Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Wage dynamics in Spain: evidence from individual data (1994-2001)

In this paper, we test the hypothesis of a wage curve against a Phillips curve for Spain, within a dynamic framework that allows for both of these, and for more general alternatives. To this end, we use data from the European Community Household Panel, providing micro-information for the period 1994-2001. The results indicate that, contrary to the situation in other European countries, the wage adjustment occurs in just one period, with the elasticity of wages to unemployment being close to the «empirical law of economics» of –0.1.
The Formation of Self-Organized Domain Structures at Non-Polar Cuts of Lithium Niobate as a Result of Local Switching by an SPM Tip

We have studied experimentally the interaction of isolated needle-like domains created in an array via local switching using a biased scanning probe microscope (SPM) tip and visualized via piezoelectric force microscopy (PFM) at the non-polar cuts of MgO-doped lithium niobate (MgOLN) crystals. It has been found that the domain interaction leads to the intermittent quasiperiodic and chaotic behavior of the domain length in the array in a manner similar to that of polar cuts, but with greater spacing between the points of bias application and voltage amplitudes. It has also been found that the polarization reversal at the non-polar cuts and domain interaction significantly depend on humidity. The spatial distribution of the surface potential measured by Kelvin probe force microscopy in the vicinity of the charged domain walls revealed the decrease of the domain length as a result of the partial backswitching after pulse termination. The phase diagram of switching behavior as a function of tip voltage and spacing between the points of bias application has been plotted. The obtained results provide new insight into the problem of the domain interaction during forward growth and can provide a basis for useful application in nanodomain engineering and development of non-linear optical frequency converters, data storage, and computing devices.
The Results of the Irish National Nutrition Survey

(4) Under a less meticulous system it should be possible to obtain more than I week's consumption from each family surveyed so as to correct for seasonal variation; consumption should be analysed systematically by months, quarters or seasons throughout the period of inquiry, having regard to the very striking results obtained for the congested districts from the present inquiry. (5) Random sampling standard deviations might be supplied with the main estimates. I understand that the Department of Health is considering the publication of a concluding part to the Irish National Nutrition Survey in addition to those parts relating to the five sections of the inquiry. This part would be, no doubt, designed primarily to give a description of sampling methods used and other methodological aspects of the inquiry not dealt with in the other parts. I t may also be intended to include global totals for the country as a whole and perhaps for all town areas and all rural areas separately. If this is so, it would be well to correct the figures for possible bias, in so far as this can be done, using, perhaps, the methods of which examples have been given in this contributioii. I t also seems desirable to give some indication of the magnitude of the random sampling errors to which these global estimates are subject.
Effects of the pure flavonoids epicatechin and quercetin on vascular function and cardiometabolic health: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.

BACKGROUND Prospective cohort studies showed inverse associations between the intake of flavonoid-rich foods (cocoa and tea) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Intervention studies showed protective effects on intermediate markers of CVD. This may be due to the protective effects of the flavonoids epicatechin (in cocoa and tea) and quercetin (in tea). OBJECTIVE We investigated the effects of supplementation of pure epicatechin and quercetin on vascular function and cardiometabolic health. DESIGN Thirty-seven apparently healthy men and women aged 40-80 y with a systolic blood pressure (BP) between 125 and 160 mm Hg at screening were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. CVD risk factors were measured before and after 4 wk of daily flavonoid supplementation. Participants received (-)-epicatechin (100 mg/d), quercetin-3-glucoside (160 mg/d), or placebo capsules for 4 wk in random order. The primary outcome was the change in flow-mediated dilation from pre- to postintervention. Secondary outcomes included other markers of CVD risk and vascular function. RESULTS Epicatechin supplementation did not change flow-mediated dilation significantly (1.1% absolute; 95% CI: -0.1%, 2.3%; P = 0.07). Epicatechin supplementation improved fasting plasma insulin (Δ insulin: -1.46 mU/L; 95% CI: -2.74, -0.18 mU/L; P = 0.03) and insulin resistance (Δ homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance: -0.38; 95% CI: -0.74, -0.01; P = 0.04) and had no effect on fasting plasma glucose. Epicatechin did not change BP (office BP and 24-h ambulatory BP), arterial stiffness, nitric oxide, endothelin 1, or blood lipid profile. Quercetin-3-glucoside supplementation had no effect on flow-mediated dilation, insulin resistance, or other CVD risk factors. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that epicatechin may in part contribute to the cardioprotective effects of cocoa and tea by improving insulin resistance. It is unlikely that quercetin plays an important role in the cardioprotective effects of tea. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01691404.
Does Work Engagement Mediate the Effect of Polychronicity on Performance Outcomes? A Study in the Hospitality Industry in Northern Cyprus

The present study investigates work engagement as a mediating variable in the relationship between polychronicity and performance outcomes. Respondents were full-time frontline employees in the five-star hotels in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The results from structural equation modeling reveal that the impact of polychronicity on job performance and extra-role customer service is fully mediated by work engagement. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are presented in the study.
Bacillus crassostreae sp. nov., isolated from an oyster (Crassostrea hongkongensis).

A novel Gram-stain-positive, motile, catalase- and oxidase-positive, endospore-forming, facultatively anaerobic rod, designated strain JSM 100118(T), was isolated from an oyster (Crassostrea hongkongensis) collected from the tidal flat of Naozhou Island in the South China Sea. Strain JSM 100118(T) was able to grow with 0-13% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 2-5%), at pH 5.5-10.0 (optimum pH 7.5) and at 5-50 °C (optimum 30-35 °C). The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. The predominant respiratory quinone was menaquinone-7 and the major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0 and C16 : 1ω11c. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, an unknown glycolipid and an unknown phospholipid. The genomic DNA G+C content was 35.9 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain JSM 100118(T) belonged to the genus Bacillus , and was most closely related to Bacillus litoralis SW-211(T) (98.9% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Bacillus halosaccharovorans E33(T) (98.3%), Bacillus niabensis 4T19(T) (97.8%) and Bacillus herbersteinensis D-1,5a(T) (97.1%). The combination of results from the phylogenetic analysis, DNA-DNA hybridization, and phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characterization supported the conclusion that strain JSM 100118(T) represents a novel species of the genus Bacillus , for which the name Bacillus crassostreae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JSM 100118(T) ( = CTCC AB 2010452(T) =DSM 24486(T) =JCM 17523(T)).
An intracellular analysis of the visual responses of neurones in cat visual cortex.

1. Extracellular and intracellular recordings were made from neurones in the visual cortex of the cat in order to compare the subthreshold membrane potentials, reflecting the input to the neurone, with the output from the neurone seen as action potentials. 2. Moving bars and edges, generated under computer control, were used to stimulate the neurones. The membrane potential was digitized and averaged for a number of trials after stripping the action potentials. Comparison of extracellular and intracellular discharge patterns indicated that the intracellular impalement did not alter the neurones' properties. Input resistance of the neurone altered little during stable intracellular recordings (30 min‐2 h 50 min). 3. Intracellular recordings showed two distinct patterns of membrane potential changes during optimal visual stimulation. The patterns corresponded closely to the division of S‐type (simple) and C‐type (complex) receptive fields. Simple cells had a complex pattern of membrane potential fluctuations, involving depolarizations alternating with hyperpolarizations. Complex cells had a simple single sustained plateau of depolarization that was often followed but not preceded by a hyperpolarization. In both simple and complex cells the depolarizations led to action potential discharges. The hyperpolarizations were associated with inhibition of action potential discharge. 4. Stimulating simple cells with non‐optimal directions of motion produced little or no hyperpolarization of the membrane in most cases, despite a lack of action potential output. Directional complex cells always produced a single plateau of depolarization leading to action potential discharge in both the optimal and non‐optimal directions of motion. The directionality could not be predicted on the basis of the position of the hyperpolarizing inhibitory potentials found in the optimal direction. 5. Stimulation of simple cells with non‐optimal orientations occasionally produced slight hyperpolarizations and inhibition of action potential discharge. Complex cells, which had broader orientation tuning than simple cells, could show marked hyperpolarization for non‐optimal orientations, but this was not generally the case. 6. The data do not support models of directionality and orientation that rely solely on strong inhibitory mechanisms to produce stimulus selectivity.
FACTORS DETERMINING VISUAL OUTCOME IN ENDOGENOUS CANDIDA ENDOPHTHALMITIS

Purpose: To determine factors affecting the visual outcome of eyes with endogenous Candida endophthalmitis. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of 44 eyes from 36 patients diagnosed with candida endophthalmitis at 2 tertiary referral uveitis centers. Outcome measures included the development of retinal detachment and the occurrence of visual loss (visual acuity of <20/40) and severe visual loss (visual acuity of ⩽20/200). Results: Twenty four of 44 eyes (55%) had visual loss and 16 of 44 eyes (32%) had severe visual loss by the end of the study. Early vitrectomy significantly reduced the risk of retinal detachment (P = 0.02). Factors associated with poor visual outcome included poor presenting visual acuity (relative risk = 2.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–5.55; P < 0.05) and centrally located fungal lesions (relative risk = 5.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.00–2.52; P < 0.05). Conclusion: Candida endophthalmitis is associated with a high rate of visual loss, particularly in patients with poor presenting visual acuity or centrally located lesions. Early vitrectomy reduces the risk of retinal detachment.
Why study medicine?

you can make a real difference to people’s lives by helping to alleviate pain and suffering it’s a respected profession there’s a wide choice of careers – in fact there are over 60 specialties and there are opportunities to get involved with teaching, research and management the day-to-day work can be very varied you will face all kinds of practical and intellectual challenges once you graduate, you’ll earn a reasonable salary [1] and this increases with experience doctors will always be in demand
Clonal reproduction and genetic caste differences in a queen-polymorphic ant, Vollenhovia emeryi

Most social Hymenoptera are characterized by simple haploid sex determination and environment-based caste differentiation. This appears to be strikingly different in the queen-polymorphic ant Vollenhovia emeryi. Almost all long- and short-winged queens from a population in Central Japan were homozygous at three microsatellite loci, whereas workers were mostly heterozygous, suggesting either a complex system of genetic caste determination or, more likely, the production of female sexuals from unfertilized eggs by thelytokous parthenogenesis and of workers from fertilized eggs. Furthermore, male genotypes were not compatible with those of the queens and had exclusively the paternal allele found in the sterile, heterozygous workers, probably because males are produced from fertilized eggs after the exclusion of maternal nuclear DNA as recently reported for Wasmannia auropunctata. The genus Vollenhovia might provide an interesting model system to trace the evolution of unusual caste and sex determination systems.
Profit Maximization and the Extinction of Animal Species

In this paper I construct and analyze a simple mathematical model for the commercial exploitation of a natural animal population. The model takes into account the response of the population to harvesting pressure, the increasing harvesting costs associated with decreasing population levels, and the preference of the harvesters for present over future revenues. The principal conclusion of the analysis is that, depending on certain easily stated biological and economic conditions, extermination of the entire population may appear as the most attractive policy, even to an individual resource owner.
Migrating to the cloud: Examining the drivers and barriers to adoption of cloud computing by SMEs in Ireland: an exploratory study

Purpose – Cloud computing is a relatively new phenomena. It has rarely been examined in the context of the small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of this paper is to examine the drivers and barriers to cloud computing adoption by SMEs in Ireland. Design/methodology/approach – This study adopted an exploratory approach. A quantitative approach was adopted in the data collection phase. An online self-completion questionnaire was distributed by e-mail to 1,500 SMEs in Ireland. A response rate of 6 per cent was achieved generating 95 usable responses. Findings – Findings from this study indicate that Irish SMEs are adopting cloud technology. The key driver identified is the resultant cost benefits for the firm. However, concern over continuous availability of the service is identified by the SME as a key challenge and is hindering widespread adoption of cloud technology. Research limitations/implications – This study whilst exploratory in nature, has laid the foundation for further research in .
The potential rate of bed-load transport

Averages of measurements made in three rivers characterized by a high availability of sediment in relation to runoff, and comparable data that represent the high end of the range of transport rates observed during three sets of laboratory experiments, confirm there is an upper, particle-size-dependent limit to bed-load transport efficiency. Incorporating the regression relation derived from these six diverse and unrelated data sets into R. A. Bagnold's classic formulation yields ib = ω [0.0115·D50−0.51]/0.63. This straightforward scale correlation can be used to estimate the potential rate of bed-load transport (for average conditions) in gravel-bed rivers when sediment transport is constrained neither by the supply of sediment to nor by the amount of sediment available in the channel. The independent application of this empirical limit formula to two rivers with applicable bed-load transport regimes reveals a good (±10%) correspondence between average observed and predicted transport rates.
Pengaruh Beberapa Indeks Saham dan Indikator Ekonomi Global Terhadap Kondisi Pasar Modal Indonesia

Indonesian capital market is highly developed capital markets in recent years. With the growing world of investment and finance , the events that occurred in other countries, be it stock index or economic indicator will have an impact to the Indonesian state. This study aimed to determine the effect of several stock indices and global economic indicators to the condition of the Indonesian Capital Market. Global stock indices used in this study is the Dow Jones index, Nikkei 225 index, Shanghai Composite Index ( SSE ), UK : FT100 index. Global economic indicators used include oil prices, gold prices, and exchange rate USD/IDR. This study used multiple linear regression analysis. The results of this study indicate that the Dow Jones index, Shanghai index, and UK : FT100 index positive effect on JCI, while the Nikkei 225 index variable, world oil prices, gold prices, and the exchange rate USD/IDR negatively affect the JCI movement. Future studies may add to the index of other countries and other economic indicators. Keywords: Global stock indices, global economic indicator, JCI
The evaluation of suicide letters in Turkey from a cognitive perspective.

BACKGROUND Different methods are used to understand the suicidal mind. Suicide note analysis may be most direct way to do this. AIMS To study the content of suicide letters under forensic evaluation in terms of psychological and cognitive aspects. METHODS A total of 51 letters were referred to The Council of Forensic Medicine from different cities of Turkey and analyzed by a research group with ten members including forensic medicine specialists and psychiatrists. The Questionnaire of Content Analysis of Suicide Letters (The Q-CAS), developed by researchers, was used to analyze the cognitive and cultural themes of suicide letters. The cognitive distortions about the self, the world, and the future as well as cultural phenomena were evaluated including sociodemographic features. RESULTS Financial problems in males and relationship problems in females were the most frequent life events related to suicide. Hopelessness, weakness, loneliness--in decreasing order--were the most predominant cognitions and emotions. The total score of females were higher than that of males (p=.002). CONCLUSIONS These negative cognitions should be taken into consideration when therapeutic interventions are planned on individuals with suicidal thoughts.
Toward a New Theory of the Contribution of the IT Function in Organizations

Because changes in organizations and information technology environments are enduring, the alignment of the IT function with business objectives must not only be understood, but constantly renewed and adjusted. This is amply reflected in recent surveys of CIOs, which consistently suggest that the notion of alignment is a top challenge and management priority. Many CIOs face a double challenge when addressing the issue of alignment: they must first clarify top management's expectations and assumptions about IT, which may be contradictory, and then understand their implications for how the IT department should be managed (i.e., translate the function's strategic mission into an IT management model that adds value to the organization). The characterization of the IT function has constituted a central and growing subject of research in the information systems field. Although the extant literature has much to teach us, knowledge in this area is nevertheless fragmented and has not been properly integrated. In response to these limitations, this study proposes and tests a new theory of the contribution of the IT function. Specifically, our objective is to offer an explanation of the contribution of the IT function in organizations with a typology of ideal profiles. A field study was conducted in 24 large Canadian companies in order to validate a set of research propositions. Our results first suggest that there are five distinct "ideal" IT management profiles in organizations and each of these profiles tends to focus on specific sources of value. Next, we observed that IT functions that are close to the ideal of any given profile seem to be outperforming those with hybrid profiles. Finally, our findings provide a compelling explanation as to how ideal IT management profiles are adopted in organizations. The article concludes with a discussion of the theoretical and practical implications of the proposed theory.
Recent epidemiologic trends of diabetes mellitus among status Aboriginal adults

Background: Little is known about longitudinal trends in diabetes mellitus among Aboriginal people in Canada. We compared the incidence and prevalence of diabetes, and its impact on mortality, among status Aboriginal adults and adults in the general population between 1995 and 2007. Methods: We examined de-identified data from Alberta Health and Wellness administrative databases for status Aboriginal people (First Nations and Inuit people with treaty status) and members of the general public aged 20 years and older who received a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus from Apr. 1, 1995, to Mar. 31, 2007. We calculated the incidence and prevalence of diabetes and mortality rate ratios by sex and ethnicity in 2007. We examined the average relative changes per year for longitudinal trends. Results: The average relative change per year in the prevalence of diabetes showed a smaller increase over time in the Aboriginal population than in the general population (2.39 v. 4.09, p < 0.001). A similar finding was observed for the incidence of diabetes. In the Aboriginal population, we found that the increase in the average relative change per year was greater among men than among women (3.13 v. 1.88 for prevalence, p < 0.001; 2.60 v. 0.02 for incidence, p = 0.001). Mortality among people with diabetes decreased over time to a similar extent in both populations. Among people without diabetes, mortality decreased in the general population but was unchanged in the Aboriginal population (−1.92 v. 0.11, p = 0.04). Overall, mortality was higher in the Aboriginal population than in the general population regardless of diabetes status. Interpretation: The increases in the incidence and prevalence of diabetes over the study period appeared to be slower in the status Aboriginal population than in the general population in Alberta, although the overall rates were higher in the Aboriginal population. Mortality decreased among people with diabetes in both populations but was higher overall in the Aboriginal population regardless of diabetes status.
A conceptual framework of hotel experience and customer‐based brand equity: Some research questions and implications

Purpose – There is increasing discussion of the way in which quality of experience and brand equity are developed in the hotel industry. This study aims to review the hospitality and brand equity literature, thereby providing a conceptual framework for understanding hotel brand equity.Design/methodology/approach – A comprehensive and extensive literature review helps develop a brand equity framework for the hotel industry.Findings – Hotels often use advertising, referral marketing and services marketing to help guests acquire brand‐related information. Hotel guests, in turn, establish their brand knowledge through direct and indirect experiences. A better understanding of how these experiences contribute to brand equity has important implications for brand managers. Advertising and word of mouth (WoM) can be used to generate brand awareness and brand associations. Service performance should be nurtured to predominantly precipitate quality of experience, although WoM also has a strong effect on it.Original.