Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Employee Perceptions of the Work Environment, Motivational Outlooks, and Employee Work Intentions: An HR Practitioner’s Dream or Nightmare?

The Problem Reinforcement theory has inspired many types of human resource development (HRD) initiatives. Despite their widespread use, reinforcement-focused programs, designed to control the outcome of behavior through external rewards, have proven expensive and cumbersome to manage and have an alarmingly low rate of return on investment. There is a critical need to better understand motivation in work environments as well as to explore more efficacious forms of motivation, both intrinsic and extrinsic simultaneously. The Solution Self-determination theory (SDT) is concerned with forward influence, independent choice, and the degree to which behavior is internalized as self-determined. Sources of employee motivation are influenced by employee perceptions of the work environment as well as behavioral outcomes. The most optimal forms of motivation are believed to originate from internal regulation of basic psychological needs rather than external forms of motivation such as those central to reinforcement-focused theory and practice. The Stakeholders We question which forms of motivation are most optimal for influencing employee behavior in the workplace, including long-held traditions of reinforcement-grounded programming, and present new models for understanding the role of motivation in HRD. Results of this study focus the conversation on SDT and explore specific implications for practice.
Significance of K(L/V)WX(I/L/V)P Epitope of the B2Gpi in Its (Patho)Physiologic Function

β2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI) is a major autoantigen of autoimmune thrombophilia, known as the antiphospholipid syndrome. The exact mechanism underlying the β2GPI’s involvement in the disease is not fully elucidated, as it is not its physiological role. We used random phage peptide library to identify sequences binding to β2GPI. Obtained K(L/V)WX(I/L/V)P motif, primarily designated as target unrelated, was confirmed as the selective binder of β2GPI. Based on this motif we confirmed the previously suggested role of polar residues in β2GPI interactions, and identified some already known and some new putative β2GPI binding proteins. The latter can help to further elucidate β2GPI’s (patho)physiological role.
Formation of methotrexate-PLLA-PEG-PLLA composite microspheres by microencapsulation through a process of suspension-enhanced dispersion by supercritical CO2

Background The aim of this study was to improve the drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, and sustained-release properties of supercritical CO2-based drug-loaded polymer carriers via a process of suspension-enhanced dispersion by supercritical CO2 (SpEDS), which is an advanced version of solution-enhanced dispersion by supercritical CO2 (SEDS). Methods Methotrexate nanoparticles were successfully microencapsulated into poly (L-lactide)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(L-lactide) (PLLA-PEG-PLLA) by SpEDS. Methotrexate nanoparticles were first prepared by SEDS, then suspended in PLLA-PEG-PLLA solution, and finally microencapsulated into PLLA-PEG-PLLA via SpEDS, where an “injector” was utilized in the suspension delivery system. Results After microencapsulation, the composite methotrexate (MTX)-PLLA-PEG-PLLA microspheres obtained had a mean particle size of 545 nm, drug loading of 13.7%, and an encapsulation efficiency of 39.2%. After an initial burst release, with around 65% of the total methotrexate being released in the first 3 hours, the MTX-PLLA-PEG-PLLA microspheres released methotrexate in a sustained manner, with 85% of the total methotrexate dose released within 23 hours and nearly 100% within 144 hours. Conclusion Compared with a parallel study of the coprecipitation process, microencapsulation using SpEDS offered greater potential to manufacture drug-loaded polymer microspheres for a drug delivery system.
Quantitative analysis of circulating plasma DNA as a tumor marker in thoracic malignancies.

BACKGROUND Increased plasma DNA has been found in cancer patients and may have potential as a tumor marker. The objectives of this study were to develop a controlled, quantitative PCR (QPCR) assay to measure plasma DNA and then evaluate plasma DNA concentrations as a tumor marker in patients with thoracic malignancies. METHODS We developed a QPCR assay for DNA, using the human beta-actin gene. Plasma samples were analyzed from 58 patients with esophageal cancer (EC; 20 banked samples and 38 prospectively collected samples) and 25 patients with lung cancer (LC; all prospectively collected). Control groups consisting of 51 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD; 23 banked samples and 28 prospectively collected) and 11 healthy volunteers were also analyzed. RESULTS The assay had an experimental variability <4%. In our banked samples, the mean concentration of plasma DNA in EC was 819.0 microg/L (range, 46.2-4738.0 microg/L) vs 432.0 microg/L (6.0-2888.0 microg/L) in GERD (P = 0.02). However, the prospectively collected samples had lower DNA concentrations, and there was no difference between cancer patients and controls. The mean DNA concentration was 10.6 microg/L (range, 7.0-14.0 microg/L) in healthy volunteers and 10.5 microg/L (range, 4.0-23.5 microg/L) in GERD controls vs 13.0 microg/L (range, 4.5-46.5 microg/L) in EC and 14.6 microg/L (range, 3.0-30.0 microg/L) in LC. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that plasma DNA concentrations are of limited diagnostic value when samples are prospectively collected and uniformly handled. This is in contrast to previously published results. Qualitative analysis of DNA may be needed if plasma nucleic acids are to be used as a diagnostic tool in cancer screening.
Identification of an MSI-H Tumor-Specific Cytotoxic T Cell Epitope Generated by the (−1) Frame of U79260(FTO)

Microsatellite instability (MSI-H) induced by defects of the DNA mismatch repair system results in insertion or deletion of single nucleotides at short repetitive DNA sequences. About 15% of sporadic and approximately 90% of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancers display MSI-H. When affecting coding regions, MSI-H results in frameshift mutations and expression of corresponding frameshift peptides (FSPs). Functional tumor promoting relevance has been demonstrated for a growing number of genes frequently hit by MSI-H. Contrary, immune reactions against FSPs are involved in the immune surveillance of MSI-H cancers. Here, we provide conclusive data that the (−1) frame of U79260(FTO) encodes an HLA-A0201-restricted cytotoxic T cell epitope (FSP11; TLSPGWSAV). T cells specific for FSP11 efficiently recognized HLA-A0201(pos) tumor cells harboring the mutated reading frame. Considering the exceptionally high mutation rate of U79260(FTO) in MSI-H colorectal carcinoma (81.8%), this recommends that FSP11 be a component of future vaccines.
Learning in the third age: drawing wisdom from reflective stories in community art education

ABSTRACT Third-age learning is a subset of lifelong learning enjoyed by individuals in the stage of retirement, and often 60 years or older. Community art education (CAE) for learners in the third age commonly occurs in recreational settings, nursing homes, museums, libraries and places of worship. In addition to these informal learning sites, there are CAE programmes developed within postsecondary institutions that provide opportunities for artistic inquiry and instruction. In the following article, we share a case study involving third-age learners conducted in the 2014/2015 academic year. We begin by briefly describing an innovative CAE programme at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, and then discuss a specific initiative undertaken in cooperation with the University’s alumnae extended education programme. Our study explored large questions about motivation, curriculum and pedagogy, but also focused on major themes in lifelong learning and the individual stories of the participants. One participant, named Reto, is featured in this article, and with his collaboration we offer a co-constructed narrative alongside an analysis of themes including personal development and social inclusion. The insights gained through our study have potential broad applicability for the general area of university–community partnerships and for CAE for the growing third-age population.
Factors influencing students’ adoption of e-learning: a structural equation modeling approach

Purpose This research aims to examine the factors that may hinder or enable the adoption of e-learning systems by university students. Design/methodology/approach A conceptual framework was developed through extending the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, hedonic motivation, habit, social influence, price value and facilitating conditions) by incorporating two additional factors, namely, trust and self-efficacy. Data were collected from students at two universities in England using a cross-sectional questionnaire survey between January and March 2015. Findings The results showed that behavioral intention (BI) was significantly influenced by performance expectancy, social influence, habit, hedonic motivation, self-efficacy, effort expectancy and trust, in their order of influencing the strength and explained 70.6 per cent of the variance in behavioral intention. Contrary to expectations, facilitating conditions and price value did not have an influence on behavioral intention. Originality/value The aforementioned factors are considered critical in explaining technology adoption but, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, there has been no study in which all these factors were modeled together. Therefore, this study will contribute to the literature related to social networking adoption by integrating all these variables and the first to be tested in the UK universities.
Unionised Oligopoly, Trade Liberalisation and Location Choice

In a two-country reciprocal dumping model, with one country unionized, we analyze how wage setting and firm location are influenced by trade liberalization. We show that trade liberalization can induce FDI, which is at odds with conventional theoretical wisdom and cannot happen in a corresponding model without unionization. FDI is undertaken partly to win a distributional battle with unionized labor, and the incentives to invest abroad can be too large seen from a welfare point of view.
Direct numerical simulation of the sedimentation of solid particles with thermal convection

Dispersed two-phase flows often involve interfacial activities such as chemical reaction and phase change, which couple the fluid dynamics with heat and mass transfer. As a step toward understanding such problems, we numerically simulate the sedimentation of solid bodies in a Newtonian fluid with convection heat transfer. The two-dimensional Navier–Stokes and energy equations are solved at moderate Reynolds numbers by a finite-element method, and the motion of solid particles is tracked using an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian scheme. Results show that thermal convection may fundamentally change the way that particles move and interact. For a single particle settling in a channel, various Grashof-number regimes are identified, where the particle may settle straight down or migrate toward a wall or oscillate laterally. A pair of particles tend to separate if they are colder than the fluid and aggregate if they are hotter. These effects are analysed in terms of the competition between the thermal convection and the external flow relative to the particle. The mechanisms thus revealed have interesting implications for the formation of microstructures in interfacially active two-phase flows.
New paradoxes in intertemporal choice

Similar to research on risky choice, the traditional analysis of intertemporal choice takes the view that an individual behaves so as to maximize the discounted sum of all future utilities. The well-known Allais paradox contradicts the fundamental postulates of maximizing the expected value or utility of a risky option. We describe a violation of the law of diminishing marginal utility as well as an intertemporal version of the Allais paradox.
Surgical sperm recovery for intracytoplasmic sperm injection: which method is to be preferred?

Different methods for recovering epididymal or testicular spermatozoa have been described and each has its drawbacks and advantages. Percutaneous aspiration of the testis may be the method of choice in cases of irreparable obstructive azoospermia. Using a 21-gauge needle, spermatozoa may be recovered in 96 % of patients. More patients undergoing fine-needle aspiration experienced less pain than expected as compared with those undergoing open biopsy. Microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) is the preferred method in patients with an incomplete work-up because, if indicated, a vasoepididymostomy can be performed concomitantly with a full scrotal exploration. In azoospermic patients with testicular failure, the sperm recovery rate, i.e. the chance of finding at least one spermatozoon, is around 50% after multiple open biopsies. However, the fertilization rates after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are significantly lower than in men with normal spermatogenesis, and complete fertilization failure may occur more frequently. Although the combination of testicular sperm extraction (TESE) and ICSI may be the sole treatment available for infertility because of non-obstructive azoospermia, the overall success rate is limited and ongoing pregnancies are obtained in < or =20% of ICSI cycles. In patients with incomplete Sertoli cell-only syndrome, testicular damage may be limited by use of a selective microsurgical approach; less invasive methods such as fine-needle aspiration are not useful in these patients. Of 14 patients with primary testicular failure as proven by histopathology, only in one case (7.1%) were spermatozoa recovered by multiple aspirations, while in nine cases (64.3%) spermatozoa were recovered by open biopsy. Although the pregnancy rates reported after ICSI with frozen-thawed testicular spermatozoa from patients with primary testicular failure are relatively low, the recovery of testicular spermatozoa by open biopsy followed by cryopreservation may be the method of choice by which to prevent repeat surgery and pointless ovarian stimulation in the female partner.
Phylogeographic Diversity of Pathogenic and Non-Pathogenic Hantaviruses in Slovenia

Slovenia is a very diverse country from a natural geography point of view, with many different habitats within a relatively small area, in addition to major geological and climatic differences. It is therefore not surprising that several small mammal species have been confirmed to harbour hantaviruses: A. flavicollis (Dobrava virus), A. agrarius (Dobrava virus–Kurkino), M. glareolus (Puumala virus), S. areanus (Seewis virus), M. agrestis, M. arvalis and M. subterraneus (Tula virus). Three of the viruses, namely the Dobrava, Dobrava–Kurkino and Puumala viruses, cause disease in humans, with significant differences in the severity of symptoms. Due to changes in haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome cases (HFRS) epidemiology, a detailed study on phylogenetic diversity and molecular epidemiology of pathogenic and non-pathogenic hantaviruses circulating in ecologically diverse endemic regions was performed. The study presents one of the largest collections of hantavirus L, M and S sequences obtained from hosts and patients within a single country. Several genetic lineages were determined for each hantavirus species, with higher diversity among non-pathogenic compared to pathogenic viruses. For pathogenic hantaviruses, a significant geographic clustering of human- and rodent-derived sequences was confirmed. Several geographic and ecological factors were recognized as influencing and limiting the formation of endemic areas.
Characterizing scholar popularity: A case study in the Computer Science research community

A common live debate among scholars regards the popularity, productivity and impact of research. This paper aims to contribute to such discussion by quantifying the impact of various academic features on a scholar popularity throughout her career. Using a list of over 2 million publications in the Computer Science research area obtained from two large digital libraries, we analyze how features that capture the number and rate of publications, number and quality of publication venues, and the importance of the scholar in the co-authorship network relate to the scholar popularity. We also investigate the temporal dynamics of scholar popularity, identifying a few common profiles, and characterizing scholars in each profile according to their academic features.
An efficient biometric based personal authentication system using Finger Knuckle Prints features

Among several biometric systems presented in the literature, Finger Knuckle Print (FKP) authentication systems have received a great deal of attention in recent years. The present paper investigates a novel method in order to extract the optimal discriminant features from FKP images. This method use the 1D-Log Gabor filter, the Gabor filter bank and the Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA). In the first step, the Region of Interest (ROI) of a FKP images is analysis with a 1D Log-Gabor wavelet to extract the preliminary feature which is presented by the real parts of the filtered image. In the second step, a Gabor filter bank is applied on the preliminary feature in order to selection only the discriminative features of FKP image. Finally, in the third step, the LDA technique is used to reduce the dimensionality of this feature and enhance its discriminatory power. Our biometric system is based on Nearest Neighbour classifier which uses the cosine Mahalanobis distance for the matching process. Experimental results showed that the proposed system achieves better results than other state-of-the-art systems.
Baseline Study of Striga Control using IR Maize in Western Kenya

4 Acknowledgements The authors wish to thank all the individuals and institutions who participated in the successful completion of this study. The authors are especially grateful to: • AATF staff for their financial and logistic support • Farmers in Nyanza and Western provinces who responded to the questions • The provincial directors of agriculture in Nyanza and Western provinces and their staff • Dr George Odhiambo of the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) in Kibos & Maseno University for his scientific advice and technical backstopping • Collaborators from the Western Regional Alliance for Technology Evaluation (We-RATE), a consortium of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), for the background information provided • IITA staff in Kenya for the professional supervision of the field activities and those in the Social Science Laboratory at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) headquarters in Nigeria for the technical backup and management of the huge database generated by this study.
A survey on deceptions in online social networks

Online Social Network (OSN) sites continue to grow and dominate the Internet with billions of users signing up and actively participating in these sites. The users use the sites to build relationships between old and new friends, trusting them by exchanging and sharing information. However, the OSN users are unaware of security and privacy threats instilled with their trust. Many threats exploit the trust in the users as they create their way into their targeted victims' virtual communities to gather and diffuse information. In this paper, we present a survey on the types of trust deception attacks on OSN users and the existing solutions to detect and prevent users' trust from being deceived. Finally, we will present open research issues in this area that require further significant research efforts.
The Effects of Entrepreneurship Education

Entrepreneurship education ranks highly on policy agendas in Europe and the US, but little research is available to assess its impacts. In this context it is of primary importance to understand whether entrepreneurship education raises intentions to be entrepreneurial generally or whether it helps students determine how well suited they are for entrepreneurship. We develop a theoretical model of Bayesian learning in which entrepreneurship education generates signals which help students to evaluate their own aptitude for entrepreneurial tasks. We derive predictions from the model and test them using data from a compulsory entrepreneurship course at a German university. Using survey responses from 189 students ex ante and ex post, we find that entrepreneurial propensity declined somewhat in spite of generally good evaluations of the class. Our tests of Bayesian updating provide support for the notion that students receive valuable signals and learn about their own type in the entrepreneurship course.
When Increasing the Strength of the Argument Becomes Counterproductive: The Role of Argumentative Markers in the Arousal of the Psychological Reactance

The rationale of this study is that by stressing the argumentative force of the message, and thus orientating its processing, scalar adverbs are likely to be processed as an attempt to influence the decision making as regards the message advocacy and consequently trigger some aversive reactions in the recipients. To support this claim, an experiment is conducted in a context of a (campus) health promotion program dealing with HIV infection. It shows that the introduction of such adverbs in an epidemiological information report increases the cognitive and affective outcomes dealing with psychological reactance, and decreases the message acceptability and the behavioral intentions. It also shows that for the affective component of psychological reactance and message acceptability, these effects occur especially when the source of the message is perceived as authoritative. The persuasiveness of such linguistic items in the context of health communication is addressed in the conclusion of the study.
Evidence of the Effect of Trust Building Technology in Electronic Markets: Price Premiums and Buyer Behavior

Despite the wide use of reputational mechanisms such as eBay's Feedback Forum to promote trust, empirical studies have shown conflicting results as to whether online feedback mechanisms induce trust and lead to higher auction prices. This study examines the extent to which trust can be induced by proper feedback mechanisms in electronic markets, and how some risk factors play a role in trust formation. Drawing from economic, sociological, and marketing theories and using data from both an online experiment and an online auction market, we demonstrate that appropriate feedback mechanisms can induce calculus-based credibility trust without repeated interactions between two transacting parties. Trust can mitigate information asymmetry by reducing transaction-specific risks, therefore generating price premiums for reputable sellers. In addition, the research also examines the role that trust plays in mitigating the risks inherent in transactions that involve very expensive products.