Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does Non-farm Income Affect Food Security? Evidence from India

Abstract Livelihood diversification through greater non-farm activities has been considered as an important mechanism to propel growth, lower rural poverty and augment farm income across developing countries. Little, however, is known about its implications for nutritional outcomes such as dietary diversity. Using a nationally representative panel survey of rural households in India, and night-time light intensity as an instrumental variable (IV) for non-farm income, we show that engaging in non-agricultural livelihood has a positive effect on overall food expenditure, especially on non-cereal items, enabling greater dietary diversity. These findings have crucial policy implications for nutrition transition in India where agricultural incomes have been stagnant during the last decade. Our findings further contribute to the existing knowledge of agriculture-nutrition pathways.
EFFECTS OF DRUGS ON MOTIVATION: THE VALUE OF USING A VARIETY OF MEASURES

In studying the effects of drugs on motivation it is desirable to use a number of techniques that are as diverse as possible in order to avoid misleading generalizations from effects that are specific to the particular indicator used. Some of the preceding papers by students of Fred Skinner have shown unusual ingenuity in using the same instrumental response (pressing a lever or pecking a t a panel) in a variety of different testing situations. There are definite advantages to this procedure of using the same response in a variety of different tests, and the tests that have been described in the other papers have many additional excellent attributes. For example, bar pressing reinforced on a variable-interval schedule may be maintained a t a constant rate for a considerable time with relatively minor consumption of food (and satiation of drive), so that the course of drug effects may be followed economically throughout fairly long periods. Nevertheless, I believe it is also desirable to have tests that are still more diverse in that they do not depend on the same response and, hence, can insure us against being misled by effects that are specific to that response. In this connection the standardization of naturalistic observation so interestingly presented in the first paper (de Beer and Norton, 1956) should prove fruitful. Since I am advocating the use of a diversity of behavioral measures, i t will be appropriate to illustrate the application of a variety of techniques to a number of different problems. I t will be efficient to begin with a brief reference to the development and use of certain measuring techniques in nonpharmacological studies of “hunger” and “thirst” followed by a description of the application of the same measures to a study of the effects of amphetamine. Next I shall describe some techniques for studying conflict behavior that were used in a theoretical and experimental analysis of some of the social effects of alcohol. I shall also mention an attempt to develop a new behavioral measure of fear-motivated behavior and to use this measure to compare the effects of reserpine on a response motivated by fear with its effects on the same response motivated by hunger. I shall point to the possibility of increasing our knowledge of the central effects of drugs by combining the techniques of using implanted electrodes for electrical stimulation of the brain of the unanesthetized animal with the behavioral techniques for studying avoidance and also reward learning. I shall conclude with the importance of basic research in the development of a science of psychopharmacology (or, if you prefer, behavioral pharmacology) that eventually may provide a rational basis for practical applications to mental hygiene in the same way that organic chemistry provides a basis for the synthesis of new compounds.
Horizontal logistics collaboration: an exploratory study in Morocco’s agri-food supply chains

ABSTRACT Horizontal logistics collaboration (HLC) practices have gained much attention in recent years as innovative ways for companies to improve their performance. However, literature does not reveal which factors influence the success or failure of HLC, especially in agri-food supply chains (AFSCs) in developing countries. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate HLC in the context of AFSCs in Morocco as a case of a developing country. First, a literature review is performed to develop a conceptual model for HLC considering AFSCs characteristics. Then, in-depth case studies are conducted in Morocco to refine the conceptual model based on insights from real collaboration experiences. The results show that collaboration outcomes are influenced by operational collaborative activities through the mediation of relational elements. The operational collaborative activities are impacted by AFSCs’ characteristics, such as products specific handling conditions. Furthermore, the research shows that local cultural factors influence the development of trust in the relationship.
A systematic review of the evidence for the treatment of acute depression in bipolar I disorder

In this article, we examined evidence for the acute treatment of depression in bipolar I disorder, focusing on double-blind, placebo-controlled studies with a definite primary outcome measure and published in peer review journals. Quetiapine and olanzapine/fluoxetine are currently approved by the FDA for the treatment of bipolar depression, and a number of additional agents (including other atypical antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and novel compounds) have been studied with varying degrees of efficacy. The medication with the most evidence for efficacy in bipolar depression is quetiapine, with five studies showing positive efficacy compared to placebo. In contrast, five studies of lamotrigine were negative, although meta-analyses of the pooled have found some treatment effects. Two studies of olanzapine and olanzapine/fluoxetine and three small studies of divalproex showed significant efficacy in treating bipolar depression. Two studies of aripiprazole found no differences compared to placebo. Early research on lithium in bipolar depression had significant methodological flaws, and only one study of lithium met our primary search criteria. To better understand the role of antidepressants, we also examined studies of antidepressants as adjunctive treatment of bipolar depression in participants taking mood stabilizers or atypical antipsychotics. These studies reported mixed results for a variety of antidepressants, but the majority found no differences compared to placebo. Other studies of adjunctive treatment were also discussed. There has been one positive adjunctive study each of lamotrigine, omega-3 fatty acids, modafinil, and armodafinil, while there was one negative trial each of omega-3 fatty acids, ziprasidone, and levetiracetam.
Firm Characteristics and Financial Reporting Quality: The Moderating Role of Malaysian Corporate Governance Index

The principle role of financial reporting is to provide investors with useful information for investment decision makings. In this study, we examine whether corporate governance moderates the relationship between firm characteristics and financial reporting quality. We use earnings management as measure for financial reporting quality. This study uses secondary data obtained from Thompson Database. The sample of this study is firms listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia from 2012 to 2015. The results of our study reveal that there is a positive value of abnormal cash flow which indicates that companies do practice earnings management through manipulation of cash flow from operations. Large firms are practicing earnings management. Factors such as many business segments and business complexity have encouraged large firms to manage their earnings by manipulating their cash flow from operation. In contrast, firms with high leverage and firms audited by Big 4 are less likely to involve with earnings management. Interestingly, when corporate governance index is used as moderating variable, our result shows that only firms audited by Big 4 are related to earnings management. In terms of the contribution of the study, this study is important for the development of Malaysian capital market and it help investors to better understand how the impact of corporate governance mechanisms on financial reporting quality varies across firms.
The role of circRNAs in cancers

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are recently regarded as a naturally forming family of widespread and diverse endogenous noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) that may regulate gene expression in mammals. At present, above 30000 circRNAs have already been found, with their unique structures to maintain stability more easily than linear RNAs. Several previous literatures stressed on the important role of circRNAs, whose expression was relatively correlated with patients’ clinical characteristics and grade, in the carcinogenesis of cancer. CircRNAs are involved in many regulatory bioprocesses of malignance, including cell cycle, tumorigenesis, invasion, metastasis, apoptosis, vascularization, through adsorbing RNA as a sponge, binding to RNA-binding protein (RBP), modulating transcription, or influencing translation. Therefore, it is inevitable to further study the interactions between circRNAs and tumors and to develop novel circRNAs as molecular markers or potential targets, which will provide promising applications in early diagnosis, therapeutic evaluation, prognosis prediction of tumors and even gene therapy for tumors.
Alcohol, drugs, caffeine, tobacco, and environmental contaminant exposure: Reproductive health consequences and clinical implications

Reproductive function and fertility are thought to be compromised by behaviors such as cigarette smoking, substance abuse, and alcohol consumption; however, the strength of these associations are uncertain. Furthermore, the reproductive system is thought to be under attack from exposure to environmental contaminants, particularly those chemicals shown to affect endocrine homeostasis. The relationship between exposure to environmental contaminants and adverse effects on human reproductive health are frequently debated in the scientific literature and these controversies have spread into the lay press drawing increased public and regulatory attention. Therefore, the objective of the present review was to critically evaluate the literature concerning the relationship between lifestyle exposures and adverse effects on fertility as well as examining the evidence for a role of environmental contaminants in the purported decline of semen quality and the pathophysiology of subfertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and endometriosis. The authors conclude that whereas cigarette smoking is strongly associated with adverse reproductive outcomes, high-level exposures to other lifestyle factors are only weakly linked with negative fertility impacts. Finally, there is no compelling evidence that environmental contaminants, at concentrations representative of the levels measured in contemporary biomonitoring studies, have any effect, positive or negative, on reproductive health in the general population. Further research using prospective study designs with robust sample sizes are needed to evaluate testable hypotheses that address the relationship between exposure and adverse reproductive health effects.
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Protects Lungs from Cockroach Allergen–Induced Inflammation by Modulating Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Exposure to cockroach allergen leads to allergic sensitization and increased risk of developing asthma. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a receptor for many common environmental contaminants, can sense not only environmental pollutants but also microbial insults. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitor cells with the capacity to modulate immune responses. In this study, we investigated whether AhR can sense cockroach allergens and modulate allergen-induced lung inflammation through MSCs. We found that cockroach allergen–treated AhR-deficient (AhR−/−) mice showed exacerbation of lung inflammation when compared with wild-type (WT) mice. In contrast, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), an AhR agonist, significantly suppressed allergen-induced mouse lung inflammation. MSCs were significantly reduced in cockroach allergen–challenged AhR−/− mice as compared with WT mice, but increased in cockroach allergen–challenged WT mice when treated with TCDD. Moreover, MSCs express AhR, and AhR signaling can be activated by cockroach allergen with increased expression of its downstream genes cyp1a1 and cyp1b1. Furthermore, we tracked the migration of i.v. -injected GFP+ MSCs and found that cockroach allergen–challenged AhR−/− mice displayed less migration of MSCs to the lungs compared with WT. The AhR-mediated MSC migration was further verified by an in vitro Transwell migration assay. Epithelial conditioned medium prepared from cockroach extract–challenged epithelial cells significantly induced MSC migration, which was further enhanced by TCDD. The administration of MSCs significantly attenuated cockroach allergen–induced inflammation, which was abolished by TGF-β1–neutralizing Ab. These results suggest that AhR plays an important role in protecting lungs from allergen-induced inflammation by modulating MSC recruitment and their immune-suppressive activity.
Rab-GTPase-dependent Endocytic Recycling of KV1.5 in Atrial Myocytes*

The number of ion channels expressed on the cell surface shapes the complex electrical response of excitable cells. Maintaining a balance between anterograde and retrograde trafficking of channel proteins is vital in regulating steady-state cell surface expression. Kv1.5 is an important voltage-gated K+ channel in the cardiovascular system underlying the ultra-rapid rectifying potassium current (Ikur), a major repolarizing current in atrial myocytes, and regulating the resting membrane potential and excitability of smooth muscle cells. Defects in the expression of Kv1.5 are associated with pathological states such as chronic atrial fibrillation and hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. There is, thus, substantial interest in understanding the mechanisms regulating cell surface channel levels. Here, we investigated the internalization and recycling of Kv1.5 in the HL-1 immortalized mouse atrial myocytes. Kinetic studies indicate that Kv1.5 is rapidly internalized to a perinuclear region where it co-localizes with the early endosomal marker, EEA1. Importantly, we identified that a population of Kv1.5, originating on the cell surface, internalized and recycled back to the plasma membrane. Notably, Kv1.5 recycling processes are driven by specific Rab-dependent endosomal compartments. Thus, co-expression of GDP-locked Rab4S22N and Rab11S25N dominant-negative mutants decreased the steady-state Kv1.5 surface levels, whereas GTPase-deficient Rab4Q67L and Rab11Q70L mutants increased steady-state Kv1.5 surface levels. These data reveal an unexpected dynamic trafficking of Kv1.5 at the myocyte plasma membrane and demonstrate a role for recycling in the maintenance of steady-state ion channel surface levels.
Four-Year Physical Activity Levels among Intervention Participants with Type 2 Diabetes.

Physical activity (PA) has numerous health benefits, particularly for those with diabetes. However, rates of long-term PA participation are often poor. PURPOSE This study examined the effect of an intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) on objectively assessed PA for a 4-yr period among older adults with type 2 diabetes. METHODS Data from 2400 participants (age = 59.3 ± 6.9 yr, body mass index = 36.1 ± 5.9 kg·m) with accelerometry data from the Look AHEAD trial were included in the analyses. Participants randomized to ILI were instructed to reduce caloric intake and progress to ≥175 min·wk of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA), whereas those randomized to Diabetes Support and Education (DSE) served as the control group. PA was measured at baseline, year 1, and year 4 using an RT3 accelerometer, and bout-related MVPA (PA ≥3 METs, accumulated in bouts of ≥10 min in duration) was calculated. RESULTS Despite no differences at baseline (ILI = 93.4 ± 152.7 vs DSE = 88.4 ± 143.6 min·wk), bout-related MVPA was significantly greater in ILI compared with DSE at year 1 (151.0 ± 213.5 vs 87.5 ± 145.1 min·wk, P < 0.0001) and year 4 (102.9 ± 195.6 vs 73.9 ± 267.5 min·wk, P < 0.001), and more ILI participants achieved ≥175 min·wk at year 1 (29.1% vs 16.3%, P < 0.001) and year 4 (18.3% vs 10.0%, P < 0.001). Forty-one percent of ILI participants who achieved ≥175 min·wk at year 1 maintained this threshold of PA at year 4. However, the majority of ILI participants never achieved the ≥175 min·wk threshold. CONCLUSIONS When measured objectively and compared with DSE, ILI engaged in significantly more bout-related MVPA for a 4-yr period. However, future intervention strategies should target the large percentage of individuals who fail to reach the MVPA goal as result of a lifestyle intervention.
Incidence of periorbital necrotising fasciitis in the UK population: a BOSU study

Background Periorbital necrotising fasciitis (PNF) is a devastating infection of subcutaneous soft tissue and underlying fascia causing severe morbidity and even loss of life. Few case reports of PNF exist and there are no prospective epidemiological studies. Methods A prospective observational study was undertaken using the British Ophthalmological Surveillance Unit reporting system. Questionnaires were sent to reporting ophthalmologists in the UK seeking cases of PNF over a 2-year period. Results 30 new cases were confirmed. 16 of the reported cases followed a precipitating event, 9 cases followed trauma and 3 followed surgery. β-haemolytic Streptococcus A was the causative organism identified in 76%, either alone or with concurrent infection, and antibiotic sensitivities are discussed. Systemic complications occurred in the majority of cases (66.6%), with sepsis and death occurring in 10%. Over 50% of surviving patients had subsequent morbidity, reduced acuity (<6/18) being common. Conclusion PNF is a rare, dangerous condition. This study identified an incidence of 0.24 per 1 000 000 per annum in the UK. β-haemolytic Streptococcus A is the most common causative organism. Mortality remains a potential outcome, and survivors suffer significant morbidity. Early intravenous antibiotic management with a consensus favouring penicillin and clindamycin combined with debridement.
Strategic Planning and Corporate Performance in the Nigerian Banking Industry

The study evaluated the different factors that influence the choice of strategic planning adopted by banks in the country. It also examined the effects of Strategic Planning on Corporate Performance. Primary data was used for the study. Lagos metropolis was used as the area of the study because 20 banks out of 21 post consolidated banks have their head offices in Lagos. Ten banks listed on the Nigerian stock exchange market with stable corporate identity were selected out of 21 Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria using purposive sampling technique. 200 senior staff of banks in the Nigerian banking industry was used as the population. Sample was selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Ten senior managers of the selected banks who are involved in strategic planning decision and coordination of resources in the banks were selected using purposive sampling techniques. Thus, the sample size for the study was 100 respondents. A well structured questionnaire was administered to the respondents. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the study revealed that the factors influencing the choice of strategic planning adopted by banks in the country include technological environment (85%); global environment (81%); management style (76%) and political/legal environment (70%). It also Original Research Article Omotayo et al.; AJEBA, 7(2): 1-12, 2018; Article no.AJEBA. 36118 2 revealed that strategic planning proxied by environment by environmental scanning (t=4.624, p< 0.05); strategy formulation (t=3.000, p< 0.05); feedback and evaluation t=2.019, p< 0.05) had significant effect on organisational performance. The study concluded that strategic planning if properly integrated by Nigerian banks could make significant improvement on their performance in the industry.
Children’s media socialisation: parental concerns and mediation in Iran

ABSTRACT Children’s media socialisation, parental concerns, and mediation styles have been studied mainly in the US and Europe. The present research aims to extend media socialisation theory by investigating children’s media behaviour and parental concerns and mediation styles in Iran, and then to compare the findings with the research based on parents in Western countries. Based on in-depth interviews with parents from Iran, we put forth propositions and a media socialisation model. We find that parental concerns and behaviour are influenced by their cultural practices and expectations, government regulations, and media dominant in the local region.
Information Disclosure and Security Vulnerability Awareness: A Large-Scale Randomized Field Experiment in Pan-Asia

This paper investigates how the disclosure of a security vulnerability index based on outgoing spams and phishing website hosting, which may serve as an indicator of a ﬁrm’s inadequate security controls, affects companies’ security protection strategy. Our core objective is to study whether ﬁrms improve their security when they become aware of their vulnerabilities and such information is publicized. To achieve this goal, we conduct a randomized ﬁeld experiment on 1,262 ﬁrms in six Pan-Asian countries and regions. For the treatment group of 631 ﬁrms, we alert them of their security vulnerability index and ranking over time, and their relative performance compared to their peers via emails and a public advisory website. Compared with the control group without being informed of their security vulnerability index, the treatment group improved their security over time, with a signif-icant reduction of outgoing spam volume. A marginally signiﬁcant improvement in reducing phishing hosting websites is also observed among non-web hosting ﬁrms in the treatment group. The security improvement may be attributed to ﬁrms’ proactive reaction to the security vulnerability information. Our study provides cybersecurity policy makers with useful insights on how to motivate ﬁrms to adopt better security measures.
Pengaruh struktur modal dan pertumbuhan perusahaan serta harga komoditas terhadap profitabilitas dan nilai perusahaan pada industri pertambangan batu bara di indonesia

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh struktur modal dan pertumbuhan perusahaan serta harga komoditas terhadap profitabilitas dan nilai perusahaan. Pengujian hipotesis menggunakan analisis Partial Least Square , dengan alat bantu aplikasi SmartPLS Ver 2.0. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa struktur modal berpengaruh positif signifikan terhadap profitabilitas, struktur modal berpengaruh negatif tidak signifkan terhadap nilai perusahaan, pertumbuhan perusahaan berpengaruh negatif signifikan terhadap profitabilitas, pertumbuhan perusahaan berpengaruh positif signifikan terhadap nilai perusahaan, harga berpengaruh positif signifikan terhadap profitabilitas, harga berpengaruh positif signifikan terhadap nilai perusahaan, struktur modal berpengaruh negatif tidak signifikan terhadap nilai perusahaan melalui profitabilitas, pertumbuhan perusahaan berpengaruh negatif tidak signifikan terhadap nilai perusahaan melalui profitabilitas, dan harga berpengaruh positif signifikan terhadap nilai perusahaan melalui profitabilitas.