Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Process of Translation and Linguistic Validation of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Brain Quality of Life Instrument from English to Malayalam: The Challenges Faced

Aim: Both brain tumors and their treatments have a major negative impact on the quality of life (QoL). EORTC BN20 and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Brain (FACT-BR) are the most commonly used tools to assess QoL. The FACT-BR is a 23-item questionnaire, especially about the psychosocial aspects of QoL. This paper describes the challenges we faced during the process of translation and validation of the FACT-BR into Malayalam. Methods: We first screened the patients to ensure their mental status was satisfactory and that they could communicate well in both languages. According to the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy methodology, there were two forward translations from English to Malayalam by two independent translators, a reconciliation of the two forward translations, a back-translation into English, a review/finalization by a fifth translator, proofreading, and then testing on a small cohort of patients. Results: The whole process of translation was fraught with small and large hurdles – from small technical issues to the gaps in sociocultural norms. The sub item BR 7, due to the lack of an exact equivalent word, had issues that persisted up to the validation phase. The postquestionnaire debriefing interviews confirmed that the translations were well understood and conceptually equivalent to the original English one. Conclusions: Translation of the FACT-BR into Malayalam nearly completely reproduced the concepts of the original English questionnaire, as proved in the subsequent validation process.
Development, a Question of Opportunity? A Critique of the 2006 World Development Report: Equity and Development

The World Bank's World Development Report 2006 addresses equity and development, defining equity as respect for equal opportunities combined with the avoidance of absolute deprivation. Equity has up to now remained a marginal issue in development economics. This detailed analysis endeavours to place the subject within the context of the evolution of World Bank thinking and policies. The wealth of the concept is illustrated, the downside being the difficulty in defining it accurately. We also emphasise the gap between the prospects opened up by such an enlargement of development goals and the report's policy recommendations, which are generally merely an extension of the World Bank's traditional analyses.
`No, We Don't Provide that Service': The Harassment of Hotel Employees by Customers

Whilst hotel management's rhetoric encourages staff to provide the best possible service by satisfying customers' needs, front line staff find themselves bearing the brunt of any abusive and sexual behaviour from customers. This article analyses the experience of harassment of hotel workers by customers. The specificities of the hotel space, the elusive sexuality that exists within the hotel, and the issue of ethnicity in relation to imbalances of power between the staff and the guest are all discussed using examples of harassment of hotel workers in a variety of workplaces and work roles. The article also explores how hotel workers deal with incidents of harassment, the complex ways in which they resist, and management reaction to harassment of their workers.
Antigen topography is critical for interaction of IgG2 anti‐red‐cell antibodies with Fcγ receptors

IgG antibodies to the Rh D polypeptide on red cells are normally IgG1 or IgG3, whereas antibodies produced in response to carbohydrate antigens such as the A and B blood groups are predominantly IgG2. The consequences of this isotype restriction for the immune destruction of red cells were investigated. Human IgG2 anti‐D and IgG2 anti‐A were isolated by affinity purification from an unusual anti‐D serum (DEL) and anti‐A sera, respectively. These antibodies were compared with IgG1 and IgG3 monoclonal anti‐D in in vitro functional assays of the interaction between IgG‐coated red cells (EA‐IgG) and cells bearing IgG Fc receptors (FcγR). Dimeric IgG2 anti‐D bound efficiently to cell lines transfected with FcγRIIa‐H131, an allotypic form of FcγRIIa which readily interacts with IgG2, IgG1 and IgG3. Unexpectedly, however, ‐D‐phenotype red cells coated with IgG2 anti‐D did not form rosettes with these cells, whereas EA‐IgG2 anti‐A and EA‐IgG1 and EA‐IgG3 anti‐D effectively formed rosettes with these transfectants at the same sensitization level (100 000 molecules IgG/red cell). In antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) assays, lysis of EA‐IgG2 anti‐A was mediated via FcγRIIa, whereas lysis of EA‐IgG1 and EA‐IgG3 anti‐D was mediated via FcγRI or FcγRIII; EA‐IgG2 anti‐D was inactive in all functional assays. These experiments suggest that both IgG subclass and antigen structure affect functional IgG–FcγR interactions. The topography of the Rh D antigen, an integral membrane protein, ensures that anti‐D is bound near the lipid bilayer surrounded by the glycocalyx. This may sterically hinder access of FcγRIIa‐H131 to the FcγR recognition site on the relatively inflexible IgG2 anti‐D, but not to that of IgG1 or IgG3 anti‐D. In contrast, IgG2 bound to the A antigen on glycoproteins is not so constrained. The topography of the D and A antigens may thus determine whether functional interactions of red‐cell‐bound IgG2 anti‐D and IgG2 anti‐A with cells bearing Fcγ receptors can occur.
The Prevalence of Only-Child Status Among Children and Adolescents Referred to a Gender Identity Service Versus a Clinical Comparison Group

Several studies indicate that homosexual males have a high proportion of older brothers compared to heterosexual males. Natal males with gender dysphoria who are likely to be homosexual also display this sibship pattern. Until recently, there was little evidence linking homosexuality and/or gender dysphoria in females to unique sibship characteristics. Two studies have indicated that natal female youth clinically referred for gender dysphoria are more likely to be only children (Schagen, Delemarre-van de Waal, Blanchard, & Cohen-Kettenis, 2012; VanderLaan, Blanchard, Wood, & Zucker, 2014). However, these studies did not include control groups of youth clinically referred for other reasons. Thus, it is unclear whether the increased likelihood of only-child status is specific to gender-referred natal females. This study compared only-child status among youth referred to a mental health service for gender dysphoria (778 males, 245 females) versus other reasons (783 males, 281 females). Prehomosexual gender-referred males were less likely to be only children than clinical controls. Contrary to previous findings, gender-referred females were not more likely to be only children, indicating that increased likelihood of only-child status is not specific to gender-referred females, but is characteristic of clinic-referred females more generally.
Including Carbon Emissions in the Planning of Logistic Networks: A Brazilian Case

The issue of sustainability has gained increasing importance in the agenda of government leaders and business managers alike, all over the world. Companies have come to realise that on top of being beneficial for the planet, strategies for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and sustainability policies represent important opportunities for businesses growth. Many such strategies are related to the business supply chain, where most decisions that impact emissions and sustainability are made. Examples of such decisions can be found in supply chain logistic network design and management: facility location, definition of transportation modes, and distribution policies, including which facilities should serve what markets. In this work, a nonlinear mathematical model to support the planning of more sustainable logistic networks was developed using a plausible hypothetical logistic network located in Brazil as a case. One aspect of the developed model that sets it apart from others in the current literature is that in addition to traditional logistic costs, carbon emission costs resulting from transportation activities along the supply chain were also taken into account in the analysis. Sensitivity analyses were conducted by using a computer simulation aimed at evaluating road and rail transportation modes, in terms of the impact that each has on the cost optimisation of the network configuration, especially in regard to the total cost of emissions and stocks held in the chain to ensure a desired level of customer service.
Benzophenone semicarbazone protection strategy for synthesis of aza‐glycine containing aza‐peptides

Aza‐glycine has been incorporated into peptide mimics as a tool for studying the active conformation and characterizing structure‐function relationships for activity. Side reactions, such as intramolecular cyclizations to form hydantoins and oxadiazalones, have, however, inhibited efforts to make activated aza‐Gly residues in solution using carbamate protection. Herein, we describe efficient incorporation of aza‐glycine into aza‐peptides using diphenyl hydrazone protection. Hydrazone acylation with p‐nitrobenzyl chloroformate provided the protected aza‐Gly activated ester, which was used to acylate a set of amino ester and amino acids to provide aza‐Gly‐Xaa aza‐dipeptide fragments for peptide synthesis. Removal of the hydrazone protection was performed under acidic conditions to provide the hydrochloride salt of the aza‐Gly residue for subsequent elongation of the aza‐peptide chain using standard coupling conditions. A proof of concept for the use of benzophenone protection has been established by the synthesis of an aza‐peptide analog of a potent activator of caspase 9 in cancer cells. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 90: 824–831, 2008.
The physiology of bacterial cell division

Bacterial cell division is facilitated by the divisome, a dynamic multiprotein assembly localizing at mid‐cell to synthesize the stress‐bearing peptidoglycan and to constrict all cell envelope layers. Divisome assembly occurs in two steps and involves multiple interactions between more than 20 essential and accessory cell division proteins. Well before constriction and while the cell is still elongating, the tubulin‐like FtsZ and early cell division proteins form a ring‐like structure at mid‐cell. Cell division starts once certain peptidoglycan enzymes and their activators have moved to the FtsZ‐ring. Gram‐negative bacteria like Escherichia coli simultaneously synthesize and cleave the septum peptidoglycan during division leading to a constriction. The outer membrane constricts together with the peptidoglycan layer with the help of the transenvelope spanning Tol–Pal system.
Distinct phylogeographic structure recognized within Desmazierella acicola

Desmazierella acicola (anamorph Verticicladium trifidum, Chorioactidaceae) represents a frequent colonizer of pine needles in litter. Considering the global diversity and distribution of pine species, we expected different phylogenetic lineages to exist in different geographical and climatic areas inhabited by these hosts. We compared DNA sequence data with phenotypic characteristics (morphology of the anamorph and growth at three different temperatures) of 43 strains isolated mostly from pine and also spruce needle litter sampled in various geographical areas. Analyses of ITS rDNA recovered eight geographically structured lineages. Fragments of genes for the translation elongation factor 1-α, and the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II reproduced similar lineages, although not all of them were monophyletic. The similarity in ITS sequences among the clade with samples from Continental-Atlantic Europe and four other clades was lower than 95%. Several lineages exhibit also a tendency toward host specificity to a particular pine species. Growth tests at different temperatures indicated a different tolerance to specific climatic conditions in different geographic areas. However, the surveyed phenotypic characteristics also showed high variation within lineages, most evident in the morphology of the anamorph. Until a morphological study of the teleomorph is carried out, all of these lineages should be treated as distinct populations within a single species.
Agglomerative user clustering and downlink group scheduling for FDD massive MIMO systems

Two-stage precoding is a promising transmission strategy for multi-user frequency division duplex (FDD) massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems due to its large multiplexing gain with overhead reduction in both downlink channel estimation and channel state information (CSI) feedback. The performance of existing two-stage precoding schemes mainly depends on appropriate selection and clustering of the users, which is sometimes difficult to realize in a realistic scenario with limited number of users having different covariance eigenspace. In this paper, we propose a new agglomerative clustering method for user grouping which can be easily implemented in realistic scenario. We also develop an average signal-to-leakage-plus-noise ratio (SLNR) based downlink group scheduling method to achieve combination of user groups in a particular time-frequency slot. Numerical results validate the performance improvement of the proposed methods over existing methods.
Aggregate spillovers magnify the welfare benefits of tax reform

Relatively small degrees of aggregate increasing returns to scale substantially magnify both welfare benefits and income effects associated with tax reform. External returns to scale of 10 per cent increase the welfare benefits of tax reform by roughly one-third and increase changes in income by significantly more than a model characterized by constant returns to scale. Aggregate spillovers of 20 per cent increase welfare benefits by roughly three-fourths. Aggregate spillovers significantly reduce tax revenue-maximizing capital tax rates. This research convincingly demonstrates the importance of precisely identifying the degree of aggregate returns to scale before the benefits of tax reform can be accurately assessed.
Securing the long‐term bases of the dual system: a realistic evaluation of apprenticeship marketing in Switzerland

The dual system of vocational training, utilising both company training and vocational school attendance, is generally acknowledged to be a successful model for reducing youth unemployment. However, the decreasing number of training opportunities in countries with this system poses a crisis for the approach. One strategy for overcoming the problem involves offering incentives for companies to create new take‐ups. The present study explores the necessary conditions for successfully influencing the number of training places through apprenticeship marketing. It does so following the realistic evaluation approach. A comparison of qualitative case studies of six projects demonstrates that context, in the sense of basic structural conditions and political sensibility, plays a role in the success of a project. However, even more important is the form of the project itself. This regards the behaviour of the actors involved (politics) as well as the choice of the measures (policy) and project organisation (polity). The study stresses the combined effects of these factors.
Activation of cytochrome P450IA1 gene expression by 2, 3, 7, 8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin in wild‐type and high‐activity variant mouse hepatoma cells

We analyzed the function of a DNA domain located upstream of the cytochrome P450IA1 gene in wild‐type (Hepa 1c1c7) mouse hepatoma cells and in high‐activity variant (HAV) cells that overtranscribe the gene in response to the inducer 2, 3, 7, 8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD). Transfection experiments indicated that both wild‐type and HAV DNA confer responsiveness to TCDD upon the bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene. However, the level of CAT activity was four‐ to fivefold higher when the hybrid genes were expressed in the HAV cells. These findings imply that an alteration in a trans‐acting function confers the HAV phenotype. Studies of mRNA accumulation imply that TCDD acts by enhancing the rate of mRNA initiation rather than by removing a block in mRNA elongation. We found that both wild‐type and HAV cells used the same transcriptional promoter as that described previously for the cytochrome P450IA1 gene in C57BL/6 mouse liver. Both cell types exhibited superinduction of cytochrome P450IA1 gene expression in response to TCDD plus cycloheximide.
Are stock splits credible signals? Evidence from the Singapore market

This paper studies the effects of stock splits on returns using daily data from the Singapore Stock Exchange over the period 1983-2000. Specifically, it examines whether stock split announcements provide credible signals due to asymmetry of information. We find that the market, on average, responds positively and significantly to announcements of stock splits. We then partition the sample into sub-samples: one with dividends (earnings) increasing firms and another with dividends (earnings) decreasing firms the 12 month period after the stock split. Both groups respond positively to stock split announcements on the event period, which initially casts doubt on the signaling hypothesis. Additional tests show that the difference between the cumulative average returns of the two sub-samples is significantly positive during the post-event and/or full-test period. An implication of this finding is that the market can differentiate ex ante between the two sub-samples, which lends support to the hypothesis that stock split announcements generally provide credible signals of future prospects.
Acquisition Targets and Motives: The Case of the Banking Industry

Findings do not indicate poorly-managed firms are more likely to be acquired than well-managed firms. The analysis uses a sample of 1,046Texas banks that existed in 1970, out of which 201 were acqui red during the period 1970-82. A multinomial logit procedure is used to estimate the relationship between the likelihood of acquisition and the characteristics of the target firm and its market. Additional results suggest that firms with la rge market shares, low capital/asset ratios, and operations in urban areas are r elatively likely to be acquired but not firms with low profits or low growth. Copyright 1987 by MIT Press.
Examining Policy Guidelines for Distance Education in Dual Mode Public Universities in Ghana

The study reports a case of distance education policy in the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), a dual mode University in Ghana. The interview method was used to obtain information from 21 purposively selected key informants in the University. Policy documents that addressed Distance Education (DE) were reviewed. The study showed that KNUST has identified DE as a policy initiative for meeting institutional goals. The current DE policy focus was on student support services. However, policy areas under Governance/ Administration and Academic/Faculty/Department were yet to be fully developed. The study recommended a systematic review/audit of existing institutional policies to take care of the needs of distance learners. These needs include addressing key issues of facilities and resources in the Regional centers and documenting policies that showcase the benefits of individual and departmental efforts relating to workload to increase interest, satisfaction and participation in the DE programmes by the various Departments. Keywords: Policy guidelines, distance education, dual mode Universities
Organized Civil Society: A Cross-national Evaluation of Non-Governmental Organization Density on Governmental Corruption

Using a globally representative sample of nations between 1997 and 2004, I demonstrate that the presence of an active civil society works to decrease governmental corruption. The presence of a robust civil society holds governments accountable, informs its citizens, and provides a suitable outlet for people to voice their concerns and be heard. I analyze data using a pooled time-series, cross-sectional (TSCS) analysis. Results show that civil society strength has a significant impact on governmental corruption. These results remain significant when accounting for economic development, political institutions, and cultural-geographic controls. By emphasizing the role organized civil society plays in a broad sample of nations, this study refines our understanding of the role that non-state actors assume in the health and maintenance of their own societies. Consequently, this project demonstrates the importance of including the role of civil society in future studies of governmental corruption.
Curcumin / BSA:New approach for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment

The systemic availability of curcumin is very low after oral administration; this limits their therapeutic potential. This study aims to increase the bioavailability of curcumin; the highest reproducible solubility modality will be applied on an experimental carcinogenesismodels in order to evaluate its chemo-preventive, chemotherapeutic effects and antitumor potential. We found that administrating of curcumin (200mg/kg I.P. bound to 5%BSA in PBS, pH7.4) results in a significant inhibitory effect on tumor in vivo.An anti-oxidant effect and anti-tumor effect of curcumin in vivo was observed. A significant reduction in anti-oxidants and tumor markers levels in tumor treated animals when compared with untreated ones. As well as Bcl2 expression was reduced. Conclusion: curcumin bound BSA has a strong inhibitory activity against tumors. The anti-tumor mechanism may be mediated by preventing oxidative damage and induction of apoptosis improved animalsÂÂ chances of survival and they become healthier.
Design and methods in a survey of living conditions in the Arctic – the SLiCA study

Objectives: The main objective of this study is to describe the methods and design of the survey of living conditions in the Arctic (SLiCA), relevant participation rates and the distribution of participants, as applicable to the survey data in Alaska, Greenland and Norway. This article briefly addresses possible selection bias in the data and also the ways to tackle it in future studies. Study design: Population-based cross-sectional survey. Methods: Indigenous individuals aged 16 years and older, living in Greenland, Alaska and in traditional settlement areas in Norway, were invited to participate. Random sampling methods were applied in Alaska and Greenland, while non-probability sampling methods were applied in Norway. Data were collected in 3 periods: in Alaska, from January 2002 to February 2003; in Greenland, from December 2003 to August 2006; and in Norway, in 2003 and from June 2006 to June 2008. The principal method in SLiCA was standardised face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire. Results: A total of 663, 1,197 and 445 individuals were interviewed in Alaska, Greenland and Norway, respectively. Very high overall participation rates of 83% were obtained in Greenland and Alaska, while a more conventional rate of 57% was achieved in Norway. A predominance of female respondents was obtained in Alaska. Overall, the Sami cohort is older than the cohorts from Greenland and Alaska. Conclusions: Preliminary assessments suggest that selection bias in the Sami sample is plausible but not a major threat. Few or no threats to validity are detected in the data from Alaska and Greenland. Despite different sampling and recruitment methods, and sociocultural differences, a unique database has been generated, which shall be used to explore relationships between health and other living conditions variables.