Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
E-service usage and satisfaction in Botswana

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to establish the level of usage of e-services (websites and e-mail) by Botswana Public Officers Medical Aid Scheme (BPOMAS) and PULA Medical Aid (PULA) customers; the level of satisfaction; perceived value; and benefits derived from the website and e-mail services. Design/methodology/approach In total, 200 BPOMAS members and 100 PULA members were sampled. Systematic sampling technique was used to select the participants. A questionnaire mainly guided by the E-S-QUAL and E-RecS-QUAL scales was designed to gain an in-depth understanding of customers’ perceptions and experiences of e-service quality. Findings It was established that there is a positive and significant relationship between the usage of e-services and benefits derived from e-services and between the usage of e-services and satisfaction. In addition, a nexus of relationship was observed between perceived value of the e-services and satisfaction. Research limitations/implications The management of healthcare services in Botswana needs to understand customers’ value perceptions of e-services and e-service quality in order to establish where to make the most of their efforts. Practical implications The managers of healthcare insurance providers should consider stepping up e-service usage and satisfaction levels, supported by client-centred training programmes, to assist clinicians deliver care to the expectation of patients. Originality/value There is an acute lack of research in the Botswana context, particularly into the link between e-service usage and satisfaction in the health insurance industry. This paper contributes to the extant literature by elucidating the nexus of relationship between e-service usage and satisfaction in Botswana.
Political board’s contribution to strategic management: a case study

ABSTRACT This study examines the support, control and strategic functions of an executive hospital political board from the perspective of how institutionalised internal procedures influence board functions. Board members and leading hospital managers were interviewed about politicians’ ways of working, managers’ preparation of decision issues and board work under the presidency model. The politicians strengthened the decision-making processes by requesting additional supporting documents, and by defending the hospital from public criticism. However, the board exercises weak strategic and control functions; it absorbs the responsibilities of the hospital managers and the upper political levels as it reaffirms its executive authority. Nonetheless, the study suggests that abolishing or replacing the board with a non-political board may not improve organisational governance. The study gives insights in politicians’ contribution to strategic public management, an aspect lacking in existing literature.
Methylphenidate effects on task-switching performance in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

OBJECTIVE To examine the specificity of methylphenidate effects on the processes that support the ability to rapidly and accurately coordinate the performance of multiple tasks in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHOD Twenty children with ADHD performed the task-switching paradigm while on and off medication. The paradigm involves switching between two different tasks, discriminating the value of a number presented on a computer screen and deciding how many numbers were present on the screen. The children also performed single-task control conditions. RESULTS Analyses of variance indicated the medication selectively enhanced the children's ability to rapidly and accurately switch between tasks and to focus attention on the currently relevant response set. CONCLUSIONS This study helps to elucidate the nature of methylphenidate effects on the cognitive processes which support the ability to coordinate the performance of multiple tasks. Medication appears to selectively enhance inhibitory processes which support task-switching.
Characteristics of human NK clones: target specificity and phenotype.

Clones derived from purified human large granular lymphocytes (LGL) of three different donors were expanded in culture medium supplemented with interleukin 2 (IL 2). Their cytotoxic activity was tested in a 51Cr-release cytotoxicity assay against a panel of three to five NK-susceptible tumor cell lines. Of 196 LGL clones tested, only 44 (22.4%) displayed significant cytotoxic activity. A heterogeneous pattern of reactivity was seen; 26 clones (59%) killed all the targets within the panel tested, whereas 18 clones (41%) had a more restricted specificity. Among these 18 clones, 12 lysed only one target (K562, six clones; ADCC, three clones; Daudi, two clones; MOLT-4, one clone), whereas the other six killed two different targets (ADCC and A1ab, one clone; K562 and MOLT-4, five clones). Clones derived from LGL preselected for positive reactivity with the monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) alpha OKM1, alpha OKT10 and alpha B73.1 also demonstrated either broad or restricted patterns of cytotoxicity. The LGL reactive with MoAb alpha B73.1 gave a high percentage of cytotoxic clones. Phenotype analysis showed that clones could express both antigens associated with T cells (i.e., OKT3, OKT4, and OKT8) and antigens shared by LGL (i.e., OKM1, OKT10, and B73.1). The pattern of surface markers varied considerably among the clones; however, no clear correlation between the pattern of antigenic phenotype and cytotoxic activity was seen. These data show that clones derives from purified preparations of LGL present different functional and antigenic characteristics, and support the hypothesis that the heterogeneity of the entire NK population is attributable, at least in part, to a mixture of clones that vary substantially in their target specificities and phenotypes.
Neocortical ectopias are associated with attenuated neurophysiological responses to rapidly changing auditory stimuli

Developmental dyslexia has been separately associated with the presence of ectopic collections of neurons in layer I of neocortex (ectopias) and with alterations in processing rapidly changing stimuli. We have used BXSB/MpJ-Yaa mice, some of which have neocortical ectopias, to directly test the hypothesis that ectopias may alter auditory processing. Auditory event related potentials (AERPs) were elicited by pairs of 10.5 kHz tones separated by silence, 0.99 kHz, or 5.6 kHz tones of variable duration. Half of the mice tested had 1–3 ectopias in frontal or parietal cortex, and half had no ectopias. Mice with ectopias showed a reduced response to the second 10.5 kHz stimuli only when it was preceded by short duration 5.6 kHz tones. These results indicate that BXSB mice are an excellent model for determining how focal neocortical anomalies alter sensory processing.
The Impact of Exchange Rate Dynamics on Agricultural Output Performance in Nigeria

Abstract The study investigated the possible asymmetric effect of real exchange rate dynamics on agricultural output performance in Nigeria over the period of 1981 to 2016 by collecting data from secondary sources. The study employed a combination of stationary and nonstationary variables as was found out through the ADF unit root test. Based on the Bounds test for cointegration, a long-run relationship was absent between real exchange rate and agricultural output, irrespective of specifications. Generally, the result of model estimation showed that the significant drivers of agricultural output are real exchange rate (log-levels), real appreciation and depreciation (after some lags), industrial capacity utilization rate, and government expenditure on agriculture (after some lags). ACGSF loan exerted positive and insignificant influence on agricultural output. In addition, though the effect of real appreciation was larger than that of real depreciation, the present study could not find any evidence in support of the asymmetric effect of real exchange rate dynamics on agricultural output performance in the Nigerian economy. It is therefore suggested that fiscal and monetary authorities in Nigeria should work in unison at ensuring that the full potentials of the agricultural sector are harnessed for the growth and development of the country.
Induction of quinone reductase by tamoxifen or DPN protects against mammary tumorigenesis

We have previously shown that estrogen receptor β (ERβ)‐mediated up‐regulation of quinone reductase (QR) is involved in the protection against estrogen‐induced mammary tumorigenesis. Our present study provides evidence that the ERβ agonist, 2,3‐bis‐(4‐hydroxy‐phenyl)‐propionitrile (DPN), and the selective estrogen receptor modulator tamoxifen (Tam), inhibit estrogen‐induced DNA damage and mammary tumorigenesis in the aromatase transgenic (Arom) mouse model. We also show that either DPN or Tam treatment increases QR levels and results in a decrease in ductal hyperplasia, proliferation, oxidative DNA damage (ODD), and an increase in apoptosis. To corroborate the role of QR, we provide additional evidence in triple transgenic MMTV/QR/Arom mice, wherein the QR expression is induced in the mammary glands via doxycycline, causing a decrease in ductal hyperplasia and ODD. Overall, we provide evidence that up‐regulation of QR through induction by Tam or DPN can inhibit estrogen‐induced ODD and mammary cell tumorigenesis, representing a novel mechanism of prevention against breast cancer. Thus, our data have important clinical implications in the management of breast cancer; our findings bring forth potentially new therapeutic strategies involving ERβ agonists. —Krishnamurthy, N. , Hu, Y. , Siedlak, S. , Doughman, Y. Q. , Watanabe, M. , Montano, M. M. Induction of quinone reductase by tamoxifen or DPN protects against mammary tumorigenesis. FASEB J. 26, 3993–4002 (2012). www.fasebj. org
Modular domain structure in the Candida glabrata adhesin Epa1p, a β1,6 glucan‐cross‐linked cell wall protein

The yeast pathogen Candida glabrata adheres avidly to cultured human epithelial cells. This interaction depends on the expression of EPA1, which encodes a lectin belonging to a large family of GPI‐anchored glucan‐cross‐linked cell wall proteins (GPI‐CWPs) found in diverse fungal species. To understand the relationship between different domains of EPA1 and its function, we have mapped functional domains of Epa1p and analysed their contribution to Epa1p function. We found that the N‐terminal third of the protein contains the ligand‐binding domain, and that the GPI anchor is essential both for cross‐linking in the cell wall and for Epa1p‐mediated adherence. We also found that the C‐terminal Ser/Thr‐rich domain, characteristic of many GPI‐CWPs, was absolutely essential for function. Although Epa1p derivatives lacking the Ser/Thr domain were expressed abundantly in the cell wall, they were localized to internal layers of the cell wall; such constructs were unable to mediate adherence. The outer layer of the yeast cell wall is known to act as a permeability barrier; we found that the C‐terminal Ser/Thr‐rich region was absolutely required to project the N‐terminal domain of Epa1p through this permeability barrier and into the external environment. Thus, the Ser/Thr‐rich domain of Epa1p and, presumably, of other related GPI‐CWPs serves an essential structural role in localization of the protein at the external surface of the yeast cell where it can interact with its ligand. In conclusion, Epa1p has a modular structure, with each domain serving a distinct and essential role in the function of the adhesin.
Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the essential oil of Juniperus phoenicea L. berries

This study is designed to examine the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the essential oil of Juniperus phoenicea L. ripe and unripe berries. GC and GC/MS analyses resulted in the detection of 42 components representing approximately 96.50–99.57% of the oils. Major components of the oils were α-pinene (58.61–77.39%), camphene (0.67–9.31%), δ-3-carene (0–10.01%) and trans-verbenol (0–5.24%). Antioxidant activities were determined by two different test systems, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities. In both systems ripe berries exhibited better activity potential than the unripe ones.
Labor Demand Shocks and Housing Prices Across the Us: Does One Size Fit All?

This paper examines whether effects of labor demand shocks on housing prices vary across time and space. Using data on 321 US metropolitan statistical areas, we estimate the medium- and long-run effects of increases in metropolitan statistical area-level employment and total labor income on housing prices. Instrumental variable estimates for different time periods, and also for coastal, non-coastal, large, and small metropolitan statistical areas are obtained using the shift-share instrument. Results suggest that labor demand shocks have positive effects on housing prices. However, these effects appear to vary across time periods and across different types of metropolitan statistical areas.
Beauty and Academic Career

We examine the impact of beauty on the academic career success of tenure-track accounting professors at top business schools in America, and show that beauty plays a significant role. Specifically, after controlling for gender, ethnicity, publication history, work experience, and quality of alma mater, more attractive professors obtain better first school placements post-PhD and are granted tenure in a shorter period of time. These findings are broadly consistent with behavioural theory which predicts that facial attractiveness irrationally affects the perception of performance characteristics. Interestingly, there is no incremental benefit of attractiveness for the career progression from associate to full professor. This finding is consistent with the notion that the role played by beauty in promotion diminishes when the individual’s ability and competency become apparent over time.
Predictors of Language Gains Among School-Age Children With Language Impairment in the Public Schools.

Purpose This study aimed to identify child-level characteristics that predict gains in language skills for children with language impairment who were receiving therapy within the public schools. The therapy provided represented business-as-usual speech/language treatment provided by speech-language pathologists in the public schools. Method The sample included 272 kindergartners and first-graders with language impairment who participated in a larger study titled "Speech-Therapy Experiences in the Public Schools. " Multilevel regression analyses were applied to examine the extent to which select child-level characteristics, including age, nonverbal cognition, memory, phonological awareness, vocabulary, behavior problems, and self-regulation, predicted children's language gains over an academic year. Pratt indices were computed to establish the relative importance of the predictors of interest. Results Phonological awareness and vocabulary skill related to greater gains in language skills, and together they accounted for nearly 70% of the explained variance, or 10% of total variance at child level. Externalizing behavior, nonverbal cognition, and age were also potentially important predictors of language gains. Conclusions This study significantly advances our understanding of the characteristics of children that may contribute to their language gains while receiving therapy in the public schools. Researchers can explore how these characteristics may serve to moderate treatment outcomes, whereas clinicians can assess how these characteristics may factor into understanding treatment responses.
Does Crop Insurance Really Reassure Farmers? A Puzzle and its Explanations Based on Field Data

We find a puzzling situation that risk-averse farmers have lower demand for crop insurance in the Philippines corn insurance market, and thus, provide possible reasons based on theoretical models and empirical evidence. In the theoretical framework, different from other insurance models with basis risk, we adopt a convenient way of representing agents’ risk averseness, so an explicit condition can be derived for the relationship between risk averseness and insurance demand. Then, the implication of insurance models with basis risk is tested using survey data collected from corn producers in the Philippines. We find that farmers make insurance purchase decisions based on the perceived basis risk not the actual one. The implications of this finding are also discussed.
Increased cavernosal relaxations in sickle cell mice priapism are associated with alterations in the NO-cGMP signaling pathway.

INTRODUCTION Priapism is defined as prolonged and persistent penile erection, unassociated with sexual interest or stimulation, and is one of the many serious complications associated with sickle cell disease (SCD). AIM The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the NO-cGMP signaling pathway in priapism in Berkeley murine model of SCD (SS). METHODS SS mice and C57BL/6 mice (control) penile tissues were removed and the erectile tissue within the corpus cavernosum (CC) was surgically dissected free. The strips were mounted in 10 mL organ baths containing Krebs solution at 37 degrees C (95% O(2), 5% CO(2), pH 7.4), and vertically suspended between two metal hooks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Cumulative concentration-response curves were constructed for acetylcholine (ACh; endothelium-dependent responses), sodium nitroprusside (SNP; endothelium-independent relaxations) and BAY 41-2272 (a potent activator of NO-independent site of soluble guanylate cyclase) in CC precontracted with phenylephrine. Cavernosal responses induced by frequency-dependent electrical field stimulation (EFS) were also carried out to evaluate the nitrergic cavernosal relaxations. RESULTS In SS mice, ACh-induced cavernosal relaxations were leftward shifted by 2.6-fold (P < 0.01) that was accompanied by increases in the maximal responses (78 +/- 5% and 60 +/- 3% in SS and C57B6/6J mice, respectively). Similarly, SNP- and BAY 41-2272-induced CC relaxations were leftward shifted by approximately 3.3- and 2.2-fold (P < 0.01) in SS mice, respectively. A significant increase in maximal responses to SNP and BAY 41-2272 in SS mice was also observed (113 +/- 6% and 124 +/- 5%, respectively) compared with C57B6/6J mice (83 +/- 4% and 99 +/- 2%, respectively). The EFS-induced cavernosal relaxations were also significantly higher SS mice. CONCLUSION These results showed that SS mice exhibit amplified corpus carvenosum relaxation response mediated by NO-cGMP signaling pathway. Intervention in this signaling pathway may be a potential therapeutic target to treat SCD priapism.
Evaluating the Potential Business Benefits of Ecodesign Implementation: A Logic Model Approach

The business benefits attained from ecodesign programs in manufacturing companies have been regularly documented by several studies from both the academic and corporate spheres. However, there are still significant challenges for adopting ecodesign, especially regarding the evaluation of these potential business benefits prior to the actual ecodesign implementation. To address such gap, this study proposes an exploratory and theory-driven framework based on logic models to support the development of business cases for ecodesign implementation. The objective is to offer an outlook into how ecodesign implementation can potentially affect key corporate performance outcomes. This paper is based on a three-stage research methodology with six steps. Two full systematic literature reviews were performed, along with two thematic analyses and a grounded theory approach with the aim of developing the business case framework, which was then evaluated by seven industry experts. This research contributes to the literature of ecodesign especially by laying out an ecodesign-instantiated logic model, which is readily available to be adapted and customized for further test and use in practice. Discussions on the usefulness and applicability of the framework and directions for future research are presented.
The relationship between depressive symptoms and walking among Hispanic older adults: A longitudinal, cross-lagged panel analysis

Objectives: This study examines the relationship between depressive symptoms and walking behavior across 30 months in a prospective study of 217 community-dwelling, Hispanic older adults in Miami, Florida (ages 70–100 years). Method: Analyses examine the direction of the relationship between depressive symptoms and physical activity (i.e., walking) over time, as well as test for a potential bi-directional or reciprocal relationship between these two variables. Results: Structural equation modeling (SEM) with a cross-lagged panel design revealed that walking was unrelated to subsequent depressive symptoms. However, depressive symptoms were related to subsequent walking behavior at every time-point, such that higher levels of depressive symptoms were predictive of less walking in the future. Older adults who had clinically-relevant depressive symptoms at the initial assessment had 1.34 times the risk of not walking 30 months later, compared to older adults without clinically-relevant depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Results support the need for primary care providers to evaluate and address depressive symptoms among older adults, as a means of reducing sedentary behavior and potentially improving health. Further research on the prevention and management of depressive symptoms and sedentary behavior is needed, given the morbidity related to both of these health risks, particularly for minority and low-socio-economic status (SES) older adults.
Detection of Haemophilus influenzae type b antigens in body fluids, using specific antibody-coated staphylococci

Protein A-rich staphylococci coated with Haemophilus influenzae type b antiserum agglutinate specifically with homologous bacterial cells or with cell-free supernatant fluids of cultures of the organism. Antibody-coated staphylococci were used to detect soluble antigens in body fluids of patients infected with H. influenzae type b. Cerebrospinal fluid from 36 cases of meningitis caused by this orgainsm showed positive coagglutination tests in 86% of patients prior to initiation of therapy. Antigens could be detected in 46% of sterile cerebrospinal fluid specimens obtained from the same cases 1 to 10 days after therapy. Soluble antigens were also detectable in sera (58%) and urine specimens (67%) of patients with H. influenzae type b septicemia, when such specimens were tested within 10 days of onset of illness. No antigen could be detected in body fluids beyond 10 days. The coagglutination test was positive in 57% of all body fluids examined; contercurrent immunoelectrophoresis (CCIE) was positive in only 27%. All specimens positive by CCIE were also positive by coagglutination. No false-positive reactions were noted by either test in body fluids from controls. The coagglutination test is simple, specific, and more sensitive than the CCIE method and could be a valuable tool for detecting antigens in body fluids of patients with various infections.