Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On Paul Ricoeur: The Owl of Minerva

Contents: Introduction: Ricoeur's philosophical journey Part 1: Between phenomenology and hermeneutics Between imagination and language Between myth and tradition Between ideology and utopia Between good and evil Between poetics and ethics. Part 2: Myth as the bearer of possible worlds The creativity of language Universality and the power of difference Imagination, testimony, and trust On life stories. Conclusion Select bibliography of works by Paul Ricoeur Index.
A meta-analytic review of framming effect: risky, attribute and goal framing

This work reports the results of a meta-analytic study about framing effect. An exhaustive literature search identified 51 independent primary studies, published between 1997 and 2003, that fulfilled the selection criteria. The studies produced 151 estimations of the effect size with nearly 13,500 subjects. The effect, measured as d index, was 0.437 for risky frame, 0.260 for attribute frame, and 0.444 for goal frame. The influence of other moderating variables was also analysed, such as gender of participants, design, or response mode. Finally, alternative explanations of the findings and implications are discussed.
A Sos‐derived peptidimer blocks the Ras signaling pathway by binding both Grb2 SH3 domains and displays antiproliferative activity

With the aim of interrupting the growth factor‐stimulated Ras signaling pathway at the level of the Grb2–Sos interaction, a peptidimer, made of two identical proline‐rich sequences from Sos linked by a lysine spacer, was designed using structural data from Grb2 and a proline‐rich peptide complexed with its SH3 domains. The peptidimer affinity for Grb2 is 40 nM whereas that of the monomer is 16 μM, supporting the dual recognition of both Grb2 SH3 domains by the dimer. At 50 nM, the peptidimer blocks selectively Grb2–Sos complexation in ER 22 (CCL 39 fibroblasts overexpressing epidermal growth factor receptor) cellular extracts. The peptidimer specifically recognizes Grb2 and does not interact with PI3K or Nck, two SH3 domam‐containing adaptors. The peptidimer was modified to enter cells by coupling to a fragment of Antennapedia homeo‐domain. At 10 μM, the conjugate inhibits the Grb2–Sos interaction (100%) and MAP kinase (ERK1 and ERK2) phosphorylation (60%) without modifying cellular growth of ER 22 cells. At the same concentration, the conjugate also inhibits both MAP kinase activation induced by nerve growth factor or epidermal growth factor in PC12 cells, and differentiation triggered by nerve growth factor. Finally, when tested for its antiproliferative activity, the conjugate was an efficient inhibitor of the colony formation of transformed NIH3T3/HER2 cells grown in soft agar, with an IC50 of around 1 μM. Thus, the designed peptidimers appear to be interesting leads to investigate signaling and intracellular processes and for designing selective inhibitors of tumorigenic Ras‐dependent processes. —Cussac, D. , Vidal, M. , LePrince, C. , Liu, W. ‐Q. , Cornille, F. , Tiraboschi, G. , Roques, B. P., Garbay, C. A Sos‐derived peptidimer blocks the Ras signaling pathway by binding both Grb2 SH3 domains and displays antiproliferative activity. FASEB J. 13, 31–38 (1999)
GABAA and GABAC receptors on mammalian rod bipolar cells

Rod bipolar (RB) cells of mammalian retinae receive synapses from different γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABAergic) amacrine cells in the inner plexiform layer (IPL). We addressed the question whether RB cells of the rabbit and of the rat retina express different types of GABA receptors at these synapses. RB cells were immunolabeled in vertical sections of rat retinae with an antibody against protein kinase C (PKC). The sections were double‐labled for the α1, α2, α3, or γ2 subunits of the GABAA receptor. Punctate immunofluorescence, which represents synaptic localization, was found for all four subunits. Many of the α1‐, α3‐, or γ2‐immunoreactive puncta coincided with the axon terminals of the PKC‐immunolabeled RB cells. Sections and wholemounts of rabbit retinae were also double labeled for PKC and the ρ subunits of the GABAC receptor. Rabbit RB cells were decorated by many ρ‐immunoreactive puncta, which were shown by electron microscopy to represent synaptic localization. Previous work from our laboratory has shown that the α1, α2, α3, and ρ subunits are not found within the same synapse but are expressed at different synaptic sites. Taken together, these results suggest that RB cells of mammalian retinae express at least three different types of GABA receptors at synaptic sites in the IPL: GABAC receptors, GABAAreceptors containing the α1 subunit, and GABAA receptors containing the α3 subunit. J. Comp. Neurol. 396:351–365, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Challenges of Sport Psychology Delivery in Elite and Professional Sport: Reflections From Experienced Sport Psychologists

The challenges encountered by sport psychologists operating within elite and professional sports teams have arguably been inadequately considered (Nesti, 2010). It has been suggested that this may be due to the inaccessibility of elite team environments (Eubank, Nesti, & Cruickshank, 2014; Nesti, 2010). The purpose of this research was to examine the chal- lenges facing practitioners who operate in elite environments and to illuminate how these were experienced. Qualitative interviews with six experienced applied sport psychologists were conducted and a narrative themed analysis undertaken. Four main themes emerged as most prevalent and meaningful: challenges to congruence, a broader role: managing multiple relationships, the influence of elite sport cultures, and surviving and thriving were presented in narrative form. Practitio- ners provided experiential insight into how specific challenges were understood and dealt with, and how they are able to provide an effective service while managing themselves and the demands of the environment.
Attempted immunization of cats with feline infectious peritonitis virus propagated at reduced temperatures.

OBJECTIVE To protect cats by inoculating them intratracheally with feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), followed by a second inoculation with virus propagated at reduced temperatures. ANIMALS Twelve 12-week-old, specific-pathogen-free kittens. PROCEDURE Ten to 400,000 plaque-forming units (PFU) of virulent (low passage) FIPV, strain FIPV-1146 were inoculated intratracheally, followed by intranasal inoculation with high-passage FIPV-1146 (10(4) to 10(6) TCID50) on day 133. Cats were allotted to 2 groups and challenge exposed on day 188 by aerosolization of either virulent FIPV-1146 or FIPV-UCD1. RESULTS Two of the 3 severely affected kittens, given 3 dosages intratracheally, were euthanatized. The third kitten recovered. A serologic response was not detected in cats inoculated with 100 PFU or less and in 1 of 2 cats given 1,000 PFU. Clinical signs of infection were not observed in surviving cats after intranasal inoculation with high-passage FIPV-1146 133 days after the initial dose. All cats seroconverted. Aerosol challenge exposure of all kittens with either virulent FIPV-1146 or FIPV-UCD1 caused no adverse effects except in kittens previously affected after the first inoculation. Residual lesions of FIPV were observed histologically. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE There appeared to be a beneficial effect clinically by intratracheal/intranasal inoculation, but not complete protection, as observed histologically.
Does Corporate Governance Mechanism Improve Shareholder Value? A Panel Analysis of Malaysian Listed Companies

This empirical study focuses on investigating the influence of Corporate Governance (CG) mechanism on shareholder value. The construct of CG mechanism is formed by separate leadership, proportion of independent director, independent chairman and independence of nomination committee based on renowned agency theory. The sample for this empirical study consists of 100 firms listed on Bursa Malaysia over the period 2010-14. The data regarding CG mechanism (separate leadership, proportion of independent director, independent chairman and independence of nomination committee) collected from the annual reports of the companies. While, we used earning per share as a proxy for shareholder value that is extracted from DataStream for the corresponding period (2010-2014). The models analyzed by ordinary least squares (OLS), found significant positive relation between chairman independence and shareholder value measured by earning per share. The results further revealed that independence of nomination committee has a significant negative relationship with shareholder value while, firm total assets have a significant and positive impact on shareholder value (earning per share). However, separate leadership and proportion of independent director has no impact on shareholder value. However, separate leadership and proportion of independent director showed no significant relationship with shareholder value. The results of the study has value for Malaysian government, policy makers, corporate boards, stock exchange, and shareholders by highlighting the distinct impact of corporate governance mechanism on shareholder value. The empirical result will also contribute to help in recommendation and improvement of Malaysian code of corporate governance (MCCG-2012) based on the extant and latest literature.
New public management in prehospital emergency services: paramedics' experiences of organizational reforms

Background: In recent decades, public health services have undergone major organizational reforms grounded in market ideologies stemming from New Public Management (NPM). Health care workers’ perceptions of these reforms have been studied along a number of dimensions, but there has been little focus on how they are perceived in prehospital emergency work. Research aim: The aim of the study was to understand how paramedics in Norway experience organizational changes related to principles of cost-effectiveness and resource allocation inherent to NPM. Method: Within a qualitative framework, the study used semi-structured individual interviews and a narrative research method to uncover paramedics’ experiences. Giorgio’s method of systematic text condensation was used to analyze transcriptions, and the findings were categorized along key thematic dimensions. Results: None of the paramedics held that structural focus on economy and efficiency had a substantial negative impact on their biomedical work. However, they all agreed that time pressure and resource limitations made it challenging to secure dialogue and provide adequate communicative care. They found it professionally frustrating, but the loser was first and foremost the patient. Discussion: For the paramedics, NPM reforms were not significant obstacles to using technical skills. It was the non-technical dimension of their work that suffered. Time constraints made it impossible to achieve aims of communication and good care. Conclusion: It has been a widespread view that NPM challenges professional norms of sound practice in care services. The study suggests that this also happens in paramedic practices. The fact that all the informants thought that NPM had significant negative consequences in patient interaction suggests that norms of care are threatened in this area of public health care as well. *Correspondence to: Halvor Nordby, Faculty of medicine, University of Oslo, Department of health and society, PO Box 1089,0315 Blindern, Norway, Tel: 0047 90135154; E-mail: halvor.nordby@medisin.uio. no
Effect of high-velocity scenarios on the performance of MIMO LTE packet scheduling

In this paper we analyze the performance of advanced OFDM packet scheduling techniques based on 3GPP UTRAN Long Term Evolution (LTE) framework for high velocity scenarios. Based on our previous investigations in system performance analysis, we demonstrate that packet scheduler being part of the whole radio resource management (RRM) process has a major impact on it. On the other hand high user velocities further imply additional system performance limitations due to the introduction of reporting overhead. Therefore, we investigate the resulting fairness distribution among users together with the achievable radio system performance in terms of throughput, coverage and fairness distribution, by simulating practical OFDMA cellular system environment with MIMO functionality in Macro cell Best effort traffic scenario. As a concrete example, we demonstrate that by using the advanced fairness-oriented multi-user scheduling schemes, significant coverage improvements in the order of 30% can be obtained by achieving the same cell throughput. Furthermore, the user fairness is also greatly increased, by more than 25%, when measured using Jain's fairness index.
GLP‐1 receptor agonists: effects on the progression of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common liver diseases, and its incidence has been increasing recently. In addition to hepatic complications, NAFLD is also recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, the current therapies for NAFLD display variable efficacy; a novel and effective drug is urgently needed. Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), a receptor agonist is a new drug approved for treating type 2 diabetes. Recently, these types of agents have shown a novel therapeutic effect on NAFLD. However, the mechanisms of GLP‐1 receptor agonists on the treatment of NAFLD have not yet been explained precisely. Recent studies have demonstrated that GLP‐1 reverses the progression of NAFLD not only indirectly through an incretin effect that improves key parameters involved in NAFLD, but also a direct effect on lipid metabolism of hepatocytes and inflammation in liver. In this review, we provided an overview of the role and mechanisms of GLP‐1 in the therapy of NAFLD. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sur les infini-groupoïdes de Grothendieck et une variante infini-catégorique

Dans Pursuing Stacks, Grothendieck conjecture l'existence d'une structure algebrique de infmi-groupoide faible qui encoderait toute l'information homotopique d'un espace topologique. En particulier, on aurait une equivalence de categories entre un localise adequat de la categorie des infmi-groupoides faibles et la categorie homotopique. Maltsiniotis a remarque en 2006 que le texte de Grothendieck contient une definition parfaitement precise de infini-groupoide faible fonde sur la notion de coherateur. Par ailleurs, Maltsiniotis a introduit une variante de la definition de Grothendieck conduisant a une notion de infini-categorie faible. Ces deux notions sont le point de depart de cette these. D'autres definitions de infini-categorie faible ont ete proposees. Une grande partie de cette these est consacree a la comparaison des infini-categories de Grothendieck-Maltsiniotis a celle de Batanin-Leinster. Pour cela, on introduit une notion de theorie globulaire homogene au-dessus de la categorie Theta de Joyal, et on montre que celle-ci est equivalente a la notion de omega-operade de Batanin. On montre egalement, sous une conjecture technique liee a la definition des coherateurs, que les infini-categories de Batanin-Leinster sont un cas particulier des infini-categories de Grothendieck-Maltsiniotis. Dans un deuxieme temps, on etudie l'analogue groupoidale Theta- de la categorie Theta de Joyal. On montre que Theta- est une categorie test stricte. En particulier, la categorie homotopique des prefaisceaux sur celle-ci est equivalente a la categorie homotopique. Ce resultat est un pas en direction du programme de Maltsiniotis pour demontrer la conjecture de Grothendieck.
An analysis of push–pull motivations of visitors to Country Parks in Hong Kong

ABSTRACT This study investigates the push–pull motivations of visitors to the Country Parks in Hong Kong, particularly improves the knowledge about the influence of socio-demographic characteristics on push–pull motivations. This paper reports the findings of a survey on a sample of 205 local and non-local visitors to two selected parks in Hong Kong. Results identify that physical and psychological benefits, and specific purposes push people to visit Country Parks, whereas visible facilities, park environment and accessibility are important forces to pull the people to the parks. For a decision about a park visit, the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents do affect their push–pull motivations. The positive correlations between push and pull factors of Country Park visit also confirm a complex and intertwined relationship between the two sides of motivations. These findings suggest specific market segments to foster local and inbound visits. Implications to tourism and park management authorities are drawn to integrate demand-side factors and resource provision.
Alterations of Locomotor Activity Rhythm and Sleep Parameters in Patients With Advanced Glaucoma

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of advanced glaucoma on locomotor activity rhythms and related sleep parameters. Nine normal subjects and nine age-matched patients with bilateral advanced primary open-angle glaucoma, >10 yrs since diagnosis, were included in this observational, prospective, case-control study. Patients were required to record the timing and duration of their sleep and daily activities, and wore an actigraph on the wrist of the nondominant arm for 20 d. Activity rhythm period, MESOR (24-h time-series mean), amplitude (one-half peak-to-trough variation), and acrophase (peak time), plus long sleep episodes during the wake state, sleep duration, efficiency, and latency, as well as mean activity score, wake minutes, and mean wake episodes during the sleep interval were assessed in controls and glaucomatous patients. Glaucomatous patients exhibited significant decrease in nighttime sleep efficiency, and significant increase in the mean activity score, wake minutes, and mean wake episode during the night. These results suggest that alterations of circadian physiology could be a risk to the quality of life of patients with glaucoma. (Author correspondence: ruthr@fmed.uba.ar)
The Influence of Compensation Management Strategy on Talent Retention: Exploring the Mediating Role of Structural Capital

Background: Retention of the employees is recognized as one of the significant problems of the present business world. The retention phenomena are observed to be impacted by the compensation practices employed by the firm. Objective: Based on this, the study aims to assess the compensation management strategies among Jordan commercial banks using structural capital approach. Methods: The study employed a quantitative design for assessing the employee retention. For this, data collection has been done using a survey based on a questionnaire. Results: The study has found a significant and positive impact of work life balance, satisfaction, and benefits on structural capital and talent retention. Moreover, the study failed to report a significant impact of salary on opportunity and job nature. Conclusion: The structure of the compensation management in the banking sector must encourage a new design for improving its impact intensity.
Phagocytic cell activity and periodontitis in Down syndrome.

BACKGROUND This study investigated the phagocytic function of peripheral granulocytes and monocytes from adult individuals with Down syndrome (DS) and assessed the relation between phagocytic function and periodontal status. METHODS Fifty-five DS individuals (18-56 years old), 74 mentally retarded individuals, and 88 medically healthy controls (HC) participated in the study. Gingival inflammation index, plaque index, probing depth, periodontal attachment level (AL), and bleeding on probing were taken for each subject. Whole blood was collected for granulocyte/monocyte phagocytosis tests. Phagocytic function was determined by flow cytometry in terms of percentage of cells actively involved in phagocytosis, and phagocytic intensity (magnitude of the bacterial staining per cell). RESULTS Phagocytic intensity of both granulocytes and monocytes was comparable in HC and DS subjects. While AL was directly related to phagocytic intensity of both granulocytes (r = 0.14, P = 0.03) and monocytes (r = 0.2, P = 0.003) in all subjects, this relationship was stronger in DS than in other subjects, even after controlling for known risk factors for periodontitis (P < 0.05). Monocyte phagocytic intensity was the only necessary predictor of AL (P = 0.003), indicating a similar relationship between AL and phagocytic activity in either cell type. CONCLUSIONS While granulocyte and monocyte phagocytic intensities are similar in Down and non-DS individuals, phagocytic intensity was associated with more AL in DS than non-DS individuals.
Silicon nanowire coupled micro-resonators

This paper describes a microelectromechanical resonator interface to a nanomechanical structure. Our approach to microresonator-nanowire integration employs silicon nanowires as mechanical tuning elements, which perturb the frequency response of the resonator system. Two coupling configurations were designed and tested, the first with a nanowire beam coupled to the maximum displacement points of clamped-clamped microresonators and the second with a coupling beam attached 1.5 mum away from the anchors of the bending mode resonators. A focused-ion-beam (FIB) tool was used to tune the frequency response of the coupled systems. Finally a nanowire coupled bandpass filter with a 3 dB bandwidth about 120 kHz at 17.9 MHz was demonstrated.
Does family ownership affect firm value in Taiwan?a panel threshold regression analysis

Using a panel of 242 Taiwanese listed companies during 1997-2006, we adapt an advanced panel threshold regression model to test whether there is an “optimal” family ownership level. Tobin’s Q is used as a proxy for firm value. We find that there are three threshold effects between family ownership and firm value. These are 0.075%, 31.76% and 33.61%. When the family ownership is less than 0.075%, Tobin’s Q decreases by 257.71%, with a 1% increase in the family ownership. On the other hand, Tobin’s Q increases by 0.78% when the family ownership is between 0.075% and 31.76%. Hence it has a 1% increase in the family ownership. Tobin’s Q increases by 1.67% with a 1% increase in the family ownership when the family ownership is between 31.76% and 33.61%. However, Tobin’s Q increases by 0.51% with a 1% increase in the family ownership when the family ownership is greater than 33.61%. We therefore conclude that there must be an optimal family ownership between 31.76% and 33.61% because it is at this level when firm value is maximized. These results support the view that family ownership reduces the classical agency problem between managers and shareholders.
The bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library of the narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.)

The narrow-leafed lupin possesses valuable traits for environment-friendly agriculture and for the production of unconventional agricultural products. Despite various genetic and environmental studies, the breeding of improved cultivars has been slow due to the limited knowledge of its genomic structure. Further advances in genomics require, among other things, the availability of a genomic DNA library with large inserts. We report here on the construction of the first DNA library cloned in a BAC (bacterial artificial chromosome) vector from diploid Lupinus angustifolius L. cv. Sonet. The high molecular weight DNA used for its preparation was isolated from interphase nuclei that were purified by flow cytometry. The library comprises 55,296 clones and is ordered in 144×384-well microtitre plates. With an average insert size of 100 kb, the library represents six haploid genome equivalents. Thanks to the purification of the nuclei by flow cytometry, contamination with chloroplast DNA and mitochondrial DNA was negligible. The availability of a BAC library opens avenues for the development of a physical contig map and positional gene cloning, as well as for the analysis of the plant’s genome structure and evolution.