Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of constrictor prostanoids in the development of aortic coarctation-induced hypertension in male and female rats

The Role of Constrictor Prostanoids in the Development of Aortic Coarctation-Induced Hypertension in Male and Female Rats. (December 2003) Wendy Irene Baltzer, B. S. , University of California Davis; D.V.M., University of California Davis Co-Chairs of Advisory Committee: Dr. John N. Stallone Dr. Theresa W. Fossum Vascular reactivity to vasopressin and phenylephrine is potentiated by constrictor prostanoids (CP) in normotensive female (F) but not male (M) rat aorta and CP function is estrogen-dependent. This study investigated the effects of estrogen on CP function and arterial blood pressure (MAP) during development of aortic coarctation-induced hypertension (HT). M and F rats, (15-18 wks.) in four groups: normotensive (NT), hypertensive (HT), ovariectomized (OVX), and OVX estrogen-replaced (OE), underwent abdominal aortic coarctation or sham surgery (NT). At 14 days, SQ 29,548 (SQ, Thromboxane A2 (TXA2) receptor antagonist) was given i.v. to the groups. In another experiment, rats received Ridogrel (TXA2 receptor antagonist+TXA2 synthase (TXS) inhibitor) or vehicle (methyl cellulose) daily, for 14 days. Thoracic aortae were analyzed for morphology, incubated in Kreb’s Henseleit Buffer (KHB) ± angiotensin II (ANG II), or underwent continuous pulsatile flow and pressure experiments (PFP) with KHB ± ANG II. Perfusate was analyzed for thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and prostaglandin F1α (PGF1α). RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were performed for TXS. MAP was higher in F-HT than in M-HT after 14 days. SQ infusion reduced MAP substantially
Stability of Price Leadership Cartel

This paper studies the farsighted behavior of firms in an oligopolistic market with regard to the formation of a dominant cartel, which has the power to set and control the price in the market. The von Neumann-Morgenstern stable set is adopted as the solution concept. We present two different models of stability of the price leadership cartel. In the first model, the cartel chooses the optimal pricing policy. In contrast, in the second model, we do not assumea priori the optimal pricing behavior of the cartel; rather, we show that such behavior arises from the result of firms’ consideration of the stability. JEL classification: C71, D43, L13.
THE INSTITUTIONAL LOGICS EMBEDDED IN THE BALANCED SCORECARD : A MODEL TO STUDY BSC ADAPTATION

This paper examines the adaptation of management practices at the intra-organisational level by focusing on the Balanced Scorecard. We aim to extend the existing institutional logics literature on practice variation by drawing on the Ansari et al. (2010) view that the specific patterns of practice adaptation will depend on the fit between the diffusing practice and the adopting organisation. We propose that management accounting practice adaptation in an organisation is determined by the fit between the dominant institutional logics embedded in the firm and the institutional logics embedded in the diffusing practice. Based on this proposition, we developed a theoretical model to study the BSC adaption at the intra-organisational level. As a result, we offer our theoretical framing as an analytical useful way to use the concept of institutional logics to explain the process of adaptation of the BSC in an organisation. Key-words: Management Accounting Diffusion; Variation; Adaptation; Balanced Scorecard; Institutional Logics. Área temática do evento: Controladoria e Contabilidade Gerencial (CCG).
Morbidities among Elderly in a Rural Community of Coastal Karnataka: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: Old age is a major challenge faced by all the countries due to increase in longevity and declining death rates. Due to increase in elderly population, there will be enormous burden on health systems of the countries especially in developing world. Objectives: The objective of the present study was to assess the morbidities among elderly, their activities of daily living (ADL) and health seeking behaviour in a rural field practice area. Methodology: In this cross sectional study, all subjects aged 60 years and above were assessed for morbidity observed in rural field practice area of Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. Data was collected through a pre-tested questionnaire on sociodemographic details, morbidity pattern, activity of daily living and health seeking behaviour. Data was analysed using SPSS version 15.0 and was presented in percentages and proportions. Results: Majority (63.3%) of the subjects were in the age group of 60-69 years. Commonest morbidity observed was hypertension (56.8%) followed by diabetes mellitus (27.4%) and osteoarthritis (16.2%). On assessment of ADL, 10.9% of participants had severe impairment. Most of the elderly sought allopathic treatment and prefer to utilise private health care services.
A Scale-Free Network Structure Explains the City-Size Distribution

Zipf’s law is one of the most well-known empirical regularities of the city-size distribution and explaining it has long been the Holy Grail of urban economics. There is extensive research on the subject, where each city is treated equally in terms of transactions with other cities. Recent developments in network theory facilitate the examination of asymmetric communication patterns among the cities. Under the scale-free network framework, the chance of observing extremes becomes lower than the Gaussian distribution predicts and therefore it explains the emergence of large clusters. City-size distributions share the same pattern. This paper proposes a way to incorporate network structure into the urban economics with a view to explaining the city-size distribution.
Stress and Stress Management Practices among Undergraduates of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik), Awka, Nigeria

DOI: 10.21276/sjhss.2018. 3.7. 10 Abstract: This study examined stress and stress management amongst undergraduates of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik), Awka, Nigeria. The person – environment fit theory was adopted as the theoretical framework. Cluster and simple sampling techniques were used for this research work, while the sample size used was 200. Data was collected via questionnaire and in-depth interview. Questionnaire data from the field was analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The study revealed that there is no relationship between sex of a student and their awareness and knowledge of stress management techniques. Also there was no relationship between the academic level of students and their acceptance that stress influences academic performance in various ways. The researcher recommended that the school management should add stress management skills as part of the school curriculum, inform students in advance of the difficulties they might face and encourage them to develop their own strategies to achieve personal goals during the orientation week for new students. It was also recommended that close lecturer student relationships be cultivated so that students can approach lecturers on personal issues to improve their academic performance. The paper concluded that when students are exposed to knowledge and skills relevant to stress management, they will effectively cope with school related stress, graduate with good grades and in turn, be in a position to contribute positively to national growth.
Application of electrostatic powder coating on wood composite panels using a cooling method. Part 1: Investigation of water intake, abrasion, scratch resistance, and adhesion strength,

Powder coating is environmentally friendly and safe in terms of human health and is used especially on home appliances and in the automotive sector. Because of these advantages, recent studies have expanded work on the application of powder coating on non-conductive surfaces. Within the scope of this research, low temperature curing (120 °C to 130 °C) was applied on wood-based composite panels of medium-density fiberboard (MDF), particleboard, and plywood to facilitate conductivity. Epoxy, polyester, and hybrid (epoxy-polyester) types of powder paint and water-based liquid paint (control group) were applied to the surface of materials. Panels coated with the powder coatings were compared to the panels coated with the water-soluble acrylic resin coating. The prepared samples were analyzed for performance properties. The best results for thickness swelling, water absorption, adhesive strength, abrasion, and scratch resistance were found for the plywood coated with water-based liquid paint, MDF coated with polyester-based powder paint, plywood coated with hybrid powder paint, particleboard coated with hybrid powder paint, and plywood coated with epoxy powder paint, respectively.
Something to Complain About: How Minority Representatives Overcome Ethnic Differences∗

Ethnic diversity adversely impacts public good provision, disproportionately affecting minority communities. While political representation could mitigate these effects, successful delivery of public goods often depends on how well minority and majority representatives collaborate. Using data from over 100,000 local politicians in India, we show that ethnic differences cause breakdowns in collaboration. We use a regression discontinuity (RD) design to show that delivery of public goods suffers when ethnic minority (low caste) representatives govern under non-minority (non-low caste) representatives. We then study an institutional innovation that can increase collaboration. In our setting, local politicians can issue complaints to the higher bureaucracy under a formal complaints technology. We show that ethnic minority representatives file over twice as many complaints when exogenously paired with nonminority representatives. Does filing complaints improve public good provision? We run a large field experiment involving 1629 minority representatives in which we randomize offers to file complaints on their behalf regarding project implementation. Our intervention increases filing of complaints by 41 p.p and implementation of public works projects by 24%, accounting for 60% of the initial gap in provision. Treatment has positive spillovers on neighboring jurisdictions. Our results are consistent with a Nash bargaining model featuring two politicians bargaining over project implementation in a setting with a costly complaints technology.
Choices, Shift and Continuation of Temporary Contraceptive Methods among Women of Reproductive age in Western Development Region of Nepal

Aims: Global family planning programs have been in existence in the developing world. Modern techniques of temporary contraceptives have been proved to be useful tool for limiting births. This study is intended to identify the use pattern, associated factors with the choice, shift and continuity of temporary methods of contraception. Methods: This is descriptive cross-sectional study, incorporating qualitative aspects. Out of sixteen districts six were selected proportionately by using simple random methods from each ecological zone of the Western Development Regions, Nepal. Focus group discussion was accomplished among the different level family planning service providers. Results: User of Depo-Provera and pills were seen more in comparison to other temporary contraceptive. There are different reasons behind choosing of temporary contraceptive method such as Pills make regularity in menstruation, Norplant is useful for prolonged period, Depo-Provera is useful for three months and confidently used for a long time without any risk, motivation by friends/relatives. Reasons in changing the contraceptives includes associated side effects, lack of availability, irregularity in menstruation, choosing the another best method, excessive bleeding, difficult to use, pressure from family and husband to give birth, misunderstanding and stress in the family, traditional belief and lack of education. Conclusions: For proper choice of modern contraceptive methods promotion, education and knowledge about associated factors related to use of these method is needed. Continuous information on contraceptives focusing particularly on the side effects and trained health care providers are essential.
Pattern of morbidity and mortality in the newborn special care unit in a tertiary institution in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria: A two year prospective study

To determine the pattern of morbidity and mortality of admitted newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Delta State University Teaching Hospital Oghara. Newborn morbidity and mortality are still very high in developing countriets despite significant decline in developed countries. The quality of newborn care depends among other things, the establishment of the special care baby unit, regular audit and evaluation of services rendered. All neonates admitted into the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Delta State University Teaching Hospital Oghara in Niger Delta of Nigeria over a two year period between January 2010 and December 2011, were prospectively studied. Information documented include the biodata of each child, the diagnosis, services rendered and outcome. A total of 646 neonates were admitted during the period of review. The male: female ratio was 1.2:1 in favour of the males. (350:296). Of these, 108 were due to prematurity (16.4% ), 24(3.9% ) due to intrauterine growth restriction,116 (18.3%) with birth asphyxia. 228 (35.5%) were due to neonatal sepsis, 8(1.5%) neonatal tetanus. 60 (9.5%) had neonatal jaundice while 102 or(14.9 %) were due to other diseases. Of the 228 with neonatal sepsis, only in 80 (35.1%) was the sepsis culture proven, with 47.4% as presumed sepsis and 17.5% of cases, the neonates had other comorbid states. The overall mortality rate was 20.3%. The ratio of male to female deaths was 2.31 with the case fatality rate also higher in males than females at 26.3% and 14.1% respectively. Sepsis accounted for 25.7% of the deaths, birth asphyxia 24.1%, prematurity 22.6%. However the case fatality rate showed neonatal tetanus to be highest at 50%, Prematurity 27.8%, birth asohyxia 27.6% and neonatal sepsis 14.9%. Though more patients seen and died had neonatal sepsis, the case fatality rate showed neonatal sepsis to be just slightly above half of that for prematurity and birth asphyxia which are almost at par. Case fatality for tetanus remains very high. Regular auditing of the services in the neonatal intensive care unit is very essential and reduction of the neonatal mortality is a must, if the dream of achieving the 4th millenium development goal of reducing under 5 mortality by 2/3rd by 2015 can be attained.
Heavy Metals in Soil and Vegetables Irrigated with Ex- Tin Mining Ponds Water in Barkin - Ladi Local Government Area Plateau State, Nigeria

Tin mining pond water irrigated fields can cause potential contamination with heavy metals to soil and vegetables, thus pose a threat to human beings. The current study was designed to investigate the contamination of the soil with toxic heavy metals and their accumulation in edible vegetable crops. The heavy metals Pb, Cu, Cd, Zn, Cr, Fe, Mn and As were analyzed for their bioaccumulation factors to provide baseline data regarding environmental safety and the suitability of tin mining pond water for irrigation in the future. The contamination factor (CF) of these metals in the soil were calculated and indicated levels of metal contamination in the order of Cd > Zn > Pb > Cr > Cu > As ˃ Fe ˃ Mn. The concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr, As, and Mn in the edible vegetables were above the safe limit prescribe by FAO/WHO, 2007 and EU, 2002 in all studied vegetables. The results indicated a potential pathway of human exposure to slow poisoning by heavy metals due to the utilization of vegetables grown on heavy metal contaminated soil that was irrigated with tin mining pond water sources. Amongst the studied vegetables, cabbage was safe from other metal except for As and Cr that were observed to exceeds tolerable limit. The irrigation source was identified as the source of the soil pollution in this study. Thus, the consumption of these vegetables might poses substantial health risk to consumers for this reason we therefore, emphasizes the need for proper remediation of the wastewater to reduce the health risk and the extent of heavy metals contamination.
Randomized phase 3 study of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone plus vincristine (R-CHOP) or bortezomib (VR-CAP) in newly diagnosed mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) patients (pts) ineligible for bone marrow transplantation (BMT).

8500 Background: R-CHOP is standard therapy for newly diagnosed, BMT-ineligible MCL pts. Bortezomib (V) is approved in the US for relapsed MCL. This study evaluated whether replacing vincristine with V in R-CHOP improves outcomes in newly diagnosed, BMT-ineligible MCL pts (NCT00722137). Methods: Adults with treatment-naive, measurable stage II–IV MCL and ECOG PS 0–2 were randomized 1:1 (stratified by IPI score and disease stage) to 6–8 21-d cycles of rituximab 375 mg/m2, cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m2, doxorubicin 50 mg/m2, all IV d 1, and prednisone 100 mg/m2 PO d 1–5, plus V 1.3 mg/m2 IV d 1, 4, 8, 11 (VR-CAP) or vincristine 1.4 mg/m2(max 2 mg) IV d 1 (R-CHOP). Primary endpoint was PFS by independent radiology review (IRC); secondary endpoints included TTP, TTNT, OS, response by modified IWRC criteria, and safety. 486 pts were planned for 295 total PFS events, to provide 80% power (α=.05, 2-sided) to detect 40% PFS improvement with VR-CAP. Results: 487 pts were randomized (244 R-CHOP, 243 VR-CAP; median age.
A Cross-Sectional Study: Pattern of Injuries in Non Fatal Road Traffic Accident Cases

Background : A cross-sectional study of pattern of injuries in road traffic accidents was conducted over a period of one year involving 179 victims. Material and methods: Males (143) were more commonly involved than females (36) and majority of the victims (56) were in the age group of 21-30 years. Results: Rural victims(151) outnumbered the urban (28). One third of the victims were illiterates. 36 accidents took place in an interval of 2-4PM. Two wheeler occupants (71) were commonly involved than other vehicles and collision between two wheelers and between two wheeler and four wheeler was most common mode of accident. Conclusion : The head and neck region showed more number of fractures and other injuries compared to other body parts and in the limbs right side limbs show more injuries than left side limbs.
Study on vector mosquito of zoonotic Brugia malayi in Musi Rawas, South Sumatera, Indonesia

Background and Aim: Studies to determine abundance, distribution, species composition, and mosquito interactions are very important in understanding the risk of disease transmission to implement appropriate mosquito management in endemic areas. Lymphatic filarial worms are one of the parasites that are contracted and/or transmitted by mosquitoes when sucking the blood of infected humans or animals and then biting others. This research was conducted to study the abundance, species composition, mosquito biting cycles, density and periodicity of mosquitoes caught in Lubuk Pauh Village, Bulang Tengah Suku Ulu, Musi Rawas, South Sumatera, Indonesia, which is an endemic area of zoonotic Brugia malayi. Materials and Methods: The mosquito collection was done in July 2018 using the human landing collection method for 11 h from 18.00 pm to 5.00 am Western Indonesian Time. The catching of mosquitoes was done both indoors and outdoors, and mosquitoes were identified under a dissecting microscope using an identification key to confirm their species. Detection of B. malayi larvae in mosquitoes was confirmed by dissection and polymerase chain reaction methods. Results: The caught mosquitoes consisted of four species: Armigeres subalbatus, Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex vishnui, and Mansonia uniformis. Based on the Shannon–Wiener index, Lubuk Pauh Village has low mosquito species diversity (0.210). Ar. subalbatus was the dominant mosquito in Lubuk Pauh Village with dominance number 95.08, and it had the most frequent activity in each of periods of indoor and outdoor collection, with the highest density (man-hour density) at 18.00-19.00 (51.750). B. malayi infective stage larvae were not found in all mosquito species caught. Conclusion: Existence of Ar. subalbatus, Cx. quinquefasciatus, and Ma. uniformis in Lubuk Pauh Village which is an endemic area of B. malayi shows that the area is at risk of lymphatic filariasis transmission.
Ictiofauna demersal da plataforma continental interna ao largo de Ilhéus , Bahia , Brasil

We present an inventory of demersal fishes from the inner continental shelf off Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil. Three sites were sampled monthly, between March 2003 and February 2005, with standardized bottom trawls (30 minutes, 16 m depth, 22/16 mm mesh). A total of 7.857 specimens were captured, belonging to three species of Chondrichthyes and 95 species of Actinopterygii (77 genera and 40 families). The occurrence of Ampharius phrygiatus represents a southern range extension for this species, which was previously known only from the narrow coastal stretch between Guyana and Maranhão State (Brazil). The record of Synodus poeyi represents the first record of this species in Brazil and in the South Atlantic, as it was previously recorded only in the Caribbean. The general structure of the demersal fish assemblage is described and commented upon.
AN INTEGRATED MATHEMATICAL MODEL FOR THE DESIGN OF COASTAL PROTECTION STRUCTURES

In the present work an integrated coastal engineering numerical model is presented. The model simulates the linear wave propagation, wave induced circulation, sediment transport and bed morphology evolution. It consists of three main modules: WAVE_L, WICIR and SEDTR. The nearshore wave transformation module WAVE_L (WAVE_Linear) is based on the hyperbolic-type mild slope equation and is valid for a compound linear wave field near coastal structures where the waves are subjected to the combined effects of shoaling, refraction, diffraction, reflection (total and partial) and breaking. Radiation stress components (calculated from WAVE_L) drive the depth averaged circulation module WICIR (Wave Induced CIRculation) for the description of the nearshore wave-induced currents. Sediment transport and bed morphology evolution in the nearshore, surf and swash zone are simulated by the SEDTR (SEDiment TRansport) module.