Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Immigrant Women and their Work in the Informal Economy in Toronto: Impacts and the Potential for Critical Transformations

This research examines the everyday experiences of immigrant women working informally in the City of Toronto (Canada). The study is based on analysis of original in depth interview (n = 27) and focus group data (n = 19). The thesis begins from the belief that the choice of highly educated immigrant women, with and without professional work experiences from their home countries, to do informal work in Canada is part of a fact that they are going through a particularly intensive process of change. With special attention to the potential for critical transformative learning (e.g. Mezirow; Freire) – how this change is produced, experienced, and addressed is the key focus in this study. The study considers three avenues of experience potentially influencing change in the lives of immigrant women post-immigration: i) the ways of knowing, frames of reference, and worldviews of these women as shaped by the complex relationship between their private (e.g. as mothers and wives) and public (e.g. as community members and informal product/service workers) lives; ii) the various economic and cultural
Gastrointestinal dysmotility in patients with acute pancreatitis

Background and Aims: Gut‐origin bacterial translocation is one of the major causes of pancreatic necrotic tissue infection in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). The gastrointestinal dysmotility is supposed to be the fundamental event in this process. To test this hypothesis, alteration of colonic transit time (CTT) in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) was investigated. In order to evaluate the possible mechanisms involved in gastrointestinal dysmotility, changes of serum motilin (MTL), cholecystokinin (CCK) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in patients with AP were also measured.
[Benign and malignant gastric ulcer: CT findings].

PURPOSE To evaluate the differential CT aspects of benign and malignant gastric ulcers. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the CT findings of 54 patients with gastric ulcerative lesions, 47 with malignant lesions (38 adenocarcinomas, 9 lymphomas) and 7 with benign lesions. All patients underwent histological examination. CT scanning was performed with a helical scanner Picker PQ 2000, before and after intravenous contrast material administration and after adequate stomach distension, achieved by drinking at least 400 ml of water; 2 ml/kg of intravenous contrast was injected at a rate of 3.5 ml/s. After contrast administration two-phase dynamic scans were performed with a scan delay of 30O and 50O. The parameters considered were: lesion size and localization, extension of the ulcer into or beyond the body of the stomach, focal wall thickness, contrast enhancement of the ulcer, perigastric tissue morphology, presence of lymphoadenopathies and liver metastases. RESULTS The ulcer size and localization were not significative in the differential diagnosis of benign or malignant ulcers. In 46 patients the ulcer extended within the body of the stomach (38 adenocarcinomas and 8 lymphomas), in 8 cases beyond (7 benign ulcers and 1 initial lymphoma). In 46 cases of malignant ulcers there were focal wall thickenings (> 5mm), in 1 case of initial lymphoma and in all cases of benign ulcers the thickness of the wall was normal. Contrast enhancement of the lesion was observed in 25 cases, all of which were adenocarcinomas. 33 patients had perigastric tissue abnormalites (32 with malignant lesions and 1 with benign ulcer). Lymphoadenopathies and liver metastases were detected in 30 cases and always associated to malignant ulcers. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The improved CT technology allows to recognize gastric ulcer. Ulcer extension into stomach body; focal wall thickening; contrast enhancement of the lesion, lymphoadenopaties and liver metastases are significative in malignant gastric ulcers. The lack of these abnormalities is characteristic of benign gastric ulcers but can be also observed in early malignant lesions.
Ownership perceptions in European hotel management agreements

ABSTRACT The hotel management agreement is a common, but arguably at times misunderstood, hotel operating structure. This study has sought to explore how both owners and hotel management companies (“operators”) perceive aspects of ownership in managed hotels. In-depth interviews were held with both operator and owner executives and it was found that, even though interviewees appeared to be aware of the nature of the relationship established by a hotel management agreement, in practice operators in particular use a working definition of the model that is more akin to a lease. Misunderstandings of the hotel management agreement can cause confusion as to where risks and responsibilities lie. Based on these findings, we argue that ownership of the operating business, in addition to that of the hotel’s real estate, deserves to be more explicitly acknowledged and addressed.
Coverage of Female Spouses of Presidential Candidates in Online News

This study examines the coverage in online news portals of female spouses of presidential candidates during the campaign prior to Ghana’s 2016 general elections. The study sought to uncover the ways in which female spouses of presidential candidates of the 2016 general elections in Ghana were portrayed through the lens of framing, gender and social constructionism theories. A total of 1252 paragraphs were analysed from online news portals of Citifmonline, Myjoyonline, Ghanaweb, Peacefmonline, Graphiconline and Pulsegh over a period of four months from August 2016 to November 2016 using qualitative research approach. Through content analysis, the findings showed that the coverage of the female spouses was predominantly positive and gendered. The female spouses were framed as: active in politics and policy discourses; assertive; and, motivational on issues on the campaign trail. The study concludes that the media gave the female spouses adequate coverage in terms of quantity and quality. However, the coverage reflected elements of gender as a constructed social norm or reality. Finally, contrary to what is dominant in the literature on gender representations in the media, the female spouses were not presented negatively neither were the media insensitive in their reportage. They were portrayed as subverting the traditional gender roles or, on few occasions, affirming them. Keywords: online news portals, female spouses of presidential candidates, framing, social constructionism, gender, elections in Ghana DOI: 10.7176/NMMC/94-02 Publication date: December 31 st 2020
Fabrication: a tangible link between computer science and creativity

In this paper, we describe our CS0 course, 3D Modeling and Fabrication, that includes a service-learning CNC milling project as a high tech hook to interest students, both our own and middle school students, in computer science and engineering. Among the CS0 learning outcomes achieved through the design and fabrication projects are computer literacy, writing-across-the curriculum, and development of problem-solving skills such as quantitative reasoning and critical thinking. This course is situated in the Integrated Liberal Studies program at University of North Carolina at Asheville. It can be offered as part of any general education program to fulfill a computer literacy or writing-across-the-curriculum requirement. Taking an idea and nurturing it from a concept to a model, to a series of working drawings, and then to a three-dimensional prototype is exciting and fun, and leaves a tangible reminder of the creativity inherent in computer science.
Human Capital, Entrepreneurship and Rural Growth of the Serbian Economy

In the new economy, based on knowledge and innovation, the concept of human capital is becoming an increasingly important factor of growth (and development) not only for urban, but also for rural areas. The studies dealing with the analysis of the available human capital at the local level have highlighted its significant presence in rural areas characterised by a “specific environmental quality”, defined in the literature as rural outdoor amenities. Highly educated individuals who live and work with their families in these areas are responsible for the successful transformation of the local economy, employment growth, the improvement of living standard, development of entrepreneurship, and achievement of high rates of economic growth. This paper is aimed at analysing the relevance of the concept of human capital for rural development, with special emphasis on the rural development of Serbia. The paper presents the results of anempirical study of the model of economic growth of rural areas in Serbia,based on the panel data analysis, during a five-year period. According tothe results, human capital and entrepreneurship have a significant impacton economic growth. Additionally, there are significant differences inthe rate of economic growth between the rural areas with high and lowoutdoor amenities in Serbia. Human capital and entrepreneurship arerepresented in the models of rural economy growth as determinants of thedevelopment mechanism through which rural economies grow.
TNFSF15 inhibits vasculogenesis by regulating relative levels of membrane-bound and soluble isoforms of VEGF receptor 1

Mouse bone marrow-derived Lin−-Sca-1+ endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) has pluripotent abilities such as supporting neovascularization. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor 1 (VEGFR1) (Flt1) recognizes various VEGF isoforms and is critically implicated in a wide range of physiological and pathological settings, including vasculogenesis. Mouse EPC expresses two isoforms of VEGFR1: mFlt1, which transmits ligand-induced signals; and sFlt1, which acts as a negative regulator by sequestering ligands of VEGF receptors. How the relative levels of mFlt1 and sFlt1 are regulated is not yet clear. We report here that tumor necrosis factor superfamily 15 (TNFSF15) (also known as VEGI or TL1A), an endothelial cell-secreted cytokine, simultaneously promotes mFlt1 degradation and up-regulates sFlt1 expression in EPC, giving rise to disruption of VEGF- or PlGF-induced activation of eNOS and MAPK p38 and effective inhibition of VEGF-driven, EPC-supported vasculogenesis in a murine Matrigel implant model. TNFSF15 treatment of EPC cultures facilitates Akt deactivation-dependent, ubiquitin-assisted degradation of mFlt1 and stimulates sFlt1 expression by activating the PKC, Src, and Erk1/2 signaling pathway. Additionally, TNFSF15 promotes alternative splicing of the Flt1 gene in favor of sFlt1 production by down-regulating nuclear protein Jumonji domain-containing protein 6 (Jmjd6), thus alleviating Jmjd6-inhibited sFlt1 expression. These findings indicate that TNFSF15 is a key component of a molecular mechanism that negatively modulates EPC-supported vasculogenesis through regulation of the relative levels of mFlt1 and sFlt1 in EPC.
Work-related fatigue and recovery: the contribution of age, domestic responsibilities and shiftwork.

AIM This paper reports a study of the relationship between age, domestic responsibilities (being partnered and having dependents), recovery from shiftwork-related fatigue and the evolution of maladaptive health outcomes among full-time working female nurses. BACKGROUND Several studies have suggested that full-time working women with family responsibilities are at greater risk of developing work-related fatigue problems than single women without these responsibilities. METHOD A questionnaire was distributed in 2004 to 2400 nurses at two hospitals in Australia, and 1280 responses were obtained (response rate 54%). The data from a purposive sample of 846 full-time working nurses are reported here. FINDINGS Domestic responsibilities were not related to differences in fatigue and recovery. Our results suggested that for full-time shiftworking nurses, being part of a family structure, may actually be protective against the development of maladaptive fatigue. The most important factor determining maladaptive fatigue outcome was shift pattern worked, particularly rotation including night duty. The effect of age was equivocal. The youngest age group reported the highest fatigue and poorest recovery compared to the oldest group, who reported the best characteristics. However, this latter group may represent a particularly well-adapted 'survivor cohort'. The relationship between age and fatigue was partly confounded by older, experienced, nurses with greater job responsibilities, working fewer multiple shifts including night duty. In general, increasing age was not associated with poorer recovery or higher maladaptive fatigue. CONCLUSIONS Unpredictable internal shift rotations, including night duty, which are traditional and typical in nursing, are inimical to maintaining nurses' health. More creative approaches to rostering for nurses working multiple shifts are a necessary step towards reducing wastage from the profession due to chronic work-related fatigue. Younger nurses in particular, may need more support than is currently recognized if they are to be retained within the profession.
Activating PI3Kδ mutations in a cohort of 669 patients with primary immunodeficiency

The gene PIK3CD codes for the catalytic subunit of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase δ (PI3Kδ), and is expressed solely in leucocytes. Activating mutations of PIK3CD have been described to cause an autosomal dominant immunodeficiency that shares clinical features with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). We screened a cohort of 669 molecularly undefined primary immunodeficiency patients for five reported mutations (four gain‐of‐function mutations in PIK3CD and a loss of function mutation in PIK3R1) using pyrosequencing. PIK3CD mutations were identified in three siblings diagnosed with CVID and two sporadic cases with a combined immunodeficiency (CID). The PIK3R1 mutation was not identified in the cohort. Our patients with activated PI3Kδ syndrome (APDS) showed a range of clinical and immunological findings, even within a single family, but shared a reduction in naive T cells. PIK3CD gain of function mutations are more likely to occur in patients with defective B and T cell responses and should be screened for in CVID and CID, but are less likely in patients with a pure B cell/hypogammaglobulinaemia phenotype.
A post-hoc genome-wide association study using matched samples

Genome-wide association studies have identified many causal candidate loci associated with common complex phenotypes, such as type-2 diabetes and obesity. However, most of these studies have been drawn from non-randomised case/control experiments, where the units exposed to one group generally differ from those exposed to the other group. The aim of this study was to address the issues arising from non-randomised case/control experiments. In order to achieve this, we have proposed a post-hoc association analysis using subsets of samples selected by the proposed matching technique. This method was applied to two different binary traits, type-2 diabetes and obesity, in Korean subjects. It identified nine and two additional variants for type-2 diabetes and obesity, respectively, which were not identified using the total dataset. Our study demonstrates that the proposed a post-hoc genome-wide association analysis can determine additional candidate causal variants responsible for common complex phenotypes.
Genome-wide analyses demonstrate novel loci that predispose to drusen formation.

PURPOSE To test whether genes for drusen formation are independent of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) pathogenesis. METHODS A genome-wide model-free linkage analysis was performed, using two semiquantitative drusen traits, size and type, on two sets of data: (1) 325 individuals (225 sib pairs) from the Beaver Dam Eye Study (BDES), and (2) 297 individuals (346 sib pairs) from the Family Age Related Maculopathy Study (FARMS). Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotypes were used as a covariate in a multipoint sibpair analysis. RESULTS The authors found evidence of linkage on 19q13.31 (D19S245), with size of drusen in both the BDES (P = 0.0287) and the FARMS (P = 0.0013; P = 0.0005, combined). In the BDES, type showed linkage evidence on 3p24.3 (D3S1768; P = 0.0189) and 3q25.1 (D3S2404; P = 0.0141); the linkage on 3p24.3 was also found with size (D3S1768; P = 0.0264). In the FARMS, size showed evidence of linkage at 5q33.3 (D5S820; P = 0.0021), 14q32.33 (D14S1007; P = 0.0013), and 16p13.13 (D16S2616; P = 0.0015) and type at 21q21.2 (D21S2052; P = 0.0070). For size in the FARMS, there was a small increase in P-value at marker D19S245 from 0.0044 to 0.0111, and from 0.0044 to 0.0064, when the epsilon4-carrier and the epsilon3-carrier genotype were the covariates, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The results show that APOE effects may be mediated early in the progression of ARM to AMD and thus may not be detected by standard genome scans for more severe disease.
Flash crowd prediction in Twitter

Computers have made their way into all realms of human actions. The emergence of high-speed networks and the popularization of mobile devices resulted in the increase of the number of accesses to online content on the Internet. Powerful servers have become inevitable as they support huge data processing. Flash crowd occurs due to popular content which attracts large crowd that demands immediate and instantaneous service which the server(s) find challenging. Research solutions till date propose dynamic substitution of resources or server(s) which is not cost effective. Our objective is to predict popular content that addresses the bottleneck's caused to server(s) by flash crowd. We develop a generic model that tracks trending topics in Twitter by extracting features through sentiment analysis, sarcasm analysis, trend analysis, emotional divergence, hash tag processing and predicts flash crowd through Naïve bayes classifier We benchmark the precision and recall of Naïve bayes classifier with KNN classifier to gauge its performance and throughput. The model depicts infectious rate which in turn helps in Flash crowd prediction in real time.
Logic architecture for 2-select arbiter using duel pointer

Arbitration among various clients, requesting multiple resources simultaneously in high throughput system, needs multiple requests selection in single cycle. A new technique for implementation of arbiter, which selects up to two active request is proposed in this paper. 2 selector circuits are designed by modification of existing parallel prefix tree structures for architecture. Design maintains fairness among active requests by updating pointers according to grant selection algorithm presented. Simulation of design and comparison with previously work is done in terms of area and timing results.
The P2X7 Carboxyl Tail Is a Regulatory Module of P2X7 Receptor Channel Activity*

P2X7 receptors are ATP-gated cation channels composed of three identical subunits, each having intracellular amino and carboxyl termini and two transmembrane segments connected by a large ectodomain. Within the P2X family, P2X7 subunits are unique in possessing an extended carboxyl tail. We expressed the human P2X7 subunit as two complementary fragments, a carboxyl tail-truncated receptor channel core (residues 1-436 or 1-505) and a tail extension (residues 434-595) in Xenopus laevis oocytes. P2X7 channel core subunits efficiently assembled as homotrimers that appeared abundantly at the oocyte surface, yet produced only ∼5% of the full-length P2X7 receptor current. Co-assembly of channel core subunits with full-length P2X7 subunits inhibited channel current, indicating that the lack of a single carboxyl tail domain is dominant-negative for P2X7 receptor activity. Co-expression of the tail extension as a discrete protein increased ATP-gated current amplitudes of P2X7 channel cores 10-20-fold, fully reconstituting the wild type electrophysiological phenotype of the P2X7 receptor. Chemical cross-linking revealed that the discrete tail extension bound with unity stoichiometry to the carboxyl tail of the P2X7 channel core. We conclude that a non-covalent association of crucial functional importance exists between the carboxyl tail of the channel core and the tail extension. Using a slightly shorter P2X7 subunit core and subfragments of the tail extension, this association could be narrowed down to include residues 409-436 and 434-494 of the split receptor. Together, these results identify the tail extension as a regulatory gating module, potentially making P2X7 channel gating sensitive to intracellular regulation.
Social network influence on new drug diffusion: Can the data-driven approach provide practical benefits?

This article studies the determinants of pharmaceutical innovation diffusion among specialists. To this end, it investigates the influences of six categories of factors—social embeddedness, socio-demography, scientific orientation, prescribing patterns, practice characteristics, and patient panel composition—on the use of 11 new drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Hungary. The Cox proportional hazards model identifies three determinants—social contagion (in the social embeddedness category) and prescribing portfolio and insulin prescribing ratio (in the prescribing pattern category). First, social contagion has a positive effect among geographically close colleagues—the higher the adoption ratio, the higher the likelihood of early adoption—but no influence among former classmates and scientific collaborators. Second, the wider the prescribing portfolio, the earlier the new drug uptake. Third, the lower the insulin prescribing ratio, the earlier the new drug uptake—physicians’ therapeutic convictions and patients’ socioeconomic statuses act as underlying influencers. However, this finding does not extend to opinion-leading physicians such as scientific leaders and hospital department and outpatient center managers. This article concludes by arguing that healthcare policy strategists and pharmaceutical companies may rely exclusively on practice location and prescription data to perfect interventions and optimize budgets.
Er-Xian Decoction, a traditional Chinese herbal formula, intervening early in hypothalamic-pituitary axis of male rats with delayed puberty

Background: Er-Xian Decoction (EXD) is one of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with unique effect on osteoporosis, menopausal syndrome and delayed puberty in China for many years. Objective: We aim to evaluate the potential activity of starting hypothalamic–pituitary–testicular (HPT) axis of male rats with delayed puberty. Materials and Methods: Delayed puberty model of male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were established with soy isoflavones (90 mg·kg-1) and were treated by EXD extract at doses of 5, 10 g·kg-1 or Testosterone undecanoate (TU) for 8 weeks. Body weight, body length, testis weight, T, E2 and luteinizing hormone (LH) in serum, gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) in hypothalamus, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and LH in pituitary gland were determined by ELISA. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect LH in pituitary gland. Results: Soy isoflavones could significantly decrease body weight, body length, testicular organ coefficient T in serum, GnRH in hypothalamus, FSH and LH in pituitary gland. Both of EXD and TU could improve the condition. E2 and LH in serum of all groups were non-significance of difference (P > 0.05). The immunohistochemical results were well consistent with LH in pituitary gland. Conclusion: The results of the present research indicate that EXD extract is effective to start the HPT axis in puberty and can significantly improve sexual developmental inhibition caused by soy isoflavones.