Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cross-sectoral co-financing : taking a multi-payer perspective in the financing and economic evaluation of structural HIV interventions

Background: Global HIV resource needs estimates are ever-increasing. There is growing interest in creating domestic fiscal space and prioritising the most cost-effective interventions. Concurrently, structural drivers and barriers are undermining the efficiency of HIV programmes to deliver on ambitious treatment and prevention targets. Yet, limited HIV resources are being channelled to interventions addressing these upstream factors. Conventional priority-setting and financing frameworks that only consider HIV outcomes and budgets, are further hampering investments in structural interventions that tend to be implemented in other sectors, for other objectives. Opportunities to factor in synergies with non-HIV investments tend to be missed, due to a lack of data on their multiple outcomes; the dominance of single outcome economic evaluation frameworks; and weak incentives for joint financing between sectors. The aim of this thesis is to develop and explore the application of a novel methodological approach for both fiscal space analysis and economic evaluation that considers multiple intervention benefits and multi-sectoral payers. Methods: The research uses a mixed methods approach, including case studies, econometric analysis, economic evaluation, and qualitative interviews, with data from selected countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Results: A ‘co-financing’ approach is developed for factoring non-HIV benefits and payers in HIV resource allocation. It is compared to other economic evaluation approaches, and to a unisectoral conceptualisation of cost-effectiveness thresholds. This approach is then used to explore the potential for creating fiscal space for HIV through co-financing of health system and broader development investments. Co-financing is also applied to the economic evaluation of a food support intervention for people initiating antiretroviral therapy. Finally, the institutional feasibility of adopting a co-financing framework in real-world HIV resource allocation is investigated from the perspective of policy-makers in Tanzania. Conclusion: Co-financing across sectors and budgets could optimise resource allocation and prevent welfare loss, but it will require strong cross-sectoral coordination and institutional incentives.
Nutritional evaluation of home‐prepared soy‐corn milk – a protein beverage

Freshly‐blanched soybean seeds, mixed with grains of freshly‐harvested green field maize were combined, in ratios of 5:1 (A), 4:1 (B), 3:1 (C); 2:1 (D), 1:0 (E) and 0:1 (F), to prepare soy‐corn milk. Dried flakes of soy‐corn milk were analysed for their in vitro digestibility (IVD) and assessed on the performance of rats fed with the test materials. Protein content of the blends increased with the increased amount of soybean in the blend. The IVD of Blend C (88 per cent) was superior to the IVD of all other test blends but was similar to that of casein (90 per cent). Highest weight gain, feed intake, estimated nitrogen intake, PER, BV and NPU were associated with Blend C, and values reported for this blend compared favourably with a casein diet. Implications of the results are discussed in terms of searching for a means of combating malnutrition.
The number of connected sparsely edged graphs. III. Asymptotic results

The number of connected graphs on n labeled points and q lines (no loops, no multiple lines) is f(n,q). In the first paper of this series I showed how to find an (increasingly complicated) exact formula for f(n,n+k) for general n and successive k. The method would give an asymptotic approximation to f(n,n+k) for any fixed k as n ∞. Here I find this approximation when k = o(n1/3), a much more difficult matter. The problem of finding an approximation to f(n,q) when q > n + Cn1/3 and (2 q/n) - log n - ∞ is open.
Drug use and drug markets in the context of political conflict: The case of Northern Ireland

The focus of this article addresses drug use and drug markets in Northern Ireland against the backdrop of the most recent Irish political conflict, e.g., 1969 to the present. Between 1969 and 1999, a total of 3289 individuals had died and more than 40 000 were injured as a result of the Northern Ireland political conflict. Extrapolating the data to Britain, comparable figures would reflect 111 000 fatalities and over one million injured (Hayes and McAllister, 2000). This paper describes how the nature of the Northern Ireland political conflict contributed to low levels of drug use in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1994, the cessation of military operations by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and subsequently by mainstream Loyalist organizations led to the possibility of widespread political and social change. Use of certain drugs, namely heroin, appeared to increase from the mid-1990s, although the effects of political conflict on drug use are less clear during the post-ceasefire era.
Household Catastrophic Health Expenditure: Evidence from Nigeria

This study examined the incidence and intensity of catastrophic health expenditure; and, its determinants among Nigerian households. Secondary data was drawn from the Nigeria - General Household Survey conducted between 2015 and 2016. The detailed information provided in the survey was used to classify households as not having or having catastrophic health expenditure using the methodology proposed by the World Health Organization in 2005. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression was applied across various thresholds. The results showed that the incidence and intensity of catastrophic health expenditure is high especially among households in the poorest quantile, households located in rural areas, female headed households, households with uneducated household heads, households with unemployed heads, and those without health insurance; but, it is lowest among households located in South West Nigeria. In addition, the risk of incurring catastrophic health expenditure reduced among households in the richest quantile, households headed by an employed person, households located in urban areas, households with no hospitalized member and households who utilized private hospitals. It is therefore important to establish financial and social intervention mechanisms that can protect households from incurring catastrophic health expenditure.
Transforming Growth Factor-β1-induced Expression of Smooth Muscle Marker Genes Involves Activation of PKN and p38 MAPK*

Differentiated vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) exhibit a work phenotype characterized by expression of several well documented contractile apparatus-associated proteins. However, SMCs retain the ability to de-differentiate into a proliferative phenotype, which is involved in the progression of vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and restenosis. Understanding the mechanisms involved in maintaining SMC differentiation is critical for preventing proliferation associated with vascular disease. In this study, the molecular mechanisms through which transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) induces differentiation of SMCs were examined. TGF-β1 stimulated actin re-organization, inhibited cell proliferation, and up-regulated SMC marker gene expression in PAC-1 SMCs. These effects were blocked by pretreatment of cells with either HA1077 or Y-27632, which inhibit the kinases downstream of RhoA. Moreover, TGF-β1 activated RhoA and its downstream target PKN. Overexpression of active PKN alone was sufficient to increase the transcriptional activity of the promoters that control expression of smooth muscle (SM) α-actin, SM-myosin heavy chain, and SM22α. In addition, PKN increased the activities of serum-response factor (SRF), GATA, and MEF2-dependent enhancer-reporters. RNA interference-mediated inhibition of PKN abolished TGF-β1-induced activation of SMC marker gene promoters. Finally, examination of MAPK signaling demonstrated that TGF-β1 increased the activity of p38 MAPK, which was required for activation of the SMC marker gene promoters. Co-expression of dominant negative p38 MAPK was sufficient to block PKN-mediated activation of the SMC marker gene promoters as well as the serum-response factor, GATA, and MEF2 enhancers. Taken together, these results identify components of an important intracellular signaling pathway through which TGF-β1 activates PKN to promote differentiation of SMCs.
Decentralization of Local Government and Rural Development in Rivers State, Nigeria

Decentralization of Local Government and Rural Development in Rivers State, Nigeria by Eddy B. Kaka MS, DePaul University, 2006 BA, DePaul University, 2004 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University February 2018 Abstract Rural communities in Rivers State, Nigeria are fraught with underdevelopment crises despite the accrual of wealth from oil and gas. Community Development Committees (CDCs) are established by the Rivers State government in each town and village to facilitate community development. However, the CDCs have failed to generateRural communities in Rivers State, Nigeria are fraught with underdevelopment crises despite the accrual of wealth from oil and gas. Community Development Committees (CDCs) are established by the Rivers State government in each town and village to facilitate community development. However, the CDCs have failed to generate substantive development in rural communities. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to investigate the perceptions of local stakeholders as to the factors that have contributed to this policy failure. Benet’s theory of polarities of democracy was used in this study. Twenty-two participants in the Khana region of Rivers State were interviewed regarding why the CDCs have failed to promote rural development in the Khana Local Government Area in Rivers State, Nigeria. Saldana’s method of coding and content analysis were used for data analysis. The results from the analysis revealed that CDCs protected personal and political interests of the elites, excluded the voice of the local citizens, lacked representation from the minority, and CDC officials mismanaged funds and resources. To improve the lives of the rural people in Rivers State, Nigeria, it was recommended that CDCs become more inclusive. Also, CDC leaders need to work closely with all local stakeholders so that each stakeholder and not just the elites of the community will benefit from CDC policies or programs. Implementation of these recommendations might bring about more social justice and equity in the local communities served by CDCs. They might also help to promote reasonable distribution of government wealth through the provision of viable projects in the rural communities in Rivers State, Nigeria. Decentralization of Local Government and Rural Development in Rivers State, Nigeria by Eddy B. Kaka MS, DePaul University, 2006 BA, DePaul University, 2004 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University February 2018
Risperidone versus clozapine in treatment-resistant chronic schizophrenia: a randomized double-blind study. The Risperidone Study Group.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare the short-term efficacy and safety of risperidone and clozapine in treatment-resistant chronic schizophrenic patients. METHOD In a controlled double-blind, multicenter study, 86 inpatients with chronic schizophrenia (DSM-III-R), who were resistant to or intolerant of conventional neuroleptics, were randomly assigned to receive risperidone or clozapine for 8 weeks after a 7-day washout period. After a 1-week dose-titration phase, doses were fixed at 6 mg/day of risperidone and 300 mg/day of clozapine for 1 week and then adjusted according to each patient's response. The final mean doses were 6.4 mg/day of risperidone and 291.2 mg/day of clozapine. Treatment efficacy and safety were evaluated with several well-known rating scales. RESULTS Both risperidone and clozapine significantly reduced the severity of psychotic symptoms (scores on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and the Clinical Global Impression scale) from baseline, with no significant between-group differences. At endpoint, 67% of the risperidone group and 65% of the clozapine group were clinically improved (reduction of 20% or more in total Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale score). Risperidone appeared to have a faster onset of action. In both groups extrapyramidal symptoms and other adverse events were few, and their severity was generally mild. Neither group showed evidence of a relation between drug plasma concentrations and clinical effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS Risperidone was well tolerated and as effective as medium doses of clozapine in patients with chronic schizophrenia who had been resistant to or intolerant of conventional neuroleptics.
Does Corporate Governance affect Earnings Quality: Preliminary Evidence from an Emerging Market

This study examines whether firm governance practices have an effect on accounting earnings quality in Bangladesh. Using a sample of 648 firm-year observations for the period of 2001 - 2006, the result suggests that corporate governance mechanisms provide greater monitoring of financial reporting and these mechanisms positively affect firm earnings quality. This knowledge could be used by the capital market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), to design mechanisms to constrain managers’ earnings management practices. This, in turn, would contribute towards development of an efficient stock market and thus protect investors’ interests.
Anthropometric characteristics of disabled and normal Indian men.

This paper describes a preliminary study of the anthropometric characteristics of disabled Indian men, undertaken in order to facilitate the design of mobility aids. Fourteen anthropometric measurements were made in 61 men with disabilities of the lower extremities caused by poliomyelitis or spinal cord injury, and in 140 normal men. The study reports reduced growth of the affected parts and also some acquired deformity in the upper limbs. Inter-correlations between the body dimensions were different in the disabled and normal groups.
Efficacy of air-abrasion technique and additional surface treatment at titanium/resin cement interface.

PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of surface treatments on the shear bond strength (SBS) of a resin cement to commercially pure titanium (CP Ti). MATERIALS AND METHODS Two hundred cast CP Ti disks were divided into 5 groups (n = 40), which were treated with one of the following air-abrasion techniques: (1) 50-µm Al2O3 particles; (2) 120-µm Al2O3 particles; (3) 250-µm Al2O3 particles; (4) 30-µm silica-modified Al2O3 particles (Cojet Sand); (5) 50-µm Al2O3 particles followed by 110-µm silica-modified Al2O3 particles (Rocatec Plus). For each air-abrasion technique, the following additional surface treatments were used (n = 10): (1) none; (2) adhesive Adper Single Bond 2; (3) silane RelyX Ceramic Primer; (4) silane plus adhesive. RelyX ARC resin cement was bonded to CP Ti surfaces. All specimens were thermocycled (5,000 cycles) before being tested in shear mode. Data (MPa) were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). Failure mode was determined with a stereomicroscope (20X). RESULTS The results revealed that the air-abrasion technique (p < 0.001), additional surface treatment (p < 0.001) and their interaction were significant (p < 0.001). Except for the 50-µm Al2O3 + adhesive group, 250-µm Al2O3 particles promoted significantly higher SBS than 50-µm Al2O3 particles (p < 0.001), while Rocatec Plus provided bond strengths that were similar to or higher than those of Cojet Sand. Of the additional surface treatments, the adhesive provided the best results in combination with the 3 air-abrasion techniques (50-µm, 120-µm, and 250-µm Al2O3), whereas in the groups abraded with silica-modified Al2O3 particles (Cojet Sand and Rocatec Plus), the best results were obtained with additional silane. The two combinations that promoted the highest SBS were 250-µm Al2O3 + adhesive and Rocatec Plus + silane. All groups showed 100% adhesive failure. CONCLUSION The selection of the best additional surface treatment varied according to the air-abrasion technique. Particle size was the decisive factor in determining the bond strength when micromechanical retention was the only bonding mechanism. When both mechanisms were present, in addition to particle size, the material applied as the additional surface treatment also contributed to determining the bond strength.
Feasibility of detecting early left ventricular systolic dysfunction using global area strain: a novel index derived from three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography.

AIMS Area strain (AS), derived from three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (3D-STE), is a novel parameter integrating longitudinal and circumferential deformation. We sought to evaluate the ability of global AS to detect early left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction in patients with risk factors for heart failure (HF). METHODS AND RESULTS Standard echocardiography and 3D-STE were performed in 160 subjects with or without HF. Three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography was measured with reliable tracking quality in 137 (86%) of the 160 subjects initially enrolled in this study: 30 healthy volunteers, 29, 37, 26, and 15 patients with Stage A, B, C, and D HF, respectively. Global strain values were automatically calculated by 3D wall motion tracking (3D-WMT) software. Although global longitudinal strain (LS), circumferential strain (CS), radial strain (RS), and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) showed the downward trend from normal controls to patients with Stage D HF, the difference did not reach statistical significance between normal controls and patients with Stage A HF. In contrast, we observed the progressive decrease in global AS from normal to Stage A HF to Stage D HF (P< 0.05). In addition, global AS showed an excellent correlation with LVEF, global LS and CS. The optimal cut-off value for global AS, to detect LV dysfunction (Simpson's rule-based LVEF <50%), was -29.23% at a sensitivity of 86.3% and at a specificity of 88.4%. CONCLUSION Global AS is a sensitive and reproducible parameter to detect early and subtle LV systolic dysfunction, showing greater feasibility than other conventional strain parameters.
Skeletal muscle satellite cell populations in healthy young and older men and women

The purpose of the present investigation was to assess satellite cell populations and morphology in m. vastus lateralis biopsies obtained from young (20–30 years) and older (65–75 years) healthy, sedentary men and women. Multiple muscle biopsies were obtained from 14 young individuals (men, n = 7; women, n = 7) and 15 older individuals (men, n = 8; women, n = 7). Muscle fibers were viewed longitudinally using a Zeiss EM 10 CA electron microscope. All myonuclei and satellite cells were counted and satellite cells were photographed for morphological analysis. The proportion of satellite cells [satellite cells/(myonuclei + satellite cells)] did not differ among the four subject groups (1.7–2.8%), nor did proportions differ when subject groups were combined for age and gender comparisons. Few morphological differences were noted between groups; however, lipofuscin granules were more prominent in satellite cells from older subjects and women demonstrated significantly larger satellite cell and satellite cell nucleus areas than men. Mitochondria from satellite cells (regardless of group) were more pallid and exhibited fewer cristae than mitochondria located in the adjacent muscle fiber. The results of the current investigation suggest that, despite findings in animal models, satellite cell populations are not significantly lower in healthy, sedentary older compared to young adult men and women. Anat Rec 260:351–358, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Restoring speech perception with cochlear implants by spanning defective electrode contacts

Abstract Conclusion: Even with six defective contacts, spanning can largely restore speech perception with the HiRes120 speech processing strategy to the level supported by an intact electrode array. Moreover, the sound quality is not degraded. Objectives: Previous studies have demonstrated reduced speech perception scores (SPS) with defective contacts in HiRes120. This study investigated whether replacing defective contacts by spanning, i.e. current steering on non-adjacent contacts, is able to restore speech recognition to the level supported by an intact electrode array. Methods: Ten adult cochlear implant recipients (HiRes90K, HiFocus1J) with experience with HiRes120 participated in this study. Three different defective electrode arrays were simulated (six separate defective contacts, three pairs or two triplets). The participants received three take-home strategies and were asked to evaluate the sound quality in five predefined listening conditions. After 3 weeks, SPS were evaluated with monosyllabic words in quiet and in speech-shaped background noise. Results: The participants rated the sound quality equal for all take-home strategies. SPS with background noise were equal for all conditions tested. However, SPS in quiet (85% phonemes correct on average with the full array) decreased significantly with increasing spanning distance, with a 3% decrease for each spanned contact.
sox4 And sox11 Function during Xenopus laevis Eye Development

SoxC genes are involved in many developmental processes such as cardiac, lymphoid, and bone development. The SoxC gene family is represented by Sox4, Sox11, and Sox12. Loss of either Sox4 or Sox11 function is lethal during mouse embryogenesis. Here, we demonstrate that sox4 and sox11 are strongly expressed in the developing eye, heart as well as brain in Xenopus laevis. Morpholino oligonucleotide mediated knock-down approaches in anterior neural tissue revealed that interference with either Sox4 or Sox11 function affects eye development. A detailed analysis demonstrated strong effects on eye size and retinal lamination. Neural induction was unaffected upon Sox4 or Sox11 MO injection and early eye field differentiation and cell proliferation were only mildly affected. Depletion of both genes, however, led independently to a significant increase in cell apoptosis in the eye. In summary, Sox4 and Sox11 are required for Xenopus visual system development.
The Fragility of Intergroup Relations

Intergroup interactions between racial or ethnic majority and minority groups are often stressful for members of both groups; however, the dynamic processes that promote or alleviate tension in intergroup interaction remain poorly understood. Here we identify a behavioral mechanism—response delay—that can uniquely contribute to anxiety and promote disengagement from intergroup contact. Minimally acquainted White, Black, and Latino participants engaged in intergroup or intragroup dyadic conversation either in real time or with a subtle temporal disruption (1-s delay) in audiovisual feedback. Whereas intergroup dyads reported greater anxiety and less interest in contact after engaging in delayed conversation than after engaging in real-time conversation, intragroup dyads reported less anxiety in the delay condition than they did after interacting in real time. These findings have theoretical and practical implications for understanding intergroup communication and social dynamics and for promoting positive intergroup contact.