Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ACCESS TO IMPROVED SANITATION: IMPLICATION FOR SUSTAINABLE IMPLEMENTATION OF HYGIENE PRACTICES SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MACHAKOS COUNTY, KENYA

The purpose of the study was to investigate the extent to which access to improved sanitation influences the implementation of hygiene practices in public secondary schools in Machakos County with a view to come up with practical and affordable strategies for achievement of Millennium Development Goals(MDGs) on sanitation. The study was guided by the following research questions: To what extent does the (i) type,(ii) maintenance and(iii) adequacy of sanitation facilities influence sustainable implementation of hygiene practices in public secondary schools in Machakos County. Descriptive survey research design was adopted. A sample size of 28 schools, 354 students and 28 principals was selected by use of simple random sampling from a target population of 30 schools, 4481 students and 30 principals from Central Division. A questionnaire and an interview schedule were used to collect data. Data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics for quantitative data, by use of frequency tables, percentages and measures of central tendency. Hypotheses was tested using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) since hygiene practice as the dependent variable was measured at interval scale while the independent variables were measured at the nominal scale. Regression prediction models were developed for estimating implementation of hygiene practices. The study established that availability of sanitation facilities in public secondary schools was a significant factor in determining the extent of implementation of hygiene practices in such schools and indeed any other learning institution. Availability of sanitation facilities accounted for 60.1 percent of the change in the level of implementation of hygiene factors in secondary schools. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education and the European Scientific Journal January 2014 edition vol.10, No 1 ISSN: 1857 – 7881 (Print) e ISSN 18577431 152 school management should ensure adequate number of sanitation facilities in every school. The sanitation facility should be appropriate for both normal students and students with special needs, and be located at site where privacy of the users is ensured. This will ensure effective implementation of hygiene practices by both students and other members in the school community.
1 CILIATES : SINGLE CELLS WITH TWO DIFFERENT GENOMES

Research using ciliates revealed early examples of epigenetic phenomena and continues to provide novel findings. These protozoans maintain separate germline and somatic nuclei that carry transcriptionally silent and active genomes, respectively. Examining the differences in chromatin within distinct nuclei of Tetrahymena identified histone variants and established that transcriptional regulators act by modifying histones. Formation of somatic nuclei requires both transcriptional activation of silent chromatin and large-scale DNA elimination. This somatic genome remodeling is directed by homologous RNAs, acting with an RNA interference (RNAi)-related machinery. Furthermore, the content of the parental somatic genome provides a homologous template to guide this genome restructuring. The mechanisms regulating ciliate DNA rearrangements reveal the surprising power of homologous RNAs to remodel the genome and transmit information transgenerationally.
The effects of information system infrastructure and process improvements on supply‐chain time performance

An empirical study of 57 top‐tier suppliers to the North American automotive industry examined the direct and complementary effects of information system infrastructure (ISI) and process improvements on time‐based performance. The results show that the three dimensions of ISI – design‐manufacturing integration (DMI), manufacturing technology (MT), and information technology (IT) – directly influenced at least one dimension of time‐based performance. For example, DMI influenced manufacturing lead time, MT influenced new product development time, and IT influenced customer responsiveness. Process improvement also directly influenced supply‐chain time performance. Finally, ISI and process improvement had a positive and complementary effect on time‐based performance. Specifically, the IT factor along with process improvement variables (standardization and concurrent engineering) had a complementary and significant positive influence on time‐based performance. The findings strongly support the idea of joint deployment of information system infrastructure and process improvement to streamline cycle time performance in a supply chain.
Controlled trial of azathioprine and plasma exchange in addition to prednisolone in the treatment of bullous pemphigoid.

Guillaume et al1may have failed to identify a therapeutic response in their azathioprine-treated bullous pemphigoid patients by omitting to take account of interindividual differences in azathioprine metabolism. Following an oral dose, azathioprine is rapidly converted to 6-mercaptopurine that, in turn, undergoes extensive metabolism along three competing routes (Figure). In vivo methylation is a major catabolic route catalyzed by the enzyme thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT). There is wide patient variability in TPMT activity that is controlled by a common genetic polymorphism.2Eighty-nine percent of the population have high, and 11% intermediate, enzyme activities while one in 300 subjects has very low or absent TPMT activity. Subjects with low TPMT activity produce increased quantities of the active nucleotide metabolites of azathioprine and are more vulnerable to the toxic effects of this drug.3Conversely, patients with high TPMT activity metabolize azathioprine more rapidly via this route and may fail to
Three novel aniridia mutations in the human PAX6 gene

Aniridia (iris hypoplasia) is an autosomal dominant congenital disorder of the eye. Mutations in the human aniridia (PAX6) gene have now been identified in many patients from various ethnic groups. In the study reported here we describe PAX6 mutations in one sporadic and five familial cases with aniridia. Of the four different mutations identified, one was identical to a previously reported mutation (C→T transition at codon 240), and three were novel: two in the glycine‐rich region and one in the proline/serine/threonine‐rich (PST) region. One PAX6 mutation found in the PST region was associated with cataracts in an aniridia family. Another splice mutation in the PST domain occured in an aniridia patient with anosmia (inability to smell) The sixnew aniridia cases reported here have mutations predicted to generate incomplete PAX6 proteins. These results support the theory that human aniridia is caused by haploinsufficiency of PAX6. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An Empirical Investigation of Corporate Identity Communication on Hong Kong Hotels’ Websites

Corporate websites offer hotels ample space and opportunity to express their identities to their stakeholders, but for lack of empirical research in this area, it is yet to be known the extent to which hotels utilize this platform for corporate identity (CI) communication. Aiming to fill this void, this study analyzed the website contents of 123 hotels in Hong Kong to determine the extent to which the hotels utilize their own websites to transmit information about their identities. The results indicated that CI elements relating to corporate design such as logo and slogan were commonly communicated by all the sampled hotels. However, CI information relating to corporate structure, strategy, culture, and behavior was communicated by less than 60% of the hotels. In addition, the findings demonstrated a relationship between CI communication and the type of hotel operation, with chain-affiliated hotels communicating more CI-related information than independent hotels. From a practical standpoint, these findings can be used to enrich the information contents of hotels’ websites so that the benefits of CI communication can be realized.
Resource Driven Automata Nets

A new formalism of Resource Driven Automata Nets (RDA-nets) is presented. A RDA-net has two levels: a system level is represented by a net of active resources, describing distribution of agents/resources and their interactions; agents in an object level are finite automata, communicating via ports and shared resources of a system level. RDA-nets are assigned for modeling mobility in multi-agent systems from the resource dependence perspective. We prove that RDA-nets have the same expressive power as Petri nets and give examples of modeling agent communications, dynamics and mobility.
Studies of the Regulation of Nitrate Influx by Barley Seedlings Using NO(3).

Using (13)NO(3) (-), effects of various NO(3) (-) pretreatments upon NO(3) (-) influx were studied in intact roots of barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv Klondike). Prior exposure of roots to NO(3) (-) increased NO(3) (-) influx and net NO(3) (-) uptake. This ;induction' of NO(3) (-) uptake was dependent both on time and external NO(3) (-) concentration ([NO(3) (-)]). During induction influx was positively correlated with root [NO(3) (-)]. In the postinduction period, however, NO(3) (-) influx declined as root [NO(3) (-)] increased. It is suggested that induction and negative feedback regulation are independent processes: Induction appears to depend upon some critical cytoplasmic [NO(3) (-)]; removal of external NO(3) (-) caused a reduction of (13)NO(3) (-) influx even though mean root [NO(3) (-)] remained high. It is proposed that cytoplasmic [NO(3) (-)] is depleted rapidly under these conditions resulting in ;deinduction' of the NO(3) (-) transport system. Beyond 50 micromoles per gram [NO(3) (-)], (13)NO(3) (-) influx was negatively correlated with root [NO(3) (-)]. However, it is unclear whether root [NO(3) (-)] per se or some product(s) of NO(3) (-) assimilation are responsible for the negative feedback effects.
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Tacrolimus in Saudi Kidney Transplant Patients

Background: Tacrolimus is immunosuppressive agent used for the prevention of rejection in kidney transplant patients, has narrow therapeutic range, and variable pharmacokinetics. Objectives: To identify the optimum Tacrolimus blood trough level for Saudi kidney transplant patients (SKTP). Method: The research population consisted of 100 SKTP at the Armed Forces Hospital in the Southern Region (AFHSR) treated with Tacrolimus and followed-up for a period of 24 months (2012 till 2014). Results: A significant relationship between Tacrolimus trough level and incidence of kidney rejection was remarkably found only after 180 days post-transplantation. During this period, Tacrolimus mean trough level (ng/ml) was 7.4 ± 0.2 in SKTP with no rejection, 5.3 ± 0.7 for those with acute rejection, and 3.8 ± 0.4 for those with chronic rejection. Furthermore, the coefficient of variation (CV%) which reflects fluctuation in Tacrolimus trough level, was obviously high in SKTP with acute rejection in all post-kidney-transplant periods. Conclusion: After 6 month post- kidney transplantation in SKTP, Tacrolimus trough level (
Resistance Marker Loss of Multi-drug Resistant (MDR) Staphylococcus Aureus Strains After Treatment with Dilutions of Acridine Orange

This investigation was aimed at studying resistance marker loss of multidrug resistant (MDR) Staphylococcus aureus strains after treatment with sub-clinical dilutions of acridine orange. Seven (7) pure axenic strains of Staph aureus coded SA1-SA7 isolated from seven infected human sources which included seminal fluid, ear swab, midstream urine, wound swab, urethral swab, high vaginal swab and endocervical swab respectively, were obtained from the Medical Microbiology laboratory of the Delta state University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, Nigeria and stocked on sterile Nutrient agar slants. Colonies from resulting stocked cultures were re-confirmed by subculturing them on sterile Mannitol Salt agar plates and incubated at 37 o C for 24hours. Gram staining, catalase and coagulase tests were carried out on resulting colonies. Antibiotic sensitivity test by agar disc diffusion method was done on confirmed strains on sterile Mueller Hinton agar plates before and after treatment with acridine orange (AO). Staph aureus strains that showed ≤50.0% reduction in resistance marker after treatment with 0.35, 0.55, 0.75 and 0.95ug/ml dilutions of AO were noted. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay was done using gentamicin on SA1 strain with all four dilutions of AO. All seven strains showed resistance against augmentin, amoxicillin and cloxacillin. The highest (19.9± 2.3mm) and lowest (6.6 ± 7.3mm) zones of inhibition recorded by all the strains were reactions to chloramphenicol and cotrimoxazole respectively. Strains SA4, SA2 and SA7 recorded 17.0±4.9mm, 14.4±3.3mm, 14.0±5.9mm and 7.3±4.6mm mean zones of inhibition to gentamicin, erythromycin, chloramphenicol and tetracycline respectively. Strains SA2, SA4 and SA7 were each resistant to three of the total antibiotics used. Strains SA6, SA1, SA3 and SA5 were resistant to four, five, five and six of the antibiotics used respectively. Mean loss of 50.0% or more of resistance marker (RM) was recorded after treatment with
Behavior Patterns of Learning Disabled, Emotionally Disturbed, and Average Children

The assumption that children with learning disabilities can be differentiated from emotionally disturbed children in terms of observable social behaviors was systematically explored by means of the Behavior Problem Checklist. Areas of communality and uniqueness of emotionally disturbed and learning disabled children are pinpointed and compared with average children. The main behavior problem present in both groups, although at different levels, was conduct problem behavior. Ratings of the child's problem behavior may be one additional criterion to be considered in diagnosis and placement of these children.
A hybrid analytical-numerical approach for the analysis of salient-pole synchronous generators with a symmetrical damper cage

The equivalent circuit approach has been widely exploited for the theoretical analysis of electromagnetic devices. However, in the field of classical wound-field synchronous generators, the presence of the damper cage complicates the analysis of such devices and the accurate prediction of the inherent induced currents is still matter of ongoing research. 12Focus is given to the accurate prediction of the no-load voltage waveform, by implementing a hybrid analytical-numerical model for a specific alternator.
The Impact of Family Ownership on Currency Speculation: The Case of Danish Non-Financial Firms

Gambling has attracted people since ancient times. This empirical paper surveys and investigates the extent of currency speculation in Danish non-financial firms. Such speculation is widespread and takes the form of selective hedging as well as speculation not related to the underlying business. The results show that if a person (often the founder or the descendants of the founder) is the largest shareholder in the firm, the extent of speculation is reduced. The results enhance our understanding of the reasons behind the corporate practice of currency speculation and are important to non-financial firms in other countries with open economies.
Central Consequences of Peripheral Nerve Injuries

Experiments in primates suggest that the skin senses are served by distinct classes of sensory receptors that relay their messages to the cortex on separate and parallel paths. When a peripheral nerve is transected and repaired, each sensory receptor that becomes reinnervated is innervated by a member of the class of axons that originally served that receptor. This specificity of reconnection allows the appropriate classes of sensations to be transmitted again from the skin to the cortex. However, sensory experiences are not completely normal because the regenerated axons have lost their previous spatial relationships and convey a spatially disordered message. Recent experiments suggest that the maps in the somatosensory cortex can respond to alterations of the somatosensory input in a manner that may compensate for some of the deficits produced by nerve injuries. There are, however, severe constraints on this reorganization, including restrictions to a cytoarchitectonic area, restrictions by certain boundaries within the somatotopic maps, and a requirement that a minimal topological order exist in the regenerated peripheral nerve.
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women

Uncomplicated urinary tract infections, such as acute uncomplicated cystitis and pyelonephritis, are common infections in otherwise healthy women. Although severe complications are rare, the high prevalence of these infections contributes to significant costs to health care systems. The present review addresses recent publications that concern the epidemiology, pathogenesis, aetiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of uncomplicated urinary tract infections and recurrent urinary tract infections in women.
A phytochrome–phototropin light signaling complex at the plasma membrane

Phytochromes are red/far-red photochromic photoreceptors central to regulating plant development. Although they are known to enter the nucleus upon light activation and, once there, regulate transcription, this is not the complete picture. Various phytochrome effects are manifested much too rapidly to derive from changes in gene expression, whereas others seem to occur without phytochrome entering the nucleus. Phytochromes also guide directional responses to light, excluding a genetic signaling route and implying instead plasma membrane association and a direct cytoplasmic signal. However, to date, no such association has been demonstrated. Here we report that a phytochrome subpopulation indeed associates physically with another photoreceptor, phototropin, at the plasma membrane. Yeast two-hybrid methods using functional photoreceptor molecules showed that the phytochrome steering growth direction in Physcomitrella protonemata binds several phototropins specifically in the photoactivated Pfr state. Split-YFP studies in planta showed that the interaction occurs exclusively at the plasma membrane. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments provided independent confirmation of in vivo phy-phot binding. Consistent with this interaction being associated with a cellular signal, we found that phytochrome-mediated tropic responses are impaired in Physcomitrella phot− mutants. Split-YFP revealed a similar interaction between Arabidopsis phytochrome A and phototropin 1 at the plasma membrane. These associations additionally provide a functional explanation for the evolution of neochrome photoreceptors. Our results imply that the elusive phytochrome cytoplasmic signal arises through binding and coaction with phototropin at the plasma membrane.
Stage I‐II follicular lymphoma: Treatment results for 76 patients

Clinical features and treatment results are analyzed for 76 patients with Stage I‐II follicular lymphoma seen between 1974 and 1981. During this period, 66% of the patients received involved‐field radiotherapy (XRT) alone, and 34% received chemotherapy with or without XRT. At 5 years, the overall survival was 67%, the cause‐specific survival was 73%, and the relapse‐free survival (RFS) was 48%, with no relapses to date among nine patients followed beyond 60 months. Adverse prognostic features for survival included extranodal disease and elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase. For RFS, adverse features included extranodal disease and bulky abdominal disease. The RFS was significantly better for patients receiving chemotherapy with or without XRT than for XRT alone (64% versus 37% at 5 years, P = 0.02), despite a higher frequency of adverse prognostic features in the chemotherapy‐treated group. About 50% of Stage I‐II follicular lymphoma patients may be curable, and the inclusion of chemotherapy in the initial treatment may increase the potentially curable fraction.
Does fiduciary duty to creditors reduce debt-covenant-violation avoidance behavior?

Financial reports should provide useful information to shareholders and creditors. Directors, however, normally owe fiduciary duties to equity holders, not creditors. We examine whether this slant in fiduciary duties affects the likelihood that firms will use financial engineering to circumvent debt covenants. By avoiding debt covenants, firms prevent creditors from taking actions to reduce bankruptcy risk and recover their investment, and allow the firm to continue operating for the benefit of equity holders. We find that a Delaware court ruling that imposed fiduciary duties toward creditors led to a decrease in financial engineering and debt-covenant avoidance in Delaware firms. We also show that board quality lowers the probability that firms will avoid covenants only when directors owe a legal fiduciary duty to creditors. Collectively, our results suggest that unless directors are required to protect creditors’ interest, they are likely to take actions to circumvent debt covenants.
A randomised controlled trial of two supervised exercise regimens and their impact on inflammatory burden in patients with intermittent claudication

Objective This study assesses the impact of treadmill-based SET alone or in combination with resistance training on systemic inflammatory response, in patients with intermittent claudication (IC). Methods Thirty-five patients with IC were randomised to 12 weeks of treadmill-only SET (Group 1) or a combination of treadmill and lower-limb resistance SET (Group 2). A panel of pro- and anti-inflammatory markers were assessed before, during and after the SET. Results Over the duration of SET, homocysteine increased within Group 1 (12.0–15.5 µmol/L, p = 0.003) but not Group 2, (13.7–14.7 µmol/) while neutrophil elastase (NE) increased within Group 2 (174.5–238.2 ng/mL, p = 0.007) but not Group 1 (300.8–312.0 ng/mL). In both groups NE increased following acute exercise at the start of the SET. Differences in cytokine expression was evident between the two groups (in Group 1, pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-12 and interferon-gamma decreased following an acute bout of exercise at the end of SET, where as in Group 2 pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and 8 were seen to increase after an acute bout of exercise at the end of SET). Conclusion SET in patients with IC influences the complex immune-modulatory state of atherosclerosis through inflammatory pathways that induce both pro-inflammatory and immunosuppressive responses.
Behind and beyond the crisis

The 2007 financial crisis has reignited the discussion on crises, their origin and possible remedies. At present the most influential thesis on the left sees the crisis as caused by underconsumption and recommends Keynesian policies as a solution. This paper argues that we should understand the crisis from the perspective of Karl Marx’s “law of the tendential fall in the average rate of profit” (ARP), for short “the law”. Its characteristic feature is that technological progress decreases the rate of profit, rather than increasing it as is usually assumed. Let us see why.