Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Socio-economic status and women empowerment in rural Tanzania: a case of onion value-chain in Simanjiro district

This paper explores the linkage between women socio-economic status and their empowerment. A total of 402 women completed a household questionnaire, which was supplemented with focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Principal Component Analysis (PCA), using SPSS version 16, was applied to the socio-economic data to obtain an index as a proxy for household socio-economic status. A composite women empowerment index was constructed to gauge women empowerment in different spheres, and F-test was used to compare the relationship between women’s socio-economic status and their empowerment. It was found that many respondents were categorized into low to medium levels of empowerment. Relatively, high levels of empowerment were found in aspects of household economic consultation, freedom of movement and political autonomy. Asset ownership and housing conditions revealed that the poorest were below average in most of the items or services in which the better-off had access or possessed. The relationship between socio-economic status and women empowerment was statistically significant (P<0.05), implying that efforts to improve women's wellbeing that focus on income and asset accumulation have the potential to empower women. Therefore the government, nongovernmental organisations and development programmes espousing to empower women should improve their approach to ensure the poorest also gain opportunities to participate in onion value-chains and in other development interventions.
Global Distillation in an Era of Climate Change

When a chemical enters the natural environment it undergoes change by several processes. It can be transported by the movement of the sector of the environment it enters, for example ocean currents and atmospheric movements, to a different geographical location. In addition as it is transported it is usually diluted so that its concentration is reduced. Chemical degradation processes take place which result in the production of more polar and water soluble products and leaving residual initial chemical. As all of these processes occur there is a distribution of the chemical between the phases in the environment. These processes have been described in a series of papers and books by Mackay as reported in Mackay et al (2009). The processes shown in Figure 1 illustrate the basic processes involved in the partitioning of a chemical into phases in the environment. All of the processes shown involve two phases and movement backwards and forwards of the chemical and thus can be characterised by a partition coefficient. The partition coefficient is the ratio of the chemical in the two phases at equilibrium and isoften represented by the symbol, K. Thus the air – water partition coefficient is represented by KAW and is better known as the dimensionless Henrys Law constant (Shiu and Mackay, 1986), the fish – water partition coefficient is KB, (Connell, 1990) the sediment – water coefficient is KD (Gobas and Maclean, 2003) and the other partition processes can be represented in a similar way. It is of interest to note that as a result of these partition processes a chemical can occur in very low concentrations in the atmosphere, low concentration in water but relatively high concentrations in fish and other aquatic biota. Most of these partition coefficients can be calculated from partition values arrived at by laboratory measurements. For example the Henrys Law constant and the octanol – water partition coefficient, KOW , can be measured in the laboratory. The KOW can be used to calculate the fish – water partition coefficient, KB value and also the KD value and is extensively used to model chemical partitions in the environment. The octanol – air partition coefficient, KOA, can be calculated or measured in the laboratory and can be used to evaluate the partitioning of a chemical into organisms as a result of concentrations in the atmosphere. The Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are a group of mainly chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides and dioxins which are often reported to undergo global distillation (Fernandez and Grimalt, 2003). These substances undergo the partition processes illustrated diagrammatically in Figure 1. However if they are discharged to the environment in the warmer zones of the planet a proportion will partition into the atmospheric phase according to the partition coefficient at that temperature. Movement in the atmosphere through winds
Understanding shopping behavior of customers using transactional data

Digital technologies allow us to trace human behaviors by generating large amounts of data. In this study a private Turkish bank data containing 60 thousand customers and 2 million credit card transactions are used to analyze the shopping behaviors of individuals. Even though we are in an age of growing online shopping, people still prefer to visit shopping malls, or the stores placed in high streets to experience shopping. They usually make their shopping place decisions according to store variety, accessibility, comfort, and social aspects. In this study, we investigate people’s variety seeking behavior in the context of shopping malls and shopping categories to assess their shopping experience. We use K-means clustering algorithm to distinguish between customers’ shopping behaviors by using the behavioral features we extract from their credit card spending. In addition, we propose a method to assign individuals to one of the segments by measuring the demographic property similarity with segments. Our results indicate that there is an association between demographic properties and shopping behavior. The findings also suggest that females are more likely to search for variety of shopping malls and categories, and hence perceive shopping as an entertaining and social activity, whereas men prefer to shop in particular shopping malls for need-driven purchases indicating that they do not wish to lose time and energy for shopping. We hope that our research will guide the marketers to communicate the right group of customers with the right strategy.
Atriopeptin inhibits stimulated secretion of adrenocorticotropin in rats: evidence for a pituitary site of action.

The aim of this study was to resolve previous controversies regarding the effect of atriopeptin on the secretion of ACTH in vivo. Male Wistar rats were used throughout. The animals were subjected to lesioning of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) or sham operation and implanted with indwelling jugular cannulae 5 days later for blood sampling and drug infusion. Two days after the insertion of the cannulae the animals were treated with saline or 103-126 amino acid residue atriopeptin iv: a bolus injection was given (200 or 40 pmol/rat) followed by an infusion (40 or 8 pmol/min) which was maintained for the entire duration of the experiment (70 min). Ten minutes after the bolus of atriopeptin the animals received iv a combination of 1 pmol 41-residue CRF and 10 pmol arginine vasopressin (CRF/AVP) to stimulate ACTH secretion. Serial blood samples (0.1 ml) were obtained at -10 min and immediately before the injection of CRF/AVP and at 5, 10, 20, 30, and 60 min afterwards. Plasma ACTH concentration was measured by RIA. In sham-operated rats CRF/AVP caused a 4-fold increase in plasma ACTH which peaked at 5 min and returned to baseline by 60 min. In sham-operated rats the higher dose of atriopeptin (200 pmol bolus, 40 pmol/min infusion) did not alter the effect of the stimulus between 5 and 30 min, and augmented plasma ACTH at 60 min. The smaller dose of atriopeptin reduced plasma ACTH at 10 and 20 min by 54% and 48%, respectively, and also decreased by 48% the net amount of ACTH released over 30 min in response to CRF/AVP. When given alone, the higher dose of atriopeptin caused a persistent (60 min) 10-13% reduction of mean arterial blood pressure, while the lower dose decreased blood pressure by about 9% for less than 10 min. In parallel, the higher dose of atriopeptin increased plasma ACTH concentration while the lower dose produced no change. In PVN-lesioned rats the CRF/AVP induced ACTH response was similar to that seen in sham-operated controls. Only the higher dose of atriopeptin was tested, and this markedly reduced CRF/AVP stimulated ACTH secretion at 5-60 min after CRF/AVP. Given alone, atriopeptin had no marked effect on plasma ACTH in PVN-lesioned rats, while its hypotensive action was similar to that in sham-operated animals. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Social networks and risk taking: Evidence from corporate control activities

This paper investigates the impact of social ties between the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and board members on corporate risk-taking in mergers and acquisitions (M&As) and on shareholder value. Using a measure of CEO-director connections in a large sample of U.S. firms from 2000 to 2010, we document that boardroom connections lower firm acquisitiveness. If connected CEOs undertake M&As, they are less likely to choose focus acquisitions, and more likely to pay in stock. CEO-board connections do not enhance firm value in M&As. Higher levels of boardroom connection are associated with lower announcement returns and lower subsequent return on assets. Our results are robust to alternative explanations and various robustness checks.
Clinical proton MR spectroscopy of neurodegenerative disease in childhood.

PURPOSE To determine the contribution of MR spectroscopy in the assessment of childhood neurodegenerative disease. METHODS Fifty-one subjects (7 weeks to 17 years of age), 22 with either hereditary (n = 16) or acquired (n = 6) neurodegenerative disorders and 29 age-matched control subjects, were studied with combined proton MR spectroscopy and MR imaging. Single-voxel (2.0-8.0 cc) MR spectra were acquired at 1.5 T, with either short-echo-stimulated echoes and/or long-echo spin echoes. RESULTS MR spectra exhibited signals from n-acetyl-, creatine-, and choline-containing compounds, neurotransmitters (glutamate), intracellular mediators (inositols), and glycolytic products (lactate). Abnormal MR spectra in neurodegenerative disorders reflected: demyelination, neuronal loss, and gliosis (increased mobile lipid presence and reduction of n-acetylaspartate to choline); metabolic acidosis (lactate accumulation); and neurotransmitter neurotoxicity (increased glutamate, glutamine, and inositols). CONCLUSION Proton MR spectroscopy may complement MR imaging in diagnostic assessment and therapeutic monitoring of neurodegenerative disorders.
Distribution of heparinase covalently immobilized to agarose: Experimental and theoretical studies

An immobilized enzyme reactor has been developed to remove heparin, the anticoagulant that is required in all extracorporeal devices for patients undergoing open‐heart surgery or kidney dialysis. The device uses the enzyme heparinase (EC 4.2.2.7), which is covalently linked to agarose with cyanogen bromide. A critical parameter in the development of a model for the degradation of heparin catalyzed by immobilized heparinase is the radial concentration profile of the enzyme within the agarose matrix. Experimental determinations of bound enzyme con centrations have been conducted previously for several enzyme systems using radioactive or fluorescent labels. For the development of the heparinase reactor it is necessary to use catalytically but not electrophoretically pure enzyme, and thus it is not possible to use the labeling techniques. To obtain information about the bound enzyme distribution, an experimental study of the intrinsic binding kinetics of heparinase to cyanogen bromide‐activated agarose was conducted. The binding reaction was studied as a function of both the concentration of heparinase and the gel‐reactive group. At conditions of functional group excess, the binding kinetics were pseudo first order in heparinase concentration with a rate constant equal to 0.12 Ccn (h−1), where Ccn is the gel‐reactive group concentration. The reactive group concentration remained constant within the 2–4‐h experiments. Competitive binding between heparinase and the protein contaminants was unimportant. A model was formulated for the immobilization procedure based on the diffusion of heparinase within the porous network and the binding kinetics as determined above. The model predicted the immobilization of heparinase to be kinetically controlled and the enzyme to distribute uniformly within the agarose matrix. These experimental techniques could be applied to predict the immobilized enzyme distribution for different enzyme systems that are not electrophoretically pure.
Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia associated with trisomy 21 demonstrates a distinct immunophenotype

Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL) is a rare form of acute myeloid leukemia that encompasses three distinct subgroups: children with Down syndrome (DS‐AMKL), children without DS (non‐DS‐AMKL), and adults (adult‐AMKL). We hypothesize that the biological differences in the subtypes of AMKL may be reflected in distinct immunophenotypic (IP) features. Our aims were to employ mutiparameter flow cytometry to establish a comprehensive IP spectrum of AMKL in multiple demographic groups and to determine whether the subtypes of AMKL demonstrate distinct immunophenotypes.
Different Adjuvants Induce Common Innate Pathways That Are Associated with Enhanced Adaptive Responses against a Model Antigen in Humans

To elucidate the role of innate responses in vaccine immunogenicity, we compared early responses to hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) combined with different Adjuvant Systems (AS) in healthy HBV-naïve adults, and included these parameters in multi-parametric models of adaptive responses. A total of 291 participants aged 18–45 years were randomized 1:1:1:1:1 to receive HBsAg with AS01B, AS01E, AS03, AS04, or Alum/Al(OH)3 at days 0 and 30 (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00805389). Blood protein, cellular, and mRNA innate responses were assessed at early time-points and up to 7 days after vaccination, and used with reactogenicity symptoms in linear regression analyses evaluating their correlation with HBs-specific CD4+ T-cell and antibody responses at day 44. All AS induced transient innate responses, including interleukin (IL)-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP), mostly peaking at 24 h post-vaccination and subsiding to baseline within 1–3 days. After the second but not the first injection, median interferon (IFN)-γ levels were increased in the AS01B group, and IFN-γ-inducible protein-10 levels and IFN-inducible genes upregulated in the AS01 and AS03 groups. No distinct marker or signature was specific to one particular AS. Innate profiles were comparable between AS01B, AS01E, and AS03 groups, and between AS04 and Alum groups. AS group rankings within adaptive and innate response levels and reactogenicity prevalence were similar (AS01B ≥ AS01E > AS03 > AS04 > Alum), suggesting an association between magnitudes of inflammatory and vaccine responses. Modeling revealed associations between adaptive responses and specific traits of the innate response post-dose 2 (activation of the IFN-signaling pathway, CRP and IL-6 responses). In conclusion, the ability of AS01 and AS03 to enhance adaptive responses to co-administered HBsAg is likely linked to their capacity to activate innate immunity, particularly the IFN-signaling pathway.
Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) and rural poverty reduction in the Eastern Cape Province South Africa: a case of Amathole Rural District

iv Abbreviations And Acronyms.vi CHAPTER 1 . 1 OVERVIEW AND BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY . 1 1.0 Introduction and Background . 1 1.1 Statement of problem . 4 1.2 Objectives . 5 1.3 Significance of Study . 6 1.4 Organisation of the Study . 6 CHAPTER 2 . 8 MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS AND RURAL POVERTY: A CONCEPTUAL AND THEORETICAL OVERVIEW . 8 2.0 Introduction . 8 2.1 Microfinance . 8
Muscle ultrasonography for detecting fasciculations in frontotemporal dementia

Abstract Ultrasound detection of muscle fasciculations was recently proposed for assessing lower motor neuron (LMN) dysfunction in ALS patients. Given the continuum between ALS and frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), the aim of the present study was to evaluate muscle ultrasound (MUS) in FTD both for feasibility and prevalence of fasciculations. Twenty-two FTD patients were examined (five muscles bilaterally: biceps brachii, first dorsalis interosseous, T10 paraspinalis, vastus lateralis, tibialis anterior) with a 7-MHz linear array transducer and a fasciculation score (FS) computed. Twenty-two matched cognitively-intact control subjects and six ALS patients were also included. Results showed that MUS was feasible, reliable and well tolerated in all subjects. Two FTD/MND patients displayed very high FS values, similar to those in ALS patients. The remaining 20 FTD patients displayed a mean FS value significantly higher than the control group with six patients (30%) having FS values out of the range of controls. Disease progression rate correlated with the FS. In conclusion, MUS can be easily applied to FTD patients and represents a non-invasive technique for defining LMN involvement in these patients. LMN dysfunction is a frequent condition in FTD and might identify a subset of patients with a different clinical course.
PENGARUH EPS,ROE, DAN STRUKTUR KEPEMILIKAN INSTITUSIONAL SAHAM TERHADAP HARGA SAHAM (Studi Pada PERUSAHAAN ROKOK yang LISTING di BEI TAHUN 2005-2011)

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui apakah earning per share (EPS), return on equity (ROE) dan kepemilikan institusional berpengaruh terhadap harga saham perusahaan rokok yang listing di BEI periode 2005-2011. Sampel penelitian diambil secara purposive sampling. Model analisis data yang digunakan adalah analisis regresi linier berganda. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa hanya ada satu variabel bebas yang berpengaruh signifikan, yaitu variabel EPS. Hasil regresi secara keseluruhan square sebesar 0,862 yang berarti bahwa pengaruh variabelearning per share (EPS), return on equity (ROE) dan kepemilikan institusional terhadap harga saham sebesar 86,2%.
IPO’s Underpricing: Trends, Determinants and Role of Underwriters

In this study, we examine the trends of the initial public offering (IPO) market, a relationship between the composition of underwriters and size of firms and determinants of underpricing in small, medium and large firms. The sample data period is from November 2003 to March 2018. We have found that large firms have been deploying book-running lead managers (BRLMs) twice as much as in medium and small firms. Similarly, the total number of underwriters in IPOs of large firms are found to be more than small and medium size IPOs. However, uses of syndicate services do not seem to have much difference among all categories of the firms. The IPOs are growing in terms of number of IPOs, size of IPOs (fund raised) and the average size of IPOs. Offer subscription has been found to be a common determinant to explain underpricing across the categories. It can be concluded that advertisement seems to reduce information asymmetry in a large market but does the opposite in a medium-sized market. Age of public firms can reduce the information asymmetry, but statistical shreds of evidence have been found only in case of large-sized firms. For medium-sized firms, BRLMs can help to reduce information asymmetry and consequently have low underpriced IPO offer.
Online Consumer Choice: Footwear Design and Visual Presentation

There has been scant empirical research devoted to footwear. The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of how female consumers search, select and evaluate footwear. A mixed-research approach was employed for this study. A questionnaire survey and semi-structured interview were conducted with 21 female students, including the five participants who took part in the eye-tracking study. A total of six different pairs of shoes were selected for the investigation of eye-tracking process. According to the results of this study, fit and comfort are the two most important factors for footwear evaluation. This study also indicated that fit, comfort and style are closely related. Many participants did not feel comfortable purchasing shoes online without trying them on. The results of eye-tracking study indicated that majority of the participants spent more time viewing the top, side and toe of the shoes rather than the back and ankle.
A 2-year follow-up study of patients participating in our transcranial pulsating electromagnetic fields augmentation in treatment-resistant depression

Objective We have made a 2-year follow-up study to evaluate the effect of repeated transcranial pulsating electromagnetic fields (T-PEMF) augmentation in patients who had achieved remission but later on relapsed, as well as to identify factors contributing to treatment-resistant depression in patients who did not respond to T-PEMF. Methods Using the Longitudinal Expert Assessment of All Data approach the patients were classified in four groups: A: patients who achieved remission; B: patients with doubtful effect; C: patients with no effect; and D: patients who were hard-to-assess. Results In group A, comprising 27 patients, 13 had relapsed; they obtained a clear remission after a repeated course of T-PEMF augmentation. In group D, comprising 16 patients, we identified misdiagnostic factors both concerning the event of remission after the previous T-PEMF augmentation and concerning the aetiology (psychosocial stressors and co-morbid conditions). Compared with the other groups, the group D patients had a smaller number of previous episodes (p=0.09) and a longer duration of the current episode (p=0.01). Conclusion T-PEMF has an effect among patients who relapsed after remission with the first series of T-PEMF. Treatment-resistant depression is a condition that has a high degree of multivariate problems. Misuse of alcohol or drugs, severe somatic disorders and other psychosocial problems may need other kinds of treatment before T-PEMF augmentation.
Die stone disinfection: incorporation of sodium hypochlorite.

PURPOSE Previous research has shown that dental gypsum casts may be effectively disinfected by the substitution of 10% of the gauging water with 5.25% solution of sodium hypochlorite. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the properties of gypsum produced from such a solution as opposed to tap water alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS Tests included setting time, compressive strength, rigidity, diametral tensile strength, setting expansion, hardness, and detail reproduction. RESULTS The addition of sodium hypochlorite to the gauging water resulted in a statistically significant increase in the compressive strength and rigidity, and a decrease in setting time (p < or = .5). All other properties remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS This substitution may be an effective and convenient method of disinfecting gypsum casts in the laboratory without adversely effecting physical and mechanical properties.