Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Financial Re-Engineering and Growth in Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria

Small and Medium Enterprises are the major engine room for growth of every nation.In recent times, studies have shown that business processes have become complex and these have affected the sustainability of SMEs. Changes in business processes require organizations to be dynamic and exploit opportunities perceived to influence performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The study examined the effect of financial reengineering on the growth in performance of SMEs in Nigeria. The study employed survey research design. The sampled population was 11,663 SMEs in Lagos State,the business heartbeat of Nigeria. Using Taro Yamane formula, Sample size was 387. The owners/managers of these SMEs were selected through a multi-stage sampling technique involving stratified and proportionate sampling method. 387 copies of structured questionnaire were administered with a retrieval rate of 100%. Cronbach alpha coefficient ranged from 0.707 to 0.832. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The findings revealed that financial re-engineering has significant effect on sales growth of SMEs.
Serous effusions: A clinicopathological study

This study is a prospective, observational study done for two years, comprising of 267 cases. Their episodes were while tapping pleural cavity, peritoneal cavity and pericardial sac, pleural, ascitic and pericardial fluids were collected. Majority of the samples received were from our hospital (98%) while 2% (5 samples) were obtained from outside. The male cases (55%) outnumbered the females (45%). And, a maximum number of instances in quinquagenarian among males and sexagenarian among females. In peritoneal fluids, females (29/30) outnumbered males. Fifty-nine (22%) samples showed the presence of clot with the majority being in pleural fluid (35/59). Few of the cases of TB showed neutrophilic (10%) or eosinophilic (2.5%) exudate instead of lymphocytic effusion. In contrast, a few cases of liver cirrhosis showed exudative effusion instead of transudative because of bacterial peritonitis. Majority cases were exudates (58.2%) excluding the peritoneal fluids, out of 71 cases of known malignancy. Out of these, 50% of the malignant effusions were nonhemorrhagic. Common microorganisms were gram-negative bacilli and grampositive cocci. There were three unusual cases in this study, viz: Eosinophilic effusion, Parasite (Ascaris) in pleural fluid and an example of a second malignancy. If the effusion is suspected for malignancy, the fluid typing of exudate or transudate may be done. Also, wet mount preparation for abnormal cells may be done before Examination of fixed smears for cancerous cells, as we did not find any transudate fluid positive for malignancy. Diagnostic effusion tapping, followed by immediate processing of fluid in a laboratory may improve cytological outcome. Malignant effusions may not be hemorrhagic in appearance. Rarely effusion may be the first manifestation of malignancy.
Cost-Effective CNNs for Real-Time Micro-Expression Recognition

Micro-Expression (ME) recognition is a hot topic in computer vision as it presents a gateway to capture and understand daily human emotions. It is nonetheless a challenging problem due to ME typically being transient (lasting less than 200 ms) and subtle. Recent advances in machine learning enable new and effective methods to be adopted for solving diverse computer vision tasks. In particular, the use of deep learning techniques on large datasets outperforms classical approaches based on classical machine learning which rely on hand-crafted features. Even though available datasets for spontaneous ME are scarce and much smaller, using off-the-shelf Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) still demonstrates satisfactory classification results. However, these networks are intense in terms of memory consumption and computational resources. This poses great challenges when deploying CNN-based solutions in many applications, such as driver monitoring and comprehension recognition in virtual classrooms, which demand fast and accurate recognition. As these networks were initially designed for tasks of different domains, they are over-parameterized and need to be optimized for ME recognition. In this paper, we propose a new network based on the well-known ResNet18 which we optimized for ME classification in two ways. Firstly, we reduced the depth of the network by removing residual layers. Secondly, we introduced a more compact representation of optical flow used as input to the network. We present extensive experiments and demonstrate that the proposed network obtains accuracies comparable to the state-of-the-art methods while significantly reducing the necessary memory space. Our best classification accuracy was 60.17% on the challenging composite dataset containing five objectives classes. Our method takes only 24.6 ms for classifying a ME video clip (less than the occurrence time of the shortest ME which lasts 40 ms). Our CNN design is suitable for real-time embedded applications with limited memory and computing resources.
Changes in children’s respiratory morbidity and residential exposure factors over 25 years in Chongqing, China

Background Respiratory morbidity and mortality during childhood remains a major challenge for global health. Due to the rapid economic development in Chongqing, we expect substantial temporal changes in respiratory health status and environmental risk factors in children. By leveraging a historical dataset, this study aims to assess the changes in prevalence of respiratory symptoms and diseases, residential exposure factors, and their associations in school-age children over a period of 25 years. Methods This study involved two cross-sectional surveys conducted in Chongqing with a 25-year interval (2017 vs. 1993). Purpose sampling was used to conduct questionnaire surveys on school-age children in both surveys. Information collected include children’s respiratory health outcomes, family residential exposures, demographic information, and parental respiratory disease history. The changes of residential exposures as well as demographics were determined by chi-square test. Odds ratios were calculated to compare the prevalence of children’s respiratory symptoms and diseases between the two periods. Associations between children’s respiratory outcomes and exposure indicators were assessed using multivariate logistic regressions. Results The majority of residential exposure indicators improved in 2017, including sleep in shared room, cooking with coal, poor kitchen ventilation, cooking frequency, and parental smoking. Compared to the 1993 study, the adjusted risk for children’s wheezing was lower (OR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.49), but the risk for bronchitis was higher (OR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.54, 2.31) in the 2017 study. Poor kitchen ventilation and parental smoking were linked to an increased risk of children’s wheezing (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.90) and bronchitis (OR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.02, 2.21), respectively, while heating in winter was linked to an increased risk of phlegm (OR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.90) and wheezing (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.07, 2.01) in the 1993 study. However, these residential exposure factors were no longer associated with the children’s respiratory diseases in the 2017 study. Conclusions Our study found improvement of residential exposures in Chongqing, a decline of prevalence of children’s wheezing but an increase of that of bronchitis from 1993 to 2017. Poor kitchen ventilation, heating in winter, and parental smoking were significant risk factors in the 1993 survey but, with significantly reduced prevalence in 2017, were not significantly associated with children’s respiratory morbidity in the latter survey.
Near-Native Sociolinguistic Competence in French: Evidence from Variable Future-Time Expression

This study aims to advance the understanding of sociolinguistic competence among near-native speakers and to further knowledge about the acquisition of variable structures. We conduct a quantitative analysis of variable future-time expression in informal conversations between near-native and native speakers of French. In addition to examining linguistic constraints that have been investigated in previous research, we build on prior work by introducing a new factor that enables us to consider the role that formality of the variants plays in the use of variable future-time expression. We conclude by comparing these new findings to those for the same dataset and other variable structures (namely, negation and interrogatives, Donaldson, 2016, 2017) and by advocating for more research that consists of multiple, complementary analyses of the same dataset.
Self- vs. other-focused mentoring motives in informal mentoring: conceptualizing the impact of motives on mentoring behaviours and beneficial mentoring outcomes

ABSTRACT Mentors enter informal mentoring relationships with various motives, but, to date, it is unclear how these motives shape mentor behaviours and mentoring outcomes. We propose a conceptual model to depict the relationships between mentor motives in informal mentoring and the individual, relational, and organizational outcomes of mentoring, with mentor behaviours as a mediating mechanism. We suggest that self-focused motives lead to self-focused behaviours, indicated by higher sensitivity to instrumental rewards, selectivity in relationship initiation, and calculatedness in relationship investment, which lead to mentoring outcomes primarily benefiting the mentor. Other-focused motives, in contrast, lead to other-focused behaviours, characterized by lower sensitivity to instrumental rewards, higher inclusivity in relationship initiation, and lower calculatedness in relationship investment, which result in a broader range of outcomes beneficial to both individuals and the organization. We further explore the impact of societal culture on mentor motives and behaviours. Our research suggests that human resource development professionals should be mindful of the mentor motive – behaviour linkages to optimize mentors’ engagement in informal mentoring relationships.
Measurement report: Evaluation of sources and mixing state of black carbon aerosol under the background of emission reduction in the North China Plain: implications for radiative effect

Abstract. Accurate understanding of sources and mixing state of black carbon (BC) aerosol is essential for assessing its impacts on air quality and climatic effect. Here, a winter campaign (December 2017–January 2018) was conducted in the North China Plain (NCP) to evaluate the sources, coating composition, and radiative effect of BC under the background of emission reduction since 2013. Results show that liquid fossil fuel source (i.e., traffic emission) and solid fuel source (i.e., biomass and coal burning) contributed 69 % and 31 % to the total BC mass, respectively, using a multiwavelength optical approach combined with the source-based aerosol absorption Ångström exponent values. The air quality model indicates that local emission was the dominant contributor to BC at the measurement site on average, however, emissions in the NCP exerted a critical role for high BC episode. Six classes of BC-containing particles were identified, including (1) BC coated by organic carbon and sulphate (52 % of total BC-containing particles), (2) BC coated by Na and K (24 %), (3) BC coated by K, sulphate, and nitrate (17 %), (4) BC associated with biomass burning (6 %), (5) Pure-BC (1 %), and (6) others (1 %). Different BC sources had distinct impacts on those BC-containing particles. A radiative transfer model estimated that the amount of BC detected can produce an atmospheric forcing of +18.0 W m−2 and a heating rate of 0.5 K day−1. Results presented herein highlight that further reduction of solid fuel combustion-related BC may be a more effective way to mitigate regional warming in the NCP, although larger BC contribution was from liquid fossil fuel source.
State and Progress of Andean Lupin Cultivation in Europe: A Review

Lupinus mutabilis is an important source of protein in different Andean countries, and its use in diets, particularly those of less wealthy individuals, has been observed for thousands of years. There is an increasing demand for protein crops suitable for Europe and this species is a potential candidate. Assessment of Lupinus mutabilis genetic material in European conditions started more than 40 years ago, with the characterization of a vast number of accessions from the Andean region. In this review, abiotic and biotic constraints to L. mutabilis cultivation in European soil and climatic conditions are discussed, and cultivation management practices are suggested. The beneficial interaction of L. mutabilis with Bradyrhizobium strains in the soil and various pollinator species is also discussed, and the effect of abiotic stresses on these interactions is highlighted. Prospects of alternative uses of L. mutabilis biomass in Northern Europe and opportunities for breeding strategies are discussed. In conclusion, the different approach to crop modeling for Southern and Northern European climatic conditions is highlighted.
A Case of Macrophage Activation Syndrome Complicating Systemic-Onset Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a rare but serious and potentially life-threatening complication of several chronic rheumatic diseases and can also occur in people with autoimmune or immunodeficiency conditions. It occurs most commonly with systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis, which is also known as Still's disease. MAS is thought to be closely related to and pathophysiologically very similar to hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. A high index of suspicion should be maintained during diagnosis as correct early diagnosis is paramount to avoid serious complications. Here we present the case of a 23-year-old woman with a history of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) who presented with a progressively worsening erythematous rash, cervical lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and pancytopenia. She was initially thought to be having a JRA flare, but she did not improve with steroids. She was then found to have MAS, which improved after treatment with cyclosporine. Although the duration of treatment of MAS with cyclosporine is not clear in the literature, we found that 3 months of therapy was sufficient.
Formate Dehydrogenase (FDH1) Localizes to Both Mitochondria and Chloroplast to Play a Role in Host and Nonhost Disease Resistance

1 Noble Research Institute, LLC, Admore, OK, United States 2 Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Science, University of Florida, Wimauma, FL, United States. 3 Current Address: Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics, Regional Center for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana, India 4 Current Address: Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States 5 Current Address: National Institute of Plant Genome Research, New Delhi, India 6 Current Address: Department of Plants, Soils and Climate, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, United States
Políticas paradiplomáticas orientadas a Cadenas Globales de Valor

espanolHoy se presenta incuestionable la estrecha relacion entre las acciones locales y globales, principalmente cuando se habla economia. En este escenario, se presenta oportuno profundizar el conocimiento de las relaciones internacionales y los espacios locales a partir de la vinculacion de dos areas propias de la disciplina: las Cadenas Globales de Valor y la Paradiplomacia. Ambos son consecuencias de las dinamicas globales vigentes que contribuyen a sostener la creciente participacion de las relaciones economicas internacionales en los ambitos locales. EnglishToday the close relationship between local and global actions is unquestionable, especially when talking about economics. In this scenario, it is opportune to deepen the knowledge of international relations and local spaces by linking two areas of the discipline: Global Value Chains and Paradiplomacy. Both are consequences of the current global dynamics that contribute to sustaining the increasing participation of international economic relations at local levels.
Lactulose may reduce Clostridium difficile‐related diarrhea among patients receiving antibiotics

Prebiotics are nondigestible oligosaccharides that are metabolized by colonic bacteria, resulting in a change in the pH of the colonic milieu as well as modifying the microbiome of the colon. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine whether concomitant lactulose administration affected the Clostridium difficile infection rate among hospitalized adult patients receiving antibiotics.
The Awareness Paradox: (Why) Politicians Overestimate Citizens’ Awareness of Parliamentary Questions and Party Initiatives

ABSTRACT If politicians believe they will be rewarded for responsive behaviour at the ballot and punished for the opposite, they are disciplined to follow-up on the public’s desires. That the treat of electoral accountability prompts re-election minded politicians to act in line with the public’s wishes, vitally hinges on the assumption that politicians feel monitored in the first place. To tunderstand how this precondition for anticipatory representation works in reality, this article examines politicians’ perceptions of voters awareness of party initiatives and parliamentary questions. Quantitative and qualitative survey evidence collected among Belgian Members of Parliament (N = 164) shows that politicians consider citizens as rather uninformed about politics but, paradoxically, believe that some of them are aware of specific party initiatives and oral questions. Evidence on citizens’ actual knowledge shows that politicians strongly overestimate voter awareness. Why is that? From their reflections, we learn that MPs overgeneralise feedback they receive from engaged citizens, leaving them with a biased image of how aware voters actually are. Also, the exceptionally of gaining visibility with their work causes politicians to overestimate the scope of awareness when they are covered in the media, receive reactions on their social media accounts or simply work on salient topics.
Optimizing the Static Path Planning (SPP) Methods and Path Length Analysis based on the Level Sensing Resolution of Sensor Node in Wireless Sensor Network (WSN)

Several mobile-assisted localization in Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) uses the trajectory-based movement of location-aware nodes in certain applications, particularly disaster application. Static path planning (SPP) methods were proposed by various researchers to know the position of nodes thereby reducing the GPS deployment cost. However, these approaches attempt to increase the total path length travelled by the mobile anchor node. This paper presents a new mathematical model for the analysis of the node path. The proposed mathematical model obtains the reduced revolutionary path length, the energy of the sensor node for all SPP and RTCPD. The various SPP methods such as Scan, Double scan, Hilbert, Concentric circles and S-curve were analysed with the proposed well-planned path (partial dynamic) method RTC. An RSSI tree climbing (partially dynamic approach) is based on the level sensing resolution of Location-Aware Mobile Node (LAMN‘s) broadcast range is compared.
Additional Oxygen Ordering in "La2NiO4.25" (La8Ni4O17): I. Electron and Neutron Diffraction Study

Abstract A new material with the composition La 2 NiO 4.25 exhibiting a large additional oxygen amount with respect to the K 2 NiF 4 -type structure has been prepared using an electrochemical process. A monoclinic unit cell (C-centered) has been determined by TEM. This monoclinic unit cell is four times bigger than the average orthorhombic unit cell and the refined parameters are a = 13.832 A, b = 10.930 A, c = 10.912 A, β = 113.31°. The structure has been determined from neutron powder-diffraction data at 300 and 9 K. The space group is C 2. In this space group the site of the additional oxygen atoms is fully occupied. The composition La 2 NiO 4.25 corresponds to a define compound: La 8 Ni 4 O 17 .
Efficiency of CAPM Model -- Based on the Stocks of Energy and Auto Industries

As a basic model for investors to choose investment strategies in the capital market, the effectiveness of CAPM model is often controversial. In this paper,10 stocks from automobile industry and the energy industry are selected as samples and the least square regression of CAPM is carried out. The validity of CAPM model is tested from the three aspects of the regression equation: the α values, the β values and the coefficient of determination.
Advanced Turbo Code System with HPOS for FSO Strong Turbulence Channel

In this paper, the turbo code system with hybrid PPM-OOK signaling (HPOS) has been advanced by adding a new signal converter to improve the performance in the free space optical (FSO) strong turbulence channel. The proposed system is extended from the standard turbo code to the punctured turbo code. The bit error rate (BER) performance characteristics of the proposed system in the strong turbulence channel are evaluated by computer simulation. It was found that the proposed system with the new signal converter outperforms the conventional HPOS system. The BER performance of the proposed HPOS system is almost the same as that of the binary pulse position modulation (BPPM) punctured turbo code system, but its transmission efficiency of the proposed HPOS system is about 1.3 times higher.
Effect of dietary supplementation of sodium butyrate on ceacal microflora and villi morphology in broiler chicken

Objective: A feeding trial was conducted to assess the effect of supplementation of sodium butyrate on the gut health in broiler chicken. Methods: The trial consisted of six experimental groups with 12 replicates, each containing 6 chicks with a total of 432 birds. The experimental groups consisted of a control group fed the diet without antibiotic (CON), another group fed the diet with antibiotic oxytetracycline (50 ppm; AB), and groups fed the diet with two levels each of coated-sodium butyrate (CSB) at 0.09 and 0.18%, and uncoated sodium butyrate (UCSB) at 0.03 and 0.06% without antibiotic. The trial was carried out in deep litter pen for 42 days. After 42 days, the birds were slaughtered for collection of jejunum and contents of ceacum for the study of villi morphology and microflora count respectively. Results: The caecal Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens count were reduced ( P <0.01) on addition of coated SB when compared to other treatment groups while the Lactobacillus sp. count in caecum was not influenced due to supplementation of CSB, UCSB or AB. The jejunum villi height ( P <0.01), villus height to crypt depth ratio ( P <0.05) and villi height to villi width ratio ( P <0.01) were significantly increased on addition of CSB at 0.18 per cent when compared to antibiotic free diet fed group. Conclusion: Dietary Sodium butyrate supplementation in broiler chicken reduces the pathogenic bacterial count and improves the villi morphology thereby increasing the overall gut health.