Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rail station access and housing market resilience: Case studies of Atlanta, Baltimore and Portland

The recent United States housing market crisis resulted in a significant decline in housing market values. Yet, the extent to which urban amenities such as rail stations moderated the market impacts has not been entirely recognised. This study undertakes a repeat sales analysis to understand the impact of station proximity on housing values before, during and after the market crisis. Specifically, a housing price resilience index assesses market changes from 2002 to 2013 for single-family and multifamily homes within a quarter of a mile, half a mile, one mile and greater distances from the nearest rail station. The analysis is replicated in three cities: Atlanta, Georgia; Baltimore, Maryland; and Portland, Oregon. Although the recession had significant negative impacts on properties in each city, our study finds that access played a critical role in helping transit-orientated submarkets retain their value throughout the recession and recover value at a faster rate than homes without convenient fixed transit access.
Skewness Preference and Market Anomalies

This study shows that investor preference for positively skewed payoffs is a common driver of mispricing across a wide range of market anomalies. Specifically, skewness-loving investors overweight overpriced stocks in their portfolios and in doing so contribute to the anomalies. Using a combined measure of mispricing based on 11 prominent anomaly strategies, we find that stocks with higher skewness are significantly more mispriced than are those with lower skewness. A factor that captures skewness-related mispricing significantly improves the performance of conventional asset pricing models in explaining the abnormal returns of anomaly strategies.
COMPETITIVE STRATEGIES AND MARKET SHARE OF SAVINGS AND CREDIT CO-OPERATIVES IN MERU COUNTY, KENYA

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to establish the competitive strategies’ effect on the market share of savings and credit cooperatives in Meru County, Kenya. Methodology : This study was quantitative in nature and utilized a descriptive research design. The study target population was 53 SACCOs registered in Meru Country. Stratified proportionate random sampling technique was used to select the sample. The study sample size was 120 respondents. The main instrument for the study was the use of questionnaires that were administered to the respondents. The data and information obtained through the questionnaires was first checked for completeness. Quantitative data gathered from correctly filled questionnaires was coded, tabulated and analyzed using SPSS version 20 by both descriptive statistics which included mean and standard deviation, and inferential statistics which included Pearson correlation and regression coefficient. A multiple linear regression model was used to test the significance of the influence of the independent variables on the dependent variable. Results : The study findings revealed that there is a positive and significant association between service quality, corporate image; organizational structure; technology and market share of the firms. Further, the findings revealed a positive and significant relationship between service quality, corporate image; organizational structure; technology and market share of SACCOs in Meru County. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Based on the findings, the study recommended that SACCOs should invest in improving the quality of services they offer; should engage more in corporate social responsibility activities; should have a well-structured chain of command; and should embrace and adapt the use of modern technology in their operations.
Trade Collapses and Trade Slowdowns: Evidence from Some Central and Eastern European Countries

World trade suddenly plummeted in the last quarter of 2008 after the bankruptcy of Lehman brothers and the subsequent meltdown in financial markets. Even if the following recovery was impressive, trade growth is now noticeably below trend. The anaemic momentum in global export volume questions whether the financial crisis has permanently changed the trade landscape. In this paper, we address trade elasticities in some Central and Eastern European economies by estimating a standard import function equation. We employ a dynamic panel Auto Regressive Distributed Lag model with the Common Correlated Effects Mean Group estimator to cope with cross-sectional dependence. The model is fit on a sample of eight countries over the period 1995:q1–2017:q1. First, we estimate long-run import elasticities with respect to GDP and the relative import price. Then, we discriminate between booms and slowdowns. Results confirm imports respond differently over the business cycle.
Usefulness of enterprise risk management in two banks

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the management control system, the bank’s control package, influences opinion about the usefulness of risk measurement (RM) in different control contexts before and after a financial crisis, to understand what influences the usefulness of enterprise risk management (ERM) manifested in RM. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on semi-structured interviews in 2000-2010, with senior bank managers of two international banks (Bank A and Bank B) – both ranking among the top 100 in the world but differing structurally and culturally. Findings The two banks took opposite trajectories. Bank A went from high to low expectations of usefulness; Bank B went from low to high expectations. The different attitudes toward RM exhibited by Bank A and Bank B are explained by differences in their control packages, manifested by technocratic control and socio-ideology. Originality/value This study reveals that there are not merely different degrees of RM usage in the two banks but that they also show two diverting trajectories. Given this finding, the significance of the organization structure and its control packages (especially the alignment between these two factors) is analyzed to find a plausible explanation for the different experiences of senior managers toward the usefulness of RM. This study contributes to ERM research and to the contingency theory of management accounting.
Consensus Statement on Dose Modifications of Antidiabetic Agents in Patients with Hepatic Impairment

Liver disease is an important cause of mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It is estimated that diabetes is the most common cause of liver disease in the United States. Virtually, entire spectrum of liver disease is seen in T2DM including abnormal liver enzymes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and acute liver failure. The treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) in cirrhotic patients has particular challenges as follows: (1) about half the patients have malnutrition; (2) patients already have advanced liver disease when clinical DM is diagnosed; (3) most of the oral antidiabetic agents (ADAs) are metabolized in the liver; (4) patients often have episodes of hypoglycemia. The aim of this consensus group convened during the National Insulin Summit 2015, Puducherry, was to focus on the challenges with glycemic management, with particular emphasis to safety of ADAs across stages of liver dysfunction. Published literature, product labels, and major clinical guidelines were reviewed and summarized. The drug classes included are biguanides (metformin), the second- or third-generation sulfonylureas, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, and currently available insulins. Consensus recommendations have been drafted for glycemic targets and dose modifications of all ADAs. These can aid clinicians in managing patients with diabetes and liver disease.
Sinomicrobium oceani gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the family Flavobacteriaceae isolated from marine sediment.

A marine bacterium, designated SCSIO 03483(T), was isolated from a marine sediment sample collected from the Nansha Islands in the South China Sea. The strain produced roundish colonies with diffusible yellow-coloured pigment on nutrient agar medium or marine agar 2216. Optimal growth occurred in the presence of 0-4 % (w/v) NaCl, at pH 7.0 and a temperature range of 28-37 °C. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that the isolate belonged to the family Flavobacteriaceae and showed relatively high sequence similarity with Imtechella halotolerans K1(T) (92.7 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on nearly complete 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the isolate shared a lineage with members of the genera Imtechella, Joostella and Zhouia. Phospholipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids and three unknown polar lipids. The major respiratory quinone was MK-6 and the major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω6c/C16 : 1ω7c). The DNA G+C content of strain SCSIO 03483(T) was 38.4 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular data, strain SCSIO 03483(T) represents a novel species in a new genus in the family Flavobacteriaceae, for which the name Sinomicrobium oceani gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Sinobacterium oceani is SCSIO 03483(T) ( = KCTC 23994(T) = CGMCC 1.12145(T)).
Regulatory T-Cell Suppression of CD8+ T-Cell-Mediated Graft-Versus-Host Reaction Requires Their Presence During Priming

Background. Despite the promising therapeutic potential of regulatory T cells (Treg) in animal studies of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), little is known about their effect on human GVHD. Whether Treg are capable of ameliorating GVHD tissue damage has never been demonstrated in humans. It is also unknown whether Treg modulation of GVH histopathologic damage relies on their presence during effector T-cell priming, or whether allogeneic Treg are safe to use clinically. Methods. To address these questions, we used an in vitro human skin explant GVHD model, which mimics the physiopathology of GVHD. First, “donor”-derived CD8+ T cells were stimulated with human leukocyte antigen-unmatched “recipient” dendritic cells (priming phase), then primed “donor” CD8+ T cells were co-cultured with “recipient” skin to induce GVH tissue damage (effector phase). “Donor”-derived Treg were added at the priming or effector phase of the GVH response. Histopathologic changes in the skin were evaluated using a clinically validated GVHD scoring system. Results. “Donor”-derived Treg significantly reduced the severity of GVH histopathologic damage when present during T-cell priming. In contrast, Treg failed to prevent GVH tissue damage when added to the skin co-culture (effector phase), concurrently with primed T cells. Importantly, “donor” Treg alone did not induce GVH tissue damage. Delayed Treg addition led to reduced and impaired Treg suppression of CD8+ T-cell activation and their cytolytic function. Conclusion. “Donor”-derived Treg effectively suppress CD8+ T-cell-mediated GVH tissue damage but are critically required during priming of effector T cells. “Donor”-derived Treg seem to be safe and do not induce GVH histopathologic damage.
Effect of a new Ca2(+)-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II inhibitor on GABA release in cerebrospinal fluid of the rat.

The role of Ca2(+)-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase II) in the central nervous system has been studied with special reference to the effect of CaM kinase II inhibitor on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) release. We have used two different selective inhibitors of Ca2(+)-calmodulin-dependent enzymes such as a calmodulin antagonist, N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalene-sulfonamide (W-7), and a newly synthesized selective inhibitor of CaM kinase II, 1-[N,O-bis(1,5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-N-methyl-L-tyrosyl]-4-phenylpipe raz ine (KN-62). N-[1-[P-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)benzyl]-2-(4- phenylpiperazinyl)ethyl]-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide (KN-04), a derivative of KN-62, which has a much lower inhibitory activity on the enzyme, was also synthesized for use as a control. Although i.v. injection of the drugs did not produce any effect, infusion of W-7 or KN-62 into the 4th ventricle produce any effect, infusion of W-7 or KN-62 into the 4th ventricle of the rat caused hypertension and tachycardia, associated with the diminished rate of GABA release in cerebrospinal fluid. The ability of KN-62 to produce these effects was more potent than that of W-7. Intracisternal infusion of KN-04 influenced neither systemic blood pressure nor GABA release at the concentration up to 100 microM. The same order of potencies of three agents (KN-62 greater than W-7 much greater than KN-04) has been obtained in their effects on either in vitro CaM kinase II activity, the in vivo autonomic nervous system or the rate of GABA release. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Risk of additional cancers in untreated and treated hairy cell leukemia patients

Importance of the field: One of the feared events encountered in hairy cell leukemia (HCL) survivors is the subsequent development of a malignant neoplasm. The increased incidence of second cancers in HCL has been documented in large epidemiologic studies conducted in various locations on the globe. Areas covered in this review: The authors explore the current clinico-epidemiologic evidence, as well as the immune alterations, that link HCL and its therapies to the development of second cancers. Most relevant publications have been identified through the PubMed/Medline database search. What the reader will gain: Although HCL patients could develop both HCL and secondary malignancies because of a shared genetic predisposition, a common environmental carcinogen, or not yet identified infectious agents, multiple immune defects documented in HCL might play an important role in second carcinogenesis. Furthermore, the ‘gold standards’ of HCL therapy – cladribine and pentostatin – are associated with profound and prolonged suppression of the CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts, often in excess of 2 – 3 years. And while there is no clear-cut evidence that pentostatin or interferon-alpha play an established role in generation of an excess of second cancers in HCL, the safety of cladribine, the preferred agent by a majority of clinicians worldwide, in this regard is a still largely unsettled issue. Take-home message: Therefore, it remains to be seen if the immune deficiencies induced by the HCL therapies and their consequences can be offset by the benefit conferred by controlling the leukemic process.
Perfectionism and sport-specific engagement in elite youth soccer players

ABSTRACT It is acknowledged that the time invested in sport-specific activities contributes to higher levels of performance. However, there is limited understanding of the potential impact of personality traits, such as perfectionism, on engagement in sport-specific activities. In the current study, we examine whether elite youth soccer players who demonstrate higher and lower levels of perfectionistic strivings tendencies can be differentiated based on their sport-specific engagement. The Sport Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale 2 and an adapted Player History Questionnaire were completed by 419 elite youth male soccer players competing at the Australian age-related national youth championships (under 13, n = 133; under 14, n = 166; under 15, n = 120). A quartile split approach was used to separate higher (n = 100) and lower (n = 107) perfectionistic strivings groups. Findings revealed the higher perfectionistic strivings group accumulated more time in sport-specific activities, including coach-led practice, individual practice, peer-led play and indirect involvement in soccer when compared to individuals with lower perfectionistic strivings tendencies. Descriptive analysis indicates this equates to approximately 159 h a year (i.e. 17 h coach-led practice, 22 h individual practice, 60 h of peer-led play and 60 h of indirect involvement) more than the lower perfectionistic strivings group. In summary, the results suggest players with varying levels of perfectionistic strivings may be differentiated based on their engagement in soccer-specific activity in a sample of elite youth players in Australia, and suggests that perfectionistic strivings may have an adaptive influence on sport-specific engagement.
Increased left ventricular mass in normotensive diabetic patients with autonomic neuropathy.

The possible relationship between diabetic autonomic neuropathy, circadian blood pressure changes, and echocardiographic parameters was investigated in 27 normotensive diabetic patients (10 with and 17 without autonomic neuropathy) who underwent 24 h noninvasive ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and M-mode echocardiographic recording. The two groups were comparable for age, sex, duration of diabetes, body mass index, and metabolic control. There were no significant differences in 24 h average and diurnal values of systolic, diastolic, or mean blood pressure. The percent changes from day to night of systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressures were significantly lower in diabetics with neuropathy than in those without (P < .04 or less). Increased left ventricular mass index (LVMI) (135.4 +/- 10.2 v 102.9 +/- 6.3; P < .005), septal wall thickness, and posterior wall width were observed in neuropathic patients. Fractional shortening, peak velocity of early left ventricular filling (E), peak velocity of late ventricular filling (A), and their ratio (E/A) were similar in the two groups. The increased LVMI we observed may represent a possible link between diabetic autonomic neuropathy, nocturnal blood pressure levels, and higher cardiovascular mortality rate.
Interindividual Variation in Thermal Sensitivity of Maximal Sprint Speed, Thermal Behavior, and Resting Metabolic Rate in a Lizard

Studies of the relationship of performance and behavioral traits with environmental factors have tended to neglect interindividual variation even though quantification of this variation is fundamental to understanding how phenotypic traits can evolve. In ectotherms, functional integration of locomotor performance, thermal behavior, and energy metabolism is of special interest because of the potential for coadaptation among these traits. For this reason, we analyzed interindividual variation, covariation, and repeatability of the thermal sensitivity of maximal sprint speed, preferred body temperature, thermal precision, and resting metabolic rate measured in ca. 200 common lizards (Zootoca vivipara) that varied by sex, age, and body size. We found significant interindividual variation in selected body temperatures and in the thermal performance curve of maximal sprint speed for both the intercept (expected trait value at the average temperature) and the slope (measure of thermal sensitivity). Interindividual differences in maximal sprint speed across temperatures, preferred body temperature, and thermal precision were significantly repeatable. A positive relationship existed between preferred body temperature and thermal precision, implying that individuals selecting higher temperatures were more precise. The resting metabolic rate was highly variable but was not related to thermal sensitivity of maximal sprint speed or thermal behavior. Thus, locomotor performance, thermal behavior, and energy metabolism were not directly functionally linked in the common lizard.
EMBRYONIC EXPOSURE TO LOW-DOSE PESTICIDES: EFFECTS ON GROWTH RATE IN THE HATCHLING RED-EARED SLIDER TURTLE

In the red-eared slider turtle, pesticides can alter expected sex outcomes, a major step in the inferred pathway of sex determination, and hatchling steroid physiology. Changes such as these can profoundly affect an organism's fitness. Other potential markers for effects on fitness include hatchling mass, hatchling use of maternal stores (residual yolk), and especially early hatchling growth rates. In the current study, red-eared slider turtles were exposed during embryogenesis to one of three compounds--chlordane, trans -Nonachlor, or p,p'-DDE--all of which affect sex determination in this species. Turtles were weighed at hatching, after a 28-d fasting period, and after 14 d of ad libitum feeding. All three compounds had some population-wide effects on changes in mass from time point to time point when compared to controls. From hatching to the end of the 28-d fast, turtles exposed in the egg to the mid-range doses of trans -Nonachlor and of p,p'-DDE lost mass and underwent a change in mass significantly different from controls. Additionally, turtles exposed to the two higher doses of trans -Nonachlor and the mid-range dose of chlordane grew significantly more than controls after 14 d of ad libitum feeding. These results point to a role for pesticides in endocrine disruption that extends beyond sex determination and sex development.
Stewardship: What the Church Can Learn from Millennials

As the church looks to expand the meaning of stewardship, grow generous givers, and fund its mission, I invite congregations to look to Millennials as an example, not just for their own generation, but for those who came before and those who will come after them. Millennials desire to talk about money openly; hear an organization’s “why” story; use technology to create a larger, positive impact; and illustrate generosity with their whole lives. Such intergenerational learning can help the church make great strides in both stewardship and evangelism.
Willingness to Engage in Open Educational Practices among Academics in Rwandan Public Higher Education and Responsive Actions

Academics’ engagement in Open Educational Practices (OEPs) is critical for opening up higher education. It is in this perspective that the willingness to engage in such practices among academics in Rwandan public higher education was investigated with an agenda to trigger responsive actions. Via convenience/availability and volunteer sampling, 170 academics were invited to participate in the study and 85 of them completed and returned an email self-completion questionnaire. The results revealed that the majority of participants were willing to contribute to Open Educational Resources (OER) by publishing their work under an open licence. Participants were also willing to engage in diverse OEPs including 1) finding OER and evaluating their quality, 2) participating in and evaluating open courses, 3) aggregating OER, 4) adapting OER and open courses, and 5) assessing accomplishment from open learning based on OER and open courses for credit. National and institutional policies were found to be the potentially most important enablers of academics’ engagement in those practices. In the light of the findings, the researcher argues that the inclusion of more learners in the higher education system would make academics more impactful than simply the citation of their work, a stance that was reflected in subsequent responsive actions. This study may benefit institutions and policy makers who are interested in opening up higher education, especially the University of Rwanda that is expected to contribute significantly to the transformation of the country into a middle-income, knowledge-based society.