Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Decentralization and the Limits to Service Delivery: Evidence From Northern Pakistan

While the relationship between decentralization and service delivery is underpinned by a set of normative theoretical assumptions, yet not only does the empirical evidence concerning this so-called relationship to date remains inconclusive at best but our understanding of the causes of ineffectiveness of decentralization initiatives with respect to service delivery is also striking. This article attempts to contribute to the debates concerning the relationship between decentralization and service delivery through an analysis of decentralization measures undertaken by the Government of Pakistan during the early 21st Century with the announced aims of improving the efficiency and responsiveness of government as well as the delivery of public services. Notwithstanding a decade of decentralized service delivery, wellbeing outcomes across districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province demonstrated remarkable discrepancy such that while some districts witnessed considerable amelioration in their respective composite indices, others experienced a marked deterioration, thus calling into question the normative assumptions that undergird the relationship between decentralization and service delivery. This article seeks to explain this outcome through a comparative case study of two localities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province viz districts “Swabi” and “Lower Dir,” both of which had witnessed marked deterioration and amelioration in wellbeing outcomes, respectively, in the ex-post of implementation of the Devolution Plan. Data for the study were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The results demonstrate that political dynamics such as the nature of relationship between district governments and the provincial government, extent of political polarization prevalent within or among different levels of the local government system, and the role of bureaucracy turn out to be important factors that ostensibly account for the deterioration of wellbeing outcomes in Swabi district over the course of a decade of implementation of the local government system. The findings suggest that political factors have overshadowed technical considerations in terms of explaining the discrepant outcomes of decentralized service delivery across the two localities.
Gold and Government Bonds as Safe-Haven Assets Against Stock Market Turbulence in China

We examine whether gold and China’s government bonds are safe-haven assets against the turbulence of the Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite Index by employing vine copula models during the 2003 to 2015 period. We find that either bonds or gold can be a weak safe haven but only gold can be a strong safe haven. Our simultaneous analysis advises against a joint safe-haven strategy of gold and bonds, given the high- to low-tail correlation. This result highlights an investment strategy of using a single safe-haven asset against the Chinese stock market turbulences.
Synergistic Effect of Several Neurotransmitters in PFC-NAc-VTA Neural Circuit for the Anti-Depression Effect of Shuganheweitang in a Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Model

Depression, a major worldwide mental disorder, leads to massive disability and can result in death. The PFC-NAc-VTA neuro circuit is related to emotional, neurovegetative, and cognitive functions, which emerge as a circuit-level framework for understanding reward deficits in depression. Neurotransmitters, which are widely distributed in different brain regions, are important detected targets for the evaluation of depression. Shuganheweitang (SGHWT) is a popular prescription in clinical therapy for depression. In order to investigate its possible pharmacodynamics and anti-depressive mechanism, the complex plant material was separated into different fractions. These in low and high doses, along with low and high doses of SGHWT were tested in animal behavior tests. The low and high doses of SGHWT were more effective than the various fractions, which indicate the importance of synergistic function in traditional Chinese medicine. Furthermore, amino acid (GABA, Glu) and monoamine neurotransmitters (DA, 5-HT, NA, 5-HIAA) in the PFC-NAc-VTA neuro circuit were investigated by UPLC-MS/MS. The level trend of DA and 5-HT were consistent in the PFC-NAc-VTA neuro circuit, whereas 5-HIAA was decreased in the PFC, Glu was decreased in the PFC and VTA, and NA and GABA were decreased in the NAc. The results indicate that the pathogenesis of depression is associated with dysfunction of the PFC-NAc-VTA neural circuit, mainly through the neural projection effects of neurotransmitters associated with various brain regions in the neural circuit. PCA and OPLS-DA score plots demonstrated the similarities of individuals within each group and the differences among the groups. In this study, SGHWT could regulate the concentration level of different neurotransmitters in the PFC-NAc-VTA neuro circuit to improve the depression, which benefitted from the recognition of the brain reward circuitry in mood disorders.
Effect of rare earth oxide CeO2 on the anodic bonding performance of PEG-based MEMS encapsulation materials

Herein, we synthesized a new polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based solid polymer electrolyte containing a rare earth oxide, CeO2, using mechanical metallurgy to prepare an encapsulation bonding material for MEMS. The effects of CeO2 content (0–15 wt.%) on the anodic bonding properties of the composites were investigated. Samples were analyzed and characterized by alternating current impedance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, tensile strength tests, and anodic bonding experiments. CeO2 reduced the crystallinity of the material, promoted ion migration, increased the conductivity, increased the peak current of the bonding process, and increased the tensile strength. The maximum bonding efficiency and optimal bonding layer were obtained at 8 wt% CeO2. This study expands the applications of solid polymer electrolytes as encapsulation bonding materials.
Molecular Detection and Identification of Piroplasms in Semi-Intensively Managed Cattle from Abeokuta, Nigeria

Abstract Piroplasmosis is a tick-borne haemolytic disease caused by different species of the Babesia and Theileria genera. Data on the prevalence of bovine piroplasms and their genetic diversity are scanty in Nigeria. Hence, this study reported the detection of some piroplasms in the blood of cattle in Abeokuta, Nigeria by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Blood samples were collected from 252 cattle and subjected to DNA extraction followed by PCR amplification of the partial region of 18S rRNA of the haemoprotozoans. Selected positive amplicons were unidirectionally sequenced and compared to the reference sequences from the Genbank. A total of 220 (87.3 %) cattle were positive for Theileria velifera and/or Babesia bigemina. The T. velifera was detected only in 163 (64.7 %) cattle, while 7 (2.8 %) cattle had a single infection with B. bigemina. Fifty cattle (19.8 %) had mixed infections with both parasites. There were no significant differences in piroplasm infections between the ages of cattle for both parasites. There were no significant differences in infection rates between the sexes for T. velifera, while the males had a significantly higher (P < 0.05) rate of infection for B. bigemina than the female cattle. The molecular detection of Babesia and Theileria species of cattle are reported for the first time in cattle in Abeokuta, Nigeria. This study, which confirmed the endemic nature of the parasites in cattle in the study area, stresses their importance in livestock health and production in Nigeria.
Fundamental aspects of excitation and propagation of on-line partial discharge signals in three-phase medium voltage cable systems

On-line partial discharge (PD) detection of three-phase belted medium voltage cable connections results in a number of interpretation differences as compared to off-line measurements where only one phase is energized. The induced currents and charges in the phase conductors and earth screen upon a PD not only depend on the discharge site, but also become phase angle dependent. Furthermore, simulations show that the PD distribution itself varies with the amount of eccentricity of the rotating electric field and may differ from the off-line distributions obtained with a linear field. Finally, the PD propagation in a multi-conductor cable also alters the signals measured at the cable terminals. In this paper, induced charges and PD distributions are studied by means of computer simulation. The cable propagation characteristics are verified by measurements.
Antimicrobial Properties and Thermal Stability of Polycarbonate Modified with 1-Alkyl-3-methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate Ionic Liquids

Four water immiscible ionic liquids (ILs): 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, 1-heptyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate and 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate have been synthesized. Polycarbonate (PC) films containing ILs were prepared by solvent casting from methylene chloride solutions. Scanning electron microscopy measurements showed the high homogeneity of PC/IL films with the IL content up to 4 wt %. The tendency to IL aggregation was observed for polymeric films with higher IL content (5%). PC/IL composites were found to have the reduced ther- mal decomposition temperature under both an air and a nitrogen atmosphere in comparison with the neat PC. The effect of IL con- tent on the antimicrobial activity of PC films against Escherichia coli bacteria was studied. Pronounced antimicrobial efficacy was revealed for PC/IL films for all studied ILs starting from 3 wt % of IL. V C 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40050.
News Repertoires and Political Information Efficacy: Focusing on the Mediating Role of Perceived News Overload

In an era of news abundance, people increasingly feel uncertain as to whether they possess adequate information to participate in politics. However, previous research has not paid attention to the issue of such efficacy. To fill the gap, this study examines (a) how different types of news repertoire are associated with political information efficacy and (b) how perceived news overload mediates the relationship. The findings show that people have three distinct types of news repertoires, such as commentary-oriented, TV, and social media news repertoires, and those who consume news via a commentary-oriented news repertoire tend to have a higher level of political information efficacy, while the use of TV and social media news repertoires does not show significant effects on political information efficacy. In addition to that, the perceived news overload negatively mediates the link between all three types of news repertoires and political information efficacy. Two-wave original survey data were used for analyses.
A proposed method for outlining occluded intracranial artery using 3D T2-weighted sampling perfection with application optimized contrasts using different flip angle evolution (SPACE)

High-resolution vessel wall imaging techniques have been developed for clinical use in various types of intracranial artery disease. Numerous studies have described techniques for evaluating remodeling patterns and plaque character, but few have reported a method for outlining obstructed vessels in intracranial artery occlusion. The course of the vessel affects the success of recanalization and can cause complications in mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke. We propose imaging with 3D T2-weighted sampling perfection with application optimized contrasts using different flip angle evolution (SPACE) as a useful tool for describing the course of an occluded artery in ischemic stroke due to intracranial artery occlusion.
Mental Representations and Facial Impressions of Muslim Men in Japan From 2015 to 2017

There is prejudice against Muslims in many nations, including Japan. This prejudice would be related to biased mental representations of Muslim faces. Moreover, in 2015, the increased news coverage linking Muslims to terrorism in Japan would have enhanced such negative mental representations. In the present study, Japanese participants were asked to imagine Muslim men, and from two faces with a random noise pattern added, participants were instructed to choose the face they imagined to be more Muslim. Typical Muslim facial representations were visualized in 2015, 2016, and 2017 by averaging all selected noise patterns using reverse correlation. The visualized representations were evaluated using the dimensions of warmth, competence, and basic emotions. The results showed that the warmth scores for the visualized facial representation were lower in 2015 than in 2017, whereas competence scores did not differ between the representations in 2015, 2016, and 2017. “Angry” and “disgusted” scores for the facial representation in 2015 were higher than those in 2017, whereas “happy” scores in 2015 were lower than those in 2017. The decreased “angry” score and increased “happy” score predicted an increase in the impression of warmth from 2015 to 2017.
The configurations of HRM bundles in MNCs by their contributions to subsidiaries’ performance and cultural dimensions

The main goal of the paper is to determine whether the HQs of MNCs evaluate the significances of particular HRM subfunctions to their foreign subsidiaries’ performance differently depending on a specific cultural context and—as a consequence—various configurations of HRM subfunctions may be identified in different cultural contexts. The theoretical assumptions are based on a combination of the configurational and contextual perspectives through a cross-cultural lens. In the empirical research an abductive reasoning process is applied. The research sample covers 200 headquarters of MNCs. To analyze the collected data both descriptive and correlational statistical methods are used. Two patterns of configurational bundle of HRM have been identified: A and B. Pattern A tends to be more system oriented and Pattern B more centralization oriented. Pattern A covers the subsidiaries which, with comparison to their HQ, are of lower power distance, higher individualism, higher masculinity, lower uncertainty avoidance, longer time orientation, and higher indulgence. Pattern B is composed of the subsidiaries with the opposite signs of the cultural distance index. The originality of the study consists in the application of the abductive research model. Thanks to it, we were able to search and find the simplest and most probable explanations for our observations. And the value of the research itself lies in the evidence that the contextual perspective with its configurational implications in the HRM research field is useful in identifying the phenomena that are difficult to identify or unidentifiable otherwise. The findings of the present study provide some knowledge on how cultural distance (external variable) and the significance of HRM to the subsidiary’s performance results (internal variable) interact in impacting on different configurational bundles of HRM subfunctions, their centralization practices and knowledge flows in MNCs.
Reconceptualizing Leadership From a Neurodiverse Perspective

While scholarship has increased on the topic of neurodiversity in organizations, which refers to individuals with pervasive developmental disorders in the workforce, leadership theory and research has not yet integrated this perspective. Consistent with conventional conceptualizations of disability as an impairment, the few relevant leadership studies tend to approach these differences as special cases, rather than as a population to which theory may be generalized. As a result, management scholars have yet to develop theories and models that are inclusive of neurodiversity. Using the critical disability theory as a lens for reframing assumptions about leadership behavior as described in existing theory and research, we postulate that neurodiversity may serve as a cognitive strength from which leadership derives. We offer a conceptual model that articulates how cognitive characteristics associated with neurodiversity may lead to task-based leadership behavior, and we trace the influence of such behaviors on leader and follower outcomes. The model also includes enabling conditions that may positively influence the emergence and recognition of neurodiverse individuals as leaders. We conclude by proposing directions for future research to better integrate the neurodiversity and leadership literatures and reflecting on the associated practical implications.
Does Regional Financial Resource Contribute to Economic Growth? From the Perspective of Spatial Correlation Network

Using the method of social network analysis, this article explores the characteristics of financial resources distribution at the provincial level in China from 2000 to 2017, and analyzes the influencing factors and network effects of the spatial correlation network characteristics on distribution of financial resources, the results are as follows: The overall network characteristics of the financial resources distribution among provinces and cities in China are of low density, of high dependence and poor stability. The level of economic development, marketization, and integration are related to the spatial correlation network of the distribution of financial resources, and the level of integration and marketization have a significant positive impact on it. Due to the imbalance of economic development among regions in China, the overall network characteristics have a negative network effect on the speed of economic development. Individual network characteristics have a positive network effect on the speed of economic development. Improving network density, network correlation, and reducing network level can narrow the gap in economic development between provinces.
Stimulating Customer Citizenship Behavior With Service Climate: The Mediating Role of Customer Psychological Empowerment

This study expanded the research on service climate to the perspective of customers in the hospitality context and explicated the influence mechanism of service climate on customer citizenship behavior. Service climate traditionally perceived by employees has been well studied, but only limited studies focused on the customer perspective service climate. Based on the existing literature, customer perceived service climate in the hospitality industry was operationalized and its influence on customer citizenship behavior was proposed. After the measurement purification with exploratory factor analysis based on the pilot data using IBM SPSS 20, data collection was conducted in the hotels in Wuhan, China. A total of 432 valid questionnaires were collected and the data were analyzed for hypotheses testing, using Mplus 7.4. The research results indicate that each factor of customer service climate has a positive impact on customer citizenship behavior, with the strength of effects being different. Customer psychological empowerment plays a partial mediating role between some factors of service climate and customer citizenship behavior. The findings provide implications for service enterprises in terms of service climate design and customer citizenship behavior facilitation.
Post-Aire Medullary Thymic Epithelial Cells and Hassall’s Corpuscles as Inducers of Tonic Pro-Inflammatory Microenvironment

While there is convincing evidence on the role of Aire-positive medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTEC) in the induction of central tolerance, the nature and function of post-Aire mTECs and Hassall’s corpuscles have remained enigmatic. Here we summarize the existing data on these late stages of mTEC differentiation with special focus on their potential to contribute to central tolerance induction by triggering the unique pro-inflammatory microenvironment in the thymus. In order to complement the existing evidence that has been obtained from mouse models, we performed proteomic analysis on microdissected samples from human thymic medullary areas at different differentiation stages. The analysis confirms that at the post-Aire stages, the mTECs lose their nuclei but maintain machinery required for translation and exocytosis and also upregulate proteins specific to keratinocyte differentiation and cornification. In addition, at the late stages of differentiation, the human mTECs display a distinct pro-inflammatory signature, including upregulation of the potent endogenous TLR4 agonist S100A8/S100A9. Collectively, the study suggests a novel mechanism by which the post-Aire mTECs and Hassall’s corpuscles contribute to the thymic microenvironment with potential cues on the induction of central tolerance.
Overexpression of a Cytochrome P450 Monooxygenase Involved in Orobanchol Biosynthesis Increases Susceptibility to Fusarium Head Blight

Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) is a cereal disease caused primarily by the ascomycete fungus Fusarium graminearum with public health issues due to the production of mycotoxins including deoxynivalenol (DON). Genetic resistance is an efficient protection means and numerous quantitative trait loci have been identified, some of them related to the production of resistance metabolites. In this study, we have functionally characterized the Brachypodium distachyon BdCYP711A29 gene encoding a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (CYP). We showed that BdCYP711A29 belongs to an oligogenic family of five members. However, following infection by F. graminearum, BdCYP711A29 is the only copy strongly transcriptionally induced in a DON-dependent manner. The BdCYP711A29 protein is homologous to the Arabidopsis thaliana MAX1 and Oryza sativa MAX1-like CYPs representing key components of the strigolactone biosynthesis. We show that BdCYP711A29 is likely involved in orobanchol biosynthesis. Alteration of the BdCYP711A29 sequence or expression alone does not modify plant architecture, most likely because of functional redundancy with the other copies. B. distachyon lines overexpressing BdCYP711A29 exhibit an increased susceptibility to F. graminearum, although no significant changes in defense gene expression were detected. We demonstrate that both orobanchol and exudates of Bd711A29 overexpressing lines stimulate the germination of F. graminearum macroconidia. We therefore hypothesize that orobanchol is a susceptibility factor to FHB.