Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High Involvement Work in the New Zealand Public Service

The aim of this research is to investigate the relationship between high involvement work practices (HIWP) and employee outcomes, such as job satisfaction and organisational commitment, in the core New Zealand public service. It also investigates whether certain demographic factors may influence this relationship and proposes a structural model to test this. Information about HIWP and employee outcomes was originally gathered as part of the 2013 Workplace Dynamics Survey conducted by the New Zealand Public Service Association (PSA) and Victoria University of Wellington (Plimmer et al., 2013). Participants, all of whom were PSA members, were asked a variety of questions about their work, workplace and themselves. For the purposes of this current study, the sample was then limited to only those members of the core public sector who reported that they had no managerial responsibilities, which comprised 1,665 unique responses. The data were then analysed in order to generate descriptive statistics and trends regarding opinions, and to conduct inferential analysis. This included exploratory factor analysis to confirm the principal factors, confirmatory factor analysis to test the measurement of the constructs, and structural equation modelling to explicate the relationship between HIWP and employee outcomes. Moderating factors such as age, gender, and level of educational attainment were then introduced to the proposed structural model. The model suggests that HIWP, as measured by items associated with power, information, rewards, and knowledge (PIRK), have a positive effect on employees’ reported job satisfaction and organisational commitment. The model tests the influence of a second-order latent variable that describes the PIRK attributes working collectively, as well as a second-order latent variable, labelled Passion, for employee outcomes, based on the work of Vandenberg, Richardson and Eastman (1999), and Langford (2009), respectively. The findings of this study largely support the relationships proposed in the literature on HIWP, which was used to develop the theoretical model. It finds that employees reporting higher PIRK also experience higher job satisfaction and organisational commitment. It also suggests that age and level of educational attainment individually have some effect on the PIRK-Passion relationship. While gender did not affect this particular causal relationship, the model was different in some respects for men and women, particularly with respect to the effect of length of time spent working for a particular employer. This study contributes to theoretical and practical knowledge by providing evidence of the influence of high involvement practices for people management in the New Zealand public service on employee outcomes, an under-researched area. It also highlights the need for public sector managers and HR professionals to be aware of the different experiences of different demographic groups. This research makes recommendations for further research, including in the data-gathering stage, as well as suggestions for practitioners.
The dental health and treatment needs of middle-aged and older patients attending 21 general dental practitioners in South Australia.

Data from routine examinations of 497 45–89 year-old patients attending 21 South Australian general dental practitioners indicated that these patients had a mean of 18.7 teeth, 1.3 teeth with carious lesions, and 10.1 teeth with restorations and sound. Nine per cent of patients were edentulous. Of the dentate, 66 per cent had calculus, 49 per cent had gingivitis, and 32 per cent had periodontal pockets ≥4 mm. The percentage of all patients needing specific services was: (1) any service, 89 per cent; (2) a prophylaxis, 66 per cent; (3) restorative care, 61 per cent; (4) root canal therapy, 7 per cent; (5) root planing, curettage, or periodontal surgery, 18 per cent; (6) an extraction, 17 per cent; (7) denture services, 22 per cent; (8) other care, 9 per cent. A mean of 1.5 teeth per patient needed restorative care, and 0.7 teeth required extraction.
Influence of water temperature, salinity, and pH on survival and growth of toxigenic Vibrio cholerae serovar 01 associated with live copepods in laboratory microcosms

The influence of water temperature, salinity, and pH on the multiplication of toxigenic Vibrio cholerae serovar O1 cells and their attachment to live planktonic crustaceans, i.e., copepods, was investigated by using laboratory microcosms. By increasing water temperatures up to 30 degrees C, a pronounced effect on the multiplication of V. cholerae was demonstrated, as was attachment of the cells to live copepods. These were measured by culturable counts on agar plates and direct observation by scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Of the three salinities examined (5, 10, and 15%), maximum growth of V. cholerae and attachment to copepods occurred at 15%. An alkaline pH (8.5) was optimal both for attachment and multiplication of V. cholerae, as compared with pH 6.5 and 7.5. It is concluded that conditions affecting attachment of V. cholerae serovar O1 to live copepods observed under laboratory conditions may also occur in the natural estuarine environment and, thereby, are significant in the epidemiology of cholera.
Impact of human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and ERBB2 (HER2) expressions on survival in patients with stage II/III gastric cancer, enrolled in the ACTS-GC study.

4013 Background: EGFR and HER2 positivity is thought to be a negative prognostic factor in gastric cancer (GC). Biomarker analysis has been conducted to evaluate the influence of EGFR and HER2 expressions on the outcomes of patients (pts) enrolled in the ACTS-GC study, a randomized phase III trial, which demonstrated that adjuvant treatment with S-1 after D2 dissection for locally advanced GC was more effective as compared with surgery alone in East Asian pts (Sakuramoto et al., NEJM 2007) Methods: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue specimens were examined retrospectively for EGFR and HER2 by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using Ventana antibody. The scores for EGFR and HER2 expression were centrally assessed in a blinded fashion. The expression of each of the genes was also measured by RT-PCR in macrodissected tumor specimens. RESULTS FFPE specimens were available from 829 of the total of 1,059 (78.3%) pts. As of the end of Dec. 2010, IHC for EGFR and HER2 had been performed for 489 and 670 pts, respectively, while the mRNA of each had been measured for 754 pts. The IHC score distribution for EGFR (grade 0, 20.2%; 1+, 47.4%; 2+, 22.3%; 3+, 10.0%) and that for HER2 (grade 0, 51.3%; 1+, 26.0%; 2+, 12.4%; 3+, 10.3%) were balanced across the arms. For both genes, the IHC score was significantly correlated with the mRNA expression level (P<0.0001, Wilcoxon's test). EGFR 3+ status was associated with worse outcomes in the surgery alone group (OS, p=0.0098; HR 2.13 [95% CI:1.13-3.68]; RFS, p=0.0297; HR 1.94 [95% CI:1.003-3.41]) and the S-1 group (OS, p=0.0655; HR 1.87 [95% CI:0.895-3.51]; RFS, p=0.0237; HR 2.08 [95% CI:1.03-3.84]) These trends still remained significant in multivariate models in the surgery alone group (p=0.0277; HR 2.07 [95% CI:1.09-3.62]). No interaction for OS or RFS was observed between S-1 and the EGFR 3+ status. The HER2 status was not associated with the OS/RFS in either the surgery alone group or the S-1 group. CONCLUSIONS This large biomarker study showed that the EGFR 3+ status was associated with worse outcomes in GC pts treated by surgery alone. The final results including the remaining FFPE specimens will be reported at the meeting.
Equity Price Influencing Factors of Financial Sector Firms in Nigeria

Arguments have abounded in what really influence the prices of equities. From the point of the efficient market hypothesis claim that only market fundamental factors are priced into stock to other lines of arguments that even microeconomic variables and psychological factors affects stock prices have continued to generate interest. For a developing country like Nigeria, the effectiveness of some of the factors identified in literature are even less certain. This study specifically targeted listed firms in the financial sector of the Nigerian stock exchange to examine the influencing power of key accounting and macroeconomic variables on stock prices. Out of the fifty eight (58) listed financial sector firms a sample of forty five (45) where purposefully selected based on the availability of monthly data for the period of year 2010 to 2015. The data were analysed using random effect based regression model based on the suggestion of Hausman test. The result of the analysis shows that all the variables, vis-à-vis earnings per share, price earnings ratio, market capitalization, oil price and exchange rate are significant determinants of stock price except for liquidity. Specifically, factors such as oil price and exchange rate all have negative influence on equity price. This implies that on a specific note, macroeconomic polies of the federal government is not in favor of the stock market. It is recommended that government must pursue a stable policy that will help stabilize the exchange rate. This will keep the performance of the market stable and in courage more stability of prices in the market.
How Do Board Structures of Thai Firms Influence on Different Quantile Levels of Firm Performance?

Abstract As there is inclusive evidence on relationship between board characteristics and firm performance in the Thai context, and mixed findings of this relationship are usually reported from previous studies, this study tries to clarify a reason for the mixed finding by determining the impact of board structures on different quantile levels of firm performance. Building on extant literature and using a developed econometric technique, the Quantile Analysis, on a sample of 446 listed firms in Thailand for a 15-year period ranging from 2000 to 2014, empirical evidence is provided which is consistent with prior studies that some characteristics of the board as the core mechanisms of corporate governance, i.e., board independence, board size, board meeting frequency, and dual role leadership on board, have significant influence on performance of Thai firms. In particular, when considering different quantile levels of firm performance, board structures are found to have different effects across quantile of performance distribution. Board independence and dual role leadership on board are found to have a significant influence on only moderate-performing firms, while board size and board meeting frequency are revealed as having significant impact on only firms with high-performance which need more effectiveness of the board in overseeing and supervising decision-making of the executives. Thus, these findings indicate that considering different quantile levels of firm performance for the board structures and performance relationship should be a reason of previous mixed findings. Moreover, the findings should be important information in encouraging better understanding an optimal governance system in Thailand for related stakeholders such as policymakers, corporate firms, and investors.
Periodicity and Peculiarity in 120 First- and Second-Row Diatomic Molecules

Abstract : The ground and very low-lying excited states of all 120 first and second row diatomic molecules are surveyed. Three quarters of these molecules have had their ground state term symbols reliably experimentally determined. However, one quarter remain predicted only theoretically. For all 120 species, the best available experimental (where known) and theoretical values for the dissociation energies to ground-state atoms are also presented. The Aufbau principle, combined with standard energy ordering for the valence molecular orbitals, is able to properly account for the ground-state term symbols of all but twenty of the diatomics studies. The twenty exceptions produce higher than expected ground state spin multiplicity and arise when there are 4-5 or 7-8 valence electrons and group 3, 4, or 5 (but not group 6 or 7) atoms are involved.
Preliminary study of using anodized aluminum strip for electrical motor windings

The purpose of this work is to study the possibility to integrate aluminum in motor coils with only anodization as inter-turn insulation. This would allow making more lightweight and possibly high-temperature running motors as aluminum melts at approximately 660°C and alumina remains solid until 2072°C. The particularity is that the coil will be made of anodized aluminum strip. The advantage of using strip rather than round wire is to have neat coil and thereby the lowering of inter-turn voltage. This shape of coil is also better adapted to transfer heat outside the motor. The last but not least advantage would be the softening of the voltage peak in the case of PWM supply due to the high capacitance of the coil formed with strips.
Research on Ensemble Learning

Ensemble learning is a powerful machine learning paradigm which has exhibited apparent advantages in many applications. An ensemble in the context of machine learning can be broadly defined as a machine learning system that is constructed with a set of individual models working in parallel and whose outputs are combined with a decision fusion strategy to produce a single answer for a given problem. In this paper we introduce core of ensemble learning and key techniques to improve ensemble learning. Based on this we describe the procedure of two typical algorithms, i.e., adaboost and bagging, in detail. Finally we testify the superiority in classification accuracy with some experiments.
Ergonomics Review : Identify Discomfort Seating Posture Among Elderly Taxi Drivers at Malaysia Perspective

World Health Organization (WHO) describes people aged above 60 years old fall under a category of elderly. The alternative profession could involve with this community is to be taxi drivers. Therefore, numerous factors should take part to ensure the elderly taxi drivers could serve their best performance and in good health condition. This study aimed to determined discomfort seating posture among elderly taxi drivers through ergonomic approach in Malaysian perspective. A cross-sectional study was conducted with elderly taxi drivers using a self-administered questionnaire. It included questions on socio-demographic data, work characteristics and discomfort older taxi drivers seating posture relative to body parts. Purposive method sampling used base on inclusive criteria; age 60 years old and above, self -driving taxi more than 1 year, no disabilities and registered with Land Public Transport Commission (LPTC). Total of 120 respondents participated in the study. Most of elderly taxi drivers used hired car type of taxi and work as a permanent job. The highest feeling discomfort on seating body posture among elderly taxi drivers are at the right hips and left buttock. At the left hips and lower back showed the highest discomfort on seating posture compare to other body parts. Inappropriate seating posture among elderly taxi drivers may cause to discomfort and developing to MSD’s. The low awareness on ergonomics education could reflect quality lifestyle and health among elderly taxi drivers inMalaysia.
CONTINUOUS VERSUS BOLUS INFUSION OF TERLIPRESSIN IN OVINE ENDOTOXEMIA

In patients with sepsis, hemodynamic support is often complicated by a tachyphylaxis against conventional vasopressor agents. Bolus infusion of terlipressin, a vasopressin analog, has been reported to increase mean arterial pressure in patients with catecholamine-resistant septic shock. However, bolus infusion of terlipressin may be associated with severe side effects, including pulmonary vasoconstriction and impairment of oxygen delivery. We hypothesized that continuous low-dose infusion of terlipressin may reverse sepsis-related systemic arterial hypotension with reduced side effects as compared with the traditional concept of bolus administration. Twenty-seven adult sheep were instrumented for chronic study. After a baseline measurement, Salmonella typhosa endotoxin (10 ng·kg−1·min−1) was continuously administered for the next 40 h. After 16 h of endotoxemia, the surviving sheep (n = 24) were randomly assigned to be treated with either a continuous infusion of terlipressin (2 mg for 24 h), bolus injections of terlipressin (1 mg every 6 h), or placebo (normal saline; each n = 8). Continuous infusion of terlipressin permanently reversed endotoxin-induced systemic arterial hypotension (P < 0.001) and improved left ventricular stroke work index in all sheep (P < 0.05). Intermittent bolus injections of terlipressin were linked to decreases in heart rate and cardiac index and increases in pulmonary vascular resistance index (each, P < 0.001). These unwanted side effects were prevented by continuous low-dose infusion of the drug. In conclusion, continuous infusion of terlipressin stabilized hemodynamics and improved myocardial performance in endotoxemic ewes without obvious side effects. Continuous low-dose terlipressin infusion may represent a useful alternative treatment of arterial hypotension related to sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome.
MODELLING AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL OF SHAPE MEMORY ALLOYS WITH FAST ELECTRICAL HEATING

This paper presents a comparative theoretical study of the performance of a set of controllers for improving the speed of actuators based on shape memory alloys (SMAs), especially on Nitinol (NiTi). To prevent overheating and thermal fatigue, these controllers take into account the maximum heating current at which a NiTi element can safely be heated. The thermal behaviour of NiTi is first modelled for calculating the time response and, based on the suggested model, it is shown that hysteresis due to phase transformation can be neglected for rapid heating, thus simplifying the model to a linear problem. The design and performance of a set of linear controllers is then presented. Simulation results show a substantial increase in actuation speed.
Extending the Technology Acceptance Model to Improve Usage & Decrease Resistance toward a New Technology by Faculty in Higher Education

The study analyzed why some university faculty resisted a new software program using a new model of motivation. The new model, called the Motivation Acceptance Model (MAM), was inspired by the technology acceptance model and the Commitment and Necessary Effort (CANE) model of motivation. This model was tested on faculty at a university who were resisting a new software program called Live-Text. Regression analysis was utilized to determine the relationship between variables of the MAM. The study demonstrates that the MAM accurately measured the relationship between professors’ perceptions and their use of Live-Text. The research also suggests that perceived utility of Live-Text and users’ attitudes toward LiveText were statistically significant predictors of Live-Text use and that perceived ease of use also predicted whether the professors found Live-Text useful.
The semantics of scalar modifiers

On the naive account of scalar modifiers like ‘more than’ and ‘at most’, ‘At least three girls snored’ is synonymous with ‘More than two girls snored’, and both sentences mean that the number of snoring girls exceeded two (the same, mutatis mutandis for sentences with ‘at most’ and ‘less/fewer than’). We show that this is false and propose an alternative theory, according to which superlative modifiers (‘at least/most’) are quite different from comparative ones (‘more/less/fewer than’). Whereas the naive theory is basically right about comparative modifiers, it is wrong about superlative modifiers, which we claim have a modal meaning: an utterance of ‘At least three girls snored’ conveys two things: first, that it is certain that there was a group of three snoring girls, and secondly, that more than four girls may have snored. We argue that this analysis explains various facts that are problematic for the naive view, which have to do with specificity, distributional differences between superlative and comparative modifiers, differential patterns of inference licensed by these expressions, and the way they interact with various operators, like modals and negation. To appear in Language.
EEG biometric identification: Repeatability and influence of movement-related EEG

This paper describes use of EEG signal as biometric characteristic for person identification. We focus on the problem of repeatability of the identification process, and influence of the movement-related EEG on results of identification. Used database of EEG signals consists of two sessions, obtained approximately one year apart. We use Frequency-Zooming Auto-Regression modeling and Mahalanobis distance-based classifier for classification of EEG segments, which leads to subject identification with success rate for single session identification up to 98%. When the earlier session is used for classifier training and the later session for testing, the highest success rate with our identification algorithm is 87.1%. Experiments show that use of the movement-related EEG leads to better identification results.
Management of Early-Stage Tongue Cancer

In general, tongue cancer is usually treated surgically and additional therapy is carried out if patients have advanced cancers. Although surgical treatment is performed at the early stage of tongue cancer, still some problems emerge, such as late cervical lymph node metastasis and elective neck dissection. We previously recommended elective neck dissection for patients with T2 tongue cancers (Tateda et al., 2000). However, the range of tumor sizes that would require elective neck dissection remains to be determined.
Multimerization Potential of the Cytoplasmic Domain of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Transmembrane Glycoprotein gp41*

We previously demonstrated that an envelope mutant of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 lacking the entire cytoplasmic domain interferes in trans with the production of infectious virus by inclusion of the mutant envelope into the wild-type envelope complex. We also showed that the envelope incorporation into virions is not affected when the wild-type envelope is coexpressed with the mutant envelope. These results suggest that an oligomeric structure of the cytoplasmic domain is functionally required for viral infectivity. To understand whether the cytoplasmic domain of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 transmembrane protein gp41 has the potential to self-assemble as an oligomer, in the present study we fused the coding sequence of the entire cytoplasmic domain at 3′ to theEscherichia coli malE gene, which encodes a monomeric maltose-binding protein. The expressed fusion protein was examined by chemical cross-linking, sucrose gradient centrifugation, and gel filtration. The results showed that the cytoplasmic domain of gp41 assembles into a high-ordered structural complex. The intersubunit interaction of the cytoplasmic domain was also confirmed by a mammalian two-hybrid system that detects protein-protein interactions in eucaryotic cells. A cytoplasmic domain fragment expressed in eucaryotic cells was pulled down by glutathione-Sepharose 4B beads via its association with another cytoplasmic domain fragment fused to the C terminus of the glutathione S-transferase moiety. We also found that sequences encompassing the lentiviral lytic peptide-1 and lentiviral lytic peptide-2, which are located within residues 828–856 and 770–795, respectively, play a critical role in cytoplasmic domain self-assembly. Taken together, the results from the present study indicate that the cytoplasmic domain of gp41 by itself is sufficient to assemble into a multimeric structure. This finding supports the hypothesis that a multimeric form of the gp41 cytoplasmic domain plays a crucial role in virus infectivity.