Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Team Autonomy, Performance, and Member Job Strain: Uncovering the Teamwork KSA Link

En raison du developpement des equipes de travail dans les organisations, on souhaite obtenir des informations sur la meilleure facon de structurer les groupes pour les rendre efficients. Cette etude porte sur la relation de l’experience de l’autonomie et du travail en equipe, des capacites et des competences (KSAs) avec la performance du groupe et l’effort emanant de ses membres. Deux modeles ont ete mis a l’epreuve a partir d’une recherche theorique et empirique continue. Des donnees provenant d’un echantillon de 41 equipes de production (174 participants) apporterent des elements en faveur du modele de mediation selon lequel l’autonomie est associee a la perfomance et a l’effort par l’intermediaire des KSAs. Le modele alternatif de moderation qui suppose que l’autonomie et les KSAs interagissent pour deboucher sur la performance et l’effort ne fut pas corrobore. Given the increasing use of work teams in organizations, interest exists in identifying the best ways to design teams so that they lead to positive outcomes. This study examined how team autonomy and teamwork knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) relate to team performance and member job strain. Based on extant empirical and theoretical work, two models were tested. findings from a sample of 41 production teams (174 team members) showed support for the mediation model—that autonomy is associated with performance and strain through teamwork KSAs. The alternative moderation model, suggesting that autonomy and teamwork KSAs interact in predicting performance and strain, was not supported.
Does an Animation Character Robot Increase Sales?

This paper investigates whether a network robot salesclerk system increases sales in real shopping contexts. Our robot system, which consists of an autonomous virtual agent and a semi-autonomous physical agent, enables customers to interact with the virtual agents on their smartphones and reserve special character merchandise. Moreover, their virtual agent is transferred to the physical agent at the shop to physically distribute the reserved merchandise to customers. Through such cyber-physical interaction, we provided rich shopping experiences to customers to increase sales. We collaborated with an animation company, Production I.G Inc., and employed an animation character named Tachikoma from the Ghost in the Shell:Stand Alone Complex (a.k.a S.A.C. seriese) universe to design the appearance and the characteristics of both agents. We conducted field trials to investigate whether the developed system contributed to sales related to the animation merchandise of Ghost in the Shell, and the results showed our system's effectiveness.
Clarifying the Instructor's Role in Online Distance Learning

Experiencing an increased demand for college courses taught over the World Wide Web, universities often encourage faculty to teach courses online. However, the role of the online distance learning (ODL) instructor is ambiguous and often ill defined. This ethnographic case study explores communication processes that affect the roles of the ODL instructor. Interactions among six lead faculty, 18 online mentors, and their students were investigated through multiple methods. Many communication skills required of the ODL instructor are similar to those needed for effective classroom teaching. On the other hand, the online instructor's role does require a paradigm shift regarding instructional time and space, virtual management techniques, and the ability to engage students through virtual communication.
Immigrants and Discrimination in the Cities

The aim of this paper is to investigate the relationship between the spatial mismatch hypothesis and the migration decision. Under the assumption that immigrants are discriminated in both the housing and labor markets It is shown that the presence of segregation can lower the profitability of migration. Some preliminary empirical evidence corroboring the basic assumptions and results of the model is also presented. Finally this paper explains the positive relation between the segregation and the number of immigrants during the Great Black Migration by proving that the function of migration profitability is not globally monotonic and that it can be, under some restrictive conditions, an increasing function of the level of discrimination.
Distinct Progenitor Origin Distinguishes a Lineage of Dendritic-Like Cells in Spleen

The dendritic cell (DC) compartment comprises subsets of cells with distinct phenotypes. Previously this lab reported methodology for hematopoiesis of dendritic-like cells in vitro dependent on a murine splenic stromal cell line (5G3). Co-cultures of lineage-depleted bone marrow (Lin− BM) over 5G3 continuously produced a distinct population of dendritic-like “L-DC” for up to 35 days. Here the progenitor of L-DC is investigated in relation to known BM-derived hematopoietic progenitors. It is shown here that L-DC-like cells also derive from the CD150+Flt3− long-term reconstituting-hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), and also from the Flt3+ multipotential progenitor subset in BM. Lin− BM co-cultures also produce a transient population of cells resembling conventional (c) DC. Production of cDC-like cells is shown here to be transient and M-CSF dependent, and also appears following co-culture of described common dendritic progenitors or monocyte dendritic progenitors over 5G3. BM cells from C57BL/6-flt3Ltm1lmx and C57BL/6-Csf2tm1Ard mice which lack cDC precursors and monocytes, are shown here to contain L-DC progenitors which can seed 5G3 co-cultures. L-DC are functionally distinct cells, in that they arise independently of M-CSF, and by direct differentiation from HSC.
The global abundance and size distribution of lakes, ponds, and impoundments

One of the major impediments to the integration of lentic ecosystems into global environmental analyses has been fragmentary data on the extent and size distribution of lakes, ponds, and impoundments. We use new data sources, enhanced spatial resolution, and new analytical approaches to provide new estimates of the global abundance of surface‐water bodies. A global model based on the Pareto distribution shows that the global extent of natural lakes is twice as large as previously known (304 million lakes; 4.2 million km2 in area) and is dominated in area by millions of water bodies smaller than 1 km2. Similar analyses of impoundments based on inventories of large, engineered dams show that impounded waters cover approximately 0.26 million km2. However, construction of low‐tech farm impoundments is estimated to be between 0.1% and 6% of farm area worldwide, dependent upon precipitation, and represents ≫77,000 km2 globally, at present. Overall, about 4.6 million km2 of the earth's continental “land” surface (≫3%) is covered by water. These analyses underscore the importance of explicitly considering lakes, ponds, and impoundments, especially small ones, in global analyses of rates and processes.
Fungicide-Driven Evolution and Molecular Basis of Multidrug Resistance in Field Populations of the Grey Mould Fungus Botrytis cinerea

The grey mould fungus Botrytis cinerea causes losses of commercially important fruits, vegetables and ornamentals worldwide. Fungicide treatments are effective for disease control, but bear the risk of resistance development. The major resistance mechanism in fungi is target protein modification resulting in reduced drug binding. Multiple drug resistance (MDR) caused by increased efflux activity is common in human pathogenic microbes, but rarely described for plant pathogens. Annual monitoring for fungicide resistance in field isolates from fungicide-treated vineyards in France and Germany revealed a rapidly increasing appearance of B. cinerea field populations with three distinct MDR phenotypes. All MDR strains showed increased fungicide efflux activity and overexpression of efflux transporter genes. Similar to clinical MDR isolates of Candida yeasts that are due to transcription factor mutations, all MDR1 strains were shown to harbor activating mutations in a transcription factor (Mrr1) that controls the gene encoding ABC transporter AtrB. MDR2 strains had undergone a unique rearrangement in the promoter region of the major facilitator superfamily transporter gene mfsM2, induced by insertion of a retrotransposon-derived sequence. MDR2 strains carrying the same rearranged mfsM2 allele have probably migrated from French to German wine-growing regions. The roles of atrB, mrr1 and mfsM2 were proven by the phenotypes of knock-out and overexpression mutants. As confirmed by sexual crosses, combinations of mrr1 and mfsM2 mutations lead to MDR3 strains with higher broad-spectrum resistance. An MDR3 strain was shown in field experiments to be selected against sensitive strains by fungicide treatments. Our data document for the first time the rising prevalence, spread and molecular basis of MDR populations in a major plant pathogen in agricultural environments. These populations will increase the risk of grey mould rot and hamper the effectiveness of current strategies for fungicide resistance management.
Parental experiences of dealing with disputes in Additional Support Needs in Scotland: why are parents not engaging with mediation?

Partnerships with parents, particularly in the field of education, have featured prominently in policy rhetoric for many years, but routes of redress have not had much attention until relatively recently. The development of Alternative Dispute Resolution in the UK reflects the situation in several jurisdictions (e.g. Norway, Germany, the Netherlands) where citizens can choose not to go to court to resolve administrative disputes. Under the Education (Additional Support for Learning [ASL]) (Scotland) Act 2004 local authorities must establish and publicise procedures for identifying and meeting the needs of children requiring additional support for learning. The Act and Code of Practice advocate early intervention to prevent disagreements about the provision for additional support from escalating into more serious disputes, with local authorities required to provide information about, and access to, independent mediation for parents. In Scotland the ASL Act 2004 has resulted in four routes available for redress in the area of Additional Support Needs which include both mediation and litigation type processes: • Informal mediation • Formal mediation • Adjudication • Tribunal This article uses case study information from parents in three local authorities in Scotland to explore why independent mediation is being under-used by schools and parents, and what factors influence this. Questions are raised regarding the large numbers of parents who are unaware of mediation, the attitudes towards and use of independent mediation by local authorities and the suitability of independent mediation, particularly when the dispute is over resources.
Exploring foreign undergraduate students’ experiences of university

Although international students are an important source of income to universities in the UK, the emotional impact of their experiences may be ignored and unacknowledged. This study explored the personal experiences of international students studying for an undergraduate degree in the UK. Semi-structured interviews with five participants were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis, which aimed to capture the personal perceptions of these participants. Two analytical themes are presented: “adaptation and identity”, which reflects the difficulties in acculturation, adaptation and development of identity in a foreign country; and “us and them”, which pays close attention to the perception of disconnectedness, unfairness and exclusion encountered in trying to integrate into a different way of life. Findings are discussed in relation to the impact that participants’ experiences have had on their self-worth, confidence and ability to engage with domestic individuals.
Trophic-level interpretation based on δ15N values: implications of tissue-specific fractionation and amino acid composition

Stable nitrogen isotope ratios are routinely used to disentangle trophic relationships. Several authors have discussed factors in addition to diet that might contribute to variability in δ 15 N of consumers, but few studies have explored such factors in detail. For a better understanding of tis- sue-specific differences in δ 15 N, we examined postlarval euphausiids across a variety of seasons and regions in the Southern Ocean. The concentration and δ 15 N of individual amino acids were analysed to account for both the biochemical and physiological underpinnings of the observed bulk δ 15 N. Euphausiids showed consistent d 15 N differences of 1 to 2 ‰ between the digestive gland and abdom- inal segment, and between reproductively active males and females. These differences in bulk δ 15 N were accompanied by variations in relative proportions of amino acids (up to 5 mol %) and their δ 15 N (up to 11‰). Aspartic acid and glutamic acid had the strongest influence on bulk δ 15 N, due to their high abundance and variable δ 15 N values. Differences in relative proportions and/or δ 15 N of glycine and alanine were also important for bulk δ 15 N values. Isotopic variations in amino acids between gen- der and tissues were explained by dominant internal processes such as protein synthesis or degrada- tion for energy supply, and by differences in amino acid pool sizes. Despite the offset in bulk δ 15 N between females and males, several lines of evidence suggested that their trophic levels were simi- lar. Thus, specific amino acid composition and metabolism may confound trophic level interpretations of bulk δ 15 N values. Micronekton are normally analyzed whole in isotopic studies, and we suggest that their analyses should be restricted to comparable tissues such as muscles.
“SALOME gave my dignity back”: The role of randomized heroin trials in transforming lives in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, Canada

Although numerous studies on heroin-assisted treatment (HAT) have been published in leading international journals, little attention has been given to HAT's clients, their stories, and what constitutes the most influential factor in the treatment process. The present study investigates the role of HAT in transforming the lives of injection drug users (IDUs) in Vancouver, Canada. This study is qualitative focusing on 16 in-depth interviews with patients from the randomized trials of HAT. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using NVivo 10 software. The findings revealed a positive change in many respects: the randomized trials reduce criminal activity, sex work, and illicit drug use. In addition, the trials improved the health and social functioning of its clients, with some participants acquiring work or volunteer positions. Many of the participants have been able to reconnect with their family members, which was not possible before the program. Furthermore, the relationship between the staff and patients at the project appears to have transformed the behavior of participants. Attending HAT in Vancouver has been particularly effective in creating a unique microenvironment where IDUs who have attended HAT have been able to form a collective identity advocating for their rights. The result of this research points to the need for continuation of the project beyond the current study, leading toward a permanent program.
Culture-Dependent and Culture-Independent Diversity within the Obligate Marine Actinomycete Genus Salinispora

ABSTRACT Salinispora is the first obligate marine genus within the order Actinomycetales and a productive source of biologically active secondary metabolites. Despite a worldwide, tropical or subtropical distribution in marine sediments, only two Salinispora species have thus far been cultivated, suggesting limited species-level diversity. To further explore Salinispora diversity and distributions, the phylogenetic diversity of more than 350 strains isolated from sediments collected around the Bahamas was examined, including strains cultured using new enrichment methods. A culture-independent method, using a Salinispora-specific seminested PCR technique, was used to detect Salinispora from environmental DNA and estimate diversity. Overall, the 16S rRNA gene sequence diversity of cultured strains agreed well with that detected in the environmental clone libraries. Despite extensive effort, no new species level diversity was detected, and 97% of the 105 strains examined by restriction fragment length polymorphism belonged to one phylotype (S. arenicola). New intraspecific diversity was detected in the libraries, including an abundant new phylotype that has yet to be cultured, and a new depth record of 1,100 m was established for the genus. PCR-introduced error, primarily from Taq polymerase, significantly increased clone library sequence diversity and, if not masked from the analyses, would have led to an overestimation of total diversity. An environmental DNA extraction method specific for vegetative cells provided evidence for active actinomycete growth in marine sediments while indicating that a majority of sediment samples contained predominantly Salinispora spores at concentrations that could not be detected in environmental clone libraries. Challenges involved with the direct sequence-based detection of spore-forming microorganisms in environmental samples are discussed.
Cardiovascular Side Effects of Atomoxetine and Its Interactions with Inhibitors of the Cytochrome P450 System

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders of childhood and adolescence. Classically, stimulants have been used in the treatment of this condition. Atomoxetine (Strattera; Eli Lilly and Company) is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), one of the first medications in the nonstimulant class of medications that has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD. Atomoxetine is a phenoxypropylamine derivative and is structurally related to the antidepressant fluoxetine. The common side effects reported with the use of atomoxetine include mainly GI disturbances. Cardiovascular side effects are less commonly reported. The increase in the noradrenergic tone may explain some of the side effects noted with the use of this medication. Here, we present a case of a patient who presented with syncope, orthostatic hypotension, and tachycardia and discuss the various clinical implications based on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the drug.
Working memory affects false memory production for emotional events

ABSTRACT Whereas a link between working memory (WM) and memory distortions has been demonstrated, its influence on emotional false memories is unclear. In two experiments, a verbal WM task and a false memory paradigm for negative, positive or neutral events were employed. In Experiment 1, we investigated individual differences in verbal WM and found that the interaction between valence and WM predicted false recognition, with negative and positive material protecting high WM individuals against false remembering; the beneficial effect of negative material disappeared in low WM participants. In Experiment 2, we lowered the WM capacity of half of the participants with a double task request, which led to an overall increase in false memories; furthermore, consistent with Experiment 1, the increase in negative false memories was larger than that of neutral or positive ones. It is concluded that WM plays a critical role in determining false memory production, specifically influencing the processing of negative material.
Knee flexion influences periprosthetic BMD measurement in the tibia

Background and purpose The quality and quantity of bone is important for the success of joint prostheses and may be monitored by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Available protocols suggest that the knee should be positioned in full extension. This is not possible for most patients in the first days after surgery; however, deficits in extension normalize with rehabilitation. Individual knee flexion between the baseline and follow-up investigations may therefore be different. We investigated the sensitivity of bone mineral density (BMD) measurements to knee flexion in a phantom study and in patients. We suggest a protocol for clinical use. Methods 2 phantom tibial bones with tibia components were secured in a clamp and BMD measurements were repeated 5 times at every 5° change in flexion from 0° to 20°. For clinical use, a soft foam positioner was produced, in which the lower leg could be placed in neutral rotation and with the knee in approximately 25° of flexion. The clinical repeatability was tested with double examinations in 38 patients. We investigated 3 regions of interest (ROIs) below the tibial plateau. Results In the phantom study, just 5° of flexion was found to change the measured mean BMD. The reproducibility of clinical measurements (coefficient of variation) in the 3 ROIs assessed ranged from 1.8% to 3.7% for the anteroposterior scans, and from 3.4% to 6.2% for the lateral scans. Interpretation Knee flexion does affect the measured periprosthetic tibial BMD, and knee flexion should be the same at all clinical follow-ups. The protocol and soft foam positioner that we suggest permit precise and reliable assessment of BMD in the proximal tibia and they can be used in clinical work.
Determinants of Undergraduate Student Drop Out Rates in a University Business Studies Department

A model intended to explain students' decisions to withdraw from their degree courses in the Business Studies Department of a 'new' university was developed and tested. It emerged that financial hardship exerted a powerful influence on the stay/quit decision and significantly moderated the impacts on the decision to leave of: (i) academic performance, and (ii) the student's level of commitment to his/her programme. Individual self-esteem played a crucial role in encouraging or discouraging withdrawal when a person experienced low grades or substantial financial problems. The determinants of academic performance, student motivation, satisfaction and commitment were explored.
Artificial immune system based on adaptive clonal selection for feature selection and parameters optimisation of support vector machines

ABSTRACT Artificial immune system (AIS) algorithm based on clonal selection method can be defined as a soft computing method inspired by theoretical immune system in order to solve science and engineering problems. Support vector machine (SVM) is a popular pattern classification method with many diverse applications. Kernel parameter setting in the SVM training procedure along with the feature selection significantly impacts on the classification accuracy rate. In this study, AIS based on Adaptive Clonal Selection (AISACS) algorithm has been used to optimise the SVM parameters and feature subset selection without degrading the SVM classification accuracy. Several public datasets of University of California Irvine machine learning (UCI) repository are employed to calculate the classification accuracy rate in order to evaluate the AISACS approach then it was compared with grid search algorithm and Genetic Algorithm (GA) approach. The experimental results show that the feature reduction rate and running time of the AISACS approach are better than the GA approach.