ATM network market structure is associated with a smaller number of ATMs.Furthermore, the influence of the number of ATMs on cash in circulation is ambiguous. Key words: ATM, ATM network, monopolisation, demand for cash JEL classification: C33, E41, G2, C11
Mix Goat and Sheep Yogurt: Development and Product Characterization

— Yogurts are prepared by fermenting milk with bacterial cultures consisting of a mixture of Streptococcus ssp . thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp . bulgaricus . The main aim of this investigation was to develop a majority goat yogurt, with the addition of sheep milk in order to have a final product with good physicochemical quality properties and sensorial attributes. Four types of yogurts were prepared presenting the following proportion of goat and sheep milk respectively: C100 – 100%; C80 – 80%/20%; C60 – 60%/40%; C50 – 50%/50%. The goat milk was from the Serrana Jarmelista breed and the sheep milk from the Serra da Estrela breed. The inclusion of sheep milk improved attractiveness to consumers, and it also improved the nutritional value of the product, mainly the fatty acid and mineral contents. The C50 yogurt was preferred by 28% of the panellists, followed by the C100 with 16% and the commercial cow yogurt was 40% of preferences.
Multiagent-Based Distributed State of Charge Balancing Control for Distributed Energy Storage Units in AC Microgrids

In this paper, a multiagent-based distributed control algorithm has been proposed to achieve state of charge (SoC) balance of distributed energy storage (DES) units in an ac microgrid. The proposal uses frequency scheduling instead of adaptive droop gain to regulate the active power. Each DES unit is taken as an agent and it schedules its own frequency reference given of the real power droop controller according to the SoC values of all other DES units. Further, to obtain the average SoC value of DES, the dynamic average consensus algorithm is utilized by each agent. A generalized small-signal model of the proposed frequency scheduling for the proposed frequency scheduling is developed in order to verify the stability of the control system and to guide control parameters design. The convergence characteristics for the dynamic consensus adopted in the multiagent system are also analyzed to choose the proper control parameter. Experimental results verified the effectiveness, the robustness against communication topology changes, and capability of “plug & play” for the proposed multiagent system through different case studies.
The Growth and Development of Logistics Personnel

This project was driven by the growing importance of human resource issues in logistics and by the need to understand logistics jobs, career paths, and personal development in terms of job requirements, competencies, and training needs. The research team visited over 60 sites in 43 firms and gathered extensive data from 632 people. The results demonstrate the need to continuously analyze the work of logistics in the face of dramatic change and underscore the need for training and development. This paper highlights five key findings: the structure of logistics organizations today is not the structure of the past or the structure of tomorrow; training should develop a common view of the logistics system and its role in the firm, share or expand job knowledge, and refresh or enhance job skills; logistics organizations must offer employability along with employment; human resource issues will dominate logistics for the foreseeable future, but developing people pays off in logistics performance, employee retention, motivation, and morale; and training for logistics jobs usually takes the form of informal on-the-job experience. Three specific actions are offered as suggestions to logistics managers to deal with human resource issues: build long-term training relationships, learn to train, and analyze jobs in the organization.
Why does corporate governance matter? Evidence from seasoned bond offerings

To examine the importance of corporate governance, I look at how management and investors behave in the event of seasoned bond offerings, controlling for the corporate governance structure of issuing firms. I find that companies with the weakest governance structure aggressively manipulate their earnings upwards during the two years prior to the debt issuances. And when the bond offerings are announced to the market, these same firms experienced positive abnormal returns over a three day event period, indicating that investors of poorly governed firms value a debt financing for the alleged decrease in agency cost.
Pramipexole in patients with Parkinson's disease and marked drug resistant tremor: a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled multicentre study

Objective: To compare the tremorlytic properties of pramipexole, a non-ergoline dopamine agonist to those of placebo as add on medication in patients with Parkinson's disease. Methods: Eighty four patients with early or advanced Parkinson's disease and marked, drug resistant tremor under a stable and optimised antiparkinsonian medication were included in a double blind, randomised, placebo controlled, multicentre study and assigned to add on treatment (7 week dose titration interval, 4 week maintenance period) with either pramipexole (n=44) or placebo (n=40) as adjunct. The primary end point was the absolute change in tremor score, defined as the sum of tremor related items (16, 20, 21) of the unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS) in “on” periods. Secondary end points included the percentage change in tremor score, the absolute and percentage changes in long term EMG tremor registration, and the change in tremor self rating scales. Safety and tolerability were assessed on the basis of adverse events, laboratory tests, ECG, and vital signs. Results: Pramipexole was significantly superior to placebo with a difference between treatment groups in the mean absolute change in tremor score of −4.4 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) −6.2 to −2.5) (p<0.0001), corresponding to a difference in the mean percentage change of −34.7% in favour of pramipexole. The secondary end points were consistent with the significant change in tremor score and provided further evidence for the benefit of pramipexole compared with placebo. Long term EMG registration as an objective measure showed a difference in mean absolute change in tremor occurrence of −15.2% (95%CI −21.4 to −9.0) (p<0.0001), and a difference in the mean percentage change of −45.7% in favour of pramipexole. The treatment effects increased during dose titration and remained stable during the 4 week maintenance dose period until the end of the study. The average daily pramipexole dose during maintenance was 4.1 (SD 0.9) mg. Safety analysis showed an increased rate of fatigue, insomnia, nausea, abdominal pain, and headache under pramipexole, comparable with previous studies. Conclusion: Pramipexole proved to be an effective agent for patients with Parkinson's disease and drug resistant tremor.