Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Secondary education as a predictor of aptitude : implications for selection in the automotive sector

Orientation: Details of applicants’ secondary education (incorporating subject choice) could be a useful screening tool when processing large applicant pools. Here, the relationships between secondary education (incorporating subject choice) and the reasoning and visual perceptual speed components of the Differential Aptitude Test are explored. Research purpose: The objective of the study was to determine whether type of secondary education (incorporating subject choice) could be used as a substitute for reasoning (verbal and non-verbal) and/or visual perceptual speed aptitudes in the selection of operators for an automotive plant in South Africa. Motivation for the study: The motivation for this study arose from the evident gap in academic literature as well as the selection needs of the automotive industry. Research design, approach and method: This research adopted a quantitative approach. It involved a non-probability convenience quota sample of 2463 work-seeking applicants for an automotive operator position in South Africa. Participants completed a biographical questionnaire and three subtests from the Differential Aptitude Test battery. The Chi-square test was used to determine the relationship between type of secondary education (incorporating subject choice) and selected cognitive aptitudes. Main findings: The study’s findings revealed statistically and practically significant relationships between type of secondary education (incorporating subject choice), verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and visual perceptual speed. Broad performance levels in the three aptitude subtests employed in this study were significantly associated with the type of matriculation certificate held by applicants. The findings specifically indicated that the secondary education types that included the subjects mathematics or both mathematics and science were associated with higher levels of performance in the three aptitudes. This had consequences for these applicants’ success in the screening process which could lead to enhanced chances of employability. Practical and managerial implications: Applicants’ type of secondary education (incorporating subject choice) could be regarded as a key criterion in human resource selection and be instructive in the screening process. This could reduce the candidate pool prior to more costly psychometric assessments. Contribution or value-add: The findings are specifically relevant to the South African automotive industry in terms of their human resource selection practices. The insights gained from the findings may also be used as a guide to human resource practitioners in the selection of similar level employees in other working contexts. The study makes a case for a multiple-hurdle approach to selection.
A-priori 'imprinting' of General Relativity itself on some tests of it?

We investigate the effect of possible a priori “imprinting” effects of general relativity itself on satellite/spacecraft-based tests of it. We deal with some performed or proposed time-delay ranging experiments in the sun's gravitational field. It turns out that the “imprint” of general relativity on the Astronomical Unit and the solar gravitational constant 𝐺𝑀⊙, not solved for in the so far performed spacecraft-based time-delay tests, induces an a priori bias of the order of 10−6 in typical solar system ranging experiments aimed to measure the space curvature PPN parameter 𝛾. It is too small by one order of magnitude to be of concern for the performed Cassini experiment, but it would affect future planned or proposed tests aiming to reach a 10−7-10−9 accuracy in determining 𝛾.
Mutagenic and antimutagenic potentials of fruit juices of five medicinal plants in Allium cepa L.: Possible influence of DPPH free radical scavengers

Mutagenic and antimutagenic activities of freeze dried fruit juices (FDFJ) of Morinda elliptica Ridl. (Rubiaceae), Morinda citrifolia L. (Rubiaceae), Averrhoa bilimbi L. (Oxalidaceae), Phyllantus acidus (L.) Skeels (Phyllantaceae) and Myristica fragrans Houtt. (Myristicaceae) in Allium cepa L were evaluated. Testing the mutagenic activity, onions were suspended in solution of different concentrations of FDFJ alone in tap water for 48 h. Thereafter, root tips were prepared and observed for dividing cells and chromosomal aberrations using a light microscope. Antimutagenicity screening was similar to the mutagenic evaluation, except that the solution of FDFJ was combined with 0.1% cylophosphamide-CP. Free radicals (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhyrazyl) scavenging activity of the FDFJ was tested using butylated hydroxylanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) as the standards and their phenolic contents were evaluated by comparing with gallic acid equivalents (GAE). The free radicals scavenging power of M. fragrans at 1 mg/ml was almost similar to that of BHA and BHT and its phenolic content was 21 ± 6.0 mg GAE/g, the highest among the tested juices. A. cepa cell division was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by the FDFJ of M. fragrans, while the induced chromosomal aberrations were non dose dependent. The cytotoxicity and chromosomal aberrations of CP were suppressed throughout the tested concentrations of M. fragrans, unlike the effects of other four juices. These results suggest that the observed activities of FDFJ of M. fragrans may be due to the quantity and quality of phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity, suggesting its use in preventing the DNAdamaging effects of mutagens.
“I Did Not Believe You Could Get Better”—Reversal of Diabetes Risk Through Dietary Changes in Older Persons with Prediabetes in Region Stockholm

Diabetes risk can be controlled and even reversed by making dietary changes. The aim of this study was to improve the understanding of how older persons with a high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes manage and relate to information about diabetes risk over a ten-year period. Fifteen qualitative interviews were conducted among participants from the Stockholm Diabetes Prevention Program (SDPP). The participants were asked to recall the health examinations conducted by the SDPP related to their prediabetes and to describe their experiences and potential changes related to diet and physical activity. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The main theme found was that T2D (type 2 diabetes) risk is not perceived as concrete enough to motivate lifestyle modifications, such as changing dietary patterns, without other external triggers. Diagnosis was recognized as a reason to modify diet, and social interactions were found to be important for managing behavior change. Diagnosis was also a contributing factor to lifestyle modification, while prognosis of risk was not associated with efforts to change habits. The results from this study suggest that the potential of reversing prediabetes needs to be highlighted and more clearly defined for older persons to serve as motivators for lifestyle modification.
Balanced Activation of Striatal Output Pathways by Faster Off-Rate PDE10A Inhibitors Elicits Not Only Antipsychotic-Like Effects But Also Procognitive Effects in Rodents

Abstract Background Faster off-rate competitive enzyme inhibitors are generally more sensitive than slower off-rate ones to binding inhibition by enzyme substrates. We previously reported that the cyclic adenosine monophosphate concentration in dopamine D1 receptor-expressing medium spiny neurons (D1-MSNs) may be higher than that in D2-MSNs. Consequently, compared with slower off-rate phosphodiesterase 10A inhibitors, faster off-rate ones comparably activated D2-MSNs but partially activated D1-MSNs. We further investigated the pharmacological profiles of phosphodiesterase 10A inhibitors with different off-rates. Methods Phosphodiesterase 10A inhibitors with slower (T-609) and faster (T-773) off-rates were used. D1- and D2-MSN activation was assessed by substance P and enkephalin mRNA induction, respectively, in rodents. Antipsychotic-like effects were evaluated by MK-801- and methamphetamine-induced hyperactivity and prepulse inhibition in rodents. Cognition was assessed by novel object recognition task and radial arm maze in rats. Prefrontal cortex activation was evaluated by c-Fos immunohistochemistry in rats. Gene translations in D1- and D2-MSNs were evaluated by translating ribosome affinity purification and RNA sequencing in mice. Results Compared with T-609, T-773 comparably activated D2-MSNs but partially activated D1-MSNs. Haloperidol (a D2 antagonist) and T-773, but not T-609, produced antipsychotic-like effects in all paradigms. T-773, but not T-609 or haloperidol, activated the prefrontal cortex and improved cognition. Overall gene translation patterns in D2-MSNs by all drugs and those in D1-MSNs by T-773 and T-609 were qualitatively similar. Conclusions Differential pharmacological profiles among those drugs could be attributable to activation balance of D1- and D2-MSNs. The “balanced activation” of MSNs by faster off-rate phosphodiesterase 10A inhibitors may be favorable to treat schizophrenia.
A popular Indian clove-based mosquito repellent is less effective against Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti than DEET

Insect repellents are widely used as the first line of defense against mosquito bites and transmission of disease-causing agents. However, the cost of daily applications of even the most affordable and the gold standard of insect repellents, DEET, is still high for low-income populations where repellents are needed the most. An Indian clove-based homemade recipe has been presented as a panacea. We analyzed this homemade repellent and confirmed by behavioral measurements and odorant receptor responses that eugenol is the active ingredient in this formulation. Prepared as advertised, this homemade repellent is ineffective, whereas 5x more concentrated extracts from the brand most enriched in eugenol showed moderate repellency activity against Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti. DEET showed higher performance when compared to the 5x concentrated formulation and is available in the same market at a lower price than the cost of the ingredients to prepare the homemade formulation.
Does more general education reduce the risk of future unemployment? Evidence from labor market experiences during the Great Recession

This paper investigates whether more general education reduces the risk of future un-employment by examining individuals’ labor market experiences during the “Great Re¬cession” (2008–2010). To estimate the causal impact of differences in educational con¬tent, I exploit a reform in Sweden in the 1990s which prolonged vocational programs in upper secondary school and gave them a considerably larger general content. The re¬search design takes advantage of variation across regions and over time in the imple¬mentation of a large-scale pilot which preceded the reform. I find no evidence that having attended a longer and more general program reduced the risk of experiencing unemployment during the 2008–2010 recession. Among students with low GPAs from compulsory school, attending a pilot program seems instead to have led to an increased risk of unemployment. This pattern is strongest among male students and the effect is likely to be explained by the increased dropout rate which resulted from the change of the programs.
Nurses Intent to Leave and Job Satisfaction in Hematology/Oncology Areas: Implications for Policy and Practice

Purpose/objective: To determine how satisfied the nurses are in the Hematology/Oncology areas, to find what extent the expatriate nurses intend to leave their jobs, and to find the relationship between job satisfaction and turnover intention in Hematology/Oncology units. The focus of this study was on measuring the effect of the demographic characteristics of the participants on their intent to leave and to link those characteristics to their job satisfaction. Design: Quantitative descriptive cross sectional research. Method: Study instruments included questions related to demographic characteristics, intent to leave, and the McCloskey Mueller Satisfaction Scale. Data were extracted and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (20.V). Univariate descriptive statistics were conducted on the sample's demographic characteristics including gender, age, marital status, nationality and educational level. Bivariate associations between intent to leave and demographic characteristics were tested using Pearson Chi-square. Differences in satisfaction scores between nurses with and without intent to leave were tested using t-test and ANOVA f-test. Results: A total of 223 (68.6% response rate) expatriate nurses employed in the Hematology/Oncology units were surveyed.104 (46.6%) of the participants reported intent to leave within the next 1-3 years. Leavers were less satisfied in all satisfaction subscales than the stayers. Significant Differences were found between marital status and nationalities on one side and intention to leave on the other side (P value=0.027, 0.014, respectively). Predictors of intent to leave were dissatisfaction with different job aspects. Implications for nursing: Findings can be utilized by nursing managers and policy makers to enhance job satisfaction and use it as predictor for intent to leave. Conclusion: Study results predict relationships between job satisfaction and intent to leave the employment within Hematology/Oncology areas or the organization.
Ternary representation of N (N = 1 or 2)-input and 1-output algorithmic self-assembly demonstrated by DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is effective for molecular computation because of its high energy efficiency, high information density, and parallel-computing capability. Although logic implementation using DNA molecules is well established in binary systems (base value of 2) via decoration of hairpin structures on DNA duplexes, systems with base values of >2 (e.g. 3, corresponding to a ternary system) are rarely discussed owing to the complexity of the design and the experimental difficulties with DNA. In this study, DNA rule tiles that participate to form algorithmic DNA crystals exhibiting the ternary representation of an N (N = 1 or 2)-input and 1-output algorithmic assembly are conceived. The number of possible algorithmic patterns is 3 3 N in the ternary N-input and 1-output logic gate. Thus, the number of possible rules is 27 (=33) for a 1-input and 1-output algorithmic logic gate and 19 638 (=39) for a 2-input and 1-output algorithmic logic gate. Ternary bit information (i.e. 0-, 1-, and 2-bit) is encoded on rule tiles without hairpins and with short and long hairpins. We construct converged, line-like, alternating, and commutative patterns by implementing specific rules (TR00, TR05, TR07, and TR15, respectively) for the 1-input and 1-output gate and an ascending line-like pattern (with the rule of TR3785) for the 2-input and 1-output gate. Specific patterns generated on ternary-representing rule-embedded algorithmic DNA crystals are visualized via atomic force microscopy, and the errors during the growth of the crystals are analyzed (average error rates obtained for all experimental data are <4%). Our method can easily be extended to a system having base values of >3.
Impact of Endurance and Resistance Training on Skeletal Muscle Glucose Metabolism in Older Adults

Aging is associated with insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes. While this process is multifaceted, age-related changes to skeletal muscle are expected to contribute to impaired glucose metabolism. Some of these changes include sarcopenia, impaired insulin signaling, and imbalances in glucose utilization. Endurance and resistance exercise training have been endorsed as interventions to improve glucose tolerance and whole-body insulin sensitivity in the elderly. While both types of exercise generally increase insulin sensitivity in older adults, the metabolic pathways through which this occurs can differ and can be dependent on preexisting conditions including obesity and type 2 diabetes. In this review, we will first highlight age-related changes to skeletal muscle which can contribute to insulin resistance, followed by a comparison of endurance and resistance training adaptations to insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism in older adults.
Selection of Video Descriptors : Generating Compact Descriptor Sets for Video Pairwise-Matching

This thesis presents several descriptor selection schemes for video-content pairwisematching tasks. Those proposed schemes attempt to leverage two signi cant properties of videos, temporal correlation and motion information. Aiming to nd an e cient and descriptive representation for a video sequence, the concept of descriptor persistency is de ned. Those descriptors that satisfy this de nition are called persistent descriptors. In order to exploit descriptor persistency, an encoder is proposed. The proposed encoder consists of ve main components. First, keyframe labelling is introduced to reduce complexity and ensure a reasonable size of persistent sets. After that, persistent descriptor detection is performed on group of pictures (GOP) separately. The second component is the standard SIFT descriptor extraction. The third part is to identify persistent descriptors from each GOP, called persistent descriptors extraction. In this stage, three di erent methods are proposed: The direct method and two approximation approaches. Persistent descriptors selection, which is the fourth stage, is carried out to control the size of the persistent set. For this stage, three selection methods are proposed. All of them attempt to utilize the motion information to select more descriptive descriptors among all the persistent descriptors in the GOP. In order to perform pairwise-matching, in this thesis, a simple but e cient
Mediating effect of strategic orientation on the relationship between dynamic capabilities and competitive advantage of small and medium retail enterprises in Kenya

According to the Vision 2030, Kenya intends to become a Globally Competitive and Prosperous economy. It aims to transform Kenya into a newly industrializing, "middle-income country providing a high quality life to all its citizens by the year 2030". Remarkable transformation has seen the entry of large shopping malls examples the Sh450 million shopping mall developed by Oasis Capital having 300 parking spaces, several supermarkets, cinema halls, conference centers and offices plus the coming soon multinational Scandinavian supermarket chain, IKEA, which specializes in furniture. Fierce competition from mass merchandisers, changing demographics and shifting consumer purchasing patterns is threatening the very survival of the local small and medium retailers with statistics already indicating a slow decline in their performance. The strengths of an enterprise are grounded in its resources, capabilities and competencies that helps it competitive advantage based on-superior efficiency, innovation and quality and customer responsiveness. This proposes to examine how strategic orientation mediates dynamic capabilities of sensing, seizing reconfiguring and competitive advantage relationships in small and medium retail enterprises facing dynamic situations especially from large retail enterprises. This study will specifically focus on three hypothesized dynamic capabilities, which are; sensing and seizing of market opportunities and reconfiguring the resource base, the mediating effect of competition orientation and customer orientation for competitive advantage among retail SMEs within a developing country given the business environmental pressures.
Efficacy of a real-time patient feedback system: patient satisfaction study in psychiatry

Abstract Aim: The aim of the study was two-fold: first, to assess the efficacy of an electronic real-time feedback system; second, to examine patient satisfaction. Methods: This was a mixed-method study. Data were collected from two psychiatric outpatient clinics using electronic patient feedback devices. The efficacy of the real-time feedback system was assessed by calculating the overall response rate, and the response rate to each individual five-point Likert scale statement and open-ended question by using descriptive statistics. Patient satisfaction was examined by analyzing the response rate to each statement. Open-ended feedback was analyzed by using inductive qualitative content analysis. Results: The overall response rate was 21.0% (n = 1658) and response rates varied by statements. Most of the patients saw that they received the appointment to the outpatient clinic quickly enough (n = 1404, 85%), the personnel treated them well (n = 1126, 95%), the information about the care was understandable (n = 1066, 94%), and decisions regarding their care were made together with them (n = 1051, 94%). Of the patients, 94% (n = 1052) would recommend the service. Positive open-ended feedback highlighted good service, skilled staff, perceived benefits and help from care. Critique and development areas dealt with the large number of forms that required filling out beforehand, subjective experience of long waiting times, and having too many collaborative professionals present during treatment. Conclusions: The real-time feedback system proved to be an efficient method of gathering patient feedback. Patient satisfaction seemed to be high with received care in all fields.
Dependence of efficiency of thin-film CdS/CdTe solar cell on optical and recombination losses

Thin-film CdS/CdTe solar cells fabricated on glass substrates have been considered as one of the most promising candidates for large-scale applications in the field of photovoltaic energy conversion. The recorded experimental efficiency of these cells is about 16%–17% and the corresponding theoretical values are more than 28%. The main causes of efficiency loss are due to optical and recombination losses. Most of the theoretical literatures either study the effect of recombination or optical losses on the CdS/CdTe solar cell efficiency. The present work studies the effect of both the optical and recombination losses on the current density and hence the solar cell efficiency. Calculations of optical losses have been carried out based on the optical constants (refractive index and extinction coefficient) of materials used and the thickness of ITO and CdS layers. Calculation of recombination losses has been based on the values of width of space-charge region and the absorption coefficient for CdTe. It has be.