Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
E-Government and Bureaucracy: Toward a Better Understanding of Intranet Implementation and its Effect on Red Tape

This article examines the interaction between bureaucratic red tape and intranet usage in state human service agencies. We propose a sociotechnical model for the relationship between intranet usage and bureaucratic red tape that takes into account the complexities of causal linkages including bidirectional causal relationships and a range of internal and external influences. This model is tested with data from the National Administrative Studies Project, Phase II. While we are not able to corroborate the demand pull hypothesis advanced by Bretschneider and colleagues, we do find support for its corollary (the technology push hypothesis) indicating that intranet usage is associated with reduction in red tape. This finding on the salutary effect of intranet usage holds for both a global measure of red tape and a more specific procurement red tape measure. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of our findings.
The histopathologic effects of Securidaca longepedunculata on heart, liver, kidney and lungs of rats

Securidaca longepedunculata is a savannah shrub commonly used by traditional medicine practitioners in Nigeria; the plant is reputed to have over one hundred medicinal indications. In this investigation, the histopathologic effects of S. longepedunculata on the heart, kidneys, liver and lungs of rats were examined. Albino rats (Sprague Dawley strain) weighing 200 ‐ 250 g were given 2 mg/kg (I.P) of aqueous extract daily for fourteen days and then sacrificed. Tissues were harvested and processed for photomicrographic examinations. Extracts of the plant gave an LD50 value of 37 mg/kg (I.P) and histological alterations monitored. In the kidneys, there was acute tubular necrosis with diffused interstitial and glumerular haemorrhage characteristic of irreversible cellular injury of the epithelium and parenchyma. Similar changes were observed in the liver showing severe ballooning degeneration of the hepatocytes, necrosis and formation of mallory bodies. In the lungs diffused alveolar and capillary damage as well as early formation of hyaline membranes were evident. The histological changes are similar to those produced by chronic ethanol and p-acetaminophene ingestion, suggesting the presence of toxic constituents. From these observations, it can be inferred that the use of S. longepedunculata may be associated with tissue structural damage of some vital organs.
The Geography of Glaciers and Perennial Snowfields in the American West

ABSTRACT A comprehensive mid-20th century inventory of glaciers and perennial snowfields (G&PS) was compiled for the American West, west of the 100° meridian. The inventory was derived from U.S. Geological Survey 1:24,000 topographic maps based on aerial photographs acquired during 35 years, 1955–1990, of which the first 20 years or more was a cool period with little glacier change. The mapped features were filtered for those greater than 0.01 km2. Results show that 5036 G&PS (672 km2, 14 km3) populate eight states, of which about 1276 (554 km2, 12 km3) are glaciers. Uncertainty is estimated at ±9% for area and ±20% for volume. Two populations of G&PS were identified based on air temperature and precipitation. The larger is found in a maritime climate of the Pacific Northwest, characterized by warm winter air temperatures and high winter precipitation (~2100 mm). The other population is continental in climate, characterized by cold winter air temperatures, relatively low winter precipitation (~880 mm), and located at higher elevations elsewhere. The G&PS in the Pacific Northwest, especially in the Olympic Mountains, are particularly vulnerable to warming winter air temperatures that will change the phase of winter precipitation from snow to rain, further accelerating glacier shrinkage in the future. Comparison with a recent inventory suggests that the total G&PS area in the American West may have decreased by as much as 39% since the mid-20th century.
Regional Integration and Internal Economic Geography in the Portuguese Case – an update WP 51 / 2008

The effects of the reduction of international trading costs on the internal economic geography of each country have been very scarcely studied in empirical terms. With data for Portugal since its adhesion to the European Union, we analyze the hypotheses put forward by the new economic geography concerning the evolution of the spatial concentration of the manufacturing industry as a whole and of each individual sector. We use four alternative concentration concepts and data disaggregated both at the level of NUTS III (28 regions) and concelhos (275 regions). Results show a dispersion of manufacturing industry, in line with Krugman and Elizondo’s (1996) prediction. Individual sectors show a similar tendency, in contrast with the theoretical hypothesis.
Distribution of Cranberry Blue Butterflies (Agriades optilete) and Their Responses to Forest Disturbance from In Situ Oil Sands and Wildfires

Cranberry blues (Agriades optilete) are butterflies of conservation interest worldwide. Less than 20 populations are known in Alberta, Canada, mostly inhabiting boreal forests that are increasingly fragmented by oil sands developments and subject to wildfires. We modeled the abundance of cranberry blues in the boreal forests of Alberta’s Wood Buffalo Region as a function of forest characteristics, presence of disturbances associated with in situ oil sands exploration, and wildfire disturbance, while accounting for butterfly detectability as a function of sampling conditions. We counted 188 cranberry blues during 1280 samples, discovering 14 unknown populations using a species distribution model based on forest wetness and canopy height. Probability of detection peaked around 5th July, and at higher temperatures and in the absence of wind, with cranberry blues preferring wetter treed peatland forests with low canopy heights. Seismic lines were positively related to the abundance of cranberry blues (400% increase), while exploratory well pads and wildfires were negatively related (60% and 90% loss, respectively). Overall, cranberry blue populations are small and locally sensitive to both natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Despite a narrow habitat specificity, cranberry blues seem more widely distributed than previously thought in northern Alberta (57% of the study area deemed suitable).
Genetic correlations among fertility traits within and across Holstein herds with different milk-production during the first three lactations

Hokkaido Agricultural Research Center, NARO, Sapporo, 062-8555, Japan yamazakt@affrc.go. jp (Corresponding Author) 2 Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, NARO, Tsukuba, 305-0901, Japan National Livestock Breeding Center, Fukushima, 961-8511, Japan Livestock Improvement Association of Japan, Tokyo, 135-0041, Japan Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Japan
Phenotypic and Genotypic Screening of Rice Genotypes at Seedling Stage for Salt Tolerance

Selection for salinity tolerance genotypes of rice based on phenotypic performance alone is less reliable and will delay progress in breeding. Recent advent of molecular markers, microsatellites or simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are used to find out salt tolerant rice genotypes. Three selected SSR markers; RM7075, RM336 and RM253 were used to evaluate rice genotypes for salt tolerance. Phenotypic and genotypic evaluation for salinity tolerance was done at the seedling stage. Phenotyping of 11 genotypes was done in hydroponic system using salinized (EC 12 dS/m) nutrient solution. IRRI standard protocol was followed to evaluate salinity tolerance. Large variation in salinity tolerance among the rice germplasms was detected. Plant height and total dry matter of tolerant lines were reduced by 19.0 and 40.6%, respectively under salt stress (EC 12 dS/m), whereas those of susceptible lines were reduced by 46.0 and 73.5%, respectively. The markers showed polymorphism and were able to discriminate salt tolerant genotypes from susceptible. The genotypes having similar banding pattern with Pokkali were considered as salt tolerant. The SSR markers (RM7075, RM336 and RM253) identified 8, 9 and 7 salt tolerant genotypes, respectively. Through phenotypic and genotypic study, three genotypes viz., Pokkali, TNDB-100 and THDB were identified as salt tolerant rice cultivar. These SSR markers might have sequence homology with salt tolerant rice genotypes and consequently the markers could able to identify salt tolerant rice genotypes from susceptibles.
Modeling Succession on Irish Dairy Farms

This paper examines intergenerational succession on Irish dairy farms. The factors that influence the decision to enter dairying farming are examined using a binary choice logit model. Reasons that are frequently published in the popular farming press as being an obstacle to intergenerational succession are analysed and the significance of their effect is quantified. Results show that the level of education of the heir is the most significant factor in the succession decision. Heir's with third level education are 30% less likely to enter dairy farming than their second level only educated counterparts. The sizes of milk quota and income that are associated with high probabilities of succession are identified.
Are Traditional Health Care Practices for Children with Mental Health Problems in the Tamale Metropolis in Ghana as Effective as Psychological Interventions

This study investigates the extent to which traditional Health Care practices for children with mental health problems in the Tamale Metropolis in Ghana are as effective as psychological interventions. The study reviews existing work on traditional health care practices, psychological interventions for mental health patients and coping strategies for parents and/or family members of children with mental health problems to build a conceptual framework that is appropriate for examining health care practices for children with mental health problems in Tamale, in northern Ghana. The study details the traditional health care practices that children with mental health problems receive from especially traditional healers who believe that issues of mental health are caused by the activities of witches and wizards. The findings of this study suggest that the burden of care for children with mental health problems solely rests on parents, family members, and traditional healers and to a lesser extent the psychiatric hospital. Some coping strategies, however, have been adopted by parents of children with mental health problems, the major strategy being the ‘God motif’ by which parents are able to ‘survive’ stigmatization and stress. Keywords: care, children, health, mental, psychological, traditional
Effect of Aerobic Training with Blood Flow Restricting on Static Balance, Lower Extremity Strength, and Thigh Hypertrophy in Females with Multiple Sclerosis

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurological, progressive and debilitating disease in young adults. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 8-week aerobic training with restricted blood flow on static balance, thigh strength, and thigh hypertrophy in females with MS. Methods: 19 females with MS disease (age= 56.11±7.43 years and BMI= 22.78±1.78 kg.m -2 ) were selected and divided randomly into four groups: aerobic training (A), blood flow restriction (BFR), combination aerobic training and blood flow restriction (COM), and control group (C). Before and after 8 weeks of aerobic training (45 min aerobic training with 5060% HRmax) and restricted blood flow; the balance, thigh strength and hypertrophy were measured. Paired sample t-test, two-way repeated measure ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test were used to analyze statistical data (p≤0.05). Results: The results showed significant difference between groups in balance (p= 0.02), thigh strength (p= 0.001), and hypertrophy (p= 0.04). Post hoc test showed a significant difference between the COM and C groups (p = 0.003) and COM and BFR groups (p = 0.03); but the COM group didn’t have better balance scores than the A (p=0.37) and BFR (p=0.15) groups. Also in thigh strength there was a significant difference between the COM and A group (p = 0.008) and between the COM and C group (p = 0.001); but the COM group didn’t have better thigh strength than BFR (p=0.08) group. Also there was a significant difference between COM and C group in hypertrophy (p = 0.02). Conclusion: According to the results aerobic training with blood flow restriction leads to increased balance, strength and thigh hypertrophy in MS patients so this approach can be taken instead of traditional aerobic training to decrease disability in MS patients.
Business Agility and Competitive Advantage of Selected Commercial Banks in Anambra State, Nigeria

The unpredictable and competitive business environment of today is forcing organizations not only to adapt to changes when they occur, but also to proactively predict the changes before they emerge in the marketplace. These changes have resulted in the evolution of thebusiness agility concept which equips organizations with the capability to compete and thrive in an unstable business environment by quickly detecting, seizing opportunities, and tackling threats. Consequently, this study examined the relationship between business agility and competitive advantage of selected banks in Awka Metropolis. To achieve the objective of the study, a model was specified and business agility operationalized by Proactiveness, Responsiveness, Competence, Flexibility, and Speed. The descriptive research design was employed. Data was obtained from primary sources and analyzed using Principal Component and Multiple Regression Analysis. The result of the analysis revealed a significant relationship between business agility and competitive advantage of the selected banks. However, Flexibility and Competence were found not to be statistically significant, while Proactiveness, Responsiveness, and Speed were significant. From the finding, the study concluded that business agility is that unique capability that assures competitive advantage in a rapid and unpredictable business environment. It is recommended that managers should develop competitive strategies that hinge on business agility, sensing and responding capabilities aligned to swiftly uncover new market opportunities.
Healing potential of Iranian traditional medicinal plants on burn wounds in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Malva sylvestris, Punica granatum, Amygdalus communis, Arnebia euchroma and Scrophularia deserti are important medicinal plants in Iranian traditional medicine (Unani) whose have been used as remedy against edema, burn, and wound and for their carminative, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. The ethanol extracts of M. sylvestris and P. granatum flowers, A. communis leaves, A. euchroma roots and S. deserti stems were used to evaluate the burn healing activity in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Burns were induced in Wistar rats divided into nine groups as following; Group-I: normal rats were treated with simple ointment base (control), Group-II: diabetic rats were treated with simple ointment base (control), Groups-III and -VII: diabetic rats were treated with simple ointment base containing of extracts (diabetic animals), Groups VIII: diabetic rats were treated with simple ointment base containing of mixed extracts, Group-IX: diabetic rats received the standard drug (Silver Sulfadiazine). The efficacy of treatments was evaluated based on wound area, epithelialization time and histopathological characteristics. Wound contraction showed that there is high significant difference between the different groups (p<0.001). At the 18th day, A. euchroma, S. deserti, A. communis and mixed extract ointment treated groups healed 80-90%. At the 9th and 18th days the experiment, the best results were obtained with A. communis and standard drug, when compared to the other groups as well as to the controls. It may be concluded that almond leaves (sweet and bitter) formulated in the simple ointment base is effective in the treatment of burns and thus supports its traditional use.
Incoming Leadership-Oriented Differences between Students in a Leadership Studies Course and a Team-based Project Course

This study examined the incoming leadership-oriented differences between students (N=166) enrolled in either an elective leadership studies course (n=50) or an elective team-based engineering projects course (n=116) to determine significant predictors of transformational leadership behavior. Participants completed measures of leadership-oriented behaviors, selfefficacy, and motivation. Students enrolled in the leadership studies course scored higher on measures of both transformational and transactional leadership behaviors, as well as motivation to lead based on affective identity and social-normative motivation. For students in the leadership course, the only significant predictor of transformational leadership was leadershipself-efficacy score. For students interested in team-based projects, the significant predictors included affective-identity and social-normative motivation to lead, as well as leadership selfefficacy. While women displayed higher motivation to lead across all motivation categories, neither race nor gender emerged as a significant predictor of leadership behaviors. These findings suggest the importance of self-efficacy in predicting behavior and the need to attend to students’ internal and external motivations in creating pathways to leadership practices.
Highly active antiretroviral therapy induced drug-drug interactions in Indian Human Immunodeficiency Virus positive patients

One of the greatest challenges for the HIV clinician is the recognition and management of drug interactions. The HIV infected patient often receives numerous medications and has a great potential for adverse drug interactions. Although many of these interactions may be minor in nature, some are potentially serious, leading to severe toxicity or treatment failure. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence, pattern and to identify risk factors for possible drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in human immunodeficiency virus positive patients with antiretrovirals (ARVs) in an Indian tertiary care teaching hospital. A prospective case control study was performed for monitoring drug-drug interactions to antiretroviral therapy during hospitalization from August 2009 to March 2010. Possible DDIs found were classified according to Tatro. The prescription of each enrolled patient during hospitalization was reviewed and analyzed by a graduate trainee clinical pharmacist for possible drug to drug interactions based on Online Stockley’s Drug Interactions (9th edition), Micromedex Online Drug Reference and Martindale, The Complete Drug Reference. The possible DDIs found were classified according to a clinical significance rating expressed as a number assigned to each DDI based on onset, severity and documentation. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify the risk factors for DDIs. The data consisted of 118 hospitalized HIV patients with ARV prescriptions. Out of which 175 DDIs were detected involving 77 patients. The overall incidence rate of DDIs was 65.2% and pharmacokinetic DDIs was the most commonly observed DDIs. ‘Minor’ and ‘moderate’ drug-drug interactions accounted for 50.8 and 26.9% respectively. A maximum of six DDIs was reported from a single patient. Most of the patients who developed DDIs were receiving more than nine to eleven drugs at the time of experiencing DDIs. Polypharmacy, tuberculosis and syphilis were observed as risk factors for DDIs. The increase in use of newer antiretrovirals in India increases the risk for drug interactions and complicates their management on HIV/AIDS. It is therefore recommended that clinicians must focus to detect potential DDIs at time of prescription of ARVs to ensure better patient care. Key words: Drug interactions, antiretroviral therapy, highly active, India.
IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF MICRO-CREDIT PROGRAMME OF PRSP ON CROP PRODUCTIVITY

The present study was designed to evaluate the impact of micro-credit of PRSP on productivity of wheat and sugarcane in Faisalabad. For the purpose of the study, two field units namely Satiana and Salarwala were selected. Results showed that micro-credit disbursed by PRSP significantly increased production of wheat and sugarcane which increased the farmers' incomes. Thus, micro-credit scheme improved the living conditions of the farmers.
Isotope offsets in marine diatom δ18O over the last 200 ka

Previous work has suggested that a species effect may be present in diatom oxygen isotope ratios (δ18Odiatom). While predominantly attributed to be a size‐related species effect, currently the precise mechanism remains unknown. Here, two size fractions of diatoms (38–75 µm and >100 µm) covering the last 200 ka are analysed for δ18O from ODP Site 882 in the North‐West Pacific Ocean. Synchronous variations of up to 13‰ occur in both size fractions. However, large isotope offsets (mean = 2.02‰) exist between the two fractions with no relationship between their magnitude and the overlying palaeoenvironmental conditions. In contrast to earlier work from the same site, no one size fraction is constantly higher or lower in δ18O relative to the other. As such, the dominant mechanism is most likely separate to the size effect previously detected. In addition, no relationship exists between the magnitude of the offsets and the species composition of the two size fractions. The presence of these isotope offsets imposes significant constraints upon the future use of δ18Odiatom in palaeoceanographic reconstructions and reiterates the need to extract and analyse only species‐ and size‐specific diatom samples. © Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) copyright 2008. Reproduced with the permission of NERC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of depressive symptoms, partner emotional expression, and couple interactions on marital quality

Previous research on married couples has demonstrated the direct influence of mental health on marital quality. However, the processes that mediate and moderate the associations between depressive symptoms and marital quality are less understood. Using a social functionalist perspective, this study examined whether depressive symptoms were associated with marital quality directly or through couple interactions, and whether perceptions of one’s partner’s emotional expression buffer the negative association between depressive symptoms and couple interactions. Based on data collected from a sample of 512 married individuals analyses supported the indirect association between depressive symptoms and marital quality such that married individuals who reported more frequent depressive symptoms were more likely to report less frequent positive couple interactions and consequently lower marital quality. As well, the results indicated that partner emotional expression moderates this association. This study facilitates understanding the mechanisms through which mental health is associated with marital quality. INDEX WORDS: Marital Quality, Depressive Symptoms, Couple Interactions, Partner Emotional Expression, Marriage