Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Health Financing Reforms for Moving towards Universal Health Coverage in the Western Pacific Region

Abstract This article provides an overview of health financing reforms across countries in the Western Pacific Region as progress is made toward universal health coverage (UHC). Moving toward UHC requires a strong health system with sustainable financing, which countries strive to achieve through various approaches appropriate to their country contexts. Great efforts have been made by financing reforms through resource mobilization, risk pooling, resource allocation, and strategic purchasing. Overall governance of health financing systems has improved within the context of service delivery and budget reforms. But there are still challenges and ongoing needs to continue expanding health financing mechanisms equitably and efficiently, improving stewardship and accountability, strengthening the transition to domestic financing, and enabling evidence-informed priority setting and benefits design processes. Asian countries are rapidly developing and moving to more prepaid financing mechanisms with government subsidies to reduce relatively high out-of-pocket expenses, while facing implementation challenges in the governance and expansion of social health insurance. The Pacific island countries, on the other hand, face stagnating economic growth and rely on government financing, with some countries receiving significant external funding, making it important to have strong stewardship and public financing systems in place. The way forward calls for continuing to strengthen the evidence generation and monitoring function to assess country progress, reorienting primary health care as the foundation of the health sector to ensure that continuity of care is affordable and accountable, and leveraging the private sector to contribute to an equitable and efficient health system.
Rurality and Party System Fragmentation in the Nigerian Presidential Elections of the Fourth Republic

Abstract This paper examines the effect of rurality on party system fragmentation in the Nigerian presidential elections of the fourth republic. The findings show that party system fragmentation (PSF) has been characteristically low in the Nigerian presidential elections and rurality does not significantly predict party system fragmentation. Rurality has a negative effect on PSF in all the elections studied except the 2003 election but only significant in the 2011 poll. Thus, the paper cast doubt on previous studies that indicate that striking rural-urban differences manifest in party system fragmentation in African elections and attribute it to previous studies’ measure of rurality. The paper argues that the use of a composite measure of rurality instead of singular measures of rurality might provide better analysis that helps us understand the effect of rurality on party systems. Also, it argues that in the study of the rural-urban difference in voting behaviour or political behaviours more broadly, data should be aggregated based on cities and non-city areas because cities have distinctive urban characters compared with non-city places. Analyses done on states or constituencies level may not reveal the rural-urban difference because states and constituencies usually have a mix of rural and urban population and other characteristics.
Stock Market Liquidity and Firm Performance in the Nigerian Stock Exchange

The paper extends the investigation on the relationship between liquidity and stock returns by examining the influence of market liquidity on stock returns in the Nigerian Stock exchange. Vector auto-regression model was employed in examining the impact of liquidity measures such as the volume of trading and turnover on stock returns for the period 1985-2015. Empirical results suggest that the higher the market liquidity (volume of trading and turnover), the higher the stock index returns. Thus, establishing a positive relationship between liquidity and stock returns of firms listed on the Nigerian stock market during the period examined after controlling for market size. This result is not in line with the negative relationship between liquidity and market return as obtained by studies on developed markets.
Relationship Between B-Vitamin Biomarkers and Dietary Intake with Apolipoprotein E є4 in Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract The potential for B-vitamins to reduce plasma homocysteine (Hcy) and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been described previously. However, the role of Apolipoprotein E є4 (APOE4) in this relationship has not been adequately addressed. This case-control study explored APOE4 genotype in an Australian sample of 63 healthy individuals (female = 38; age = 76.9 ± 4.7 y) and 63 individuals with AD (female = 35, age = 77.1 ± 5.3 y). Findings revealed 55 of 126 participants expressed the APOE4 genotype with 37 of 126 having both AD and the APOE4 genotype. Analysis revealed an increased likelihood of AD when Hcy levels are >11.0 µmol/L (p = 0.012), cysteine levels were <255 µmol/L (p = 0.033) and serum folate was <22.0 nmol/L (p = 0.003; in males only). In females, dietary intake of total folate <336 µg/day (p=0.001), natural folate <270 µg/day (p = 0.011), and vitamin B2 < 1.12 mg/day (p = 0.028) was associated with an increased AD risk. These results support Hcy, Cys, and SF as useful biomarkers for AD, irrespective of APOE4 genotype and as such should be considered as part of screening and managing risk of AD.
Dual-contoured model of cardiovascular system regulation

The purpose of the study is to create a model of the cardiovascular system that gives an adequate description of the processes of hemodynamic regulation for the needs of intensive care. An overview of the most recent significant blood circulation models that take the regulation processes into account is proposed, the peculiarities and limitations of such models are identified. The methods of computational hemodynamics and mathematical modeling are used. A zero-dimensional dynamic mathematical model of cardiovascular system with two regulatory contours suggested by its authors is described. The results of the study are of interest to intensive care doctors in selecting a treatment strategy.
Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance studies in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) genotypes

Genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance and genetic advance as a percent over mean for twenty two characters were assessed by field evaluation of sixty chilli genotypes at the Experimental Field, Division of Vegetable Science, SKUAST-K, Shalimar during Kharif 2018. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. High degree of variation was observed for all characters. The difference between phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient were found to be narrow for most of the traits. The high estimates of heritability was found for number of fruits plant-1 (99%), fruit length (96%), fruit diameter (68%), fruit weight (95%), number of fruits plant-1 (99%), and fruit yield plant-1(99%).
Knowledge of rural women in animal husbandry practices

A survey based study was carried out to ascertain knowledge of rural women in animal husbandry practices in korba district of chhattisgarh, The socio-personal study revealed that majority of the women were middle aged (69.20%) in illiterate (42.50%), belonged to other backward caste and were engaged in animal husbandry practices. Maximum respondents had nuclear type of family. In the study area, 62.50 per cent respondent landless farmers. majority (57.50%) of them had higher level of annual income. 70.00 per cent respondents had medium level of scientific orientation. (67.50%) had low Cosmopoliteness. majority (95.00%) of the respondents used to contact neighbour/friend/relative for information about animal husbandry practices. majority of the respondents (69.17%) had medium exposure to overall sources of information. most of the respondents (44.17%) had low level of contact with extension personnel. Regarding correlation, out of all selected 10 independent variables, only 5 variables had highly significant correlated with knowledge of women in animal husbandry practices at 0.01 per cent level of significance. Remaining 5 variables did not indicate any significant relationship with knowledge of women in animal husbandry practices. multiple regression analysis was analyzed. The data reveal that out of 10 variables, only 1 variables viz. had highly significant contribution towards knowledge at 0.01 per cent level of significance and 3 variables found positive and significantly contribution towards knowledge of women in animal husbandry practices. remaining 6 variables did not contribute significantly in the knowledge of recommended animal husbandry practices. However, all the selected 10 independent variables in the model shows the 57 per cent contribution in the knowledge of recommended animal husbandry practices.
A Capacitor Bank Simulation Model

Power system capacitor banks form critical components of reactive power support and filtering arrangements in high voltage direct current converter stations, such as those connecting electrical power networks with interconnectors, and with offshore wind resources which promise abundant renewable energy but are necessarily distant from centres of demand. Capacitor banks are typically configured in balanced arrangements, where standards require each unit to be measured individually at commissioning and positioned to best balance a neutral or bridge. Capacitor bank rack voltages are tiered but are shared among all units on each rack, which can test dielectrics: this paper presents simulation models to explore distributions of dielectric stress which can result from such arrangements. On a symmetrical rack configured with series-connected units, preliminary results suggest voltages (and therefore electric field stresses) are not evenly shared throughout units in the bank, as: each unit has its own uneven voltage distribution; and rack voltages common to all supported units subject those furthest from a rack tie connection to greater stress than those positioned centrally. Where dielectrics throughout a bank are similar, disproportionate stresses suggest incipient faults and eventual insulation breakdown are more probable for certain unit positions, such as corner units and those at higher voltage. An improved understanding of how unit position affects failure probability could help detect faults, corroborate failure locations detected with reactance techniques, or otherwise direct initial searches for degraded units.
A Comparison of Floral Structures of Anisophylleaceae and Cunoniaceae and the Problem of their Systematic Position

Abstract Flowers of Anisophyllea (Anisophylleaceae, Cucurbitales) and Ceratopetalum (Cunoniaceae, Oxalidales) are surprisingly similar in appearance. To date, these families have never been interpreted as closely related, and even in present molecular ( rbcL ) studies they appear in different orders of eurosids I (APG, Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden 85 :531–553, 1998). In this investigation, flowers of selected taxa of both families are morphologically and anatomically compared. In addition, previous work on the two families is reviewed. The results strongly emphasize the great similarity in all floral organs. Some special similarities include the occurrence of trimerous flowers, isomerous organ whorls (including the gynoecium), valvate sepals, digitate petals, obdiplostemony, incurved filaments in bud with similar anthers, similar pollen, similar nectaries, carpels with free styles, a canal in the centre of each individual carpel as well as in the centre of the entire gynoecium along the symplicate zone, and similar ovules with a slit-shaped micropyle. In addition, recently recovered Late Cretaceous floral fossils that share features of both families further emphasize a potential close relationship. However, if more extensive molecular studies are performed in the future that support the current disparate position of the two families, then an explanation of the biological/functional similarities in floral structure should be attempted: specifically, whether this suite of features is a symplesiomorphy for basal rosids, or an autapomorphy for each family.
A method for determination of fruit-derived ascorbic, tartaric, oxalic and malic acids, and its application to the study of ascorbic acid catabolism in grapevines

Background and Aims: The majority of the acidity of a grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) berry is a result of the accumulation of l-tartaric (TA) and l-malic acids (MA). TA is synthesised from l-ascorbic acid (Asc, vitamin C), the metabolism of which is poorly characterised in grapevines. In a distinct pathway, oxalic acid (OA) is also formed from Asc degradation. The aim of this study was to develop a single method whereby the distribution of Asc and its catabolites from fruit and vegetative sources could be determined. Methods and Results: Effective recoveries of total Asc, TA, OA and MA were achieved with this extraction method, while chromatographic separation was accomplished with reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). These results demonstrate that Asc and its catabolites TA and OA rapidly accumulate in immature berries, and that the Asc to dehydroascorbate ratio increases with berry maturity. Conclusions: A method for the simultaneous analysis of Asc, TA, OA and MA in fruits is provided; moreover, we have demonstrated its use to study their distribution in fruits, rachis, leaves and roots. Significance of the Study: This method enables accurate monitoring of the accumulation of Asc, permitting further research towards understanding acid metabolism during berry ripening.
Modified histogram subtraction technique for analysis of flow cytometry data

Abstract Analysis of flow cytometry histogram data by the subjective selection of an integration window can be a tedious and time-consuming task and is often inaccurate. A new method for automated calculation of the percent positive from immunofluorescence histograms is presented. This new method is a modification of the currently used method of channel-by-channel histogram subtraction. Its accuracy is compared to that of the channel-by-channel histogram subtraction method and to another currently used automated method, which selects an integration window by finding the channels that contain the most fluorescent 2% of a control histogram. The new histogram subtraction method is objective, easy to use, and is more accurate than other currently used automated analysis methods. PASCAL source code is given for each method of analysis.
Analysis of Morphological Traits of Geographically Separated Population of Indigenous Muscovy Duck (Cairina Moschata)

Inter and intra specific variation among muscovy duck ecotypes from three agroecological zones of Nigeria were studied The work evaluate the morphological variation of three ecotypes ( rainforest ecotypes, humid or guinea savanna and dry savanna ecotypes) covering southern or coastal region, central and northern part of Nigeria. Twelve morphological traits including weight were considered. Significant (p<0.05) variation exist within and between ecotypes using population coefficient of variation (ANOVA) bill height had the highest coefficient of variation 79.52 while body length recorded the least variation. There are marked differences in body morphology between sexes in all the ecotypes indicating significant sexual dimorphism. Correlation between the traits were low to high. The inter specific variations in bill structure and body morphology are indication of adaptation to the environment and influence of ecological condition
A preliminary study on antioxidant activities of saffron petal extracts in lambs

This study assessed the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of saffron ( Crocus sativus L) petals on male lambs and was aimed at evaluating the antioxidant activity of this extract during a 15-day period. Fourteen male lambs were divided randomly into three treatment groups (n=4 each) and a control group (normal saline; n=2). Saffron petal extract at 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg was administered by gavage once daily on days 1 and 3 of the experiment for treatment groups. Blood samples were obtained on days 6 and 14 of the study. Serum and plasma were stored at −21°C for further analysis. Heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperatures and body weight of each lamb were recorded in the distinctive intervals from day 0 to the last day of the study. Total antioxidant capacity levels were increased significantly with any dose of the extract on the first day of sampling. There was no statistical difference in the levels of malondialdehyde and total thiol between the treatment and the control group son the 6th and the 14th days of the experiment. Also, no significant differences were identified in the concentrations of glucose, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid, total cholesterol, triglyceride, albumin, globulin, total protein, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyle transferase, total bilirubin, direct and indirect bilirubin between control and treatment groups in male lambs during this study. Recorded vital signs and body weight in control and treatment groups showed no significant differences. The present results suggest that the hydroalcoholic extract of saffron petals has antioxidant activity in sheep.
Viral disease outbreak and diagnosis in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under Tamil Nadu: A new report

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important legume crop in the world. In global wide, it was cultivated during rabi season (Nov-Feb). Under India, it was cultivated during cool winter season mostly depending upon rainfall and dew distribution. In Tamil Nadu, mostly north – western districts are considered as chickpea belt. Regularly crop period, wilt or root rot diseases are highly prevalent and drastically reduced yield. Since, Rabi (2017-18) a new disease was occurred and reported that causing yield loss (40-60%) from vegetative to podding stage by failure of seed formation on mostly in Coimbatore and Tirupur districts. Under extensive survey, a viral outbreak of incidence occurred due to chlorotic stunt disease, maximum recorded in Poolankinar (28.6%) on cv. CO 4 and the least incidence has been recorded in Kuppuchipalayam (12.9%) on cv. JAKI-9218 at age of 65 days old crop. Based on symptomatic diagnosis viz., chlorosis, reddening of leaf petioles, shortening internodes, bushy appearance was characterized initial stages and later failure attained in blooming and pod formation. This disease was the most prevalent in North India. Perusal of literature showed that the occurrence of this disease in Tamil Nadu seems to be new. Hence, this may be a new report based on the visual diagnosis.
Axial variability in the relationship of chlorophyll a with climatic factors and the North Atlantic Oscillation in a Basque coast estuary, Bay of Biscay (1997-2006)

The relationships between chlorophyll a concentration and environmental (climatic and associated hydrographical) factors were investigated in the estuary of Urdaibai (Bay of Biscay) in different salinity zones of the euhaline region, using time-series for the period 1997–2006. Transfer function (TF) models were used on quarterly data (3 month mean values) to establish possible relationships between time-series. In the non-nutrient limited waters with salinities of 30 and 33 PSU, a chain of effects from the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) to chlorophyll a was established, where air temperature followed inversely the NAO index, water temperature followed air temperature and chlorophyll a followed water temperature. Each of the steps occurred with a lag of 0 (within the 3 month period); however, the effect from NAO to chlorophyll a showed a lag of 1 (a mean of 3 months delay). Consistent with this result, annual mean chlorophyll a biomass in the 30 and 33 PSU salinity zones showed a significant positive relationship with annual mean water temperature and a significant negative relationship with the 12 month mean NAO index from October of the previous year to September. In the 35 PSU salinity zone, no significant relationship between chlorophyll a and NAO or water temperature was observed. It is suggested that nutrient limitation distorts the effect of temperature on phytoplankton biomass enhancement in the outer estuary (35 PSU salinity zone).
Effects of lycopene on hydroponic growth and productivity of Amaranthus hybridus L. under aluminium toxicity induced stress

Aluminium (Al) toxicity is an important stress factor for plants in acidic environments. Currently, there exists a dearth of research information on sustainable approaches that can mitigate the problem of Al toxicity in sub Saharan Africa. It is often assumed that since plants have the ability to synthesize their native antioxidants, they may not need supplementation to cope with stresses. To challenge this assumption, the present study explored the effects of 50 and 200 µM concentrations of lycopene (ly) on the growth and productivity of Amaranthus hybridus subjected to 3 × 10 -2 mM concentration of Al at pH 4.6 and 25°C. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the peak absorbance at 375 nm and the thiobarbithuric acid (TBA) method was used to determine antioxidant activity of ly. Pre- and post-antioxidant treatments were hydroponically applied to A. hybridus seedlings before and after Al treatment for 72 h. Results show that post-lycopene treatments significantly alleviated Al stress in A. hybridus more than pre-lycopene treatments. It is concluded that though A. hybridus could synthesize its own antioxidants, it is susceptible to Al toxicity-induced stress and post-lycopene supplementation could alleviate the stress situation and enhance growth and productivity. However, A. hybridus plants appear not to need lycopene while not under Al stress. Keywords: Amaranthus hybridus, growth and productivity, hydroponics, aluminium toxicity, stress amelioration, lycopene. African Journal of Biotechnology , Vol 13(49) 4476-4491
Fallback Foods, Optimal Diets, and Nutritional Targets: Primate Responses to Varying Food Availability and Quality

Eating is a risky affair. All animals have to offset risks of feeding such as exposure to plant toxins, increased vulnerability to predation, or conspecific aggression with a food's energetic and nutritional return. What, when, and where an individual eats can impact fitness and, ultimately, species-level adaptations. Here, we explore the variables that influence primate feeding preference: food availability, chemical defense, and nutrient content. We present information demonstrating that consumers manipulate nutrient and energy intake, indicating that what may be a less-than-optimal food for one state of an animal's phenotype may not be for another. This evidence suggests that factors previously assumed to be constraints in Optimal Foraging Theory, Functional Response, and—recently—Fallback Food feeding models would be better categorized as variables. We conclude that “fallback” is not an intrinsic state of the food or the consumer and that this conclusion complicates the application of this concept to .
Spermatogenic Cycle of the Florida Softshell Turtle, Apalone ferox

Abstract Spermatogenesis in Apalone ferox from Palm Beach County, Florida, is found to follow a postnuptial or dissociated pattern. Reduction of epididymis mass and clearing of sperm from the epididymides suggest spring mating. Histology of the testes, somatic index, and tubule diameter all suggest fall spermatogenesis. Males as small as 15.2 cm PL were found to be mature, and all males were reproductive in a given year. The distribution of postnuptial spermatogenesis is mapped on a phylogeny of turtles and suggests that this pattern has evolved at least six times among living turtles.