Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Role of Supervisor Support on Employees' Training and Job Performance: An Empirical Study.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among supervisor support, awareness of employees’ developmental needs, motivation to learn, training readiness, motivation to transfer and job performance. Design/methodology/approach A total of 216 responses from educational organizations in the USA were analyzed using the structural equation modeling method. Findings The findings indicate that supervisor support for training directly affected motivation to learn; both developmental needs awareness and motivation to learn had direct and significant effects on training readiness, motivation to transfer and job performance; developmental needs awareness directly affected motivation to learn; training readiness directly affected motivation to transfer. Research limitations/implications This study investigated how supervisor support contributes to motivation, training and job performance. In addition, this study attempted to bridge the gap in the literature by investigating the relationships among supervisor support, developmental needs awareness, learning motivation, training readiness, transfer motivation and job performance. Practical implications By conducting an initial needs assessment of participants, human resource development (HRD) practitioners can reflect on what participants want and need when designing and implementing professional development programs. HRD practitioners can also collaborate with participants’ supervisors to prepare for interventions to improve the quality and practicality of existing professional development programs. Originality/value Although the extant literature suggests that organizational support, motivation and training transfer are distinct but highly interrelated constructs; little is known about the predictive properties of a supervisor’s role in the training literature. Supervisors play a crucial role in that they can influence their subordinates on whether to participate in training programs. The ability of supervisors to provide adequate support and engage in comfortable communication about training programs may lead to enhanced motivation to learn and to greater training transfer. These potentially desirable effects motivate the researchers to further explore the nature of this component and its relationship with other training outcome variables.
A Discrete Parameter Stochastic Approximation Algorithm for Simulation Optimization

The authors develop a two-timescale simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation algorithm for simulation-based parameter optimization over discrete sets. This algorithm is applicable in cases where the cost to be optimized is in itself the long-run average of certain cost functions whose noisy estimates are obtained via simulation. The authors present the convergence analysis of their algorithm. Next, they study applications of their algorithm to the problem of admission control in communication networks. They study this problem under two different experimental settings and consider appropriate continuous time queuing models in both settings. Their algorithm finds optimal threshold-type policies within suitable parameterized classes of these. They show results of several experiments for different network parameters and rejection cost. The authors also study the sensitivity of their algorithm with respect to its parameters and step sizes. The results obtained are along expected lines.
Re-assessing the infection strategies of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae (Rhabditidae; Steinernematidae)

Previous studies have indicated that between 60 and 80% of a population of entomopathogenic nematodes do not infect their insect hosts at any one period in time. Two hypotheses explain this behaviour: the first that there is a subpopulation of non-infectious nematodes and the second that the non-infectious group is created by inhibitory cues derived from infected insects. Through an experimental approach with the Galleria mellonella–Steinernema feltiae system we show that both mechanisms operate together. When conditions for infection were optimized, the sum of individual infection behaviours was similar to the number infecting as a population, implying observed infection rates are driven by intrinsic mechanisms. In addition, there was evidence that an infected host released a chemical cue into the environment which inhibited subsequent levels of infection. This degree of inhibition was independent of the number of infecting nematodes. Both these mechanisms are dynamic, so the observed proportion of infectious nematodes depended heavily on the time of exposure. The implications of these findings for both the design of laboratory trials and the use of entomopathogenic nematodes in biological control are discussed.
Level crossing rates and MIMO capacity fades: impacts of spatial/temporal channel correlation

It is well known that MIMO systems offer the promise of achieving very high spectrum efficiencies (many tens of bits/Hz) in a mobile environment. The gains in MIMO capacity are sensitive to the presence of spatial and temporal correlation introduced by the radio environment. In this paper we examine how MIMO capacity is influenced by a number of factors, e.g.: a) temporal correlation, b) various combinations of low/high spatial correlations at either end, c) combined spatial and temporal correlations, In all cases we compare the channel capacity that would be achievable under independent fading. We investigate the behaviour of "capacity fades", examine how often the capacity experiences the fades, develop a method to determine level crossing rates and average data durations and relate these to antenna numbers.
Capacity of Diffusion-Based Molecular Communication Networks Over LTI-Poisson Channels

In this paper, the capacity of a diffusion-based molecular communication network under the model of a Linear Time Invariant-Poisson (LTI-Poisson) channel is studied. Introduced in the context of molecular communication, the LTI-Poisson model is a natural extension of the conventional memoryless Poisson channel to include memory. Exploiting prior art on linear intersymbol interference (ISI) channels, a computable finite-letter characterization of the capacity of single-hop LTI-Poisson networks is provided. Then, the problem of finding more explicit bounds on the capacity is examined, where lower and upper bounds for the point to point case are provided. Furthermore, an approach for bounding mutual information in the low SNR regime using the symmetrized KL divergence is introduced and its applicability to Poisson channels is shown. To the best of our knowledge, the first upper bound on the capacity of Poisson channel with a maximum transmission constraint in the low SNR regime is found. Numerical results show that the proposed upper bound is of the same order as the capacity in the low SNR regime.
Globalisation and Labour Markets Research Paper 2010 / 30 Globalization and Imperfect Labor Market Sorting

This paper focuses on the ability of the labor market to correctly match heterogeneous workers to jobs within a given industry and the role that globalization plays in that process. Using matched worker-firm data from Sweden, we find strong evidence that openness improves the matching between workers and firms in export-oriented industries. This suggests that there may be significant gains from globalization that have not been identified in the past – globalization may improve the efficiency of the matching process in the labor market. On the other hand, we find no evidence that openness affects the degree of matching in import-competing industries. These results remain unchanged after adding controls for technical change at the industry level or measures of domestic anti-competitive regulations and product market competition. In addition, we find no evidence that technical change has any impact on the degree of matching at the industry level. Our results are also robust to alternative measures of the degree of matching, openness, or the trade status of an industry.
Multi-client LAN/WAN Performance Analysis of Ninf: a High-Performance Global Computing System

Rapid increase in speed and availability of network of supercomputers is making high performance global computing possible, in which computational and data resources in the network are collectively employed to solve large-scale problems. There have been several recent proposals of global computing including our Ninf system. However, critical issues regarding system performance characteristics in global computing have been little investigated, especially under multi-clients, multi-sites WAN settings. In order to investigate the feasibility of Ninf and similar systems, we conducted benchmarks with different communication/computation characteristics on a variety of combinations of clients and servers in their performance, architecture, etc. under LAN, single-site WAN, multi-site WAN situations.
Stories of Survival and Resilience: An enquiry into what helps tamariki and rangatahi through whānau violence

Family violence is overrepresented amongst Māori and has significant consequences for children. Research on family violence and children, both internationally and locally, has been predominantly deficit-focused. This research focused instead on protective factors and resilience. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with professionals who work with Māori tamariki/rangatahi who have experienced whānau violence, with a focus on their views on resilience and interventions with Māori to enhance resilience. Thematic analysis of transcripts revealed the themes that resilience is complex, internal resources contribute to resilience, and the importance of having a significant supportive person, strong positive Māori identity and wairua connection. Interventions to assist the development of resilience included the importance of building a therapeutic relationship with whānau, early systemic interventions and using Māori guided interventions.
Public Cities, Public Scholars? Questioning Urban Policy and Research in Australia

Abstract This review examines relationships and tensions between urban research and policy impact, drawing on the inaugural Public Cities Lecture at the State of Australian Cities Conference 2015 in honour of the late Paul Mees. It examines the different ways Australian urban researchers are questioning, engaging with and contributing to public policy—and the relative influence of this work in relation to the range of other sources of information now seeming to dominate public debate. Despite a desolate funding environment and a hollowing of demand from government and political leaders for independent research, the varied forms of public scholarship canvassed in this review do suggest an evolution rather than atrophy of urban research in Australia. The question is how we advance, and equally importantly, critically evaluate our changing roles and contributions beyond the usual metrics of academic citations, to help inform, and reform, the parameters of policy debate and action.
Learning About the Term Structure and Optimal Rules for Inflation Targeting

A portable humidifier including a housing defining an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air flow path therebetween; a retainer disposed in the housing; and an air permeable, liquid absorbent cartridge element replaceably retained by the retainer and having a handle to facilitate removal from the housing. Also included is a blower disposed in the housing and activatable to produce air flow through the air flow path and cartridge element and a liquid supply for supplying liquid to the cartridge element.
Importance of playing pickleball for older adults’ subjective well-being: A serious leisure perspective

Abstract Pickleball, a paddle sport, is the fastest-growing sport in the US. As pickleball has been specifically popular among older adults, there is a growing interest in understanding its positive aspects. Therefore, this study explored the relation between financial status, loneliness, serious leisure, and subjective well-being (SWB) among older adults. In southern states in the US, a convenience sample of older adults who participated in pickleball competitions was recruited (n = 153). From hierarchical regression analyses, we found that (a) serious leisure significantly predicted SWB, (b) financial status was not related to SWB, and (c) loneliness was not related to SWB. We suggest that playing pickleball as a form of serious leisure may add significant value to older adults’ daily lives and contribute to successful aging.
Toward an Empirical Theory of Pulsar Emission. VII. On the Spectral Behavior of Conal Beam Radii and Emission Heights

In this paper we return to the old problem of conal component pair widths and profile dimensions. Observationally, we consider a set of 10 pulsars with prominent conal component pairs for which well-measured profiles exist over the largest frequency range now possible. Apart from some tendency to narrow at high frequency, the conal components exhibit almost constant widths. We use all three profile measures, the component separation as well as the outside half-power and 10% widths, to determine conal beam radii, which are the focus of our subsequent analysis. These radii at different frequencies are well fitted by a relationship introduced by Thorsett, but the resulting parameters are highly correlated. Three different types of behavior are found: one group of stars exhibits a continuous variation of beam radius that can be extrapolated down to the stellar surface along the "last open field lines," a second group exhibits beam radii that asymptotically approach a minimum high-frequency value that is 3-5 times larger, and a third set shows almost no spectral change in beam radius at all. The first two behaviors are associated with outer-cone component pairs, whereas the constant separation appears to reflect inner-cone emission. The first group, remarkably, can be fitted by a Thorsett relation in which the constant term is constrained to be the field tangent direction at the edge of the polar cap ρpc, but the others cannot. The first group can also be fitted well using an index of - , but the second group cannot. We first compute heights from the conal beam radii, assuming dipolar fields and emission along the last open field lines, which we find are again well fitted by a suitable Thorsett relation. Here we find that the first group can be fitted using a constant term hpc of 10 km and also that the first two groups are remarkably well fitted by an index of - . We then argue that physical emission heights can be estimated using the component separation along an interior annulus of field lines having their "feet" about halfway out on the polar cap—such values agree well with most existing height values based on physical criteria. Therefore, we find that "radius-to-frequency" mapping is associated with outer-cone component pairs. The near constant behavior of inner cones is thus arresting. We explore possible interrelationships between the spectral behavior of the component and profile widths produced by both the field line flaring and the changing sight line geometry. We also attempt to understand the physical implications of the parameter values resulting from the Thorsett relation fits.
Icariside II, a Broad-Spectrum Anti-cancer Agent, Reverses Beta-Amyloid-Induced Cognitive Impairment through Reducing Inflammation and Apoptosis in Rats

Beta-amyloid (Aβ) deposition, associated neuronal apoptosis and neuroinflammation are considered as the important factors which lead to cognitive deficits in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Icariside II (ICS II), an active flavonoid compound derived from Epimedium brevicornum Maxim, has been extensively used to treat erectile dysfunction, osteoporosis and dementia in traditional Chinese medicine. Recently, ICS II attracts great interest due to its broad-spectrum anti-cancer property. ICS II shows an anti-inflammatory potential both in cancer treatment and cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. It is not yet clear whether the anti-inflammatory effect of ICS II could delay progression of AD. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the effects of ICS II on the behavioral deficits, Aβ levels, neuroinflammatory responses and apoptosis in Aβ25-35-treated rats. We found that bilateral hippocampal injection of Aβ25-35 induced cognitive impairment, neuronal damage, along with increase of Aβ, inflammation and apoptosis in hippocampus of rats. However, treatment with ICS II 20 mg/kg could improve the cognitive deficits, ameliorate neuronal death, and reduce the levels of Aβ in the hippocampus. Furthermore, ICS II could suppress microglial and astrocytic activation, inhibit expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, COX-2, and iNOS mRNA and protein, and attenuate the Aβ induced Bax/Bcl-2 ratio elevation and caspase-3 activation. In conclusion, these results showed that ICS II could reverse Aβ-induced cognitive deficits, possibly via the inhibition of neuroinflammation and apoptosis, which suggested a potential protective effect of ICS II on AD.
Hyper-Prolactinemia in Men With Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Does It Have any Prognostic Implications?

Background: Prolactin (PRL) has increasingly been recognized to play a stimulatory role in inflammatory response. Recently, studies have reported an increase in prolactin level among patients with chronic heart failure, however, there is conflicting data about its role as a prognostic factor in these patients. Objectives: We aimed to measure PRL level in male patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) and its relationship with some prognostic factors. Patients and Methods: Serum prolactin level was assessed in 33 men with a diagnosis of IDC, left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 35% on standard medical therapy for heart failure and New York Heart Association class II-III. Serum NT-Pro BNP (N terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide), hs-CRP (High sensitive C reactive protein) and six-minute walk test (6MWT) were also measured. Our secondary endpoints were mortality, transplantation and hospitalization due to acute heart failure and all patients were followed for one year. Results: The mean age was 33 ± 7 years (24-45 years) and the mean LVEF was 23% ± 6.5. The mean PRL level was 16 ± 7.7 ng/mL (95% confidence interval: 13.3-18.7 ng/mL), which was significantly higher than normal reference values (4.04-15 ng/mL) (P < 0.0001). There was no correlation between PRL levels and pro BNP, hs-CRP or 6MWT test, however, the serum PRL level was slightly higher among patients who died or were hospitalized or transplanted. Conclusions: Considering our study results, prognostic implication of PRL should be questioned. However, it seems that the significant increase in serum PRL in the study population needs more consideration and may have its own pathophysiologic importance. Further studies are recommended for better addressing the role of PRL in chronic heart failure patients.
Induction of four glutamine synthetase genes in brain of rainbow trout in response to elevated environmental ammonia

SUMMARY The key strategy for coping with elevated brain ammonia levels in vertebrates is the synthesis of glutamine from ammonia and glutamate, catalyzed by glutamine synthetase (GSase). We hypothesized that all four GSase isoforms (Onmy-GS01-GS04) are expressed in the brain of the ammonia-intolerant rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and that cerebral GSase is induced during ammonia stress. We measured GSase activity and the mRNA expression of Onmy-GS01-GS04 in fore-, mid- and hindbrain and liver, as well as ammonia concentrations in plasma, liver and brain of fish exposed to 9 or 48 h of 0 (control) or 670 μmol l-1 NH4Cl (75% of the 96 h-LC50 value). The mRNA of all four GSase isoforms were detected in brain (not liver). After 9 h of NH4Cl exposure, brain, liver and plasma ammonia content were elevated by two- to fourfold over control values. Midbrain, hindbrain and liver GSase activities were 1.3- to 1.5-fold higher in ammonia-exposed fish relative to control fish. Onmy-GS01-GS04 mRNA levels in brain (not liver) of ammonia-exposed fish (9 h) were significantly elevated by two- to fourfold over control values. After 48 h of the NH4Cl treatment, ammonia content and GSase activity, but not mRNA levels, in all tissues examined remained elevated compared to control fish. Taken together, these findings indicate that all four GSase isoforms are constitutively expressed in trout brain and are inducible under high external ammonia conditions. Moreover, elevation of GSase activities in fore-, mid- and hindbrain in response to environmental ammonia underlines the importance of brain GSase in the ammonia-stress response.
Understanding the function and dysfunction of the immune system in lung cancer: the role of immune checkpoints

Survival rates for metastatic lung cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), are poor with 5-year survivals of less than 5%. The immune system has an intricate and complex relationship with tumorigenesis; a groundswell of research on the immune system is leading to greater understanding of how cancer progresses and presenting new ways to halt disease progress. Due to the extraordinary power of the immune system—with its capacity for memory, exquisite specificity and central and universal role in human biology—immunotherapy has the potential to achieve complete, long-lasting remissions and cures, with few side effects for any cancer patient, regardless of cancer type. As a result, a range of cancer therapies are under development that work by turning our own immune cells against tumors. However deeper understanding of the complexity of immunomodulation by tumors is key to the development of effective immunotherapies, especially in lung cancer.
Othering the West in the online Jihadist propaganda magazines Inspire and Dabiq

This paper examines how the jihadist terrorist groups Al Qaeda and the so-called Islamic State discursively construct ‘the West’ as an alien, aberrant ‘other’ in their respective online propaganda magazines Inspire and Dabiq over a 5 year period (2010–2015). The analysis integrates insights from the field of Terrorism Studies into a Corpus Assisted Discourse Studies approach, working centrally with the notions of othering and conventionalised impoliteness. Our findings reveal not only that othering is a key discursive process in the groups’ online propaganda machinery but that it is discursively realised via homogenisation, suppression (stereotyping) and pejoration strategies. The latter are further examined via the notion of conventional impoliteness. Pointed criticism emerges as the most frequent conventionalised impoliteness strategy in both magazines. Threats, condescension and exclusion strategies are also saliently used, albeit with different relative frequencies within each magazine. The findings show the value of Discourse Analysis to research into (jihadist) terrorism, including the possibility of drawing upon its findings to develop tailored counter-messages to those advanced by (jihadist) terrorist groups.