Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increased errors and decreased performance at night: A systematic review of the evidence concerning shift work and quality.

BACKGROUND Shift workers have worse health outcomes than employees who work standard business hours. However, it is unclear how this poorer health shift may be related to employee work productivity. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the relationship between shift work and errors and performance. METHODS Searches of MEDLINE/PubMed, EBSCOhost, and CINAHL were conducted to identify articles that examined the relationship between shift work, errors, quality, productivity, and performance. All articles were assessed for study quality. RESULTS A total of 435 abstracts were screened with 13 meeting inclusion criteria. Eight studies were rated to be of strong, methodological quality. Nine studies demonstrated a positive relationship that night shift workers committed more errors and had decreased performance. CONCLUSIONS Night shift workers have worse health that may contribute to errors and decreased performance in the workplace.
Evaluating the effects of ideology on public understanding of climate change science: How to improve communication across ideological divides?

While ideology can have a strong effect on citizen understanding of science, it is unclear how ideology interacts with other complicating factors, such as college education, which influence citizens’ comprehension of information. We focus on public understanding of climate change science and test the hypotheses: [H 1] as citizens’ ideology shifts from liberal to conservative, concern for global warming decreases; [H2] citizens with college education and higher general science literacy tend to have higher concern for global warming; and [H3] college education does not increase global warming concern for conservative ideologues. We implemented a survey instrument in California’s San Francisco Bay Area, and employed regression models to test the effects of ideology and other socio-demographic variables on citizen concern about global warming, terrorism, the economy, health care and poverty. We are able to confirm H1 and H3, but reject H2. Various strategies are discussed to improve the communication of climate change science across ideological divides.
Hevein: NMR assignment and assessment of solution-state folding for the agglutinin-toxin motif.

The first high-resolution solution-state structure of a member of the toxin-agglutinin folding motif with the WGA disulfide linkage is presented. The 1H NMR spectrum of hevein has been 100% assigned from residue 2 through residue 43, the C-terminus, using two-dimensional correlation and NOE spectroscopy. During the course of the NOESY analysis, the three-dimensional structural features of hevein were derived, using nonstereospecific distance constraints (with tight bounds) for XPLOR simulated annealing followed by unconstrained relaxation in the CHARMm force field, at two levels of long-range constraint density. In addition, a large number of low-bound-only constraints, corresponding to unobserved NOE's, were used in both refinements. The first structure elucidation employed a total of 180 distance constraints (60 of which were medium or long range, i/i+n with n < or = 2). The second refinement employed 244 (101 medium or long range) constraints: some conformation-insensitive intraresidue constraints were deleted, two misassigned long-range constraints were corrected, and 41 new i/i+n (n > or = 2) constraints were added. The average bounds precisions of the two refinements were comparable (+/- 0.44 A) and significantly tighter than those that result when a universal low bound corresponding to the sum of the van der Waals radii was used. (The more conservative treatment of NOE's gave the same final structure but required a higher constraint density before assignment errors would stand out during the refinement.) Constraint density also has a significant influence on convergence and accuracy using tight constraints. The study demonstrates that convergence within an ensemble of solution structures is not a dependable criterion for either the accuracy or precision of the derived structure. The best fitting conformers from the refinement at the higher constraint density bear a greater similarity to the solid-state structure of the domains of wheat germ agglutinin (0.95 A rmsd over residues 2-32) than to the recently reported 2.8-A X-ray structure of hevein (1.25 A rmsd over residues 2-32, 2.83 A rmsd over residues 2-42). The consensus conformer from the solution data is defined to a backbone rmsd of < 0.6 A over the full sequence for which NMR data could be collected. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The Minimum Wage

Do moderate increases in the minimum wage reduce employment? If not, do they nevertheless raise wages? To examine these questions, we apply techniques of time series analysis and systems estimation that are commonly used in macroeconomics and finance to five panels of data that contain between 11 and 34 low-wage industries. Our answers are “No” and “Yes,” respectively. We find that increases in the federal minimum wage between 1947 and 1997 have raised average wages in many of these industries, especially the lowest wage ones. The effect on employment, however, is mixed and typically nonsignificant, even when average wages have risen.
Organization of postcranial kinesthetic projections to the ventrobasal thalamus in raccoons

To determine the presence and organization of kinesthetic, as compared with other mechanosensory projection zones in the thalamus of raccoons, unit‐cluster responses to mechanical stimulation of the postcranial body were mapped electrophysiologically in the thalami of 14 raccoons anesthetized with Dial‐urethane. A distinct zone of kinesthetic projections (from receptive fields in muscles, tendons, and joints) was found in the rostral and dorsal aspects of the mechanosensory projection zone. These projections are somatotopically organized: those from axial structures lie dorsalmost and those from successively more distal limb regions are successively more caudoventral. The kinesthetic forelimb representation is large and lies rostrodorsal to a large central core of cutaneous projections from the forepaw digits. A few scattered kinesthetic projections were found at the caudal edge of the sensory thalamic region.
Feeding management of dairy cattle affect grassland dynamics in an alpine pasture

ABSTRACT The effect of different supplementary feeding rates for grazing cattle on high-altitude pastures dynamics was evaluated. A field experiment was carried out during three years in a subalpine pasture area of the Eastern Alps. The investigated pasture area was 40 ha, located between 1820 and 2230 m a.s. l. Two paddocks were chosen in the experiment and two herds of 12 cattle each were kept in the two enclosures for 5 weeks. For the first herd (HS), the supplementary feeding rate was 4.8 kg OM head−1 per day, while for the second herd (LS), the rate was 1.6 kg OM head−1 per day. The amount of herbage consumed by each cattle was determined using the n-alkane technique. To monitor the pasture vegetation dynamics, eight metal exclusion cages were placed in each paddock to determine herbage growth, utilization rates, vegetation composition and animal grazing selectivity. Grazing behaviour of dairy cattle, in terms of herbage intake and species selection was affected by the different feeding rates. Cattle grazing Paddock HS consumed 1.9 kg OM day−1 of herbage less than Paddock LS. In the LS paddock, cattle grazed higher phytomass rates. When the animals were fed by higher concentrate rates, a more selective grazing seemed to significantly increase the pasture necromass component. The lower grazing selectivity favoured the development of species as Nardus stricta and Deschampsia caespitosa, which are well known for their low palatability. Distinct vegetation dynamic patterns were observed, with a reduction of hair grass and an increase of legumes in the Paddock LS.
Upper‐body morbidity after breast cancer

The purpose of this paper is to review the incidence of upper‐body morbidity (arm and breast symptoms, impairments, and lymphedema), methods for diagnosis, and prevention and treatment strategies. It was also the purpose to highlight the evidence base for integration of prospective surveillance for upper‐body morbidity within standard clinical care of women with breast cancer. Between 10% and 64% of women report upper‐body symptoms between 6 months and 3 years after breast cancer, and approximately 20% develop lymphedema. Symptoms remain common into longer‐term survivorship, and although lymphedema may be transient for some, those who present with mild lymphedema are at increased risk of developing moderate to severe lymphedema. The etiology of morbidity seems to be multifactorial, with the most consistent risk factors being those associated with extent of treatment. However, known risk factors cannot reliably distinguish between those who will and will not develop upper‐body morbidity. Upper‐body morbidity may be treatable with physical therapy. There is also evidence in support of integrating regular surveillance for upper‐body morbidity into the routine care provided to women with breast cancer, with early diagnosis potentially contributing to more effective management and prevention of progression of these conditions. Cancer 2012;118(8 suppl). © 2012 American Cancer Society.
NEUROPATHIC PAIN SECTION Original Research Article Prevalence of Chronic Pain with Neuropathic Characteristics in the Moroccan General Population: A National Survey

Objective. We conducted a telephonic survey to determine the prevalence of chronic pain with neuropathic characteristics (NC) in the Moroccan general population. Design. We performed a large nationwide telephonic survey based upon a random sampling of households in the 16 administrative regions of Morocco to determine the prevalence of chronic pain with NC in the general population. We used a stratified sampling taking into account the number of residents in each region. A sample of households was drawn for each of the 16 regions using systematic sampling. Outcome Measures. A questionnaire aimed at identifying chronic pain (defined as daily pain for at least 3 months), evaluating its intensity, duration, and body locations was used. The Moroccan validated version of DN4 questionnaire was used to identify neuropathic characteristics.
Identification and modulation of a voltage‐dependent anion channel in the plasma membrane of guard cells by high‐affinity ligands.

Guard cell anion channels (GCAC1) catalyze the release of anions across the plasma membrane during regulated volume decrease and also seem to be involved in the targeting of the plant growth hormones auxins. We have analyzed the modulation and inhibition of these voltage‐dependent anion channels by different anion channel blockers. Ethacrynic acid, a structural correlate of an auxin, caused a shift in activation potential and simultaneously a transient increase in the peak current amplitude, whereas other blockers shifted and blocked the voltage‐dependent activity of the channel. Comparison of dose‐response curves for shift and block imposed by the inhibitor, indicate two different sites within the channel which interact with the ligand. The capability to inhibit GCAC1 increases in a dose‐dependent manner in the sequence: probenecid less than A‐9‐C less than ethacrynic acid less than niflumic acid less than IAA‐94 less than NPPB. All inhibitors reversibly blocked the anion channel from the extracellular side. Channel block on the level of single anion channels is characterized by a reduction of long open transitions into flickering bursts, indicating an interaction with the open mouth of the channel. IAA‐23, a structural analog of IAA‐94, was used to enrich ligand‐binding polypeptides from the plasma membrane of guard cells by IAA‐23 affinity chromatography. From this protein fraction a 60 kDa polypeptide crossreacted specifically with polyclonal antibodies raised against anion channels isolated from kidney membranes. In contrast to guard cells, mesophyll plasma membranes were deficient in voltage‐dependent anion channels and lacked crossreactivity with the antibody.
The hydrophobin HCf-1 of Cladosporium fulvum is required for efficient water-mediated dispersal of conidia.

Six hydrophobin genes (HCf-1 to -6) have thus far been identified in the tomato pathogen Cladosporium fulvum. HCf-1 to -4 are Class I hydrophobins and HCf-5 and -6 are Class II hydrophobins. In this paper we describe the isolation of deletion mutants that lack HCf-1, HCf-2, or both these genes. Global down-regulation of the expression of Class I hydrophobins is achieved by homology-dependent gene silencing. Analysis of the mutant strains shows that HCf-1 confers hydrophilic character to the conidia and this facilitates the dissemination of conidia on the surface of water droplets. Other Class I hydrophobins, such as HCf-3 or HCf-4, may be involved in the development and germination of conidia.
The Level of Organizational Commitment Among School Teachers in the Arab Israeli Schools from Their Point of View

The current study aimed to reveal the Level of the organizational commitment among the teachers in the Arab Israeli schools. The study sample consisted of (230) male and female teachers, to achieve the objectives of the study, the researcher used the analytical, descriptive approach where he prepared a questionnaire as a tool for data collection from the members of the study sample. After conducting the appropriate statistical methods, the researcher in this study concluded the following results: there is a very great degree in the level of the organizational commitment among the teachers in the Arab Israeli schools, The results also indicate that the teachers who belong to their schools are very committed, According to the results, the study recommended the need to maintain and strengthen this degree through continuing and preserving this status and conducting studies on the organizational commitment and its relationship to other demographic variables, such as the educational level, the educational stage, and the type of school.
Do Self‐Employment Rates Converge? Evidence from European OECD Countries

This paper uses panel data methods for stationary and non-stationary data to examine whether self-employment rates converge for 21 OECD European countries from 1990- 2011 (the period covered by the COMPENDIA database). This paper shows that there is a process of conditional convergence of self-employment rates particularly within Southern, Northern and Western Europe. These regional groups were characterised by a decreasing trend in their average self-employment rates. While in Central Europe, we find more mixed results across the tests used and observe a rising trend in the average self-employment rates. Finally, we find some weak evidence of convergence among all European countries.
Statins and fenofibrate affect skeletal muscle chloride conductance in rats by differently impairing ClC‐1 channel regulation and expression

Background and purpose: Statins and fibrates can produce mild to life‐threatening skeletal muscle damage. Resting chloride channel conductance (gCl), carried by the ClC‐1 channel, is reduced in muscles of rats chronically treated with fluvastatin, atorvastatin or fenofibrate, along with increased resting cytosolic calcium in statin‐treated rats. A high gCl, controlled by the Ca2+‐dependent protein kinase C (PKC), maintains sarcolemma electrical stability and its reduction alters muscle function. Here, we investigated how statins and fenofibrate impaired gCl.
Strategic intelligence in Hong Kong

What would happen in Hong Kong after the 1997 transfer of its political sovereignty from the United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China? For organizational leaders in Hong Kong, this was more than an academic issue. As the handover approached, they faced an impending discontinuity in their environment. Although the Chinese are renowned for their business success amidst environmental uncertainty, little is known about information management in Chinese organisations. Given that the ethnic Chinese constituted a vast majority of both the general population and organisational leaders in pre-handover Hong Kong, it was an attractive context for strategic intelligence research. The study considered how Hong Kong Chinese chief executive officers (CEOs) perceived the pre-handover business environment, and how they acquired and used information about that environment. A multiple method design was employed to extend an existing body of management literature on environmental scanning. Eight case studies across four industries complemented a survey of 53 CEOs in the printing and securities industries. The questionnaire was designed to determine 1) the levels of perceived uncertainty in six distinct sectors of the business environment, and 2) the environmental scanning conducted in response to the perceived uncertainty. Quantitative analysis revealed many similarities but also several significant differences from both previous studies in the West and between the two industries in Hong Kong. The case studies examined how CEOs acquired and used information about the external environment as they attended to specific strategic issues. The cases provided empirical grounding for an explanatory theory of information management and indicated that the handover was not a uniform or even universal source of environmental uncertainty. Specific cultural, institutional, and competitive factors were found to influence the environmental perceptions, scanning behaviours and information management activities of Hong Kong Chinese chief executives.
Malaysian corporate tax rate and revenue: the application of Ibn Khaldun tax theory

Purpose The present study aims to investigate the impact of the reduction of the corporate tax rate on corporate tax revenue. The study adopts the theory of taxation by Ibn Khaldun, depicted as the Laffer curve. Design/methodology/approach The paper analyses time series data for the period 1996 to 2014 using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach. Findings The paper finds that the corporate tax rate has a dual effect on corporate tax revenue over the study period. It shows an inverted U-shape relationship between the corporate tax rate and corporate tax revenue and reveals that the optimal tax rate is 25.5156 per cent. Inferentially, a positive relationship exists between the two variables prior to the optimal tax rate, and a negative relationship prevails afterwards. A further test of causality shows a long-run unidirectional causality between corporate tax rate and corporate tax revenue. Research limitations/implications First, it should be noted that the policy was not implemented in isolation. Several other tax incentives were given to corporate tax payers, and therefore, such incentives should be controlled for to have a more insightful evaluation of the policy. Second and most important, there is a need to investigate whether the increased cash flow available to firms as a result of the reduction in the corporate tax rate adds value to firms. It is also necessary to investigate whether firms’ stakeholders benefited from the increased cash flow or was there managerial diversion of firms’ resources. Practical implications The policy of gradual reduction of the corporate tax rate in Malaysia is suspected to have a positive impact on the productivity of Malaysian companies, which has contributed to an increase in corporate tax revenue. It also has a positive impact on the economic growth of the country. It means that the lower corporate tax rate has actually reduced the cost of doing business in the country. Originality/value The benefit of increased corporate tax revenue needs to be investigated empirically for insightful policy evaluation. In Malaysia, however, such investigation is close to non-existent to the best knowledge of the researchers. Thus, the present study aims at investigating the impact of the policy of gradual reduction of the corporate tax rate on corporate tax revenue over an 18-year period from 1996 to 2014.
The Saphenous Neurovascular Free Flap

A new neurovascular free-flap donor area on the medial side of the knee is described. The flap is supplied by the saphenous artery, a branch of the descending genicular artery. It is drained both by the long saphenous vein and by the saphenous venae comitantes. Its nerve supply is from the medial femoral cutaneous nerve above the knee and the saphenous nerve below the knee. The flap is thin, has a long vascular pedicle (up to 15 cm) and a dependable nerve supply, and can be made quite large. The principal disadvantage is the donor wound, which requires grafting in most cases. We describe the anatomy of the saphenous flap, the method of raising it, and our early clinical experience with it both as a free flap and as a pedicled flap. Potential uses of the saphenous flap and its broader significance in relation to flaps on the lower extremity are briefly discussed.
Better late than never: effective air-borne hearing of toads delayed by late maturation of the tympanic middle ear structures

ABSTRACT Most vertebrates have evolved a tympanic middle ear that enables effective hearing of airborne sound on land. Although inner ears develop during the tadpole stages of toads, tympanic middle ear structures are not complete until months after metamorphosis, potentially limiting the sensitivity of post-metamorphic juveniles to sounds in their environment. We tested the hearing of five species of toads to determine how delayed ear development impairs airborne auditory sensitivity. We performed auditory brainstem recordings to test the hearing of the toads and used micro-computed tomography and histology to relate the development of ear structures to hearing ability. We found a large (14–27 dB) increase in hearing sensitivity from 900 to 2500 Hz over the course of ear development. Thickening of the tympanic annulus cartilage and full ossification of the middle ear bone are associated with increased hearing ability in the final stages of ear maturation. Thus, juvenile toads are at a hearing disadvantage, at least in the high-frequency range, throughout much of their development, because late-forming ear elements are critical to middle ear function at these frequencies. We discuss the potential fitness consequences of late hearing development, although research directly addressing selective pressures on hearing sensitivity across ontogeny is lacking. Given that most vertebrate sensory systems function very early in life, toad tympanic hearing may be a sensory development anomaly. Summary: Late maturation of tympanic middle ear structures in toads causes reduced sensitivity to sounds in free-living, post-metamorphic animals.
Who got their way? Advocacy coalitions and the Irish climate change law

ABSTRACT Which organisations saw their positions on two contentious issues reflected in the Irish climate law of 2015, and what role did advocacy coalitions play in the policy process? These questions are answered drawing theoretically from the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF) and by conducting a network analysis of survey data collected from the organisations involved in the national climate policy process. The study finds that several institutionally important or economically powerful organisations, particularly those involved in the agricultural sector, as well as the government parties saw their preferences reflected in the law. This resulted in legislation that excluded binding emission reductions targets, differentiating it from similar laws introduced in other European countries. Organisations in favour of stronger regulation formed a coalition to advocate for their positions, but they largely failed to get their way.