Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Farmer-to-farmer extension: opportunities for enhancing performance of volunteer farmer trainers in Kenya

Farmer-to-farmer extension (FFE) is playing a complementary role to formal extension services in facilitating the spread of agricultural technologies and improving farmers’ capacities. The effectiveness and sustainability of such programmes depend on volunteer farmer trainers (VFTs) having technical skills and overcoming process-related challenges that hinder them from achieving the desired outcomes. This article uses quantitative and qualitative data collected from seven sites to explore the challenges experienced by VFTs as they share their knowledge on livestock feed innovations in a dairy development project in Kenya. Sustainable opportunities for enhancing VFTs’ performance are discussed.
Radiation‐induced DNA damage and repair in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from Nijmegen breakage syndrome patients and carriers assessed by the Comet assay

Nijmegen breakage syndrome (NBS) patients and carriers are predisposed to malignancy and are often treated with X‐irradiation. In the present study, the single‐cell gel electrophoresis (Comet) assay was used to examine radiation‐induced DNA damage and repair in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from NBS patients (n = 13) and carriers (n = 36) of six unrelated families. Cells from apparently healthy donors (n = 10) and from breast cancer patients with normal clinical radiosensitivity (n = 10) served as controls. Cells were irradiated with 5 Gy of X‐rays and assayed for initial DNA damage and for residual DNA damage after 40 min of repair; the kinetics of DNA repair also was estimated. In addition, the nuclear area of unirradiated cells was extracted from the Comet data. The initial radiation‐induced DNA fragmentation indicated that cells from members of two out of six NBS families were significantly more sensitive to X‐irradiation than cells from the controls. Cells from four NBS families had longer DNA repair half‐time values, while cells from five NBS families had significantly increased residual DNA damage following repair. The mean nuclear area of unirradiated cells processed in the Comet assay was 1.3‐fold higher in cells from all NBS families than in the controls (P < 0.05). Notably, the Comet assay parameters (initial and residual DNA damage and the repair kinetics) of irradiated NBS cells predicted the carrier status of the majority (86%) of blindly tested individuals. The prediction of NBS status was higher if the nuclear area of unirradiated cells was used as the endpoint. The results of this study suggest that the impaired radiation response of NBS cells should be taken into account if radiotherapy of NBS patients and carriers is required. Environ. Mol. Mutagen, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Restructuring north‐south relations: ACP‐EU development co‐operation in a liberal international order

This article will examine the character of relations between the European Union and African, Caribbean and Pacific countries in the wake of the new EU‐ACP Partnership Agreement, signed in June 2000, and which replaces the longstanding Lomé Convention. The article views development cooperation as encapsulating particular political and economic relationships rather than constituting some kind of technical or apolitical endeavour. The origins of EU‐ACP co‐operation are placed within the specific context of decolonisation and the rise of a new form of inter‐state relations between North and South. However, the nature of North‐South co‐operation has been transformed in the period since the 1970s when Lomé was first signed. Consequently the new agreement (and the prior changes to the Lomé Convention) need to be understood in the context of the wider restructuring and liberalisation of North‐South relations. This has led to far‐reaching changes to both the aid and trade elements of European Union‐Africa relations.
Low-threshold current, high-efficiency 1.3-μm wavelength aluminum-free InGaAsN-based quantum-well lasers

We demonstrate high-performance Al-free InGaAsN-GaAs-InGaP-based long-wavelength quantum-well (QW) lasers grown on GaAs substrates by gas-source molecular beam epitaxy using a RF plasma nitrogen source. Continuous wave (CW) operation of InGaAsN-GaAs QW lasers is demonstrated at /spl lambda/=1.3 /spl mu/m at a threshold current density of only J/sub TH/=1.32 kA/cm/sup 2/. These narrow ridge (W=8.5 /spl mu/m) lasers also exhibit an internal loss of only 3.1 cm/sup -1/ and an internal efficiency of 60%. Also, a characteristic temperature of T/sub 0/=150 K from 10/spl deg/C to 60/spl deg/C was measured, representing a significant improvement over conventional /spl lambda/=1.3 /spl mu/m InGaAsP-InP lasers. Under pulsed operation, a record high maximum operating temperature of 125/spl deg/C and output powers greater than 300 mW (pulsed) and 120 mW (CW) were also achieved.
Micro X‐ray fluorescence (μXRF) line scanning on Cretaceous rudist bivalves: A new method for reproducible trace element profiles in bivalve calcite

The reconstruction of palaeoclimate on a sub‐annual scale requires the measurement of chemical proxies in fossil material at a high spatial resolution. While various methods for trace element analysis on the micrometre scale are available, they are usually destructive to the sample or not widely accessible. This study evaluates the performance of a table‐top micro X‐ray fluorescence scanner in obtaining reproducible trace element profiles on bivalve calcite. Standard calibration and repeatability tests demonstrate the robustness of results obtained with this new generation micro X‐ray fluorescence device that uses a comparatively high excitation energy of 30 W. Results show that elemental abundances measured using this fast, readily accessible and non‐destructive analytical set‐up are reproducible on the μg g−1 level, and therefore suitable for the analysis of the abundance of commonly studied elements in bivalve calcite (for example, Sr, Mn and Fe). Spectra obtained in this study show considerable improvement in terms of signal to noise ratio compared to earlier table‐top micro X‐ray fluorescence studies. Reliability of the measurements is tested using a conservative detection and quantification limit. Count rates of Ca are used to check for point measurements disturbed by irregularities on the sample surface. Furthermore, the method allows semi‐quantitative two‐dimensional element mapping, which is a convenient tool for the detection of diagenetic alteration in fossil samples. The method reveals records of Sr/Ca, Fe/Ca and Mn/Ca ratios in a Late Campanian Vaccinites vesiculosus shell, with Sr/Ca ratios showing a trend opposite to Mn/Ca and Fe/Ca. Resulting trace element records are discussed in terms of seasonal cyclicity in the Late Cretaceous and diagenetic alteration of the fossil shell.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind? Using GIS to Incorporate Visibility in Hedonic Property Value Models

This paper uses GIS data to develop variables representing the physical extent and visibility of surrounding land use/cover features in a hedonic model of a rural/suburban residential housing market. Three equations are estimated to determine if views affect property prices and, further, if omission of visibility variables leads to omitted variable biases. To improve efficiency, first-order spatial autoregressive models are estimated. Results indicate that the visibility measures are important determinants of prices and that their exclusion may lead to incorrect conclusions regarding the significance and signs of other environmental variables. (JEL Q21)
Feasibility of in vivo intravascular photoacoustic imaging using integrated ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging catheter

Abstract. Pilot studies of in vivo combined intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and intravascular photoacoustic (IVPA) imaging are reported. A recently introduced prototype of an integrated IVUS/IVPA imaging catheter consisting of a single-element ultrasound transducer and a light delivery system based on a single optical fiber was adapted and used for in vivo imaging of a coronary stent deployed in a rabbit’s thoracic aorta in the presence of luminal blood. The results suggest that in vivo IVUS/IVPA imaging is feasible using the integrated IVUS/IVPA imaging catheter. The challenges of in vivo combined IVUS/IVPA imaging are discussed, and further improvements on the design of the catheter and the clinical imaging system are proposed.
Modeling Levels and Time in Entrepreneurship Research

New ventures lack resources, are buffeted by environmental factors, and often experience rapid growth and organizational transformations that can have profound effects on performance and survival. This indicates that factors at multiple levels and across time affect new venture outcomes. Research examining these outcomes often address relationships that cross levels or time, but rarely both. Because scholars potentially can make rich theoretical contributions by simultaneously investigating temporal relationships that cross levels, the authors illustrate multiyear, multilevel model building with random coefficient modeling (RCM) using language that is accessible to entrepreneurship scholars. Specifically, they model the effects of strategic growth actions on new venture performance using a longitudinal data set of young, IPO-stage firms. Their illustration demonstrates the statistical advantages of modeling levels and time simultaneously and offers a roadmap for entrepreneurship scholars interested in examining these effects, including a step-by-step guide with SAS code for working with these data. They also describe some specific research questions to help advance theory development using RCM.
Th1/Th2 paradigm: not seeing the forest for the trees?

In this issue of the European Respiratory Journal , Irifune et al. 1 describe the effects of adoptive transfer of T-helper cell type 1 (Th1) cells in a mouse asthma model. Since the 1980s, the Th1/Th2 dichotomy has been considered the cornerstone of immune responses 2. Th1 cells (secreting interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon (IFN)-γ) lead to cell-mediated responses, whereas Th2 cells (secreting IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13) mediate for humoural immune responses 2. Accordingly, allergy results from an imbalance in favour of a Th2 response, and is negatively regulated by Th1 cells. However, while numerous studies support this theory, concurrently, data are accumulating that do not fit with the model in its original form. Data in the literature show that both the prevalence of Th1-mediated autoimmune and Th2-mediated allergic diseases have increased simultaneously in recent decades 3–5. Furthermore, helminth infections, which induce strong Th2 responses, have paradoxically been shown to protect against allergy 6. These observations are in contradiction to the view of mutual cross-regulation between the two arms of the Th1/Th2 balance. Finally, studies regarding this balance in mouse asthma models have failed to provide clear evidence of counter-regulation between the two subtypes. For these latter studies, at least two …
High Levels and Safety of Oseltamivir Carboxylate Plasma Concentrations after Nasogastric Administration in Critically Ill Children in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

ABSTRACT During the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemics, the concentrations of oseltamivir (O) and its active metabolite (oseltamivir carboxylate [OC]) were determined in 11 children (1 month to 16 years of age) admitted to intensive care units for presumed severe H1N1 infection. They received oseltamivir phosphate (OP) nasogastrically at doses between 1.5 and 6.8 mg/kg of body weight. High OC concentrations were found, with a mean level of 678 ± 535 μg/liter. The mean OP concentration was 27 ± 52 μg/liter. No marked side effect was reported.
Risk of recurrent seizures after a primary human herpesvirus 6-induced febrile seizure.

OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that children experiencing first febrile seizures caused by human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) have an increased risk for recurrent seizures when compared with children experiencing first febrile seizures attributed to other illnesses. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS Descriptive prospective study of 36 HHV-6 culture-positive children and a matched subgroup of 86 HHV-6 culture-negative children, all of whom had their first febrile seizures evaluated in a tertiary care emergency department and were followed for at least 12 months, with an average follow-up of 35.7 months. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE The recurrence of seizures among HHV-6 culture-positive and HHV-6 culture-negative children with no known previous neurologic deficits. RESULTS A decreased incidence of recurrent seizures occurred in children whose first febrile seizures were caused by HHV-6. Twenty percent of HHV-6 culture-positive children and 40% of HHV-6 culture-negative children (P < 0.038) experienced a recurrent seizure within 1 year of their first febrile seizure. The mean time to recurrence within 12 months was 8.6 months for children with HHV-6 infection and 3.8 months (P < 0.001) for children without HHV-6 infection. Most recurrent seizures occurred within 12 months of a first febrile seizure for both HHV-6-positive and HHV-6-negative children (88 and 91%). CONCLUSIONS Children who had their first febrile seizures caused by primary HHV-6 infection did not demonstrate an increased risk for recurrent seizures when compared with children whose first febrile seizures were from other etiologies.
The use of non‐time series information in sales forecasting: A case study

The contribution of product and industry knowledge to the accuracy of sales forecasting was investigated by examining the company forecasts of a leading manufacturer and marketer of consumable products. The company forecasts of 18 products produced by a meeting of marketing, sales, and production personnel were compared with those generated by the same company personnel when denied specific product knowledge and with the forecasts of selected judgemental and statistical time series methods. Results indicated that product knowledge contributed significantly to forecast accuracy and that the forecast accuracy of company personnel who possessed industry forecasting knowledge (but not product knowledge) was not significantly different from the time series based methods. Furthermore, the company forecasts were more accurate than averages of the judgemental and statistical time series forecasts. These results point to the importance of specific product information to forecast accuracy and accordingly call into question the continuing strong emphasis on improving extrapolation techniques without consideration of the inclusion of non-time series knowledge.
Ownership concentration and executive compensation in emerging economies: evidence from China

Purpose – The research on corporate governance has different perspectives on the relationship between ownership concentration and executive compensation, and the empirical findings on this linkage are also inconclusive. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of ownership concentration on executive compensation in emerging economies.Design/methodology/approach – By connecting different perspectives with the characteristics of emerging economies together, this research explores the impact of ownership concentration on executive compensation, and then empirically tests the hypotheses based on the archival data of publicly held firms in China.Findings – The paper finds that there is no significant relationship between ownership concentration and executive compensation in state‐owned enterprises (SOEs), while there is a U‐shaped relationship in non‐SOEs.Originality/value – This study not only offers an empirical test of the effect of ownership concentration on executive compensation, but also p.
Organizational justice and performance: is appraisal fair?

Purpose – In a changing economic climate, characterised by pressures to improve productivity and reduce costs, performance management has a more central role in helping to ensure competitive advantage. Appraisals have become an almost universal feature of modern organizations and it is essential that they are perceived as fair if they are to bring about commitment to discretionary effort, which is increasingly a key feature in gaining competitive advantage. The purpose of this paper is to examine the outcomes and processes of performance appraisal through the concept of organizational justice.Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses the concept of organizational justice to explore the outcomes, procedures and implementation of appraisal in contemporary organizations. It draws on a range of theoretical frameworks from both philosophy and social science, examines current practices and experiences and looks at future trends. Empirical research includes a ten‐year longitudinal study of practising manager.
Delay in Transfer to Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation: The Role of Acute Hospital Medical Complications and Stroke Characteristics

Abstract Background: An increased delay between stroke onset and transfer to rehabilitation has been associated with poorer outcomes after stroke rehabilitation. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between selected clinical factors and the interval from stroke onset to rehabilitation admission. Method: A cohort of 2,457 patients consecutively admitted for inpatient stroke rehabilitation was studied. Patient demographic data, stroke characteristics, stroke onset to rehabilitation admission interval (ORAI), and medical complications that occurred during the acute post-stroke hospitalization were documented. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were used to determine relationships between patient demographic data, stroke characteristics, and acute medical complications with ORAI. Results: The average ORAI was 17.2 days, with a median of 12 days. Stroke characteristics and acute medical complications were the two groups of factors that were most strongly associated with longer ORAIs. These two groups each explained approximately 15.5% and 17.3% of the variance in the model, respectively. The most significant individual factors included the presence of an enteral feeding tube, a hemorrhagic stroke, a cortical stroke, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, and younger age at stroke onset. Conclusion: Although some medical problems associated with longer ORAI are functions of the severity of the stroke and patient characteristics, attention to preventable medical complications may be associated with a more rapid transition to the inpatient rehabilitation setting.
Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) promotes myoblast proliferation and skeletal muscle growth of embryonic chickens via the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway

During embryonic development, IGF‐1 fulfils crucial roles in skeletal myogenesis. However, the involvement of IGF‐1‐induced myoblast proliferation in muscle growth is still unclear. In the present study, we have characterised the role of IGF‐1 in myoblast proliferation both in vitro and in vivo and have revealed novel details of how exogenous IGF‐1 influences myogenic genes in chicken embryos. The results show that IGF‐1 significantly induces the proliferation of cultured myoblasts in a dose‐dependent manner. Additionally, the IGF‐1 treatment significantly promoted myoblasts entering a new cell cycle and increasing the mRNA expression levels of cell cycle‐dependent genes. However, these effects were inhibited by the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 and the Akt inhibitor KP372‐1. These data indicated that the pro‐proliferative effect of IGF‐1 was mediated in response to the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. Moreover, we also showed that exogenous IGF‐1 stimulated myoblast proliferation in vivo. IGF‐1 administration obviously promoted the incorporation of BrdU and remarkably increased the number of PAX7‐positive cells in the skeletal muscle of chicken embryos. Administration of IGF‐1 also significantly induced the upregulation of myogenic factors gene, the enhancement of c‐Myc and the inhibition of myostatin (Mstn) expression. These findings demonstrate that IGF‐1 has strong activity as a promoter of myoblast expansion and muscle fiber formation during early myogenesis. Therefore, this study offers insight into the mechanisms responsible for IGF‐1‐mediated stimulation of embryonic skeletal muscle development, which could have important implications for the improvement of chicken meat production.
Electoral campaigns with strategic candidates: A theoretical and empirical analysis.

The main focus of this thesis is the analysis of political campaigns when candidates choose their statements in a strategic way. In the first chapter, 'Discretion and renegotiation in electoral campaigns', I present a model of electoral campaigning as a problem of competitive delegation. The chapter considers a situation in which there is uncertainty about what the optimal policy should be; in this environment voters may want to leave discretion to a candidate, in order to allow him to adjust his policies to the state of the world, once he is elected. The paper analyses how the ambiguity level of the political statements is influenced by the presence of uncertainty over the candidates' ideology, by the possibility of ex post renegotiation between the elected candidate and the voters and by several political variables. In the second chapter, 'Last minute policies and the incumbency advantage', joint with Stefan Penczynski, we investigate the timing of statements in political debates and campaigns. Early statements can influence the political agenda and signal competence and vision, late statements are based on more information about appropriate measures. We find that candidates speak early on issues they are better-informed about in order to signal relevance and move them up the agenda. Since opponents benefit from this revelation, however, candidates remain silent once their information is sufficiently precise and valuable. In the last chapter, 'Discretion and ambiguity in electoral campaigns: a look into the empirical evidence', I compare several models of ambiguity in electoral campaigns, including my own model which was introduced in the first chapter. I use the methodology of Campbell (1983) to have a proxy for ambiguity of the electoral statements, and the data from the American National Election Studies on Senate elections from 1988-1990-1992, to investigate which of the correlations predicted by these models seem to be present in the data.
Real Wages and Monetary Policy Transmission in the Euro Area

We use the Factor-Augmented Vector Autoregression (FAVAR) approach of Bernanke, Boivin and Eliasz (2005) to estimate the effects of monetary policy shocks on wages and employment in the euro area. The use of a large data set comprising country, sectoral and euro area-wide data allows us to better identify common monetary policy shocks in the euro area and their effects on labour market outcomes. At the same time the FAVAR approach gives us estimates of how relative wages and employment in the various countries and sectors respond to these common shocks. The ultimate objective of our work is to relate the estimated cross-country differences in wage and employment responses to differences in labour market institutions and sectoral composition.