Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cocoa farmer’s perception on climate variability and its effects on adaptation strategies in the Suaman district of western region, Ghana

Abstract Climate Change has gained global attention due to its adverse impact on agriculture. Cocoa production in Ghana is also under threat following climate change. This study, therefore, examined farmers’ perception on climate variability and its effect on adaptation strategies in the Suaman district of Western Region, Ghana. It involved 240 cocoa farmers. The study estimated Heckman’s treatment effect model that corrected the presence of selectivity bias in the sample. From the result, 69.5% of the farmers perceived an increase in the average temperature while 22.5% perceived an increase in the average rainfall over the years. The factors that significantly influenced farmers’ perceptions were farm size, farm management training, household size and farmer-based organization (FBO) membership. The major adaptation strategies adopted by the farmers were pesticides application, planting improved varieties, mixed planting and changing planting dates. Farmers’ perception was found to have a positive impact on their adaptation. Other factors that significantly influenced adaptation were age of cocoa farm, household size and FBO membership. The study concluded that perceptions are essential in adapting to climate variability in the district. Training of farmers on cocoa production and other agricultural activities in relation to climate variability and its impact is highly recommended. Similarly, enhancing access to weather forecast information is important to enhance farmer’s perceptions and also effectively implement adaptation strategies such as changing planting dates.
Adenosine A2A Receptor Stimulation Increases Angiogenesis by Down-Regulating Production of the Antiangiogenic Matrix Protein Thrombospondin 1

Topical adenosine A2A receptor agonists promote wound healing by, among other effects, increasing microvessel formation. Results of representational display analysis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells suggested that A2A receptor occupancy modulates expression of the antiangiogenic matrix protein thrombospondin 1 (TSP1). We therefore determined whether A2A receptor occupation stimulates angiogenesis by modulating TSP1 secretion. Human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC) were treated with medium alone, 2-p-[2-carboxyethyl] phenethyl-amino-5′-N-ethylcarboxamido-adenosine (CGS-21680), or 2-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)ethoxy]adenosine (MRE0094), selective A2A receptor agonists. TSP1 protein secretion was down-regulated after treatment with the A2A agonists CGS-21680 or MRE0094 in a dose-dependent manner (EC50 = 6.65 nM and 0.23 μM respectively). The selective A2A receptor antagonist 4-{2-[7-amino-2-(2-furyl)[1,2,4]triazolo-[2,3-a][1,3,5]triazin-5-ylamino]ethyl}phenol (ZM241385) but not the A1 and A2B receptor antagonists diphenylcyclopentylxanthine, enprofylline, and N-(4-acetylphenyl)-2-[4-(2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-1,3-dipropyl-1H-purin-8-yl)phenoxy]acetamide (MRS1706) completely abrogated the A2A receptor agonist-mediated effect on TSP1. Vascular tube formation by HMVEC was increased by adenosine A2A receptor agonists in a dose-dependent fashion (EC50 = 0.1 μM for both), and this effect was reversed by the A2A antagonist. Moreover, in the presence of antibodies to TSP1 and CD36, the receptor for TSP1, the adenosine A2A receptor agonists stimulated no increase in vascular tube formation. These results indicate that the angiogenic effects of adenosine A2A receptor activation are, at least in part, caused by the suppression of TSP1 secretion.
Native Species Regeneration Following Ungulate Exclusion and Nonnative Grass Removal in a Remnant Hawaiian Dry Forest1

Abstract: Hawaiian lowland dry forests have been reduced by >90% since first human contact. Restoration has focused on protection from fire and ungulates, and removal of invasive grasses as ways to stimulate native forest regeneration. Despite these efforts, natural regeneration of native plants has been infrequent. To assess effects of previous restoration treatments on natural regeneration, we monitored seed rain and dynamics of seedlings and juveniles for a period of 3 yr (2004–2007) within three restoration units within a remnant forest on the island of Hawai'i. All units had been protected from fire for many decades but differed in time since ungulate exclusion and grass removal. The units were as follows: (1) long-term restoration (fenced 1956, grass removal initiated 1995), (2) shortterm restoration (fenced and grass removal initiated 1997), and (3) unmanaged (fenced 1997, no grass removal). Overall juvenile plant abundance was highest in the short-term unit, but native abundance was highest in the long-term unit. Native woody seedlings established in all units, but recruitment into larger size classes was restricted to units with grass removal, primarily the long-term unit. Native seed rain explained much of the variation in native seedling abundance between units with grass removal. Nonnative grass seed rain was extensive but was reduced by an order of magnitude with grass removal. This study suggests that natural regeneration may enhance restoration actions in sites with native canopy, but this is likely only when restoration activities have been maintained for several years to coincide with favorable rainfall conditions that are highly unpredictable over time.
A Comparison of Perinatal Outcomes in Multiple Pregnancies: Assisted Versus Spontaneous Conception: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: To investigate the difference in perinatal and delivery outcomes in multiple pregnancies, depending on mode of conception. Design: An observational cross sectional study. Setting: Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, a University Hospital in London. Sample: All multiple pregnancies delivered at the hospital between the inclusive years 2009-2012 were reviewed with a total of 341 pregnancies included. Methods: Maternal demographics and perinatal outcomes including mortality rates, were collected on all participants. Main outcome measures: Maternal demographics including age and length of postnatal hospital stay, pregnancy outcomes including mode of delivery, and perinatal outcomes including mortality rates. Results: Women who conceived naturally were significantly younger (30.42 ± 5.98 years) than those conceived through assisted treatment (34.24 ± 5.73 years; p<0.05). Babies conceived through assisted treatment were born at a significantly lower gestational age (33.81 ± 4.05 weeks) than those conceived spontaneously (34.81 ± 3.55 weeks; p<0.05). The average birth weight was significantly lower in those conceived by assisted treatment as compared to those conceived naturally. More naturally conceiving women delivered by spontaneous vaginal delivery (23.9%) as compared to those conceived by assisted treatment (9.2%, p<0.05). Conclusions: Comparable perinatal mortality rates are seen between twins conceived naturally and those conceived by assisted reproductive technology; however significantly lower gestational age, birth weight and vaginal delivery rates were seen in pregnancies conceived by assisted treatment.
Endowment effect theory , prediction bias and publicly provided goods – an experimental study

Many studies report on a systematic disparity between the willingness to pay for a certain good (WTP) and the willingness to accept retribution payments in exchange for giving up this good (WTA). Thaler (1980) employs prospect theory to explain this disparity. The literature contains two different interpretations of his endowment effect theory. Accordingly, the disparity is caused either by the disutility from parting with one’s endowment and/or by an extra utility from ownership which is not anticipated by individuals who are not endowed with the good. So far, the empirical evidence on the applicability of endowment effect theory is limited to private goods. The current paper reports on an experiment which finds a significant ownership utility effect for a publicly provided good. This result indicates that prospect theory applies to publicly provided goods even though consumers do not have exclusive property rights.
A Trait-based framework for mutation bias as a driver of long-term evolutionary trends

Previous work has shown that mutation bias can direct evolutionary trends in genotypic space under strong selection and rare mutation. We present an extension of this work to general traits of the organism. We do this by allowing many different genotypes, with different fitnesses, to have the same trait value. This approach makes novel predictions and shows that the outcome of evolution for a trait is influenced by mutation bias as well as the fitness distribution of the genotypes that have the same trait value. This distribution can alter evolution in interesting ways, depending on the likelihood of generating high fitness mutants. We also show that mutation bias can direct evolution when many mutants are present at any one time. We demonstrate that mutation bias can drive long-term evolutionary trends when the environment is constantly changing. Under biologically realistic conditions, we show that mutation bias can counter strong gradients of environmental selection over time. We conclude that evolutionary trends can be quite independent of the environment, even when they depress population fitness. Finally, we show that entropy can be a powerful source of mutation bias and can drive evolutionary trends. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2015
Bruker Biotyper Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry System for Identification of Nocardia, Rhodococcus, Kocuria, Gordonia, Tsukamurella, and Listeria Species

ABSTRACT We evaluated whether the Bruker Biotyper matrix-associated laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) system provides accurate species-level identifications of 147 isolates of aerobically growing Gram-positive rods (GPRs). The bacterial isolates included Nocardia (n = 74), Listeria (n = 39), Kocuria (n = 15), Rhodococcus (n = 10), Gordonia (n = 7), and Tsukamurella (n = 2) species, which had all been identified by conventional methods, molecular methods, or both. In total, 89.7% of Listeria monocytogenes, 80% of Rhodococcus species, 26.7% of Kocuria species, and 14.9% of Nocardia species (n = 11, all N. nova and N. otitidiscaviarum) were correctly identified to the species level (score values, ≥2.0). A clustering analysis of spectra generated by the Bruker Biotyper identified six clusters of Nocardia species, i.e., cluster 1 (N. cyriacigeorgica), cluster 2 (N. brasiliensis), cluster 3 (N. farcinica), cluster 4 (N. puris), cluster 5 (N. asiatica), and cluster 6 (N. beijingensis), based on the six peaks generated by ClinProTools with the genetic algorithm, i.e., m/z 2,774.477 (cluster 1), m/z 5,389.792 (cluster 2), m/z 6,505.720 (cluster 3), m/z 5,428.795 (cluster 4), m/z 6,525.326 (cluster 5), and m/z 16,085.216 (cluster 6). Two clusters of L. monocytogenes spectra were also found according to the five peaks, i.e., m/z 5,594.85, m/z 6,184.39, and m/z 11,187.31, for cluster 1 (serotype 1/2a) and m/z 5,601.21 and m/z 11,199.33 for cluster 2 (serotypes 1/2b and 4b). The Bruker Biotyper system was unable to accurately identify Nocardia (except for N. nova and N. otitidiscaviarum), Tsukamurella, or Gordonia species. Continuous expansion of the MALDI-TOF MS databases to include more GPRs is necessary.
Vertebral osteopenia: a new indication for surgery in primary hyperparathyroidism.

Most patients with primary hyperparathyroidism have reduced radial and preserved vertebral bone density. We have identified a subset of patients with low lumbar spine bone density at diagnosis. This study assessed the effect of parathyroidectomy (undertaken based upon accepted surgical guidelines) or nonintervention on bone mineral density (BMD) in these patients. Twenty-two of 143 (15%) patients with mild primary hyperparathyroidism had lumbar spine BMD more than 1.5 SD below the mean for an age- and sex-matched population (z-score). Fourteen underwent parathyroidectomy, whereas 8 were followed with no intervention. All had annual BMD measurements for 4 yr after enrollment or after surgery. After parathyroidectomy, there was a brisk sustained rise in lumbar spine BMD [yr 1, 15 +/- 3% (P < 0.005); yr 4, 21 +/- 4% (P < 0.01)]. In those followed without surgery, BMD did not change significantly at any site. Postmenopausal women showed the same pattern as the cohort as a whole, i.e. increased BMD after surgery [yr 1, 13 +/- 3% (P < 0.01); yr 4, 16 +/- 5% (P < 0.01)], but no worsening was found with nonintervention despite the passage of years in the menopause. We conclude that parathyroidectomy markedly improves lumbar spine BMD in patients with vertebral osteopenia. It is proposed that reduced cancellous bone density should become a new indication for surgery in primary hyperparathyroidism.
Application of a clinical score for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in childhood: a retrospective analysis of 197 patients.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to validate a clinical scoring system for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in childhood. METHODS The authors retrospectively applied a clinical scoring system on 197 consecutive pediatric patients operated on for acute appendicitis. They therefore looked for a correlation between the management suggested by the scoring system and pathologic diagnosis on surgical specimens. RESULTS Based on final pathologic specimen, surgery has been performed unnecessarily in 23% of cases. The proposed scoring system could have reduced unnecessary surgery to 2%. Only 8% of patients with acute appendicitis would have been discharged home. Sensitivity and specificity of the scoring system used in this study was 87% and 86%, respectively. CONCLUSION The clinical scoring system proposed in this study could be of help in early clinical diagnosis of appendicitis to reduce the rate of unnecessary emergency surgery.
Emerging Evidence for Neuroischemic Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Model of Care and How to Adapt Practice

Although neuropathic ulceration remains the commonest type of foot ulcers among patients with diabetes, recent data suggest that ischemic (and therefore, neuroischemic) ulcers are on the rise. The high prevalence and incidence of diabetes and its attendant foot complications, coupled with the current trend where increasingly diabetes care is being provided by general practitioners (primary care physicians) would mean that primary care practices are expected to see greater numbers of diabetic foot ulcer patients. Unfortunately, these settings are frequently ill-equipped to appropriately manage diabetic foot ulcers either due to lack of adequately trained personnel and access to multidisciplinary foot care teams. Whereas neuropathic foot ulceration may appear to be less challenging, neuroischemic or ischemic ulcers portend a higher risk of adverse outcomes, including non-healing, infection, amputation, and death. The last 2 decades have witnessed a paradigm shift from neuropathy as the main etiological factor in diabetic foot disease to an ever-increasing preponderance of ischemic and/or neuroischemic ulceration. Available literature does not always consider the limited access primary care practices have to specialized multidisciplinary foot care teams. Additionally, in the case of neuroischemic and/or ischemic ulcers, existing guidelines on their diagnosis and management are varied and unclear. This review aimed at providing a simple understanding to the complex evidence base for diagnosing and treating neuroischemic and/or ischemic ulcers in a primary care setting. It emphasizes the need for urgent vascular review in all patients with ischemic/ neuroischemic ulcers and advocates effective participation of vascular specialists in diabetic foot clinics and combined ward rounds.
Concise Review: Asymmetric Cell Divisions in Stem Cell Biology

Somatic stem cells are rare cells with unique properties residing in many organs and tissues. They are undifferentiated cells responsible for tissue regeneration and homeostasis, and contain both the capacity to self-renew in order to maintain their stem cell potential and to differentiate towards tissue-specific, specialized cells. However, the knowledge about the mechanisms controlling somatic stem cell fate decisions remains sparse. One mechanism which has been described to control daughter cell fates in selected somatic stem cell systems is the process of asymmetric cell division (ACD). ACD is a tightly regulated and evolutionary conserved process allowing a single stem or progenitor cell to produce two differently specified daughter cells. In this concise review, we will summarize and discuss current concepts about the process of ACD as well as different ACD modes. Finally, we will recapitulate the current knowledge and our recent findings about ACD in human hematopoiesis.
Randomized, dose-escalation study of SD/01 compared with daily filgrastim in patients receiving chemotherapy.

PURPOSE To explore the use of SD/01 (a polyethylene glycol-conjugated filgrastim shown in preclinical studies to have a prolonged half-life) in patients with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. PATIENTS AND METHODS Thirteen patients with non-small-cell lung cancer were randomized to receive daily filgrastim (5 microg/kg/d) or a single injection of SD/01 (30, 100, or 300 microg/kg) 2 weeks before chemotherapy and again 24 hours after administration of carboplatin and paclitaxel. Pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and safety analyses were performed. RESULTS Peak serum concentrations of SD/01 and the duration of increased serum concentrations were dependent on the SD/01 dose. SD/01 concentrations remained increased longer in patients with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. Prechemotherapy median absolute neutrophil counts (ANCs) in patients receiving SD/01 were increased in a dose-dependent fashion, with the duration of this effect also being dose dependent. After chemotherapy, median ANC nadirs were similar in the filgrastim cohort and the cohort receiving SD/01 30 microg/kg, with higher nadirs seen in the cohorts receiving SD/01 100 or 300 microg/kg. Dose-limiting toxicities were not noted. CD34(+) cells were mobilized in all cohorts. CONCLUSION A single dose of SD/01 increases the serum concentration of SD/01 for several days in a dose-dependent fashion and is not associated with significant toxicity. The effects of SD/01 on ANC and CD34(+) cell mobilization are comparable or greater than those achieved with daily filgrastim. The self-regulation of this molecule provides a potential therapeutic advantage in a variety of clinical settings associated with neutropenia.
CEO Gender and Corporate Risk-Taking

We complement the literature on how managerial traits relate to corporate choices by documenting that firms run by female CEOs have lower leverage, less volatile earnings, and a higher chance of survival than otherwise similar firms run by male CEOs. Additionally, transitions from male to female CEOs (or vice-versa) are associated with economically and statistically significant reductions (increases) in corporate risk-taking. The results are robust to controlling for the endogenous matching between firms and CEOs using a variety of econometric techniques. We also discuss some theoretical mechanisms that might explain our results. a Krannert School of Management, Purdue University, 403 W. State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, U.S.A. Tel: 765-496-1951. E-mail: mfaccio@purdue.edu. b Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, Crawford House, Booth Street East, Manchester, M13 9PL, U.K. Tel: +44-161-2750121. E-mail: maria.marchica@mbs.ac. uk. c Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, Crawford House, Booth Street East, Manchester, M13 9PL, U.K. Tel: +44-161-2750120. E-mail: roberto.mura@mbs.ac. uk. Acknowledgments: We thank Kevin Aretz, Kelley Bergsma, Paul Chaney, Dave Denis, Diane Denis, Art Durnev, Andrea Fracasso, Marc Goergen, Scott Hsu, Markku Kaustia, Seoyoung Kim, David Lesmond, Kai Li, Evgeny Lyandres, Roni Michaely, Bill O’Brien, Eric Powers, Stefano Puddu, Michael Roberts, Jeremy Stein, Anjan Thakor, Jin Xu, Deniz Yavuz, Scott Yonker, Feng Zhang, and seminar participants at the Arison School of Business Interdisciplinary Center, Bristol University, Cardiff Business School, DePaul, Exeter Business School, INSEAD, Manchester Business School, Neuchatel University, Northwestern, Trento, Tulane, University of Florida, University of Southern California, University of Verona, Wayne State, the 2013 European Economic Association, the 2012 & 2013 Financial Management Association Meetings, the 2014 Edinburgh Corporate Finance Conference and the Rotterdam Behavioral Finance Conference for comments and Hossein Khatami for research assistance. We also thank Bobby Foster from Bureau van Dijk and Mark Greenwood for technical assistance.
Diagnostic compatibility of structural and haemodynamic parameters in open‐angle glaucoma patients

Purpose: Current evidence indicates that alteration in ocular blood flow may be relevant in open‐angle glaucoma (OAG) patients independent of intraocular pressure (IOP). Presently, the lack of an adequate methodology capable of assessing all vascular beds limits the clinical role of blood flow parameters in glaucoma management. We aimed to compare differences in retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness and retrobulbar haemodynamics between OAG patients and healthy age‐matched control subjects.
Training needs of fisherfolks on fishing technologies

Fishing activities is a job opportunity for numerous for earning income and livelihood but if handled carelessly could become a nightmare to fisherfolks. Therefore, the need to ascertain the areas of training needs of the fisherfolks to enhance fishing activities necessitated this study. Snow-ball technique was used to obtain a list of 275 fisherfolks out of which 50% were randomly selected by ballot to give a total of 138 respondents used in the study. The interview schedule was used in gathering the information needed from the respondents. The study revealed that 84.16, 87.90, 86.96, 90, 79.10 and 90.70% of the respondents scored high in awareness of fabrication of low cost fishing gears fabrication and construction of traps and pots, making handcraft, designing multiple hooks on a line, construction of cast and gill netting and smoking oven. Also, the areas of training need on fisheries production are fabrication of fishing gears, saving credit management and reduction of obnoxious fishing, net fabricates and maintenance, outboard engine repairs and marketing strategies. Most respondents (86.30%) showed favourable attitude towards improved fishing production technologies in the study area. Major constraints experienced by respondents are related to net fabrication and maintenance, improved smoking oven use, capital, construction of simple gears, outboard engine repairs, unstable climate and tides, inaccessibility for spare parts of outboard engines, inadequate raw material for construction of simple gears and effective fishing processing and preservation techniques and gadgets. Provision of credit facilities, subsidized inputs like spare parts, simple gears, outboard engine and raw materials for the construction of simple gears will enhance performance of the fisherfolks. Workshops/seminars should be regularly organized for fisherfolks to beef up their knowledge and skill in the fishing activities. There should also be effective extension services for monitoring the fishing performance and planning for enhancement activities.