Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Knowledge Sharing Climate as a Mediator between Servant Leadership and Team Performance

Purpose: This research is an empirical study designed to examine the mediating role of knowledge sharing climate on the relationship between the servant leadership and team sales performance.Design/Methodology/Approach: Survey data were collected from direct sales representatives of a large cosmetics company in South Korea, and sales team performance data were obtained from the participant company after three months. The unit of analysis was at the team level, and the individual questionnaires were aggregated at the team level. The final sample was 67 teams (1,884 individuals). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis and a bootstrapping approach were used to test the hypotheses.Findings: Results showed two key findings: 1) servant leadership positively affected the knowledge sharing climate of the team; 2) the knowledge sharing climate mediated the relationship between servant leadership and team sales performance. This means that the servant leadership displayed by a supervisor increased team performance by promoting the knowledge sharing climate of the team.Originality/Value: The mechanism of how servant leadership affects team performance is still not well understood. This paper highlights servant leadership as a precursor of a knowledge sharing climate and demonstrates the mediating role of knowledge sharing climate on the link between servant leadership and team performance.
Effects of Irradiation on Planococcus minor (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

ABSTRACT Irradiation has been recognized and endorsed as a potential phytosanitary measure that could be an alternative to current quarantine treatments. Dosages of 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 Gy were used to irradiate three different life stages (eggs, immatures, and adults) of Planococcus minor (Maskell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), focusing on females due to its parthenogenesis ability, with an aim to find the most tolerant stage and the most optimal dose to control P. minor. Cobalt 60 was the source of irradiation used. Irradiation of 150–250 Gy has a significant effect on all life stages of P. minor, decreasing its survival rate, percentage of adult reproduction, oviposition, and fertility rate. The adult was the most tolerant life stage in both mortality and fertility rate. All the different irradiated target life stage groups oviposited eggs, but none of the F2 eggs hatched at the most optimal dosage of 150–250 Gy.
Quantized$e^2/h$Step and Nonquantized Step in Nanocontact Magnetoresistance

Electron transport property in the nanocontacting wire was investigated by measuring magnetoresistance effect. In the regime of conductance quantization, the magnetoresistance exhibits the quantized step (in the unit of e2/h) and nonquantized step (DeltaG<e2/h). The magnetoresistance effect appears to be large in the case that either of the steps was observed in a magnetoresistance curve, indicating that there are different mechanisms which bring about the giant magnetoresistance
The Causes of Urban Sprawl in Spanish Urban Areas: A Spatial Approach

Abstract This paper explores the presence of local spatial interaction on urban development patterns of Spanish urban areas and whether this interaction might be due to the strategic behaviour of neighbouring local governments. Using remote-sensing data from aerial photography and satellite imaging along with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques, it studies urban development patterns across the country with unprecedented detail. The results confirm the main hypothesis that spatial interaction exists in the levels of sprawl between neighbouring municipalities, suggesting that local governments do indeed compete for the creation of new suburban settlement developments, hence promoting excessive urban sprawl.
The Downside of Asset Screening for Market Liquidity

This paper presents a model of securitization that highlights the link between information acquisition at the loan screening stage and liquidity in markets where securities backed by loan cashflows are sold. While information is beneficial ex-ante when used to screen loans, it becomes detrimental ex-post because it introduces a problem of adverse selection. The model matches key features of the securitization practice, such as the tranching of loan cashflows, and it predicts that when gains from securitization are 'sufficiently' large, loan screening is inefficiently low. There are two channels that drive this inefficiency. First, when gains from trade are large, a loan issuer is tempted ex-post to sell a large portion of its cashflows, and lower retention reduces incentives to screen loans. Second, the presence of adverse selection in secondary markets creates informational rents for issuers holding low quality loans, reducing the value of loan screening. This suggests that incentives for loan screening not only depend on the portion of loans retained by issuers, but also on how the market prices different securities. Turning to financial regulation, I characterize the optimal mechanism and show that it can be implemented with a simple tax scheme. This paper, therefore, contributes to the recent debate on how to regulate securitization.
A grape-enriched diet increases bone calcium retention and cortical bone properties in ovariectomized rats.

BACKGROUND Grapes and their associated phytochemicals have been investigated for beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, cancer prevention, and other chronic diseases, but the effect of grape consumption on bone health has not been fully determined. We previously found short-term benefits of grape products on reducing bone turnover in ovariectomized rats. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine the long-term benefits of a grape-enriched diet on bone in ovariectomized rats. METHODS Rats were ovariectomized at 3 mo of age and were administered a single dose of (45)Ca to prelabel bones at 4 mo of age. After a 1-mo equilibration period, baseline urinary (45)Ca excretion was determined. Rats (n = 22/group) were then randomly assigned to a modified AIN93M diet containing 25% freeze-dried grape powder or to a control diet for 8 wk. Urinary (45)Ca excretion was monitored throughout the study to determine changes in bone (45)Ca retention. Calcium balance was assessed after 1 and 8 wk of consuming the experimental diets, and a calcium kinetic study was performed at 8 wk. After 8 wk, femurs were collected for micro-computed tomographic imaging, 3-point bending, and reference point indentation. RESULTS Rats fed the grape-enriched diet had 44% greater net bone calcium retention than did rats fed the control diet. There were no differences in calcium balance due to diet at either week 1 or week 8, but there was a significant increase in net calcium absorption (10.6%) and retention (5.7%) from week 1 to week 8 in the grape-enriched diet group only. Grape-enriched diet-fed rats had 3% greater cortical thickness and 11% greater breaking strength. There were no differences in femur bone mineral density, trabecular microarchitecture, or reference point indentation variables due to diet. CONCLUSION This study of ovariectomized rats indicates that the consumption of grape products may improve calcium utilization and suppress bone turnover, resulting in improvements in bone quality.
Transference interpretations in dynamic psychotherapy: do they really yield sustained effects?

OBJECTIVE Transference interpretation has remained a core ingredient in the psychodynamic tradition, despite limited empirical evidence for its effectiveness. In this study, the authors examined long-term effects of transference interpretations. METHOD This was a randomized controlled clinical trial, dismantling design, plus follow-up evaluations 1 year and 3 years after treatment termination. One hundred outpatients seeking psychotherapy for depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and interpersonal problems were referred to the study therapists. Patients were randomly assigned to receive weekly sessions of dynamic psychotherapy for 1 year with or without transference interpretations. Five full sessions from each therapy were rated in order to document treatment fidelity. Outcome variables were the Psychodynamic Functioning Scales (clinician rated) and the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (self-report). Rating on the Quality of Object Relations Scale (lifelong pattern) and presence of a personality disorder were postulated moderators of treatment effects. Change over time was assessed using linear mixed models. RESULTS Despite an absence of differential treatment efficacy, both treatments demonstrated significant improvement during treatment and also after treatment termination. However, patients with a lifelong pattern of poor object relations profited more from 1 year of therapy with transference interpretations than from therapy without transference interpretations. This effect was sustained throughout the 4-year study period. CONCLUSIONS The goal of transference interpretation is sustained improvement of the patient's relationships outside of therapy. Transference interpretation seems to be especially important for patients with long-standing, more severe interpersonal problems.
MDCT urography of upper tract urothelial neoplasms.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study was to review the MDCT urography appearance of pathologically proven transitional cell carcinomas of the renal collecting system and ureter and to correlate the MDCT urography findings with pathology findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS Of 370 MDCT urography examinations performed over an 18-month period, 18 patients were diagnosed with 27 renal collecting system or ureteral urothelial neoplasms at endoscopic biopsy (n = 8) or surgery (n = 19). Initial MDCT reports were reviewed to determine the sensitivity of original reviewers in detecting these neoplasms. Two radiologists also retrospectively reviewed these scans and characterized the CT appearance of the neoplasms on both axial CT and 3D reformatted images. Findings at retrospective review were correlated with pathology results to determine whether any CT features could be used to predict tumor grade. RESULTS Eighteen of 27 neoplasms were prospectively identified on MDCT urography, and an additional six neoplasms were detected on retrospective review. Three ureteral neoplasms could not be visualized. The 24 retrospectively detected neoplasms had three distinct MDCT appearances: circumferential urothelial wall thickening (n = 14), small masses (> 5 mm in maximal diameter) (n = 5), and large masses (> 5 mm in maximal diameter) (n = 5). All detected lesions could be seen on axial excretory phase images provided wide window settings were reviewed; however, only six were detected on 3D reconstructions. MDCT urography appearance did not correlate with tumor grade. CONCLUSION MDCT urography is a promising technique for detecting upper urinary tract neoplasms. The static 3D reconstructions used in this study are insufficient for visualization. Axial image review remains essential for tumor identification.
Placenta previa in a referral hospital in Oman.

OBJECTIVE To determine the incidence of placenta previa associated pregnancies, to find out the strength of association of identified risk factors with the major placenta previa associated pregnancies and to identify predictors for preterm outcome. METHODS Records of women with placenta previa, who delivered at Nizwa Hospital, Al-Dakhliya region, Sultanate of Oman between October 1998 and September 2002, were analyzed retrospectively utilizing a case control approach. RESULTS An incidence of 0.6% for placenta previa was noted in our study. Nearly two thirds (64.8%) of the pregnancies resulted in antepartum bleeding. Pregnancies with major placenta previa constituted 72% of all the subjects. Higher parity (>/=5), maternal age (>/=30) and history of previous abortion had high odds of association with major placenta previa of 2.1, 2.4 and 2.5. Antepartum hemorrhage was not significantly associated with pregnancies presenting with major placenta previa (odds ratio [OR] 1.3; p>0.05). The proportion of preterm deliveries was 55.5% in the study. There was a significant association between preterm outcome and presence of antepartum hemorrhage (OR 10.8; p<0.001). CONCLUSION In spite of higher maternal age, parity and previous abortions having high odds of presenting in pregnancies with major placenta previa, no significant statistical association could be proven. Also, no significant difference among pregnancies presenting with major or minor placenta previa as regards the preterm outcome, could be established. Antepartum hemorrhage, irrespective of severity, was a strong predictor of preterm outcome.
Impact of Selected Accounting and Economic Variables on Share Price of Publicly Listed Banks in the Philippines from 2002-2008

Investors seek financial measures that have significant impact on share price. Past studies used various accounting and economic variables to determine their effect on share price but some of the results were not very conclusive. A number of these studies came out with results that contradicted previous studies. This paper aims to determine whether the accounting variables Earnings per Share (EPS), Cash Flows per Share (CFPS), Cash Dividend per Share (CDPS) and the macroeconomic variables Inflation Rate (IR) and 3-month T-bill rate (BSP) have significant impact on share price of publicly listed banks in the Philippines. The study used the financial reports of 10 publicly listed commercial banks taken from the database of the Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. through their website. The financial statements covered seven years from 2002 to 2008. The multiple regression results disclosed that of the five independent variables, only the 3-month Treasury bill (BSP) had a negative significant impact on share price. All other variables did not have significant effect on share price. Nine dummy variables were included in the final model to capture whatever unique qualitative factors a particular bank has over the rest.
Antiretroviral drug exposure in the female genital tract: implications for oral pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis

Objectives:To describe first dose and steady state antiretroviral drug exposure in the female genital tract. Design:Non-blinded, single center, open-label pharmacokinetic study in HIV-infected women. Method:Twenty-seven women initiating combination antiretroviral therapy underwent comprehensive blood plasma and cervicovaginal fluid sampling for drug concentrations during the first dose of antiretroviral therapy and at steady-state. Drug concentrations were measured by validated HPLC/UV or HPLC-MS/MS methods. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated for 11 drugs by non-compartmental analysis. Descriptive statistics and 95% confidence intervals were generated using Intercooled STATA Release 8.0 (Stata Corporation, College Station, Texas, USA). Results:For all antiretroviral drugs, genital tract concentrations were detected rapidly after the first dose. Drugs were stratified according to the genital tract concentrations achieved relative to blood plasma. Median rank order of highest to lowest genital tract concentrations relative to blood plasma at steady state were: lamivudine (concentrations achieved were 411% greater than blood plasma), emtricitabine (395%), zidovudine (235%) tenofovir (75%), ritonavir (26%), didanosine (21%), atazanavir (18%), lopinavir (8%), abacavir (8%), stavudine (5%), and efavirenz (0.4%). Conclusions:This is the first study to comprehensively evaluate antiretroviral drug exposure in the female genital tract. These findings support the use of lamivudine, zidovudine, tenofovir and emtricitabine as excellent pre-exposure/post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP) candidates. Atazanavir and lopinavir might be useful agents for these applications due to favorable therapeutic indices, despite lower genital tract concentrations. Agents such as stavudine, abacavir, and efavirenz that achieve genital tract exposures less than 10% of blood plasma are less attractive PrEP/PEP candidates.
Preservation from the bottom-up: affordable housing, redevelopment, and negotiation in Washington, DC

Abstract Previous iterations of large-scale redevelopment were been marked by displacement of the residents whose homes stood in the way of perceived progress. Now these neighborhoods face a new kind of urban renewal. A city with significant vacancy and city government ownership, Washington, DC, is in the process of rapid infill redevelopment. As property values surrounding city-backed developments that were once affordable increase, residents struggle to afford housing. DC has developed significant tools for the preservation of affordable housing, including an existing stock of subsidized housing, legal and financial resources, and a network of organizers and advocates that have given many residents in changing neighborhoods the opportunity to remain. This paper uses the example of Columbia Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC to examine potential strategies to preserve affordable housing in rapidly changing housing markets.
Thinking about Growth

The essays in this book explore the forces behind modern economic growth and, in particular, the causes of the extraordinary surge of growth since the Second World War. The introductory essay is an extended treatment of how economists now view the growth process and its causes. Other essays consider the contributions of capital formation, education, and the changed nature of industries and occupations. Professor Abramovitz asks why elevated incomes failed to bring the social progress and personal satisfaction that people had looked for. The final chapters in the book take up the causes of our discontent and consider whether the Welfare State has itself become an obstacle to further economic progress.The essays in this book explore the forces behind modern economic growth and, in particular, the causes of the extraordinary surge of growth since the Second World War. The introductory essay is an extended treatment of how economists now view the growth process and its causes. Other essays consider the contributions of capital formation, education, and the changed nature of industries and occupations. Professor Abramovitz asks why elevated incomes failed to bring the social progress and personal satisfaction that people had looked for. The final chapters in the book take up the causes of our discontent and consider whether the Welfare State has itself become an obstacle to further economic progress.
Essays in environmental and political economics

Environmental pollution is among the main problems threatening a global sustainable future, and strongly intertwined with the unprecedented rise in economic prosperity since the industrial revolution. The first three chapters deal with two questions: The first question is: Does economic growth, without any intervention, eventually lead to lower levels of pollution? The second question is: If not, what are the strategies that should be followed? The last chapter focuses on another issue which is democratic transitions.
The Central Nervous System (CNS)-independent Anti-bone-resorptive Activity of Muscle Contraction and the Underlying Molecular and Cellular Signatures*

Background: Mechanisms by which muscle regulates bone are poorly understood. Results: Electrically stimulated muscle contraction reversed elevations in bone resorption and increased Wnt signaling in bone-derived cells after spinal cord transection. Conclusion: Muscle contraction reduced resorption of unloaded bone independently of the CNS, through mechanical effects and, potentially, nonmechanical signals (e.g. myokines). Significance: The study provides new insights regarding muscle-bone interactions. Muscle and bone work as a functional unit. Cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying effects of muscle activity on bone mass are largely unknown. Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes muscle paralysis and extensive sublesional bone loss and disrupts neural connections between the central nervous system (CNS) and bone. Muscle contraction elicited by electrical stimulation (ES) of nerves partially protects against SCI-related bone loss. Thus, application of ES after SCI provides an opportunity to study the effects of muscle activity on bone and roles of the CNS in this interaction, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Using a rat model of SCI, the effects on bone of ES-induced muscle contraction were characterized. The SCI-mediated increase in serum C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) was completely reversed by ES. In ex vivo bone marrow cell cultures, SCI increased the number of osteoclasts and their expression of mRNA for several osteoclast differentiation markers, whereas ES significantly reduced these changes; SCI decreased osteoblast numbers, but increased expression in these cells of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) mRNA, whereas ES increased expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and the OPG/RANKL ratio. A microarray analysis revealed that ES partially reversed SCI-induced alterations in expression of genes involved in signaling through Wnt, FSH, parathyroid hormone (PTH), oxytocin, and calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) pathways. ES mitigated SCI-mediated increases in mRNA levels for the Wnt inhibitors DKK1, sFRP2, and sclerostin in ex vivo cultured osteoblasts. Our results demonstrate an anti-bone-resorptive activity of muscle contraction by ES that develops rapidly and is independent of the CNS. The pathways involved, particularly Wnt signaling, suggest future strategies to minimize bone loss after immobilization.
The Finnish Great Depression of the 1990s: Soviet Trade or Home-Made?

This paper reconsiders the reasons for the Finnish Great Depression.The paper argues that during the crisis Finland experienced institutional adjustments that are largely neglected by the current literature, and argues that both financial and tax shocks may have contributed to the crisis more than it has been previously suggested. It is shown by using a general equilibrium model that together these factors can generate a large and widespread fall in key macroeconomic variables, whereas the results suggest that the direct impact of the collapse of the Soviet Union may not have been as large as suggested before.
A Rapid Quantitative Real-Time PCR-Based DNA Quantification Assay Coupled with Species – Assignment Capabilities for Two Hybridizing Macaca Species

Regional populations of rhesus and long-tailed macaques exhibit fundamental differences in mitochondrial DNA, short tandem repeat and single nucleotide polymorphism variation between mainland and insular Southeast Asian populations. Some studies have revealed genetic admixture between these species due to natural hybridization and human-assisted intercrosses. A quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay was developed to efficiently determine the species of origin of a macaque biological sample, and to quantify the species-specific template DNA. Prior knowledge of species identity and DNA concentrations are crucial for maintaining cost-effective methods and accurate DNA analysis. DNA from 109 regionally representative rhesus and long-tailed macaques was qPCR amplified to determine the species and template quantities. Of the 19 Vietnamese long-tailed macaques, 3 samples were discovered to be hybrids.