Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Agricultural exports : important issues for Sub-Saharan Africa

: The central argument of this paper is that African countries stand to benefit more from the goodwill currently being shown by industrialized countries who have committed themselves to further opening up of their markets for commodities from the region. However, more needs to be done by African governments and the international community if these benefits are to trickle down to the African farmers and result in attaining the goal of poverty reduction. This paper identifies the issues that need to be addressed by all parties involved. At the macro level, our results find that the distortion in the macro environment is a major factor hindering African exports. At the micro level, our results show that for farmers to benefit from the opening up of the international market, they would need more access to market information, easier road access to the markets for both their output and inputs, improve their farming techniques by utilizing modern scientific farming methods and inputs, and to increase their productivity. At the international level, our study finds strong results indicating that foreign tariff rate, price support (PNAC) and standards act as a market barrier to African agricultural exports. Resume: L’argument principal de cet article est que les pays africains entendent tirer davantage parti de la bonne volonte actuellement affichee par les pays industrialises, qui se sont engages a ouvrir davantage leurs marches aux produits originaires de l’Afrique. Cependant, beaucoup reste a faire de la part des pays africains et de la communaute internationale, si l’on veut que ces avantages parviennent aux exploitants agricoles africains et contribuent a la realisation de l’objectif de reduction de la pauvrete. L’article identifie les questions que toutes les parties prenantes sont appelees a resoudre. A l’echelon macroeconomique, il ressort de nos resultats que la distorsion de l’environnement macroeconomique constitue une des entraves aux exportations africaines. A l’echelon microeconomique, nos resultats montrent que, pour tirer parti de l’ouverture du marche international, les exploitants agricoles doivent avoir un meilleur acces aux informations sur les marches, ainsi que des routes d’acces plus facile aux marches pour les intrants et la production, ameliorer leurs techniques culturales grâce a des methodes et intrants scientifiques modernes, et accroitre leur productivite. A l’echelon international, il ressort de notre analyse que les tarifs etrangers, le soutien des prix (PNAC) et les normes a respecter entravent les exportations agricoles de l’Afrique.
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography of Retinal Perfusion in Chiasmal Compression.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE To evaluate the retinal perfusion in patients with chiasmal compression using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). PATIENTS AND METHODS Retinal perfusion was evaluated using OCT angiograms in eight eyes of four patients with visual field (VF) defects due to chiasmal compression treated by tumor resection. The retinal perfusion in the area corresponding to the quadrants of the VF defects was investigated in each image. The vessel density was defined as the percentage area occupied by the vessels in the image. RESULTS The decreased peripapillary retinal perfusion correlated with the quadrants of the VF defects on OCT angiograms in all patients. The binarized vessel density decreased, corresponding to the degree of VF defects in all patients. CONCLUSIONS A decrease in peripapillary retinal perfusion correlates with the quadrants of the VF defects due to chiasmal compression. This decrease can be noninvasively measured by OCTA. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2016;47:724-729. ].
Theory of Union Bargaining Goals

Want to get experience? Want to get any ideas to create new things in your life? Read theory of union bargaining goals now! By reading this book as soon as possible, you can renew the situation to get the inspirations. Yeah, this way will lead you to always think more and more. In this case, this book will be always right for you. When you can observe more about the book, you will know why you need this.
simDEF: definition-based semantic similarity measure of gene ontology terms for functional similarity analysis of genes

MOTIVATION Measures of protein functional similarity are essential tools for function prediction, evaluation of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) and other applications. Several existing methods perform comparisons between proteins based on the semantic similarity of their GO terms; however, these measures are highly sensitive to modifications in the topological structure of GO, tend to be focused on specific analytical tasks and concentrate on the GO terms themselves rather than considering their textual definitions. RESULTS We introduce simDEF, an efficient method for measuring semantic similarity of GO terms using their GO definitions, which is based on the Gloss Vector measure commonly used in natural language processing. The simDEF approach builds optimized definition vectors for all relevant GO terms, and expresses the similarity of a pair of proteins as the cosine of the angle between their definition vectors. Relative to existing similarity measures, when validated on a yeast reference database, simDEF improves correlation with sequence homology by up to 50%, shows a correlation improvement >4% with gene expression in the biological process hierarchy of GO and increases PPI predictability by > 2.5% in F1 score for molecular function hierarchy. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION Datasets, results and source code are available at http://kiwi.cs.dal.ca/Software/simDEF CONTACT: ahmad.pgh@dal.ca or beiko@cs.dal.ca SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Human Cytomegalovirus Genes in the 15-Kilobase Region Are Required for Viral Replication in Implanted Human Tissues in SCID Mice

ABSTRACT Since animal models for studying human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) replication in vivo and pathogenesis are not available, severe combined immunodeficiency mice into which human tissues were implanted (SCID-hu mice) provide an alternative and valuable model for such studies. The HCMV clinical isolates, including those of the Toledo strain, replicate to high titers in human tissue implanted into SCID mice; however, the attenuated AD169 strain has completely lost this ability. The major difference between Toledo and AD169 is a 15-kb segment, encoding 19 open reading frames, which is present in all virulent strains but deleted from attenuated strains. This fact suggests that crucial genes required for HCMV replication in vivo are localized to this region. In this study, the importance of this 15-kb segment for HCMV replication in vivo was determined. First, ToledoBAC virus (produced from a Toledo bacterial artificial chromosome) and AD169 virus were tested for growth in SCID-hu mice. ToledoBAC, like Toledo, grew to high titers in implanted human thymus and liver tissues, while AD169 did not. This outcome showed that the Toledo genome propagated in bacteria (ToledoBAC) retained its virulence. The 15-kb segment was then deleted from ToledoBAC, and the resulting virus, ToledoΔ15kb, was tested for growth in both human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) cells and SCID-hu mice. ToledoΔ15kb had a minor growth defect in HFF but completely failed to replicate in human thymus and liver implants. This failure to grow was rescued when the 15-kb region was inserted back into the ToledoΔ15kb genome. These results directly demonstrated that the genes located in the 15-kb segment are crucial for HCMV replication in vivo.
Volatility spillovers across equity markets: European evidence

This paper examines the issue of volatility spillovers across the three largest European stock markets, namely London, Frankfurt and Paris. The Exponential Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity model is used to capture potential asymmetric effects of innovations on volatility. During the period from 01/01/84 to 07/12/93, reciprocal spillovers are found to exist between London and Paris, and between Paris and Frankfurt, and unidirectional spillovers from London to Frankfurt. In almost all cases, spillovers are asymmetric in the sense that bad news in one market has a greater effect on the volatility of another market than good news. An analysis for the pre-crash (01/01/84 - 15/09/87) and post-crash (15/11/87 - 07/12/93) periods suggests that more spillovers and spillovers with higher intensity exist during the latter period. These findings suggest that these markets became more interdependent during the post-crash period.
An Empirical Model for Specularity Prediction with Application to Dynamic Retexturing

Specularities, which are often visible in images, may be problematic in computer vision since they depend on parameters which are difficult to estimate in practice. We present an empirical model called JOLIMAS: JOint LIght-MAterial Specularity, which allows specularity prediction. JOLIMAS is reconstructed from images of specular reflections observed on a planar surface and implicitly includes light and material properties which are intrinsic to specularities. This work was motivated by the observation that specularities have a conic shape on planar surfaces. A theoretical study on the well known illumination models of Phong and Blinn-Phong was conducted to support the accuracy of this hypothesis. A conic shape is obtained by projecting a quadric on a planar surface. We showed empirically the existence of a fixed quadric whose perspective projection fits the conic shaped specularity in the associated image. JOLIMAS predicts the complex phenomenon of specularity using a simple geometric approach with static parameters on the object material and on the light source shape. It is adapted to indoor light sources such as light bulbs or fluorescent lamps. The performance of the prediction was convincing on synthetic and real sequences. Additionally, we used the specularity prediction for dynamic retexturing and obtained convincing rendering results. Further results are presented as supplementary material.
An Environment Kuznets Curve for GHG Emissions: A Panel Cointegration Analysis

In this article, we attempt to use panel unit root and panel cointegration tests as well as the fully-modified ordinary least squares (OLS) approach to examine the relationships among carbon dioxide emissions, energy use and gross domestic product for 22 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries (Annex II Parties) over the 1971–2000 period. Furthermore, in order to investigate these results for other direct greenhouse gases (GHGs), we have estimated the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis by using the total GHG, methane, and nitrous oxide. The empirical results support that energy use still plays an important role in explaining the GHG emissions for OECD countries. In terms of the EKC hypothesis, the results showed that a quadratic relationship was found to exist in the long run. Thus, other countries could learn from developed countries in this regard and try to smooth the EKC curve at relatively less cost.
Developing and sustaining competitive advantages through interorganizational relations between retailers and suppliers

This paper will focus on exchange relationships between suppliers and retailers. Some new concepts and hypotheses will be discussed. These concepts and hypotheses have been developed through a study of exchanges between suppliers and retailers dealing with die women's clodiing industry. The aim of the study was to discover a substantive theory, based on research in the chosen area. The developed theory should be capable of explaining what happened, of interpreting what is happening and of predicting what will happen in die internal economic and political structures and processes in an ongoing relationship between a buyer and a seller. The focus is on interorganizational variables, which have to be considered in decision making for buyer-seller exchange relationships and in intra-channel management when die issue is to develop and sustain competitive advantages.
The ketogenic diet in a pill: Is this possible?

Over the past decade, much progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms of ketogenic diet (KD) action. From the complex systemic and metabolic changes induced by the KD have emerged innovative hypotheses attempting to link biochemical adaptations to its clinical effects. Despite such developments, the fundamental question of how the KD works remains as elusive as ever. At present, it is unclear which of the many potential mechanisms proposed thus far are directly relevant to the clinical effects of the KD. It is unlikely that these numerous hypotheses can be unified into a single mechanism (or a final common pathway). Nevertheless, it may be instructive to consider each of these putative mechanisms in turn and ask the following question: if the mechanism or target in question is a critical determinant of the anticonvulsant efficacy of the KD, then would a similar intervention known to be based on that mechanism yield a comparable effect? Perhaps answering this question for each mechanistic speculation might help substantiate (or invalidate) that particular hypothesis. Can the KD be packaged into a pill? At present, the answer is likely “no.” We have yet to discover a “magic bullet” that completely mirrors the anticonvulsant (and potential neuroprotective) effects of the KD. However, without a clearer understanding of the mechanistic elements comprising the complex metabolic puzzle posed by the KD, we would be left only with empiric observations, and to wonder curiously how a high‐fat diet can exert such profound clinical effects.
The geographical and institutional proximity of research collaboration

Abstract. Collaboration and the exchange of knowledge are supposedly made easier by geographical proximity because of the tacit character of knowledge. Recently a number of scholars' criticised this view on geographical proximity as being oversimplified and argued that the precise role of geographical proximity for knowledge exchange and collaboration still remains unclear. This paper analyses the role of geographical proximity for collaborative scientific research in science‐based technologies between universities, companies and governmental research institutes. We test the hypothesis that the collaboration between different kinds of organisations is more geographically localised than collaboration between organisations that are similar due to institutional proximity. Using data on co‐publications, collaborations patterns are analysed and the hypothesis is confirmed. Abstract. La colaboracion y el intercambio de conocimiento son supuestamente mas faciles si hay una proximidad geografica debido al caracter tacito del conocimiento. Varios investigadores han criticado recientemente esta suposicion sobre la proximidad geografica como simplista argumentando que el papel preciso que juega la proximidad geografica en el intercambio de conocimiento y la colaboracion aun no esta claro. Este articulo analiza el rol de la proximidad geografica en la investigacion cientifica colaborativa en tecnologias de base cientifica entre universidades e institutos de investigacion privados o gubernamentales. Analizamos la hipotesis de que la colaboracion entre tipos diferentes de organizaciones es mas localizada geograficamente que la colaboracion entre organizaciones que son similares debido a su proximidad institucional. Usando datos sobre co‐publicaciones, se analizan patrones de colaboracion y se confirma la hipotesis.
Breakeven Determination of Loan Limits for Reverse Mortgages under Information Asymmetry

Since the loan limit of a reverse mortgage is a major concern for the borrower as well as the lender, this paper attempts to develop an option-based model to evaluate the loan limits of reverse mortgages. Our model can identify several crucial determinants for reverse mortgage loan limits, such as initial housing price, expected housing price growth, house price volatility, mortality distribution, and interest rates. We also pay special attention to the important implication of mortgage lenders’ informational advantage over reverse mortgage borrowers concerning housing market risk. In reverse mortgage markets, the elderly borrowers typically hold far less, relative to the lenders, or no information about the lenders’ underlying mortgage pools. Such information asymmetry leads these two categories of market participants to generate different perspectives on the risk of the collateralized properties, which can be identified to be important in determining the maximum loan amounts of reverse mortgages. We further find that the maximum loan amount of a reverse mortgage decreases in the correlation between the returns on the pooled underlying housing properties but increases with the number of the pooled mortgages.
The Power of Popularity

This pioneering study explores the convergence of social economic behavior in our new, hyperconnected world. In statistical tests, the correlation of Facebook brand page fan counts of the 30 most popular consumer brands and their respective brand company stock prices were found to be statistically significant, despite the general upward trend for fan counts and radically different stock price performances over a 12-month period. The results suggest that the social media popularity itself, as a construct for consumer following or public interest, may serve as some type of behavioral indicator of brand affinity, customer loyalty, or brand performance.
Multilevel determinants of subsequent FDI in China

Among developing countries, China is the world's largest foreign direct investment (FDI) destination. A significant portion of the FDI in China comes from multinational corporations' (MNCs) subsequent investments of retained earnings or additional capital contribution. However, the characteristics of MNCs' subsequent investment have not been systematically studied. This study attempts to examine MNCs' subsequent investment in China both conceptually and empirically. Conceptually, the study approaches three levels of determinants: firm, location, and international, within an integrated model. Empirically, the study considers whether origin, experience, initial location, and other related factors significantly affect subsequent investment of MNCs after their initial entry into the Chinese market. Through empirical analyses, this study identifies some statistically significant factors around MNCs' subsequent investment decisions in China. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Patient experiences and health system responsiveness among older adults in South Africa

Background : As populations age, health systems must adapt and develop approaches that meet the needs of older patients with increasing multiple chronic conditions. Understanding older populations’ perceptions of quality of care is critical to developing measures to increase the utilization of primary healthcare services. Using the data from the Global Study on Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) survey, the current study aims to evaluate the degree of perceived responsiveness with outpatient and inpatient healthcare in South Africa. Methods : We conducted a national population-based cross-sectional study with a sample of 3,840 individuals aged 50 years or older in South Africa in 2008. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics, healthcare utilization and responsiveness, and other health variables. Results : Healthcare utilization was 9% inpatient care in the past 3 years and 50% outpatient care in the past 12 months. The overall mean perceived responsiveness score for inpatient care was 71 and for outpatient care 69. According to the evaluation of inpatient care, autonomy and prompt attention showed the lowest while quality, confidentiality, and dignity showed the highest degree of perceived responsiveness among all the areas analyzed. Regarding outpatient care, prompt attention showed the lowest while quality, confidentiality, and dignity the highest degree of perceived responsiveness scores. Overall, perceived healthcare responsiveness was higher in private than in public inpatient and outpatient healthcare facilities. Multivariate analysis found that being from the White population group (OR=3.96, CI=1.54–19.19), not a public health facility (OR=0.34, CI=0.17–0.69), poor subjective health status (OR=0.53, CI=0.38–0.75) and having health insurance paying for the outpatient care visit (OR=3.39, CI=1.24–9.27) were associated with outpatient perceived healthcare responsiveness, whereas male gender (OR=0.36, CI=0.14–0.89), 80 years or older (OR=5.83, CI=1.11–30.63), being from the Indian or Asian population group (OR=8.97, CI=1.14–70.35) and not residing in a rural area (OR=0.28, CI=0.10–0.80) were associated with inpatient perceived healthcare responsiveness. Conclusion : Prompt attention, autonomy, communication and access were identified as priority areas for actions to improve responsiveness of healthcare services in South Africa.
Association of type 2 diabetes with brain atrophy and cognitive impairment

Objective: We investigated the associations of diabetes and hypertension with imaging biomarkers (markers of neuronal injury and ischemic damage) and with cognition in a population-based cohort without dementia. Methods: Participants (n = 1,437, median age 80 years) were evaluated by a nurse and physician and underwent neuropsychological testing. A diagnosis of cognitively normal, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or dementia was made by an expert panel. Participants underwent MRI to determine cortical and subcortical infarctions, white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume, hippocampal volume (HV), and whole brain volume (WBV). The medical records were reviewed for diabetes and hypertension in midlife or later. Results: Midlife diabetes was associated with subcortical infarctions (odds ratio, 1.85 [95% confidence interval, 1.09–3.15]; p = 0.02), reduced HV (−4% [−7 to −1.0]; p = 0.01), reduced WBV (−2.9% [−4.1 to −1.6]), and prevalent MCI (odds ratio, 2.08; p = 0.01). The association between diabetes and MCI persisted with adjustment for infarctions and WMH volume but was attenuated after adjustment for WBV (1.60 [0.87–2.95]; p = 0.13) and HV (1.82 [1.00–3.32]; p = 0.05). Midlife hypertension was associated with infarctions and WMH volume and was marginally associated with reduced performance in executive function. Effects of late-life onset of diabetes and hypertension were few. Conclusions: Midlife onset of diabetes may affect late-life cognition through loss of brain volume. Midlife hypertension may affect executive function through ischemic pathology. Late-life onset of these conditions had fewer effects on brain pathology and cognition.