Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
State of the Art Review: New Insights in T Cell Prolymphocytic Leukemia

T cell ProLymphocytic Leukemia (T-PLL) is a rare lymphoid malignancy and is typified by its aggressive presentation and chemo-resistance. Given its rarity, haemato-oncologists are likely to manage only a handful of cases across their career and therefore making the diagnosis is the initial challenge. This diagnosis is critical, as recent data suggests that choosing specific treatment options, such as alemtuzumab, is important in improving outcomes.
Starch accumulation in the leaves of root-restricted pepper affects plant growth by a feedback-inhibition of the photosynthesis

The mechanism behind the reduced growth occurring in plants subjected to root restriction is still not fully understood. Therefore, this investigation was planned to determine the morphological and physiological changes induced in response to root volume reduction and to determine the time frame within which these changes occurred. In particular, this research focused on the effect of root restriction on growth, leaf gas exchange parameters, carbohydrate production and water relations in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). Our results show that the reduced growth is mainly linked to a feedback inhibition of the photosynthesis, caused by a concurrent limited stomatal conductance (probably driven by both stomatal factors and hormonal substances) together with a strong accumulation of starch in the leaves.
Saving, Investment and Economic Growth in Cameroun: A Multivariate Approach

The nature of the link between savings investment and growth in empirical and theoretical research in Cameroon is not well known in Cameroon. The objective of this study is to examine the nature of the relationship between savings, investment and economic growth in Cameroon from 1980 to 2010. In order to achieve our objective, data from World Bank were collected and tested in a Vector Auto Regressive Model. The Toda-Yamamoto (1995) Granger non causality test used in testing the hypothesis which was to investigate the nature of the link between investment, saving and growth showed the following results: In Cameroon, there is a unidirectional causal relationship from investment to savings, from growth to savings, and finally from growth to investment. Meanwhile, there is no causal link from savings to investment, savings towards growth and investment to growth in Cameroon. Thus, the recommendation among other things is that, Cameroon government should create an incentive framework conducive to the enhancement of gross national savings and investment to strengthen production and economic growth.
Myrtaceae throughout the Espinhaço Mountain Range of centraleastern Brazil: floristic relationships and geoclimatic controls

Although biological surveys and taxonomic revisions provide key information to ecological and evolutionary studies, there is a clear lack of floristic and phytogeographic studies of the mountainous regions of Brazil, which harbor some of the most threatened plant ecosystems on the planet. Myrtaceae has been reported to be one of the most important families in the upland areas of Brazil, as well as in the Atlantic Forest Domain. In this study, we investigated the floristic composition of Myrtaceae throughout the Espinhaco Mountain Range and adjacent highlands of central-eastern Brazil, testing the following hypotheses: floristic similarity increases with geographic proximity; and species distribution is affected by geoclimatic variables. We performed statistical analyses using a database containing records of 199 species in 19 areas and of their respective geoclimatic variables. We also performed ordination analysis using non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS), the first and second axes of which explained 69% and 78% of the variation, respectively. The NMDS analysis demonstrated that variations in the Myrtaceae flora are highly sensitive to geoclimatic variables and geographic proximity. The NMDS ordination also showed a predominantly south-north gradient, as did the cluster analysis. This gradient was highly correlated with variations in rainfall and temperature, which are also associated with the three domains that coincide with the Espinhaco Mountain Range.
State dependent properties of rail pads

A rail pad is one of the main components in ballasted railway track systems. It is inserted between the rail and the sleeper to attenuate dynamic wheel/rail interaction forces, preventing the underlying railway track components from excessive stresses. Generally, the dynamic design of tracks relies on the available data, which are mostly focused on the structural condition at a specific toe load. Recent findings show that track irregularities could significantly amplify the loads on railway tracks. This phenomenon gives rise to a concern that the rail pads may experience higher deterioration rate than anticipated in the past. On this ground, an innovative test rig for estimating the dynamic properties of rail pads has been devised at the University of Wollongong. A non-destructive methodology for evaluating and monitoring the dynamic properties of the rail pads has been developed based on an instrumented hammer impact technique and an equivalent single degree-of-freedom system approximation. This investigation focuses on the state-dependent model of rail pads where the dependent effects of frequency and static load contents can be distinguished. Based on the impact-excitation responses, the analytical state-dependent model was applied to best fit the experimental modal measurements that were performed in a frequency range of 0-500 Hz. The curve fitting gives such dynamic parameters as the effective mass, dynamic stiffness and dynamic damping constant, all of which are required for modern numerical modelling of a railway track.
A new paradigm for parameter estimation in system modeling

In this paper, we consider a basic problem in system identification, that of estimating the unknown parameters of a given model by using input/output data. Available methods (extended Kalman filtering, unscented Kalman filtering, particle filtering, maximum likelihood, prediction error method, etc.) have been extensively studied in the literature, especially in relation to consistency analysis. Yet, other important aspects, such as computational complexity, have been somewhat overlooked so that, when such methods are used in practical problems, remarkable drawbacks may arise. This is why parameter estimation is often performed using empirical procedures. This paper aims to revisit the issue of setting up an estimator that is able to provide reliable estimates at low computational cost. In contrast to other paradigms, the main idea in the new introduced two‐stage estimation method is to retrieve the estimator through simulation experiments in a training phase. Once training is terminated, the user is provided with an explicitly given estimator that can be used over and over basically with no computational effort. The advantages and drawbacks of the two‐stage approach as well as other traditional paradigms are identified with an illustrative example. A more concrete example of tire parameter estimation is also provided. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coporate Governance, Institutional Ownership, and the Decision to Pay the Amount of Dividends: Evidence from USA

The decision to pay dividends is influenced by many financial factors. The purpose of this study is to find the relationships between corporate governance, institutional ownership, and the decision to pay dividends in American service firms. A sample of 296 American firms listed on New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) for a period of 3 years (from 2009-2011) was selected. This study applied a co-relational and non-experimental research design. The findings of this study indicate that the decision to pay dividends is a positive function of board size, CEO duality, and internationalization of the firm, and a negative function of institutional ownership. The results show that when i) firm size is held constant, the decision to pay an amount of dividends is a positive function of CEO duality, board size, and internationalization, and a negative function of institutional ownership, ii) firm performance is held constant, the decision to pay dividends is a positive function of CEO duality, and a negative function of institutional ownership, iii) financial leverage is held constant, the decision to pay dividends is a positive function of CEO duality, board size, and internationalization, and a negative function of institutional ownership, and iv) firm growth is held constant, the decision to pay dividends is a negative function of institutional ownership.This study contributes to the literature on the factors that influence the decision to pay an amount of dividends. The findings may be useful for stock market investors, stakeholders, financial managers, and financial management consultants.
Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Head Louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) in Central Iran

Background Recognition of head lice prevalence and related risk factors contributing in spreading the disease is a step forward to the control of this important health problem. This survey was done to determine prevalence and risk factors associated with head louse (Pediculus Humanus Capitis) in Central Iran. Materials and Methods In this descriptive–analytic study, a total of 38,237 suspected cases of head lice infestation that were referred to public health centers in Qom province during 2016 were studied. Data collection was done using standard check list that was conducted and approved by the Health Ministry of the Islamic Republic of Iran and physical examination of the hairsby visual inspections of scalp and hair for the presence of adult lice, nymphs, and eggs (nits) in all of suspected cases. For data analysis, Chi-square and Multiple Logistic Regression Tests were utilized. Results A total of 11,223 (29.35%) out of 38,237 suspected cases of all ages were found to have pediculosis. According to the multivariable logistic regression analysis, a significant relationship was observed between Pediculus capitis infestation and each of these factors: educational grade, family size, family income, having previous history of P. capitis infestation, number of combing per day(P<0.05). Head lice infestation was detected in 33.45% (7,182/21,469) of females and 24.09% (4,041/16,768) of males. Conclusion High prevalence of P. capitis among people of all ages, especially in students who reside in Qom province was attributable to inadequate access to health educators, health facilities, inattention to personal health, and other related factors.
The Impact of Stock Dividends and Stock Splits on Shares’ Prices: Evidence from Egypt

This research aims to examine the effect of two types of corporate actions,“Stock Split” and “Stock Dividends”, on the shares’ prices, liquidity changes, and price volatility; and to investigate the efficiency of the Egyptian stock market in response to the announcement of the corporate actions. The research provides the investors with a scientific tool to predict and explain changes in stock prices in response to announced corporate actions and to improve their investment decision-making process. The objective is to investigate whether the two actions collectively or independently have a positive impact on the prices of the related stocks listed on the Egyptian Stock Exchange (EGX), and assess the similarities and dissimilarities between their individual impacts. We applied the “Event Study” approach to measure the impact of the stock splits and stock dividends announcement on the stock prices through measuring the cumulated average abnormal return (CAAR) resulted from events to assess their impact on the stock performance around the announcement day (for a period of 30 prior and 30 days post announcement) as applied before by Terhi (2011). The analysis concluded that the announcement of both of stock split and stock dividend has a positive impact on stock prices. This positive impact drove the authors to test the efficiency of EGX in respect of the impact of the announcement the corporate actions to the public investors. A correlation analysis is performed to reflect this impact.
Extending The Grapevine: Innovation and knowledge tranmission within the Australian wine industry

Innovation and its uptake are two key ingredients in the Australian wine industry's rapid rise from cottage industry to international success. The industry has a well-deserved reputation of leadership in the funding, coordination and adoption of both product and process innovation. This leadership continues to underpin its competitive advantage in oenological and viticultural practices, training, branding, and export. Empirical research, however, upon which this paper is based, suggests that this success may be disguising systemic flaws. One of the most threatening of these flaws is the relative lack of access to the industry's dominant knowledge cluster by the myriad regional firms. The intensity of this cluster and inadequate transmission of knowledge beyond its parameters is undermining the vast majority of Australian wine firms' ability to participate in the industry's leading edge research and development. This, in turn, could well threaten the industry's future leadership.
Evaluation of integrated poultry-fish-horticulture production in Arsi Zone, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Arsi Zone, situated about 175 km away from the south east of Addis Ababa, and the objectives were the production evaluation of integrated system of poultry-fish-horticulture. Poultry breeds of Rhode Island Red which was dual purpose for egg and meat production, fish species (Oreochromis niloticus) and different varieties of horticultural crops viz. Bombe red onion (Allium cepa), variety of Malkashola Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) and Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) were investigated. The data were collected over a period of November 2009 to August 2011. The production of the integrated system was high as compared to the non-integrated ones. The fish production was positively improved due to the presence of poultry manure and wastes in water that served as fertilizer for horticultural production.
Induced Lactation by Adoptive Mothers: A Case Study

Induced lactation is a method of stimulating breast milk, carried out by non-pregnant women. It is an alternative for women who are unable to have children naturally but wish to experience motherhood by adopting. In Islamic laws, breastfeeding by a woman of another person’s child will turn their relationship into that of a mother and her own child. The permissibility in Islamic law of breastfeeding another person’s child has been taken as an alternative way for adoptive Muslim mothers to “ mahram” ise (a male/female who is forbidden permanently, forever) (or familiarize) the relationship with that adopted child. The objective of this study is to explore the experience of adoptive mothers who have breastfed their adopted children through the method of induced lactation. This study focuses on the technical aspects, on how an adoptive mother stimulates the production of breast milk despite not having gone through the process of pregnancy. This study uses the qualitative study method. This study interviewed 12 respondents comprising of Muslim females who had successfully nursed their adopted children before the age of two and fulfilled the requirement to nurse the child until he is fully satisfied for five sessions. The semi structured interview technique was carried out over a 6 months period between the years 2012 to 2013. Data analysis discovered that two methods of induced lactation were performed, i.e., hormone simulation and breast stimulation. This study also found two devices used in the process of breast stimulation, which are Supplemental Feeding Device and Breast pump. In summary, the process of induced lactation to nurse an adopted child can be a success with the right method, technique and equipment.
Latent Interaction Modeling with Planned Missing Data Designs

ABSTRACT Planned missing data (PMD) designs allow researchers to collect additional data under time constraints and to reduce participant burden, both of which can occur in social, behavioral, and educational research settings. The imposed missing data patterns, however, can hamper the efficiency of statistical models implemented to test hypotheses that are of interest to substantive researchers, including whether a treatment works the same for all students. Typically, PMD designs result in a modest power deficiency; however, this tenet has not been extended to latent interaction models. Such models are of increasing importance as researchers investigate moderated relationships involving continuous latent variables. Monte Carlo simulations were used to assess the efficacy of various latent interaction estimation methods under PMD designs.
Behaviour of Grain Separation in Thai Transverse Axial Threshing Units for Chainat 1 Rice Variety

A transverse axial threshing unit is widely used in self-propelled combine harvesters in Thailand and the ASEAN region. The grain separating behaviour of this threshing unit affects the performance of the threshing unit and cleaning unit. This study aims to find out the behaviour of grain separation in a Thai transverse axial flow threshing unit. The concave rod clearance was chosen as the test medium, as this significantly affects the behaviour of grain separation and Chainat 1 rice variety was chosen for test. The results show that 70-80% of grain were separated from the straw, and then fell through the lower concave of the feeding zone into the cleaning unit; whilst the rest were threshed in the separation zone. The purity of grain input into the cleaning unit was quite steady in the feeding zone, although the grain purity in the separation zone decreased as the length of the separation zone increased. The cumulative straws increased linearly during the feeding zone, as they increased exponentially in the separation zone. In contrast, the cumulative undeveloped kernels and other contaminants increased linearly when the length of the separation zone also increased.
Individual Differences in Markers of Cholinergic Signaling Correlating to Fear and Extinction Learning

iv List of Figures . viii List of Abbreviations . x Chapter 1: Introduction . 1 A. Fear Learning and Extinction . 1 B. Anatomy of Fear Learning and Extinction . 4 C. Cholinergic Regulation of Fear Learning and Extinction . 7 D. Objective, Hypothesis, and Aims . 11 Chapter 2: Methods . 13 A. Animal Model of Fear Conditioning and Extinction Learning . 13 B. Tissue Preparation, Immunofluorescence, & Image Collection & Analysis . 16 C. Statistical Analysis . 19 Chapter 3: Results . 21 A. Behavior Results . 21 B. Fluorescent Imaging Results and Analysis . 27
Projecting Pension Expenditure in Spain: On Uncertainty, Communication and Transparency

In this paper we suggest a set of indicators about the future performance of the Spanish public pension system and a suitable method of representing their uncertainty, in order to improve the communication to the public opinion about its main future challenges. Spain seems a particularly interesting case in Europe to illustrate our proposals, since the social security system has been in surplus for nine consecutive years, in sharp contrast to the projections made just a decade ago, but, at the same time, most projections foresee for Spain one of the highest increases in public expenditure among EU countries due to ageing. We argue that simple, transparent, credible, public and periodic indicators, which take explicitly into account the uncertainty about future demographic, economic and institutional developments, may contribute to improve the debate on the policies needed to strengthen the pension system.
Effect of carbon source on dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium in coastal wetland sediments

15N tracing technique was applied to investigate the effects of various organic carbon (OC) sources on dissimilatory nitrate (NO3 -) reduction to ammonium (NH4 +) (DNRA) rates in the coastal wetland sediments. Soils collected from the Chongming Dongtan wetland were incubated at 25 oC in the dark for 24 h following the additions of OC sources (glucose, acetate, malate, citrate and oxalate (500 μg C g-1 dry soil)) and 15N-labeled NH4 NO3 (initial 15N atom% of NO3 --N is 20%). The results showed that soil DNRA rates varied from 0.018-0.497 mg N kg-1 dry soil d-1 during the whole incubation, and the rates differed significantly among treatments following the order: oxalate> citrate> glucose> acetate> malate>no exogenous C addition over the first 12-h incubation. This was possibly caused by the different decomposition rates of various OC sources, which further influenced the available energy provided for DNRA microorganisms. Soils with no addition of exogenous C showed low soil DNRA rates, presumably because of the low C/NO3 ratio as well as energy availability. The relative lower soil DNRA rates over the 24-h incubation indicated that DNRA is a fast process. Our results suggest that DNRA could be controlled by OC sources, especially organic acids, demonstrating that the widespread use of glucose in soil laboratory studies might limit our understanding on the effects of OC on soil DNRA process.
Effect of Price Changes on the Supply Response of Rubber in Nigeria (1980-2010)

The study on the effect of price changes on rubber supply in Nigeria was carried out through the application of the Nerlovian partial adjustment model. Time series data covering a period of 30 years were obtained from the National Bureau of Statistics, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Annual Agricultural Survey and the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin. The Nerlovian model was specified on the basis of the functional relationship between rubber supply and the lagged endogenous variables of rubber supply as well as the export price of rubber for the period under review. The findings revealed that previous year's output used as a lagged endogenous variable had a positive magnitude of 0.768 and was significant at 1%. The positive sign and the proof of significance is consistent with economic theory which posits that output has a direct relationship with the previous production level. The magnitude of the export price co-efficient of 0.0012 was low and not significant. Though the sign is in line with theoretical expectation, the low value may be attributable to the spurious nature of the estimates of time series due to trending effect. The coefficient of determination (R 2 ) of 76.4% indicates the proportion of the variation in natural rubber supply that was explained by the specified model. Also the Durbin Watson statistic value of 2.24 showed the presence of low autocorrelation. It is therefore recommended that an appropriate mechanism for price stabilization be instituted by governments as means of enhancing high export trade volume, since price is found to be a major determinant of rubber export trade in Nigeria. Keywards: Price changes, Supply Response, Nigeria