Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Strategic Growth

We formulate a growth model with two heterogeneous agents in which there are knowledge spillovers from one agent to the other. This externality is assumed to be exogenous for the agents' decision problem. Then we compare its equilibrium paths with that in a game theoretic framework in which this externality gives rise to strategic interactions. By allowing for strategic interactions, our model becomes a two person dynamic game for which we show existence of an interior Markov Perfect Equilibrium (MPE) as well as the existence of an open-loop equilibrium. We characterize the qualitative properties of these equilibria and study their equilibrium dynamics and compare those to the solution of the exogenous growth model with externality. We find that the dynamics of the different models are similar but growth rates will be higher in the game than in the exogenous growth problem.
Keratinocytes in Human Wounds Express αvβ6 Integrin

Cell adhesion receptors of the integrin family play a major role during re-epithelialization of human wounds. We have previously documented that the expression of α v family integrins is induced in keratinocytes of mucosal wounds [1]. In the present investigation, we extended these studies to determine whether α v β 6 integrin is expressed during wound healing in humans. Mucosal and epidermal wound sections from 1- to 7-day-old wounds were used for immunolocalization of integrins and their putative ligands. In addition, freshly isolated epidermal keratinocytes were used to study integrin expression in vitro . Expression of α v β 6 integrin appeared relatively late during mucosal and dermal wound healing. Maximal expression was seen in 7-day-old wounds in which epithelial sheets had fused and granulation tissue was present. Fibronectin and tenascin, both possible ligands for α v β 6 integrin, were found concentrated underneath the basal epithelial cells expressing this receptor, and the maximal expression of tenascin coincided with that of α v β 6 integrin. Freshly isolated epidermal keratinocytes did not stain for α v β 6 integrin but began to express this integrin after subculturing. Our results suggest that the expression of α v β 6 integrin, a putative binding integrin for fibronectin and tenascin, is induced in keratinocytes when epithelial sheets fuse during wound healing.
Mental Health: The Caribbean Immigrant Experience

In a multicultural environment like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, mental health-care system must serve the needs of increasingly diverse populations. Today, there is much discussion around the concept of “global” mental health. This movement has stimulated a countermovement, proposing that mental health is a local matter and that systems for promoting mental health must take on board the traditions of local communities and what they want from health.
A comparison of the incidence of apnoea following induction of anaesthesia with propofol or alfaxalone in dogs

ii DECLARATION. iii PREFACE . iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. v LIST OF FIGURES . viii LIST OF TABLES . ix LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS . x Chapter 1: Introduction . 1 1.1 Objectives of the Thesis . 3 1.2 Thesis hypotheses . 4 1.2.1 Study 1: Effect of Premedication Combination . 4 1.2.2 Study 2: Effect of Rate of Administration of Alfaxalone and Propofol . 4 Chapter 2: Literature Review . 5 2.1 The Respiratory Effects of Acepromazine . 5 2.2 The Respiratory Effects of Dexmedetomidine . 11 2.3 The Respiratory effects of Alfaxalone . 23 2.4 The Respiratory Effects of Propofol . 38 Chapter 3: Post-induction apnoea in dogs premedicated with acepromazine or dexmedetomidine and anaesthetised with alfaxalone or propofol . 61 3.
Cone-beam computed tomography study of tooth root and canal morphology of permanent molars in a Serbian population

Background/Aim. For successful endodontic therapy, it is necessary to know root morphology. Therefore, the aim of our study was to analyze root canal morphology and root canal length of permanent molars in a Serbian population, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods. The study included a total of 305 maxillary molars, and 280 mandibular molars receiving cone-beam computed tomography examination and determined root numbers, canal morphology according to Vertucci classification, and canal lengths. Results were correlated with sex and tooth location in the jaw. Results. The mesiobuccal roots of first maxillary molars showed Vertucci type I in 45.7%, followed by type II in 29% of cases. For the second molar, Vertucci type I was found in 60.5% of cases in mesiobuccal canals. Palatal and distobuccal canals mostly presented Vertucci type I configuration. The mesial roots of mandibular molars had the highest frequency of two canals with Vertucci type IV as the most frequent for the first molar, and Vertucci type II for the second molar. Distal roots most commonly had one canal in both molars. Palatal canal length was the highest in maxillary first molars, with the mean value of 20.62 mm, while in second molars, the highest length value was for the mesiobuccal canal (20.09 mm). In both mandibular molars the mesial root canal was the longest one. Differences were found according to sex and tooth location in the jaw. Conclusion. Mesiobuccal roots of maxillary first molars had two canals; it was more frequently compared to second molars. Mesial roots of mandibular molars showed same frequency of two canals, and diversity in Vertucci types. Male patients tended to have higher complexity of root canal morphology compared to that of females. CBCT can improve understanding of the root canal morphology.
A photo-elicitation study of homeless and marginally housed Veterans’ experiences with patient-centered care

As part of a qualitatively-driven mixed-methods study, this analysis aimed to describe Veterans Affairs (VA) Homeless Patient Aligned Care Team patients’ experiences with patient-centered care. Veterans participated in audio-recorded, semi-structured photo-elicitation interviews about their health and VA health care. Transcripts were analyzed by two coders using template analysis. In 31/36 interviews, 19/20 participants discussed patient-centered care. Veterans noted Picker’s Patient-Centered Care Principles; 1) access to care, 2) respect for patient-centered values, preference and expressed needs, 3) information, communication, and education, and 4) coordination and care integration were most commonly discussed, followed by 5) physical comfort, 6) transition and continuity, 7) emotional support and alleviation of fear/anxiety, and 8) family and friend involvement. They also identified 1) quality care and 2) being present with patient as central to patient-centered care. Improvement suggestions included the patient-provider relationship, VA services, and transportation. Photo-elicitation may be useful in understanding patient preferences, needs, and values to ensure patient-centered care delivery.
Prevalence rates of HIV, HBsAg and HCV co-infections among tuberculosis patients in Sokoto Metropolis, Northwest Nigeria

Introduction and Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) and viral hepatitis are global health problems which are common in developing and undeveloped countries. The current study was aimed at determining the prevalence and co-infections of HIV, HBsAg and HCV among patients with tuberculosis in Sokoto, Northwest Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 276 patients with tuberculosis, aged 19-60 years at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto and Specialist Hospital, Sokoto between May and November 2015. Blood samples collected were screened for HIV, HBsAg and HCV using immunochromatographic techniques. Results: The prevalence rates of HIV, HBsAg and HCV among TB patients were 16.3%, 14.9% and 5.4%, respectively while the prevalence of co-infections HIV-HBsAg, HIV-HCV, HBsAg-HCV and HIV-HBsAg-HCV in TB patients were 50.7%, 1.81%, 2.9% and 1.45%, respectively. Prevalence of HIV and HCV showed no relationship with age (P=0.240 and 0.987, respectively) but prevalence of HBsAg was associated with age (P=0.0304). There were no relationships of frequencies of HIV, HBsAg and HCV with gender. Conclusion and Recommendations: The study showed high prevalence rates of HIV, HBsAg and HIV-HBsAg co-infections among patients with tuberculosis in Sokoto, while age and gender showed little or no association. HIV and HBsAg tests are recommended for every patient diagnosed with tuberculosis to guide therapeutic decisions.
Assessing Text-Picture Correspondence in Television News: The Development of a New Coding Scheme

A new coding scheme and method of analysis were proposed to assess the level of text-picture correspondence in television news. The method focuses on alternating text-picture correspondences within news items and uses the proportional time devoted to each correspondence category as the dependent variable. It is argued that the coding method could be used in large-scale analyses of television news content as well as in effect studies that examine recall for news information.
Crop Responses to Elevated Carbon Dioxide and Interactions with Temperature

SUMMARY Carbon dioxide concentration [CO2] and temperature are major environmental factors that affect plant growth, development and yield. Increases in [CO2] above present levels will improve productivity of cotton crop because of improved carbon exchange rates, vegetative growth and number of reproductive organs (bolls). In contrast, increase in temperatures above optimum decrease cotton yield due to increased boll abscission and smaller boll size. Doubling of [CO2] did not ameliorate the adverse effects of high temperature on reproductive growth (boll abscission or boll size) or fiber quality. Thus, it is concluded that in future climates, if increases in [CO2] are associated with higher temperatures, cotton yield and quality will decrease particularly in regions where present temperature are near to optimum.
Being Arab and American: Understanding Ethnocentric Tendencies for Arab American Consumers

ABSTRACT Scant research exists on Arab Americans' ethnocentric tendencies towards purchasing American-made products. This study explores the nexus among consumer ethnocentrism, empathy towards local workers, and ethnic identification. We examined ethnic identification, patriotism, dogmatism, and internationalism as potential influences on Arab Americans' ethnocentric tendencies towards purchasing products made in the US. Data were collected from 165 Arab Americans living in Michigan. We found that when Arab consumers felt empathic towards local workers, they were more ethnocentric towards purchasing local products. Arab Americans' ethnic identification neither influenced their ethnocentric tendencies towards American-made products nor their empathic feelings towards American workers. Our study provides key contributions related to minorities' preferences for locally made products.
Chinese State-owned Enterprises in Africa: ambassadors or freebooters?

The role of Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in Africa is puzzling: they pioneered China's inroads into Africa and shouldered the responsibilities of building and expanding cooperation with African countries, while these very activities and engagement, according to many scholars, often contradict or even undermine the political and diplomatic objectives adopted by the central government. To understand this puzzle, this article unpacks China's engagement in Africa, by examining large central SOEs in the resources and infrastructure sectors. It concludes that the commitment of large SOEs in Africa relies on small public and private contractors. The paradox therefore is, that while the central government encourages and supports the large SOEs to ‘go global’, it has limited capacity to control and regulate the small contractors.
Smartphone addiction among medical college students in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Background: Smart phones have become an integral part of youth. But at the same time addiction towards its use have become a serious concern among them. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of smart phone usage among medical college students and their demographic characteristics.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 192 medical students. A self administered SAS scale has been used to assess the level of smart phone addiction. Subjects were classified into smart phone non-user group, a low smart phone user group and a high smart phone user group.Results: Out of 192 subjects who completed the questionnaires 85.40% (n=164) had smart phone addiction. Out of the total 192 students 28 students (14.60%) were low smart phone users, of which 9 were boys (14.30%) and 19 were girls (14.70%). Among 164 (85.40%) high smart phone users 54 students were boys (85.70%) and 110 were girls (85.30%) which was not statistically significant at 5% level (chi square=0.007, p=0.935). Conclusions: Medical college students in Andaman and Nicobar Islands are more vulnerable for smart phone addiction.
The development of pre-clinical models to study and identify novel biomarkers in muscle invasive bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is the 4th commonest malignancy in the United Kingdom and worldwide there are nearly 400,000 new cases every year with over 150,000 deaths. The gold standard treatment for muscle invasive bladder cancer is radical cystectomy with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Despite this the overall survival at 5 years is only around 50%. To improve outcomes new pre-clinical models of greater physiological relevance are needed and the ability to translate research from the laboratory to clinical practice needs to be improved. The tyrosine kinase HER2 is an attractive therapeutic target in bladder cancer and has the potential to be used in clinical practice. The hypothesis of this thesis was that HER2 would be a prognostic biomarker in patients with bladder cancer requiring radical cystectomy and that it has a critical role in bladder cancer cell invasiveness. To test this the aims were firstly to create a novel three dimensional cell culture to be used as a more physiological method of studying the invasiveness of bladder cancer. Secondly a tissue micro-array and associated database of cystectomy patients was created for biomarker discovery and to investigate the role of HER2 and its family members as biomarkers in patients with bladder cancer treated with cystectomy. The novel three dimensional organotypic model was successfully optimized and its ability to reproduce invasive characteristics confirmed with primary invasive cancer cells harvested from a cystectomy patient. Lenti-viral knockdown of HER2 failed to affect the invasive nature of the T24 cell line. The TMA consisted of 226 cystectomy patients treated over a 10-year period with a median follow up of 49 months. The 5-year overall survival was 48.8% with a cancer specific survival of 62.1% and 27.4% of patients received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. 17% of patients overexpressed HER2 and HER2 was an independent risk factor for worse overall survival with a hazard ratio of 1.66. Other biomarkers screened for included Nrf-2, which this TMA suggests predicts response to cisplatin based chemotherapy, AIMP3 which may predict resistance to radiation when down regulated and b-HCG, which demonstrated a potential role as a marker of recurrence when measured in blood serum. In conclusion, HER2 appears to be prognostic of poor outcome in this cohort but is not critical for bladder cancer invasion in the organotypic model. The process of testing this has created two valuable models for biomarker discovery that will be used in future research.
Implementation of the European Water Framework Directive: Development of a system for water quality assessment of Hungarian running waters with diatoms

The purpose of the paper is (1) to make an inventory of the diatom assemblages of the Hungarian running water types; (2) to assess relationships between the species composition and environmental variables; (3) to adapt existing metrics to the Hungarian situation; and (4) to present a map of the of diatom inferred quality of the country's running waters. In spring 2005, diatom samples were taken in 339 streams. Samples for analysis of water chemistry were taken at most of the stations. The diatom species composition was investigated using standard methods and 496 taxa were found. Ordination by detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) revealed that current velocity, altitude, shading, oxygen and alkalinity are master variables for the species composition of diatoms. Nutrients are of less importance in determining the diatom distribution over the whole country, but regionally they can have a considerable impact. Twelve diatom river types (IndVal method) were distinguished. The existing physiographic river typology is too detailed for diatom assemblages. Human impact has caused shifts in the assemblages. For the estimation of water quality in the running waters, the IPS (Index of Pollution Sensitivity) was calculated and the class boundary limits were adapted to the Hungarian geomorphology. Different class boundaries are set for high-, mid- and low-altitude streams. Using these boundaries, 81 % of the streams have a high or good quality. Poor or bad conditions of the streams are often due to domestic sewage load, but industrial pollution may also be important. Provisionally, reference sites are selected.
Differential Regulation of host cellular gene expression by HIV-1 Viral protein R (Vpr): Implications for host cell function

The HIV/AIDS epidemic is one of the most important public health problems facing this generation. The failure of recent vaccine trials and growing resistance to anti-retroviral drugs underscores the need for novel therapeutic strategies. Design of such therapies will depend on a detailed understanding of the mechanism of action of the HIV-1 gene products. To further that goal, we have undertaken a detailed investigation of the HIV-1 viral protein R (Vpr). We employed cDNA microarray and antibody array analyses using isogenic virus with or without Vpr to determine the effect on host cellular gene expression. Vpr induced differential regulation of 109 cellular genes representing diverse families of signaling molecules. Two gene products, NHE1 and TNF alpha, were further studied for their potential roles in Vpr-mediated apoptosis. NHE1 expression was decreased by 50% at both the protein and mRNA levels in the presence of Vpr. Vpr-mediated NHE1 downregulation correlated with a dose dependent decrease in intracellular pH as well as a decrease in the active form of the pro-survival kinase Akt. The loss of these anti-apoptotic functions of NHE1 is proposed to contribute to the apoptotic role of Vpr. The pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF alpha may also play a part in Vpr-mediated apoptosis. Macrophages infected with vpr-expressing virus secreted 1.1-8.5 fold more soluble TNF alpha in response to LPS stimulation than their counterparts infected with isogenic virus lacking Vpr expression. Fold upregulation of TNF alpha directly correlated with induction of apoptosis in uninfected lymphocytes, implicating TNF alpha regulation by Vpr in bystander cell death. Two polymorphisms in the TNF alpha promoter, positions -238 and -963, were found at a higher prevalence in donors showing the lowest and highest effect of Vpr on the TNF alpha response. These results suggest that host genetic determinants may affect bystander cell death and thus the course of HIV pathogenesis. Together, the results of this study present a molecular basis for changes induced in the host cell by HIV-1 Vpr and elucidate two potential pathways for the design of anti-retroviral therapeutics targeting HIV-1 Vpr.
Chapter 10

Dental tissues provide important insights into aspects of hominid palaeobiology that are otherwise difficult to obtain from studies of the bony skeleton. Tooth enamel is formed by ameloblasts, which demonstrate daily secretory rhythms developing tissue-specific structures known as cross striations, and longer period markings or striae of Retzius. These enamel features were studied in the molars of two well known South African hominid species, Australopithecus africanus and Paranthropus robustus. Using newly developed portable confocal microscopy, we have obtained cross striation periodicities (number of cross striations between adjacent striae) for the largest sample of hominid teeth reported to date. These data indicate a mean value of seven days in these smallbodied hominids. Important differences were observed in the inferred mechanisms of enamel development in these taxa. Ameloblasts maintain high rates of differentiation throughout cervical enamel development in P. robustus but not in A. africanus. In our sample, there were fewer lateral striae of Retzius in P. robustus than in A. africanus. In a molar of P. robustus, lateral enamel formed in much less time than cuspal enamel, and the opposite was observed in two molars of A. africanus. In spite of the greater occlusal area and enamel thickness of the molars of both fossil species compared with modern humans, the total crown formation time of these three fossil molars was shorter than the corresponding tooth type in modern humans. Our results provide support for previous conclusions that molar crown formation time was short in Plio-Pleistocene hominids, and strongly suggests the presence of different mechanisms of amelogenesis and thus tooth development in these taxa.
Effects of Sire, Sex and Type of Birth and Rearing On Follicle Shut down in Merino Sheep

We examined the incidence of follicle shut down in progeny of 14 different sires in a Central Test Sire Evaluation Scheme, one month after the break of the season in South Australia. On average 1.4 % (range 0 to 21 %) of follicles were classified as 'shut down' and there was no significant effect of sire or sex on shut down incidence, nor was there any relationship between fibre diameter or clean fleece weight and follicle shut down. Single born and reared sheep had a higher incidence of shut down follicles than those born as twins or raised as twins (p<0.0001). It appears that there is no genetic basis to follicle shut down and therefore little opportunity to select for genotypes resistant to the environmental effects on follicle activity.
Studies on mononuclear chelates derived from substituted Schiff-base ligands (part 2): synthesis and characterization of a new 5-bromosalicyliden- p -aminoacetophenoneoxime and its complexes with Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II)

In this study, 5-bromosalicyliden-p-aminoacetophenoneoxime (LH) was synthesized starting from p-aminoacetophenoneoxime and 5-bromosalicylaldehyde. Complexes of this ligand with Co+ 2, Ni+ 2, Cu+ 2 and Zn+ 2 were prepared with a metal : ligand ratio of 1 : 2. Their structures have been elucidated on the basis of elemental analyses, IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectra, electronic spectra, magnetic susceptibility measurements, molar conductivity and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA).
Innovating science teaching with a transformative learning model

Abstract This exploratory study aimed to describe the impact of the ‘Science in Family project’, as a transformative learning model for science teachers trying to improve student’s attitudes toward STEM subjects. This study took place in a public elementary school in Monterrey, Mexico, which has been developing this project for more than thirteen years with students from 4th, 5th and 6th grade. We used participant observation and interviews with four families whose children are students of this elementary school, and with one family whose sons were students of this school some years ago. Results showed that there is a relationship between positive attitudes towards science in students who were exposed to transformative learning models of teaching. Two of the participants took steps to follow science related careers. This study helps to illuminate the extent to which teacher education models influence students’ attitudes and how positive attitudes to science are influenced by the use of learning by doing projects.