Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CHALLENGES FACING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CLEARING SYSTEM UPGRADE PROJECTS IN KENYA: A CASE STUDY OF THE DIRECT DEBIT AUTOMATION IN SELECTED COMMERCIAL BANKS

Abstract: Banks nowadays are faced with enormous challenges such as very fierce competition among the financial institutions, knowledgeable customers who are very demanding, thus calling for the development of new products and delivery of more varied and complex delivery channels. Faced with such challenges, banks have no other choice other than to modernize both their operating models and technology components if they are expecting any growth. If they do not do so, they will have failed in terms of satisfying customers, maintaining revenues and profits as well as pleasing the shareholders. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges facing the implementation of clearing system upgrade projects in Kenya. The study specific objective was to examine and evaluate how project planning, resource management, stakeholders’ participation and communication systems affect the implementation of clearing system upgrade projects in Kenya. The study employed a descriptive survey design. The target population was 110 respondents comprising of both the clearing and IT departments staff from selected commercial banks in Nairobi. A purposive sampling method was used to select the clearing and IT staff as they were considered to have the required information to meet the objectives of the study. Questionnaires were used in data collection, and they were administered via drop and pick method. Collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics aided by Statistical Package (SPSS version 21), and the presentation of the results was in the form of frequency tables, pie charts, percentages and bar charts. The study found that communication systems had a positive and significant influence on the implementation of clearing system upgrade projects (β1=0.465, p-value=0.000). In addition, the study found that stakeholder participation has a positive and significant influence on the implementation of clearing system upgrade projects (β2=0.385, p-value=0.000). The study also found that resource management has a positive and significant influence on the implementation of clearing system upgrade projects (β3=0.218, p-value=0.010). Lastly the study found that project planning has a positive and significant influence on the implementation of clearing system upgrade projects (β3=0.506, p-value=0.000). Based on the findings, the study recommends that since resources are vital to projects of such nature, the management should make sure there are enough and well-trained personnel to carry on such projects. Also planning should be done before the commencement of such projects so that each and every one is briefed of the scope, objectives, and strategies to be employed during the project. In conclusion, further studies are called for as the study did not encompass all the banks in Kenya and feedback should be sought from other stakeholders such as customers and the project implementers’ such as Kenya Bankers Association and Central Bank of Kenya.
A meta-analysis of studies with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory in fi bromyalgia patients

Article history: Received 2 September 2016 Received in revised form 30 January 2017 Accepted 13 April 2017 Available online xxxx The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) has been widely used to assess personality and psychopathology in patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and the results have been contradictory. This work aims primarily at analysing whether the available empirical results with this instrument allow for a conclusion about personality traits and psychopathology of patients with fibromyalgia. Complementary, we evaluated whether the MMPI was able to discriminate these patients from healthy control groups. We carried a search on Medline, PsycINFO and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, about studies evaluating personality and psychopathology of fibromyalgia patients with the MMPI, and the reference lists of retrieved studies were scanned for additional articles. A total of 11 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included. The hypochondriasis, depression, hysteria and schizophrenia scales were the more frequently elevated clinical scales across the included studies. A statistically significant heterogeneity was observed in all clinical scales. This meta-analysis confirmed the existence of a significant elevation in the neurotic triad. The considerable heterogeneity suggests that the fibromyalgia population is a heterogeneous group regarding personality and psychopathology profiles. The MMPI showed to be able to discriminate female patients with fibromyalgia from healthy volunteers. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Market Reforms at the Zero Lower Bound, WP/17/215, October 2017

This paper studies the impact of product and labor market reforms when the economy faces major slack and a binding constraint on monetary policy easing. such as the zero lower bound. To this end, we build a two-country model with endogenous producer entry, labor market frictions, and nominal rigidities. We find that while the effect of market reforms depends on the cyclical conditions under which they are implemented, the zero lower bound itself does not appear to matter. In fact, when carried out in a recession, the impact of reforms is typically stronger when the zero lower bound is binding. The reason is that reforms are inflationary in our structural model (or they have no noticeable deflationary effects). Thus, contrary to the implications of reduced-form modeling of product and labor market reforms as exogenous reductions in price and wage markups, our analysis shows that there is no simple across-the-board relationship between market reforms and the behavior of real marginal costs. This significantly alters the consequences of the zero (or any effective) lower bound on policy rates. JEL Classification Numbers: E24, E32, E52, F41, J64
The Milnor fiber and the zeta function of the singularities of type f = P ( h , g )

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Wintering Areas and Migration Characteristics of Swainson’s Hawks That Breed in the Central Valley of California

Abstract. We used satellite telemetry during 2011–2015 to identify and characterize wintering areas and migration patterns of Swainson's Hawks (Buteo swainsoni) that bred in California's Central Valley. Twenty tracked hawks wintered across 7500 km from western Mexico to central South America. Wintering areas in Mexico, Central America, and central South America were dominated by agriculture and in northern South America by shrub-scrub. All hawks followed similar migration routes, through the interior of California, Sonoran Desert, and western Mexico, with some continuing through Central America to South America. Compared to northerly wintering birds, birds wintering farther south spent more time in migration, flew greater distance per day during southward (but not northward) migration, spent less time in wintering areas, and arrived later at the breeding area. Central Valley birds substantially used stopover areas (x̄ = 53 d/ individual) during southward migration but returned more directly from wintering to breeding areas (x̄=0.3 stopover d/individual). Most stopovers occurred in western Mexico and the San Joaquin Valley, California. Land cover in stopover areas was dominated by agriculture and shrub-scrub. Use of varied wintering areas that have been altered from native habitat may indicate that migratory and wintering patterns have changed for this population. Advantages of using northern wintering areas may include less time spent in migration and earlier arrival in breeding areas. The diversity of wintering areas may provide resilience from effects of human activities compared to collective wintering in one area. Central Valley Swainson's Hawks’ migration routes and wintering areas differ markedly from those of the rest of the species’ North American population.
Survival, Site Fidelity, and Territory Size of American Kestrels Wintering in an Agricultural Landscape of South Texas

Abstract. American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) are North America's most abundant falcon, but they are declining throughout much of their range. Studies of nesting success are common, but far less is known about kestrels during migration and on the wintering grounds. We studied kestrels wintering along county roadways in South Texas. We trapped and color-marked 65 kestrels during October through December in 2014 and 2015 and searched for marked individuals once per week using a spotting scope, until birds started departing from the wintering grounds. We also searched for returning kestrels from September to March, 2015–2016 and 2016–2017. We used the Cormack–Jolly–Seber (CJS) models in Program MARK to estimate apparent survival, and we estimated two metrics of site fidelity as well as a spatial metric of site fidelity. We estimated territory size for individuals with ≥10 locations using the maximum linear distance between locations. We estimated winter survival (20 wk) as 67.1 ± 7.1% for kestrels in the winter they were marked and 84.4 ± 6.3% for returning birds. The 2-yr average apparent winter site fidelity was 27.8% for males and 50.2% for females, and the 2-yr average adjusted winter site fidelity was 41.7% for males and 65.7% for females. Linear average territory size ranged from 539 ± 34 m in Winter 3 to 738 ± 74 m in Winter 1. Our estimates of site fidelity are 12–15% greater than previously reported, and our linear winter territory sizes (pooled over 3 yr) were less than half the size of those previously reported for wintering American Kestrels. Small territories and high winter site fidelity suggest that South Texas agricultural areas are likely an important region for wintering kestrels.
Dispersal and Survival of Red-Shouldered Hawks Banded in Suburban Southern Ohio, 1996–20181

Abstract. We used banding data to investigate dispersal and survival of Red-shouldered Hawks (Buteo lineatus) in two study areas in southern Ohio from 1996 to 2018. Of the 2448 nestlings we banded, 167 (6.8%) were encountered (dead or alive) some time after banding. Mean distance from the natal nest at the time of encounter was 31.6 ± 6.2 km (median = 10.0, range = 0.1–568.6 km, n = 163); natal dispersal distance averaged 16.0 ± 1.9 km (median = 9.0, range = 1.4–117.1 km, n = 110), and was significantly greater for females than for males. Most hawks dispersed <30 km, but 11 hawks (6.7%) dispersed >100 km from their natal nest. Of these long-distance dispersers, nine (82%) were <2 yr old, suggesting that some young birds wander widely prior to breeding. Dispersal distance differed by sex and age at encounter, with dispersal distance negatively correlated with age at encounter, and females dispersing farther (39.8 ± 12.3 km) than males (22.8 ± 9.86 km) and unknown-sex birds (33.9 ± 10.6 km; all P < 0.05; means estimated from the logistical regression model). Dispersal direction for all birds followed a uniform distribution (P > 0.05); however, dispersal direction of long-distance dispersers was not uniform (P < 0.05) but bimodal, with hawks encountered either to the south or to the northeast of the study area. Mean age at recovery was 2.6 ± 0.3 yr (median = 1.5 yr, range = 0.2–10.3 yr). As in other raptor species, apparent annual survival varied between age classes, with young birds (hatch-year and second-year) having lower apparent annual survival (0.49 ± 0.03) than adult birds (0.76 ± 0.03). Our study provides information on dispersal, survival, and causes of mortality of Red-shouldered Hawks, demographic data that are important for evaluating population trends and the sustainability of urban/suburban populations.
Exosomal microRNA profiling in early and late onset preeclamptic pregnant women reflects pathophysiology

Background: Preeclampsia is the leading cause of maternal and fetal mortality due to the inability to diagnose and treat the disorder early in pregnancy. This is attributed to the complex pathophysiology and unknown etiology of the disorder, which is modulated by several known and unknown factors. Exosomes have recently been implicated as possible mediators of the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, with, however, no evidence linking these nanovesicles to the pathophysiology of preeclampsia and its subtypes. Methods: To better understand the pathophysiological role of exosomes in preeclampsia, we have analyzed the exosomal microRNA in early and late onset preeclamptic women in comparison to their gestationally matched normotensive controls using Digital Direct Detection (NanoString Technologies). Results: For the first time, distinct exosomal microRNA signatures in early and late onset preeclampsia have been identified. Moreover, these signatures indicate that exosomes are involved in key pathological features associated with preeclampsia and differentiate between the subtypes. Conclusion: This study forms the basis for the diagnostic and functional validation of the identified signatures as biomarkers of preeclampsia and its subtypes.
A revision of the geographical distributions of the shrews Crocidura tanakae and C. attenuata based on genetic species identification in the mainland of China

Abstract The Taiwanese gray shrew (Crocidura tanakae) and Asian gray shrew (C. attenuata) are so similar in size and morphology that the taxonomic status of the former has changed several times since its description; C. tanakae has also been regarded as an endemic species of Taiwan Island. In recent years, molecular identification has led to several reports of C. tanakae being distributed in the mainland of China. In this study, we determine the geographical distribution of C. attenuata and C. tanakae based on more than one hundred specimens collected during 2000 to 2018 over a wide area covering the traditional ranges of the two species in the mainland of China, and show a substantial revision of their distributions. Among 110 individuals, 33 C. attenuata and 77 C. tanakae were identified by Cytb gene and morphologies. Our results show, (1) C. attenuata and C. tanakae are distributed sympatrically in the mainland of China; (2) contrary to the previous reports, the distribution range of C. attenuata is restricted and much smaller than that of C. tanakae in the mainland of China; (3) Hainan Island, like Taiwan Island, is inhabited by C. tanakae only according to the present data.
Somatostatin receptor 2 targeting in small cell lung carcinoma: perspectives

Small Cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) is the most lethal and aggressive subtype of lung cancer. Novel targeting approaches and agents are desperately needed. In this perspectives, we briefly explore recent data published in the International Journal of Cancer suggesting Somatostatin Receptor 2 (SSTR2) as a viable target for SCLC, summarize the current clinical trial space, and describe promising new research and clinical directions for Somatostatin Receptor 2 targeting in SCLC.
Expansion of Salmonella Typhi clonal lineages with ampicillin resistance and reduced ciprofloxacin susceptibility in Eastern China

Purpose This study was aimed to investigate the dynamics of antimicrobial resistance expansion among different lineages and isolates of S. Typhi. Materials and methods The S. Typhi isolates were collected from the patients clinically suspected of typhoid fever in Eastern China during 2005–2017. All isolates were tested retrospectively for susceptibility to eight antimicrobials and the genes related to quinolone and ampicillin resistance, including gyrA, ParC, qnrA, qnrB, qnrS, aac(6´)-Ib-cr, qepA and blaTEM. The isolates were subtyped by PFGE. Results Of 140 isolates, all were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, cefotaxime, chloramphenicol, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, 95 (68%) were nalidixic acid resistant, and 74 (53%) were ampicillin resistant. The resistance to ampicillin and nalidixic acid was first observed in 2006. Among the 95 nalidixic acid-resistant S. Typhi isolates, 62 possessed S83F mutation in gyrA and 25 possessed D87Y mutation. All ampicillin-resistant isolates harbored gene blaTEM-1. PFGE generated 47 distinguishable clonal lineages. Overall, 64% (89/140) belonged to seven prevalent lineages of clustering isolates. PFGE results illustrated the prevalence of nalidixic acid-resistant lineages increased steadily from 19% during 2005–2012 to 50% during 2013–2014, and thereafter to 74% during 2015–2017 and similar development of ampicillin-resistant lineages increased from 6% to 38%, and also to 39%. Conclusion The present study indicated the clonal expansion of S. Typhi with ampicillin resistance and reduced ciprofloxacin susceptibility. The findings also suggested that the differential development of antimicrobial resistance to various antimicrobial agents in S. Typhi, showing the rapid increase in ampicillin resistance and reduced ciprofloxacin susceptibility, and the high susceptibility to other traditional antimicrobial agents.
Normal lung attenuation distribution and lung volume on computed tomography in a Chinese population

Backgroud and objectives: Although lung attenuation distribution and lung volume on computed tomography (CT) have been widely used in evaluating COPD and interstitial lung disease, there are only a few studies regarding the normal range of these indices, especially in Chinese subjects. We aimed to describe the normal range of lung attenuation distribution and lung volume based on CT. Methods: Subjects with normal lung function and basically normal chest CT findings (derivation group) at Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai (from January 2010 to June 2014) were included according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The range of the percentage of lung volume occupied by low attenuation areas (LAA%), percentile of the histogram of attenuation values (Perc n), and total lung volume were analyzed. Relationships of these measures with demographic variables were evaluated. Participants who underwent chest CT examination for disease screening and had basically normal CT findings served as an external validation group. Results: The number of subjects in the derivation group and external validation groups were 564 and 1,787, respectively. Mean total lung volumes were 4,468±1,271 mL and 4,668±1,192 mL, and median LAA%(-950 HU) was 0.19 (0.03–0.43) and 0.17 (0.01–0.41), in the derivation and external validation groups, respectively. Reference equations for lung volume and attenuation distribution (LAA% using -1,000–210 HU, Perc 1 to Perc 98) were generated: Lung volume (mL) = -1.015 *10^4+605.3*Sex (1= male, 0= female)+92.61*Height (cm) –12.99*Weight (kg) ±1766; LAA% (-950 HU)=[0.2027+0.05926*Sex (1= male, 0= female) –4.111*10^-3*Weight (kg) +4.924*10^-3*Height (cm) +8.504*10^-4*Age]^7.341–0.05; Upper limit of normal range: [0.2027+0.05926*Sex-4.111*10^-3*Weight+4.924*10^-3*Height+8.504*10^-4*Age+0.1993]^7.341–0.05. Conclusion: This large population-based retrospective study demonstrated the normal range of LAA%, Perc n, and total lung volume measured on CT scans among subjects with normal lung function and CT findings. Reference equations are provided.
Pulmonary deregulation of expression of miR-155 and two of its putative target genes; PROS1 and TP53INP1 associated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) administration in rat

Background: Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been considered as an ideal candidate in various biomedical applications due to their ease of tailoring into different size, shape, and decorations with different functionalities. The current study was conducted to investigate the epigenetic alteration in the lung in response to AuNPs administration regarding microRNA-155 (miR-155) gene which can be involved in AuNP-induced lung pathogenesis. Methods: Thirty-two Wister rats were divided into two equal groups, control group and AuNPs treated group which received a single intravenous (IV) injection of plain spherical AuNPs (0.015 mg/kg body wt) with an average diameter size of 25±3 nm. Lung samples were collected from both the control and injected groups at one day, one week, one month and two months post-injection. The alteration of relative expression of miR-155 gene and two of its putative target genes; tumor protein 53 inducible nuclear protein 1 (TP53INP1) and protein S (PROS1) was investigated by real time PCR and protein S (PS) expression was analyzed by Western blotting technique. Results: The obtained results revealed that AuNPs administration significantly increases the expression level of miR-155 and reduce relative mRNA expression of TP53INP1 and PROS1 genes at one day post-injection. In contrast, a significant down-regulation of miR-155 level of expression concurrent with up-regulation of expression level of TP53INP1 and PROS1 genes were shown at one week, one month and two months post-injection. PS levels were mirrored to their PROS1 mRNA levels except for two month post-injection time point. Conclusions: These findings indicate epigenetic modulation in the lung in response to AuNPs administration regarding the miR-155 gene which can be involved in AuNP-induced lung pathogenesis.
Increased frequency of urine drug testing in chronic opioid therapy: rationale for strategies for enhancing patient adherence and safety

Objective To determine the average amount of time required to detect opioid aberrancy based upon varying frequencies of urine drug testing (UDT) in a community-based, tertiary care pain management center. Subjects This study was a retrospective analysis of 513 consecutive patients enrolled in a medication management program, receiving chronic opioid therapy between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018. Methods Data were extracted from medical records including age at start of the study period, sex, ethnicity, marital status, and smoking status. UDT was performed at each prescribing visit via semi-quantitative immunoassay, and at the discretion of the clinician, a sample was sent for external confirmation using gas chromatography or mass spectrometry testing to clarify questions of inconsistency with patients’ reports or prescribed medications. For purposes of the study, “opioid aberrancy” was defined through inconsistent UDT. Results One hundred and fifteen patients (22.4%) had at least one inconsistent UDT during the study period, and 160 (2.8%) of all UDTs were inconsistent. At this rate of inconsistency, it was determined that with monthly screening, it would require up to 36 months to detect a single aberrancy, and semi-annual testing would require as long as 216 months to detect an aberrancy. Conclusions More frequent UDT can be helpful in terms of earlier detection of opioid aberrancy. This has significant implications for helping avoid misuse, overdose, and potential diversion. Furthermore, early detection will ideally result in earlier implementation of treatment of the emotional and behavioral factors causing aberrancy. Such early intervention is more likely to be successful in terms of reducing substance misuse in a chronic pain population, providing a higher degree of patient adherence and safety, as well as producing superior overall patient outcomes. Finally, economic benefits may include substantial savings through avoidance of the necessity for drug rehabilitation and the empirically established higher costs of treating opioid misuse comorbidities.