Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In search of inflation limits for financial sector development in ECOWAS and SADC regions: A panel smooth transition analysis

Abstract This study investigates a comparative study on the threshold effects of inflation on financial sector development (FSD) between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) for the period 1980–2011. Using a novel panel smooth transition regression, our results suggest evidence of the existence of a robust single threshold of inflation in both regions. Particularly, it indicates 17.9% and 14.5% of inflation for ECOWAS and SADC, respectively, suggesting that inflation above these thresholds presents detrimental effects for financial development in both regions. The study therefore concludes that price stability policies with inflation targeting framework should be the primary objective in monetary policy since high inflation is economically costly to financial development in the two regions.
The Relationship between Premature Rupture of Membranes and Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes

Premature rupture of membranes is an obstetric problem with an obscure etiology, difficult to diagnose and is associated with significant maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Its management strategies are diverse and controversial. The aim of this study: was to identify the relationship between premature rupture of membranes and maternal and neonatal outcomes. Subjects and method: The study was conducted at obstetric departments' labor units of two settings; Tanta University hospital and El-Menshawy hospital. A convenient sample of 120 parturient women who fulfilled the inclusive criteria were included in the study. Three tools were used for data collection; Tool (I): A structured interview schedule that included (a). Socio demographic characteristics, (b), Reproductive history, and (c). History of present pregnancy. Tool (II): Maternal outcome assessment observational checklist that included two parts. Part I: assessment of general condition of the women, and Part II: obstetrical and local abdominal examination. Tool (III): Neonatal outcome assessment observational checklist. Results: The results of the present study revealed that there was a significant relation between premature rupture of membranes and the occurrence of maternal and neonatal outcomes. Socio-demographic factors include residence, income; age, educational level, and occupation were risk factors predictors of premature rupture of membranes. History of abortion, and exposure to infection, anemia, strenuous effort/activity, and number of follow up visits were also significant risk factors predictors of premature rupture of membranes. Conclusion: The gestational age in weeks and latent period of premature rupture of membranes were the main determinants of maternal and neonatal outcomes. Prematurity is the principal risk to the fetus with its associated morbidity. On the other hand, infectious morbidity is the primary maternal risk among women. Recommendations: Premature rupture of membranes is one of the most importance obstetric complications that should be focused in the curriculum of basic nursing education as well as continuing education. Additionally, antenatal classes should be planned and developed in order to increase pregnant women's awareness to seek obstetrical care regarding premature rupture of membranes at proper time.
Identifying a Union Safety Effect

Objectives: Do Ontario unionized construction firms have lower workers’ compensation claims rates compared with nonunion firms? Methods: Building trade and construction trade association lists of union contractors were linked to Workplace Safety and Insurance Board claims data for 2006 to 2012. Data were pooled for 2006 to 2012, and negative binomial regressions conducted with adjustment to estimate a union safety effect. Results: The sample included 5797 unionized and 38,626 nonunion construction firms. Total claims rates were 13% higher (1.13, 1.09 to 1.18) in unionized firms because of higher allowed no-lost-time claim rates (1.28, 1.23 to 1.34), whereas the lost-time claims rate was 14% lower (0.86, 0.82 to 0.91). Conclusions: Unionized construction firms compared with nonunion firms have higher no-lost-time and lower lost-time claims rates. Unionized firms may encourage occupational injury reporting and reduce risks through training and hazard identification and control strategies.
Identification of Interfunctional Coordination Items Important for Business Performance of SMEs

This paper provides a deeper analysis of the relationships between interfunctional coordination (IFC) and business performance (BP). IFC is studied in many fields such as marketing, management, logistics, informatics or human resources. The novelty lies in offering an original perspective on IFC and its impact on individual items of BP. The statistical analysis of the relationship between IFC and BP is based on a survey of small and medium-sized manufacturers. Sufficient models were identified by a stepwise backward procedure based on Akaike information criterion (AIC). The results show that it is possible to find a sufficient model for each item of BP. Sets of IFC items with exclusively positive or negative influence on at least two BP items were identified. These items of IFC are aimed on cooperative arrangement, expertise, leadership style, coordination activities and control. This research brings theoretical contributions and can be useful for managers.
A comparative evaluation of first aid knowledge and attitude among medical, dental and pharmacy students in AIMST University, Malaysia

Background: First Aid is regarded as a basic set of skill vital in order to save a life in an urgent situation. The evaluation of level of first aid skills in health science students is pertinent to determine if first aid training is being sufficiently provided. Aim: To assess the level of knowledge and attitude in providing first aid care by health science students from the faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy in AIMST University. Methodology: A cross-sectional study conducted on a sample of 222 students from the faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy using a validated optional questionnaire related to first aid. Results: In terms of knowledge, overall the medical students manage to record the most correctly answered question in comparison to dental and pharmacy students. The p-value calculated was less than 0.05 hence noting that the there is a significant difference in terms of knowledge between the 3 faculty. However the p-value obtained for the attitude was more than 0.05 citing no significant difference in attitude among the students from the 3 faculty. Conclusion: From the results we can conclude that the First Aid Knowledge amongst health science students in AIMST can be improved. The study also showed that the students have a positive attitude towards first aid.
Effects of Pelargonium sidoides and Coptis Rhizoma 2 : 1 Mixed Formula (PS + CR) on Ovalbumin-Induced Asthma in Mice

Pelargonium sidoides (PS) is traditionally used to treat respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, dysmenorrhea, and hepatic disorders in South Africa. Coptis Rhizoma (CR) is used to treat gastroenteric disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer in East Asia. In the present study, we intended to observe the possible beneficial antiasthma effects of PS and CR on the ovalbumin- (OVA-) induced asthma C57BL/6J mice. Asthma in mice was induced by OVA sensitization and subsequent boosting. PS + CR (300 and 1,000 mg/kg; PO) or dexamethasone (IP) was administered once a day for 16 days. The changes in the body weight and gains, lung weights and gross inspections, total and differential cell counts of leukocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), serum OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (OVA-sIgE) levels, interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-5 levels in BALF and lung tissue homogenate, and IL-4 and IL-5 mRNA levels in lung tissue homogenates were analyzed with lung histopathology: mean alveolar surface area (ASA), alveolar septal thickness, numbers of inflammatory cells, mast cells, and eosinophils infiltrated in the alveolar regions, respectively. Significant increases in lung weights, total and differential cell counts of leukocytes in BALF, serum OVA-sIgE levels, and IL-4 and IL-5 levels in BALF and lung tissue homogenate were observed in OVA control as compared to those of intact control. In addition, OVA control showed a significant decrease in mean ASA and increases in alveolar septal thickness, numbers of inflammatory cells, mast cells, and eosinophils infiltrated in alveolar regions. However, these allergic and inflammatory asthmatic changes were significantly inhibited by PS + CR in a dose-dependent manner. In this study, PS + CR showed dose-dependent beneficial effects on OVA-induced asthma in mice through anti-inflammatory and antiallergic activities. Therefore, it is expected that PS + CR have enough potential as a new therapeutic agent or as an ingredient of a medicinal agent for various allergic and inflammatory respiratory diseases including asthma.
Factors affecting the application of management accounting in Vietnamese enterprises

Article history: Received August 28, 2019 Received in revised format September 28, 2019 Accepted October 22 2019 Available online October 22 2019 This paper aims to investigate factors affecting the application of management accounting in Vietnamese enterprises. Quantitative research was conducted and data was collected by sending questionnaires to 120 companies in the manufacturing, trading and service sectors in Vietnam. 6 factors were selected to measure the application of management accounting in enterprises through correlation and regression analysis. The results showed that 5 out of 6 factors positively associated with the level of management accounting application; including firm size, organizational culture, organizational structure, technology and human resources operations. In particular, corporate culture has the highest impact and opinion of managers has the lowest impact on management accounting application. Business environment has a negative impact on management accounting application in enterprises. Based on the research results, suggestions and recommendations are proposed for enterprises regarding application of management accounting. The research provided an overview of management accounting application and its benefits to enterprises. Whereby, it helps managers have a better understanding of management accounting and future directions for application. Moreover, the research results will be useful for managers to identify factors influencing their management accounting practices and improve the current management process applied in organizations. Growing Science, Canada s; license by the author 20 20 ©
Aero-elastic analysis of wind turbines under turbulent inflow conditions

Abstract. The aero-elastic response of the DANAERO wind turbine and interaction phenomena are investigated by the use of a high-fidelity model. A time-accurate unsteady fluid-structure interaction (FSI) coupling between a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code for the aerodynamic response and a multi-body simulation (MBS) code for the structural response is used. Different CFD models of the same turbine with increasing complexity and technical details are coupled to the same MBS model in order to identify the impact of the different modeling approaches. The influence of the blade and tower flexibility and of the inflow turbulence is analyzed for a specific case of the DANAERO experiment. Lastly a fatigue analysis is performed from load signals in order to identify the most damaging load cycles and the fatigue ratio between the different models, showing that for low inflow velocities, a high turbulence has a major impact than the flexibility.
A qualitative analysis of young adults’ non-consensual sharing and viewing of privately produced sexual images

Although quantitative studies have found gender diff erences in the non-consensual sharing of privately produced sexual images, few studies have explored how these sharing practices are shaped by the gendered social interactions in which they take place. Drawing on qualitative data from seven same-sex focus group interviews, this study examines the non-consensual sharing and viewing of sexual images among young adults. Th e investigation shows how the non-consensual sharing and viewing of sexting images is shaped by homosocial interactions and functions in gendered patterns of positioning, characterized by status enhancement among boys and visual gossiping among girls. However, the study also fi nds that young adults’ participation in these sharing practices is ambivalent, as they experience being both drawn to sexual images due to their private and authentic character, and repelled by them owing to the wrongfulness and illegality of sharing them. Th ese fi ndings are discussed in relation to research on youth sexting.
Association of EPAS1 and PPARA Gene Polymorphisms with High-Altitude Headache in Chinese Han Population

Background High-altitude headache (HAH) is the most common complication after high-altitude exposure. Hypoxia-inducible factor- (HIF-) related genes have been confirmed to contribute to high-altitude acclimatization. We aim to investigate a possible association between HIF-related genes and HAH in the Chinese Han population. Methods In total, 580 healthy Chinese Han volunteers were recruited in Chengdu (500 m) and carried to Lhasa (3700 m) by plane in 2 hours. HAH scores and basic physiological parameters were collected within 18–24 hours after the arrival. Thirty-five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in HIF-related genes were genotyped, and linkage disequilibrium (LD) was evaluated by Haploview software. The functions of SNPs/haplotypes for HAH were developed by using logistic regression analysis. Results In comparison with wild types, the rs4953354 “G” allele (P=0.013), rs6756667 “A” allele (P=0.013), rs6756667 “A” allele (EPAS1, and rs6520015 “C” allele in PPARA (P=0.013), rs6756667 “A” allele (PPARA (P=0.013), rs6756667 “A” allele (EPAS1, and rs6520015 “C” allele in PPARA (P=0.013), rs6756667 “A” allele ( Conclusions EPAS1 and PPARA polymorphisms were associated with HAH in the Chinese Han population. Our findings pointed out potentially predictive gene markers, provided new insights into understanding pathogenesis, and may further provide prophylaxis and treatment strategies for HAH.EPAS1, and rs6520015 “C” allele in PPARA (
Entering the Void: Exploring the Relationship Between the Experience of Colonisation and the Experience of Self for Indigenous Peoples of Aotearoa, and the Implications for Psychotherapeutic Clinical P

This paper explores the relationship between the experience of colonisation and the experience of self for Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa. As we celebrate the formation of Waka Oranga in 2007, and its work in the years since, the publication of this paper is particularly fitting, drawing as it does on research originally undertaken at the time of the roopu’s formation. It is based on the lead author’s 2008 Master of Psychotherapy dissertation research in which he undertook a modified systematic literature review located within a kaupapa Māori research framework, in order to explore the experience of self for Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa and its relationship to colonisation. The paper examines the process of racialisation: The construction and resulting interiorisation of Indigenous peoples as Other’. The paper contends that this process has the effect of disrupting indigenous ontologies creating a divided and alienated experience of self for Indigenous peoples. Within Aotearoa, the phenomenon of whakamā and mate Māori are hypothesised as the indigenous experience of this alienated and divided self. The paper suggests that arguably all psychological distress for Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa arise to some degree fromthese experiences. Implications for psychotherapy are considered. Psychotherapy and psychotherapists are challenged to re-evaluate both the underlying positivist conceptualisations of self, and ongoing processes of colonisation, in order that they may be more fully equipped to effectively work alongside indigenous communities in Aotearoa.
Sepsis Induced Acute Kidney Injury: Clinical Profile, Risk Factors and Outcomes in Tertiary Referral Centre

Sepsis increases the risk of development of acute kidney injury (AKI) and is associated with significant patient morbidity and mortality. Sepsis induced AKI is characterized by a distinct pathophysiology and therefore requires a different approach and management. A prospective study was conducted to look for pattern of sepsis induced AKI in South Indian population. A total of 234 patients were enrolled in the study . Patient’s detailed history, clinical examination and laboratory investigations were noted and source of sepsis was evaluated, patients were followed up till discharge or death. During follow up development of complications or requirement of renal replacement therapy was noted. Sepsis associated AKI was associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
Spatial and temporal dynamics of the mesozooplankton (Crustacea: Cladocera, Copepoda and Decapoda) in a Pampean shallow hyposaline lake during drought conditions

The Sauce Grande Lake, a shallow, eutrophic, and hyposaline lake, was studied through monthly samplings during a year (December 2009- November 2010). The drought that affected the region since 2009 and during the entire study period interrupted the regular inflow from the river and outflow to the Atlantic Ocean. The lake presented an increase of salinity values and highly turbid conditions as a result of the drought conditions and wind resuspension. Small cladocerans such as Moina micrura and the copepod Boeckella poopoensis dominated the mesozooplankton community. The salinity determined the mesozooplankton composition; meanwhile, the abundance dynamic was ruled by temperature in conjunction with the eutrophic conditions during the study period. In a global context of climate change, and in a region where drought and wet cycles are frequent, these results further contribute to understanding the processes affecting the zooplankton community structure and dynamics during extreme climate events.
Strains Induced in CAD/CAM Milled Mandibular Implant Retained Overdentures In vivo Strain Gauge Analysis

Purpose: The introduction of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/ CAM) technology to the field of removable prosthodontics has recently made it possible to fabricate complete dentures using prepolymerized polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) blocks that are claimed to have better mechanical properties. However, little was published concerning the clinical deformation of CAD/CAM PMMA. The purpose of this study was thus to compare the clinical deformation of CAD/CAM processed PMMA and conventionally processed heat-cured PMMA implant retained mandibular overdenture bases. Materials and Methods: Thoroughly selected ten completely edentulous patients have received two dental implants in the lower canine region. Two duplicate mandibular overdentures were constructed using CAD/CAM milled PMMA and conventionally constructed heat-cured PMMA. Self cure acrylic resin was used to pick up the attachments to the fitting surface of the mandibular overdenture base. Six linear strain gauges were attached to the lingual side of the polished surface of both overdenture bases to measure strains induced during maximal clenching and gum chewing. Results: Higher strain values were recorded with the conventionally constructed heat-cured PMMA overdentures compared to CAD/CAM constructed PMMA overdentures. The recorded strains were mainly compressive at the midline while the strains at implant sites were tensile. Higher strains were recorded during clenching compared to gum chewing in both assessed overdentures. Conclusion: CAD/CAM constructed PMMA implant-retained mandibular overdenture exhibits less denture deformation during function compared to conventionally constructed heatcured PMMA overdenture.
A novel group decision-making method by P-robust fuzzy DEA credibility constraint for welding process selection

Abstract The selection of the welding process is a matter of decision-making involving a variety of information according to the type of product.Accordingly, the vast information will significantly enhance the decision-making process. A combined p-robust technique, fuzzy credibility constrained programming and data envelopment analysis (DEA) are proposed to select the welding process for repairing the shredder hammer. The p-robust technique has regret value to control relative regret of data, and fuzzy credibility constraint programming has confidence level to satisfy chance constraints. In addition, the proposed approach is able to handle fuzzy input data and fuzzy output data to uncertainty data. The proposed method is used to investigate which welding process is best based on two cases. Three welding processes are analyzed for the first case that focuses on manual welding process, and four welding processes are investigated for the second case that focuses on automatic welding process. According to the results, increasing the credibility level would also increase the discrimination power of the proposed approach, so the ranking of DMUs could be seen easily.
The social and psychological characteristics of norm deviants: A field study in a small cohesive university campus

People who deviate from the established norms of their social group can clarify group boundaries, strengthen group cohesion, and catalyze group and broader social change. Yet social psychologists have recently neglected the study of deviants. We conducted in-depth interviews of Princeton University upperclassmen who deviated from a historical and widely known Princeton norm: joining an “eating club,” a social group that undergraduates join at the end of their sophomore year. We explored the themes of these interviews with two rounds of surveys during the semester when students decide whether to join an eating club (pilot survey, N = 408; and a random subsample of the pilot survey with 90% takeup, N = 212). The surveys asked: what are the social and psychological antecedents of deviance from norms? The data suggest that deviance is a pattern: compared to those who conform, students who deviate by not joining clubs report a history of deviance and of feeling different from the typical member of their social group. They also feel less social belonging and identification with Princeton and its social environment. Students who deviate are lower in self-monitoring, but otherwise are comparable to students who conform in terms of personality traits measured by the Big Five, and of their perception of the self as socially awkward, independent, or rebellious. While some of these findings replicate past research, worth further exploration is the role of previous experience with deviance and its meaning for individuals as they decide whether to deviate.