Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Challenges facing innovation strategy implementation at Equity bank of Kenya

Implementing innovations is a challenging and high risk task for many organizations. Therefore, it is not surprising that being innovative is generally considered to be key drivers of organizational success. Before the potential benefits of implementing the new idea, practice or technology can be realized, management faces the challenge of ensuring organization members accept the innovation. A number of challenges also exist in the process of innovating in an organization and for success to be achieved in the whole innovation process, then a deliberate move will have to be made to address these challenges. The purpose of the study was to determine the innovation challenges facing equity bank. The study adopted a case study research design in which an interview guide was used to collect data while content analysis was used in analyzing the data. The findings show that the bank undertakes two major types of innovation namely product and process innovation and from the innovation strategy that it has employed, the bank has been successful in introducing a number of products in the market that were positively received. However, the challenges that face the organization in its innovation strategy include, in adequate communication, market focused learning capability, scale of entrepreneurship, lack of adequate resources and the type of leadership.
The difficulty with experience: Does practice increase susceptibility to premature closure?

Introduction: A recent review of the physician performance literature concluded that the risk of prematurely closing one's diagnostic search increases with years of experience. To minimize confounding variables and gain insight into cognitive issues relevant to continuing education, the current study was performed to test this conclusion. Methods: Physician participants were shown a series of case histories and asked to judge the probability of a pair of diagnoses. The order in which features were presented was manipulated across participants and the probabilities compared to determine the impact of information order. Two groups of participants were recruited, 1 older than and 1 younger than 60 years. Results: The probability assigned to a diagnosis tended to be greater when features consistent with that diagnosis preceded those consistent with an alternative than when the same features followed those consistent with the alternative. Older participants revealed a greater primacy effect than less experienced participants across 4 experimental conditions. Discussion: Physicians with greater experience appear to weigh their first impressions more heavily than those with less experience. Educators should design instructional activities that account for experience‐specific cognitive tendencies.
Dynamic Matching for Real-Time Ridesharing

In a ride-sharing system, arriving customers must be matched with available drivers. These decisions affect the overall number of customers matched, because they impact whether future available drivers will be close to the locations of arriving customers. A common policy used in practice is the closest driver policy, which offers an arriving customer the closest driver. This is an attractive policy because it is simple and easy to implement. However, we expect that parameter-based policies can achieve better performance. We propose matching policies based on a continuous linear program (CLP) that accounts for (i) the differing arrival rates of customers and drivers in different areas of the city, (ii) how long customers are willing to wait for driver pickup, (iii) how long drivers are willing to wait for a customer, and (iv) the time-varying nature of all the aforementioned parameters. We prove asymptotic optimality of a forward-looking CLP-based policy in a large market regime and of a myopic linear program–based matching policy when drivers are fully utilized. When pricing affects customer and driver arrival rates and parameters are time homogeneous, we show that asymptotically optimal joint pricing and matching decisions lead to fully utilized drivers under mild conditions.
Lattice Boltzmann Models for Flow and Transport in Saturated Karst

Flow and transport simulation in karst aquifers remains a significant challenge for the ground water modeling community. Darcy’s law–based models cannot simulate the inertial flows characteristic of many karst aquifers. Eddies in these flows can strongly affect solute transport. The simple two‐region conduit/matrix paradigm is inadequate for many purposes because it considers only a capacitance rather than a physical domain. Relatively new lattice Boltzmann methods (LBMs) are capable of solving inertial flows and associated solute transport in geometrically complex domains involving karst conduits and heterogeneous matrix rock. LBMs for flow and transport in heterogeneous porous media, which are needed to make the models applicable to large‐scale problems, are still under development. Here we explore aspects of these future LBMs, present simple examples illustrating some of the processes that can be simulated, and compare the results with available analytical solutions. Simulations are contrived to mimic simple capacitance‐based two‐region models involving conduit (mobile) and matrix (immobile) regions and are compared against the analytical solution. There is a high correlation between LBM simulations and the analytical solution for two different mobile region fractions. In more realistic conduit/matrix simulation, the breakthrough curve showed classic features and the two‐region model fit slightly better than the advection‐dispersion equation (ADE). An LBM‐based anisotropic dispersion solver is applied to simulate breakthrough curves from a heterogeneous porous medium, which fit the ADE solution. Finally, breakthrough from a karst‐like system consisting of a conduit with inertial regime flow in a heterogeneous aquifer is compared with the advection‐dispersion and two‐region analytical solutions.
Which Institutional Investor Types are the Most Informed?

We examine the informativeness of quarterly disclosed portfolio holdings across four institutional investor types: hedge funds, mutual funds, pension funds and private banking firms. Overweight positions outperform underweight positions only for hedge funds. By decomposing holdings and stock returns, we find that hedge funds are superior to other institutional investors both at picking industries and stocks and that they are better at forecasting long‐term as well as short‐term returns. Furthermore, our results show that hedge funds, mutual funds and pension funds are able to successfully time the market. The outperformance of hedge funds is not explained by a liquidity premium.
REPRODUCIBILITY OF ORAL GLUCOSE TOLERANCE DATA IN NORMAL AND MILDLY DIABETIC SUBJECTS

Plasma glucose, plasma insulin and blood pyruvate levels were measured during two identical oral glucose tolerance tests carried out a few days apart on fifty‐two normal or mildly diabetic subjects. No systematic differences could be detected between the first and second test. Several different functions derived from the tests were examined both for reproducibility and sensitivity in detecting departures from normal: a ‘clinical value index’ as calculated for each of these functions taking both reproducibility and sensitivity into account. This index was higher for the area under the glucose tolerance curve than for the glucose value at any single selected point during the test or for the ‘H’ index. The coefficient of variation for the glucose area was found to increase with increasing impairment of glucose tolerance, and confidence limits for this function were defined, enabling a significance of a single abnormal test to be assessed. Day‐to‐day variations in glucose tolerance were found not to be the result of fluctuations in the insulin response, nor to be related to the fasting pyruvate level before the test. It seems most likely that these variations result from fluctuations in glucose absorption and distribution.
Direct current reduces accumulation of Evans Blue albumin in full-thickness burns.

BACKGROUND Application of direct current (DC) to a burn wound limits extension of the zone-of-stasis and reduces wound tissue edema. OBJECTIVE To study the effects of DC on extravasation of plasma proteins after burn by using Evans blue (EB) as a marker of plasma albumin. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats with 20% total body surface area full-thickness scalds (100 degrees C/10 sec) were used as the experimental model. Burn wounds were treated with plain nylon, silver-nylon, silver-nylon and 40 microA DC, or no dressing. EB (30 mg/kg) was injected immediately or at variably delayed postburn (PB) times and accompanied by DC application at various time intervals PB. Tissue content of Evans blue was assessed at different times after injection of the dye or infliction of burn injury. RESULTS Evans blue albumin (EBA) concentration in untreated burn wounds (307.7 microg/g tissue) was nine times greater than in unburned skin (36.5 microg/g tissue) at 48 hours PB. When animals received a DC and EB injection immediately PB, DC treatment reduced EBA concentration by 60% at any time point PB. When EB was injected immediately PB, or at variably delayed times PB, accompanied by DC immediately PB, or at variably delayed times PB, DC reduced EBA accumulation at all examined times PB by more the 50% (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION EBA and edema fluid accumulation in burn wound change in concert after injury and show similar response to DC treatment.
A randomized controlled trial of the effect of increased intravenous hydration on the course of labor in nulliparous women.

OBJECTIVE One variable that has the potential to affect the course of labor but has not been evaluated previously is the adequacy of maternal hydration. Typical orders provide for 125 mL of intravenous fluids per hour in patients taking limited oral fluids. Many such patients are clinically dehydrated. Physiologists have shown that increased fluids improve skeletal muscle performance in prolonged exercise. This study was designed to determine whether increased intravenous fluids affect the progress of labor. STUDY DESIGN Nulliparous women with uncomplicated singleton gestations at term, in spontaneous active labor with dilatation between 2 and 5 cm, and with a cephalic presentation were included. Patients who gave consent were randomly selected to receive either 125 mL or 250 mL of intravenous fluids per hour. RESULTS One hundred ninety-five patients were randomly selected, 94 to the 125-mL group and 101 to the 250-mL group. Prerandomization variables were well matched between the 2 groups. The mean volume of total intravenous fluids was significantly greater in the 250-mL group (2008 mL vs 2487 mL; P =.002), as was the mean hourly rate (152 mL/h in the 125-mL group vs 254 mL/h in the 250-mL group; P =.001). The frequency of labor lasting >12 hours was statistically higher in the 125-mL group (20/78 [26%] vs 12/91 [13%]; P =.047). In addition, there was a trend favoring longer mean duration of the first stage and total duration of labor in patients delivered vaginally in the 125-mL group, by 70 and 68 minutes, respectively (P =.06). There was a trend toward a lower frequency of oxytocin administration for inadequate labor progress in the higher fluid rate group (61 [65%] in the 125-mL group vs 51 [49%] in the 250-mL group; P =.06). Cesarean deliveries were more frequent in the 125-mL group (n = 16) than in the 250-mL group (n = 10) but did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION This study presents the novel finding that increasing fluid administration for nulliparous women in labor above rates commonly used is associated with a lower frequency of prolonged labor and possibly less need for oxytocin. Thus inadequate hydration in labor may be a factor contributing to dysfunctional labor and possibly cesarean delivery. Consideration of this factor in clinical management and in future studies considering variables that affect labor is warranted.
Mapping Toll-Like Receptor Activity in Different Stages of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma

Abstract:It is known that human keratinocytes (KCs) express Toll-like receptors (TLRs). However, published reports conflict regarding TLR expression in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma patient's KCs. To define the pattern of expression and detect any differences of TLRs 1–9 and p65 expression in epidermal KCs, tumor infiltrate, and endothelial cell types using immunohistochemical stains on fixed and paraffin-embedded sections of mycosis fungoides (MF) in patch, plaque, and nodular stages. MF cases showed no change in pattern of TLRs expressed through different stages but increased epidermal staining of TLRs 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 with higher scores associated with more aggressive stages. Endothelial cell staining was increased for TLR 4 and 6. Tumor infiltrate staining was strongest with TLRs 5 and 7. Individual cases with disease progression showed increased intensity of TLRs 4, 5, and 6 staining in the epidermis, tumor infiltrate, and endothelial cell. p65 verified nuclear factor kappa B activation of the TLR pathway with trace staining of the epidermis and 1–2+ staining of tumor infiltrate. MF cases showed increased epidermal expression of TLRs and increased endothelial cell staining compared with controls. TLR expression may be driven by antigenic stimulation and may play a role in the activation of neoplastic T cells in the skin. Further definition of TLR patterns may refine the use of TLR modifiers for treatment.
A pilot study on the corneal biomechanical changes in short‐term orthokeratology

Purpose: To investigate the biomechanical changes in the cornea, in terms of corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF), with short‐term orthokeratology (ortho‐k) treatment, using the Ocular Response Analyser (ORA; Reichert Ophthalmic Instruments, Buffalo, NY, USA).
Gluconeogenesis, an essential metabolic pathway for pathogenic Francisella

Intracellular multiplication and dissemination of the infectious bacterial pathogen Francisella tularensis implies the utilization of multiple host‐derived nutrients. Here, we demonstrate that gluconeogenesis constitutes an essential metabolic pathway in Francisella pathogenesis. Indeed, inactivation of gene glpX, encoding the unique fructose 1,6‐bisphosphatase of Francisella, severely impaired bacterial intracellular multiplication when cells were supplemented by gluconeogenic substrates such as glycerol or pyruvate. The ΔglpX mutant also showed a severe virulence defect in the mouse model, confirming the importance of this pathway during the in vivo life cycle of the pathogen. Isotopic profiling revealed the major role of the Embden–Meyerhof (glycolysis) pathway in glucose catabolism in Francisella and confirmed the importance of glpX in gluconeogenesis. Altogether, the data presented suggest that gluconeogenesis allows Francisella to cope with the limiting glucose availability it encounters during its infectious cycle by relying on host amino acids. Hence, targeting the gluconeogenic pathway might constitute an interesting therapeutic approach against this pathogen.
Risk Averse Insiders with the Specific Objective Function and the Capital Structure

I extend the logic beyond the scope of traditional empirical tests of modern capital structure theory, which is based on the assumption that firms are governed by dispersed minority shareholders and follow the goal of maximizing their wealth. In the paper I focus on the capital structure implications of having risk averse insiders with specific objective function in control. Using questionnaire data for Central eastern Europe in Baltic States (CEB) from EBRD-World Bank Business Environment and Enterprise Performance Survey, BEEPS (III) (EBRD and World Bank, 2005), which allow us to separate sufficient share of employee-governed and manager-governed firms, I have found that firms governed by insiders operate with significantly lower leverage, as well as that the probability that a firm uses a bank loan at all drops if insiders are the largest shareholders. In all the specifications of the empirical models I control for firm’s specific capital structure determinants, industry specific effects and differences in creditor rights between countries.
Muenke syndrome with osteochondroma

Here, we report on a patient with Muenke syndrome with an osteochondroma, which to our knowledge, has not been previously recorded. The syndrome consists of coronal synostosis (unilateral or bilateral; macrocephaly in 3%; normal sutures in 11%), facial anomalies, hearing loss (sensorineural, 65%; mixed and conductive, 14%; unspecified, 21% (n1⁄4 126), developmental delay (language delay, motor delay or general delay), thimble-shaped middle phalanges, brachydactyly, and other bony abnormalities. The syndrome is caused by a specific FGFR3 mutation: 749C! G, resulting in Pro250Arg [Bellus et al., 1996; Muenke et al., 1997]. Over 300 cases have been reported [Doherty et al., 2007]. Clinical variability, incomplete penetrance in the presence of the mutation, birth prevalence, and the molecular basis of Muenke syndrome have been discussed and reviewed elsewhere [Moloney et al., 1997; Reardon et al., 1997; Wilkie, 1997; Graham et al., 1998; Gripp et al., 1998; Robin et al., 1998; Lajeunie et al., 1999; Cohen, 2004, 2006; Cohen and MacLean, 2000; Doherty et al., 2007]. Clinical report: A 13-year-old old boy was referred to our Genetics Clinic for mental retardation. His parents were normal and consanguinity was established (2nd cousins). A maternal first cousin was affected with Muenke syndrome and another first cousin had mental retardation of unknown cause. Height and weight were at the 75th centile, and OFC was between the 25th and 50th centile. Findings included facial anomalies, mild hearing deficit, and an osseous protuberance on the left leg. Radiographic assessment disclosed an osteochondroma in the proximal metaphysis of the left tibia, and fusion of the calcaneous and cuboid in both feet. Molecular analysis demonstrated FGFR3 Pro250Arg, establishing the diagnosis of Muenke syndrome. Because this is the first instance of an association of Muenke syndrome with osteochondroma, we wonder if other geneticists have also observed this association.
The cell adhesion molecule BT-IgSF is essential for a functional blood–testis barrier and male fertility in mice

The Ig-like cell adhesion molecule (IgCAM) BT-IgSF (brain- and testis-specific Ig superfamily protein) plays a major role in male fertility in mice. However, the molecular mechanism by which BT-IgSF supports fertility is unclear. Here, we found that it is localized in Sertoli cells at the blood–testis barrier (BTB) and at the apical ectoplasmic specialization. The absence of BT-IgSF in Sertoli cells in both global and conditional mouse mutants (i.e. AMHCre and Rosa26CreERT2 lines) resulted in male infertility, atrophic testes with vacuolation, azoospermia, and spermatogenesis arrest. Although transcripts of junctional proteins such as connexin43, ZO-1, occludin, and claudin11 were up-regulated in the absence of BT-IgSF, the functional integrity of the BTB was impaired, as revealed by injection of a BTB-impermeable component into the testes under in vivo conditions. Disruption of the BTB coincided with mislocalization of connexin43, which was present throughout the seminiferous epithelium and not restricted to the BTB as in wild-type tissues, suggesting impaired cell–cell communication in the BT-IgSF–KO mice. Because EM images revealed a normal BTB structure between Sertoli cells in the BT-IgSF–KO mice, we conclude that infertility in these mice is most likely caused by a functionally impaired BTB. In summary, our results indicate that BT-IgSF is expressed at the BTB and is required for male fertility by supporting the functional integrity of the BTB.
Determinants of HomeCare Practices for Childhood Febrile Illnesses in Rural Communities , Osun State , Nigeria

Background: In Nigeria, between 60% and 80% of children with febrile illness had received home-care prior to reporting at health facilities but only 15% of such home-care is appropriate. A major component of the integrated management of childhood illness is improved home-care. This study assessed caregivers‟ home-care practices towards childhood febrile illnesses and the determinants in rural communities in Osun State, Nigeria. Methods: Caregivers (255) accompanying febrile under-fives to rural primary health care facilities were interviewed using pretested interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge on febrile illness and home-care practices for febrile children was collected and analysed using percentages, chi-square statistics and binary logistic regression. Focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted and analysed using detailed content analysis. Result: Mean age of caregivers was 28.6 (SD=7.7) years and 239 (93.7%) were mothers. Overall, 155 caregivers (60.7%) had good knowledge of childhood febrile illnesses while 186 (72.9%) caregivers gave appropriate home-care. Having good knowledge of febrile illnesses [AOR=1.2, 95% CI = 1.1-1.4] and possessing at least secondary education (AOR=2.9, 95% CI =1.5-5.5) were significantly associated with appropriate home-care for febrile illnesses. FGD revealed satisfactory knowledge of febrile illnesses among respondents. Conclusion: Educating caregivers on childhood febrile illnesses is essential to improve home-care for febrile illnesses.
Effect of tributyltin on testicular development in Sebastiscus marmoratus and the mechanism involved

Organotin compounds, such as tributyltin (TBT), that have been used as antifouling biocides can induce masculinization in female mollusks. However, few studies addressing the effects of TBT on fishes have been reported. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of TBT at environmentally relevant concentrations (1,10, and 100 ng/L) on testicular development in Sebastiscus marmoratus and to gain insight into its mechanism of action. After exposure for 48 d, the gonadosomatic index had decreased in a dose‐dependent manner. Although the testosterone levels in the testes were elevated and the 17β‐estradiol levels were decreased, spermatogenesis was suppressed. Moreover, γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase activity (which is used as a Sertoli cell marker) was decreased in a dose‐dependent manner after TBT exposure, and serious interstitial fibrosis was observed in the interlobular septa of the testes in the 100 ng/L TBT test group. Increases in the retinoid × receptors and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ expression and the progressive enlargement of lipid droplets in the testes were observed after TBT exposure. Estrogen receptor α levels in the testes of the fish exposed to TBT decreased in a dose‐dependent manner. The reduction of estrogen receptor α mRNA resulted from the decrease of 17β‐estradiol levels, and the progressive enlargement of lipid droplets may have contributed to the dysfunction of the Sertoli cells, which then disrupted spermatogenesis.