Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Poverty and Blindness in Nigeria: Results from the National Survey of Blindness and Visual Impairment

Abstract Purpose: Poverty can be a cause and consequence of blindness. Some causes only affect the poorest communities (e.g. trachoma), and poor individuals are less likely to access services. In low income countries, cataract blind adults have been shown to be less economically active, indicating that blindness can exacerbate poverty. This study aims to explore associations between poverty and blindness using national survey data from Nigeria. Methods: Participants ≥40 years were examined in 305 clusters (2005–2007). Sociodemographic information, including literacy and occupation, was obtained by interview. Presenting visual acuity (PVA) was assessed using a reduced tumbling E LogMAR chart. Full ocular examination was undertaken by experienced ophthalmologists on all with PVA <6/12 in either eye. Causes of vision loss were determined using World Health Organization guidelines. Households were categorized into three levels of poverty based on literacy and occupation at household level. Results: A total of 569/13,591 participants were blind (PVA <3/60, better eye; prevalence 4.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.8–4.6%). Prevalences of blindness were 8.5% (95% CI 7.7–9.5%), 2.5% (95% CI 2.0–3.1%), and 1.5% (95% CI 1.2–2.0%) in poorest, medium and affluent households, respectively (p = 0.001). Cause-specific prevalences of blindness from cataract, glaucoma, uncorrected aphakia and corneal opacities were significantly higher in poorer households. Cataract surgical coverage was low (37.2%), being lowest in females in poor households (25.3%). Spectacle coverage was 3 times lower in poor than affluent households (2.4% vs. 7.5%). Conclusion: In Nigeria, blindness is associated with poverty, in part reflecting lower access to services. Reducing avoidable causes will not be achieved unless access to services improves, particularly for the poor and women.
New fine-grained clustering algorithm on GPU architecture for bias field correction and MRI image segmentation

In this paper, we propose a new fine-grained clustering bias field estimation and segmentation algorithm on Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD) architecture (GPU). The goal is to accelerate compute-intensive portions of the sequential version. We have implemented this parallel algorithm using Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) on different NVidia GPU cards. The numerical results in terms of execution time show a gain up to 52x for GTX 580 versus the sequential implementation.
Scenario Analysis in Charge of Model Selection

This paper presents how scenario analysis techniques can be used for building financial models that are able to capture the dynamics of the underlying asset prices both in benign periods and in times of stress. The paper presents case studies for building pricing models for equity and FX derivatives. In the course of model calibration, the scenario analysis techniques are applied to identify the shortcomings of the assessed models and to propose improvements. The presented techniques may help in managing model risk and valuation uncertainties, which attracted increased attention in the aftermath of the recent financial crisis.
The Impact of Family Control on the Performance and Financial Characteristics of Family Versus Nonfamily Businesses in Japan: A Matched-Pair Investigation

Research on family businesses has undergone rapid development in the past two decades. Broadly speaking, such companies perform better than nonfamily businesses, as recent investigations in Japan support. To obtain a more precise result, this research has applied to the Japanese context a research methodology that has proven its worth in Western cases. On the basis of data covering the years 1998 and 2003, we found better performance among family businesses in Japan.
Some metaheuristic approaches for optimising tardiness of job and tool in a flexible manufacturing system

Job and tool flows are the two key factors in the operation of FMS. The work centre of FMS can process a group of jobs. The usage of common tool magazine is in practice for FMS facilities in order to reduce tool inventory. The objective of this paper is to generate an active schedules and optimal sequence of job and tool that can meet minimum tardiness for the FMS. In this paper, non-traditional optimisation algorithms such as genetic algorithm, SA algorithm, ACO algorithm and PSO algorithm are proposed to derive near optimal solutions which adopt the extended Giffler and Thompson algorithm for active schedule generation. Twenty problems have been randomly generated for the performance analysis of the proposed methodologies. The performances of the proposed algorithms are compared with tardiness and computational time. The analysis reveals that PSO algorithm provides better solution with reasonable computational time.
[Executive function training in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder].

INTRODUCTION A number of different treatments have been proposed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), yet little material has been published in the literature to improve the performance of the mechanisms behind attention, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility and working memory in these children. We think that a working model that is effective in the treatment of persons with ADHD can only be consolidated by means of a thorough understanding of the syndromes involved in this deficit. DEVELOPMENT In addition to reviewing the latest and most significant proposals aimed at improving the cognitive under-standing of the disorder, this work also refers to three neurobiological syndromes that are recognised as forming part of ADHD, i.e. medial cingulate syndrome, dorsolateral syndrome and orbitofrontal syndrome. CONCLUSIONS Advances in neuroscientific research and the design of computerised treatment materials offer extremely valuable data that will undoubtedly help to improve the results of psychopedagogical and neuropsychological interventions in ADHD, since they provide information about the temporal and spatial equation.
Golgi/granule processing of peptide hormone and neuropeptide precursors: A minireview

Proteolytic processing of precursor proteins is a phylogenetically ancient and widely used mechanism for producing biologically active peptides. Proteolytic cleavage of proproteins begins only after transport to the Golgi apparatus has been completed and in most systems may continue for many hours within newly formed secretory vesicles as these are stored in the cytosol or transported along axons to more peripheral sites of release. Paired basic residues are required for efficient proteolysis in most precursors, suggesting that a small number of specialized tryptic proteases exist that have great site selectivity but can process many sites within the same precursor or in different precursors within the same cell, or in different cells or tissues. Cleavage‐site choice may be strongly influenced by other factors, such as secondary and tertiary structure, but definitive structural information on precursor proteins is lacking. Modifications such as glycosylation, phosphorylation, and sulfation also are Golgi associated but are not known to influence proteolytic processing patterns. Golgi/granule processing also rarely occurs at sites other than pairs of basic amino acids, including single basic residues (trypsinlike), Leu‐Ala, Leu‐Ser, or Tyr‐Ala bonds (chymotrysinlike) as well as other specialized nontryptic cleavages, suggesting that mixtures of proteases coexist in the Golgi/granule system. Cathepsin B‐like thiol proteases, or their precursors, have been implicated as the major processing endopeptidases in several systems. Carboxypeptidase B‐like enzymes also have been identified in secretion granules in several tissues and appear to be metalloenzymes similar in mechanism to the pancreatic carboxypeptidases, but with a lower pH optimum. The role of the Golgi apparatus in sorting newly formed secreted products from lysosomal hydrolases may have permitted the development in evolution of an intimate relationship between certain of the lysosomal degradative enzymes, such as cathepsin B or its precursors, and the Golgi/granule processing systems. The sequestration of the proteolytic products of precursors within secretion granules leads to the coordinate discharge of highly complex mixtures of peptides having related or overlapping biological activities. The cosecretion of nonfunctional peptide “leftovers,” such as the proinsulin C‐peptide, can serve as useful markers of secretion or cellular localization, as well as of evolutionary relationships. Errors in cleavage due to point mutations in precursors have been identified in several systems, leading to the accumulation of incorrectly processed materials in the circulation. These and/or defects in converting proteases per se represent interesting areas for study in the search for disturbances in the production of neuroendocrine substances.
Price effects of an emissions trading scheme in New Zealand

Implementation of a New Zealand Emission Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) will begin in 2008, beginning with forestry, subsequently including energy and industrial emissions, and finally, agricultural GHGs from 2013. Reducing agricultural emissions is a major challenge for New Zealand as they account for over half its total GHG emissions. On the other hand, agriculture is critical to the economy, with its basic and processed products accounting for a third of exports. We use an environmental input-output model to analyse direct and indirect cost impacts of emissions pricing on food and fibre sectors. At NZ $25/t CO₂-eq, costs of energy-related emissions on the food and fibre sectors are very small; however, costs of agricultural emissions post 2013 would substantially impact on sheep, beef and dairy farming. Costeffective mitigation measures and land use changes should help reduce micro- and macroeconomic impacts, but the latter may also risk 'emissions leakage'.
Kardiovaskuläre Effekte antidiabetischer Therapie

Abstract Type 2- diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents a major risk factor for cardiovascular complications and mortality. Strict glucose control in the early course of the disease prevents cardiovascular complications only in the long run. Non-medical therapies (diet, exercise, body weight reduction) bear little evidence for positive cardiovascular effects.Bariatric surgery is not number one choice in therapy of T2DM. Metformin seems to provide positive cardiovascular effects. Insulin seems to be cardiovascular neutral, as well as the DPP4-inhibitors Saxagliptin, Sitagliptin and Alogliptin. Concerning GLP-1-RAs, Lixisenatide has a neutral cardiovascular effect, whereas Liraglutide and Semaglutide reduce cardiovascular outcomes. The SGLT2-inhibitor Empagliflozin reduces cardiovascular mortality, total mortality and hospitalization by heart failure.
Place, sorting effects and barriers to enterprise in deprived areas: Different problems or different firms?

Policies to stimulate enterprise in deprived areas typically attempt to remove the specific obstacles faced by firms in deprived locations. Yet there is little evidence that firms in deprived areas actually perceive different problems to those in more affluent places. Alternatively, different types of firms may locate in deprived places. This article uses a sample of 7670 English SMEs to investigate this issue. It asks two questions: Do firms in deprived areas perceive different barriers to success than other firms? And is this because of their location (a ‘place’ effect) or other characteristics (a ‘firm’ effect)? We find only limited evidence that ‘place’ effects are in operation: of nine potential obstacles only a lack of access to finance is significant, controlling for other firm characteristics. However, this finding may be important given that firms in deprived areas are equally likely to be growth orientated.
Effectiveness of ketamine as an adjuvant to opioid-based therapy in decreasing pain associated with opioid tolerance in adults undergoing orthopedic surgery: a systematic review protocol.

REVIEW QUESTION/OBJECTIVE The objective of this systematic review is to examine the best available evidence on the clinical effectiveness of ketamine as an adjuvant to opioid-based therapy versus opioid-based therapy alone in decreasing perioperative pain associated with opioid tolerance in adult patients, aged 18-70 years, undergoing orthopedic surgical procedures.The following question guides the systematic review: does the administration of ketamine as an adjuvant to opioid-based therapy, compared to opioid-based therapy alone, improve perioperative pain relief in opioid-tolerant adult patients undergoing orthopedic surgical procedures?
Region- and Cell-Specific Expression of Transmembrane Collagens in Mouse Brain

Unconventional collagens are nonfribrillar proteins that not only contribute to the structure of extracellular matrices but exhibit unique bio-activities. Although roles for unconventional collagens have been well-established in the development and function of non-neural tissues, only recently have studies identified roles for these proteins in brain development, and more specifically, in the formation and refinement of synaptic connections between neurons. Still, our understanding of the full cohort of unconventional collagens that are generated in the mammalian brain remains unclear. Here, we sought to address this gap by assessing the expression of transmembrane collagens (i.e., collagens XIII, XVII, XXIII and XXV) in mouse brain. Using quantitative PCR and in situ hybridization (ISH), we demonstrate both region- and cell-specific expression of these unique collagens in the developing brain. For the two most highly expressed transmembrane collagens (i.e., collagen XXIII and XXV), we demonstrate that they are expressed by select subsets of neurons in different parts of the brain. For example, collagen XXIII is selectively expressed by excitatory neurons in the mitral/tufted cell layer of the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) and by cells in the inner nuclear layer (INL) of the retina. On the other hand, collagen XXV, which is more broadly expressed, is generated by subsets of excitatory neurons in the dorsal thalamus and midbrain and by inhibitory neurons in the retina, ventral thalamus and telencephalon. Not only is col25a1 expression present in retina, it appears specifically enriched in retino-recipient nuclei within the brain (including the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), lateral geniculate complex, olivary pretectal nucleus (OPN) and superior colliculus). Taken together, the distinct region- and cell-specific expression patterns of transmembrane collagens suggest that this family of unconventional collagens may play unique, yet-to-be identified roles in brain development and function.
Australia's uncertain demographic future

The techniques of probabilistic population forecasting are increasingly being recognised as a profitable means of overcoming many of the limitations of conventional deterministic variant population forecasts. This paper applies these techniques to present the first comprehensive set of probabilistic population forecasts for Australia. We stress the disadvantages of directly inputting net migration into the cohort component model in probabilistic forecasting, and propose a gross migration flows model which distinguishes between permanent and non-permanent immigration and emigration. Our forecasts suggest that there is a two thirds probability of Australia’s population being between 23.0 and 25.8 million by 2026 and between 24.4 and 31.8 million by 2051. Comparisons with the latest official population projections of the Australian Bureau of Statistics are made.
DNA damage in peripheral blood leukocytes of physically active individuals as measured by the alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis assay

DNA damage induced by physical activity and/or exercise has been reported under different conditions but not for individuals maintaining physical fitness by regular strenuous exercise. Therefore, we compared levels of DNA damage in blood leukocytes of 40 healthy individuals (35 males, 5 females) who regularly exercised in gymnasiums/health clubs and 15 healthy sedentary controls who had never exercised. The former group was selected (after informed consent) on the basis of how long they had been exercising on a regular basis as well as their exercise schedule and regimen. The length of time since starting a regular exercise regimen ranged from 2 months to 9 years, whereas the daily exercise duration ranged from 40 min to 3 hrs and warm‐up sessions ranged from none to 90 min. The length of DNA migration (44.66 ± 2.68 μm in males, 29.62 ± 1.69 μm in females) and the percentage of cells with tails (79.86 ±1.27% in males, 67.20 ± 0.96% in females) in peripheral blood leukocytes of physically active individuals were increased significantly (P < 0.001) with respect to corresponding values in control males and females (18.85 ± 1.79 μm, 23.37 ± 3.94 μm; 24.50 ± 1.98%, 33.00 ± 4.44%, respectively). Highly significant differences for DNA damage were also observed between physically active males and females. These observations, in the absence of any other exposures, indicate a correlation between strenuous exercise to keep fit and increased levels of DNA damage. This finding may have relevance in terms of the ageing process, with diseases associated with aging, and with carcinogenesis. Environ. Mal. Mutagen. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sublethal effects of lead on northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens) tadpoles

Northern leopard frogs (Rana pipiens) were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of lead in water (3, 10, and 100 μg/L as lead nitrate) from the embryonic stage to metamorphosis. Survival, growth, deformity, swimming ability, metamorphosis, and lead tissue concentrations were evaluated. Tadpole growth was significantly slower in the early stages (Gosner stages 25–30) in 100 μg/L treatment. More than 90% of tadpoles in the 100 μg/L treatment developed lateral spinal curvature, whereas almost all the tadpoles in the other groups were morphologically normal. Spinal deformity was associated with abnormal swimming behavior. Maximum swimming speed of tadpoles in the 100 μg/L treatment was significantly lower than that in the other groups. No significant effect of lead exposure was found on percentage metamorphosis, snout‐vent length, mortality, and sex ratio of metamorphs. Time to metamorphosis was delayed in 100 μg/L treatment. Lead tissue concentrations in the tadpoles ranged from 0.1 to 224.5 mg/kg dry mass, were positively related to lead concentrations in the water, and fell within the range of tissue concentrations of wild tadpoles found in previous studies. According to our results, the current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency freshwater‐quality chronic criterion for lead (2.5 μg/L) is appropriate to protect northern leopard frog larvae.
Non-motorized transportation in four Shanghai districts

Abstract Shanghai is well known for a high level of non-motorized travel, in particular by bicycle. This research investigated firstly whether significant differences in the use of non-motorized transportation between areas of the city can be attributed to particular features of the local environment, in particular road network characteristics and design; secondly, the extent to which personal and household characteristics contribute to this variable use of foot and bicycle modes of travel. The most recent trips and daily repeated trips of 1,811 individuals were collected in four districts in Shanghai in a one-week period. Distances were extracted from a GIS while regression analysis examined the significance of district, age, income, trip purpose and mode choice in the distance travelled and in the proportion of travel by non-motorized means. District accounted for up to 22% of variance in the proportion of non-motorized travel. Differences in the allocations to motorized and non-motorized modes between districts were significantly related to block structure and road density but not to public transportation provision. There were also significant differences in travel distances by mode and trip purpose. Finally, age, income, household composition and type of employment had very minor effects on travel mode and travel distance by non-motorized modes.
Community perspectives of riparian management and restoration: a case study in Marlborough

This paper considers the results from a Marlborough based research programme into community views on riparian management and restoration. It summarizes and discusses information gleaned from interviews, a local council issues and options paper and community "focus" groups. Discussions in the community show an unexpected breadth of awareness of "river landscapes", centering on issues of river and water quality maintenance, the role of guardianship, the problems of access and, to a lesser extent, the economic consequences of riparian retirement. At a deeper level, however, there is conflict between the "authorities" and community; a "them and us" attitude that is working to impede community change. The paper concludes with discussion of how "we" in organizations may need to change to generate effective community based riparian restoration.
The Method of a Fast Electrothermal Transient Analysis of Single-Inductance DC–DC Converters

In this paper, a new method for fast estimation of the characteristics of single-inductance dc-dc converters at the steady state with self-heating taken into account is proposed. This method is based on the special memoryless convolution algorithm. The method is described in detail. The theoretical considerations are illustrated with simulation results of buck and boost converters.
Factors influencing T-lymphopoiesis after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation1

In adult recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplants (HCT) studied at 1 year after grafting, there was a significant correlation between the counts of T cell receptor excision circle (TREC)-containing CD4 T cells (presumed recent thymic emigrants) and the counts of total T cells (r =0.65, P <0.001). Thus, the reconstitution of CD4 T cell pool depends on T cell generation from hematopoietic stem cells (T-lymphopoiesis). We evaluated factors that could affect T-lymphopoiesis. Low TREC-containing CD4 T cell counts were associated with older patient age (r =−0.41, P =0.01) but not with donor age, graft type (marrow vs. blood stem cells), CD34 cell dose, conditioning (with vs. without irradiation), acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), or chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) in multivariate analysis. We conclude that patient age is the primary determinant of CD4 T-lymphopoiesis after allogeneic HCT.
Characterization and Modeling of Integrated Photosensors in Standard CMOS Technology

This paper describes the electrical and spectral characteristics of different layers to construct photosensitive elements in standard 1,2 ¿m CMOS technology. The use of commercial CMOS processes guarantees good reproduceability of the integrated sensors and optimized cointegration with sensor signal conditioning circuits. Deep and shallow photosensitive PN diodes and a vertical PNP phototransistor are investigated. Electrical on wafer measurements with optical stimulation are performed and parameter extraction algorithms are established to create SPICE models. These models are suitable for the development of opto-ASICS. The validity of the model is tested using a 0,3 mm2 photodiode together with a two-stage transimpedance amplifier with a transimpedance of 5 M¿ at a 3 dB bandwidth of 90 kHz. The whole circuit is packaged using an optically transparent window in a plastic package.