Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Correlation between Pokemon and MDM2 in Carcinogenesis of Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Rats

This study was designed to investigate correlation between proto-oncogene POK erythroid myetoid ontogenic factor (Pokemon) and oncogene MDM2 in carcinogenesis of lung squamous cell carcinoma in rats. Protein and mRNA expressions of Pokemon and MDM2 in different stages of rat lung squamous cell carcinoma were measured by immunochemistry staining and in situ hybridization assays. Lung squamous cell carcinoma could be viewed under microscope in 60 rats (success rate: 80%) after treatment with carcinogen. Among these rats, 21 ones were with bronchial epithelial hyperplasia, 13 ones were with atypical hyperplasia, 28 ones were with carcinoma in situ, 20 ones had invasive carcinoma and 16 ones had metastatic carcinoma. There were significant differences of Pokemon and MDM2 expression between control group and atypical hyperplasia group or squamous cell carcinoma group (P < 0.05). There were also significant differences of both genes between non-metastatic carcinoma group and metastatic carcinoma group (P < 0.05). Pokemon expression was positively correlated with MDM2 expression (r=0.616, P=0.000). These findings indicate that Pokemon and MDM2 were highly expressed in rat lungs following carcinogenesis of lung squamous cell carcinoma. The expression of Pokemon and MDM2 may contribute to genesis and development of lung squamous cell carcinoma in rats.
Modelling key predictors that stimulate the entrepreneurial performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and poverty reduction: Perspectives from SME managers in an emerging economy

Orientation: In this ever-changing business milieu, poverty alleviation has turned into an important issue after the publication of the 2015 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which aim at eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions by 2030. Research purpose: This study investigates the effect of entrepreneurship education, budgeting financial literacy and access to credit facilities on entrepreneurial performance and poverty reduction. Motivation for the study: There is a lack of literature that studies the effect of entrepreneurship education, budgeting financial literacy and access to credit facilities on entrepreneurial performance and poverty reduction in an emerging economy, such as South Africa. Research design, approach and method: The study adopted a quantitative approach. The examination was completed in the Vhembe District of Limpopo province, South Africa, where many people live in poverty. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 150 managers of rural small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). To test the hypothesised model, structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis was employed using the Smart partial least squares (PLS) software. Main findings: The findings uncovered that entrepreneurship education, budgeting financial literacy and access to credit facilities positively impact entrepreneurial performance of SMEs and reduce poverty. Practical/managerial implications: The present research provides theoretical implications for academics in the field of entrepreneurship, precisely, by enhancing an understanding of the link between entrepreneurship education, budgeting financial literacy, access to credit facilities, entrepreneurship performance and poverty reduction. On the practitioners’ side, this work offers avenues for SME managers to improve entrepreneurial ventures and eventually eliminate household poverty. Moreover, this study also offers policy implications. Existing policies, for example, can be updated, with the goal of improving entrepreneurial performance of SMEs and reducing poverty. Contribution/value-add: This article provides useful insights into and suggestions on the way forward. Furthermore, it contributes to the existing knowledge base in the field of entrepreneurship. As such, this research is important for SME managers because most of them endeavour to enhance entrepreneurial performance and alleviate poverty in their communities.
Consumer Confidence and Consumer Spending in Brazil: A Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model Analysis

The study explores the relationship between consumer confidence, household private consumer expenditure and other related macroeconomic financial variables for Brazil, a major, upper middle, income, Latin American country. It is widely discussed in the literature that the consumer confidence is an initial guide to the future behaviour of the economy based on the consumption path. Thus, a rise in the confidence of the consumer would lead to rising household consumption behaviour, which would percolate to accelerate economic growth. The study uses the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag model (NARDL) to measure the effects of changes in consumer sentiment on private consumer spending, taking into consideration the significance of other financial variables, namely the rate of interest, stock market index, the exchange rate, inflation and unemployment trends. The study employs monthly data from the 4th month of 1995 to the 10th month of 2018. The bounds test of the NARDL suggests the presence of a cointegrating relationship among the variables. The model estimation affirms the presence of asymmetries in the behaviour of the major explanatory variables. In the short run, there are both positive and negative asymmetric impacts of consumer confidence index (CCI) on consumer expenditure, while the rate of interest has only negative asymmetries. In the long run, unemployment changes, stock market fluctuations, interest rate variation and alterations in the CCI shape the behaviour of consumer spending at the household level in Brazil. So, the consumers are able to perceive the signalling of the future behaviour of the market and contribute through consumption spending. JEL: C22, D12, E21, O54
Operating room team member role affects room traffic in orthopaedic surgery: a prospective observational study

Background: Operating room (OR) traffic is an increasing topic of concern for potential risks of surgical site infections (SSIs). We evaluated room traffic rates during orthopaedic surgery cases to better understand how OR team member roles contribute to room traffic. Our hypothesis was that OR traffic differs among team member groups. Methods: We evaluated 46 orthopaedic surgery cases involving implantation of a device at an academic medical center during the summer of 2015. Room traffic rates were recorded as the number of door openings per minute in each case. OR team member groups were defined as follows: Group (A) charge nurse, nurse, scrub technician, scrub technician student; (B) anesthesiology attending physician, anesthesiology resident, anesthesiology medical student, certified nurse anesthetist; (C) orthopaedic surgery attending, orthopaedic surgery resident, orthopaedic surgery medical student; (D) medical sales representative/vendor; (E) radiology technician. Results: The number of door openings ranged from 48 to 259 (mean 127±47). The overall mean room traffic rate per minute per case ranged from 0.2193-1.014 (mean 0.5856±0.1663). Operative length ranged from 90–521 min (mean 226±89.1). There was a statistically significance difference between the median room traffic rate per minute per case by different group (A, B, C, D, and E) types (&khgr;2(4)=127.085, P=0.0001). Conclusions: Room traffic rates and number of door openings per case are different among different OR team member groups. Better understanding of room traffic characteristics allows for strategic intervention to decrease room traffic among team members in each group.
Political Parties in Indonesia and the Internet: A comparative analysis

This is the first such study of the use of Internet by political parties in Indonesia. It also documents parties’ websites performance index and online popularity for campaigning in 2019. The purpose of this comparative study is to look at how the Internet was used by Indonesian political parties approaching the 2019 elections. Internet campaign consists of two parts: online presence through political party website, and political marketing through social media. Total of 16 parties participating the elections next year were examined for how they are utilizing official websites and social media platforms. We created an index based on list of website features (scoring system) and then classify it into 4 variables (information provision, mobilization, engagement, and technological sophistication) containing 43 features. We also visualise the descriptive statistical analysis on parties’ social media accounts using RStudio software. The study found that despite half of Indonesian national population is using the Internet, political parties were not yet achieving their maximum potential in using the digital media to disseminate political messages and propaganda. The quality of most of the websites have been subpar. In addition, the quality seems to have no relationship with the financial resources and the current parliamentary size of political parties. On average, official social media accounts run by parties has only been used in the last 3.25 years. Well-established older parties in Indonesia continue to engage with their constituents without heavily relying on social media. Yet, this situation is very likely to change in the future as parties’ elites are now beginning to look into this platform as they seek out to the millennials for electoral support.
An invertible dependence of the speed and time of the induction machine during no-load direct start-up

In this paper, an invertible dependence of the speed and time of the induction machine during no-load direct start-up is presented. Namely, based on the parameters of the induction machine equivalent circuit as well as on the basic, well-known, equation for machine torque, the analytical expression for the induction machine time-speed dependence during direct start-up is derived. On the other hand, in order to obtain inverse i.e. speed-time dependence, the derived time-speed expression is rearranged in one nonlinear equation. As the derived nonlinear equation does not have an analytical solution, a novel iterative procedure, based on the usage of Lambert W function, is proposed for its solving. The results obtained by using the developed expressions for speed-time or time-speed curves are compared with the corresponding results obtained by using expressions known in the literature as well as with the results obtained by using a numerical time-domain computation method. Moreover, the results obtained by using the developed expressions have been compared with the corresponding experimental results to demonstrate the accuracy of the derived expressions. The Matlab code developed for solving the presented iterative procedure, as well as the Matlab code for induction machine speed-time curve determination, is also provided.
Tolerance of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors among 33 Cancer Patients Followed in CHU Annaba-Algeria

Background: The Inhibitors of Tyrosine Kinase are new targeted therapy recently explored with an aim of increasing the selectivity of antitumor action, the main objective was to evaluate the tolerance with the Inhibitors of Tyrosine Kinase among cancer patients. Material and Methods: A descriptive and retrospective study was carried out into a series of thirty-three case (33) cancer patients reached of chronic myeloid leukemia followed on the service of Hemato-oncology CHU Annaba in Algeria during December 2013 to April 2014. Results and Discussion: The study of the tolerance showed that Imatinib (Glivec®) gave only one case with complications colopathy type and respiratory allergy with disappearance of the osseous pains and the arterial hypertension obtained with Imatinib(Imatib®); what confirms a good tolerance of the specialty of Glivec® compared to Imatib®. We did not note any complication for Dasatinib and Nilotinib, with reduction in the specific undesirable effects (Dasatinib gave 16.67% of the osseous pains, Nilotinib 9.09% of osseous pains and 9.09% of myalgia), reduction in the asthenia (33.33% for Dasatinib and 9.09% for Nilotinib), this testifies to a better tolerance of the new molecules Tyrosine kinase inhibitors Dasatinib and Nilotinib compared to the molecule of reference Imatinib. Conclusion: Through these data we raise the interest of selection of the therapeutic protocols and the importance of a strict monitoring of the undesirable effects of targeted therapy in order to ensure the best taken in charge for these patients.
Strategic Grade Retention

Most school systems grant teachers and school principals considerable discretion in grade retention decisions. This paper argues that schools can exploit this discretion by selectively retaining students to reduce class size which potentially has important implications for public spending on education and affected students. To this end, I build a model in which class size is subject to a class size cap, with teachers and school principals determining the share of students to be retained. This leads to a set of empirical predictions that can be tested with minimal data requirements. Testing these predictions using administrative data for German primary schools yields strong evidence of schools strategically using grade retention to reduce class size.
Magnesium deficiency and increased fractional magnesium excretion in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: magnesium loading test and blood pressure

Background: There is experimental and clinical evidence giving importance to the relationship between magnesium (Mg) and diabetes mellitus. The American Diabetes Society suggested that attention be given to the diagnostic significance of a Mg deficiency in diabetes mellitus. Because of regional differences in Mg supply, we studied Mg status in the surroundings of Lubeck in healthy persons as compared to diabetics. Patients and methods: 27 healthy controls (C) and 27 inpatients with an insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (DM) and bad metabolic control were studied. Mg ++ was measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy (Video 12 apparatus) in serum and erythrocytes; basic 24-hour urinary Mg excretion (b-Mg-u), fractional Mg excretion (f-Mg-u) were calculated. In addition the Mg loading test (Mg-lt) was applied. Results: In diabetics a hypomagnesemia was observed as compared to healthy subjects both in serum (0.73 ± 0.04 vs 0.83 ± 0.04 mmol/l, means ± SD, p < 0.05) and in red blood cells (1.43 ± 0.16 vs 1.84 ± 0.10 mmol/l)(p<0.01). The b-Mg-u was 2.75 ± 3.62 mmol/d in DM as compared to 5.84 ± 2.21 mmol/d in controls (p < 0.05); f-Mg-u was 5.83 ± 2.73% in DM and 3.46 ± 1.33% in controls. The percent retention of the given Mg load was 24.5 ± 18 in DM and -41 ± 12 in controls (p < 0.001). Discussion: In DM with bad metabolic control there is convincing evidence of a Mg-deficiency. Higher f-Mg-u in case of lower S-Mg in diabetics indicate an inadequate renal Mg loss which significantly correlates with the amount of glucosuria as one of the relevant pathophysiological mechanisms.
Past human disturbances and soil fertility both influence the distribution of light‐demanding tree species in a Central African tropical forest

Questions : In vast areas of central African forests, the upper canopy is presently dominated by light-demanding tree species. Here, we confront three hypotheses to explain this dominance: (1) these species have expanded their distribution because of widespread past slash-and-burn activities, as suggested by important charcoal amounts recorded in the soils of the region; (2) their abundance is rather explained by soil properties, as this guild establishes preferentially on favourable physico-chemical conditions for rapid growth; (3) soil properties have been substantially influenced by past human disturbances and those two effects cannot be disentangled. Methods : We quantified soil charcoal abundance and measured ten soil variables at the basis of 60 target trees that belonged to a list of three long-living pioneer light-demanding (LLP) and four shade-bearer (SB) species. We identified all stems with DBH ≥ 20 cm distant of 15 m around each target tree. Species were characterised by their wood specific gravity (WSG) that reflected their light requirement. Multiple regression models were used to quantify and test the relative effects of charcoal abundance and soil variables on the mean WSG of the 60 tree communities, as well as the abundance of three guilds: LLP, SB, and non-pioneer light-demanders (NPLD). Results : The mean WSG was the only response variable significantly explained by soil variables and charcoal abundance combined. It was significantly negatively associated to soil calcium and Mg content and to charcoal abundance, with soil and charcoal influencing the mean WSG independently. Conclusion : Our results shed light on the relative influences of past human disturbances and edaphic factors on tree community composition in central African forests, a poorly documented subject, and pave the way for deeper similar investigation at the whole community scale as we focus on a limited number of species.
Does board structure improve financial reporting quality? Evidence of real earnings manipulation among Pakistani firms

This paper examines whether board structure improves the earnings reporting quality? Using a sample of 150 non-financial listed Pakistani firms for the period 2008-2017, we perform empirical analysis by applying different econometric techniques namely pooled OLS, random effects model (RE), fixed effects model (FE) and feasible generalized least square (FGLS). The results suggest that board size and CEO duality significantly enhance the financial reporting quality by controlling the opportunistic behavior of managers and act as a strong monitoring mechanism. However, both board independence and audit committee independence do not significantly play their role in controlling the opportunistic behavior of managers. The results show that board size is negative significantly associated to earnings manipulation and board independence is significantly positive related to earnings manipulation regardless of the firm’s financial status. Whereas , the impact of CEO duality varies with the financial status of the firms. Overall results support the stewardship and agency theory point of view in Pakistani firms.
Mendelian randomization analysis of smoking behavior and cognitive ability on the Big Five

Tobacco smoke, a mutagen that can thin the brain’s cortex, might influence the Big Five (neuroticism, conscientiousness, agreeableness, extraversion, and openness). Cognitive ability, however, is a potential confounder, since it is associated with who smokes and with personality. Mendelian randomization (MR), which uses genetic variants as instrumental variables, can be used to probe the causal nature of these factors on personality. Here, MR was used to appraise smoking and cognitive ability on the Big Five and cognitive ability and neuroticism on social disparity. The results seem to suggest that smoking, independent of cognitive ability, leads people to be more neurotic and less extraverted and conscientious. Higher cognitive ability appears to make people less neurotic and more open, when accounting for smoking. Neuroticism appears to increase disparity, and higher cognitive ability appears to decrease it. Smoking may enhance disparity between those of lower and higher cognitive ability by exacerbating personality differences.
The Third-Person Perception of Sex Appeals in Hedonic and Utilitarian Product Ads

Abstract Ads making use of sexual appeals have the potential to attract attention, but they also run the risk of offending viewers. In this paper, two studies were performed to explore consumers’ third-person perceptions of sexual appeals in advertising for hedonic and utilitarian products. This research examined whether the third-person perception mediates the relationship between attitude toward the ad and purchase intention. We also examined whether these relationships are contingent on attitude toward sexual stimuli (positive vs. negative). Canadian (N = 400) and Turkish (N = 400) undergraduate students participated in each study. Findings consistently demonstrate that third-person phenomenon was supported in each study. The exact form of the third-person perception, however, differs across product types and cultural contexts. Also, attitude toward ads significantly affects third-person perception. In turn, third-person perception significantly affects both purchase intention on self and purchase intention on others. Furthermore, these relationships are contingent on the attitude toward sexual stimuli.
Nuclear plasticity increases susceptibility to damage during confined migration

Large nuclear deformations during migration through confined spaces have been associated with nuclear membrane rupture and DNA damage. However, the stresses associated with nuclear damage remain unclear. Here, using a quasi-static plane strain finite element model, we map evolution of nuclear shape and stresses during confined migration of a cell through a deformable matrix. Plastic deformation of the nucleus observed for a cell with stiff nucleus transiting through a stiffer matrix lowered nuclear stresses, but also led to kinking of the nuclear membrane. In line with model predictions, transwell migration experiments with fibrosarcoma cells showed that while nuclear softening increased invasiveness, nuclear stiffening led to plastic deformation and higher levels of DNA damage. In addition to highlighting the advantage of nuclear softening during confined migration, our results suggest that plastic deformations of the nucleus during transit through stiff tissues may lead to bending-induced nuclear membrane dis-ruption and subsequent DNA damage.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment of adolescent with social anxiety

Adolescence is characterized by many developmental challenges and is a period of vulnerability to anxiety yet, paradoxically, is also period of increased risk-taking behavior and striving for autonomy. One of the most common problems that adolescents face is social anxiety. Social anxiety in many cases leads to impaired mental health in adolescence and adulthood, when left untreated. One of the most effective and evidence-based first-choice approaches in treating social anxiety of adolescents is Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT). The aim of this case study is to illustrate CBT treatment of social anxiety with adolescent client, to prove CBT’s efficacy but also to stress out the importance of resilience building in adolescents as the way in improving their mental health. The client (17 years old girl) is complaining to anxiety symptoms and claims that “she does not want to live in this suffering but she wants to make something out of her life” during the initial session. Basic complaints are social isolation that she wants to change and to spend more quality time with her peers, intense anxiety symptoms and irregular school attendance. The treatment goals were set in collaboration with the client. In achieving these goals, we used behavioral techniques (role-plays, in-vivo exposure), cognitive techniques (psychoeducation, cognitive restructuration, behavioral experiment), techniques of mindfulness and Compassion Focused Therapy techniques. The treatment lasted 16 sessions. The client was highly motivated and worked hard in reaching the treatment goals. During the treatment, therapist-client relationship was cooperative and filled with compassion, trust, unconditional acceptance, but also with the presence of humor. The treatment was successful, as confirmed through the results of the Social Anxiety Questionnaire and Beck’s Anxiety Inventory, through the achievement of the goals set and the client’s and her family’s self-reports. Further prognoses are positive but also depending on social support factors that client will have in future. In conclusion, we can state that CBT proved efficacy as described in this case study and confirmed its status of evidence-based first-choice approach in treating social anxiety of adolescents. Building resilience in adolescents has been confirmed as an effective way to improve their mental health.