Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Youth Gardens Increase Healthy Behaviors in Young Children

Research supports the role of increased fruit and vegetable consumption to prevent obesity. A major challenge is how to develop and implement interventions to promote children's fruit and vegetable consumption. The school environment has been identified as a key setting; however, there is limited research linking youth gardens to fruit and vegetable consumption. Through a partnership led by the University of Wisconsin Extension, along with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, a statewide school gardening initiative was developed. The initiative, Got Dirt? , was evaluated at 28 sites across the state to determine the effects of gardens on student health behaviors using pre- and posttest surveys on the predictors of and consumption of fruits and vegetables. Classrooms at each of the sites were randomly assigned to an intervention (garden) or control (no garden). A total of 1796 completed student (N = 801) and parent (N = 995) surveys demonstrated statistically significant changes in (1) trying new fruit (P < .05), (2) choosing fruit instead of chips/candy (P < .01), (3) choosing vegetables instead of chips/candy (P < .01), (4) trying new vegetables that were grown in the garden (P < .001), (5) tasting new vegetables (P < .01), and, most important, (6) increasing consumption of fruit and vegetables (P < .01) Youth gardens increase access to and consumption of fruits and vegetables in young children. Because increased fruit and vegetable consumption has been shown to be an effective treatment for obesity, ongoing efforts to support youth gardens can be an important public health goal toward combating obesity.
Changes in Comparative Political Economy: Taking Labor Out, Bringing the State Back In, Putting the Firm Front and Center

Much has changed in comparative political economy in Europe over the past thirty years, both in terms of the political economic realities and the scholarly explanations of those realities. National economic policies and policymaking have undergone major transformations, largely in response to the pressures of globalization and Europeanization. Such transformations have entailed significant alterations in the role of the state, the importance of business, and the power of labor. In light of these changes in the political economic realities, political economists have shifted their focus over time, first taking labor out of the equation, then bringing the state back in only to devalue it in light of globalization and Europeanization before putting the firm front and center. Only recently has the state been brought back in yet again while labor has made a comeback.
Sellers or keepers? Stock retentions in stock option plans

This article examines stock-holding behaviors among participants in Save As You Earn (SAYE) stock option plans in the United Kingdom. It examines the influences upon the decision to sell or retain stock once options have been exercised, utilizing data from a study of option plan participants in five large U.K. companies. The main findings are that investment portfolios, the reasons for participating in the option plan, and age are important influences on the decision to retain stock. Contrary to expectations, income and risk preferences have little direct influence once other factors are considered. These results have implications for research, corporate practice, and national policy. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of host sex and age on infracommunities of metazoan parasites of Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1836) (Prochilodontidae) of the upper Paraná River floodplain, Brazil.

149 specimens of Prochilodus lineatus were collected on the upper Paran6 River floodplain. Of these, 121 (82.1%) were parasitized. 33 species of metazoan parasites were recorded. Rhinonastes pseudocapsaloideum was classified as secondary, while all other species were classified as satellites. Ergasilus sp. and Tereancistrum curimba were positively associated and their abundances were positively correlated. Saccocoelioides magnorchis and S. nanii were positively associated and their abundances were positively correlated. The mean diversity in the infracommunities of P. lineatus was H = 0.6875 +/- 0.4398. Host standard length was not correlated with parasite diversity (rs = 0.1726; p = 0.0533). The abundances of T. curimba and Kritskyia boegeri, and S. magnorchis and S. nanii were significantly correlated with host length. Correlation between fish age and parasite prevalence was not significant. The abundances of Amplexibranchius sp. , K. boegeri and S. magnorchis were significantly different among host age classes. For Amplexibranchius sp. , the three-year old age class had more parasites. For K. boegeri, the intermediate age classes had the most numerous parasites. Only Tereancistrum curimba showed significant difference in the prevalence between the sexes, with females being more parasitized.
Transforming a peripheral area in an emerging tourism destination

How might an experiential marketing initiative, initiated at the customer level, lead to the successful development of a tourism destination? To address this research question, we develop an exploratory case study focused on the development of the Jack Daniel's Visitor Center in Lynchburg which has been supported over time by independent customers tied to the firm only by brand loyalty. This research develops significant implications for research in marketing, strategy, and organization. In particular, in studying the relationships among experience and tourism destination development, we clarify the significant relationship between experiential marketing approaches and the development of a particular destination characterized by both tangible and intangible heritage while also considering the unique implications of emergent, tourism networks. Moreover, we show how the activation of a tourism destination can be interpreted as a slow, informal process of development of a tourism network, stimulated and driven by tourists. Finally, we suggest that branding management can be applied to tourism destinations to provide tourists with memorable experiences.
Cytotoxic effects of the Viscum album L. extract on Ehrlich tumour cells in vivo

To date most pharmacological studies on mistletoe (Viscum album L.) have focused on the therapeutic properties of its polar extracts. This study examined the non‐polar constituents of Viscum album and their biological activities. Supercritical CO2 extraction coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to selectively extract and identify compounds in Viscum album leaves. Several non‐polar classes of compounds were identified in the extract. In addition, a volatile fraction was identified that contained several novel terpene molecules. The hypothesis was tested that the Viscum album extract exhibits cytotoxic properties in Ehrlich carcinoma (EAC) cells in vivo due to the induction of oxidative stress. A significant reduction in the incidence of cancer was observed in all groups that received the Viscum album extract compared with the EAC control group. The largest decrease was observed in mice pretreated with the Viscum album extract, although significantly reduced numbers of EAC cells were also observed in animals with developed carcinoma. The activities of antioxidative enzymes in the EAC cells suggested the absence of oxidative stress. However, changes in the antioxidative enzymes activities observed after administration of the Viscum album extract might be due to the induction of oxidative stress in the EAC cells. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of higher education on entrepreneurial intentions of university students in China

Purpose – The aim of this article is to investigate the relationship between Chinese university students' higher educational background and their entrepreneurial intentions.Design/methodology/approach – The TPB model was adopted and tested for the formation of Chinese university students' entrepreneurial intentions using structural equation modeling. Data were collected from students of Tongji University in Shanghai, China.Findings – The main results of this empirical research suggest that diversity of educational background offers plausible explanations on the difference of entrepreneurial intentions of Chinese university students. Higher educational institutions should develop more flexible approaches with focus on different groups of students in accordance with their various educational backgrounds.Practical implications – In response to the change of graduate labour market and the quest for sustainable competitive advantage in China, higher educational institutions have to integrate the change of mind.
Growth of Healthy Term Infants Fed an Extensively Hydrolyzed Casein-Based or Free Amino Acid–Based Infant Formula

A masked, randomized, parallel growth study was conducted in infants fed an amino acid–based formula (AF) or an extensively hydrolyzed casein-based formula (HF). Infants were enrolled between 0 and 9 days and studied to 112 days of age. Growth, formula intake, stool patterns, and serum albumin concentrations were assessed. There were no significant differences between groups in weight, length, or head circumference, gains in weight or length, or study formula intake. The number of stools parents rated as being formed, and the mean daily number of stools were greater in the HF than in the AF group at 14 and 28 days of age. Mean serum albumin concentrations were not significantly different between groups and were within the normal range. This study demonstrates that AF supports normal growth of infants comparable to that of infants fed HF during the critical first 4 months of life.
Genotypic Analysis of Invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae from Mali, Africa, by Semiautomated Repetitive-Element PCR and Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis

ABSTRACT As part of a large, ongoing study of invasive infections in pediatric patients in Bamako, Mali, 106 cases of invasive pneumococcal disease were identified from June 2002 to July 2003 (J. D. Campbell et al., Pediatr. Infect. Dis. J. 23:642-649, 2004). Of the 12 serotypes present, the majority of isolates were not contained in PCV7 (the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine), including 1 isolate that was serotype 1, 12 isolates that were serotype 2, 58 isolates that were serotype 5, 7 isolates that were serotype 7F, and 1 isolate that was serotype 12F. To determine whether clonal dissemination of the predominant serotypes had taken place, genotyping was performed on 100 S. pneumoniae isolates by using two methods: pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of SmaI-digested genomic DNA, and the Bacterial Barcodes repetitive-element PCR (rep-PCR) method. Criteria for delineating rep-PCR genotypes were established such that isolates of different serotypes were generally not grouped together. The two methods were equally discriminatory within a given pneumococcal serotype. PFGE separated the isolates into 15 genotypes and 7 subtypes; rep-PCR separated isolates into 15 genotypes and 6 subtypes. Using either method, isolates within serotypes 2, 5, and 7 formed three large, separate clusters containing 1 genotype each. Both methods further distinguished related subtypes within serotypes 2 and 5. Interestingly, one of the PFGE subtypes of serotype 5 is indistinguishable from the Columbia5-19 clone circulating in Latin America since 1994. The data support that serotypes 2 and 5 were likely to be the result of dissemination of particular clones, some of which are responsible for invasive disease over a broad population range.
Effectiveness of 2',2'difluorodeoxycytidine (Gemcitabine) combined with hyperthermia in rat R-1 rhabdomyosarcoma in vitro and in vivo.

PURPOSE To investigate the schedule-dependency of 2',2'difluorodeoxycytidine (dFdC, Gemcitabine) combined with hyperthermia (HT), in vitro as well as in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS Rat R-1 rhabdomyosarcoma cells were treated with various concentrations of dFdC for 70 min, 4 h and 24 h. After various time intervals HT (60 min at 43 degrees C) was applied. Cell survival was determined by clonogenic assays. Female Wag/Rij rats bearing R-1 tumours on the hind limbs were treated with dFdC (20 mg/kg), with locally applied HT (60 min at 43 degrees C) or with a combined treatment using different time intervals (0, 24 and 48 h). Tumour growth delay (TGD) and normal tissue toxicity were assessed. RESULTS With dFdC alone, significant cytotoxicity was observed after a 24 h-exposure. Except for the 24 h-exposure, HT reduced the cytotoxicity of dFdC in simultaneous applications. An enhanced cytotoxic effect was found when HT was applied 20 h after a 4 h-incubation with dFdC. In vivo, HT applied 48 h after dFdC-administration resulted in potentiation of the effect of dFdC with respect to TGD without an increase in toxicity. CONCLUSIONS The efficacy of dFdC combined with HT is schedule-dependent both in vitro and in vivo. The addition of HT enhances the effectiveness of dFdC in the R-1 tumour model.
Competitive tendering and contracting public sector services in Australia – a facilities management issue

Public sector regimes in Australasia are reforming their operations to enhance effectiveness and efficiency. Competition and contracts are presented as mechanisms facilitating such reform in areas such as costs, productivity and quality. This paper argues that short‐term contractual arrangements such as compulsory tendering do not live up to such reformist expectations. Unresolved questions thus preclude any final judgement about the benefits claimed for contracts and tendering in public management. In pursuing “best value” procurement policies, the public sector should consider delivery of services as a facilities management issue. Furthermore, business practice suggests that success is linked to an ability to be flexible in environments noted for change more than constancy. However, the preference given to competitive tendering and contracting (CTC) and more specifically to compulsory competitive tendering (CCT) by state and federal governments in Australia limits the growth of networks at community levels. The policy arena from which CCT derives is more transitory and limited in scope. The notion of compulsory tendering through market competition is discussed and challenged. The authors conclude that good procurement of facilities is a result of strategic linkages.
Beneficial effect of a polyphenol-rich diet on cardiovascular risk: a randomised control trial

Objectives There is previous epidemiological evidence that intake of polyphenol-rich foods has been associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk. We aimed to investigate the effect of increasing dietary polyphenol intake on microvascular function in hypertensive participants. Methods All participants completed a 4-week run-in phase, consuming <2 portions of fruit and vegetables (F&V) daily and avoiding berries and dark chocolate. Subjects were then randomised to continue with the low-polyphenol diet for 8 weeks or to consume a high-polyphenol diet of six portions F&V (including one portion of berries/day and 50 g of dark chocolate). Endothelium-dependent (acetylcholine, ACh) and endothelium-independent (sodium nitroprusside) vasodilator responses were assessed by venous occlusion plethysmography. Compliance with the intervention was measured using food diaries and biochemical markers. Results Final analysis of the primary endpoint was conducted on 92 participants. Between-group comparison of change in maximum % response to ACh revealed a significant improvement in the high-polyphenol group (p=0.02). There was a significantly larger increase in vitamin C, carotenoids and epicatechin in the high-polyphenol group (between-group difference p<0.001; p<0.001; p=0.008, respectively). Conclusions This study has shown that increasing the polyphenol content of the diet via consumption of F&V, berries and dark chocolate results in a significant improvement in an established marker of cardiovascular risk in hypertensive participants. Trial registration number NCT01319786.
UV/TiO2 Photocatalytic Degradation of Xanthene Dyes

UV/titanium dioxide (TiO2) degradation of two xanthene dyes, erythrosine B (Ery) and eosin Y (Eos), was studied in a photocatalytic reactor. Photocatalysis was able to degrade 98% of Ery and 73% of Eos and led to 65% of chemical oxygen demand removal. Experiments in buffered solutions at different initial pH values reveal the pH dependence of the process, with better results obtained under acidic conditions due to the electrostatic attraction caused by the opposite charges of TiO2 (positive) and of anionic dyes (negative). Batch activity tests under methanogenic conditions showed the high toxicity exerted by the dyes even at low concentrations (~85% with initial concentration of 0.3 mmol L−1), but the end products of photocatalytic treatment were much less toxic toward methanogenic bacteria, as detoxification of 85 ± 5% for Eos and 64 ± 7% for Ery were obtained. In contrast, the dyes had no inhibitory effect on the biogenic‐carbon biodegradation activity of aerobic biomass, obtained by respirometry. The results demonstrate that photocatalysis combining UV/TiO2 as a pretreatment followed by an anaerobic biological process may be promising for the treatment of wastewaters produced by many industries.
Economic Benefits of Adopting IFRS or Usgaap - Has the Expected Cost of Equity Capital Really Decreased?

Abstract: The question of whether the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) results in measurable economic benefits is of special interest, particularly in light of the European Union's adoption of IFRS for listed companies. In this paper, I investigate the common conjecture that internationally recognised financial reporting standards (IAS/IFRS or US-GAAP) reduce the cost of capital for adopting firms. Building on Leuz and Verrecchia (2000), I use a set of German firms that have adopted such standards and investigate the potential economic benefits of this reporting strategy by analysing their cost of equity capital through the use and customisation of available implied estimation methods. Evidence from the 1993–2002 period fails to document lower expected cost of equity capital for firms applying IAS/IFRS or US-GAAP. During the transition period I analyse, the expected cost of equity capital in fact appear to have rather increased under non-local accounting standards.
Expression and Function of Formyl Peptide Receptors on Human Fibroblast Cells1

The migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes from the blood to sites of infection in tissues is a hallmark of the innate immune response. Formylated peptides produced as a byproduct of bacterial protein synthesis are powerful chemoattractants for leukocytes. Formyl peptides bind to two different G protein-coupled receptors (formyl peptide receptor (FPR) and the low affinity formyl peptide receptor-like-1 (FPRL1)) to initiate a signal transduction cascade leading to cell activation and migration. Our analysis of expressed sequences from many cDNA libraries draws attention to the fact that FPRs are widely expressed in nonlymphoid tissues. Here we demonstrate that FPRs are expressed by normal human lung and skin fibroblasts and the human fibrosarcoma cell line HT-1080. The expression on fibroblasts of receptors for bacteria-derived peptides raises questions about the possible function of these receptors in nonleukocyte cells. We studied the function of FPRs on fibroblasts and find that stimulation with fMLP triggers dose-dependent migration of these cells. Furthermore, fMLP induces signal transduction including intracellular calcium flux and a transient increase in F-actin. The fMLP-induced adhesion and motility of fibroblasts on fibronectin require functional protein kinase C and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. This first report of a functional formyl peptide receptor in cells of fibroblast origin opens new possibilities for the role of fibroblasts in innate immune responses.
DETERMINANTS OF ADOPTION AND INTENSITY OF USE OF IMPROVED MAIZE VARIETIES IN THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS OF ETHIOPIA: A TOBIT ANALYSIS

This study employed a Tobit model to examine factors that influence the adoption and intensity of utilisation of improved maize varieties in the West Shoa Zone in the central highlands of Ethiopia. The estimated results indicate that level of education, household labour, farm size, extension services, farm income, and timely availability of improved maize seeds significantly influence the adoption and intensity of use of improved maize. It also showed that the impact of off-farm income and age of the household head on adoption and intensity of use of improved maize seed was insignificant.
Decommodification and beyond: A Comparative Analysis of Work-Injury Programmes

This article examines work-injury programmes in different welfare states. The article’s goals are to provide a better understanding of these programmes and to further develop concepts for comparison between welfare states. Work-injury programmes are a component in the social security systems of most countries throughout the world. Nevertheless, cross-national comparative research into this field of social protection has been very limited. This article undertakes a quantitative comparison of work-injury programmes in 10 different welfare states, which represent various types of welfare regimes. Decommodification and self-development are the two key concepts that serve as a basis for the comparison and indexes measuring these two concepts are constructed. The findings of the study indicate that social-democratic welfare states, followed by Australia and Israel, have workinjury programmes with the greatest potential for decommodification and self-development. By contrast, work-injury programmes in liberal welfare states such as Britain and the United States have a low decommodifying and self-development potential.
Development of a rickettsia isolated from an aborted bovine fetus

An obligate intracellular rickettsial organism isolated from an aborted bovine fetus was studied in bovine turbinate and mouse macrophage cell cultures with light and electron microscopy. Development of the organism was similar in both cell types. The organism replicated within cytoplasmic vacuoles in a developmental cycle that resembled that of both the ehrlichiae and chlamydiae. The inoculum contained only electron-dense forms, which infected cells within 2 h postinoculation by adhering to cell membranes at thickened areas that appeared to be coated pits and then being endocytosed. A striking feature occurred next as the organisms became surrounded by host cell mitochondria and, by light microscopy, appeared to have halos. During this intimate association with mitochondria, the electron-dense organisms changed into large reticulated forms that began to divide by binary fission. These large forms were often in direct contact with mitochondrial membranes. The organisms continued to divide by binary fission, and host cells contained large cytoplasmic inclusions of reticulated organisms. The reticulated organisms gradually changed into electron-dense forms that were released from degenerated host cells.