Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Credit Access in Latin American Enterprises

Access to bank credit is often indicated as one of the main constraints impairing firm growth, productivity, innovation, and export capacity, particularly as it affects smalland medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As most of the literature on small business lending is focused on the United States and Europe (Berger and Udell 2002; Berger et al. 2005; Beck and Demirgüç-Kunt 2006), results are not easily applicable to emerging and developing countries because of significant differences in firm size distributions and characteristics as well as in institutional, macroeconomic, and financial structures. Credit Access in Latin American Enterprises
Genetics of virulence in Ascochyta rabiei

In order to critically test the hypothesis that virulence variation in the Ascochyta rabiei ⁄ chickpea pathosystem is a discrete character under simple genetic control, a genetic cross was made between a highly virulent isolate of A. rabiei from Syria and a less virulent isolate from the USA. Two independent virulence assays conducted by inoculating susceptible and resistant chickpea cultivars under controlled conditions with 77 independent progeny isolates from this cross revealed a continuous distribution of disease phenotypes. Bimodality, as would be predicted for the segregation of virulence under simple genetic control, was not supported by statistical tests of the progeny phenotype distribution. ANOVA revealed highly signiﬁcant pathogen-genotype · host-genotype interactions demonstrating the segregation of genes controlling specialization on the two cultivars tested. These interactions could be localized to two isolates that changed virulence rank on the cultivars. It was concluded that variation in virulence to these two cultivars is under quantitative genetic control. If this conclusion applies to other cultivars, it can be speculated that the discrete categories of virulence variation identiﬁed in previous studies were probably the result of incomplete sampling of host resistance or pathogen virulence variation and ⁄ or of selection for increased virulence in contemporary A. rabiei populations.
Indoor air quality and the suitability of MVHR systems in energy efficient social housing projects; perceptions of UK building professionals

The quality of indoor air in energy efficient buildings is a significantly important yet under-researched area, particularly in a social housing context. This study investigated perceptions of UK building professionals regarding the effect of energy efficient design strategies on indoor air quality. In-depth interviews were conducted with building professionals of four recently completed UK energy efficient social housing projects. The interviews explored perceptions of the importance of indoor air quality consideration during the design process, the impact of energy efficient design strategies on indoor air and the application of Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery systems in a social housing context. The results suggest a significant lack of attention to indoor air quality in energy efficient social housing projects; attributed by a lack of knowledge, perceived costs associated with indoor air quality strategies, focus on energy efficiency goals and a fundamental lack of motivation. Furthermore, major shortcomings of Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery systems in social housing were emphasised by the building professionals, suggesting an urgent need to re-evaluate the suitability of these systems in a social housing context. The results can be used to aid the development of effective, sustainable social housing schemes that ensure the protection of occupant health and wellbeing.
POVERTY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Do international remittances contribute to achieving the first Sustainable Development Goal (SDG1) in developing economies? Empirical evidence from Pooled Mean Group (PMG) estimator. By

ii LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS . iii 1.0 INTRODUCTION . 1 2.0 STATISTICAL BACKGROUND . 2 2.1: Overview of the state of international migration and remittances . 2 2.2: Where do the remittances go? 4 3.0 THEORETICAL BACKGROUND . 5 3.1: Relationship between remittances and SDG1 (Triangle of development) . 5 3.2: How can economies achieve economic growth? 5 3.2.1: The Keynesian Harrod-Domar model (HDM) . 6 3.2.2: The role of international remittances and the big push according to the Harrod-Domar Model. 8 4.0 EMPIRICAL LITERATURE REVIEW . 9 4.1 Do international remittances promote economic growth? What does the empiric say? 9 4.1. 1 Empirical research showing positive impact . 9 4.1. 2 Empirical research showing negative or no impact . 10 4.2 Do international flow of remittances help mitigate poverty in developing countries? 11 4.3 Research question and hypotheses . 13 5.0 DATA AND ECONOMETRIC METHODOLOGY . 14 5.1. 1 Data . 14 5.2 Empirical Model and Econometric Methodology . 16 5.2.1 Effect of remittances on economic growth . 16 5.2.2 Effect of remittances on Poverty . 17 5.2. 3 Autoregressive Distributed Lag ARDL(p,q,q,q) Model with Pooled Mean Group estimator (PMG) 18 5.2. 4 Model justification . 19 6.0 ESTIMATIONS AND EMPIRICAL RESULTS . 20 6.1. 1 Result estimation: The remittance-economic growth model (RGM). 20 6.1. 2 Empirical Results The Remittance-economic growth model (RGM) . 23 6.1. 3 Empirical Results The remittance-poverty model (RPM) . 24 7.0 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION . 25 REFERENCES . 30 APPENDIX . 35
on ‘Translating nutrition: integrating research, practice and policy’ Diet and ageing Potential beneﬁts of adherence to the Mediterranean diet on cognitive health

The purpose of this review was to update available knowledge on the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MeDi) and cognitive decline, risk of dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), and to analyse the reasons for some inconsistent results across studies. The traditional MeDi has been recognised by the United Nations Educational Scientiﬁc and Cultural Organisation as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This dietary pattern is characterised by a high consumption of plant foods (i.e. vegetables, fruits, legumes and cereals), a high intake of olive oil as the main source of fat, a moderate intake of ﬁsh, low-to-moderate intake of dairy products and low consumption of meat and poultry, with wine consumed in low-to-moderate amounts during meals. Beyond the well-known association between higher adherence to the MeDi and lower risk of mortality, in particular from CVD and cancer, new data from large epidemiological studies suggest a relationship between MeDi adherence and cognitive decline or risk of dementia. However, some inconsistent results have been found as well, even in Mediterranean countries. In this review, we analyse the reasons likely to explain these discrepancies, and propose that most of these differences are due to variations in the methodology used to assess MeDi adherence. We also discuss the possibility of residual confounding by lifestyle, that is, greater adherents to the MeDi also have a healthier lifestyle in general, which can favourably affect cognition. In conclusion, large-scale studies in various populations with common methodology are required before considering the MeDi as an optimal dietary strategy to prevent cognitive decline or dementia. diseases (4,5) . In the present paper, we knowledge on the relationship between adherence to the and cognitive decline, risk of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We also discuss the reasons for some inconsistent results across studies.
Aarons, Toby and Bradburn, Steven and Robinson, Andrew and Payton, Antony and Pendleton, Neil and Murgatroyd, Chris (2019)Dysregulation of BDNF in Prefrontal Cortex

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is essential for neurogenesis and has been implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, few studies have investigated together the epigenetic transcriptional and translational regulation of this peptide in the brain in relation to AD. Objective: To investigate mechanisms underlying for how BDNF is possibly dysregulated in the brain in relation to ageing and AD neuropathology. Methods: Prefrontal cortex tissues were acquired from the Manchester Brain Bank (N = 67). BDNF exon I, and exon IV containing transcripts and total long 3’ transcript gene expression were determined by quantitative PCR. Bisulfite pyrosequencing was used to quantify DNA methylation within promoters I and IV. Protein concentrations were quantified via an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Donors were previously genotyped for the rs6265 (Val/Met) polymorphism. Results: BDNF exon IV and total long 3’ isoform gene expression levels negatively associated with donor’s age at death (IV: r = -0.291, P = 0.020; total: r = -0.354, P = 0.004). Expression of BDNF exon IV containing isoform was significantly higher in Met-carriers of the rs6265 variant, compared to Valhomozygotes, when accounting for donor ages (F = 6.455, P = 0.014). BDNF total long 3’ transcript expression was significantly lower in those with early AD neuropathology, compared to those without any neuropathology (P = 0.021). There were no associations between BDNF promoter I and IV methylation or protein levels with ages, rs6265 genotype or AD neuropathology status. Conclusion: Prefrontal cortex BDNF gene expression is associated with ageing, rs6265 carrier status and AD neuropathology in a variant-specific manner. This dysregulation seems to be independent of DNA methylation influences at the I and IV promoters.
MEAN PLATELET VOLUME AND ITS RATIO TO ITS COUNT IN CHRONIC HEPATITIS C PATIENTS WITH HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA

Background: Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a parameter routinely provided by the automated blood analyzers. In the last few years, MPV and MPV/platelet count (PLT) ratio were investigated in some medical conditions such as sepsis, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism and lung cancer. Objective: This work aimed to study the significance of MPV and MPV/PLT ratio in chronic hepatitis C patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patients and Methods: Mean platelet volume and MPV/PLT ratio were determined in 60 patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection divided into 3 groups: patients with chronic hepatitis, patients with cirrhosis and patients with HCC as well as 10 healthy subjects were included as control. Results: Mean platelet volume significantly increased in HCC group compared to control group, patients with chronic hepatitis and patients with cirrhosis. Mean platelet volume/platelet count ratio significantly increased in HCC group compared to control group and patients with chronic hepatitis only. In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, a cut-off point of 10.5 fl of MPV was found to be 100% sensitive and 55% specific for detection of HCC (the specificity rose to 92.5% when combined to alpha feto protein (AFP)), a cut-off point of 0.05 (fl/(103/ul)) of MPV/ PLT ratio was found to be 100% sensitive, and 47.5% specific for detection of HCC (the specificity rose to 92.5% when combined to AFP). Conclusion: Mean platelet volume and MPV/PLT ratio are independent or adjunctive, easy and cheap markers that may be used in detection of HCC in patients with HCV infection.
UvA-DARE (Digital Academic Using product indicators in restricted factor analysis models to detect nonuniform measurement bias

When sample sizes are too small to support multiple-group models, an alternative method to evaluate measurement invariance is restricted factor analysis (RFA), which is statistically equivalent to the more common multiple-indicator multiple-cause (MIMIC) model. Although these methods traditionally were capable of detecting only uniform measurement bias, RFA can be extended with latent moderated structural equations (LMS) to assess nonuniform measurement bias. As LMS is implemented in limited structural equation modeling (SEM) computer programs (e.g., M plus ), we propose the use of the product indicator (PI) method in RFA models, which is available in any SEM software. Using simulated data, we illustrate how to apply this method to test for measurement bias, and we compare the conclusions with those reached using LMS in M plus . Both methods obtain comparable results, indicating that the PI method is a viable alternative to LMS for researchers without access to SEM software featuring LMS. both b and c coef ﬁ cients corresponding to the studied item are zero in the population. These constraints can be tested via model comparison of a constrained and unconstrained model, producing a likelihood ratio test statistic that is distributed as χ 2 random variable with 2 df . A signi ﬁ cant test statistic indicates that the studied item is biased with respect to V , and 1- df follow-up tests of the individual b and c coef ﬁ cients can reveal whether that indicator ’ s bias is uniform or nonuniform. Our study focuses only on the 2- df omnibus test for each indicator.
Sodium and Potassium Fluxes and Compartmentation in Roots of A triplex and Oat'

K' and Na fluxes and ion content have been studied in roots of Atriplex nummularia Indl. and Aiena sativa L. cv Goodlield grown in 3 millimolar K' with or without 3 or 50 millimolar NaCI. Compartmental analysis was carried out with entire root systems under steady-state conditions. Increasing ambient Na' concentrations from 0 to 50 millimolar altered K+, in Atripkx, as follows: slightly decreased the cytoplasmic content (Q,), the vacuolar content (Q,), and the plasma membrane influx and efflux. Xylem transport for K+ decreased by 63% in Atripkx. For oat roots, similar increases in Na altered K parameters as follows: plasma membrane influx and efflux decreased by about 80%. Q, decreased by 65%, and xylem transport decreased by 91%. No change, however, was observed in Q, for KV. Increasing ambient Na+ resulted in higher (3 to 5-fold) Na+ fluxes across the plasma membrane and in Qa ofboth species. In Atripkx, Na+ fluxes across the tonoplast and Q, increased as external Na+ was increased. In oat, however, no significant change was observed in Na flux across the tonoplast or in Q, as external Na was increased. In oat roots, Na reduced K+ uptake markedly; in Atriplex, this was not as pronounced. However, even at high Na levels, the influx transport system at the plasma membrane of both species preferred K over Na . Based upon the Ussing-Teorell equation, it was concluded that active inward transport of K+ occurred across the plasma membrane, and passive movement of K occurred across the tonoplast in both species. Na+, in oat roots, was actively pumped out of the cytoplasm to the exterior, whereas, in Atripex, Na was passively distributed between the free space, cytoplasm, and vacuole.
THE EFFECT OF SODIUM ION ON THE INITIAL PHASE OF THE SINOATRIAL PACEMAKER ACTION POTENTIALS IN RABBITS

The maximum rate of rise of depolarization of the isolated rabbit S-A node cells was studied with an intracellular microelectrode. Both the amplitude and the maximum rate of rise of depolarization reduced in proportion to the extracellular sodium concentration, but the reduction in the maximum rate of rise of depolarization was greater than that in the amplitude of action potentials. The frequency of spontaneous activities and the duration of action potentials were increased during application of depolarizing current, while they were both reduced during application of hyperpolarizing current. Both the amplitude of the action potential and the maximum rate of rise of depolarization showed voltage dependent characteristics. The maximum value of the maximum rate of rise of depolarization in pacemaking cells ranged from 2 to 11 V/sec and was quantitatively lower than other myocardial fibers. The maximum value of the maximum rate of rise of depolarization in 50 % Na+ solution was reduced to approximately 1/2 of the control in normal Na+ solution. A sigmoidal relationship was observed between the membrane potential and the maximum rate of rise of depolarization. When the temperature of the perfusate was lowered, the sigmoidal curve shifted toward the negative direction. It is concluded that sodium ion is responsible for the generation of the initial phase of the S-A node action potentials, as in other myocardial cells. However, the amount of ionic current required for spike generation is quantitatively smaller than other myocardial cells.
The effect of epidural administration of FSH in bovine superovulation protocol.

FSH is an important component of superovulations programs in the cow, its administration being made routinely intramusculary, at 12 hours intervals for 4 days. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacity of singledose FSH administration on a mixed route (epidural and intramusculary). 6 cows (Holstein and Montbeliarde) were superovulated according to the following protocol: on day 0 – vaginal application of progesterone spiral (PRID ® , CEVA, France); day 7- administration of FSH (Folltropin-V ® , Bioniche, Canada) 200 mg epidurally and 200 mg intramusculary; day 9 – administration of 250 mg D- sodium cloprostenol (Prostol ® , Syva, Spain) and removal of PRID. Response monitorization was made by ultrasound exams of the ovaries on days 12 (during estrus) and 19 (the day of embrion collection). On average, 14 follicles (minimum 8, maximum 20) and 9 corpora lutea (minimum 6, maximum 12) were identified per donor compared to 15 follicles (min 8 max 22) and 9.5 corpora lutea (7 minimum, maximum 12) per donor in the routine protocols. The results show a very close efficacy to those obtained by classical protocol with daily intramuscular administration of FSH. Due to the epidural administration of FSH, deduction of stres for the donor and of the time of treatment, the method can be used in the protocols of embryotransfer in the cow.
The Adenovirus Ela Gene Induces Differentiation of F 9 Teratocarcinoma Cells

Undifferentiated F9 cells transfected with plasmids encoding adenovirus Ela gene products underwent radical morphological changes. They ceased to express the SSEA-1 stem cell marker antigen and started to express a number of the characteristics of the differentiated state that is induced in F9 cells by treatment with retinoic acid. In particular, they expressed keratin intermediate filaments and acquired the ability to synthesise simian virus 40 tumor antigens after virus infection. The transfected cells expressed the Ela proteins, and this expression was necessary to induce the phenotypic changes, since a coisogenic plasmid encoding only a truncated 70-amino-acid Ela polypeptide and the transfection procedure itself did not detectably alter the morphology or marker expression of the F9 stem cells. The phenotypic change was induced by both 13S and 12S cDNA plasmids. We discuss these results in the context of known Ela functions and with reference to the other oncogenes and external factors that can cause F9 cell differentiation.
International Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Research

Influence of different organic mulch materials on soil properties and on the growth and yield response of maize-soybean intercrop was investigated at the Teaching and Research Farm, University of Abuja. The mulch treatments used include; Centrosema pubescens, Sawdust, Rice husk and Nomulch. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. Soil pH and Electrical conductivity were observed to have been lower under mulched plots. Soil organic carbon was generally low (1-9 g/kg) for maize while for soybean OC across mulch treatment ranged from 217 g/kg; with the highest OC value (17 g/kg) recorded under sawdust. A significantly (P< 0.05) highest maize grain yield (1.01ton/ha) and stem diameter (10.3 cm) was observed under Centrosema pubencens while the least grain yield (0.66 ton/ha) was obtained under sawdust treatment. The highest soybean grain yield of 0.14 ton/ha was recorded under Centrosema pubescens treatment while the lowest grain yield of 0.12 ton/ha was recorded under sawdust treatment. The varied effect of organic mulch treatment on some soil characteristics and also on the growth and yield of maize soybean mixture is a reflection of the effects of organic mulch on the microclimate of the soil.
Title: Intermediate valence of CeNi2Al3 compound and its evidences: Theoretical and experimental approach

We present measurements of magnetic, transport and electronic properties obtained for polycrystalline CeNi2Al3 intermetallic compound. Magnetic susceptibility χ(T) was investigated in the range from 2 to 700 K, and its behavior is characteristic of a compound with unstable valence, varying between Ce3þ and Ce4þ. In the temperature range down to 2 K there was no trace of magnetic order, no anomalies in the temperature dependence of the specific heat were found. The Sommerfeld coefficient extracted from the linear term of the heat capacity takes a value of γ 1⁄4 21 mJ/(mol K2). The dependence of S(T) is linear up to about 25 K, which is symptomatic of a thermopower in the Fermi’s liquid regime. The structure of satellites in the Ce(3d) electron spectrum obtained by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) method indicates that the states of Ce(4f) are of mixed valence character. Analysis of Ce(3d) states based on Gunnarsson-Sch€ onhammer theory shows that the energy of hybridization of Ce(4f) states with a conduction band is about 78 meV. For more detailed information about electronic states the fully relativistic band structure was calculated within the density functional theory (DFT) for the first time. Below Fermi’s energy, the density of states is mainly formed by Ni(3d) states hybridized with Ce(4f) ones.
Running Head: PARENTAL MONITORING STRATEGIES AND ADOLESCENTS’ ONLINE INFORMATION SHARING Parental Monitoring Strategies and Middle Adolescents’ Information Sharing on Social Networking Sites

This cross-sectional study examined whether associations existed between parental monitoring strategies (solicitation, control, and subversive strategies), adolescents’ perceptions of privacy invasion, their general perceived invasion, and the extent of their information sharing on social networking sites. Data from 159 Dutch adolescents (mean age = 15.7) was collected through self-report questionnaires measuring parental monitoring strategies, privacy invasion and information sharing on social networking sites. Subversive parental monitoring strategies, which were identified by Petronio (1994), emerged as a distinct parental monitoring strategy from the previously established parental monitoring strategies control and solicitation (Kerr & Stattin, 2000). Adolescents also interpreted subversive strategies as more invasive than parental solicitation and control. Parental solicitation was perceived as least invasive. Parental monitoring did not predict online information sharing. Adolescents’ general perceived invasion did not mediate an association between the different parental monitoring strategies and day-to-day and deviant information sharing of adolescents on social networking sites. In conclusion, it is important that parents are aware of the effects that their different monitoring strategies may have on adolescents’ feelings of invasion.