Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Global Financial Crisis and Nigerian Stock Market Volatility

The current global financial crisis is no longer news but a reality. Our policy makers in the country have been proven wrong based on their argument that the country was insulated. Some of the sectors that have felt the heat of the crisis are the banking sector and the stock market. In the stock market, investors lost trillions of naira due the downward fall in the prices of stock. Based on this, the study assesses the extent of the stock market volatility in the period preceding the crisis and the period of the crisis. Using the All Share Index, the returns for various months were computed, descriptive statistics of the returns was calculated and the volatility of the market was estimated using the standard deviation. It was found that the stock market is highly volatile in the period of the financial crisis than the period preceding it. The recommendation is that the depth of instruments in the stock market should be varied in terms of fixed securities than equity instruments.Proceedings of the National Conference on “Managing the challenges of Global Financial Crisis in Developing Economies” organised by Faculty of Administration, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria.
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing as Treatment for Chronic Pain Syndromes

Background: Chronic pain is public health problem in the United States, costing upwards of $560 to $635 billion annually. Guidelines consistently recommend psychological treatment for chronic pain. Eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) psychotherapy may provide an alternate approach to treating chronic pain. Objective: Review of literature to evaluate the effectiveness of EMDR in the treatment of chronic pain. Method: A literature search of seven databases was conducted to find relevant studies addressing the use of EMDR for chronic pain. Results: Most studies reported improvement in pain and psychological indices with EMDR. Conclusions: Because most literature reported case studies, the results have limited generalizability. However, for clients who suffer from chronic pain, EMDR is a reasonable treatment alternative.
Mobile applications in the hospitality industry

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine customer intentions to download mobile applications in the hospitality industry. Even though major hospitality companies offer the mobile applications, many customers have not utilized them. The results showed what encouraged customers to download mobile applications in the hospitality industry.Design/methodology/approach – The Technology Acceptance Model was applied for this research to explain customer intentions. College students were the target population of this study because they understand and adopt the technology well. Therefore, mobile applications will become a popular way to purchase goods and services when university students will have purchasing power.Findings – Even though major hospitality companies offer mobile applications, more than a half of respondents responded that they had not used mobile applications from the hospitality firms. The results showed that promotion information was not an only reason to download mobile applications; howe.
RAW 264.7 co-cultured with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene particles spontaneously differentiate into osteoclasts: an in vitro model of periprosthetic osteolysis.

Wear-particle osteolysis affects prosthesis survival leading to implant loosening up to 70% of revisions. Therapeutic strategies are increasing, however alternative testing methods to experimentally evaluate such treatments are lacking. The aim of this study was to reproduce an in vitro osteolysis model recapitulating the events that, starting from the exposure of macrophages to polyethylene, lead to the establishment of osteoclastogenesis and inflammation. Responses to polyethylene, at 3 and 7 days, in a macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7, were determined by DNA quantification, immunofluorescence, pit assay, gene expression, cytokine production and NF-kB activation. Results showed that 3 days exposure to particles could induce a significant production of Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (p < 0.0005) and Prostaglandin E2 (p < 0.005) compared to controls. Particles also induced macrophages to spontaneously differentiate into mature and active osteoclasts, in terms of identification of multinucleated cells by Phalloidin staining and by the analysis of osteoclast-specific gene markers. In particular, at 3 days polyethylene induced a significant up-regulation of Nuclear Factor of Activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 1, Receptor Activator of Nuclear factor Kappa-B and Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa-B Ligand genes (p < 0.0005) compared to controls. At protein level, the particles induced a significant increase of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa-B Ligand at day 7 over controls (p < 0.0005). Osteoclasts were capable to resorb bone even in absence of differentiating factors. The possible mechanism, beside spontaneous osteoclastogenesis mediated by wear debris, was identified in an autocrine up-regulation of Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand gene expression and protein synthesis. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 510-520, 2017.
Specialization on a global scale and agrifood vulnerability: 30 years of export agriculture in Mexico

Large-scale specialization in monoculture production for export markets infringes upon the agricultural and food systems and security of the populations of exporting countries that adopt export-oriented policies because it: (a) entails adopting production patterns that over-exploit and deteriorate the natural and human resources of agricultural regions; (b) subordinates producers and consumers in agroexporting countries to the interests of transnational intermediary companies and the regulations of foreign government agencies that prioritize the interests of their own citizens; and (c) restricts the right of domestic consumers to access a nourishment that is sufficient, healthy and culturally acceptable. The study of this Mexican case allows us to better understand the agricultural and food situation that is currently emerging in developing countries that choose to broadly apply neoliberal policies. Mexico has one of the most open agricultural sectors and is a leading international exporter of several fruits and vegetables; but at the same time it is a net importer of basic foods for its domestic population. This case study is analyzed from the perspectives of plantation-oriented agricultural practices and global commodity chains; however, neither of these perspectives considers the problems of environmental degradation and food security, both of which are studied in this work.
On Finite frequency H∞ performance for discrete linear time delay systems

ABSTRACT This paper is concerned with the finite frequency H∞ performance of discrete linear systems with time delay. The disturbance of the system is considered to be restricted in low/middle/high frequency. A novel summation inequality is proposed by including more free weighed matrices. Then by using generalised Kalman–Yakubovich–Popov Lemma and a Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional like method, a new bounded real lemma is presented for the finite frequency H∞ performance analysis. The advantages and reduced conservatism of the new criterion are illustrated by a classical example from the literature.
The joint impact of relationship-selling behaviours and switching barriers in professional service contexts

Based on the social exchange theory, both relationship-selling behaviours and switching-barrier strategies are often adopted together in some complex, customised and continuous stream of transaction service contexts. The purpose of this study is to examine the joint impact of relationship-selling behaviours and switching barriers as a potential moderator in the light of the current service quality, customer satisfaction and customer loyalty paradigm. Results of a moderated regression analysis (MRA) from Taiwan's life insurance industry provide evidence that core-service quality and relationship quality are positive contributors to customer satisfaction, which in turn contributes positively to customer loyalty as expected. In addition, as the joint impact of relationship-selling behaviours and switching barriers is introduced in the research framework, the positive relationship between core-service quality and customer satisfaction diminishes and so does the positive relationship between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. Managerial implications are provided herein.
Evaluating the role of dental behaviour in oral health inequalities.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to describe differences in dental attendance and dental self-care behaviour between socioeconomic groups and to investigate the extent to which the socioeconomic gradient in oral health was explained by these behaviours. METHODS We used data from a representative sample of adults in Australia, surveyed by telephone interview and by self-complete questionnaire. The dependent variables were self-reported missing teeth and the social impact of oral conditions evaluated with the 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). Socioeconomic position was measured at the small-area level. We conducted bivariate analysis using one-way analysis of variance and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) and adjusted for the effect of age. After adjusting for age, dental behavioural variables were entered individually into multivariate linear regression models. RESULTS Data were obtained for 3678 dentate adults aged 18-91 years. Missing teeth and OHIP-14 scores followed a social gradient with poorer adults experiencing poorer outcomes. Routine dental attendance and diligent dental self-care were associated with inverse monotonic gradients in missing teeth (P < 0.05) and OHIP-14 scores (P < 0.05). Although adults living in areas with the least disadvantage had a preventive dental attendance orientation, no socioeconomic pattern was found for dental self-care. In multivariate analysis, the slope of the socioeconomic gradient [beta estimate for Index of Relative Socioeconomic Disadvantage (IRSD)] in missing teeth was not significantly attenuated by either dental attendance or dental self-care. For OHIP-14 scores, the slope of the socioeconomic gradient was significantly attenuated by dental visiting, but not by dental self-care and not by the combined effect of both behaviours. CONCLUSION The commonly held view that the poor oral health of poor people is explained by personal neglect was not supported in this study.
Burglary Revictimization: The Time Period of Heightened Risk

Residents can expect and prepare for burglary if they are prone to victimization. The risk for a repeat action of burglary appears immediately after the initial offense. Crime records indicate 25% of repeat burglaries occur within one week of the initial crime and 51% occur within 1 month. This information can facilitate temporary preventive measures by residents and law enforcement officials.
The impact of marketing communications on customer relationships : an investigation into the UK banking sector

This exploratory research provides a valuable insight into the communication aspect of relationships. In particular, this research investigates the impact of marketing communications on customer relationships from customers' view. Two main types of communication settings are focused on: service encounters and planned marketing communications. Taking a broader approach, service encounters are examined from the perspective of: (1) interactions with service providers (as human and remote interactions), (2) service environment, and (3) interactions with other customers (i. e. word-of-mouth communication). In terms of planned marketing communications, three key communication channels are focused on: advertising, corporate sponsorship and direct marketing. The context of the research is the UK banking sector. Adopting a primarily qualitative approach, data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews with bank customers. Research participants were recruited through advertising and snowballing methods. The analysis was guided by the principles of content analysis. This research offers three main contributions. Firstly, the current research has extended the work on service provider and customer relationships by presenting an insight into the nature of customer relationships and their underlying dimensions. In particular, four relationship types were identified which can represent various types of relationships customers may establish with financial institutions: (1) faltering, (2) functional, (3) interactive and (4) affective. Secondly, the research presented empirical evidence on the potential of advertising, corporate sponsorship and direct marketing to promote various types of relationships. Thirdly, this research provides an enhanced understanding about the aspects of service encounters, that are likely to promote (or threaten) the development of certain relationship types.
Determinants of value sharing in channel relationships

Purpose – Companies involved in collaborative channel relationships aim at creating in sum a higher value than each channel partner could achieve on its own. There is relatively little empirical insight into what determines the sharing of the “value pie”. Therefore this paper aims to investigate determinants of value sharing in channel relationships.Design/methodology/approach – Data for testing the hypotheses were collected through a telephone survey of managers from large industrial firms in the automotive, food, engineering and chemicals industries in Germany. Complete information on the study's questions was received from 142 firms, accounting for a response rate of 40.1 percent.Findings – The results show that customer companies frequently receive larger shares of the value pie, while in most cases the value pie is shared equally. Furthermore, relationship quality, supplier motivation approaches, the goals of the channel relationship as well as the applied sharing principle are all influential in det.
High-intensity kayak performance after adaptation to intermittent hypoxia.

CONTEXT Live-high train-low altitude training produces worthwhile gains in performance for endurance athletes, but the benefits of adaptation to various forms of artificial altitude are less clear. PURPOSE To quantify the effects of intermittent hypoxic exposure on kayak performance. METHODS In a crossover design with a 6-week washout, we randomized 10 subelite male sprint kayak paddlers to hypoxia or control groups for 3 weeks (5 days/week) of intermittent hypoxic exposure using a nitrogen-filtration device. Each day's exposure consisted of alternately breathing hypoxic and ambient air for 5 minutes each over 1 hour. Performance tests were an incremental step test to estimate peak power, maximal oxygen uptake, exercise economy, and lactate threshold; a 500-m time trial; and 5 x 100-m sprints. All tests were performed on a wind-braked kayak ergometer 7 and 3 days pretreatment and 3 and 10 days posttreatment. Hemoglobin concentration was measured at 1 day pretreatment, 5 and 10 days during treatment, and 3 days after treatment. RESULTS Relative to control, at 3 days posttreatment the hypoxia group showed the following increases: peak power 6.8% (90% confidence limits, + or - 5.2%), mean repeat sprint power 8.3% (+ or - 6.7%), and hemoglobin concentration 3.6% (+ or - 3.2%). Changes in lactate threshold, mean 500-m power, maximal oxygen uptake, and exercise economy were unclear. Large effects for peak power and mean sprint speed were still present 10 days posthypoxia. CONCLUSION These effects of intermittent hypoxic exposure should enhance performance in kayak racing. The effects might be mediated via changes in oxygen transport.
ApoA-IV promotes the biogenesis of apoA-IV-containing HDL particles with the participation of ABCA1 and LCAT[S]

The objective of this study was to establish the role of apoA-IV, ABCA1, and LCAT in the biogenesis of apoA-IV-containing HDL (HDL-A-IV) using different mouse models. Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of apoA-IV in apoA-I−/− mice did not change plasma lipid levels. ApoA-IV floated in the HDL2/HDL3 region, promoted the formation of spherical HDL particles as determined by electron microscopy, and generated mostly α- and a few pre-β-like HDL subpopulations. Gene transfer of apoA-IV in apoA-I−/− × apoE−/− mice increased plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and 80% of the protein was distributed in the VLDL/IDL/LDL region. This treatment likewise generated α- and pre-β-like HDL subpopulations. Spherical and α-migrating HDL particles were not detectable following gene transfer of apoA-IV in ABCA1−/− or LCAT−/− mice. Coexpression of apoA-IV and LCAT in apoA-I−/− mice restored the formation of HDL-A-IV. Lipid-free apoA-IV and reconstituted HDL-A-IV promoted ABCA1 and scavenger receptor BI (SR-BI)-mediated cholesterol efflux, respectively, as efficiently as apoA-I and apoE. Our findings are consistent with a novel function of apoA-IV in the biogenesis of discrete HDL-A-IV particles with the participation of ABCA1 and LCAT, and may explain previously reported anti-inflammatory and atheroprotective properties of apoA-IV.
The Silent Killers of Strategy Implementation and Learning

Michael Beer is a professor of business administration at the Harvard Business School and chairman of the Center for Organizational Fitness. Russell A. Eisenstat is president of the Center for Organizational Fitness and a senior organizational fellow at McKinsey 8 CD. Contact them at: mbeer@tihs.edj and reisenstat@orgfitness.coni. Doctors call liigh cholcslerol a ". silent kilkT" because it blocks ai'tcrics witli no outwart! symptoms. Companies, loo. have silent killers working bek)w the siirtace — miitLially reinforcing barriers that block strategy implementation and organizational learning. The silent killers can be overcome, but first leaders must engage people throughout iheir organizations in an honest conversation about the bairiers and their underlying causes.
Day of the week effect on stock returns at the Nairobi securities exchange

According to the efficient market hypothesis, stock prices reflect all the market information whether past, publicly held or private information. In an efficient market, investors should expect to make only normal profits by earning a normal rate of return on their investments. There is an interesting contradiction to this hypothesis. This is the day of the week anomaly. Other researchers have called this Monday effect, Friday effect and Weekend effect. There have been observations in Finance Research that stock returns on Mondays are lower than those of other days of the week. Likewise, equity returns on Fridays are higher than the other trading days of the week. This research investigates the Kenyan stock market to test whether the day of the week anomaly exists. Daily market capitalization is used to compute the stock return and carry out multiple regression from January 2008 to December 2011. The days excluded are public holidays which fall between Monday and Friday. If a holiday falls on a Sunday, the preceding day which is Monday is excluded since according to the Kenyan Government, this is a public holiday. The results obtained show that Tuesday has the highest positive return and Wednesday has the highest negative return. Stock return volatility is highest on Tuesday and lowest on Friday. The study concludes that there is no day of the week effect at the Nairobi Securities Exchange.
United States life tables, 2007.

OBJECTIVES This report presents complete period life tables by race, Hispanic origin, and sex for the United States based on age-specific death rates in 2007. METHODS Data used to prepare the 2007 life tables are 2007 final mortality statistics, July 1, 2007, population estimates based on the 2000 decennial census, and 2007 Medicare data for ages 66-100. The methods used to estimate the life tables for the total, white, and black populations were first used in annual life tables in 2005 and have been in use since that time (1). The methods used to estimate the life tables for the Hispanic, non-Hispanic white, and non-Hispanic black populations were first used to estimate U.S. life tables by Hispanic origin for data year 2006 (2). RESULTS In 2007, the overall expectation of life at birth was 77.9 years, representing an increase of 0.2 years from life expectancy in 2006. From 2006 to 2007, life expectancy at birth increased for all groups considered. It increased for males (from 75.1 to 75.4) and females (from 80.2 to 80.4), the white (from 78.2 to 78.4) and black (from 73.2 to 73.6) populations, the Hispanic population (from 80.6 to 80.9), the non-Hispanic white population (from 78.1 to 78.2), and the non-Hispanic black population (from 72.9 to 73.2).
Collaborative management of inventory in Australian hospital supply chains: practices and issues

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop an understanding of the nature of collaborative arrangements that partners in Australian hospital supply chains use to manage inventories.Design/methodology/approach – A case study involving a supply chain network of ten healthcare organisations (three pharmaceutical manufacturers, two wholesalers/distributors and five public hospitals) was studied. Data included 40 semi‐structured interviews, site visits and examination of documents.Findings – This study highlights the existence of a variety of collaborative arrangements amongst supply chain partners such as the “Ward Box” system (a variant of the vender managed inventory system) between wholesalers/distributors and hospitals. The materials management departments were more willing than their pharmacy counterparts to participate in a variety of partial and complete outsourcing arrangements with wholesalers/distributors and other hospitals. Several contingent factors were identified that influenced developm.
A Survey of Trachoma: The Histopathology and the Mechanism of Progressive Cicatrization of Eyelid Tissues

The aim of this study is to demonstrate the spectrum of conditions encompassed by the term ‘trachomatous cicatrization of eyelid tissue’, to discuss the mechanisms of scar tissue formation and to describe sequelae in this potentially blinding condition. Specimens of eyelid tissues were taken from 27 upper eyelids of 21 patients with entropion who underwent surgical procedures and 2 post-mortem upper eyelids with severe trachomatous entropion. Upper palpebral conjunctival swabs and biopsy specimens were taken from 5 patients with active trachoma and they were examined by fluorescence microscopy and routine histopathological methods. Conjunctival impression cytology samples were collected in all patients. In specimens taken from patients with active trachoma the inflammatory infiltrate was organized as lymphoid follicles in the underlying stroma and impression cytology showed cytoplasmic elementary bodies. In specimens taken from patients with scarring trachoma light microscopy studies showed subepithelial fibrous membrane formation, squamous metaplasia and loss of goblet cells, pseudogland formation in conjunctiva, degeneration of orbicularis oculi muscle fibres, subepithelial vascular dilatation, localized perivascular amyloidosis and subepithelial lymphocytic infiltration. Accessory lachrymal glands and the ducts of glands were compromised by subepithelial infiltration and scarring. The contraction of the subepithelial fibrous tissue formed by collagen fibres and anterior surface drying are the main factors contributing to the chronic cicatrization and entropion formation.