Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Scientists, Engineers and the Organization of Work

Abstract. Scientists and engineers experience job dissatisfaction and perform below potential productivity, largely because of conflict between professionalism and work bureaucracies. Research has documented potential gain on both counts through reduced hierarchical power of management and movement toward greater participation in shared decision‐making. But relative reduction in managerial power is not likely; neither is the spread of unionism for scientists and engineers as an offset to that power. Furthermore, any assumed transfer of power a la Veblen assures no social gain. Work organization for scientists and engineers is of direct relevance for economics. Yet, the human capital development in economics has ignored the entire question of the effect of work organization on productivity and job satisfaction. In doing so, it has divorced economics from other disciplines and sacrificed realism and relevance for quantitative rigor.
Effect of isopropyl myristic acid ester on the physical characteristics and in vitro release of etoposide from PLGA microspheres

The purpose of this paper was to study the effect of the isopropyl myristic acid ester (IPM) on the physicochemical characteristics of etoposide-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres-specifically, the effects on the size and drug loading of the microspheres, the polymer matrix and surface morphology, and the release of etoposide from the microspheres. The experiment was structured to examine 2 IPM concentrations (25% and 50%) and 1 control (no IPM) at 2 different etoposide-loading percentages (10% and 5%). The microspheres were prepared using a single-emulsion solvent-extraction procedure. Samples from each batch of microspheres were then analyzed for size distribution. drug-loading efficiency, surface characteristics, in vitro release, and in vitro microsphere degradation. The incorporation of 50% IPM significantly increased (P<05) the size of the microspheres when compared with the control and 25% IPM microspheres. However, incorporation of 25% or 50% IPM did not change (P>.05) the drug-loading efficiency in comparison with the microspheres prepared without IPM. The microspheres containing 50% IPM were shown to significantly increase (P<.05) the release of etoposide from the microspheres at both etoposide concentrations. The microspheres prepared incorporating 25% IPM and 5% etoposide increased the in vitro release (P<.05) in comparison with the microspheres prepared without IPM. The 5% etoposide-PLGA microspheres showed a smooth, nonporous surface that changed to a dimpled. nonporous surface after addition of 25% IPM. During the in vitro degradation study, the IPM-containing microspheres slowly became porous but retained their structural integrity throughout the experiment.
Housing Preferences of Vulnerable Elders in Suburbia

This article explores whether well and vulnerable elders residing in the suburbs differ in terms of: their level of satisfaction with their current living arrangement; their perception that they face a move within the next two years; and their level of interest in a series of different housing options. Our data support theoretical models that pose that diminished economic, physical, and social resources "push" vulnerable elders towards relocation. The data revealed that while the majority of well and vulnerable elders expressed high levels of satisfaction with their current homes, the vulnerable elders were significantly more likely to feel they faced an upcoming move. Housing options of interest to these vulnerable elders and implications for community planners are also addressed.
Patterns and forms of Latino cultural landscapes: southwest Detroit, a case of incremental re-adaptive use

Latino immigrants are transforming and retrofitting lifeless, dilapidated, auto-oriented urban areas to create distinctive pedestrian-oriented places filled with urban activities and cultural representation. Two of the central questions this paper seeks to address are, why do Latino neighborhoods form in large urban areas and what are the forces that shape them? I have discovered that a three-part approach is critical in documenting the influence that Latinos have on communities. Part one looks at the current changes in the demographic landscape and patterns of consumption. Part two explores the issues and topics relating to neighborhood selection based on the presence of socio-cultural infrastructure and support. Part three looks in detail at the physical aspects of urban composition and neighborhood structure. By better understanding the issues contained in each part of the creation of a Latino neighborhood, policy makers, civic leaders, urban planners and designers can more effectively repopulate and facilitate healthier urban Latino communities while benefiting from the economic revitalization of derelict urban areas.
Organizational and supervisory support in relation to employee turnover intentions

Purpose – The present paper aims to examine the relationship between perceived organizational support (POS), perceived supervisory support (PSS) and turnover intentions. The paper also aims to investigate whether employee's individual cultural values regarding collectivism and individualism moderate the relationship between POS and turnover intentions.Design/methodology/approach – Data were obtained utilizing survey from a sample of 304 full‐time employed adults working in insurance companies in Turkey. Employees completed regular survey that contained measures of the constructs of interest of this study.Findings – Results revealed that employees who perceive high levels of PSS but report low levels of POS will also report high levels of turnover intentions compared to employees who perceive low PSS and low POS.Practical implications – For increasing POS to be successful, managers must strive to find out the way to increase their social support, and then tailor support accordingly. Managers may benefit fr.
Phase I study with pharmacokinetics of S-1 on an oral daily schedule for 28 days in patients with solid tumors.

PURPOSE Our purpose in the study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose and dose-limiting toxicity and investigate the clinical pharmacology of S-1, a combination of tegafur, 5-chloro-2,4-dihydroxypyridine (CDHP), and potassium oxonate. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Eligible patients had advanced solid tumors, adequate organ function, and no anticancer therapy in the preceding 4 weeks. Dose level 1 was 30 mg/m(2)/dose, level 2 was 40 mg/m(2)/dose, and level 3 was 35 allmg/m(2)/dose, all of the levels comprising two daily doses. S-1 was administered as a single dose at each level, and its pharmacology was studied. The first course was begun 3 days later and consisted of 28 consecutive treatment days, followed by a 1-week rest. RESULTS Sixteen patients were enrolled; toxicity could be assessed in all of the 16 and response in 15. At dose level 1, two of nine patients developed grade 3 hyperbilirubinemia or diarrhea. Dose-limiting toxicity (diarrhea) occurred in all three of the patients at dose level 2. The protocol was, therefore, amended to include an intermediate dose level (level 3), which caused grade 3 or 4 diarrhea or hyperbilirubinemia in three of four patients. Dose level 1 was thus considered as the maximum tolerated dose. Other grade 3 or 4 toxic effects at dose level 2 or 3 were granulocytopenia, nausea, and vomiting. The pharmacology of tegafur, CDHP, potassium oxonate, and fluorouracil (a metabolite of tegafur) was characterized by rapid absorption and was consistent with first-order kinetics. One patient with colorectal cancer had a durable partial response. CONCLUSIONS The recommended S-1 dose for future studies is 30 mg/m(2) twice daily, and diarrhea is the most frequent toxic effect. Additional trials of S-1 in the treatment of patients with solid tumors are warranted.
Active Smoking, Passive Smoking, and Risk of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): A Population-Based Study in China

Background The effect of active smoking on development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is controversial, and there are limited clinical data on the relationship between passive smoking and NAFLD. We investigated whether active and passive smoking are associated with NAFLD. Methods A total of 8580 subjects (2691 men) aged 40 years or older participated in a community-based survey in Shanghai, China. Information on active and passive smoking was collected using a validated questionnaire. NAFLD was diagnosed by abdominal B-mode ultrasound testing and serum liver enzymes. Results NAFLD prevalence was 29.4% in never smokers, 34.2% in former smokers, 27.8% in light smokers (<20 cigarettes/day), 30.8% in moderate smokers (20–39 cigarettes/day), and 43.5% in heavy smokers (≥40 cigarettes/day). Fully adjusted logistic regression analyses revealed that, as compared with never smoking, former and heavy smoking were associated with increased risk of prevalent NAFLD, with odds ratios of 1.45 (95% CI 1.05–2.00) and 2.29 (95% CI 1.30–4.03), respectively. Active smoking and body mass index (BMI) had a synergistic effect on the risk of prevalent NAFLD; the combination of these risk factors was associated with the highest observed odds ratio for NAFLD: 8.58. In never-smoking women, passive smoking during both childhood and adulthood was associated with a 25% increase in the risk of prevalent NAFLD (OR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.05–1.50) as compared with no passive smoking. Conclusions Passive smoking and heavy active smoking are associated with prevalent NAFLD in middle-aged and elderly Chinese. Active smoking and BMI have a synergistic effect on prevalent NAFLD.
An Initial Comparison Of Collaborative And Expert-Driven Consultation On Treatment Integrity

Although over 15 years have passed since Witt (1990) noted that no empirical evidence exists to support the contention that a collaborative approach to consultation leads to more positive outcomes than a hierarchical or expert driven approach, this issue generally remains unaddressed (Schulte & Osborne, 2003). While the literature documenting the benefits of consultation has continued to grow, a true head-to-head comparison has not been conducted. The purpose of the present study was to directly address Witt's call by empirically examining the impact of two consultation styles on a critical variable, practitioner treatment integrity. It was hypothesized that the involvement of practitioners in all aspects of intervention design would increase their level of treatment integrity. Two single-subject experiments using multiple baseline across subjects designs were used to examine the difference in level of treatment integrity for an imported, expert-driven intervention and a partnership-designed intervention. The first experiment was divided into three phases: (a) Phase I, Expert-driven Model; (b) Phase II, Treatment Integrity Intervention; and (c) Phase III, Partnership Model. The second experiment presented the three phases in reverse order to address the possibility of presentation effects: (a) Phase I, Partnership Model; (b) Phase II, Expert-driven Model; and (c) Phase III, Treatment Integrity Intervention. In general, the five participants who completed the three phases of the experiments demonstrated higher levels of treatment integrity during the partnership phase. Overall, the results suggest that engaging with consultees in a collaborative approach may increase the level of integrity with which the intervention is applied.
Observatory's linguistic landscape: semiotic appropriation and the reinvention of space

Using a longitudinal ethnographic study of the linguistic landscape (LL) in Observatory's business corridor of Lower Main Road, the paper explores changes brought about by the influx of immigrant Africans, their artefacts and language practices. The paper uses the changes in the LL over time and the development of an “African Corner” within Lower Main Road, to illustrate the appropriation of space and the unpredictability, which comes along with highly mobile, technological and multicultural citizens. It is argued that changes in the LL are part of the act of claiming and appropriating space wherein space becomes summarily recontexualized and hence reinvented and “owned” by new actors. It is also argued that space ownership can be concealed through what we have called “brand anonymity” strategies in which the identity of the owner is deliberately concealed behind global brands. We conclude that space is pliable and mobile, and that, it is the people within space who carve out new social practices in their appropriated space.
Intercultural service encounters (ICSE): an extended framework and empirical validation

Purpose – This paper aims to extend the intercultural service encounters (ICSE) framework using role theory and information asymmetry perspective, to hypothesize differences in the strength of many relationships based on service role (customers versus employees). Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents the results of a field‐experiment with 204 restaurant employees and 241 customers in Hong Kong using a service failure scenario and photographs of Western versus Asian customers to manipulate perceived cultural distance.Findings – Perceived cultural distance has a stronger negative effect on inter‐role congruence, interaction comfort has a stronger positive effect on perceived service level and inter‐role congruence on adequate service level, for customers versus employees. Intercultural competence has a stronger positive effect on inter‐role congruence for employees versus customers, and it moderates the influence of perceived cultural distance on interaction comfort and inter‐role congruence.Resea.
Test of Multi-spectral Vegetation Index for Floating and Canopy-forming Submerged Vegetation

Remote sensing of terrestrial vegetation has been successful thanks to the unique spectral characteristics of green vegetation, low reflectance in red and high reflectance in Near-InfraRed (NIR). These spectral characteristics were used to develop vegetation indices, including Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). However, the NIR absorption by water and light scattering from suspended particles reduces the practical application of such indices in aquatic vegetation studies, especially for the Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) that grows below water surface. We experimentally tested if NDVI can be used to depict canopies of aquatic plants in shallow waters. A 100-gallon-outdoor tank was lined with black pond liners, a black panel or SAV shoots were mounted on the bottom, and filled with water up to 0.5 m. We used a GER 1500 spectroradiometer to collect spectral data over floating waterhyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and also over the tanks that contain SAV and black panel at varying water depths. The measured upwelling radiance was converted to % reflectance; and we integrated the hyperspectral reflectance to match the Red and NIR bands of three satellite sensors: Landsat 7 ETM, SPOT 5 HRG, and ASTER. NDVI values ranged 0.6–0.65 when the SAV canopy was at the water level, then they decreased linearly (slope of 0.013 NDVI/meter) with water depth increases in clear water. When corrected for water attenuation using the data obtained from the black panel, the NDVI values significantly increased at all depths that we tested (0.1 – 0.5 m). Our results suggest the conventional NDVI: (1) can be used to depict SAV canopies at water surface; (2) is not a good indicator for SAV that is adapted to live underwater or other aquatic plants that are submerged during flooding even at shallow waters (0.3 m); and (3) the index values can significantly improve if information on spectral reflectance attenuation caused by water volume increases is collected simultaneously through ground-truthing and integrated.
Resilience predicting psychiatric symptoms: a prospective study of protective factors and their role in adjustment to stressful life events

Objective. The purpose of this prospective study was to explore the Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA) as a predictor for developing psychiatric symptoms when exposed to stressful life events. Methods. A healthy sample (N = 159) completed the RSA, the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25) and the occurrence of Stressful Life Events (SLE) twice, with a three-month interval. Results. The results indicated that the RSA measures important protective factors that buffer the development of psychiatric symptoms when individuals encounter stressful life events. Two of the RSA factors, in particular, contributed to buffering the development of psychiatric symptoms. Conclusion. The findings suggest that the RSA is a significant predictor of mental health and a useful tool for further research examining individual differences in stress tolerance. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The self‐esteem of children with physical disabilities: a review of the research

The prevalent view is that children with physical disabilities are likely to have greater emotional and psychological problems, including lower self-esteem, than that of their able-bodied peers (Arnold & Chapman, 1992). The basis for this is explored and the psychological research analysed to see whether it supports such a view. The analysis highlights the assumptions that have been made when researching this area, and the methodological difficulties in the research. The findings are that present research does not support the view that children with physical disabilities have a lower self-esteem than their able-bodied peers. It is suggested that a recognition of the psychological resilience of these children may be a helpful starting point when considering future research in this area.
Availability of Glutamate and Arginine during Acid Challenge Determines Cell Density-Dependent Survival Phenotype ofEscherichia coli Strains

ABSTRACT The cell density-dependent acid sensitivity phenotypes ofEscherichia coli strains K-12 and O157:H7 were examined with reference to three possible mechanisms of acid resistance. There was no evidence of any diffusible substance released from dead cells which could influence the cell density-dependent acid survival phenotype. Instead, cell density-dependent acid survival phenotype was associated with induction of glutamate- and arginine-decarboxylase acid survival pathways and concomitant availability of glutamate and arginine during acid challenge.
Molecular Phylogenetics of Candida albicans

ABSTRACT We analyzed data on multilocus sequence typing (MLST), ABC typing, mating type-like locus (MAT) status, and antifungal susceptibility for a panel of 1,391 Candida albicans isolates. Almost all (96.7%) of the isolates could be assigned by MLST to one of 17 clades. eBURST analysis revealed 53 clonal clusters. Diploid sequence type 69 was the most common MLST strain type and the founder of the largest clonal cluster, and examples were found among isolates from all parts of the world. ABC types and geographical origins showed statistically significant variations among clades by univariate analysis of variance, but anatomical source and antifungal susceptibility data were not significantly associated. A separate analysis limited to European isolates, thereby minimizing geographical effects, showed significant differences in the proportions of isolates from blood, commensal carriage, and superficial infections among the five most populous clades. The proportion of isolates with low antifungal susceptibility was highest for MAT homozygous a/a types and then α/α types and was lowest for heterozygous a/α types. The tree of clades defined by MLST was not congruent with trees generated from the individual gene fragments sequenced, implying a separate evolutionary history for each fragment. Analysis of nucleic acid variation among loci and within loci supported recombination. Computational haplotype analysis showed a high frequency of recombination events, suggesting that isolates had mixed evolutionary histories resembling those of a sexually reproducing species.
Codevelopmental Learning Between Human and Humanoid Robot Using a Dynamic Neural-Network Model

This paper examines characteristics of interactive learning between human tutors and a robot having a dynamic neural-network model, which is inspired by human parietal cortex functions. A humanoid robot, with a recurrent neural network that has a hierarchical structure, learns to manipulate objects. Robots learn tasks in repeated self-trials with the assistance of human interaction, which provides physical guidance until the tasks are mastered and learning is consolidated within the neural networks. Experimental results and the analyses showed the following: 1) codevelopmental shaping of task behaviors stems from interactions between the robot and a tutor; 2) dynamic structures for articulating and sequencing of behavior primitives are self-organized in the hierarchically organized network; and 3) such structures can afford both generalization and context dependency in generating skilled behaviors.
Capturing Gradience, Continuous Change, and Quasi‐Regularity in Sound, Word, Phrase, and Meaning

One vision of the nature of language holds that a language consists of a set of symbolic unit types, and a set of units of each type, together with a set of grammatical principles that constrain how these units can be used to compose other units, and a system of rules that project structured arrangements of such units onto other structured arrangements of units (for example, from syntactic to semantic structure). An alternative vision of the nature of language holds that it is often useful to characterize language as if the above statements were true, but only as a way of approximately notating or summarizing aspects of language. In reality, according to this alternative vision, approximate conformity to structured systems of symbolic units and rules arises historically, developmentally, and in the moment, from the processes that operate as users communicate with each other using sound or gesture as their medium of communication. These acts of communication leave residues that can be thought of as storing knowledge in the form of the continuous-valued parameters of a complex dynamical system (i.e. a system characterized by continuous, stochastic, and non-linear differential equations). Greatly influenced by the work of Joan Bybee (1985, 2001) and others who have pointed out some of its advantages, I am a disciple of this alternative vision (Bybee and McClelland, 2005; McClelland and Bybee, 2007). As argued in the Bybee and McClelland papers just cited, neural network models that rely on distributed representations (sometimes called connectionist or parallel-distributed processing models) provide one useful way of capturing features of this vision. Such models are, in general, just the sort of continuous, stochastic, non-linear systems that are needed to capture the key phenomena, and the connection weights and other variables in such networks are the continuous-valued parameters in which
Multifunctional Cement Composites Strain and Damage Sensors Applied on Reinforced Concrete (RC) Structural Elements

In this research, strain-sensing and damage-sensing functional properties of cement composites have been studied on a conventional reinforced concrete (RC) beam. Carbon nanofiber (CNFCC) and fiber (CFCC) cement composites were used as sensors on a 4 m long RC beam. Different casting conditions (in situ or attached), service location (under tension or compression) and electrical contacts (embedded or superficial) were compared. Both CNFCC and CFCC were suitable as strain sensors in reversible (elastic) sensing condition testing. CNFCC showed higher sensitivities (gage factor up to 191.8), while CFCC only reached gage factors values of 178.9 (tension) or 49.5 (compression). Furthermore, damage-sensing tests were run, increasing the applied load progressively up to the RC beam failure. In these conditions, CNFCC sensors were also strain sensitive, but no damage sensing mechanism was detected for the strain levels achieved during the tests. Hence, these cement composites could act as strain sensors, even for severe damaged structures near to their collapse.