Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of PERMA for Indonesian students in mathematics education programmes

This study examined the validity and reliability of PERMA instruments to determine the nature of PERMA for Indonesian students in mathematics education programmes. A total of 274 students participated, selected by using cluster random sampling. A survey design was employed to investigate the factor structure of the PERMA. Quantitative data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using SPSS 23 and AMOS 18. EFA revealed similar structures from prior research and the present study. The CFA approach verified the questionnaire of PERMA was satisfactory for Indonesian students’ context. This work concludes the PERMA of Indonesian university students have a five-factor structure. These findings imply the greater importance of validating and confirming the structure of students’ PERMA relative to translating a construct into a different language. Keywords: factor analysis, happiness, Indonesia, Mathematics education programmes, PERMA, validity. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15823/p.2018. 132.9
When affective well-being is empowered: the joint role of leader-member exchange and the employment relationship

Abstract HRM and the leader are often assumed to play a joint role in affecting employee reactions. In a multilevel, time-lagged study, we examined the joint role of the employment relationship and leader-member exchange (LMX). We tested whether this joint role is essential to when LMX leads to affective well-being via psychological empowerment. We build on HRM literature to expect that the relationship of LMX with psychological empowerment is stronger when the employment relationship is consistent with LMX quality. Results indicated that psychological empowerment mediates the relationship between LMX and affective well-being. This mediation is stronger for employees in a mutual investment employment relationship. The findings point at the importance of consistency of resources from the employment relationship and LMX. Nevertheless, the findings also suggest that resources from LMX compensate for employment relationships with low resources. Our findings contribute to scholars’ understanding of the joint role of HRM systems and leader behaviors.
Why communication networks might impact employee identification with one or more organizational targets

OF THE DISSERTATION Why Communication Networks Might Influence Employee Identification With One Or More Organizational Targets By Corey Liberman Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Marya Doerfel The purpose of this dissertation is to determine whether or not there exists a relationship between communication networks and organizational identification. Using social identity and network theories as the frameworks, the main argument is that communication networks (both social and task) are associated with one’s strength of identification with one or more organizational targets, including one’s profession, one’s organization, one’s department, and one’s work team. The site for investigation was an organization, referred to as FootWorld, whose main responsibility is to sell foot care products to medical facilities, trained professionals, and retailers. A total of 99 employees from the organization participated in this study and results indicate that neither one’s social network, nor task network, is associated with any of the organizational targets. Furthermore, being central in a social or task network was not associated with strong identification with one or more organizational targets, despite previous research (Bullis & Bach, 1991; Corman, 1990; Kuhn & Nelson, 2002). Future research must examine not only why it is that neither of these types of networks influenced organizational identification, but also which types of networks do come to influence identification with one’s profession, organization, department, and/or team.
Nomogram Based on Cytokines for Cardiovascular Diseases in Xinjiang Kazakhs

Background This study involved the development of a predictive 5-year morbidity nomogram for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in Xinjiang Kazakhs based on cytokine levels. Methods The nomogram was based on a baseline survey of the town of Nalati in the Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang from 2009 to 2013. By 2016, we had monitored 1508 people for a median time of 5.17 years and identified CVD events in the study population by collecting case information from local hospitals. The study population was divided into the training (n = 1005) and validation cohorts (n = 503) in a 2 : 1 ratio. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to verify the predictive accuracy of the nomogram. The result was assessed in a validation cohort. Results At the end of the study, the incidence of CVD in Xinjiang Kazakhs was found to be 11.28%. We developed a new nomogram to predict the 5-year incidence of CVD based on age, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and adiponectin (APN) levels, diastolic blood pressure, and dyslipidemia. The AUC for the predictive accuracy of the nomogram was 0.836 (95% confidence interval: 0.802–0.869), which was higher than that for IL-6 and APN. These results were supported by validation studies. Conclusions The nomogram model can more directly assess the risk of CVD in Kazakhs and can be used for CVD risk assessment.
Genetic control of heartwood content in larch

Genetic variability for heartwood/sapwood extent in larch was examined at the population, progeny and clonal levels. For the study, increment cores were taken in 2 provenance trials (one of European larch at 34 years and one of Japanese larch at 36 years), and in 3 hybrid larch trials at around 15 years old (2 full-sib progeny trials and 1 clonal trial). Heartwood appears early in larch and seems to progress quickly: at 15 years, it represents already more than 60 % (along the radius) for hybrid larch and more than 70% for more mature (34 to 36 year old) European and Japanese larch. Genetic variability of about the same magnitude as that for radial growth was observed for heartwood/sapwood dimensions both at the provenance level (for European larch but not for Japanese larch) and at the progeny or clonal level (for hybrid larch). Broad-sense heritability levels for heartwood traits were high (0.75 to 0.92 for heartwood length, 0.63 to 0.99 for heartwood proportion). Heartwood and, to a lesser extent sapwood content, were positively linked to diameter growth in the different genetic entries studied (genetic correlations: 0.87 to 0.96 for heartwood length); heartwood extent was mostly independent of or positively correlated with sapwood content. The proper choice of the species (Japanese versus European larch), of the origin (Central European larch populations rather than alpine ones), or of hybrid larch progenies or clones can result in significant combined genetic gains for both heartwood content and growth.
Technical efficiency of small scale rice production in Adamawa state, Nigeria

Efficiency is a very important factor for measuringproductivity. In an economy where resources are scarce and the opportunities to use new technologies are limited, inefficiency studies indicate the potential possibility to raise productivity by improving efficiency without developing new technologies or increasing the resource base. The objective of this study is to analyze the technical efficiencies of small scale rain-fed and irrigated rice production in Adamawa State, Nigeria. The specific objectives are i) to estimate and compare the technical efficiency of the rice farmers, ii) to estimate and compare the costs and returns of rice production and iii) to determine the factors that causes of technical inefficiencies in rice production in the study area. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 375 rice farmers across Adamawa State under rainfed and irrigated rice production with the aid of structured questionnaires and the data were for 2010/2011 cropping season. Data were analyzed using the descriptive statistics, t-test statistics, Maximum Likelihood Estimate (MLE) of stochastic frontier and inefficiency model and the use of gross margin analysis. The results of the study show that male farmers constituted majority of the respondents represented by 96% in rain-fed and 86% in irrigated production system.Most of rice farmers 80% in irrigated and 68% in rain-fed are married and had a mean age of 42.8 years for irrigated rice production and 45.7 years for the rain-fed respectively.Regarding the literacy level, about 63% of the respondents havesome form of formal education in both the systems. The respondents were mostly small scale cultivating about 1.16 hectares of land in the irrigated system and 2.1 hectares v in the rain-fed system. The findings also revealed that majority of the respondents use their personal savings to finance their agricultural activities.
Distribution of NADPH-Diaphorase/Nitric Oxide Synthase in the Brain of the Caecilian Dermophis mexicanus (Amphibia: Gymnophiona): Comparative Aspects in Amphibians

The organization of nitrergic systems in the brains of anuran and urodele amphibians was recently studied and significant differences were noted between both amphibian orders. However, comparable data are not available for the third order of amphibians, the gymnophionans (caecilians). In the present study we have investigated the distribution of neuronal elements that express nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the brain of the gymnophionan amphibian Dermophis mexicanus by means of immunohistochemistry with specific antibodies against NOS and enzyme histochemistry for NADPH-diaphorase. Both techniques yielded identical results and were equally suitable to demonstrate the nitrergic system. In addition, they were useful tools in the identification of cell groups and brain structures, otherwise indistinct in the brains of caecilians. The distribution of nitrergic structures observed in Dermophis conforms to the overall amphibian pattern but numerous distinct peculiarities were also noted. These included a dense innervation of the olfactory bulbs but a lack of reactivity in olfactory and vomeronasal fibers and glomeruli. A large population of nitrergic cells in the striatum and the presence of thalamic neurons, as well as the specific distribution of nitrergic cells in the isthmic region, are some of the differential features in the gymnophionan brain. Given the variability among species in the same class of vertebrates any discussion including amphibians should also include evidence for gymnophionans.
Nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite intervertebral cages induce fusion after anterior cervical discectomy and may be a safe alternative to PEEK or carbon fiber intervertebral cages

Abstract Purpose: Nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (nHA) cages have emerged as a new alternative to carbon fiber or polyether ether ketone (PEEK) devices to promote intervertebral fusion. No evidence has been published to date regarding rates of fusion for these devices after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Methods: Eight patients underwent one- or two-level ACDF with nHA intervertebral cages (Nanoss®-Cervical, Pioneer® Surgical Technology, Inc., Marquette, MI). Radiographs, neck disability index (NDI) and visual analog scores (VAS) for pain were taken preoperatively and at a minimum of 19 months postoperatively. Results: At an average follow-up of 21 months, all eight patients (100%) achieved fusion as assessed by plain radiographs. Reduction in preoperative symptomology was comparable to previously published data with a mean reduction of neck VAS of 3, arm VAS of 6 and NDI reduced by 27%. Radiographs showed clear evidence of bridging bone. Conclusions: This series provides evidence that nHA intervertebral cages can successfully promote fusion after ACDF and may provide an alternative to carbon fiber and PEEK cages.
Helicobacter pylori Infection and Gastroesophageal Reflux in a Population‐Based Study (The HUNT Study)

Background and Aim: It has been suggested that Helicobacter pylori infection may prevent gastroesophageal reflux, possibly through gastric atrophy. Since, however, previous results are contradictory and no population‐based studies are available, the relationship between H. pylori and reflux remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate this relationship in a population‐based, nested, case‐control study.
Renal Effects of S18886 (Terutroban), a TP Receptor Antagonist, in an Experimental Model of Type 2 Diabetes

Thromboxane A2 (TxA2) is assumed to contribute to the development of diabetes complications, including nephropathy. We investigated whether the selective thromboxane-prostanoid endoperoxide receptor antagonist, S18886, ameliorates renal damage in uninephrectomized (UNX) obese Zucker rats (OZR). S18886, at doses of 10 (S18886-10) and 30 (S18886-30) mg · kg−1 · day−1, was administered to UNX-OZR by gavage over 8 weeks (n = 8 each group). UNX lean rats (n = 12) and OZR rats that received placebo (OZR-PLAC, n = 8) served as controls. As compared with the OZR-PLAC, S18886 had no significant effect on the elevated blood pressure and the enhanced creatinine clearance, while augmented proteinuria was partially prevented (−12 and −37%, low and high dose, respectively; NS). The increased excretion of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and of the thromboxane metabolite 2,3-dinor thromboxane B2 (TxB2) was lowered (P < 0.05). S18886 prevented both the enhanced mesangiolysis (P < 0.01) in the OZR-PLAC as well as enlargement and degeneration of podocytes. In the blood, S18886-30 augmented the antioxidant enzymes (P < 0.01) and lessened the increase of plasma advanced oxidation protein products (−25%, NS). Body weight, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia remained uninfluenced under both doses of treatment. S18886 has renoprotective properties in the model of UNX-OZR. It prevents mesangiolysis, reduces urinary TGF-β1 and 2,3-dinor-TxB2 excretion, and enhances the antioxidative defense.
Financing constraints on the size distribution of industrial firms: the Chinese experience

ABSTRACT We investigate whether financing constraints affect the size distribution of Chinese industrial firms from 1998 to 2007. Although the firm size distribution does not follow Zipf distribution in China, it is approaching Zipf distribution over time. In general, financing constraints have a robustly negative effect on the size distribution of firms. Furthermore, firms in Western China grow significantly more equally after controlling for financing constraints. However, the effect of financing constraints in Central China is significantly negative, and the effect of financing constraints on firm size distribution in Eastern China is insignificant. We thus expect a non-linear relationship between financing constraints and firm size distribution.
Sensitivity of Yields of Major Rainfed Crops to Climate in India

There is now adequate evidence about the impending climate change and the consequences thereof. The fourth assessment report of IPCC observed that ‘warming of climate system is now unequivocal, as is now evident from the observations of increase in the global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising global sea level’ (IPCC, 2007). These changes and their effects are likely to affect global livelihood and environmental systems in various ways. Since climatic factors serve as direct inputs to agriculture, any change in climatic factors is bound to have a significant impact on crop yields and production. This area has attracted the attention of researchers in the recent times as is evident by the growing number of studies on the impact of climate change on agriculture. Studies have shown a significant effect of change in climatic factors on the average crop yield [Dinar et al. (1998), Seo and Mendelsohn (2008), Mall et al. (2006) and Cline (2007)]. However the impact of climatic factors on mean crop yield has not been investigated much especially in agriculture based developing economies where there is likely to be more serious repercussions in terms of food security, inequality and economic growth. Uncertainties in weather create risky environments for crop production, farming systems and food supply. The way climate change will affect agricultural productivity is expected to vary depending upon the various factors including geography and technology levels. While an overall significant damage of 3.2 per cent is expected in the global agricultural production by the 2080s under business as usual scenario, it is found that the losses may even go up to 15.9 per cent if the carbon fertilisation effect is not realised. The developing countries, predominantly located near the lower altitude, are most likely to incur a much greater loss roughly quantified at 21 per cent (Cline, 2007). In developing countries, climate change will cause yield declines for the most important crops and South Asia will be particularly hard hit (IFPRI, 2009). Many studies in the past have shown that India is likely to witness one of the highest agricultural productivity losses in the world in accordance with the climate change pattern observed and scenarios projected.
Peri-implant mucosal level in patients treated with implant-supported fixed prostheses: a 1-year follow-up study.

PURPOSE The purpose of this follow-up study was to quantify the change in the peri-implant mucosal level after treatment of edentulous patients with fixed prostheses on osseointegrated endosseous implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty patients were included in the study: 10 were treated in the maxilla, and 10 were treated in the mandible. Both groups had fixed prostheses on osseointegrated Brånemark implants. Peri-implant mucosal level was measured with a calibrated probe after removal of the prostheses at the 1-year follow-up. These measurements were compared to those made on the original master casts. RESULTS A larger mean retraction (-) was observed in the mandible (-1.6 mm) compared to the maxilla (-0.8 mm), but there was great variation. The individual values varied from -4.5 to +1.0 mm in the mandible and from -6.0 to +6.0 mm in the maxilla. CONCLUSION Peri-implant soft tissue recession occurs during the first year in edentulous jaws after treatment with implant-supported fixed prostheses and more so in the maxilla than the mandible.
Validation of a Parent-Reported Experience Measure of Integrated Care

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to design and validate a survey measuring the parents’ and caregivers’ experiences of integration of their child’s care across providers. METHODS: After review of the literature on care coordination and integration, we solicited input regarding care experiences from focus groups of families with children with chronic conditions. These data informed a 95-item pilot survey that included elements from a care integration measure designed for adult care experiences. The survey was then administered to parents of children who had had at least 1 primary care appointment and 2 specialty care appointments in the previous 12 months. Psychometric analyses were used to establish scales through exploratory factor analysis, internal consistency using Cronbach’s α, test–retest reliability using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, and known-group validity according to χ2 tests. All research activities were institutional review board approved. RESULTS: The pilot survey was completed as either a Web or mail survey by 255 participants. After excluding nonrating or screening questions and items not applicable to a large percentage of participants, 26 experience items were included in the exploratory factor analysis. The final survey contained 19 experience items in 5 scales: access, communication, family impact, care goal creation, and team functioning. Psychometric analyses supported these 5 scales. CONCLUSIONS: This project developed and validated a survey with 19 experience items, plus additional demographic and health needs and usage items. The Pediatric Integrated Care Survey can be used in quality improvement efforts to measure family-reported experience of pediatric care integration.
Anxiety in disease-free breast cancer patients might be alleviated by provision of psychological support, not of information.

OBJECTIVE This study investigates the prevalence of clinical anxiety, the possible impact of patients' anxiety on quality of life and the association between their anxiety levels and patients' perceived needs. METHODS Randomly selected disease-free patients with breast cancer who survived >2 years were invited to participate in the study. The participants were asked to complete the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C 30 and the Short-form Supportive Care Needs Survey questionnaire, which covers five domains of need (health system and information, psychological, physical, care and support and sexuality needs). RESULTS Complete data were available for 146 of the patients, and 14% of them suffered from clinical anxiety. Anxiety score had a statistically significant correlation with all domains of quality-of-life measures. The only perceived need that was significantly associated with anxiety was the psychological domain. CONCLUSIONS Not negligible patients may suffer from clinical anxiety >2 years after their initial cancer diagnoses. Anxiety can impact on patients' quality of life, and unmet psychological needs are expected to increase anxiety levels. Management of anxiety could be one of the key components to improving the quality of life for breast cancer survivors and that reducing their unmet psychological needs may contribute to alleviating anxiety.
Hypotonic stress-induced NO production in endothelium depends on endogenous ATP.

The mechanism by which mechanical stress induces nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in endothelium is still controversial. Hypotonic stress (HTS, -20%) induced ATP release, which evoked Ca(2+) transients in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC). HTS also induced NO synthesis, assessed by DAF-2 fluorescence, which was suppressed by inhibiting endogenous ATP-induced Ca(2+) transients with suramin or neomycin. Exogenously applied ATP mimicked these responses. Pretreatment with wortmannin did not affect DAF-2 fluorescence, suggesting that Akt phosphorylation was not involved in HTS-induced NO synthesis. These results indicate that endogenous ATP plays a central role in HTS-induced NO synthesis in BAEC.