Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multi-residue method for the confirmation of four avermectin residues in food products of animal origin by ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

A confirmatory method was developed for the rapid determination of abamectin, ivermectin, doramectin and eprinomectin residues in various food products of animal origin, such as pork muscle, pork liver, fish and milk. Samples were homogenized, extracted and de-proteinized by acetonitrile, cleaned via two-step cleaning procedure using Bond Elut C18 SPE columns and then alumina-N cartridges. All the four avermectin residues in different animal-food products were simultaneously separated and determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–ESI–MS/MS) within 3.5 min. Data acquisition under positive ESI–MS/MS was performed by applying multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) for both identification and quantification, and mass spectrometric conditions were optimized to increase selectivity and sensitivity. The matrix-matched calibration curves for different matrices, such as pork muscle, pork liver, fish and milk, were constructed and the interference effect of different sample matrices on the ionization was effectively eliminated. The UPLC–MS/MS method was validated with satisfactory linearity, recovery, precision and stability. Matrix-matched calibration curves of abamectin, ivermectin, doramectin and eprinomectin in four different matrices were linear (r2 ≥ 0.990, goodness-of-fit coefficients ≤12.8%) in the range 2.5–200 µg kg−1. The limits of detection and quantification for the four avermectins were in the range 0.05–0.68 and 0.17–2.27 µg kg−1, respectively. Recoveries were 62.4–104.5% with good intra- and inter-day precision. The method was rapid, sensitive and reliable, and can be applied to the quantitative analysis of avermectin residues in different animal-food products.
Contact angle selection for interfaces in growing domains

We study interfaces in an Allen‐Cahn equation, separating two metastable states. Our focus is on a directional quenching scenario, where a parameter renders the system bistable in a half plane and monostable in its complement, with the region of bistability expanding at a fixed speed. We show that the growth mechanism selects a contact angle between the boundary of the region of bistability and the interface separating the two metastable states. Technically, we focus on a perturbative setting in a vicinity of a symmetric situation with perpendicular contact. The main difficulty stems from the lack of Fredholm properties for the linearization in translation invariant norms. We overcome those difficulties establishing Fredholm properties in weighted spaces and farfield‐core decompositions to compensate for negative Fredholm indices.
Differences in opinions and the volatility‐volume relationship on the Tokyo Grain Exchange

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is twofold. The first is to estimate the correlation between market activity and volatility on an exchange that does not use continuous auctions to find prices. The second is to estimate the sensitivity of that relationship to differences in opinions across traders regarding asset value. Design/methodology/approach - Both objectives are accomplished by using seven years of trader-level data from the Tokyo Grain Exchange, which uses rapid sequences of Walrasian tâtonnement auctions to discover prices. On the TGE, only one futures contract trades at any given time and all of a commodity's futures contracts are auctioned in a rapid sequence, with only seconds between a sequence's auctions. The results are interpreted under the hypothesis that this design causes traders' beliefs to become more accurate and more uniform as a sequence progresses. Findings - Intraday volume is u-shaped while intraday volatility is downward sloping. The volume–volatility link is positive and stays constant or strengthens as traders' beliefs about value become more precise. The link is driven by trades originating from small futures commission merchants, especially those trades entered on behalf of customers. Research limitations/implications - Evidence that accounting for cross-correlations when estimating volatility can have an important effect on estimates is presented. Researchers are encouraged to further explore the implications of cross-correlations. Practical implications - The paper includes implications for existing theory, the measurement of volatility, and the design of central exchanges. Originality/value - This paper uses the TGE as a natural laboratory to test theory. It is the first such study to use data from an exchange that does not use continuous auctions, and the first to document the simultaneous existence of u-shape volume and downward-sloping volatility.
Global Dispersal of Free-Living Microbial Eukaryote Species

The abundance of individuals in microbial species is so large that dispersal is rarely (if ever) restricted by geographical barriers. This “ubiquitous” dispersal requires an alternative view of the scale and dynamics of biodiversity at the microbial level, wherein global species number is relatively low and local species richness is always sufficient to drive ecosystem functions.
The Provision of a Telepsychology Service to Shetland: Client and Therapist Satisfaction and the Ability to Develop a Therapeutic Alliance

We conducted a pilot study to assess the feasibility and acceptability of videoconferencing as a means of providing a clinical psychology service in the Shetland Islands. A general practitioner was equipped with a desktop PC-based system connected to a mainland hospital videoconferencing system by ISDN at 128 kbit/s. Qualitative methods were used to assess user satisfaction, the ability to form a therapeutic relationship and client improvement. Over one year, 10 patients (eight female, two male) participated in the videoconferencing therapy sessions. The psychologist and all but one of the clients were highly satisfied with the videoconferencing therapy sessions. The clients were able to develop a positive therapeutic relationship with the psychologist and all reported some improvement from therapy. The results showed that videoconferencing is a feasible and acceptable means of providing therapy to patients in remote areas.
Age discrimination: legislation and human capital accumulation

Purpose – It is hard to disentangle the possible reasons for differential rates of training incidence amongst older and younger workers. While older workers are less likely to undergo employer‐financed training, many do not take up the opportunity to train. Differences in training incidence are also reflected in the extent to which formal qualifications are associated with individuals from different age groups. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the human capital explanation for these differing experiences and ask whether they can shed light on employers' apparent differential treatment of older and younger employees. In an attempt to highlight the need for additional research in this area before the introduction of legislation in October 2006, the paper proposes considering the issue of mandatory retirement within this human capital framework.Design/methodology/approach – Through a review of the relevant literature and discussion around a number of cross‐tabulations the paper discusses issues re.
Macroeconomic Determinants of Employment Intensity of Growth in India

Despite India’s resurgent growth over the past years, the country seems to have failed miserably on the employment front. The employment content of economic growth—the employment intensity of growth—is on the decline. The objective of the present study is to identify the macroeconomic determinants which influence the employment intensity of growth in India. The study covers data for the period 1993–94 to 2009–10 across 15 major Indian states and applies a panel data model to find out these determinants. The results tend to suggest that labour supply, economic structure, price instability and human capital are major determining factors. Pro-employment growth in India may require measures like diversification of economic activities towards labour-intensive sectors, price stability, skill-based education and adoption of labour-intensive technology. JEL Classification: J21, J23
New Europe's Old Regions

The recent accession of the former communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe to the European Union significantly changed many of its social and economic characteristics. For example, a situation was created where income differences between regions in the EU are on a par with those between Britain and some African countries. Regional differences in productivity and employment levels within the EU are even more stark than income differences. This monograph examines the policies that should be used to address the poor economic performance of New Europe's old industrial and agricultural regions. The author finds traditional regional policy wanting, but feels there might be a role for the 'new regionalism' that is focused on trying to boost the productivity of peripheral regions. However, using Poland as a case study, he is able to show that, if new-style regional policies are introduced without policies aimed at liberalisation, lower taxes and reduced employment protection, then nothing of substance will be achieved. This analysis has profound implications for the EU more widely. If there is to be economic liberalisation within the EU then there probably has to be political reform too.
High Level of Hepatitis B Infection and Ongoing Risk Among Asian/Pacific Islander Men Who Have Sex With Men, San Francisco, 2000–2001

Objectives: This study examined serologic markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and immunity among young Asian/Pacific Islander men who have sex with men (API MSM) in San Francisco. Methods: Participants were 496 API MSM, aged 18 to 29 years, recruited to participate in a cross-sectional survey using a random, venue-based, time-space sampling method. Results: Of 489 subjects tested, 28.0% had evidence of past HBV infection, including 8.2% who were chronically infected; 24.9% were immune as a result of vaccination; and 47.0% were susceptible to infection. Self-reported vaccination history was low overall and discrepant with serologic findings. Conclusions: HBV infection persists as a significant health problem among API MSM as a result of childhood infection, low vaccination coverage in Asia and the United States, and continuing adult exposure through male–male sex. Although challenging, vigorous efforts are needed to increase vaccination coverage among adult API MSM.
Screening of Pro‐Apoptotic Genes Upregulated in an Experimental Street Rabies Virus‐Infected Neonatal Mouse Brain

Rabies virus (RABV) is able to induce apoptotic death of target cells. The molecular pathway of RABV‐induced cell death is partially known. In the present study, cDNA array analysis was used as a tool to screen for pro‐apoptotic genes that may be involved in RABV induction. RNA was extracted from the infected CNS and from mock‐infected controls. When the mean gene expression was compared between the infected group and controls, 21 potential apoptotic genes were identified that exhibited more than 2.5‐fold difference in their expression levels. These 21 genes can be grouped into two groups, those genes that participate in the commitment phase and those that play a role as executioners. Examples of genes in commitment phase were death receptors (Fas‐L receptor, TNF‐receptor), lysosomal proteases, calpain, caspase‐1, signaling molecules (ERK, p38MAPK) and bcl‐2 family members. Cytochrome c and caspase‐3 were representatives of executioners. Based on types of genes activated during the commitment phase, two independent apoptotic mechanisms may be activated in response to the RV infection. The first is immune‐mediated death which may operate through the receptor‐ligand pathway activated by caspase‐1 and the pro‐inflammatory cytokine, IL‐1β. The other mechanism is a protease‐mediated process which involves lysosomal proteases and calcium‐dependent neutral proteases. These two stimulating pathways were followed by Bad, Bak, Bid activation and subsequently the upregulation of cytochrome c and caspase‐3. In addition, mobilization of K+ ion and other accessory apoptotic genes such as annexins and clusterin were also upregulated.
Natural disaster and mental health in Asia

Abstract The purpose of the present article was to review the literature on disaster mental health in relation to natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons and cyclones throughout Asia. Articles reviewed show that disaster psychiatry in Asia is beginning to emerge from and leave behind the stigma attached to mental health. The emergence of the acceptance of disaster mental health throughout Asia can be attributed in part to the acceptance of the notion of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This has allowed greater involvement of mental health professionals in providing ongoing support to survivors of natural disasters as well as providing greater opportunities for further research. Also, articles reviewed in the present paper commonly suggested the need for using standardized diagnostic tools for PTSD to appropriately interpret the discrepancy of results among studies. The importance of post‐disaster support services and cultural differences is highlighted.
Talent or not? Employee reactions to talent identification

In this article, we examine the effect of talent identification on employee attitudes. Building on social exchange theory, we analyze the association between employees' perceptions about whether or not they have been formally identified as “talent” and the following attitudinal outcomes: commitment to increasing performance demands, building skills, and supporting strategic priorities; identification with the unit and the multinational enterprise; and turnover intentions. Our analyses of 769 managers and professionals in nine Nordic multinational corporations reveal a number of differences between employees who perceive that they have been identified as “talent” and those who either perceive that they have not been identified or do not know whether they have been identified. We found only limited differences between the two latter categories.
Competition for Readers Among U.S. Metropolitan Daily, Nonmetropolitan Daily, and Weekly Newspapers

This study of 381 U.S. counties outside of central counties in metropolitan areas indicates that competition among newspapers in three layers of the umbrella model exists throughout the United States. However, the intensity of competition between some layers can vary greatly from county to county. The strongest and most consistent impact was between newspapers in the weekly and nonmetro daily layers. The strength of impact varied depending on whether the weeklies were paid or free.
Stress and help-seeking for drought-stricken citrus growers in the Riverland of South Australia.

OBJECTIVE To explore the psychological impact of a problematic industrial climate for citrus growers, their help-seeking behaviour and perspectives on ways to encourage better use of rural mental health services. DESIGN Thematic analysis of in-depth interviews. SETTING The Riverland of South Australia. PARTICIPANTS Sixteen citrus growers (12 male, 4 female) from eight Riverland towns. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Citrus growers' perceived factors relating to psychological stress, coping behaviours, impact of stress on well-being, help-seeking behaviours, barriers to help-seeking and ways to encourage better use of rural mental health services. RESULTS Work-related stresses grouped under broad themes, including 'Uncontrollable events', 'Financial hardship' and 'Pressure', had negative effects on participants' well-being. Furthermore, it was found that significant difficulties arise because many of the stresses which growers endure are not controllable, and that the alleviation of strain with the help of mental health professionals is uncommon because of barriers preventing help-seeking. Five broad themes of barriers to help-seeking were extracted from the data: 'Self-reliance', 'Social image', 'Lack of knowledge', 'Negative perceptions of health professionals' efficacy' and 'Restrictive lifestyle factors'. A specialised model of occupational health for citrus growers was proposed. CONCLUSIONS These results highlight the practical need to address the identified issues in delivery and promotion of health services when facilitating help-seeking within this group. The findings also add to our knowledge of occupational health psychology broadly.
IPO underpricing and flotation methods in Taiwan – a stochastic frontier approach

Adopting stochastic frontier analysis, this article studies the pricing model and underpricing phenomenon of the initial public offerings (IPOs) in Taiwan and further elucidates the potential impact of offering mechanisms on underpricing. The sampling period is from 1996 to 2003, in which 647 IPOs are selected. Empirical results suggest that issuing firms with greater earning potentials, less risk or less asymmetric information have lower underpricing. Furthermore, the variables included to explain underpricing are mostly significant, especially the proxy variable for flotation method. Observed mean IPO underpricing is 20.59% in the sample period, compared to 17.12% for the subgroup using the auction method. This statistically significant difference implies that the introduction of the auction method can help reduce IPO underpricing.
Removal of supermicron particles from precursor powders for PIT fabrication of Nb/sub 3/Sn and Bi-2212 multifilament conductors

A technique is being developed for separating all particles larger than /spl sim/1 micron from the precursor powders that are used in powder-in-tube (PIT) fabrication of superconductors. For both Nb/sub 3/Sn and Bi-2212, elimination of large particles enables drawing a multi-filament restack to smaller final filament size, with benefits for overall current density and suppression of persistent current effects. The technique uses virtual impact (VI) sizing, in which the powder is dispersed in an aerosol stream and passed through a nozzle array which separates particles larger and smaller than a critical size into separate flow channels. Unlike other separation techniques, VI exhibits a sharp threshold and yields extremely clean removal of large particles. Successful operation of a pilot system, studies of the separation dynamics, and issues relating to scale-up are presented.
Measuring Achievement and Shortfall Improvements in a Consistent Way

In measuring improvements over time of bounded variables, one can focus on achievements or shortfalls. However, rankings of alternative social states in terms of achievements and shortfalls do not necessarily mirror one another. We characterize axiomatically different families of achievement and shortfall improvement indices, and present the necessary and sufficient conditions under which they rank social states in a consistent way. Empirical illustrations using child mortality data from South Africa suggest that consistency between achievement and shortfall improvements in standards of living is not only a matter of theoretical import but is also a problem that can be encountered in practice to a large extent.
Establishment and Optimization of Genomic Selection to Accelerate the Domestication and Improvement of Intermediate Wheatgrass

Intermediate wheatgrass (IWG) is a perennial species and has edible and nutritious grain and desirable agronomic traits, including large seed size, high grain yield, and biomass. It also has the potential to provide ecosystem services and an economic return to farmers. However, because of its allohexaploidy and self‐incompatibility, developing molecular markers for genetic analysis and molecular breeding has been challenging. In the present study, using genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) technology, 3436 genome‐wide markers discovered in a biparental population with 178 genets, were mapped to 21 linkage groups (LG) corresponding to 21 chromosomes of IWG. Genomic prediction models were developed using 3883 markers discovered in a breeding population containing 1126 representative genets from 58 half‐sib families. High predictive ability was observed for seven agronomic traits using cross‐validation, ranging from 0.46 for biomass to 0.67 for seed weight. Optimization results indicated that 8 to 10 genets from each half‐sib family can form a good training population to predict the breeding value of their siblings, and 1600 genome‐wide markers are adequate to capture the genetic variation in the current breeding population for genomic selection. Thus, with the advances in sequencing‐based marker technologies, it was practical to perform molecular genetic analysis and molecular breeding on a new and challenging species like IWG, and genomic selection could increase the efficiency of recurrent selection and accelerate the domestication and improvement of IWG.
Gastrointestinal symptoms impair quality of life in Italian renal transplant recipients but are under‐recognized by physicians

We assessed patient‐ and physician‐reported prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms and their impact on quality of life (QOL) in Italian renal transplant recipients with stable graft function. Patients ≥18 years with a renal allograft functioning for ≥6 months and stable serum creatinine levels of <2.5 mg/dl were enrolled. Physicians and patients completed an Italian translation of the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) questionnaires. The average time since transplantation (n = 1130) was 5.9 years. Forty‐two immunosuppressant drug regimens were reported. The top three regimens (cyclosporine/mycophenolate mofetil/steroids; tacrolimus/mycophenolate mofetil/steroids; cyclosporine/steroids) accounted for approximately 40% of patients. In the physician interview, 39.2% of patients had ≥1 gastrointestinal symptom vs. 88.3% of patients in the self‐administered questionnaire. The prevalence of GSRS symptoms was similar for each of the most frequently prescribed immunosuppressant drug regimens. GIQLI total score was significantly poorer in patients with versus those without gastrointestinal symptoms (121.8 ± 17.6 vs. 138.4 ± 3.7; P < 0.0001), and there was a strong inverse correlation between GIQLI and patient‐reported GSRS scores (Pearson’s correlation coefficient −0.816; P < 0.0001). Gastrointestinal symptoms are frequent in renal transplant patients, are under‐evaluated by physicians and may adversely impact on patient QOL.