Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Generation Y: An Agenda for Future Visitor Attraction Research

This study provides a comprehensive secondary-based synthesis of previous studies on the profile and patterns of consumption of Generation Y, their consumption experiences and the role of information communication technologies and social media in determining their emerging patterns of behaviour at visitor attractions. The paper concludes by advancing a management-oriented attraction research framework specific to Generation Y with a set of research propositions proposed to stimulate further research and management action on this specific and highly influential generational cohort. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Effect of Thickness on Sealing Ability of Calcium Enriched Cement as a Coronal Seal Barrier

Abstract Introduction: Thickness of a coronal seal barrier is an important factor for preventing microleakage. The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the sealing ability of two different thicknesses of calcium Enriched Mixture (CEM) cement as a coronal seal barrier. Methods: A total of 40 canals of extracted maxillary central incisors were instrumented and obturated using lateral compaction technique. The teeth were randomly divided into two experimental (N=15) and two control groups (N=5). For experimental groups, the obturation material was removed up to the experimental depths (2 and 3 mm) and were sealed with CEM. Sealing ability was evaluated by dye penetration method using pelikan ink and a stereomicroscope at x10 magnification and 0.01 mm accuracy. Data was analyzed using T-test and P<0.05. Results: The mean linear dye microleakage for the two thicknesses of CEM cement groups (2mm and 3mm) were 0.930 and 0.67 mm respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p<0.088). Conclusion: under the condition of this in vitro study, coronal microleakage in 2mm thickness of CEM cement had no statistically significant difference with 3 mm thickness of the material.
Control Synthesis of Discrete-Time T–S Fuzzy Systems Based on a Novel Non-PDC Control Scheme

This paper proposes relaxed stabilization conditions of discrete-time nonlinear systems in the Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy form. By using the algebraic property of fuzzy membership functions, a novel nonparallel distributed compensation (non-PDC) control scheme is proposed based on a new class of fuzzy Lyapunov functions. Thus, relaxed stabilization conditions for the underlying closed-loop fuzzy system are developed by applying a new slack variable technique. In particular, some existing fuzzy Lyapunov functions and non-PDC control schemes are special cases of the new Lyapunov function and fuzzy control scheme, respectively. Finally, two numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Potential Blood Biomarker for Disease Severity in the Taiwanese Population With Alzheimer’s Disease

The identification of blood biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) could contribute for improvement in early diagnosis. To define AD biomarkers, we compared serum/plasma levels of amyloid β (Aβ), tau, cytokines, and biometals between AD and non-AD groups. Cognitive impairment was assessed by Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) and Clinical Dementia Rating scales. Plasma concentrations of total Aβ, Aβ42, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 were quantified by immunoassays. Serum biometal concentrations were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. We found that serum zinc (Zn) was lower in patients with AD. After controlling for age, the MMSE score correlated with both TNF-α and total Aβ levels in the AD group, while the MMSE score correlated with iron only in the non-AD group. Our finding that blood Zn, TNF-α, and total Aβ are possible biomarkers for AD diagnosis and prognosis validates the pervious publication on potential biomarker in the Taiwanese population.
Repurchases, Reputation, and Returns

Abstract This paper examines whether a firm’s reputation is a determinant of repurchase completion rates (the ratio of actual to announced repurchases) and whether the stock market discounts announcements made by less reputable firms. Prior completion rates are positively correlated with current completion rates and announcement returns, suggesting consistency in repurchases and implying a reputational effect. Further, a nascent literature regarding accelerated share repurchases (ASRs) finds them to be more credible than open market repurchases. I show that the probability of announcing an ASR is greater for firms likely to be concerned about reputation because of low past completion rates.
Inward sodium current involvement in regenerative bursting activity of rat magnocellular supraoptic neurones in vitro.

1. The rat hypothalamic slice preparation was used to investigate the involvement of inward Na+ currents as well as inward Ca2+ currents in the generation of bursting activity by supraoptic (SON) neurones. Intracellular records were made from thirty‐two SON neurones which showed regenerative bursting activity. The bursting activity consisted of spontaneous, intermittent bursts of action potentials with subsequent silent periods. During the bursts, plateau potentials on which action potentials were superimposed were frequently observed. 2. Perfusion of a low‐Na+ medium, a tetrodotoxin (TTX)‐containing medium or a Ca(2+)‐free medium suppressed the regenerative bursting activity. 3. Addition of 3‐10 microM veratridine to Ca(2+)‐free medium elicited regenerative bursting activity and spontaneous plateau potentials. The veratridine‐induced regenerative bursting activity and plateau potentials were blocked by 1 microM TTX. Addition of 5 mM TEA allowed regenerative bursting activity to persist in Ca(2+)‐free medium. 4. These results suggest that TTX‐sensitive Na+ inward currents as well as Ca2+ inward currents contribute to the generation of bursting activity in rat SON cells.
On the Introduction of Firing Costs

This paper analysis two types of firing costs in a New Keynesian model with search and matching frictions and purely endogenous separations. We further distinguish between the effects resulting from respecting and non-respecting the bonding critique. We find that the two types of firing costs similarly influence the model dynamics and generate comparable second business cycle moments. However, the decision whether to respect or disrespect the bonding critique is crucial for the evolution of the system dynamics. This is especially true, when comparing American and European calibration.
Connectivity in air transport networks: an assessment of models and applications

This paper classifies and compares eight different connectivity models employed in air transport literature and applies them to European airports. Traditional size-based measures tend to underestimate the accessibility of small airports and overestimate the centrality of large airports. Small airports may have high accessibility levels if they have a few flights to well-connected hub airports. The correlation between the measures is much higher for larger airports than for smaller ones. At lower levels of analysis, the choice of the connectivity measure substantially influences the results obtained. We have identified the criteria that must be considered when choosing a connectivity measure. © 2013 LSE and the University of Bath
Hybrid Phased MIMO Radar With Unequal Subarrays

Phased multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) radar has been proposed in the recent years to exploit the coherent processing gain of phased array radar and the waveform diversity of the MIMO radar. The transmit array is divided into subarrays of equal length to show some improvements as compared to both phased array and MIMO radar alone. In this letter, a hybrid phased MIMO radar with unequal subarrays has been proposed to steer multiple beams of different gain and unique waveforms towards a particular target. The unequal size and greater length of subarrays give an extra degree of freedom by illuminating the small targets with more focused beams. As a result, the echoes received by the receiver provide better information about the target. The effectiveness of proposed scheme is shown through simulation results.
Evidence of Stock Returns and Abnormal Trading Volume: A Quantile Regression Approach

This paper presents a CAPM-based threshold quantile regression model with GARCH specification to examine relations between stock excess returns and “abnormal trading volume. ” By employing the Bayesian MCMC method with asymmetric Laplace distribution to six daily Dow Jones Industrial stocks, the proposed model captures asymmetric risk through market beta and volume coefficient that change discretely between regimes that are driven by market information and various quantile levels. This study finds significantly negative effects of abnormal volume on stock excess return under low quantile levels, nevertheless there are significantly positive effects under high quantile levels. The evidence indicates that each market beta varies with different quantile levels, capturing different states of market conditions.
Assessing Agriculture Teachers' Capacity for Teaching Science Integrated Process Skills

Since the release of the National Research Council’s (1988) report, research in agricultural education has examined a variety of aspects of the professions’ propensity for, and attitudes toward integrating scientific concepts in agriculture. Yet, after 15 years of research on the topic, little has been shown empirically regarding agriculture teachers’ knowledge or ability to teach using a science as inquiry approach. This study was conducted to establish a base level of information of agriculture teachers’ knowledge and ability in scientific integrated process skills. A secondary purpose was to determine the influence of selected teacher variables on science integrated process skills. Bandura’s (1997) selfefficacy theory formed the theoretical framework for the study. Okey and Dillashaw’s (1980) Test of Integrated Process Skills was used to measure the knowledge of basic science concepts among 40 purposively sampled teachers of agriculture. The results indicated that irrespective of learning style, years of teaching experience, area of teacher certification, or gender, agriculture teachers possess a solid background knowledge in the integrated process skills espoused by science educators to be essential to effective science instruction. Implications for future research and recommendations for professional practice are included.
Radiculoplexopathy with conduction block caused by acute Epstein-Barr virus infection

The authors report a case of cervicobrachial radiculoplexopathy with proximal conduction block (CB), associated with acute Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. The patient presented with pain, paresthesias, and monomelic weakness in the left C7–8, and T1 myotomes. The illness was monophasic with rapid recovery. Neurophysiologic studies demonstrated CB in the proximal left median and ulnar nerve segments. The authors conclude that this syndrome resulted from a postinfectious process following acute EBV infection.
Tracking Outcomes of Social Capital and Institutional Innovations in Natural Resources Management: Methodological Issues and Empirical Evidence From Participatory Bylaw Reform in Uganda

In this article we use empirical evidence from a tracking study to investigate the outcomes and potential impacts of a 5-year participatory learning and action research project that aimed at strengthening the capacity of local communities to formulate and implement bylaws for sustainable natural resource management (NRM). Results, based on participatory self-reflective practices, revealed changes in seven key outcome areas: awareness and compliance with the bylaws, participation in mutually beneficial collective action, changes in gender dynamics, connectedness and networking, adoption of NRM technologies, sustainability, and potential uptake of bylaws. We found that the main outcome of increased social capital is generally the production of more social capital. Results suggest that, with appropriate catalysis, social capital can be not only productive, but also persistent and robust over time. The study also illuminates certain negative outcomes of social capital and the challenges in dealing with social exclusion and inequity.
Severity of anaemia is associated with bone marrow haemozoin in children exposed to Plasmodium falciparum

There are no large‐scale ex vivo studies addressing the contribution of Plasmodium falciparum in the bone marrow to anaemia. The presence of malaria parasites and haemozoin were studied in bone marrows from 290 anaemic children attending a rural hospital in Mozambique. Peripheral blood infections were determined by microscopy and polymerase chain reactions. Bone marrow parasitaemia, haemozoin and dyserythropoiesis were microscopically assessed. Forty‐two percent (123/290) of children had parasites in the bone marrow and 49% (111/226) had haemozoin, overlapping with parasitaemia in 83% (92/111) of cases. Sexual and mature asexual parasites were highly prevalent (62% gametocytes, 71% trophozoites, 23% schizonts) suggesting their sequestration in this tissue. Sixteen percent (19/120) of children without peripheral infection had haemozoin in the bone marrow. Haemozoin in the bone marrow was independently associated with decreased Hb concentration (P = 0·005) and was more common in dyserythropoietic bone marrows (P = 0·010). The results of this ex vivo study suggest that haemozoin in the bone marrow has a role in the pathogenesis of malarial‐anaemia through ineffective erythropoiesis. This finding may have clinical implications for the development of drugs targeted to prevent and treat malarial‐anaemia.
Modeling the Scattering Behavior of Rice Ears

The use of a microwave scattering model is fundamental to rice monitoring by synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and an ear scattering model is necessary to improve the accuracy of the microwave scattering model of the rice field. A novel rice ear scattering model, the multisphere ear scattering model, was developed by incorporating the microstructure of rice ear panicles, including the ear grain parameters in particular. A virtual ear model was used to simulate the ear morphology, and a multisphere scattering model was used to simulate the ear scattering. The multisphere ear scattering model has the potential to retrieve grain parameters from SAR imagery. The new model was also compared with a traditional two-cylinder ear model; the large discrepancy in the simulation results shows the necessity of carrying out a verification experiment.
Boards of directors in small and medium-sized industrial firms: examining the effects of the board's working style on board task performance

Increased attention towards the role of the board makes demands on reforms in the boardroom. In many countries, even small and medium-sized firms are experiencing the challenges of creating well functioning boards. In this paper the authors examine the importance of structures and processes in the boardroom of 302 small and medium-sized industrial firms in Sweden. The contribution of the paper is not only that it tries to explore the relationship between processes in the board and board performance, but also that it pays attention to the working structures that exist to maximize the board's task performance. In this study board task performance is measured as the performance of various control and service roles. There are two main findings. (1) The board members' involvement, and (2) the board's formal structures are important for the board's ability to perform its tasks effectively. The findings empirically support the arguments about the importance of a good and clearly defined working style in the board.
Stroke during pregnancy and pre-eclampsia

Purpose of review Stroke is a life-threatening condition whose frequency is increased during pregnancy, in particular in the two first weeks of the puerperium. Pre-eclampsia/eclampsia is a disorder that enhances this risk. The purpose of this review is to summarize existing data regarding the association, diagnosis as well as management for stroke in pre-eclampsia or eclampsia. Recent findings In about one third of stroke cases during pregnancy or puerperium, pre-eclampsia or eclampsia is concomitantly diagnosed. In these women, hemorrhagic stroke is more common than ischemic stroke, probably as a result of severe hypertension. Clinical presentation may vary but severe headache is the most common symptom. Neuroimaging techniques are warranted to identify affected cases. Prevention is based on blood pressure adjustment and thromboprophylaxis. Summary The risk of stroke should be taken into consideration in women with a diagnosis of pre-eclampsia or eclampsia. In particular, women with neurologic symptoms should be promptly evaluated, blood pressure should be adjusted and thromboprophylaxis should be started.
Interleukin (IL)-4/IL-9 and exogenous IL-16 induce IL-16 production by BEAS-2B cells, a bronchial epithelial cell line.

Previous studies have suggested that bronchial epithelial cells may perpetuate airway inflammation. We have reported that the bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS-2B can produce interleukin (IL)-16, a potent chemoattractant for CD4+ T cells. IL-16 is thought to regulate airway inflammation in asthmatics. Recent studies showed that IL-4 induces inflammatory cytokines in bronchial epithelial cells and that IL-9 is a candidate gene for development of asthma. The present study demonstrated that BEAS-2B cells produced specifically IL-16 by synergistic effects of IL-4 + IL-16, or IL-9 + IL-16, and that the synthesized IL-16 induced migration of CD4+ T cells. This study is a first report indicating that IL-16 production may be maintained by an autocrine machinery by epithelial cell-derived IL-16 with IL-4 and IL-9 in asthma.
Cortical Spreading Depression Causes a Long-Lasting Decrease in Cerebral Blood Flow and Induces Tolerance to Permanent Focal Ischemia in Rat Brain

Cortical spreading depression (CSD) has previously been shown to induce tolerance to a subsequent episode of transient cerebral ischemia. The objective of the present study was to determine whether CSD also induces tolerance to permanent focal ischemia and, if so, whether tolerance may be mediated by alterations in cerebral blood flow (CBF). Sprague-Dawley rats were preconditioned by applying potassium chloride to one hemisphere for 2 hours, evoking 19 ± 5 episodes of CSD (mean ± SD, n = 19). Three days later, the middle cerebral artery (MCA) was permanently occluded using an intraluminal suture. In a subset of animals, laser Doppler blood flow (LDF) was monitored over the parietal cortex before and during the first 2 hours of MCA occlusion. Preconditioning with CSD reduced the hemispheric volume of infarction from 248 ± 115 mm3 (n = 18) in sham-conditioned animals to 161 ± 81 mm3 (n = 19, P < 0.02). Similarly, CSD reduced the neocortical volume of infarction from 126 ± 82 mm3 to 60 ± 61 mm3 (P < 0.01). Moreover, preconditioning with CSD significantly improved LDF during MCA occlusion from 21% ± 7% (n = 9) of preischemic baseline in sham-conditioned animals to 29% ± 9% (n = 7, P < 0.02). Preconditioning with CSD therefore preserved relative levels of CBF during focal ischemia and reduced the extent of infarction resulting from permanent MCA occlusion. To determine whether CSD may have altered preischemic baseline CBF, [14C]iodoantipyrine was used in additional animals to measure CBF 3 days after CSD conditioning or sham conditioning. CSD, but not sham conditioning, significantly reduced baseline CBF in the ipsilateral neocortex to values 67% to 75% of those in the contralateral cortex. Therefore, CSD causes a long-lasting decrease in baseline CBF that is most likely related to a reduction in metabolic rate. A reduction in the rate of metabolism may contribute to the induction of tolerance to ischemia after preconditioning with CSD.
Monitoring training to assess changes in fitness and fatigue: The effects of training in heat and hypoxia

This study examined the association between monitoring tools, training loads, and performance in concurrent heat and hypoxia (H + H) compared with temperate training environments. A randomized parallel matched‐group design involved 18 well‐trained male cyclists. Participants performed 12 interval sessions (3 weeks) in either H + H (32 ± 1 °C, 50% RH, 16.6% O2 normobaric hypoxia) or control (21 °C, 50% RH, 21% O2), followed by a seven‐session taper (3 weeks; 21 °C, 50% RH, 21% O2), while also maintaining external training (∼ 6–10 h/week). A 20‐km time trial (TT) was completed pre‐ and post‐training block (21 °C, 50% RH, 21% O2). Before each TT and once weekly, a 4‐min cycle warm‐up (70% 4‐min mean maximum power) was completed. Visual analog scale rating for pain, recovery, and fatigue was recorded before the warm‐up, with heart rate (HREx), heart rate recovery (HRR), and rating of perceived exertion (RPEWU) recorded following. Training load was quantified using the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) method throughout. Overall TT improved 35 ± 47 s with moderate correlations to HRR (r = 0.49) and recovery (r = −0.55). H + H group had a likely greater reduction in HREx [ES = −0.50 (90% CL) (−0.88; 0.12)] throughout and a greater sRPE (ES = 1.20 [0.41; 1.99]), and reduction in HRR [ES = −0.37 (−0.70;−0.04)] through the overload. RPEWU was associated with weekly training load (r = 0.37). These findings suggest that recovery and HRR in a temperate environment may be used as simple measures to identify an athlete's readiness to perform. Alternatively, the relationship of RPEWU and training load suggests that perception of effort following a standardized warm‐up may be a valid measure when monitoring an athlete's training response, irrespective of the training environment.
Videokymography in Voice Disorders: What to Look For?

Objectives: Kymographic imaging through videokymography has been recognized as a convenient, novel way to display laryngeal behavior, yet little systematic research has been done to map the relevant features displayed in such images. Here we have aimed at specification of these features to enable systematic visual characterization and categorization of vocal fold vibratory patterns in voice disorders. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive design was used. We selected 45 subjects and extracted 100 videokymographic images from the archive of more than 7,000 videokymographic examinations of subjects with a wide range of voice disorders. The images showed a large variety of vocal fold vibratory behaviors during sustained phonations. We visually identified the prominent features that distinguished the vibration patterns across the images. Results: We divided the findings into 10 feature categories. They included refined traditional features (eg, mucosal waves), as well as additional features that are obscured in strobolaryngoscopy (eg, different types of irregularities, left-right frequency differences, shapes of lateral and medial peaks, cycle aberrations). Conclusions: The variations in the identified features reveal different behavioral origins of voice disorders. The findings open new possibilities for objective documentation and for monitoring vocal fold behavior in clinical practice through kymographic imaging.
New Venture Financing and Subsequent Business Growth in Men– and Women–Led Businesses

This study investigates the possible funding gap for women–owned compared with men–owned new businesses. With longitudinal data from new businesses in Norway, gender differences in funding perceptions and behaviors, as well as in actually obtained amounts of funding, are explored. While there are few detected gender differences with respect to funding perceptions and behavior, women obtain significantly less financial capital to develop their new businesses. Moreover, the results indicate that the lower levels of financial capital that women business founders achieve are associated with lower early business growth compared with their male counterparts.