This paper examines the impact of microfinance institutions on development in an empirical setting, and therewith aims at filling a gap in econometric assessments of microfinance institutions. Using data of MFIs operating in selected African and Asian countries and choosing average savings and loan balances per client as proxies for development, there is empirical evidence for significant posit...

BACKGROUND Both fatigue and reduced physical activity are important consequences of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, their mutual association is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to determine the relation between perceived fatigue and home-based recording of motor activity in patients with MS. METHODS Found associations were checked for confounding by age, Expande...

PURPOSE To determine the reproducibility, responsiveness and concurrent validity of Dutch versions of the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), and Checklist Individual Strength (CIS20R) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHOD Forthy-three ambulatory patients with MS (mean age 48.7 years; SD 7 years; 30 women; median Expanded Disability Status Scale scor...

Fatigue, reduced quality of life (QOL), and lower physical activity levels are commonly reported in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). This study evaluated the effects of elliptical exercise on fatigue and QOL reports in patients with MS. Patients with MS (n = 26) completed the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Sho...

Background. Fatigue is the most common symptom in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Poor sleep also occurs in this population. Objective. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between fatigue and sleep quality in people with MS and cognitive impairment. Method. This cross-sectional study assessed relationships among fatigue, assessed with the Modified Fatigue Impact S...

BACKGROUND The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) is widely used to assess fatigue, not only in the context of multiple sclerosis-related fatigue, but also in many other medical conditions. Some polysomnographic studies have shown high FSS values in sleep-disordered patients without multiple sclerosis. The Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) has increasingly been used in order to assess fatigue, but...

OBJECTIVE To evaluate reported fatigue levels and gait deficits in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) to determine the relationships that may exist between fatigue in patients with MS and alterations in gait mechanics. DESIGN Cross-sectional. SETTING Biomechanics laboratory. PARTICIPANTS Subjects with MS (n=32) and age- and sex-matched controls (n=30). INTERVENTIONS None. MAIN OUTC...

Page 1 During my recent in-depth evaluation of ACCION's PortaCredit technology, I interviewed their technical staff and visited the MFIs implementing the technology. What I saw impressed me considerably. The technology takes time to implement, but when done it works and it works quite well. The most important evidence in my mind is that the operational staff love it and would never choose to go...

In this paper an attempt is made to assess the extent of indebtedness among marine fisherfolk in mechanized, motorized and traditional fisheries sectors and to assess the impact of Microfinance Institutions (MFI) and Self Help Groups (SHG) on coastal indebtedness in Tamil Nadu. The study was carried out in three coastal districts of the state. Situational analysis was done through PLA in the se...