Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quality of institutional elderly care in Slovenia

Elderly people, because of the frail health condition and consequent problems, have in most cases substantial difficulties living at home. Despite the need for widened nursing home custody, the field of quality institutional elderly care in Slovenia in the past did not undergo comprehensive research. The purpose of this two-part study was to investigate the quality of institutional elderly care and elderly care offered in Slovenian nursing homes. Additional purpose was to evaluate nursing staff members about their willingness, knowledge, skills and importance to meet residents’ physical and psychosocial nursing care needs. Also, a part of this research was bound for recognition of maltreatment and nursing staff members’ well-being. The qualitative and quantitative research methods were used. The quality of institutional elderly care and elderly care offered were researched by interviewing the parties involved in elderly care, residents, relatives and nursing staff members (N=48). The data for quantitative research was collected by surveying nursing staff by using a structured questionnaire (N=148). All data have been collected in three public and one private nursing home located in two major cities of Ljubljana and Maribor. Collected data was examined by content analysis method and statistical analysis, to corroborate findings across data sets, reducing the impact of potential biases that can exist in a single study. Triangulation was used to approach to data analysis to synthesize data from multiple sources. Main categories of quality institutional elderly were formulated as attentive care, optimal custody and holistic approach. The most important issue of quality institutional elderly care was formulated as meeting needs on time. Nursing staff members were found to be better skilled in meeting physical than psychosocial needs of residents. Maltreatment was recognised as neglect of care due to postponed duties or hastiness in nursing interventions resulting in discomfort of residents. Factors in connection to quality of institutional elderly care were expressed as quality of nursing care, friendly relationship, meaningful activities, pleasant dwelling environment and versatile assistance. The obtained findings were presented in form of proposals to improve quality of institutional elderly care in Slovenian nursing homes, and could be used to develop institutional elderly care and improve dwelling. In addition many specific terms have been extracted during the analysis process that may contribute to development of gerontological nursing care rationale in Slovenia.
Clean Technology Ventures and Innovation

Entrepreneurial innovators have been agents of transformation throughout history, but they have not had the scope to perform this role in the environmental domain. We propose an explanatory model that depicts the processes that give rise to innovation by new entrant firms. We apply this model to evidence from a study of problems faced by 73 environmental ventures. We present supporting evidence from case studies that demonstrate how entrepreneurial innovation is brought about by problem solving practices under resource constraint and decision-making flexibility. We point to the value of promoting technological options and the diversity and complementarities to which new entrants give rise.
Oncolytic Activity of Avian Influenza Virus in Human Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines

ABSTRACT Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is the most lethal form of human cancer, with dismal survival rates due to late-stage diagnoses and a lack of efficacious therapies. Building on the observation that avian influenza A viruses (IAVs) have a tropism for the pancreas in vivo, the present study was aimed at testing the efficacy of IAVs as oncolytic agents for killing human PDA cell lines. Receptor characterization confirmed that human PDA cell lines express the alpha-2,3- and the alpha-2,6-linked glycan receptor for avian and human IAVs, respectively. PDA cell lines were sensitive to infection by human and avian IAV isolates, which is consistent with this finding. Growth kinetic experiments showed preferential virus replication in PDA cells over that in a nontransformed pancreatic ductal cell line. Finally, at early time points posttreatment, infection with IAVs caused higher levels of apoptosis in PDA cells than gemcitabine and cisplatin, which are the cornerstone of current therapies for PDA. In the BxPC-3 PDA cell line, apoptosis resulted from the engagement of the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway. Importantly, IAVs did not induce apoptosis in nontransformed pancreatic ductal HPDE6 cells. Using a model based on the growth of a PDA cell line as a xenograft in SCID mice, we also show that a slightly pathogenic avian IAV significantly inhibited tumor growth following intratumoral injection. Taken together, these results are the first to suggest that IAVs may hold promise as future agents of oncolytic virotherapy against pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. IMPORTANCE Despite intensive studies aimed at designing new therapeutic approaches, PDA still retains the most dismal prognosis among human cancers. In the present study, we provide the first evidence indicating that avian IAVs of low pathogenicity display a tropism for human PDA cells, resulting in viral RNA replication and a potent induction of apoptosis in vitro and antitumor effects in vivo. These results suggest that slightly pathogenic IAVs may prove to be effective for oncolytic virotherapy of PDA and provide grounds for further studies to develop specific and targeted viruses, with the aim of testing their efficacy in clinical contexts.
Women who self-objectify and objectify other women: The role of self-compassion

Sexual objectification is harmful to women’s psychosocial health, as this form of oppression leads to increased body surveillance, body shame and decreased self-esteem. The construct of self-compassion (Neff, 2003a), and more specifically, the new concept of body or physical self-compassion (Berry, Kowalski, Ferguson, & McHugh, 2010; Magnus, Kowalski, & McHugh, 2010, respectively), has been found to mitigate this objectification. In addition, Szymanski and Carr (2011) called for social justice initiatives surrounding empowerment of female clients, and Szymanksi et al. (2011) suggested the need for further research about women who objectify other women. Although the professional literature has addressed self-compassion and these findings suggest the positive influence of increased body self-compassion, the literature has not extended a body self-compassion induction on women who experience selfobjectification and women who objectify other women. Utilizing an experimental design to address this gap in the literature, I proposed this research study to examine the effects of a selfcompassion induction on both self-objectification and objectification of other women. Four hundred and ten undergraduate female research participants were randomly assigned to a selfcompassion induction or control group. After completing the induction or the control writing prompts, all participants completed the Self-Objectification Scale (Noll & Fredrickson, 1998), a modified version of this scale to address objectification of other women, the Rosenberg Self- Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965) and a demographics questionnaire developed by this researcher. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was then conducted to determine whether there were differences in self-objectification and objectification of other women between the self-compassion induction group and the control group. Results concluded that the effect of group membership was not statistically significant for scores of self-objectification or objectification of other women. Multiple regression was then used to find the unique contribution of the self-compassion induction beyond what was accounted for by self-esteem. Results concluded that the selfcompassion induction did not account for a significant proportion of variability in scores for self- or other-objectification beyond that already accounted for by self-esteem.
Definition of the Flexible Image Transport System (FITS)

The Flexible Image Transport System { FITS { has been in use in the astronomical community for over two decades. A newly updated version of the standard has recently been approved by the International Astronomical Union FITS Working Group. This new version of the standard appears here in its entirety. As a preface we briefly describe the process by which the standard evolves and revisions are approved, and note two minor changes to NOST 100{2.0 which were adopted by the IAU FWG.
Association Between Vitamin D Status and Maximal-Intensity Exercise Performance in Junior and Collegiate Hockey Players

Abstract Fitzgerald, JS, Peterson, BJ, Warpeha, JM, Johnson, SC, and Ingraham, SJ. Association between vitamin D status and maximal-intensity exercise performance in junior and collegiate hockey players. J Strength Cond Res 29(9): 2513–2521, 2015—Recent evidence suggests that athletes are at risk for poor vitamin D status. This study used a cross-sectional design to investigate the strength of association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration and measures of maximal-intensity exercise performance in competitive hockey players. Fifty-three collegiate and junior male ice hockey players training near Minneapolis, MN (44.9° N latitude) participated in the study during the off-season (May 16–June 28). Circulating 25(OH)D concentration, grip strength, vertical jump performance, and power production during the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) were evaluated. Despite no athletes with 25(OH)D concentration indicative of deficiency (<20 ng·mL−1), positive bivariate correlations were detected between vitamin D status, relative grip strength (p = 0.024), and peak power during the WAnT (p = 0.035). Only for relative grip strength (p = 0.043), did 25(OH)D concentration predict performance after adjusting for level of play, fat-free mass, fat mass, and self-reported total physical activity in sequential linear regression. Vitamin D status was positively associated with starting gradient (p = 0.020) during the squat jump, with higher concentrations associated with increased rate of force development in the initial portion of the jump. Interventional trials should investigate the impact of vitamin D supplementation on maximal-intensity exercise performance outcomes and rate of force development in large samples of vitamin D–deficient athletes while controlling for training exposure. Our data indicate that if vitamin D status is causally related to maximal-intensity exercise performance in athletes, the effect size is likely small.
An Empirical Assessment of Spectator-Based Brand Equity

Few studies in the branding literature have approached brand equity from the sport perspective, and even fewer studies focus on the construct from the consumer viewpoint. The purpose of the current research was to empirically test the spectator-based brand equity (SBBE) model. Using a sample from professional basketball consumers, the results of the study show that the 49-item, 13-construct model has a reasonable fit to the data. The study extends the understanding of sport brand equity from the consumer perspective by presenting empirical support for the model. Several managerial implications are offered as a result of the findings.
An Empirical Test of the F2 Screen for Detection of Bacillus thuringiensis-Resistance Alleles in Tobacco Budworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract Insects exposed to genetically modified crops expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins are under intense selection pressure that could result on widespread Bt resistance. Screening for early indications of Bt resistance developing in targeted Lepidoptera is conducted in many of the regions where genetically modified cotton and corn have been commercialized. Heliothis virescens (F.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) has been selected in the laboratory to have a gene for resistance to Cry1Ac. We used this laboratory line to test the assumptions and theoretical predictions related to detection of recessive Bt-resistant alleles in field populations based on a second generation (F2) screen. By creating single-pair families from mating a heterozygous Cry1Ac-resistant moth with a Cry1Ac-susceptible moth, we simulated the most common genotype when Bt-resistance alleles are at low frequency in the field. The second generation (F2) neonates of single-pair families were screened daily with diagnostic concentration bioassays. Cry1Ac-resistant homozygous larvae were detected, but the proportion of resistant larvae was generally below the theoretical expectation of 6.25% and was influenced by the moth F1 sib-mating density and by the day of oviposition of F2 eggs. Logistical considerations such as F1 sib-mating density and F2 neonate screening are important for the successful implementation of a reliable method.
Psychosocial well-being of employees in the technology sector: The interplay of job demands and job resources

Four main research objectives were studied in this dissertation. In the first chapter, the theoretical underpinnings for these research questions were elaborated upon in a literature review, followed by four empirical chapters. First, generalizability and relevance of the Triple-Match Principle (TMP; de Jonge & Dormann, 2006) in the technology sector was investigated. The TMP proposes that the strongest, interactive relationships between job demands and job resources are observed when job demands, job resources and outcomes are based on qualitatively identical dimensions (i.e. cognitive, emotional, or physical). Results from a cross-sectional study among 1533 employees in chapter 2 and a two-wave longitudinal study among 720 employees in the technology sector in chapter 4 largely confirmed the TMP in the technology sector. Second, the balance principle was investigated in the technology sector. The balance principle proposes that a balanced mixture of job demands and matching job resources is associated with positive employee well-being outcomes. Cross-sectional results in chapter 3 provided partial support in a sample of 207 informatics, but no longitudinal evidence was found in chapter 4 in a sample of 720 employees in the technology sector. Third, the compensation principle was investigated in the technology sector. The compensation principle states that the negative effects of job demands can be best compensated by matching job resources. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal findings largely supported the compensation principle in chapters 2 and 4. Fourth, the role of personal characteristics on the relations between work characteristics and job strain was studied in a two-wave panel study among employees in the technology sector (n = 711). Results in chapter 5 revealed that emotional job demands were least likely to result in emotional exhaustion when employees were provided with high emotional job resources and scored high on emotional support seeking. In the final chapter, the empirical findings of this dissertation are briefly summarized. The strengths and limitations of this dissertation, and directions for future research are outlined from a theoretical and practical perspective.
Hydroxycarbamide Decreases Sickle Reticulocyte Adhesion to Resting Endothelium by Inhibiting Endothelial Lutheran/Basal Cell Adhesion Molecule (Lu/BCAM) through Phosphodiesterase 4A Activation*

Background: Hydroxycarbamide treatment may inhibit the proadhesive features of vascular endothelium in sickle cell disease. Results: Hydroxycarbamide treatment of endothelial cells inhibits the interaction between erythroid integrin α4β1 and endothelial Lu/BCAM. Conclusion: Hydroxycarbamide increases the expression of phosphodiesterase 4A, which decreases cAMP levels leading to less Lu/BCAM phosphorylation and less cell adhesion. Significance: This is the first example of a phosphodiesterase being regulated by hydroxycarbamide. Vaso-occlusive crises are the main acute complication in sickle cell disease. They are initiated by abnormal adhesion of circulating blood cells to vascular endothelium of the microcirculation. Several interactions involving an intricate network of adhesion molecules have been described between sickle red blood cells and the endothelial vascular wall. We have shown previously that young sickle reticulocytes adhere to resting endothelial cells through the interaction of α4β1 integrin with endothelial Lutheran/basal cell adhesion molecule (Lu/BCAM). In the present work, we investigated the functional impact of endothelial exposure to hydroxycarbamide (HC) on this interaction using transformed human bone marrow endothelial cells and primary human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells. Adhesion of sickle reticulocytes to HC-treated endothelial cells was decreased despite the HC-derived increase of Lu/BCAM expression. This was associated with decreased phosphorylation of Lu/BCAM and up-regulation of the cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase 4A expression. Our study reveals a novel mechanism for HC in endothelial cells where it could modulate the function of membrane proteins through the regulation of phosphodiesterase expression and cAMP-dependent signaling pathways.
Cellular effects in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) associated with the root inhibiting compound alaninyl-alanine

Corn gluten meal (COM), a byproduct of corn {Zea mays L. ) wet-milling, has been shown to be an effective natural preemergence herbicide and fertilizer for various plant production systems. Alaninyl-alanine (Ala-Ala), along with four other dipeptides were isolated from CGM and identified as being the inhibitory compounds. The herbicidal effects of these natural compounds are seen as growth-regulating, root inhibitors that have minimal effect on shoot growth at low concentrations. However, little is known about the precise inhibitory action of CGM or Ala-Ala. The objective of this research was to elucidate morphological and anatomical differences in perennial ryegrass {Lolium perenne 'j. B. Unruh and N. E. Christians, Dep. of Hort. , 105 Horticulture Hall, Iowa State Univ., Ames, lA 50011-1100; and H. T. Horner, Dep. of Bot. , 3A Bessey Hall, Iowa State Univ., Ames, lA 50011-1020 Received for publication . Journal Paper No. h. of the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station, Ames, Iowa, USA. Project No. 3149. ^Corresponding Author. Abbreviations: CGM, Corn Gluten Meal; Ala-Ala, Alaninyl-alanine, LM, Light Microscopy; TEM, Transmission Electron Microscopy.
The Fourth Turning: An American Prophecy

A door with decorative paneling thereon is constructed by forming a composite sheet of paneling on a flat working surface from pieces of hardboard which form the stile and rail portions as well as the decorative panel portions of the paneling. Strips of adhesive tape applied along the division lines of the pieces of hardboard enable the composite sheet to be handled as a unit. After the composite sheet of paneling has been placed over and glued to the surface of an understructure provided for the door, the strips of adhesive tape are removed. Grooves are then formed along the edges of the pieces of hardboard forming the decorative panel portions of the paneling.
Incidental Dose to Pelvic Nodal Regions in Prostate-Only Radiotherapy

Objectives: Pelvic lymph nodal regions receive an incidental dose from conformal treatment of the prostate. This study was conducted to investigate the doses received by the different pelvic nodal regions with varying techniques used for prostate radiotherapy. Methods and Materials: Twenty patients of high-risk node-negative prostate cancer treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy to the prostate alone were studied. Replanning was done for intensity-modulated radiotherapy, 3-dimensional conformal treatment, and 2-dimensional conventional radiotherapy with additional delineation of the pelvic nodal regions, namely, common iliac (upper and lower), presacral, internal iliac, obturator, and external iliac. Dose–volume parameters such as Dmean, D100%, D66%, D33%, V40, and V50 to each of the nodal regions were estimated for all patients. Results: The obturator nodes received the highest dose among all nodal regions. The mean dose received by obturator nodal region was 44, 29, and 22 Gy from 2-dimensional conventional radiotherapy, 3-dimensional conformal treatment, and intensity-modulated radiotherapy, respectively. The mean dose was significantly higher when compared between 2-dimensional conventional radiotherapy and 3-dimensional conformal treatment (P < .001), 2-dimensional conventional radiotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (P < .001), and 3-dimensional conformal treatment and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (P < .001). The D33% of the obturator region was 64, 39, and 37 Gy from 2-dimensional conventional radiotherapy, 3-dimensional conformal treatment, and intensity-modulated radiotherapy, respectively. The dose received by all other pelvic nodal regions was low and not clinically relevant. Conclusion: The incidental dose received by obturator regions is significant especially with 2-dimensional conventional radiotherapy and 3-dimensional conformal treatment techniques as used in the trials studying elective pelvic nodal irradiation. However, with intensity-modulated radiotherapy, this dose is lower, making elective pelvic irradiation more relevant. Advances in Knowledge: This study highlights that incidental dose received by obturator regions is significant especially with 2-dimensional conventional radiotherapy and 3-dimensional conformal treatment techniques.
A major glycoprotein of Xenopus egg vitelline envelope, gp41, is a frog homolog of mammalian ZP3

A predominant glycoprotein in the vitelline envelope (VE) of the anuran Xenopus laevis is gp41, known to be proteolytically converted from gp43 of the coelomic egg envelope concomitant with the acquisition of egg fertilizability. To characterize the protein core of gp41, purified gp41 from VE was digested with lysyl endopeptidase, and peptides isolated from the digests were sequenced for amino acids to design degenerate primers for polymerase chain reaction. By reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction with a poly(A)+ RNA from the ovary of an ovulated female Xenopus, a specifically amplified band was obtained and sequenced. The upstream and downstream sequences of the sequenced region were completed by 5′‐ and 3′‐rapid amplification of cDNA ends, respectively. The cDNA, referred to as gp43 cDNA, comprises 1423 base pairs and contains one open reading frame with a sequence for 460 amino acids. The predicted amino acid sequence of gp43 cDNA has a close similarity with that of mammalian ZP3. Northern blot and in situ hybridization studies indicated that gp43 mRNA is expressed in oocytes, particularly in the previtellogenic oocytes. A comparison of the N‐terminal sequences of gp41 and gp43 strongly suggested that gp41 is generated at least by processing of the N‐terminal portion of gp43 with oviductin.
Of Barfights and Gadflies: Attitudes and Practices concerning Extra Credit in College Courses

Empirical exploration of giving extra credit in the college setting has been negligible, even though the practice is common and controversial. Faculty (n = 145) and students (n = 525) at two northeastern universities were surveyed regarding their use of and views toward extra-credit assignments in undergraduate courses. In our sample, between 12% and 22% of courses provided an opportunity for extra credit in the previous semester, 50% of the students were offered extra-credit opportunities in at least one course. Faculty were much more likely than students to view extra credit negatively; students were far more ready to endorse its routine offering. The most frequently cited disadvantage of extra credit was that it encourages a lax or irresponsible attitude. The advantage most frequently cited by students was that it provides a second chance; the most popular advantage for faculty was that it allows exploration of a topic in greater depth. Underlying views on perceived fairness and student evaluation are linked to these findings.