Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anthropometry of children with cerebral palsy at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is one the most common causes of disability among children in developing countries and is often associated with poor growth. The assessment of growth and nutrition of children is an important aspect of health monitoring and is one of the determinants of child survival. Aim: To assess the nutritional status of children with CP as seen in Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). Subjects and Methods: A prospective case-control study was conducted on children with CP attending the weekly pediatric neurology clinic of the LUTH between April 2005 and March 2006. Controls were apparently healthy children being followed up at the children′s out-patient clinic of LUTH for acute illness that had resolved. Anthropometric measurements of weight, length/height, mid-upper arm circumference, and skinfold thickness were taken according to the protocols recommended by the International Society of the Advancement of Kinanthropometry. Statistical Analysis: EPI-INFO (version 6.04) was used for analysis. Chi-square test was used to determine associations. Student′s t-test was used to compare means of patients and matched controls. Probability P < 0.05 were taken as statistically significant. Results: The controls had higher weight than the patients with mean weight (standard deviation) of 13.7 (4.8) kg, and 12.0 (4.5) kg, respectively (P = 0.01). There were also statistically significant differences in the subscapular and biceps skinfold measurements between the patient and control groups (P = 0.00004 and 0.000008), respectively. Twenty-four (25.8%) and 5 (5.4%) of the patients had moderate and severe undernutrition compared to 6 (6.1%) and none, respectively, in the control group (P = 0.00005). Conclusion: Children with CP had significantly lower mean anthropometric parameters and were more malnourished compared with the control group of children matched for age, sex, and social class.
Securitisation special purpose entities' use of derivatives: New evidence from Ireland

Securitisation special purpose entities (SPEs) are a key component of the market-based finance sector domiciled in Ireland with approximately e390 billion in assets in Q3 2017, growing to over e430 billion in Q3 2018. In this Note, we document the different business models of these vehicles, with a specific focus on their derivative activities. These entities are set up as off-balance sheet vehicles used in the securitisation process. While they are domiciled in Ireland, they are strongly interconnected with the international financial system through their sponsor and funding linkages. These interconnections, in particular with banks, warrant financial stability monitoring of these vehicles’ derivative activities owing to their potential to amplify stress.We show that SPEs predominately use interest rate derivatives over the period 2015–2017. They are also active counterparties in commodity, credit and equity derivatives, but to a much lesser degree. Our findings provide new insights on the extent of the bank sponsor linkages and aid a mapping of the exposures between the banking and non-bank financial system in derivative markets.
Idiopathic Adult Nephrotic Syndrome: A Clinicopathological Study and Response to Steroid in a Sub-Saharan African Country

Introduction: Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome represents 25% to 30% of glomerulonephritis in adults. These glomerulonephritides are responsible of about the half of chronic kidney failure examined as well in United States as in Europe or Africa. The aim of this study was to determine the anatomoclinic, therapeutic and progression patterns of idiopathic nephritic syndrome in Dakar. Patients and Methods: It is a retrospective ten-year study in the nephrology department of Aristide Le Dantec Hospital. Patients with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome were included. We analyzed anatomoclinic, therapeutic and progression data of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Results: On 202 patients with nephrotic syndrome, 156 (77%) were primitive. The mean age was 29.7 ± 12 years with a sex ratio of 2.4. Edema was found in 98 patients (62.8%) and hypertension in 63 patients (40%). The mean proteinuria was 6.8 ± 4.8 g/24h. Histologic lesions found at renal biopsy were focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in 71 patients (45.5%), minimal change disease in 68 patients (43.5%) and membranous nephropathy in 8 patients (5%). 134 patients (85.8%) received steroids alone, 12 patients (7.6%) received cyclophosphamide and 4 patients (2.5%) azathioprine in association with steroids. 44 patients (28.2%) reached remission. The factors of poor prognosis were: age, above 40 years, proteinuria above 10 g/24h, existence of renal failure at admission, absence of use of steroids therapy. Conclusion: This study shows that idiopathic nephrotic syndrome is frequent in our country with a prevalence of 77%. The most common lesion found at the renal biopsy is the focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Remission is found only in 28% which is very low. 33% of patients progress towards chronic kidney disease due to the lack of early diagnosis and the use of traditional medicine.
An audit of some health facilities and equipment for neonatal resuscitation in south-south Nigeria

Background : Neonatal Mortality rates continue to be high in spite of the general decline in under-5 mortality rates in Nigeria. Available evidence has shown that the availability of a skilled birth attendant and equipment for basic neonatal resuscitation is necessary for the prevention of early neonatal death which accounts for majority of neonatal mortality. This audit was, therefore, carried out to identify the quantity and quality of equipment available for basic neonatal resuscitation in some health facilities in southern Nigeria. Methods : This was a cross sectional questionnaire based study. Data was obtained from health care workers from 26 health facilities who attended Neonatal resuscitation training workshops from June 2010 to November 2012. Information obtained included type of health facility, obstetric and paediatric services provided and human and material resources available for neonatal resuscitation. Results : Twenty-three (88.5%) were government owned facilities while three (11.5%) were private facilities. Of the government owned facilities four were primary health facilities (17.3%), 18 were secondary (78.4%), while only one (4.3%) was a tertiary health facility. Most of the health facilities had annual deliveries, annual newborn resuscitation and birth asphyxiated babies in the 1-500 range. All the Paediatricians were in the tertiary health facility. Only three (11.5%) facilities had bag and mask and radiant warmer, respectively, while only five (19.2%) had radiant warmers. Conclusion : Equipment for basic neonatal resuscitation is grossly deficient in some health facilities in southern Nigeria. Therefore, urgent efforts should be made by the stakeholders involved in the delivery of child health services to provide basic resuscitation equipment to health facilities. This will contribute to a reduction in the neonatal mortality rate in Nigeria. Keywords : Neonatal, Resuscitation,Basic, Resuscitation, Equipment.
Banking Reforms in India Consolidation, Restructuring and Performance

Chapter 1: Indian Banking Structure: An Overview -- Chapter 2: Banking Reforms -- Chapter 3: Restructuring and Consolidation -- Chapter 4: Concentration and Competition -- Chapter 5: Cost Efficiency and Productivity -- Chapter 6: Profitability. -Chapter 7: Non-performing Assets -- Chapter 8: Information Technology in Banking System -- Chapter 9: Summary and Conclusion.
The strategic rationale of financial institutions acquisition

The aim of the paper is to study the determinants of finance companies takeover in Indonesia. The finance company industry is one of the fastest growing industries during the last fifteen years with compounded annual growth rate of 122%. The banking industry which provides majority of the funding, has made finance companies as takeover targets. The automotive manufacturers and dealers which provide the products of financing, have the similar strategy. We analyzed seven micro key financial ratios (profitability, efficiency, growth, firm size, risk, liquidity and solvency) and business portfolio determinants of finance companies take over by examining the relationship between backward integration with banks and forward integration with automotive manufacturers and dealers. We use the binary Logit regression technique. The empirical results show that the determinants of finance companies that were targeted for all types of takeover are the size of the assets and return on equity ratio. The probability of being targeted as a takeover candidate by banking industry (backward integration), is larger for finance companies with higher asset size and diversified portfolio. On the contrary, the probability of being targeted as a takeover candidate by automotive manufacturers and dealers (forward integration), is larger for finance companies with higher profitability, provisioning, leverage, asset size and earning ratios.
Hepatitis B coinfection in HIV-positive patients starting antiretroviral therapy

Evidence is limited to support decisions on treatment and monitoring requirements in the management of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HIV coinfected patients. The antiretroviral drugs lamivudine (3TC), emtricitabine (FTC) and tenofovir (TDF) are also active against HBV. To assess the evidence for using TDF with 3TC/FTC to suppress HBV viral replication in coinfected patients we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of HBV viral suppression from published and unpublished reports. We then carried out a substudy of the DART trial (a randomised controlled trial of HIV treatment strategy in Africa) to examine HBV epidemiology, viral suppression and associations between HBV coinfection and liver status, immunosuppression (CD4 cell count) and death. The meta-analysis found: the proportion of coinfected patients with suppressed HBV replication after one year of TDF treatment was 57.4%, rising to 85.6% at three years; that prior or concomitant 3TC exposure had no effect; but that little data was available beyond three years follow-up. 55.2% of the DART population had evidence of HBV exposure and 9.3% had current infection (detectable HBsAg). HBeAg status and HBV viral load (HBV VL), but not exposure or current infection, were associated with immunosuppression. After 48 weeks, HBV suppression was achieved in 81 (56.6%) of 143 with detectable HBV DNA at baseline. Suppression was associated with baseline HBeAg status and HBV VL but not TDF/3TC versus 3TC alone. Suppression once achieved was durable regardless of which treatment was given. If not suppressed at 48 weeks, most treated with both 3TC and TDF suppressed by the end of follow-up, but not those treated with 3TC alone. Coinfection was associated with an increased risk of exacerbations of liver inflammation, HIV progression and death, but deaths were not usually liver-related. These studies have implications for the management of HBV coinfection in resourcepoor settings.
A CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE CRITICAL FACTORS THAT INDUCE WOMEN ENTREPRENEURIAL SUCCESS IN THE KLANG VALLEY, MALAYSIA

Entrepreneurship has always been men’s realm, nevertheless women’s enthusiasm in business shows some intensification in Malaysia, but their success is still trivial. This stimulates doubts about the factors that induce their success as entrepreneurs. The objective of this research is to offer an understanding into the success factors of women entrepreneurs in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. Thus, this study focuses on the implication of five variables, which are financial capital, human capital, social capital, innovation and work-life balance that induces success to the women entrepreneurs. To attain the objective of this study, a survey technique is used. The primary data would provide an understanding of the factors that induces success to the women entrepreneur. This study used quantitative methods to produce empirical outcomes and validations to answer the research questions. The Resource-Based View Theory and Conflict Theory are the theoretical foundations that fill the gaps of the study. The findings of this study could perhaps be a benchmark to other women to rise against all tribulations faced in their pursuit to triumph and remain at the highest socio-economic level as well as attain a competitive edge in business. Article visualizations:
From Governing to Managing: Exploring Modes of Control in Private Equity Relationships

ABSTRACT Despite the economic significance of private equity (PE) firms, there has been limited investigation into the control mechanisms they implement to manage relationships with their portfolio companies. Through a comparative field study, we describe the role and characteristics of controls implemented by PE firms and the contextual factors associated with the relative importance of different control mechanisms. Evidence shows that control mechanisms play an important role in directing the actions of portfolio companies and that there is significant variation between PE firms in terms of the combination of formal contracting, results, behavior, and social controls that are relied upon. We find that the primary factors associated with the choice of control combination are the equity arrangement and the perceived cognitive style of top management in the portfolio company. From our analysis, we derive a framework of four control combinations that are aligned to variations in these two factors. Our analysis also points to the potential interdependencies that arise between control mechanisms within each control combination.
Convergence : an analysis of European Union (EU) health care systems, 1960-95

The academic study of convergence within the context of the neo-classical growth model is well established and has been widely applied to macro-economic areas such as GDP income and growth rates. This thesis has investigated the presence, or otherwise, of convergence in the health care systems of the European Union over the period 1960-95. The hypothesis investigated is that membership of the EU encourages countries to converge under the influence of a range of economic, social and political factors. These include the free movement of the factors of production, the opening up of EU markets to competition, EU legislation, and common social and economic influences and goals. Convergence analyses are developed and then applied to a framework of variables for each EU country, which include health care expenditure, health outcomes, health care resources, and utilisation rates. The results confirm that convergence has occurred in most areas of the framework and reveal which countries have contributed most The results also reveal differences according to the way in which health care is financed and organised in the EU. Regression analyses were applied to determine significant associations to develop a conceptual model for the study of health care convergence in the EU. The model confirms the predictions of the neo-classical growth model in terms of income convergence, which leads to health care expenditure convergence which, along with environmental and lifestyle variables, is found to be a determinant of the observed health outcome convergence. When convergence analyses were applied to a control group of non-EU OECD countries, which share similar economic and health care characteristics, convergence was also found to be present but to a lesser degree. The thesis concludes by identifying the policy implications of the results and the areas in need of attention that, if addressed by member-state governments, will lead to greater convergence throughout the ELJ.
Responsible Investing: The ESG-Efficient Frontier

We propose a theory in which each stock’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) score plays two roles: 1) providing information about firm fundamentals and 2) affecting investor preferences. The solution to the investor’s portfolio problem is characterized by an ESG-efficient frontier, showing the highest attainable Sharpe ratio for each ESG level. The corresponding portfolios satisfy four-fund separation. Equilibrium asset prices are determined by an ESG-adjusted capital asset pricing model, showing when ESG increases or lowers the required return. Combining several large data sets, we compute the empirical ESG-efficient frontier and show the costs and benefits of responsible investing. Finally, we test our theory’s predictions using commercial ESG measures, governance, sin stocks, and carbon emissions.
The Political Economy of European Merger Control: Evidence using Stock Market Data

The objective of this paper is to investigate the determinants of European Union (EU) merger control decisions. We consider a sample of 167 EU mergers between 1990 and 2002 and evaluate their competitive consequences by the reaction of the stock market price of competitors to the merging firms. We then account for the discrepancies between the actual and optimal decisions as indicated by the stock market in terms of the political economy surrounding the cases. Our results suggest that the commission’s decisions cannot be solely accounted for as protecting consumer surplus. The institutional and political environment does matter. As far as influence is concerned, however, our data suggest that the commission’s decisions are not sensitive to firms’ interests. Instead, the evidence suggests that other factors—such as market definition and procedural aspects, as well as country and industry effects—do play a significant role.
Audit quality and independence concerns in the South African audit industry: Contrasting views†

Audit quality in South Africa is perceived by the audit regulator to be deteriorating, with the primary cause being a compromise of auditor independence, mostly as a result of excessively long audit firm tenures. The regulator has responded with mandatory audit firm rotation (MAFR). The purpose of this research is to employ field surveys to collect the views of experienced audit committee (AC) chairs, chief financial officers (CFOs) and auditors of JSE-listed companies on the necessity for, and potential efficacy of, this regulation. An additional focus of the paper is to explore potential unintended outcomes, as well as identify preferred alternatives and provide recommendations and practical solutions to negative effects. Findings show that auditors, CFOs and AC chairs are strongly opposed to MAFR in South Africa on a cost-benefit analysis. Respondents do not believe that audit quality and independence has deteriorated and feel that existing measures to safeguard auditor independence are sufficient. In addition, the loss of knowledge and experience of the clients that will result from firm rotation, together with other unintended consequences such as unmanageable cost increases, provide further reasons not to implement MAFR. Findings also indicate that MAFR will not contribute towards decreasing the dominance of the market by the ‘Big 4’ firms. Practical recommendations are suggested based on the findings.
The Impact of Trade Credit Provision on Retail Inventory: An Empirical Investigation Using Synthetic Controls

Trade credit is an important source of short-term financing and an integrated part in supply contracts. Although a number of theories have been proposed on how trade credit could improve supply chain efficiency, causal studies on the impact of trade credit on operational decisions are scarce. In this study, we examine the impact of trade credit on inventory decisions using an empirical strategy that leverages (i) an exogenous shock imparted by the French government’s intervention to impose a ceiling on trade credit duration, (ii) a triple difference-in-differences identification strategy, and (iii) synthetic controls (SCs). By considering the 60-day ceiling coverage and SC construction requirements, we identify four French retail sectors as our main sample. Among them, in the postregulation period, the hardware retail sector firms on average exhibited a significant 16% decline in trade credit usage. Correspondingly, these firms also displayed a significant 11% decline in inventory level. In the remaining three sectors, we found mixed results in the main sample. All the four sectors, however, show consistent support for a causal link between trade credit and inventory in a subsample compiled using a stringent 90-day ceiling criterion. Collectively, our findings offer direct evidence that trade credit is an indispensable financing source for inventory procurement. Finally, in the postregulation period, the hardware retailers exhibited a 15.5% decline in revenue and 3.5% reduction in gross profit. This cautions policy makers that regulations limiting the use of trade credit may have unintended consequences on downstream firms, and may harm overall supply chain efficiency. This paper was accepted by Vishal Gaur, operations management. Funding: This work was supported by Indiana University Bloomington and the London Business School. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022. 4600 .
Prospects of Multifunctionality in Nepalese Agriculture: The Agritourism Perspectives

Multi functionality of agriculture in the developed countries is employed as a means of rural revitalization and economic circulation. Although farm diversification in the developing countries is much more crucial, in most of the rural areas of the developing countries, it is not performed, and it is delayed. In this regard, the main objective of this study is to explore the possibilities of the multi functionality of agriculture for the sustainable rural development for the implementation of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the developing countries. The empirical study was conducted in two of the rural districts of Nepal called Nuwakot and Rasuwa. The author intentionally chose these districts because it is one separate area north of the capital city Kathmandu and bordering to China. Further, even though the location is nearby the capital city, and the rural villages have excessive potentials for tourism activities, the farmers are still focusing on subsistence farming without getting benefits from tourism. Based on the macro data of Nepal government and field visit, the author conducted a case study. This study explored that most of the household heads are working in the agricultural sector, which can be one of the opportunities to launch multi functionality of agriculture. However, due to their weak educational background, they are expecting external supports in terms of knowledge, technology, and more importantly, supportive policy. The federal and central government should give subsidy to the farmers so that they canstart multi functionality in their farms, which lead to sustainable rural development.
Interest Rates and Lending Standards

This paper studies the effect of (market) interest rate changes on investment under competitive screening and moral hazard. Lower (higher) rates ease (hinder) the provision of incentives to entrepreneurs with positive NPV projects to invest in their best project but hinder (ease) banks' efforts to distinguish them from entrepreneurs with negative NPV projects. This might result in a hump-shaped investment curve. Under low rates, screening through limit pricing leaves insufficient profits to low-wealth entrepreneurs to invest in their best project, and consequently, several project qualities might co-exist in equilibrium. Several testable and other implications on the effectiveness of unconventional monetary policy to boost investment are discussed.