Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Domestic Access to Pipe-Borne Water in Calabar Metropolis, Southern Nigeria

Domestic access to pipe-borne water is necessary for the general well-being of residents of every community. This research investigated domestic access to the service, the relationship between socio-economic attributes and pipe-borne water characteristics as well as the contribution of four dimensions of access (availability, geographic, financial and acceptability). A total of 614 questionnaires were administered to residents of Calabar Metropolis using the systematic point sampling technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and spatial techniques. Interpolated maps were used to show variations in pipe-borne water connection, use and expenditure. Results revealed no significant relationship between the number of persons in households sampled and average volume of water used daily by respondents (P = 0.144 > 0.05). There is also no significant relationship between average volume of water used daily and the income of respondents (p = 0.03 < 0.05). Furthermore, the average monthly expenditure on pipe-borne water by respondents in the Metropolis do not significantly relate with income (p = 0.0 < 0.05). The multi-nomial logistic regression analyses revealed that a combined effect of the model of availability, geographic, financial and acceptability significantly contributes to measuring access to pipe-borne water in the Metropolis, χ2(30) = 93.455, p < 0.001, with availability (p= 0.031 < 0.05) and financial (p = 0.001 < 0.05) dimensions faring better. It was recommended that Cross River State Water Board Limited should not only increase the volume of water supplied to residents but also ensure that more households are connected to the service. The frequency of water supply has to be up-surged as well, with the Board distributing the water in a systematic manner, and with consideration to existing spatial variations and measures of access which have proven to be fundamental to guarantee access to water.
The Relative Efficacy of Different forms of Knowledge of Results for the Learning of a New Relative Timing Pattern

The goal of the present study was to determine the relative efficacy of verbal and auditory knowledge of results for promoting learning of a new constrained relative timing pattern. In a series of four experiments we compared the efficiency of verbal knowledge of results to that of auditory knowledge of results. The results of all four experiments revealed that verbal knowledge of result is a very effective source of information to promote learning of a new imposed relative timing pattern. Auditory knowledge of results favoured learning of a new relative timing pattern in a very limited set of circumstances. In the present study, this was only the case when movement velocity remained constant from one segment of the task to the next and if it resulted in an unfamiliar temporal pattern. The results of all four experiments also provided evidence that movement parameterization and relative timing are independent processes that can be developed in parallel.
Diagnostic yield of recommendations for chest CT examination prompted by outpatient chest radiographic findings.

PURPOSE To evaluate the diagnostic yield of recommended chest computed tomography (CT) prompted by abnormalities detected on outpatient chest radiographic images. MATERIALS AND METHODS This HIPAA-compliant study had institutional review board approval; informed consent was waived. Reports of all outpatient chest radiographic examinations performed at a large academic center during 2008 (n = 29 138) were queried to identify studies that included a recommendation for a chest CT imaging. The radiology information system was queried for these patients to determine if a chest CT examination was obtained within 1 year of the index radiographic examination that contained the recommendation. For chest CT examinations obtained within 1 year of the index chest radiographic examination and that met inclusion criteria, chest CT images were reviewed to determine if there was an abnormality that corresponded to the chest radiographic finding that prompted the recommendation. All corresponding abnormalities were categorized as clinically relevant or not clinically relevant, based on whether further work-up or treatment was warranted. Groups were compared by using t test and Fisher exact test with a Bonferroni correction applied for multiple comparisons. RESULTS There were 4.5% (1316 of 29138 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 4.3%, 4.8%]) of outpatient chest radiographic examinations that contained a recommendation for chest CT examination, and increasing patient age (P < .001) and positive smoking history (P = .001) were associated with increased likelihood of a recommendation for chest CT examination. Of patients within this subset who met inclusion criteria, 65.4% (691 of 1057 [95% CI: 62.4%, 68.2%) underwent a chest CT examination within the year after the index chest radiographic examination. Clinically relevant corresponding abnormalities were present on chest CT images in 41.4% (286 of 691 [95% CI: 37.7%, 45.2%]) of cases, nonclinically relevant corresponding abnormalities in 20.6% (142 of 691 [95% CI: 17.6%, 23.8%]) of cases, and no corresponding abnormalities in 38.1% (263 of 691 [95% CI: 34.4%, 41.8%]) of cases. Newly diagnosed, biopsy-proven malignancies were detected in 8.1% (56 of 691 [95% CI: 6.2%, 10.4%]) of cases. CONCLUSION A radiologist recommendation for chest CT to evaluate an abnormal finding on an outpatient chest radiographic examination has a high yield of clinically relevant findings.
Enterotropic Strains of Mouse Coronavirus Differ in Their Use of Murine Carcinoembryonic Antigen-Related Glycoprotein Receptors

Abstract Enterotropic mouse hepatitis virus strains (MHV-RI and MHV-Y) replicate in the intestine and rarely disseminate to other tissues, unlike respiratory MHV strains. Murine carcinoembryonic antigen-related glycoproteins (MHVR and mmCGM2) are expressed in many murine tissues and serve as receptors for respiratory MHV strains. To assess the role of receptors in the limited tissue tropism of enterotropic MHV strains, the permissiveness of MHVR- and mmCGM2-expressing cell lines and peritoneal exudate cells from BALB/c and SJL mice for MHV-RI and MHV-Y replication was determined. MHVR transfected BHK cells were susceptible to infection with both MHV-RI and MHV-Y. Additionally, the anti-MHVR monoclonal antibody CC1 blocked MHV-RI and MHV-Y infection. mmCGM2-transfected BHK cells were susceptible to infection with MHV-Y, but not MHV-RI. Peritoneal exudate cells from BALB/c mice were susceptible to infection with MHV-Y and MHVRI, whereas peritoneal exudate cells from SJL- mice were susceptible to infection with MHV-Y but not MHV-RI. These results indicate that MHV-RI probably uses a different receptor than other MHV strains to infect SJL mice and that receptors are probably not the primary determinant of the limited tissue tropism of enterotropic MHV strains.
The effect of microfinance on the growth of female-owned businesses in Ghana

The study explored the effect of Microfinance on the growth of female-owned businesses by focusing on how the financial and non-financial services offered by Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) affect the increase in assets, employees and revenues. It also explored factors that undermine the effect of these services on the growth of female-owned businesses. The research is a qualitative and uses purposive sampling technique. The findings of the research were based on the responses of thirty female clients of both Asa Savings and Loans, Odorkor Branch and Progressive Savings and Loans, Accra Central Branch. Branch managers of the Microfinance companies earlier stated were also administered questionnaires. Data gathered was analyzed using descriptive analysis and cross tabulation. The research revealed that MFIs have had a positive effect on the growth of femaleowned businesses although some factors undermined this effect. These factors include the economic situation, the size of loans and the attitudes of the business owners. Furthermore the research showed that the advisory services offered were not being utilized by most of the respondents. However, the few who used these services observed a significant increase in management and control of their businesses which contributed to growth. Based on the findings, it was concluded that Microfinance Institutions have had a positive effect on female-owned businesses. Some recommendations provided by the researcher include a more rigorous advisory unit for MFIs, government and international grants to EFFECT OF MICROFINANCE ON FEMALE-OWNED BUSINESSES vi help increase loan sizes and also increase in market research to provide services that suit the needs of female clients.
Rb and Prohibitin Target Distinct Regions of E2F1 for Repression and Respond to Different Upstream Signals

ABSTRACT E2F transcription factor is subject to stringent regulation by a variety of molecules. We recently observed that prohibitin, a potential tumor suppressor protein, binds to the retinoblastoma (Rb) protein and represses E2F transcriptional activity. Here we demonstrate that prohibitin requires the marked box region of E2F for repression; further, prohibitin can effectively inhibit colony formation induced by overexpression of E2F1 in T47D cells. Prohibitin was also found to interact with the signaling kinase c-Raf-1, and Raf-1 could effectively reverse prohibitin-mediated repression of E2F activity. Agents such as E1A, p38 kinase, and cyclins D and E had no effect on prohibitin-mediated repression of E2F1, but all of these molecules could reverse Rb function. Similarly, stimulation of the immunoglobulin M signaling pathway in Ramos cells could inactivate prohibitin, but this had no effect on Rb function. Serum stimulation of quiescent Ramos cells inactivated Rb and prohibitin with different kinetics; further, while the serum-dependent inactivation of Rb was dependent on cyclin-dependent kinase activity, the inactivation of prohibitin was not. We believe that prohibitin is a novel regulator of E2F function which channels specific signaling cascades to the cell cycle regulatory machinery.
Electric characteristics of MgO/LDPE nanocomposite up to breakdown under DC ramp voltage

To understand DC breakdown phenomena of low density polyethylene (LDPE) mixed with nano-sized magnesium oxide (MgO), the electric properties, namely, DC breakdown strength, conduction current, space charge formation and local heat generation up to the breakdown under increasing field with a particular rate of increase was investigated. DC breakdown strength of nanocomposite was found to be high compared to that of LDPE. The increasing rate of the conduction current in nanocomoposite with respect to the average field (under high field) was suppressed by the addition of MgO nano-filler. The space charge formation and the local heat generation were also suppressed under high field. From these results, it is suggested that the suppression effect of conduction current affected by the space charge led to higher DC breakdown strength of nanocomposite material.
Hemiparetic muscle atrophy and increased intramuscular fat in stroke patients.

OBJECTIVE To determine if skeletal muscle atrophy and greater fat deposition within the muscle are present in the hemiparetic limb of chronic (>6 mo) hemiparetic stroke patients. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Hospital-based research center. PARTICIPANTS Sixty patients (47 men, 13 women; mean age +/- standard deviation, 65+/-9 y). INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Patients underwent a total body scan by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry to determine percentage of body fat, total lean mass, fat mass, and lean mass of the paretic and nonaffected legs, thighs, and arms. Thirty patients received computed tomography (CT) scans of their midthigh to determine muscle area, subcutaneous fat, and low-density lean tissue, as a measure of fat within the muscle area, of the paretic and nonaffected midthigh. RESULTS Patients were deconditioned (VO(2)peak: 1.2+/-0.3 L/min) with a percentage of body fat of 31.4%+/-9.8% and total lean mass of 51.4+/-9.1 kg. Lean mass of the paretic leg and thigh were 4% and 3% lower than the nonaffected leg (P<.001), but leg fat was not different. Arm lean mass of the paretic side was 7% lower than the nonaffected side, whereas arm fat was not different. CT studies showed that midthigh muscle area was 20% lower in the paretic limb than in the nonaffected leg (P<.001), midthigh subcutaneous fat was similar, and midthigh low-density lean tissue showed a trend to be 3% higher in the paretic leg (P=.06). The ratio of midthigh low-density lean tissue to muscle area was higher in the paretic leg (P<.001), which indicates a greater intramuscular fat relative to muscle area in the affected limb. CONCLUSIONS Our results show hemiparetic skeletal muscle atrophy and more fat within the muscle, factors that may contribute to functional disability and increased cardiovascular disease risk in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients.
Continuous Intrathecal Clonidine and Tizanidine in Conscious Dogs: Analgesic and Hemodynamic Effects

Alpha-2-adrenergic agonists, such as clonidine, produce antinociception in animal pain models after intrathecal administration. However, clinical usage is limited by cardiovascular side effects. To investigate alternative &agr;2-adrenergic agonists as analgesics, we implanted six dogs with an intrathecal catheter and infusion pump. After baseline saline infusion, animals received clonidine or tizanidine (crossover study) each week at escalating doses of 125–750 &mgr;g/h. Analgesia, blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, sedation, and coordination were evaluated. A 28-day safety study was performed with another nine dogs receiving intrathecal tizanidine (3 or 6 mg/d) or saline. Equal doses of clonidine and tizanidine produce the same antinociception in thermal withdrawal tests. Blood pressure was reduced with 125–500 &mgr;g/h of clonidine, but not with tizanidine at any dose. Clonidine 250 &mgr;g/h reduced heart rate by 45.8%, and five of six animals had bradyarrhythmias (marked bradycardia), whereas tizanidine decreased heart rate by 15.1% without arrhythmias, even at the largest dose. Respiratory rate decreased with 250 &mgr;g/h of clonidine and larger doses. Sedation or incoordination occurred only at the largest dose for either drug. The safety study indicated that 3 mg/d of tizanidine in dogs produced no side effects or histopathologic changes. Tizanidine may be a useful alternative in patients experiencing cardiovascular side effects with intrathecal infusion of clonidine.
Exploring Perceptions of the Credibility of Policy Mixes: The Case of German Manufacturers of Renewable Power Generation Technologies

The credibility of climate policy has been identified as paramount factor for low-carbon investment and innovation and is thus key for the cost-effective achievement of the decarbonization objectives set out in the Paris Agreement. Yet, despite its importance we have only limited insights into how such policy credibility is formed. To address this gap we explore whether and to what extent corporate perceptions of policy credibility depend on the current policy mix with its national targets, concrete policy instruments and their consistency as well as policy making and implementation. For this, we use the case of the German Energiewende and rely on data collected in 2014 through a survey of German manufacturers of renewable power generation technologies. We analyze the answers of 390 companies through a linear regression to identify policy mix related determinants of perceived policy credibility - measured by a novel indicator based on four survey items. We find that corporate perceptions of policy credibility are mainly shaped by two characteristics of the policy mix, namely the coherence of policy making and implementation, followed by the consistency of the policy mix. Elements of the policy mix matter as well, in particular changes in the design of the core demand pull instrument (the Renewable Energy Sources Act, EEG) and the nuclear phase-out policy, but also the German targets for the expansion of renewable energies play a role. These insights enable us to derive more general implications for policy makers around the world interested in promoting the innovation-led decarbonization of the economy by safeguarding and increasing policy credibility.
Effects of Online Shopping Values and Website Cues on Purchase Behaviour: A Study Using S–O–R Framework

Executive Summary The e-commerce industry in India has seen unprecedented growth in last few years. Eyeing India’s substantial e-retail opportunity across multiple segments, investors have been aggressively funding the e-commerce sector. This growth has been fuelled by rapid adoption of technology, improving standards of living, an increasing young population, and economically advancing middle class, besides increasing access to the Internet through broadband and use of smartphones and tablets. The entry of global e-commerce giants has intensified the competition for home-grown players. E-retailers use web atmospherics to differentiate themselves from their competitors and evoke positive cognitive and emotional states of online consumers. However, though this Indian online market is growing at an exponential rate, it is still unexplored in terms of its shopping behaviour. Using structural equation modelling, this study applies the concept of the stimulus–organism–response to explain Indian buyers’ online shopping behaviour, besides examining the importance of design elements in enabling website satisfaction (WS). Using a survey method to test the research model, primary data were collected from five Indian metropolitan cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad during the months of May and June 2015. Confirmatory factory analysis (CFA) was used to estimate the measurement model with respect to convergent and discriminant validities. This was followed by testing the structural model framework and research hypotheses. Findings suggest that both internal and external elements have direct influence on WS. As the mediating variable, WS affects purchase intention. This research highlights on why and how ‘satisfaction with website’ matters in the contribution of shopping values and website atmospherics to behavioural outcomes by presenting its mediating role.
Pesticide Knowledge, Attitudes, and Clothing Practices of Turkish Farmers

The purpose of this study was to assess Turkish farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and clothing practices during pesticide activities. Seventy male farmers from seven districts of the Aegean region of Turkey were interviewed. Farmers indicated a high level of knowledge of adverse health effects associated with pesticides. In contrast to their level of knowledge, over 50% of the farmers had the attitude that pesticides would not be harmful to them. The type of clothing most often worn further supported the farmers’ attitudes: T-shirts or long-sleeve shirts, denim pants, leather shoes, or sandals, all of which provide little protection. Therefore, farmers’ knowledge on the harmful effects of pesticides did not correlate with their clothing practices. Additionally, farmers’ attitudes and clothing practices were inconsistent with each other. A weak but significant correlation between attitudes and clothing practices with a negative direction also supported this. Furthermore, participant farmers indicated bringing contaminated clothing inside the home and laundering contaminated work clothes with regular family clothes, potentially exposing family members by take-home contamination. These findings suggest that the development of training programs to reduce pesticide exposure would benefit Turkish farmers.
Insider Investment Horizon

We examine the relation between insiders’ investment horizon and the information content of their trades with respect to future stock returns. We conjecture that an insider's investment horizon establishes a benchmark for expected patterns of continued trading behavior and thus helps identify unexpected insider trades, which should be more informative in efficient markets. Consistent with this conjecture, the trades of short‐horizon insiders are both more unexpected and more informed, on average, than those of long‐horizon insiders. Short‐horizon insiders and their firms also tend to display characteristics that are associated with a greater focus on short‐termism.
Primary invasive micropapillary carcinoma of the stomach

Reported herein is the case of a 74‐year‐old man with an unusual gastric carcinoma that developed at the lesser curvature of the stomach. The tumor consisted of small clusters of carcinoma cells surrounded by clear spaces, with histopathology similar to invasive micropapillary carcinoma (IMPC) of the breast. The carcinoma cells, which had downregulation of E‐cadherin expression, invaded the subserous tissue and metastasized to the perigastric lymph nodes. IMPC, an unusual subtype of invasive breast carcinoma, is known to have frequent lymph node metastases, resulting in a poor clinical outcome. Although IMPC has been reported in breast, urinary bladder, ureter, lung, salivary gland and colon, to the best of the authors’ knowledge this is the first report of IMPC arising in the stomach. Presented here are the clinicopathological features of primary IMPC of the stomach.
Expression, Purification and Characterization of Human Recombinant Galectin 3 in Pichia pastoris

Background: Over the past century, the areas of genomics, proteomics and lipids have captured the attention of investigators worldwide. Carbohydrates, have recently received increased attention through the expanding field of glycobiology; probably because they are very complex and not encoded in the genome. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to express and purify recombinant human galectin 3via the Pichiapastoris expression system. Materials and Methods:cDNA of human galectin 3 gene was amplified with specific primers and cloned into a pcDNA3.1 vector with His-tag for easier purification using Ni2andchromatography. Furthermore, galectin 3was purified to homogeneity and confirmed using SDS-PAGE and western blotting. Results:The protein band corresponding to 29 kDa was excised from the gels, digested with trypsin and processed for mass spectrometric analysis by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization- Time of Flight Mass Spectroscopy (MALDI-TOF MS), using a Reflex III instrument. Conclusions:Tryptic digest analysis clearly revealed that the purified protein was indeed galectin 3. Similarly, the biological activity of recombinant galectin 3 was confirmed using the hemagglutination inhibition assay.
Efficient curvature analysis of buried waveguides

The highly efficient free space radiation mode method is extended, enabling for the first time its use in determining the lossy modes of curved buried semiconductor waveguides. Both the real and imaginary parts of the propagation constant along with the corresponding field profiles, are found with an accuracy comparable to that of more computationally intensive methods.