Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Abusive supervision and organizational citizenship behaviour: is supervisor–subordinate guanxi a mediator?

This study attempts to extend the theoretical and empirical work of previous studies on abusive supervision in light of new insights into supervisor–subordinate guanxi (s-s guanxi) and two distinct dimensions of organizational citizenship behaviours. Data were collected from a survey of 280 employees and their 280 direct supervisors in a Chinese organization. Results indicate that abusive supervision is positively related to subordinates' organizational citizenship behaviours towards individuals (OCBI), whereas there is no relationship between abusive supervision and organizational citizenship behaviours towards the organization (OCBO). Moreover, our analyses establish a mediating role of s-s guanxi in the relationship between abusive supervision and OCBI and OCBO. Our results also demonstrate that s-s guanxi more strongly affects OCBI than OCBO. Implications and specific suggestions for practitioners are discussed.
Association of Nef with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Core

ABSTRACT Highly conserved among primate lentiviruses, the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Nef protein enhances viral infectivity by an unknown mechanism. Nef-defective virions are blocked at a stage of the HIV-1 life cycle between entry and reverse transcription, possibly virus uncoating. Nef is present in purified HIV-1 particles; however, it has not been determined whether Nef is specifically recruited into HIV-1 particles or whether virion-associated Nef plays a functional role in HIV-1 replication. To address the specificity and potential functionality of virion-associated Nef, we determined the subviral localization of Nef. HIV-1 cores were isolated by detergent treatment of concentrated virions followed by equilibrium density gradient sedimentation. Relative to HIV-1 virions, HIV-1 cores contained equivalent amounts of reverse transcriptase and integrase, decreased amounts of the viral matrix protein, and trace quantities of the viral transmembrane glycoprotein gp41. Examination of the particles by electron microscopy revealed cone-shaped structures characteristic of lentiviral cores. Similar quantities of proteolytically processed Nef protein were detected in gradient fractions of HIV-1 cores and intact virions. In addition, detergent-resistant subviral complexes isolated from immature HIV-1 particles contained similar quantities of Nef as untreated virions. These results demonstrate that Nef stably associates with the HIV-1 core and suggest that virion-associated Nef plays a functional role in accelerating HIV-1 replication.
Practitioner review: current best practice in the management of adverse events during treatment with ADHD medications in children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND Medication is an important element of therapeutic strategies for ADHD. While medications for ADHD are generally well-tolerated, there are common, although less severe, as well as rare but severe adverse events AEs during treatment with ADHD drugs. The aim of this review is to provide evidence- and expert-based guidance concerning the management of (AEs) with medications for ADHD. METHODS For ease of use by practitioners and clinicians, the article is organized in a simple question and answer format regarding the prevalence and management of the most common AEs. Answers were based on empirical evidence from studies (preferably meta-analyses or systematic reviews) retrieved in PubMed, Ovid, EMBASE and Web of Knowledge through 30 June 2012. When no empirical evidence was available, expert consensus of the members of the European ADHD Guidelines Group is provided. The evidence-level of the management recommendations was based on the SIGN grading system. RESULTS The review covers monitoring and management strategies of loss of appetite and growth delay, cardiovascular risks, sleep disturbance, tics, substance misuse/abuse, seizures, suicidal thoughts/behaviours and psychotic symptoms. CONCLUSION Most AEs during treatment with drugs for ADHD are manageable and most of the times it is not necessary to stop medication, so that patients with ADHD may continue to benefit from the effectiveness of pharmacological treatment.
Pursuing Discipline and Ethical Issues in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria

Discipline and ethics are twin issues that tend to undermine the provision of quality education in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. This is because the overall goals of tertiary institutions as enunciated in the National Policy of Education can hardly be achieved by all the stakeholders without strict conformity and adherence to the rules and regulations and the ideals of the entire society. The adherence is essential for the general welfare of the society. This paper critically x-rayed the causes of indiscipline in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Such courses include laxity in home control and parental supervision, school, teacher and societal factors as well as government influence. The paper recommended among others such strategies as enculturation, acculturation as well as acquisition of a certain number of generic skills for dealing with discipline and ethical issues in tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Under the clean surface

This is a reflexive ethnographic study of cleaners at a Finnish hotel. There were grounds in the cleaners’ working conditions for resistance and organisational misbehaviour to arise, but almost no collective actions or protests were performed. The needed common identity and problem definition was lacking because of two important impediments: each hotel cleaner had to perform her work alone and there were few other opportunities to meet and discuss conditions; and they were divided into ethnic cliques with close to no communication between them. Instead resistance took individual forms, such as fiddling with cleaning standards and thefts.
Brazil's Bolsa Família: A Double-Edged Sword?

In common with most Latin American countries, as governments embrace safety nets to attack poverty, conditional cash transfer (CCT) programmes have become part of mainstream social policy in Brazil. Under president Fernando Henrique Cardoso (1995–2002), and especially since Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva took office in 2003, targeted assistance in education, health and nutrition, now united under Bolsa Familia, have expanded rapidly to benefit forty-four million (24 per cent of the total population), absorbing almost two-fifths of the social assistance budget earmarked for the poorest sectors. Despite its operational problems, Bolsa Familia appears to have been effective in providing short-term relief to some of the most deprived groups in Brazil. Yet it could prove to be a double-edged sword. There is a risk that, due to its popularity among both the poor and Brazil's politicians, Bolsa Familia could greatly increase patronage in the distribution of economic and social benefits and induce a strong dependence on government handouts. There are also early signs that it may be contributing to a reduction in social spending in key sectors such as education, housing and basic sanitation, possibly undermining the country's future social and economic development.
Call and Continuous Trading Mechanisms Under Asymmetric Information: An Experimental Investigation

I examine the relative performance of call and continuous auctions under asymmetric information by manipulating trading rules and information sets in laboratory asset markets. I find significant differences in an environment that extends the Kyle (1985) framework to permit the exogenous liquidity trading motive to have a natural economic interpretation. The adverse selection costs incurred by noise traders are significantly lower under the call auction, despite no significant reduction in average price efficiency. This result suggests that discussions of the costs and benefits of insider trading should take place within the context of a specific trading mechanism. UNDERSTANDING THE INFLUENCE of the trading process on the price formation process is a fundamental goal of the large microstructure literature. An important feature of much of this work has been the replacement of the "Walrasian auctioneer" of general equilibrium theory with market makers who stand ready to provide liquidity and immediacy when buy and sell orders are imperfectly synchronized. In this framework, the presence of agents with "inside information" has an important influence on market liquidity and the price formation process. Seminal theoretical works here include Glosten and Milgrom (1985) and Kyle (1985). A primary purpose of this study is to extend this work by examining the behavior of competitive market makers under alternative trading arrangements that differ on the fundamental dimension of whether orders are temporally consolidated prior to execution. The method of inquiry is experimental economics. The two mechanisms I investigate are a call auction, in which all buy and sell orders arriving during a specified interval are batched and executed at a single price, and a continuous auction, in which each buy and sell order is executed upon arrival. Both mechanisms are widely employed. While a call auction is the primary trading mechanism on many continental European stock exchanges, the growing Nasdaq over the counter (OTC) market relies exclusively on a continuous mechanism. In addition, hybrid systems that
A New Statistical-Based Kurtosis Wavelet Energy Feature for Texture Recognition of SAR Images

In this paper, an efficient algorithm for texture recognition of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images is developed based on wavelet transform as a feature extraction tool and support vector machine (SVM) as a classifier. SAR image segmentation is an important step in texture recognition of SAR images. SAR images cannot be segmented successfully by using traditional methods because of the existence of speckle noise in SAR images. The algorithm, proposed in this paper, extracts the texture feature by using wavelet transform; then, it forms a feature vector composed of kurtosis value of wavelet energy feature of SAR image. In the next step, segmentation of different textures is applied by using feature vector and level set function. At last, an SVM classifier is designed and trained by using normalized feature vectors of each region texture. The testing sets of SAR images are segmented by this trained SVM. Experimental results on both agricultural and urban SAR images show that the proposed algorithm is effective for classification of different textures in SAR images, and it is also insensitive to the intensity.
Novel mechanism of antibodies to hepatitis B virus in blocking viral particle release from cells

Antibodies are thought to exert antiviral activities by blocking viral entry into cells and/or accelerating viral clearance from circulation. In particular, antibodies to hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) confer protection, by binding circulating virus. Here, we used mathematical modeling to gain information about viral dynamics during and after single or multiple infusions of a combination of two human monoclonal anti‐HBs (HepeX‐B) antibodies in patients with chronic hepatitis B. The antibody HBV‐17 recognizes a conformational epitope, whereas antibody HBV‐19 recognizes a linear epitope on the HBsAg. The kinetic profiles of the decline of serum HBV DNA and HBsAg revealed partial blocking of virion release from infected cells as a new antiviral mechanism, in addition to acceleration of HBV clearance from the circulation. We then replicated this approach in vitro, using cells secreting HBsAg, and compared the prediction of the mathematical modeling obtained from the in vivo kinetics. In vitro, HepeX‐B treatment of HBsAg‐producing cells showed cellular uptake of antibodies, resulting in intracellular accumulation of viral particles. Blocking of HBsAg secretion also continued after HepeX‐B was removed from the cell culture supernatants. Conclusion: These results identify a novel antiviral mechanism of antibodies to HBsAg (anti‐HBs) involving prolonged blocking of the HBV and HBsAg subviral particles release from infected cells. This may have implications in designing new therapies for patients with chronic HBV infection and may also be relevant in other viral infections. (HEPATOLOGY 2010;)
Preoperative endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration for diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in potentially resectable patients: Is this safe?

10.4103/2303-9027.156708 Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) has become the preferred method for tissue acquisition in patients with pancreatic cancer and plays an important role in several proposed diagnostic and staging algorithms. [1,2] Although the diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNA for solid pancreatic cancers is variable, a recent meta-analysis reported pooled sensitivity and specifi city of 85% and 98%, respectively. When atypical or suspicious cytology were included to determine true neoplasms, the sensitivity increased to 91% with 94% specificity. [3] EUS-FNA is a relatively safe procedure with an overall complication rate of 1-2%. [2] However, some have suggested that EUS-FNA should not be performed on patients with potentially resectable pancreatic neoplasms due to concerns of needle tract tumor seeding, especially if the area of surgical resection does not include the needle tract site. EUS-FNA is typically performed with a transduodenal approach for pancreatic head masses, with the sampled duodenal region resected along with the entire pancreatic head during curative intent surgery. For pancreatic body and tail masses, EUS-FNA is performed transgastrically at an area that is not typically resected during surgery, raising concern that FNA by this method could result in an even higher risk of tumor seeding and gastric or peritoneal implantation.
Determinants of Bilateral Trade Flows in OECD Countries: Evidence from Gravity Panel Data Models

This paper aims to identify the main causes of bilateral trade flows in OECD countries. The specific features of the study include the explicit introduction of R&D and FDI as the two important explanatory variables, conduct of unit root tests in the panel data framework and careful consideration of endogeneity. The main findings are that the levels and similarities of market size, domestic R&D stock and inward FDI stock are positively related to bilateral trade, while the distance, measured by both geographical distance and relative factor endowment, between trade partner countries has a negative impact. These findings lend support to new trade, FDI and new growth theories.
Phenylbutyrate rescues dendritic spine loss associated with memory deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and ageing are associated with impaired learning and memory, and recent findings point toward modulating chromatin remodeling through histone acetylation as a promising therapeutic strategy. Here we report that systemic administration of the HDAC inhibitor 4‐phenylbutyrate (PBA) reinstated fear learning in the Tg2576 mouse model of AD. Tg2576 mice develop age‐dependent amyloid pathology and cognitive decline that closely mimics disease progression in humans. Memory reinstatement by PBA was observed independently of the disease stage: both in 6‐month‐old Tg2576 mice, at the onset of the first symptoms, but also in aged, 12‐ to 16‐month‐old mice, when amyloid plaque deposition and major synaptic loss has occurred. Reversal of learning deficits was associated to a PBA‐induced clearance of intraneuronal Aβ accumulation, which was accompanied by mitigation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and to restoration of dendritic spine densities of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons to control levels. Furthermore, the expression of plasticity‐related proteins such as the NMDA receptor subunit NR2B and the synaptic scaffold SAP102 was significantly increased by PBA. Our data suggest that the beneficial effects of PBA in memory are mediated both via its chemical chaperone‐like activity and via the transcriptional activation of a cluster of proteins required for the induction of synaptic plasticity and structural remodeling. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Are Stress-Induced Cortisol Changes During Pregnancy Associated With Postpartum Depressive Symptoms?

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between psychobiological stress reactivity during healthy pregnancy and depressive symptoms in the early puerperium. Methods: A sample of healthy nulliparous pregnant women (N = 57) between the ages of 21 and 35 years underwent a standardized psychosocial stress test during pregnancy. Within an average of 13 days after delivery, postpartum depressive symptoms were assessed using the German version of the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS). The sample was divided into a group with probable cases (EPDS score >9, N = 16) and a group with probable noncases (EPDS score ≤9, N = 41). Results: The probable case group showed significantly higher cortisol responses to the stress test compared with the probable noncase group, whereas baseline levels did not differ. Additionally, women in the probable case group showed significantly higher state anxiety and lower mood state throughout the experiment. Furthermore, the probable case group showed higher stress susceptibility, higher trait anxiety, and higher levels in the Symptom Checklist. No differences were found for prior episodes of psychiatric disorders, obstetrical complications, birth weight, or mode of delivery. Conclusions: Our data provide evidence that healthy pregnant women developing postpartum depressive symptoms might already be identified during pregnancy by means of their higher cortisol reactivity and their higher psychological reactivity in response to psychosocial stress. Further investigations are required to explore whether higher psychobiological stress responses not only precede depressive symptoms within 2 weeks after birth, but might also predict postpartum major depression. ANOVA = analysis of variance; ANCOVA = analysis of covariance; AUC = area under the curve; HPA = hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal; EPDS = Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale; MDBF = Multidimensional Mood Questionnaire; MESA = Stress Susceptibility Scale; SEM = standard error of means; SD = standard deviation; SCL90-R = Symptom-Checklist-90-Revised; STAI = State-Trait Anxiety Inventory; TSST = Trier Social Stress Test; VAS=Visual Analog Scale.
Patterns and motivations of successful women pursuing their careers in New Zealand call centres

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on the experience of women working in New Zealand call centres after finding contrary evidence in the international research which suggests call centre work does not offer career opportunities for its mainly female workforce. The research seeks to explore the career progress of women in a selection of call centres to determine whether the New Zealand employment relations context contributed to outcomes different to those reported in the international research.Design/methodology/approach – Case study methodology and six different call centre types were used to find 32 women who had experienced career progress. Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews were held with the women and senior management representatives at each organisation. Analysis of interview transcripts identified common themes and patterns across the case studies. Insights were gained from survey responses from 60 entry‐level workers, many of whom were return‐to‐work mothers, new immigrants or stud.
Productivity-enhancing public investment and benefit taxation: the case of factor-augmenting public inputs

Government expenditure on public inputs such as human capital formation and public infrastructure can significantly affect productivity. An interesting and highly relevant policy question is whether such expenditure should be financed according to the benefit-taxation principle. Focusing on factor-augmenting public inputs, in this paper we derive the specification of the appropriate set of benefit taxes. Rather than fall on industries according to the degree to which the public input increases their productivities, these taxes must take the form of differential taxes on factor incomes.
Environmental Awareness among Homeowners in Selected Developed Settlements

Responses to a contingent valuation (CV) survey are used to examine how homeowners distinguish among five environmental orientations and how demographic characteristics, political outlook, and perception of environmental quality relate to particular orientations. High percentages of homeowners somewhat identify with all environmental orientations, but to a lesser extent with those that imply active use of the environment, strong ideological commitment, or willingness to sacrifice or make tradeoffs for environmental quality. Environmental orientations relate to demographic characteristics, political outlook, and perception in ways that generally are consistent with existing hypotheses. The conclusions suggest that environmental orientations can be conceptualized on a continuum ranging from egoistic to biospheric.
Economic, Demographic and Fiscal Influences on Housing Market Dynamics

This paper examines the behaviour of the Irish housing market during the boom of the late nineties. The market experienced substantial price increases in the late nineties. This paper aims to examine the fundamental factors at play in the Irish market and to see if a speculative element was present in house price dynamics in this period. Fundamental models of both housing supply and demand are modelled and generally provide an accurate depiction of the market. Tests for evidence of speculative behaviour in the market show that substantial premiums over fundamental value were observable in the late nineties. However, in most cases the markets had returned to equilibrium by 2001. Regional differences are also observed, however, this may in some part be due to data bias and these findings should be viewed with some level of caution.
When Did Firms Become More Different? Time-Varying Firm-Specific Volatility in Japan

We document how firm-specific volatility in sales, earnings and employment growth evolved year by year in Japan. Our volatility measure also indicates the evolution of firm turnover. We find that patterns in firm-specific volatility have changed when macroeconomic circumstances have. Firm turnover declined during the economic stagnation of 1991-1997. The deep downturn of fiscal years 1998-2002 coincided with a substantial increase in turnover in market, profit and employment shares. Firm volatility tended to decline during the recovery after 2002. We assess whether the rise in firm turnover and deep downturn in 1998-2002 indicate that after a period of stagnation, weak firms were finally allowed to shrink or fail. Our evidence suggests that the widening in the firm growth distribution at that time did not reflect weak firms shrinking relative to healthy firms, indicating that the two recessions in 1998-2002 were not “cleansing”.
Positional Portfolio Management

We study positional portfolio management strategies in which the manager maximizes an expected utility function written on the cross-sectional rank (position) of the portfolio return. The objective function reflects the manager’s goal to be well-ranked among competitors. To implement positional allocation strategies, we specify a nonlinear unobservable factor model for the asset returns which disentangles the dynamics of the cross-sectional distribution and the dynamics of the ranks of the individual assets. Using a large dataset of stocks returns we find that positional strategies outperform standard momentum, reversal and mean-variance allocation strategies, as well as equally weighted portfolio for criteria based on position.