Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Sero-epidemiological studies of zoonotic infections in hunters--comparative analysis with veterinarians, farmers, and abattoir workers].

The aim of this study was to investigate seroprevalences to zoonotic pathogens in hunters, to compare the results with other predisposed occupational groups already investigated and to propose preventive measures. Blood samples were taken from 146 male and 3 female hunters from the provinces of Styria and Burgenland in the south-east of Austria and anamnestic data were obtained using a questionnaire. The serological investigations included the following bacterial, viral and parasitic zoonotic agents or zoonoses, respectively (antibody prevalence rates in brackets): borreliosis (IgG 42%, IgM 7%), brucellosis (1%), chlamydiosis (3%), ehrlichiosis (IgG 15%, IgM 3%), leptospirosis (10%), tularaemia (3%), Q fever (0%), encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV, 15%), Puumala-Hantavirus (10%), Newcastle Disease virus (4%), Echinococcus multilocularis/E. granulosus (5%/11%), toxocariasis (17%). Particularly striking in comparison with the control group and the veterinarians, farmers and slaughterhouse workers examined in earlier projects were the high seroprevalences to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Ehrlichia spp. , Leptospira interrogans, E. granulosus and E. multilocularis, encephalomyocarditis, Puumala-Hantavirus and Newcastle Disease virus as well as to Brucella abortus and Francisella tularensis. The present study indicates that hunters are especially exposed to zoonotic pathogens.
Assessment of Student Services in a State University for Policy Recommendations

This study assessed the implementation of student services of a State University for policy recommendation. The study utilized a descriptive research design with both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The respondents included 372 randomly-selected students from one state university. Results revealed that the university attended to the students' needs through the services offered by the Office of Student Affairs. Most of the students' rating on the effectiveness and the awareness of the services are at Very Good and Fair levels. The factors that contributed to these ratings are visibility of services and friendliness of staff. However, gaps were identified such as lack of infrastructure for residential services, and inadequate information dissemination. These gaps may be addressed by creating job placement opportunities and an alumni directory, installing stable internet connection, hiring of a doctor and a dentist for all campuses, conducting more multi-faith activities, improving access to offices and disseminating information promptly in order to improve the provision of services to the clientele.
Observer design for unknown input nonlinear descriptor systems via convex optimization

This paper treats the design problem of full-order observers for nonlinear descriptor systems with unknown input (UI). Depending on the available knowledge on the UI dynamics, two cases are considered. First, a UI proportional observer (UIPO) is proposed when the spectral domain of the UI is unknown. Second, a PIO is proposed when the spectral domain of the UI is in the low frequency range. Sufficient conditions for the existence and stability of such observers are given and proved. Based on the linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach, an algorithm is presented to compute the observer gain matrix that achieves the asymptotic stability objective. An example is included to illustrate the method.
Automated generation of IMRT treatment plans for prostate cancer patients with metal hip prostheses: comparison of different planning strategies.

PURPOSE To compare IMRT planning strategies for prostate cancer patients with metal hip prostheses. METHODS All plans were generated fully automatically (i.e., no human trial-and-error interactions) using iCycle, the authors' in-house developed algorithm for multicriterial selection of beam angles and optimization of fluence profiles, allowing objective comparison of planning strategies. For 18 prostate cancer patients (eight with bilateral hip prostheses, ten with a right-sided unilateral prosthesis), two planning strategies were evaluated: (i) full exclusion of beams containing beamlets that would deliver dose to the target after passing a prosthesis (IMRT remove) and (ii) exclusion of those beamlets only (IMRT cut). Plans with optimized coplanar and noncoplanar beam arrangements were generated. Differences in PTV coverage and sparing of organs at risk (OARs) were quantified. The impact of beam number on plan quality was evaluated. RESULTS Especially for patients with bilateral hip prostheses, IMRT cut significantly improved rectum and bladder sparing compared to IMRT remove. For 9-beam coplanar plans, rectum V60 Gy reduced by 17.5% ± 15.0% (maximum 37.4%, p = 0.036) and rectum D mean by 9.4% ± 7.8% (maximum 19.8%, p = 0.036). Further improvements in OAR sparing were achievable by using noncoplanar beam setups, reducing rectum V 60Gy by another 4.6% ± 4.9% (p = 0.012) for noncoplanar 9-beam IMRT cut plans. Large reductions in rectum dose delivery were also observed when increasing the number of beam directions in the plans. For bilateral implants, the rectum V 60Gy was 37.3% ± 12.1% for coplanar 7-beam plans and reduced on average by 13.5% (maximum 30.1%, p = 0.012) for 15 directions. CONCLUSIONS iCycle was able to automatically generate high quality plans for prostate cancer patients with prostheses. Excluding only beamlets that passed through the prostheses (IMRTcut strategy) significantly improved OAR sparing. Noncoplanar beam arrangements and, to a larger extent, increasing the number of treatment beams further improved plan quality.
Online shopper engagement in price negotiation: the roles of culture, involvement and eWOM

Abstract The strategy of inviting online shoppers to negotiate product prices has been employed by numerous online sellers due to its benefits for buyers and sellers. Social media facilitates sharing information regarding such economic benefits among shoppers, thereby generating eWOM, which boosts online social commerce. Yet not all buyers choose to embrace sellers' offers to negotiate product price. In the current paper, we employ consumer culture theory and the elaboration likelihood model to theorize the effects of culture and involvement on consumer engagement in price negotiation. Two studies were designed to test the proposed conceptual framework. Based on eBay transaction data (N = 498), Study 1 supported the hypothesized positive main effects of collectivism and involvement on shoppers’ engagement in price negotiation. Study 2 demonstrated, in a controlled laboratory setting (N = 468), the moderating effect of eWOM on these relationships. When other buyers shared information regarding price negotiation, the positive effect of collectivism on negotiation was mitigated, and the effect of involvement was strengthened. These findings have significant theoretical, practical, and social implications.
Relationship between Platelet Indexes and Coronary Angiographic Findings in Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease

To understand the mechanisms linking platelets to the risk of coronary artery disease, we investigated the relation between coronary angiographic morphology and platelet indexes – platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet-large cell ratio (P-LCR) and platelet distribution width (PDW) – in patients with ischemic heart disease. Eighty-four patients with ischemic heart disease and 120 aged controls (AC) were enrolled in the study. The patients without any signs of acute myocardial infarction and acute coronary syndromes who underwent coronary angiography were divided into two groups, an ‘angiographically negative group’ (group 0) and an ‘angiographically positive group’ (group 1), with positive coronary obstruction depending on the diagnostic criteria in our hospital. Platelet indexes were measured in peripheral venous blood. The mean platelet counts were significantly lower in groups 1 and 0 than in AC (p = 0.0128 and p = 0.0041, respectively). MPV, P-LCR and the PDW were significantly higher in group 0 than in group 1 and AC (p = 0.0352 and 0.0433, p = 0.0059 and 0.0052, p = 0.00461 and 0.0146, respectively). The indexes of group 1 were almost the same compared with AC with respect to MPV, P-LCR and PDW. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the measurement of platelet indexes may reflect the underlying pathophysiological state and subsequent clinical events in the patients. In particular, lower P-LCR seems to identify patients with positive coronary angiography.
Systemic administration of antisense p75NTR oligodeoxynucleotides rescues axotomised spinal motor neurons

The 75 kD low‐affinity neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) is expressed in developing and axotomised spinal motor neurons. There is now convincing evidence that p75NTR can, under some circumstances, become cytotoxic and promote neuronal cell death. We report here that a single application of antisense p75NTR oligodeoxynucleotides to the proximal nerve stumps of neonatal rats significantly reduces the loss of axotomised motor neurons compared to controls treated with nonsense oligodeoxynucleotides or phosphate‐buffered saline. Our investigations also show that daily systemic intraperitoneal injections of antisense p75NTR oligodeoxynucleotides for 14 days significantly reduce the loss of axotomised motor neurons compared to controls. Furthermore, we found that systemic delivery over a similar period continues to be effective following axotomy when intraperitoneal injections were 1) administered after a delay of 24 hr, 2) limited to the first 7 days, or 3) administered every third day. In addition, p75NTR protein levels were reduced in spinal motor neurons following treatment with antisense p75NTR oligodeoxynucleotides. There were also no obvious side effects associated with antisense p75NTR oligodeoxynucleotide treatments as determined by behavioural observations and postnatal weight gain. Our findings indicate that antisense‐based strategies could be a novel approach for the prevention of motor neuron degeneration associated with injuries or disease. J. Neurosci. Res. 64:11–17, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Coronary artery spasm as a cause of angina.

Coronary vasoconstriction has moved in and out of fashion for more than a century. The initial descriptions of angina considered vasomotor instability as a key mechanism,1 but pathologic studies2 and the invention of coronary angiography in the middle of the last century focused attention on structural stenoses and occlusions attributed to atheromatous plaques. When Prinzmetal et al3 described a variant form of angina, which was later confirmed as a coronary spasm,4 vasomotor instability returned to the limelight. Variant angina is characterized by symptoms at rest (not exertion) with ST elevation on ECG (not depression). It usually occurs in the early hours of the morning during depressed vagal tone and is associated with occlusion or near occlusion (>90% stenosis) of a focal proximal coronary segment on angiography.
Activation of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue with expression of interleukin-2 receptors that peaks during weaning in the rat.

BACKGROUND Weaning exposes the intestinal mucosa to food and bacterial antigens at an age when the immune system is believed to be immature and functionally defective. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in activation and phenotype of immune cells of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue during weaning. METHODS Litters of infant rats were studied from pre- to postweaned life. The activation status, assessed by interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) expression, and phenotype of cells in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue were examined by immunostaining. RESULTS Interleukin-2 receptor expression peaked two to four-fold at midweaning (day 21) in mesenteric lymph nodes, jejunal lamina propria, Peyer's patches, and intraepithelial lymphocytes, compared with adult animals (day 70). CD45+ cells expanded in the lamina propria, epithelium, and lymphocyte-filled villi. With CD45 as the denominator, 10% to 50% of lymphocytes in the lamina propria and epithelium were alphabetaT-cell receptor (TCR)+, but the remaining cells had a null phenotype, because there were low numbers of gammadeltaTCR+ T cells, B cells, and macrophages. Natural killer cells peaked at midweaning in the lamina propria (9%) and epithelium (20%) but were less than 5% of CD45+ cells after weaning. CONCLUSIONS Rather than being immature or functionally inactive, the gut-associated lymphoid tissue reacts appropriately during weaning with expression of IL-2R and expansion of alphabetaTCR+ T-cells.
PENGARUH PERSEPSI LABEL HALAL DAN KUALITAS PRODUK TERHADAP KEPUTUSAN PEMBELIAN PRODUK FESYEN MUSLIM ( Survei pada Pelanggan Produk Zoya Muslim di Kota Malang )

This research uses explanatory research with quantitative approach. The sample was 154 respondents who were consumer of Zoya Product in the cityu of Malang by using purposive sampling. The data collection methods that used in this research was a questionnaire. Analysis of the data used in this research is descriptive analysis and multiple regression analysis. The result of this research shows that: Halal Label Perception has significant impact on the Purchase Decision evidenced by probability value that less than 0,05, which is 0,005 (0,005<0,05) and the 0.284 R square value indicates that the contribution of corporate social responsibility to the company’s images is 28.4%, Product’s Quality has significant impact on the Purchase Decision evidenced by probability value that less than 0.05 (0.000<0.05) and the 0,397 R square value indicates that the contribution of product’s quality to the purchase decision is of 39.7%, the Perception of Halal Label and Product’s Quality has a significant effect on Purchase Decision this was evidenced by the result of significant value of the F test is less than 0.05 which is 0.000 (0.000<0.05) so it can be concluded that the perception of halal label and product’s quality significantly influence purchace decision Kеywords: Halal Label Perception, Product’s Quality and Purchase Decision АBSTRАK Penelitian ini menggunakan jenis penelitian explanatory research dengan pendekatan kuantitatif. Sampel yang digunakan berjumlah 154 responden yang merupakan konsumen produk Zoya di Kota Malang dengan menggunakan Purposive Sampling. Metode pengumpulan data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah kuesioner. Analisis data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah analisis deskriptif dan analisis regresi berganda. Hasil dari penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: Persepsi Label Halal berpengaruh signifikan terhadap Keputusan Pembelian dibuktikan dengan nilai probalitias yang lebih kecil dari 0,05 yaitu sebesar 0,005 (0,005 < 0,05) dan nilai R square sebesar 0,284 yang menunjukkan bahwa kontribusi variable persepsi label halal terhadap citra perusahaan adalah sebesar 28,4%, Kualitas Produk berpengaruh signifikan terhadap Keputusan Pembelian dibuktikan dengan nilai probalitias yang lebih kecil dari 0,05 yaitu sebesar 0,000 (0,000 < 0,05) dan nilai R square sebesar 0,397 yang menunjukkan bahwa kontribusi variabel corporate social responsibility terhadap citra perusahaan adalah sebesar 39,7%, Persepsi Label Halal dan Kualitas Produk secara bersama sama berpengaruh signifikan terhadap Keputusan Pembelian hal ini dibuktikan dengan Nilai signifikansi dari uji F yang lebih kecil dari 0,05 yaitu sebesar 0,000 (0,000 < 0,05) sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa persepsi label halal dan kualitas produk berpengaruh signifikan terhadap keputusan pembelian Kаtа Kunci: Persepsi Label Halal , Kualitas Produk dan Keputusan Pembelian
Effects of caffeine chewing gum on race performance and physiology in male and female cyclists

Abstract This investigation reports the effects of chewing caffeinated gum on race performance with trained cyclists. Twenty competitive cyclists completed two 30-km time trials that included a maximal effort 0.2-km sprint each 10-km. Caffeine (~3–4 mg · kg−1) or placebo was administered double-blind via chewing gum at the 10-km point following completion of the first sprint. Measures of power output, oxygen uptake, heart rate, lactate and perceived exertion were taken at set intervals during the time trial. Results indicated no substantial differences in any measured variables between caffeine and placebo conditions during the first 20-km of the time trial. Caffeine gum did however lead to substantial enhancements (mean ± 90% confidence limits (CLs)) in mean power during the final 10-km (3.8% ± 2.3%), and sprint power at 30-km (4.0% ± 3.6%). The increases in performance over the final 10-km were associated with small increases in heart rate and blood lactate (effect size of 0.24 and 0.28, respectively). There were large inter-individual variations in the response to caffeine, and apparent gender related differences in sprint performance. Chewing caffeine gum improves mean and sprint performance power in the final 10-km of a 30-km time trial in male and female cyclists most likely through an increase in nervous system activation.
Human Kinematics of Cochlear Implant Surgery: An Investigation of Insertion Micro-Motions and Speed Limitations

Objectives Document human motions associated with cochlear implant electrode insertion at different speeds and determine the lower limit of continuous insertion speed by a human. Study Design Observational. Setting Academic medical center. Subjects and Methods Cochlear implant forceps were coupled to a frame containing reflective fiducials, which enabled optical tracking of the forceps’ tip position in real time. Otolaryngologists (n = 14) performed mock electrode insertions at different speeds based on recommendations from the literature: “fast” (96 mm/min), “stable” (as slow as possible without stopping), and “slow” (15 mm/min). For each insertion, the following metrics were calculated from the tracked position data: percentage of time at prescribed speed, percentage of time the surgeon stopped moving forward, and number of direction reversals (ie, going from forward to backward motion). Results Fast insertion trials resulted in better adherence to the prescribed speed (45.4% of the overall time), no motion interruptions, and no reversals, as compared with slow insertions (18.6% of time at prescribed speed, 15.7% stopped time, and an average of 18.6 reversals per trial). These differences were statistically significant for all metrics (P < .01). The metrics for the fast and stable insertions were comparable; however, stable insertions were performed 44% slower on average. The mean stable insertion speed was 52 ± 19.3 mm/min. Conclusion Results indicate that continuous insertion of a cochlear implant electrode at 15 mm/min is not feasible for human operators. The lower limit of continuous forward insertion is 52 mm/min on average. Guidelines on manual insertion kinematics should consider this practical limit of human motion.
Dynamics of irreversible island growth during submonolayer epitaxy.

The nucleation and growth of two-dimensional islands during the submonolayer stage of epitaxial growth is studied with kinetic Monte Carlo simulations and mean-field rate equations. Previous work on irreversible growth is extended to include relaxation of island shapes by edge diffusion. Island morphologies range from ramified structures at low temperatures to compact, polygonal shapes at higher temperatures. Using a self-consistent calculation of the rate coefficients, [ital quantitative] agreement is obtained between the solution to coupled, mean-field rate equations and the simulation results for average quantities. The island size distribution function is described by a single universal scaling function. '' The average island size is the only important scale for determining island densities. It is shown that the general form of the scaling [ital ansatz] applies to wider range of coverages than anticipated previously. This scaling form is combined with the solution to the rate equations to explore explicitly the [ital D]/[ital F] dependence of the number density of islands ([ital D] is the surface diffusion coefficient and [ital F] is the deposition flux).
Meeting the Competency Needs of Global Leaders: A Partnership Approach

This article concludes that common competencies, the fundamental knowledge and skills developed in traditional educational environments, are necessary but insufficient in the preparation of global leaders. Rather, human resource professionals, in partnership with management educators, are best positioned to identify and facilitate global leadership excellence by focusing on the identification and development of key personal characteristics or distinctive competencies. In particular, global leaders must be men and women of sound character. We further propose that "distinctive competencies" are best assessed through experience in the field. Recommendations are offered as to how competency-based leadership development can be designed to address both common and distinctive competencies, with special attention to the individual's character.
Digitalization in German family firms � some preliminary insights

Currently, digitalization is a key topic among firms. This paper addresses this topic in the case of German family firms. German family firms have been internationally recognized already for a long time to be at the same time very innovative but also acting very secretly. Therefore it is not surprising that prior literature on this topic is between scarce to inexistent even though literature on digitalization and SME’s in general is widespread. The key question addressed in this paper is how German family firms try to face the challenge of the digital transformation. To provide some suggestions, we relate in an explorative and theorizing essay current evidence from literature on digitalization to key characteristics of German family firms and to insights we have gained in our personal relations to German family firms and their networks. We find indications that the digital transformation touches the heart of those firms as in the light of the new technological opportunities, key values such as innovation, secrecy, specialization on a niche and customer orientation might be in need to be redefined. As a result, starting from the German case we outline challenges and opportunities for family firms that might go far beyond the German case and point to fruitful areas for future research on family firms.
Enhancing customers’ continued mobile app use in the service industry

Purpose This study aims to empirically investigate ways to enhance customers’ continued mobile app use intention on the basis of information adoption model. Design/methodology/approach This study conducted an online, cross-sectional, self-administered survey, recruiting mobile app users in the USA. Findings Results identified both argument quality and source credibility positively influenced usefulness of branded apps and parasocial interactions. Results also confirmed a positive influence on usefulness of the branded app and parasocial interaction relating to continued branded app use intentions. Originality/value This study enriched the understanding of mobile app use behaviors, extending information adoption model in the service industry.
Citation indexes for science; a new dimension in documentation through association of ideas.

‘The uncritical citation of disputed data by a writer, whether it be deliberate or not, is a serious matter. Of course, knowingly propagandizing unsubstantiated claims is particularly abhorrent, but just as many naive students may be swayed by unfounded assertions presented by a writer who is unaware of the criticisms. Buried in scholarly journals, critical notes are increasingly likely to be overlooked with the passage of time, while the studies to which they pertain, having been reported more widely, are apt to be rediscovered. ’ 1