Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Alcohol on Postprandial Lipemia with and without Preprandial Exercise

Objective: Different factors such as exercise habits and alcohol consumption may modulate postprandial lipid metabolism. What are the effects of alcohol on postprandial metabolism in untrained and trained individuals? Methods: The postprandial lipid response to an oral fat load (1 g fat per kg body weight (bw)) with and without alcohol (0.5 g/kg bw) was evaluated in physically trained healthy young men (T, n=12, mean ±SD age 27 ±3 years, BMI 21.6 ±1.4 kg/m2) after a premeal running session and in untrained healthy young men (UT, n=8, age 24 ±1 years, BMI 23.2 ±1.8 kg/m2) without a premeal exercise session. The T subjects ingested 35.5 ±2.7 g alcohol, the UT subjects 38 ±0.6 g. Fat was given as butter and the carbohydrates as marmalade and zwieback (rusk). The T subjects received 1.20 ±0.05 g fat and 1.02 ±0.04 g carbohydrates per kilogram lean body mass. The corresponding numbers for the UT subjects were 1.28 ±0.08 g and 1.20 ±0.06 g. The postprandial lipemia was observed for an eight-hour period. Results: Alcohol led to an increase to the triacylglycerol area under the curve (AUC) in the T subjects from 7.4 ±0.4 mmol/L * h on the control day to 11.3 ±0.9 mmol/L * h (p=0.001). The corresponding numbers in the UT subjects were 13.4 ±2.3 mmol/L * h to 19.4 ±3.5 mmol/L * h (p=0.004). Alcohol intake and physical activity training were the major determinants of the triacylglycerol (TG) AUC in these subjects. Conclusion: The ingestion of a high fat meal in combination with alcohol leads to an increased in the postprandial lipemia independently from the level of training. It is suggested that this unfavorable effect of alcohol and a high fat diet could be modified by fat restriction or a combination of a premeal exercise session and a higher level of physical activity training.
Describable Visual Attributes for Face Images

We introduce the use of describable visual attributes for face images. Describable visual attributes are labels that can be given to an image to describe its appearance. This thesis focuses mostly on images of faces and the attributes used to describe them, although the concepts also apply to other domains. Examples of face attributes include gender, age, jaw shape, nose size, etc. The advantages of an attribute-based representation for vision tasks are manifold: they can be composed to create descriptions at various levels of specificity; they are generalizable, as they can be learned once and then applied to recognize new objects or categories without any further training; and they are efficient, possibly requiring exponentially fewer attributes (and training data) than explicitly naming each category. We show how one can create and label large datasets of real-world images to train classifiers which measure the presence, absence, or degree to which an attribute is expressed in images. These classifiers can then automatically label new images. We demonstrate the current effectiveness and explore the future potential of using attributes for image search, automatic face replacement in images, and face verification, via both human and computational experiments. To aid other researchers in studying these problems, we introduce two new large face datasets, named FaceTracer and PubFig, with labeled attributes and identities, respectively. Finally, we also show the effectiveness of visual attributes in a completely different domain: plant species identification. To this end, we have developed and publicly released the Leafsnap system, which has been downloaded by almost half a million users. The mobile phone application is a flexible electronic field guide with high-quality images of the tree species in the Northeast US. It also gives users instant access to our automatic recognition system, greatly simplifying the identification process.
The empirical analysis for fractal features and long-run memory mechanism in petroleum pricing systems

The fractal behaviour for petroleum pricing is investigated in several international systems. Based on the time series of Brent & WTI crude oil and Rotterdam & Singapore Leaded gasoline prices (daily spot), this paper analyses the fractal features in the systems under study by using Rescaled Range analysis (R/S analysis). This paper also estimates the Hurst exponents; thus, long-term memory effects are evaluated by these systems. By tracing the evolutionary tracking of H(τ) vs. τ, three phases are divided by different system dynamic behaviours. Furthermore, V statistical method is used to obtain the lengths of non-periodic cycles of the long-term memory. Finally, this paper presents several conclusions and suggestions.
Institutions of Higher Education and Institutional Economics: Is There Change or No Change?

Purpose: This paper investigates the management accounting structure of higher education institutions in Greece and their management’s willingness to adopt cost-effective strategies and proactively encourage structural changes in order to improve its modus operandi and ultimately, provide a higher quality working environment for its staff and students. Design/methodology/approach: Through a qualitative field research which was carried out in all Greek higher education institutions. Findings: The qualitative findings that derive from the field interviews indicate that management has myopically disregarded these issues or simply did not understand their importance. Research limitations/implications: Problems were encountered during the interviews. The results suggest that not all interview questions were understood by the respondents, which could be caused by the use of terms and concepts during the interviews with which the respondents were unfamiliar. Originality/value: This paper contributes to the body of literature because it focuses on Universities in Greece, their managerial pitfalls and initiatives to improve conditions, an under-researched area.
Rethinking Occupational Health and Safety Legislation

The time has come—in fact, is overdue—to undertake a fundamental reappraisal of the style of occupational health and safety legislation being adopted in Australia. The Robens-style legislation, rather than individual pieces of legislation, is examined in context in all those states and territories that have adopted it, or moved to do so. This is important not only because no one Act is unique, but also because all these Acts and their implications cannot be properly understood or evaluated without seeing them as part of a process at work, both here and in Britain, of attempting to use legislation to prevent or limit occupational injury and disease.
Polylogue as a platform for governance: integrating people, the planet, profit and posterity

Although the current wave of globalization is the result of unprecedented scientific and technological advances, through history, movements of an international nature have been, to a large extent, about the spread of political and economic ideas across borders. “Geopolitical realism is based on the interests of the state”. Scientific and technological advances, together with the opening of markets to the free passage of goods, services and finance, has led to a huge growth in world trade. However, such positive developments have also their downside. The findings of the United Nations Human Development Programme Report highlight that global inequalities in income and living standards have reached grotesque proportions. Further, such disparities are linked to ever‐intensified environmental degradation and the extinction of some 11,046 species. Such circumstances have witnessed the growth of community‐based local currencies, the emergence of a social movement advocating corporate social reasonability (CSR) and a growing literature critical of the Anglo‐American corporate governance model, where shareholder wealth maximization is the driving force. Yet, the philosophy and practice of shareholder wealth maximization persists. This paper explores the effects of free‐market economics, globalization and western capitalist practices in terms of their consequences for the planet, people, profit and posterity (the four Ps). A case is made outlining the need for an advanced corporate governance model that integrates the four Ps. In so doing, the paper seeks inspiration from the ancient philosophy of Buddhism and, in conclusion, examines the role of the Business School in developing future, reflexive practitioners, equipped to effectively provide the necessary balance between shareholder expectations and stakeholder needs within a new paradigm of a balanced society.
Choice or Chance – Late Retirement in Finland

The Finnish pension reform of 2005 introduced the concept of a flexible retirement age. Drawing upon a longitudinal study of older Finnish employees, this article examines the extent to which individual propensity to delay retirement is influenced by choice or by chance, and examines the effects of the interplay between chances and choices in affecting longevity of employment. The results suggest that the flexibility in the organisation of the end of the working life is biased towards the better off. They also show that the interplay of choice and chance in the retirement process is firmly tied to the existing age-arrangements and economic trends. The conclusions examine the implication of these findings for divergent routes towards late retirement.
Constitutional judicial review and political insurance

Considering constitutional judicial review of policy, the power of courts to annul legislation, as a political insurance mechanism to protect against losses from adverse election outcomes, the paper analyzes three questions: First, under what circumstances a political ruler, who wins an election and the right to propose measures of policy, subjects those measures to the checking powers of an independent judiciary. Second, the net expected gains of a political ruler from granting binary choice to the reviewing judiciary rather than open choice. Third, the equilibrium degree of policy review power granted to the judiciary. Differences in the policy preferences of competing politicians, the judiciary and the status quo, the probability of winning an election and the probability that the judiciary confirms legislation passed by the incumbent emerge as the main determinants of judicial review and its political independence.
Gating Properties of Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 Peripheral Nerve Sodium Channels

Several distinct components of voltage-gated sodium current have been recorded from native dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons that display differences in gating and pharmacology. This study compares the electrophysiological properties of two peripheral nerve sodium channels that are expressed selectively in DRG neurons (Nav1.7 and Nav1.8). Recombinant Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 sodium channels were coexpressed with the auxiliary β1 subunit inXenopus oocytes. In this system coexpression of the β1 subunit with Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 channels results in more rapid inactivation, a shift in midpoints of steady-state activation and inactivation to more hyperpolarizing potentials, and an acceleration of recovery from inactivation. The coinjection of β1 subunit also significantly increases the expression of Nav1.8 by sixfold but has no effect on the expression of Nav1.7. In addition, a great percentage of Nav1.8+β1 channels is observed to enter rapidly into the slow inactivated states, in contrast to Nav1.7+β1 channels. Consequently, the rapid entry into slow inactivation is believed to cause a frequency-dependent reduction of Nav1.8+β1 channel amplitudes, seen during repetitive pulsing between 1 and 2 Hz. However, at higher frequencies (>20 Hz) Nav1.8+β1 channels reach a steady state to ∼42% of total current. The presence of this steady-state sodium channel activity, coupled with the high activation threshold (V0.5 = −3.3 mV) of Nav1.8+β1, could enable the nociceptive fibers to fire spontaneously after nerve injury.
Dinara - new natural focus of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Croatia.

AIM To investigate the characteristics and determine risk factors for hantanvirus infection in natural focus of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) on the Dinara Mountain, where outbreak of disease emerged among Croatian soldiers in 1995, and to describe the features of HFRS acquired on the Dinara mountain and determine the scale of the largest HFRS epidemic so far in Croatia. METHODS During 1996, small mammals were captured in the region of Dinara Mountain where infected Croatian soldiers had sojourned. By taxonomic classification of 42 captured small mammals, three species were determined: 23 yellow-necked mouse, 9 wood mouse, and 5 bank vole. Hantavirus antigen was determined in the lungs of the captured animals by means of direct immunofluorescence assay. The most important features of HFRS were retrospectively determined in 37 soldiers with HFRS treated in the Department for Infectious Diseases of the Split University Hospital. The degree of inapparent exposure to infection was determined by indirect immunofluorescence in 103 soldiers sojourning in this region of natural focus with no apparent signs of HFRS. Epidemiological questionnaire included 50 soldiers with negative serum antibodies, as well as 33 available out of total 37 soldiers with HFRS. Chi-square test was used to determine risk factors. RESULTS Hantavirus was found in the lungs of 5/42 (12%) captured animals. Mild form of the disease, with few hemorrhagic symptoms and pronounced renal insufficiency, was present in 19/37 patients. The epidemiological questionnaire determined the following risk factors for hantanvirus infection in this focus: service in artillery corps (p=0.040), sleep in wooden barracks (p=0.004), station in forest biotope (p=0.037), usage of natural camouflage (p=0.024), smoking (p=0.010), and the presence of rodents in the place of housing (p<0.001). CONCLUSION A new natural focus of HFRS in Croatia, and the first one in Dalmatia, was defined by seroepidemiologic, mamologic, and virologic analysis. The risk factors for infection in the new focus have been identified. Our patients suffered from a mild form of HFRS, which predominates in south-eastern Europe, without lethal outcome.
Monetary History, Exchange Rates and Financial Markets

Monetary History, Exchange Rates and Financial Markets is an impressive collection of original papers in honour of Charles Goodhart’s outstanding contribution to monetary economics and policy. Charles Goodhart has written extensively on many of these topics and has become synonymous with his field; the chapters within this book offer a summary of current thinking on his own research subjects and include perspectives on controversies surrounding them.
Explaining noncompliance in the Norwegian coastal cod fishery: an application of the multinomial logit

Establishing motive is central to the analysis of criminal behaviour. This article analyses the range of motives for noncompliant behaviour among coastal cod fishermen. A multinomial logit model is employed to analyse the reasons that underlie various motives. The four motives compared in this study are economic, technological and social and motives caused by bureaucracy and legitimacy problems. The economic motive is found to be most important for coastal fishermen. However, the cross-sectional data indicate that motives vary with fishing gear, vessel length and fishermen's age. The results indicate that identifying motives for noncompliant behaviour is not straightforward but is important for reducing the extent of infringements of the regulations. Fishermen who use gill net, seine and long line, for example, are more often motivated to noncompliance by technical problems and bureaucracy than hand-jig fishers. The study suggests that in order to prevent noncompliance behaviour, the authorities’ management policy should be designed to address the problems encountered by different categories of fishers. For example, offences that are committed because of technical problems should be resolved by increasing the involvement of fishermen in the process of drawing up regulations, whereas offences motivated by economic factors should be reduced by increasing inspections.
An Exploratory Study of Differences among Meeting and Exhibition Planners in their Destination Selection Criteria

ABSTRACT Destination selection criteria for meetings, conventions, trade shows, and other events have been explored by a variety of researchers. Most research in this area, however, has not evaluated how planners of different events rate the destination selection variables. The current study identified three international associations for different types of event professionals and compared members’ ratings of 13 destination selection criteria. Findings show that there are differences in the most important criteria used by each of the associations, with the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) rating exhibit space, Meeting Professionals International (MPI) rating perceived value for the money, and Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) rating support services for events as the highest criteria. Choice of restaurant and variety of nightlife are the lowest rated criteria by all groups. This information will help destination marketing organizations and event venues in specific destinations market themselves more effectively by positioning themselves appropriately in the marketplace.
Home blood pressure measurement and ambulatory blood pressure measurement versus office blood pressure measurement

PURPOSE: To compare both home blood pressure measurement (HBPM) and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) with office blood pressure measurement (OBP); and also to compare the correlation between HBPM and OBP with LVMI (left ventricular mass index). METHODS: Protocol 1 - 68 hypertensive patients (58±12 years, 37 females): a) self recorded blood pressure at home in the 7 days; b) recorded the ABPM during 24 hours; and c) the physician recorded blood pressure in the office. Protocol 2- 41 hypertensive patients underwent the HBPM, OBP, and BI-dimensional echocardiogram. RESULTS: Protocol 1 - OBP (153±24/96±13mmHg) was higher (p 0.05, systolic and diastolic, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study showed that HBPM has a better correlation with LVMI than OBP.
Is rosmarinic acid underestimated as an experimental cardiovascular drug?

PURPOSE The rationale of the present review is to analize the activity of Rosmarinus officinalis in the the cardiovascular system METHODS A MEDLINE database search (from January 1970 to December 2011) using only rosmarinic acid as searched term. RESULTS The references search revealed 509 references about rosmarinic acid in 40 years (the first reference is from 1970). There is a powerful prevalence of antioxidant and cancer studies. Other diseases are few cited, as inflammation, brain (Alzheimer and Parkinson disease) and, memory; allergy; diabetes; atherosclerosis, and; hypertension. It is necessary to consider the complete absence of studies on coronary artery disease, myocardial ischemia, heart failure or ischemia/reperfusion injury. CONCLUSION Rosmarinic acid is underestimated as an experimental cardiovascular drug and deserves more attention.
Weak bones in diabetes mellitus – an update on pharmaceutical treatment options

Diabetes mellitus is often associated with a number of complications such as nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy and foot ulcers. However, weak bone is a diabetic complication that is often overlooked. Although the exact mechanism for weak bones within diabetes mellitus is unclear, studies have shown that the mechanism does differ in both type I (T1DM) and type II diabetes (T2DM). This review, however, investigates the application of mesenchymal stem cells, recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2, teriparatide, insulin administration and the effectiveness of a peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐ϒ modulator, netoglitazone in the context of diabetic weak bones.
The Impact of Louisiana INTECH Professional Development on Elementary School Leaders' Perceptions of Change and Student Achievement

Each year, hundreds of Louisiana’s teachers participate in state-sponsored Integration of Technology (INTECH) training. Although INTECH training and certification is acknowledged by the Louisiana Department of Education as the standard for technologytrained teachers, no research has been conducted to determine its impact on student achievement (Picard, 2000). The study’s purposes were to examine perceptions of school leaders about Louisiana INTECH professional development as a change agent in schools and to determine the impact of this training on third grade mathematics and reading achievement. This study addressed the questions: Do elementary school leaders perceive INTECH professional development as a catalyst for change in schools? Does this professional development impact student achievement in mathematics and reading? This quantitative study was an ex-post facto, causal-comparative design. Seventy-three elementary administrators were asked to respond to an 18-item Likert-type survey measuring openness to change prompted by the Louisiana INTECH professional development model. Results from the survey were reported as descriptive statistics. Additionally, the study attempted to determine if there was a significant difference in third grade student mathematics and reading achievement in the INTECH certified teachers and non-INTECH certified teachers’ classes. The ITBS mathematics and reading standard scores were used for comparison. Nonrandom convenience sampling was used to identify the students of INTECH certified teachers and the students of non-INTECH certified teachers with similar years of experience, education level, and school demographics. The dependent variable was student performance on the ITBS. The independent variable was INTECH professional development.
Assessing Students' Learning Needs and Attitudes: Considerations for Gerontology Curriculum Planning

ABSTRACT The growing number of older adults with multiple healthcare needs underscores the importance of teaching gerontological content to students in healthcare fields. To effectively accomplish this educational goal, it is essential to consider students' attitudes and learning needs related to caring for elderly persons. The purpose of this study was to identify prelicensure undergraduate nursing students' (N = 200) perceived learning needs and attitudes toward older adults. Current knowledge of gerontology and attitudes were correlated with multiple variables including comfort and confidence in caring for older persons. Students identified their desire for more information on selected topics such as supportive resources for elders and their caregivers. Students who intended to learn more about gerontological nursing chose more topics; the two most commonly chosen topics were end-of-life issues and specific disorders. The data from this study can be used to design courses and curricula related to the care of elderly persons. Similar approaches to obtain student input can be adopted in designing other gerontology curricula.