bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Language and talent management: perspectives from Italian MNCs
Authors: De Caro Francesca , Komori-Glatz Miya
Published: January 2024

The rise in cross-border business in recent decades has led to changes in corporate and working languages and a corresponding surge in research. At the same time, the field of strategic and global talent management has also developed rapidly, but to date has not included language. This paper calls for the integration of language training as a key element of strategic talent management in MNCs. A small-scale interview study with employees from three large Italian companies reveals a broad range of approaches to language and talent management, suggesting there is an urgent need for further cross-case research. The results also show that (a) while English is gaining rapidly in importance, especially at corporate/senior management levels, Italian still plays a central role in some companies; (b) language skills are perceived as bringing added value to employees and companies and can be seen as crucial to the expansion process; and (c) talent management plays an important role in attracting and retaining excellent employees but appears to still be in its infancy in Italy. We therefore argue that strategic talent management urgently needs to be better understood and implemented, and should include proactive language training.
Giros conceptuales sobre participación social de la adolescencia
Authors: Novella-Cámara Ana María , Llena Berñe M. Asunción
Published: January 2024

La participación activa y significativa de niñas, niños y adolescentes en la vida cívica y política se considera esencial para su desarrollo personal y la construcción de una ciudadanía local y global, enfatizando la importancia de superarse, darles voz para incrementar las oportunidades de influir en la toma de decisiones que les afectan y pasar a la acción. Este es un gran giro conceptual en materia de participación social de la infancia.Este artículo teórico defiende la importancia del reconocimiento legal de los derechos y la participación de niñas, niños y adolescentes en la sociedad como sujetos políticos. Destaca que los centros educativos deben considerar que las y los estudiantes, además de estar en formación, son sujetos de derechos y ciudadanos activos que deben ser reconocidos y tratados como tales. Asimismo, se apuesta por promover una participación significativa, definida y liderada con la infancia y la adolescencia, ofreciéndoles la oportunidad de influir en las decisiones que les afectan y pasar a la acción. Sin embargo, se señala que todavía existen desafíos para garantizar que su participación sea genuina y de alta intensidad. La educación y, en consecuencia, los centros educativos desempeñan un papel crucial en la formación de una ciudadanía responsable y comprometida. Es necesario reimaginar prácticas que posibiliten avanzar en los giros conceptuales de la participación social de la infancia. Por ello, se analizan y proponen algunas claves para integrar a la infancia en el liderazgo de la participación, así como se presentan cinco prácticas que les involucra de forma colaborativa impulsando su tomar partido en el centro educativo, reconociéndoles y dando lugar a su estatus de ciudadanía del presente con derechos y responsabilidades.
Necrotizing Fasciitis in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Treated with Debridement, Free Flap, and Extra-Articular Reconstruction
Authors: Yoon Joshua , Gebran Selim , Nam Arthur , Brandao Roberto , Wynes Jacob
Published: January 2024

Necrotizing fasciitis of the foot is a relatively rare diagnosis and has traditionally been treated with distal amputation. A 30-year-old diabetic man with Charcot-Marie-Tooth muscular atrophy developed necrotizing fasciitis of the dorsal foot and underwent surgical debridement resulting in a significant wound with exposed tendons. Serial debridements were performed, eventually followed by a staged free flap reconstruction using an anterolateral thigh fasciocutaneous flap. After allowing time for flap healing, subsequent staged equinovarus reconstruction was also performed successfully. There were no flap or postoperative complications, and the patient is progressing as expected. Flap refinement procedures have been used to enhance cosmetic and functional outcomes. This report not only showcases the success of a procedure high on the reconstructive ladder in a patient at high risk for complications but also highlights an approach in which functional recovery is also optimized successfully in a planned staged multidisciplinary manner.
A Biomechanical Investigation of Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Are Children’s Feet a Precursor to Adulthood Foot Complications?
Authors: Agius Roxanne , Formosa Cynthia , Sillato Darren , Mifsud Tiziana , Torpiano John G. , Gatt Alfred
Published: January 2024

Background: There is limited evidence on the biomechanical effects of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) on children’s feet. This study aimed to determine whether children living with T1DM aged 10 to 16 years have altered foot structure and gait parameters compared with same-aged children without medical conditions.

Methods: A nonexperimental, case-control study was conducted. Thirty-four healthy children and children living with T1DM were recruited. Participants underwent a clinical biomechanical examination followed by instrumented gait analysis using the Oxford Foot Model to investigate foot segment motion.

Results: Children with T1DM demonstrated more dermatologic lesions and structural foot abnormalities, including claw toes (33.3%), hammertoes (22.2%), and hallux abducto valgus (11.1%), than their healthy counterparts. Gait analysis results indicate a significant difference between the two groups at the hindfoot-to-tibia angle at heel strike and toe-off, suggesting limited ankle joint motion.

Conclusions: Children with T1DM demonstrated a higher frequency of structural foot pathologies than did healthy children possibly associated with limited ankle sagittal plane movement. Screening is warranted to identify and manage these conditions early to reduce their risk of more significant foot problems associated with DM in adulthood.
Surgical Excision of Intractable Plantar Keratoses (Corns) of the Foot: A Scoping Review
Authors: Reilly Ian N. , Longhurst Belinda , Vlahovic Tracey C.
Published: January 2024

Background: Hyperkeratosis is a hypertrophic thickening of the skin. A callus (tyloma) is considered diffuse thickening, whereas a corn—also known as a clavus, heloma durum, or intractable plantar hyperkeratosis (IPK)—is a more focal, circumscribed hyperkeratotic lesion with a central conical core of keratin. Treatment (including surgical excision) of plantar keratoses is often sought because of pain and discomfort. The aim of this study was to collect and chart data regarding the surgical excision of plantar corns. The emerging themes were then mapped so that suggestions for areas of future research could be made.

Methods: A scoping review of the literature was performed using the six-stage methodologic framework (minus stage 6) proposed by Arksey and O’Malley incorporating the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews reporting guideline. A database search by means of the United Kingdom National Health Service Care Advanced Database Search yielded 1,056 articles, 12 of which appeared to be of potential relevance. After removing five duplicate articles, this total was reduced to seven, which were retrieved as full texts. Three were excluded. Thirteen further articles were found through Google Scholar and reference lists from the full texts retrieved to give 17 articles for review. One was discounted as not being in English/irrelevant; and one article did not relate to IPK excision, leaving 15 articles for data extraction.

Results: Iterative charting of the included articles yielded overlapping codes and two main themes. The first theme was closure: by primary intention (with or without a skin flap) or by secondary intention. The second theme was whether excision was performed in combination with IPK excision with other (bony) surgery.

Conclusions: There is modest evidence that excision of the lesion with either primary closure or healing by means of secondary intention can be useful for the management of IPKs. A further consideration is an emerging hypothesis that many of these IPKs are viral in origin, rather than mechanical, which implies that prospective studies are required with cross-reference to lesion excision by anatomical site and histopathologic confirmation of the diagnosis.
MTL neurons phase-lock to human hippocampal theta
Authors: Schonhaut Daniel R , Rao Aditya M , Ramayya Ashwin G , Solomon Ethan A , Herweg Nora A , Fried Itzhak , Kahana Michael J
Published: January 2024

Memory formation depends on neural activity across a network of regions, including the hippocampus and broader medial temporal lobe (MTL). Interactions between these regions have been studied indirectly using functional MRI, but the bases for interregional communication at a cellular level remain poorly understood. Here, we evaluate the hypothesis that oscillatory currents in the hippocampus synchronize the firing of neurons both within and outside the hippocampus. We recorded extracellular spikes from 1854 single- and multi-units simultaneously with hippocampal local field potentials (LFPs) in 28 neurosurgical patients who completed virtual navigation experiments. A majority of hippocampal neurons phase-locked to oscillations in the slow (2–4 Hz) or fast (6–10 Hz) theta bands, with a significant subset exhibiting nested slow theta × beta frequency (13–20 Hz) phase-locking. Outside of the hippocampus, phase-locking to hippocampal oscillations occurred only at theta frequencies and primarily among neurons in the entorhinal cortex and amygdala. Moreover, extrahippocampal neurons phase-locked to hippocampal theta even when theta did not appear locally. These results indicate that spike-time synchronization with hippocampal theta is a defining feature of neuronal activity in the hippocampus and structurally connected MTL regions. Theta phase-locking could mediate flexible communication with the hippocampus to influence the content and quality of memories.
Orai mediated Calcium entry determines activity of central dopaminergic neurons by regulation of gene expression
Authors: Mitra Rishav , Richhariya Shlesha , Hasan Gaiti
Published: January 2024

Maturation and fine-tuning of neural circuits frequently requires neuromodulatory signals that set the excitability threshold, neuronal connectivity and synaptic strength. Here we present a mechanistic study of how neuromodulator stimulated intracellular Ca
2+
signals, through the store - operated Ca
2+
channel Orai, regulate intrinsic neuronal properties by control of developmental gene expression in flight promoting central dopaminergic neurons (fpDANs). The fpDANs receive cholinergic inputs for release of dopamine at a central brain tripartite synapse that sustains flight (Sharma and Hasan, 2020). Cholinergic inputs act on the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor to stimulate intracellular Ca
2+
release through the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) localised inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor followed by ER-store depletion and Orai mediated store-operated Ca
2+
entry (SOCE). Analysis of gene expression in fpDANs followed by genetic, cellular and molecular studies identified Orai-mediated Ca
2+
entry as a key regulator of excitability in fpDANs during circuit maturation. SOCE activates the transcription factor Trithorax-like (Trl) which in turn drives expression of a set of genes including
Set2
, that encodes a histone 3 Lysine 36 methyltransferase (H3K36me3). Set2 function establishes a positive feedback loop, essential for receiving neuromodulatory cholinergic inputs and sustaining SOCE. Chromatin modifying activity of Set2 changes the epigenetic status of fpDANs and drives expression of key ion channel and signaling genes that determine fpDAN activity. Loss of activity reduces the axonal arborisation of fpDANS within the MB lobe, and prevents dopamine release required for maintenance of long flight.Store-operated Ca
2+
entry (SOCE) through Orai is required in a set of flight-promoting central dopaminergic neurons (fpDANs) during late pupae and early adults to establish their gene expression profile.SOCE activates a homeobox transcription factor, ‘
Trithorax-like
’ and thus regulates expression of histone modifiers Set2 and
E(z)
to generate a balance between opposing epigenetic signatures of H3K36me3 and H3K27me3 on downstream genes.SOCE drives a transcriptional feedback loop to ensure expression of key genes required for neuronal function including the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (
mAChR
) and the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (
itpr)
.The transcriptional program downstream of SOCE is key to functional maturation of the dopaminergic neurons, enabling their neuronal excitability, axonal arborization and synaptic transmission required for adult flight.
The infection-tolerant white-footed deermouse tempers interferon responses to endotoxin in comparison to the mouse and rat
Authors: Milovic Ana , Duong Jonathan V , Barbour Alan G
Published: January 2024

The white-footed deermouse Peromyscus leucopus, a long-lived rodent, is a key reservoir in North America for agents of several zoonoses, including Lyme disease, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and a viral encephalitis. While persistently infected, this deermouse is without apparent disability or diminished fitness. For a model for inflammation elicited by various pathogens, the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to compare genome-wide transcription in blood by P. leucopus, Mus musculus, and Rattus norvegicus and adjusted for white cell concentrations. Deermice were distinguished from the mice and rats by LPS response profiles consistent with non-classical monocytes and alternatively-activated macrophages. LPS-treated P. leucopus, in contrast to mice and rats, also displayed little transcription of interferon-gamma and lower magnitude fold-changes in type 1 interferon-stimulated genes. These characteristics of P. leucopus were also noted in a Borrelia hermsii infection model. The phenomenon was associated with comparatively reduced transcription of endogenous retrovirus sequences and cytoplasmic pattern recognition receptors in the deermice. The results reveal a mechanism for infection tolerance in this species and perhaps other animal reservoirs for agents of human disease.
The Rapidly Evolving X-linked miR-506 Family Finetunes Spermatogenesis to Enhance Sperm Competition
Authors: Wang Zhuqing , Wang Yue , Zhou Tong , Chen Sheng , Morris Dayton , Magalhães Rubens Daniel Miserani , Li Musheng , Wang Shawn , Wang Hetan , Xie Yeming , McSwiggin Hayden , Oliver Daniel , Yuan Shuiqiao , Zheng Huili , Mohammed Jaaved , Lai Eric C. , McCarrey John R. , Yan Wei
Published: January 2024

Despite rapid evolution across eutherian mammals, the X-linked
miR-506
family miRNAs are located in a region flanked by two highly conserved protein-coding genes (
Slitrk2
and
Fmr1
) on the X chromosome. Intriguingly, these miRNAs are predominantly expressed in the testis, suggesting a potential role in spermatogenesis and male fertility. Here, we report that the X-linked
miR-506
family miRNAs were derived from the MER91C DNA transposons and their sequences diverged
via
LINE1-mediated retrotransposition during evolution. Selective inactivation of individual miRNAs or clusters caused no discernable defects, but simultaneous ablation of five clusters containing nineteen members of the
miR-506
family led to reduced male fertility in mice. Despite normal sperm counts, motility and morphology, the KO sperm were less competitive than wild-type sperm when subjected to a polyandrous mating scheme. Transcriptomic and bioinformatic analyses revealed that these X-linked
miR-506
family miRNAs, in addition to targeting a set of conserved genes, have gained more targets that are critical for spermatogenesis and embryonic development during evolution. Our data suggest that the
miR-506
family miRNAs function to enhance sperm competitiveness and reproductive fitness of the male by finetuning gene expression during spermatogenesis.The X-linked
miR-506
family has rapidly evolved in mammals, but their physiological significance remains elusive. Given their abundant and preferential expression in the testis and sperm, these X-linked miRNAs likely play a functional role in spermatogenesis and/or early embryonic development. However, the deletion of either individual miRNA genes or all of the five miRNA clusters encoding 38 mature miRNAs did not cause major fertility defects in mice. When these mutant males were subjected to conditions resembling polyandrous mating, the mutant sperm were much less competitive than the wild-type sperm, rendering the mutant males “functionally infertile”. Our data suggest that the
miR-506
family of miRNAs regulates sperm competition and the reproductive fitness of the male.
Inhibition of mitochondrial protein import and proteostasis by a pro-apoptotic lipid
Authors: Fita-Torró Josep , Garrido-Huarte José Luis , Michel Agnès H , Kornmann Benoît , Pascual-Ahuir Amparo , Proft Markus
Published: January 2024

Mitochondria mediated cell death is critically regulated by bioactive lipids derived from sphingolipid metabolism. The lipid aldehyde trans-2-hexadecenal (t-2-hex) induces mitochondrial dysfunction in a conserved manner from yeast to humans. Here we apply unbiased transcriptomic, functional genomics and chemoproteomic approaches in the yeast model to uncover the principal mechanisms and biological targets underlying this lipid-induced mitochondrial inhibition. We find that loss of Hfd1 fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase function efficiently sensitizes cells for t-2-hex inhibition and apoptotic cell death. Excess of t-2-hex causes a profound transcriptomic response with characteristic hallmarks of impaired mitochondrial protein import like activation of mitochondrial and cytosolic chaperones or proteasomal function and severe repression of translation. We confirm that t-2-hex stress induces rapid accumulation of mitochondrial pre-proteins and protein aggregates and subsequent activation of Hsf1- and Rpn4-dependent gene expression. By saturated transposon mutagenesis we find that t-2-hex tolerance requires an efficient heat shock response and specific mitochondrial and ER functions and that mutations in ribosome, protein and amino acid biogenesis are beneficial upon t-2-hex stress. We further show that genetic and pharmacological inhibition of protein translation causes t-2-hex resistance indicating that loss of proteostasis is the predominant consequence of the pro-apoptotic lipid. Several TOM subunits, including the central Tom40 channel, are lipidated by t-2-hex in vitro and mutation of accessory subunits Tom20 or Tom70 confers t-2-hex tolerance. Moreover, the Hfd1 gene dose determines the strength of t-2-hex mediated inhibition of mitochondrial protein import and Hfd1 co-purifies with Tom70. Our results indicate that transport of mitochondrial precursor proteins through the outer mitochondrial membrane is sensitively inhibited by the pro-apoptotic lipid and thus represents a hotspot for pro- and anti-apoptotic signaling.
Sodio urinario como factor pronóstico para mortalidad en pacientes con falla cardiaca aguda descompensada
Authors: Londoño Jessica M. , Betancur Kelly J. , Fonseca Lina , Fonseca Paula , Cañas Eliana M. , Saldarriaga Clara I.
Published: January 2024

Introducción. En los pacientes con falla cardíaca, el sodio urinario se ha propuesto como marcador de gravedad y resistencia a los diuréticos, pero los resultados de los estudios reportados son heterogéneos.Objetivo. Evaluar el sodio en orina ocasional como factor pronóstico de mortalidad en pacientes con falla cardiaca descompensada.Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un análisis anidado de casos y controles de una cohorte prospectiva de falla cardíaca descompensada. El desenlace primario fue mortalidad a los 180 días. Se hizo un análisis bivariado para evaluar las variables que se asocian con la mortalidad. Se analizaron las diferencias de las variables clínicas entre los grupos con sodio urinario mayor o menor de 70 mEq/L.Resultados. Se incluyeron 79 pacientes de los cuales 15 fallecieron a los 180 días. La edad promedio fue de 68,9 años (DE: ±13,8), 30 eran mujeres (38 %). Quince pacientes (18,9 %) tuvieron un sodio en orina inferior a 70 mEq/L. En el análisis bivariado se encontró una asociación significativa de la mortalidad con las hospitalizaciones, la presión arterial sistólica inferior a 90 mm Hg, el uso de inotrópicos y el sodio urinario inferior a 70 mEq/L. Los pacientes con sodio urinario bajo habían estado hospitalizados con mayor frecuencia en el último año, tenían menores valores de sodio sérico y presión arterial al ingreso.Conclusión. Los pacientes con sodio urinario inferior a 70 mEq/L tienen características de mayor gravedad. En el análisis bivariado, el sodio urinario se asoció con mortalidad a los 180 días.
The Influence of Service Quality and Price on Customer Loyalty with Customer Satisfaction as an Intervening Variable: Study of Indomaret in Bandung Raya
Authors: Rendiansyah  , Putra Hariyadi Triwahyu
Published: January 2024

This study aims to examine the influence of service quality and price on customer loyalty, mediated by customer satisfaction in the Indomaret in Bandung Raya. Population in this study consisting of consumers who have shopped at Indomaret who is >17 years old and domicilied in Bandung Raya. The sample size for this research is 160 respondents, selected using convenience sampling. The data type utilized in this study is primary data collected through a survey strategy using online questionnaires, with a cross-sectional time horizon. The research utilises analytical techniques like validity and reliability assessments for instruments, tests for classical assumptions, hypothesis testing by multiple linear regression, and the Sobel test utilising an online Sobel calculator. The study is backed by the statistical software programme Social Science (SPSS) version 25. Among the nineteen research hypotheses put forward, empirical data support 9 in among them. The result show that customer satisfaction does not play a role as a mediated between the impact of service quality (tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy) and price on customer loyalty. In addition, the results of this research are useful for management which eveluates and similar minimarket industries in designing relevant strategies for improve for the quality of these attributes.
Clinical Presentation and Etiologic Diagnosis of Disorders of Sex Development in Children in Senegal
Authors: Niang Babacar , Ly Fatou , Keita Younoussa , Mbaye Aminata , Boiro Djibril , Sow Amadou , Ba Abou , Deme/Ly Indou , Thiongane Aliou , Ndongo Aliou , Faye Papa Moctar , Fall Amadou Lamine , Ndiaye Ousmane
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) refer to situations where chromosomal, gonadal or anatomical sex is atypical. We aimed to describe the baseline characteristics on clinical and etiological diagnosis of DSD in Senegalese children.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study over a period of 8 years (2015-2022) included all children aged 0 to 18 years followed for DSD at the pediatric endocrinology department of NCHAR in Dakar. Sociodemographic clinical, paraclinical (genetics, imaging, hormonal) parameters were collected and analyzed with Epi Info 7.2. The description was made using position and dispersion parameters and illustrations in the form of appropriate tables and graphs. Bivariate analysis was used for associations between variables, with an alpha error risk of 5% and a CI of 95%. All ethical rules have been respected.
Results: We included 102 DSD cases. Only 61 patients (59.80%) had a genetic diagnosis. Mean age at diagnosis was 31.2 ± 46.6 months. Rearing sex of child was male in 35 cases (57.38%) and female in 22 cases (36.06%) and undetermined in 4 cases (6.56%). Based on karyotype analysis, 31(50.82%) of children had 46,XY DSD, 27 (44.26%) had 46,XX DSD and three (4.92%) children with sex chromosome DSD. Etiologies were dominated by congenital adrenal hyperplasia (81.48%) and androgen insensitivity (38.71%) in 46,XX  and 46,XY DSD respectively. External masculinization score > 4, palpation of a gonad, a phallus length > 2.5, a single urogenital orifice as well as ultrasound sex were associated with the XY karyotype.
Conclusion: Health care professional and medical students should be trained for early diagnosis. A national guideline should be developed for diagnosis and management of DSD during and beyond the pediatric age group, and adapted to evidence and available resources. This can only be achieved if the management of DSD is supported by universal health insurance.
Yield Gap Analysis and Impact Assessment of Rapeseed- Mustard through Cluster Front Line Demonstrations in Khowai District of Tripura, India
Authors: Sachan M. S. , Dey D. , Chakraborty A. , Shil S. , Das R. , Islam N. , Biswas S. C. , Reang P.
Published: January 2024

The present study was carried out by KVK Khowai Tripura to know the yield gaps between improved practices under frontline demonstration and farmers practice of rapeseed- mustard crops. The productivity ranged from 8.00 to 10.50 q/ ha with average yield under demonstration recorded 9.24 q/ ha under improved technology on farmers field as against a yield ranged from 5.50 to 6.50 q/ ha with a mean of 5.88 q/ ha recorded under farmers practice. However, in the demonstration plot the yield enhancement due to technological intervention was 36.21% over the farmers practice. An average net returns of Rs 18,644/- at demonstrations plot, while the average net returns from farmers practice is Rs 7046/-. The additional cost of Rs 5565/- gave additional net return; it is Rs. 11,510/- per hectare, respectively. The increase benefit cost ratio was also estimated; it ranged from 1.38 to 1.87 in recommended practices and 1.22 to 1.47 in farmers practice. An extension gap of 3.36 q/ ha was found between demonstrated technology and farmers practice, technology gap was observed 3.23 q/ ha, whereas technology index 24.86%. Therefore, CFLD of rapeseed- mustard was an effective for increasing the productivity and cropping intensity (%) of rapeseed- mustard and changing the knowledge, attitude and skill of the farmers. This created greater awareness and motivated the other farmers to adopt improved practices of rapeseed- mustard.
Cultural and Morphological Variability among Isolates of Myrothecium roridum Causing Leaf Spot of Bael
Authors: Singh Gaurav Ayodhya , Singh Hemant Kumar , Singh Ramji , Naik E. K. , Pandey Sakshi , Kumar Deepak , Tiwari Shambhavi , Maddheshiya Aditya , Pundir Siddhant Kr.
Published: January 2024

This experiment was executed at College of Horticulture, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.) during 2019-21. This experiment was conducted to estimate the variation present among the isolates of Myrothecium roridum causing leaf spot of bael against leaf spot of bael.  The fungus produces branched aseptate and greenish mycelia, conidiophores & mycelium were branched, aseptate, greenish & conidia were hyaline. Conidiophores were branching twice or thrice, and each branch gave rise to almost two to five phialides in whorls. Among all the five isolates, isolate Mr2 (6.12 & 2.16m) had the smallest length and width & Mr5 (7.80 & 3.45m) had the longest, according to the mean.
Moderating Effect of Gross Domestic Product on the Relationship between Camel Rating Model and Financial Performance of Deposit Taking Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies in Kenya
Authors: Mirichii John Mwaniki , Akims Malgit Amos , Mbugua Levi , Nyachae Samuel Moragia
Published: January 2024

The study sought to establish the moderating effect of gross domestic product on the relationship between CAMEL rating model and financial performance of Deposit Taking SACCOs in Kenya. The study originates from the Doctoral dissertation of the first author in which the co-authors served as supervisors. Capital buffer theory and stewardship theories were utilized in supporting the nexus between the variables of the study. Secondary data was collected for the period 2013 to 2022 and panel regression analysis was applied. The study established that the nexus between CAMEL rating model and financial performance in the context of deposit taking SACCOs in Kenya is significantly predicted by gross domestic product. It was consequently concluded that the aggregate of economic growth as reflected by gross domestic product plays a significant role on CAMEL rating model and financial performance nexus with respect to deposit taking SACCOs in Kenya. The study recommends that the Government of Kenya should ensure economic growth in the country. The Government should stimulate economic activities through government policies and activities (of patronizing different sectors). Profits generated by SACCOs during economic expansion should be adequate reinvested into financial intermediation activities as well as other investment opportunities for purposes of diversification.
Analysis of the Relationship between Internal and External Variables and the Level of Women's Participation in Development Planning in Lintongnihuta Subdistrict, Humbang Hasundutan Regency
Authors: Situmorang Roudur Imelda , Lubis Satia Negara , Harahap Hamidah
Published: January 2024

This study delves into the multifaceted participation of women in Village Development Planning Deliberation (Musrenbangdes) within the Lintongnihuta District, analyzing the influence of various factors like age, education, occupation, income, and duration of residence. Employing an eight-question Likert scale, the research measures women's engagement and utilizes quantitative descriptive data analysis, including frequency tables. The study employs cross-tabulation analysis (chi-square test) and validity tests with the Pearson Product-Moment formula through SPSS v24 software to determine relationships between internal and external factors and their impact on women's participation. Findings underscore Musrenbangdes as a substantive platform for authentic expressions of women's aspirations, revealing significant positive correlations between participation and internal factors such as age, education, communication, and leadership. While all proposals are accepted, government scrutiny precedes execution. The study advocates enhancing women's involvement through targeted improvements, childcare support, and health education, offering valuable insights for a more inclusive and effective development planning process.
Pre-Illinoian Glacial Stratigraphy in North-Central Missouri
Authors: Rovey Charles W. , Kean William F.
Published: October 2002

Five pre-Illinoian tills are recognized and named informally in northern Missouri, near the southernmost margin of the pre-Illinoian Laurentide ice sheet. The three youngest tills (McCredie formation) have high (50–60%) expandable clay mineral contents and normal remanent magnetic polarity. The next oldest till (Moberly formation) has low (30–40%) expandable clay content and reversed polarity. The oldest till (Atlanta formation) has very low or no expandable clay minerals. Its remanent magnetic polarity is unknown.

The sequence of four pre-Illinoian tills above the Atlanta formation probably correlates with the similar sequence of four pre-Illinoian “A type” tills in western Iowa and eastern Nebraska. The upper four tills in Missouri are also correlated, in order of increasing age, with the three members of the Wolf Creek Formation and the older Alburnett Formation in eastern Iowa. The oldest till in Missouri possibly correlates with the “C type” till in western Iowa.

Pre-Illinoian Laurentide ice reached the same approximate southern margin at least five times. Those advances deposited tills which maintain characteristic compositions over distances of at least 350 km along flow lines.
Holocene Vegetation and Climate History of the Northern Bighorn Basin, Southern Montana
Authors: Lyford Mark E. , Betancourt Julio L. , Jackson Stephen T.
Published: September 2002

Records of Holocene vegetation and climate change at low elevations (<2000 m) are rare in the central Rocky Mountain region. We developed a record of Holocene vegetation and climate change from 55 14C-dated woodrat middens at two low-elevation sites (1275 to 1590 m), currently vegetated by Juniperus osteosperma woodlands, in the northern Bighorn Basin. Macrofossil and pollen analyses show that the early Holocene was cooler than today, with warming and drying in the middle Holocene. During the Holocene, boreal (Juniperus communis, J. horizontalis) and montane species (J. scopulorum) were replaced by a Great Basin species (J. osteosperma). J. osteosperma colonized the east side of the Pryor Mountains 4700 14C yr B.P. Downward movement of lower treeline indicates wetter conditions between 4400 and 2700 14C yr B.P. Increased aridity after 2700 14C yr B.P. initiated expansion of J. osteosperma from the east to west side of the Pryor Mountains.
Modeling Climate Limits of Plants Found in Sonoran Desert Packrat Middens
Authors: Arundel Samantha Thompson
Published: September 2002

Geostatistical analyses of 35 plant species from 213 packrat middens with combined records spanning the last 40,000 yr indicate that many presumed winter precipitation-dependent taxa that existed in the Sonoran Desert during the last glaciation were expelled by increasing monsoon precipitation instead of waning cool-season moisture. The statistical influence of excessive monsoon rainfall on the distributions of many species probably reflects the simultaneous increase in the magnitude and occurrence of fire. During the early Holocene, results indicate a dramatic decrease in cool-season precipitation and an increase in monsoon rainfall. Levels of temperature and precipitation continued to change linearly until they reached modern values. These conclusions are drawn from a newly developed computer model that determines which climatic factors impede species movement into an unoccupied region. Climatic “limiters,” derived from digital versions of modern plant distributions, elevation, and meteorological data, formed the basis of the reconstructions. Particularly important distribution limiters for the Sonoran Desert include maximum warm-season precipitation and low winter temperatures. The model allows for quantitative estimates of past climatic changes with relatively detailed temporal and spatial resolutions. These results can be used to refine paleoclimatic interpretations based on coarser resolution General Circulation Models.
Biogeochemical Characteristics of Lacustrine Sediments Reflecting a Changing Alpine Neotropical Ecosystem during the Pleistocene
Authors: Mora Germán , Pratt Lisa M. , Boom Arnoud , Hooghiemstra Henry
Published: September 2002

Continuous lacustrine deposits of the Funza-II core from the Bogotá basin, Colombia (5°N74°W) record late Pleistocene climatic variations, providing an opportunity to assess the influence of glacial–interglacial climate changes on alpine ecosystems in equatorial South America. Biogeochemical response of this tropical alpine system to climate change was inferred from changes in elemental concentrations and ratios and isotopic signatures in the upper 120 m of the lacustrine Funza core.

Values of δ13Corg exhibit eight abrupt, positive shifts that are thought to reflect rapid expansions of C4 grasses in the tropical Andes and algal blooms. One of these excursions, interpreted to correspond to C4 vegetation expansion, occurred in sediments accumulated during the last glaciation (∼30,000–50,000 yr B.P.) and implies a downslope shift of the upper Andean treeline, regardless of prevailing temperatures.

Sedimentary carbon/sulfur ratios are low and indicate significant sequestering of sulfur. Monosulfides are the dominant constituent of sedimentary sulfur during relatively humid intervals, when increased supply of iron caused by enhanced weathering favored the formation of monosulfide minerals under strongly reducing conditions. In contrast, organosulfur compounds dominate the sedimentary sulfur-species in relatively drier intervals when mildly reducing conditions and limited iron input promoted the diagenetic incorporation of sulfur in organic matter. Dry events inferred from the sulfur record typically correlate with glacial maxima, whereas glacial terminations are usually associated with wet periods.
p23 and HSP20/α‐crystallin proteins define a conserved sequence domain present in other eukaryotic protein families
Authors: Garcia-Ranea J.A , Mirey Gladys , Camonis Jacques , Valencia Alfonso
Published: October 2002

We identified families of proteins characterized by the presence of a domain similar to human p23 protein, which include proteins such as Sgt1, involved in the yeast kinetochore assembly; melusin, involved in specific interactions with the cytoplasmic integrin β1 domain; Rar1, related to pathogenic resistance in plants, and to development in animals; B5+B5R flavo‐hemo cytochrome NAD(P)H oxidoreductase type B in humans and mice; and NudC, involved in nucleus migration during mitosis. We also found that p23 and the HSP20/α‐crystallin family of heat shock proteins, which share the same three‐dimensional folding, show a pattern of conserved residues that points to a common origin in the evolution of both protein domains. The p23 and HSP20/α‐crystallin phylogenetic relationship and their similar role in chaperone activity suggest a common function, probably involving protein–protein interaction, for those proteins containing p23‐like domains.
3′‐end processing of precursor M1 RNA by the N‐terminal half of RNase E
Authors: Sim Soyeong , Kim Kwang-sun , Lee Younghoon
Published: October 2002

M1 RNA, the catalytic component of Escherichia coli RNase P, is derived from the 3′‐end processing of precursor M1 RNA, a major transcript of the rnpB gene. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of 3′‐end processing of M1 RNA using the recombinant N‐terminal half RNase E. The cleavage site preference of RNase E differed from that of the 40% ammonium sulfate precipitate (ASP‐40), a partially purified cell extract containing processing activity. However, the addition of a trace amount of ASP‐40 changed the cleavage site preference of RNase E to that of ASP‐40 suggesting the involvement of a soluble factor in cleavage site preference.
Caspase 9 activation by the dsRNA‐dependent protein kinase, PKR: molecular mechanism and relevance
Authors: Gil Jesús , Garcı́a Maria Angel , Esteban Mariano
Published: October 2002

The double‐stranded RNA‐dependent protein kinase (PKR) induces apoptosis by activation of the FADD/caspase 8 pathway. Here we show that upon PKR expression, caspase 9 is processed and activated, correlating with the translocation of cytochrome c to the cytoplasm and breakdown of mitochondrial potential upon Bax insertion. However, treatment of cells with an inhibitor of caspase 9 could not prevent PKR‐induced apoptosis. During PKR‐induced apoptosis, caspase 9 is activated downstream of caspase 8. Our findings revealed that caspase 9, although dispensable, is a mediator of PKR‐induced cell death.
The prolyl 4‐hydroxylase inhibitor ethyl‐3,4‐dihydroxybenzoate generates effective iron deficiency in cultured cells
Authors: Wang Jian , Buss Joan L , Chen Guohua , Ponka Prem , Pantopoulos Kostas
Published: October 2002

Ethyl‐3,4‐dihydroxybenzoate (EDHB) is commonly utilized as a substrate analog and competitive inhibitor of prolyl 4‐hydroxylases. These iron‐dependent enzymes have received a lot of attention for their involvement in crucial biochemical pathways such as collagen maturation and oxygen sensing. Since EDHB is also capable of chelating the enzyme‐bound iron, we study here its function as a chelator. We show that the affinity of EDHB for ferric iron is significantly lower than that of desferrioxamine. Nevertheless, EDHB is sufficient to promote effective iron deficiency in cells, reflected in the activation of the iron‐responsive element/iron regulatory protein regulatory network. Thus, treatment of B6 fibroblasts with EDHB results in slow activation of iron regulatory protein 1 accompanied by an increase in transferrin receptor levels and reduction of the ferritin pool.
FSR Referees
Authors: Lahey Karen Eilers
Published: September 2002

NA
A Simulation Approach to the Choice Between Fixed and Adjustable Rate Mortgages
Authors: Templeton William K. , Main Robert S. , Orris J. B.
Published: September 2002

This study uses a simulation approach to model the choice between a fixed rate mort- gage (FRM} and an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM). Our simulations help assess the risks and benefits of choosing an ARM rather than a FRM. We represent the risk of the ARM with distributions of present value cost differentials for a variety of mortgage life periods. We provide insight on thejinancial planning aspect by modeling the impact of mortgage rate changes on the size of payments for ARMS. The simulations yield non- intuitive results that may lead to better decision making by borrowers.
The Effects of Mutual Fund Managers’ Characteristics on Their Portfolio Performance, Risk and Fees
Authors: Golec Joseph H.
Published: September 2002

The purpose of this study is to test whether a mutual fund managers’ characteristics help to explain fund per$ormance, risk and fees. The statistical tests consider per&or- mance, risk andfees simultaneously to avoid biased results produced by earlier studies that ignore simultaneity. Results show that a fund’s performance, risk andfees are sig- nificantly impacted by its manager’s characteristics. All else equal, investors can expect better risk-adjusted performance from younger managers with MBA degrees who have longer tenure at their funds. Also, funds with low fees and more diversified portolios perform better. The most sign~~cant predictor ofpe~o~ance is the length of time a manager has managed his or her find (tenure). Funds that keep administrative expenses low also perform relatively well, but large management fees do not necessar- ily imply poorer performance. Apparently, a large management fee signals superior inves~ent skill which leads to better perfomtance.
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), and the Financial Management Association Websites
Authors: Eyssell Thomas
Published: September 2002

NA
Index Vol 5
Authors: Lahey Karen Eilers
Published: September 2002

NA
An Analysis of Nondeductible IRA Contributions and Roth IRA Conversions
Authors: Horan Stephen M. , Peterson Jeffrey H. , McLeod Robert
Published: September 2002

On average investors have an income replacement rate of 64% of their pre-retirement income, which in many cases results in a lower tax rate in retirement. We analyze the impact of declining withdrawal tax rates on the choice between taxable mutual fund investments and nondeductible IRAs. The relative attractiveness of the taxable mutual fund option declines significantly when withdrawal tax rates decline. Converting existing IRAs to Roth IRAs is generally beneficial for investors who remain in the same tax bracket upon withdrawal. For short (long) time horizons and low (high) expected returns, the marginal value of conversion in I998 is greater (less) than the marginal value of optimal conversion. For investors dropping into the 15% tax bracket, conversion is generally not beneficial unless the conversion is done optimally, the time horizon is long, and the expected return is high. Investors in the 15% tax bracket should convert existing IRA assets.
Performance of Mutual Funds Before and After Closing to New Investors
Authors: Manakyan Herman , Liano Kartono
Published: September 2002

This study examines the decision to close mutual funds to new investors due to the growth of the funds’ assets. The evidence indicates that funds perform better three years prior to closing to new investors than they do afterwards. Furthermore, the evi- dence indicates that the closed funds outperform the control port$olios of funds with similar investment objectives and asset size during the one- and three-year periods prior to closing. However, there is no significant difference in the pe$ormance of closed finds and their matched control porcolios during the one- and three-year peri- ods after closing. Although the primary reason given for closing the finds is the desire to maintain performance in the face of growing assets, the strategy does not appear successful in accomplishing this objective.
The Optimal Choice of Index-Linked GICs: Some Canadian Evidence
Authors: Milevsky Moshe Arye , Kim Sharon
Published: September 2002

Indexed Linked Guaranteed Investment Certificates (ILGICs), also known as equity linked term deposits, have become quite popular over the last few years. From the consumer’s point of view, there are two basic categories of Indexed Linked GIG, the Capped ILGIC and the Participating ILGIC. This paper compares the relative value and appeal of the two ILGIC products from the perspective of the individual investor, using valuation techniques from option pricing theory. We compute the Value per Pre- mium Dollar invested in an ILGIC. Our main conclusions are that ILGICs become less attractive the longer the time horizon of the investor. In addition, participating ILGlCs are preferable to capped ILGICs for short-term maturities and vice versa for longer maturities. A detailed analysis of two particular Canadian products is provided as an application of the basic concepts. We conclude by demonstrating that Values per Pre- mium Dollar range from 94% - 98%. corresponding to a 2%~6% total expense ratio on Index Linked GICs.
A Simple and Effective Trading Rule for Individual Investors
Authors: Prather Laurie , Bertin William J.
Published: September 2002

This study advocates the use of a simple trading strategy that is shown to outperform a passive buy and hold the market strategy. Based on prior studies thatfind long-term stock price responses to economic news, the strategy utilizes the announcement of dis- count rate changes to predict (and profit from) market movements. Statistical testing indicates that the strategy correctly predicts market movements. Furthermore, the results indicate that the proposed trading strategy produces higher risk adjusted returns than a buy and hold strategy. Thus individual investors may reasonably expect to profit by following this easy to implement trading strategy.
Gender as an inflectional category
Authors: SPENCER ANDREW
Published: October 2002

Russian adjectives, especially participles, can be used as nouns denoting people, e.g.
bol′noj/bol′naja ‘(male/female) patient’
from bol′noj ‘sick’, učaščijsja/učaščajasja ‘(boy/girl) pupil’, participle from the verb učit′sja ‘to learn, study’. These are unusual in that they formally reflect the sex of their referent by means of inflectional morphology. Moreover, many surnames inflect like adjectives and they, too, inflect for gender: Mr. Puškin, Čexov, Tolstoj, Dostoevskij but Ms. Puškina, Čexova, Tolstaja, Dostoevskaja. Lexemes such as ‘patient, pupil’ are genuine nouns and not just adjectives modifying null nouns. The latter type do exist and have different properties from converted nouns. Converted nouns and adjectival surnames thus form systematic gender pairs which are forms of a single lexeme. However, gender is not conventionally regarded as an inflection category of the kind which induces word forms of lexemes in this way, rather it is an inherent ‘classificatory’ property of nouns. The paper discusses the peculiar nature of this type of inflectional marking and provides an explicit analysis of the construction. On the semantic side, nouns such as bol′noj, učaščijsja have a similar representation to that of a phrase person who is sick/studies and we effectively have an instance of the poorly researched phenomenon of de-phrasal word formation. On the morphosyntactic side, the lexical entry of the deadjectival noun or surname shares crucial properties with 3rd person pronouns. The analysis raises questions about the nature of lexical categories (especially ‘mixed categories’) and the structure of lexical entries generally.