Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Column Experimental Study on Synergetic Treatment of Uranium-Bearing Wastewater with Sulfate Reducing Bacteria and Zero-Valent Iron

The treatment of uranium-bearing wastewater from uranium mine and using microorganism to treating wastewater is paid much attention to environmental researchers. Based on column experiments, the paper investigated the potential using sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) and zero-valent iron (ZVI) to synergetic treat contamination in wastewater such as sulfate, uranium, etc. The results show that SRB+ZVI can effectively remove contamination U(VI) and SO4 2- in wastewater, the removal rate is 99.4% and 86.2% for U(VI) and SO4 2- respectively, the pH value of wastewater can be basified to neutral. U(VI) and SO4 2- as electron acceptor of sulfate reducing bacteria are removed by biological reduction. The corrosion of ZVI is benefit to enhance the pH value of wastewater and form anaerobic reducing environment, strengthen survival and metabolism reaction of SRB, and play a synergetic enhancement.
Correlation of C-reactive protein to severity of symptoms in acute influenza A infection

Background: Currently there is no objective measure to determine disease severity in patients with acute influenza infection. During acute viral infections, C-reactive protein (CRP) has been shown to be elevated. Aim: To study the relationship between the symptoms of acute influenza A infection and correlate them with the level of inflammation as measured by serum CRP levels. Settings and Design: Prospective study. Materials and Methods: We enrolled a convenience sample of adults presenting to an urban academic emergency department (ED), who had positive Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay detection of the influenza A antigen. The subjects were excluded if they had immunosuppression, liver disease or were currently taking antiviral medication. A previously validated severity of symptom (SOS) score was calculated by asking the participants to record the severity of seven symptoms associated with influenza infection. The subjects had the serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels tested during their ED visit. Statistical Analysis: A linear regression model was used with CRP as a predictor of the SOS score. Pearson's product-moment coefficient was used to measure the dependence between the two quantities. Results: Thirty-two subjects were enrolled from January through March 2009, and of those, eight patients were excluded from the analysis, leaving 24 study subjects: 58% were women, of ages 18 to 63 years, with a mean age of 31 years (95% CI 25, 37). The mean SOS score was 14.1 ranging from 6 to 21 (95% CI 12.6, 26.4). The mean CRP score was 24.6 ranging from 0 to 64.7 (95% CI 15.8, 33.4). The correlation coefficient between the SOS score and CRP levels was r = 0.65 (P=0.00056). Conclusion: The severity of symptoms associated with acute influenza A infection correlateswith the serum CRP levels.
Clinical Utility of the Trail Making Test Ratio Score

It has been suggested that a ratio score of part B to part A of the Trail Making Test (TMT) may have clinical utility as a measure of cognitive efficiency and/or dissimulation. We investigated the clinical utility of the TMT B/A ratio score in the evaluation of patients with traumatic brain injury. Part B of the TMT demonstrated a statistically significant difference between groups with mild (n = 59) versus moderate-severe (n = 41) injuries. However, the B/A ratio score did not demonstrate sensitivity to injury severity and also failed to discriminate reliably individuals who had independent psychometric indicators of possible dissimulation from those who did not. We conclude that in individuals with traumatic brain injury, the B/A ratio score does not appear to enhance the clinical utility of the TMT and that interpretation of performance on this test should instead involve comparing subtest completion times to established normative data.
The Relationship Between Bank Efficiency and Stock Returns: Evidence from Asia and Latin America

This paper examines the relationship between bank efficiency change and stock price returns. We first estimate the cost and profit efficiency of a sample of Asian and Latin American listed banks over the period 2000-2006 while controlling for cross-country differences such as regulations and the macroeconomic environment. We then regress the annual efficiency changes on stock returns. The results indicate a positive and robust relationship between profit efficiency changes and stock returns. However, we find no evidence that cost efficiency changes are reflected in stock returns. We also find that profit efficiency better explains bank stock returns compared to traditional accounting profits measures (ROE). Overall, we conclude that profit efficiency measures include useful information for shareholders wishing to explain bank stock returns.
TQM implementation: comparing Singapore’s service and manufacturing leaders

In recent years, total quality management (TQM) has been applied extensively in service organisations. Several studies have been undertaken to compare the TQM implementation levels in services and manufacturing. However, none has differentiated the service categories adequately. This paper compares the TQM implementation levels in Singapore’s service and manufacturing productivity leaders after differentiating the services and controlling for extraneous factors. The analysis makes use of secondary data obtained from the pioneer batch of 240 organisations in the Singapore Quality Award programme. The service organisations are found to have a significantly lower level of TQM implementation than the manufacturing‐oriented service and the manufacturing organisations. The findings provide decision‐makers an indication of the areas that should be addressed to boost TQM in the service organisations. They also support the argument in the theoretical literature that the various service categories should be differentiated to yield meaningful results and suggest appropriate policies.
Inter‐organizational governance, learning and performance in supply chains

Purpose – Inter‐firm knowledge sharing and learning constitute one of the main avenues to improve supply chains' performance in today's business environment. This paper aims to examine how effective different governance mechanisms are in promoting knowledge transfer, learning and performance in supply chains.Design/methodology/approach – Following on from the literature in inter‐organizational learning, transaction costs economics, business‐to‐business relational marketing, and supply chain management, a model is presented and tested using structural equations modeling. Data were collected from 219 Colombian apparel manufacturers.Findings – This paper finds that from more influential to less, social mechanisms of governance, hostages and behavioral control favor knowledge sharing, learning and performance in supply chains. Output control exerts a negative influence on learning in supply chains.Research limitations/implications – Governance has a key role in promoting transparency and learning in supply ch.
Antigonadal action of prolactin: further studies on the mechanism of inhibition of follicle-stimulating hormone-induced aromatase activity in rat granulosa cell cultures.

The specificity and mechanism of the action by which PRL inhibits FSH-induced aromatase activity have been studied in rat granulosa cells in culture. Granulosa cells isolated from 25-day-old diethylstilbestrol-primed rats and cultured under defined conditions for 48 or 72 h with NIH-FSH-S13 (300 ng/ml) had elevated levels of aromatase activity, as assessed by the release of 3H2O from [1β-3H]testosterone. PRL (1 μg ovine NIH-P-S7–ml) alone had no effect on aromatase activity, but when added together with FSH, it effectively suppressed the effect of FSH. The effect of PRL was not due to cell death, since the rate of incorporation of [3H]leucine into trichloroacetic acidinsoluble material was unchanged by prior treatment with FSH alone or with FSH and PRL. The effect of PRL on the release of 3H2O from [1β-3H]testosterone was dose dependent; the doses that caused 50% inhibition of the FSH-induced responses after 48 and 72 h of treatment were 45 and 47 ng/ml, respectively, which are within the physiological ra.
Risk, Trust, and Safety Culture in U.K. Train Operating Companies

Organizational safety culture reflects the attitudes and behaviors that individuals share in considering and reacting to hazards and risks. We first argue that trust is an underdeveloped and important concept in relation to theories of safety culture and high‐reliability organizations. The article then reports findings from a two‐year qualitative study of train operating companies (TOCs) in the United Kingdom, which sought to explore in detail the linkages between safety culture and the postprivatized railway industry. In‐depth interviews and focus groups were carried out with a sample of over 500 employees, from four organizations, and representing all key functional levels. Our analysis suggests that the 1993 privatization, and subsequent organizational restructuring of the U.K. railway industry, has had important repercussions for both safety culture and trust relationships. We explore our findings in relation to three key constructs within “safe organizations” theories (namely, flexibility, commitment, and learning), and discuss how the safe organization model might be usefully supplemented by a consideration of trust issues.
Dexmedetomidine-associated fever in the intensive care unit

Dexmedetomidine is an intravenous, α-2 receptor agonist commonly used for the maintenance of sedation in the intensive care unit (ICU) [Hospira, 2014] (Box 1). The most recent iteration of the Society of Critical Care Medicine guidelines for pain, agitation and delirium preferentially recommend using a nonbenzodiazepine agent, such as dexmedetomidine, if a continuous-infusion sedative is required [Barr et al. 2013]. This recommendation is based on multiple trials which have demonstrated the benefits of dexmedetomidine over benzodiazepine infusions in mechanically ventilated ICU patients [Riker et al. 2009; Pandharipande et al. 2007; Jakob et al. 2012]. There is limited respiratory depression and the potential for less ICU-related delirium associated with the drug, which makes it an attractive option for ICU patients. Additionally, dexmedetomidine has demonstrated safety and efficacy outside of the mechanically ventilated patient and has been evaluated in situations such as alcohol withdrawal [Mueller et al. 2014]. Box 1. Key points about dexmedetomidine Dexmedetomidine (Precedex®, Hospira, Inc.) is a commonly used sedative agent in intensive care and operative settings for maintaining a lighter level of sedation. Although some investigators have evaluated α2-agonists as a potential target for the treatment of hyperthermia, fever has previously been reported with this agent. In our case and the previous published cases, this fever is quite impressive and may prompt investigation of causes such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Withdrawal of dexmedetomidine results in defervescence within a few hours of cessation of the infusion. The most commonly reported adverse effects associated with dexmedetomidine are hypotension and bradycardia, which can result in sinus arrest [Hospira, 2014]. Fever, or pyrexia, has been reported with dexmedetomidine use; however, this rate was no different than the control arm (4–5% for both dexmedetomidine and control) [Hospira, 2014]. In a more recent publication comparing midazolam or propofol with dexmedetomidine, there were no differences in the incidence of fever [Jakob et al. 2012]. Two case reports have been published describing high fevers related to dexmedetomidine [Okabe et al. 2009; Reeve et al. 2013] As fever in the ICU is commonly attributed to infections, underlying malignancy or thrombosis, development of an elevated temperature may prompt collection of multiple cultures, laboratory tests, imaging studies and other diagnostic testing. Although drug fever is typically a diagnosis of exclusion and should not subvert the need for common tests (e.g. blood cultures), timely recognition of drug-induced causes may avoid more invasive, costly or extensive interventions. In this article, we describe a patient who developed temperatures up to 40.3oC after initiation of dexmedetomidine, which completely resolved after discontinuation of the drug.
Farmland Ownership Restrictions: Between a Rock and a Hard Place

This paper explores unintended consequences of policy that restricts land ownership. I describe certain farmland investment funds that are active in Canada, policy in the Province of Saskatchewan that has restricted ownership since 1974, and how the two are related. I argue that global economic conditions from 1974-2002 created pent-up demand for Saskatchewan farmland, which led to growth in farmland investment after the restrictions were relaxed in 2002. I describe how this situation could repeat itself in the future and put policy makers into a tough situation.
Measurement of ampicillin, vancomycin, linezolid and gentamicin activity against enterococcal biofilms.

BACKGROUND Enterococci frequently cause biofilm infections but susceptibility of clinical isolates growing in biofilms has not been investigated. The minimum biofilm eradicating concentration (MBEC) has been suggested as a guide to treatment of biofilm infections. We measured an alternative endpoint, the minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) and compared the results with MIC and MBC. OBJECTIVES To compare the MIC, MBC and MBIC of ampicillin, vancomycin and linezolid against enterococcal biofilms, to assess the impact of additional gentamicin and correlate findings with clinical outcome. METHODS MIC and MBC were measured using standard techniques. MBICs were measured using a modification of the Calgary biofilm device method. Fifty-eight enterococcal isolates from episodes of intravascular catheter-related bloodstream infection were tested. RESULTS Tolerance to ampicillin, vancomycin and linezolid was seen in 93%, 100% and 93% of isolates, respectively. MIC(90)s of ampicillin, vancomycin and linezolid were all 4 mg/L for Enterococcus faecalis isolates. MBC(90)s of ampicillin, vancomycin and linezolid for E. faecalis isolates were 1024, >128 and 2048 mg/L, respectively. MBIC(90)s of ampicillin, vancomycin and linezolid for E. faecalis isolates were 8192, 4096 and 4096 mg/L, respectively. Results for Enterococcus faecium were similar for vancomycin and linezolid but this species was generally more resistant to ampicillin. Adding 10 mg/L gentamicin had a variable effect on MIC, MBC or MBIC, which was not predictable by gentamicin susceptibility on disc testing. CONCLUSIONS Very high concentrations of ampicillin, vancomycin and linezolid are required to inhibit enterococcal biofilms in vitro. Combining these agents with gentamicin significantly reduced MIC, MBC and MBIC against only a proportion of enterococcal isolates. No correlation between MBIC and outcome was found.
An investigation of the relationship between therapist characteristics and alliance in group therapy for individuals with treatment-resistant auditory hallucinations

Abstract Background: Alliance is a well-studied construct; however, little research has investigated predictors of alliance in a group context. Aims: This study investigates the relationship between therapist characteristics and group alliance in 65 individuals with schizophrenia receiving outpatient group therapy for treatment-resistant auditory hallucinations. Methods: Raters coded 120 sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy or supportive therapy for therapist warmth and friendliness, therapist exploration and negative therapist attitude. Alliance was assessed at week six. Results: Higher average levels of therapist warmth and friendliness and lower average levels of negative therapist attitude in sessions one to five were associated with stronger alliance at week six at the trend level (p < 0.10). Therapist exploration did not predict alliance at week six. Higher negative therapist attitude at treatment engagement was associated with higher post-treatment symptom scores. Conclusions: Our results suggest that therapist attributes but not therapist techniques are associated with client’s perceptions of alliance and that negative therapist behaviors are associated with higher symptom levels at post-treatment. Implications for clinical practice are discussed.
International Students ’ Cultural Experiences : Exploring Socio-Cultural and Academic Adjustment in Malaysian Universities

Eight Hundred and thirty-one international students from seven public and private universities in Malaysia were surveyed in a preliminary research to explore the students’ socio-cultural and academic adjustment in universities. The survey questionnaire requires respondents to answer a 20-item measure of difficulty they face in relation to their interaction under two dimensions: socio-cultural and academic dimensions. Pearson correlation coefficient shows a positive relationship between social integration and academic adaptation with a significant level of 0.01. The higher the ability of the students to adapt socially into the new environment, the better their capability is in making adjustment academically. Key-words: multi-cultural experience, cross cultural adaptation, socio-cultural adjustment, academic adjustment.
A proposed mechanism for the action of 9-beta-D-arabinofuranosyladenine as an inhibitor of the growth of some ascites cells.

The effect of 9-β-D-arabinofuranosyladenine triphosphate on the incorporation of thymidine monophosphate-14C into DNA by cell-free extracts of TA3 ascites tumor cells has been studied. Arabinosyl adenine triphosphate is a non-competitive inhibitor of DNA polymerase in TA3 cells. The Ki is 9 × 10−5 M. This effect reasonably accounts for the ability of the compound to inhibit the growth of several ascites tumors in mice.
TEACHER’S PERCEPTIONS ABOUT THE USE OF TABLETS IN A STRATEGY TO INTEGRATE NEW TECHNOLOGIES ON PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF CUNDINAMARCA, COLOMBIA

Currently, mobile technologies are widely used on diverse fields and in daily life. In the educational environment, the use of mobile devices as an alternative tool in learning process has increased progressively. In this way, experiences related to mobile learning (m-learning) have been reported all around the world and tablets have become one of the most popular devices used on this type of learning. Recently, a strategy for a massive delivery of tablets to public schools has been developed in Colombia. This strategy, known as "Class-T" program in the region of Cundinamarca, is combined with a pedagogical accompaniment to foster the educational use of these devices. As part of this program, an instrument was designed and implemented to identify teachers’ perceptions about the use and intention of use of tablets. The instrument was adapted from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model according to the program context. The instrument consists on a survey with 27 items that inquires about performance and effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, self-efficacy, anxiety and behavioral intention to use the tablets. The survey was designed to be applied at the beginning of the program and once the intervention process is concluded. Results of the first application moment show an overall positive perception of teachers in performance expectancy, attitude toward using tablets and behavioral intention to use these devices.
Export performance of Ghanaian firms in the agricultural, handicraft and manufacturing industries

Studies involving the export performance of firms in emerging economies, particularly in Sub-Saharan African countries, are underrepresented in the existing literature which takes a typically developed country perspective. The objective of this study is to investigate how the interplay between certain internal resources and capabilities and their interaction with the external environment contribute to export performance of internationalising firms in the agricultural, handicraft and manufacturing industries in Ghana. The study contributes specifically to the export performance literature that has featured in international business, international entrepreneurship and international marketing. This research employed the resource-based view as the underpinning theory to examine the internal and external characteristics of the firm to identify what determines export success for firms in these industries. The study applied a mixed method approach using quantitative and qualitative techniques. The data for this study consists of 116 questionnaire survey and 18 semi-structured interviews conducted with key informants in the three industries in Ghana. Quantitative data analysis applied PLS-SEM and content analysis was undertaken to develop interview themes for the qualitative study. The study found that product and place (distribution) were the most adapted export marketing mix strategies (out of the 4Ps that are a fundamental aspect of the marketing literature) for the firms, with promotion and price highlighted as the least adapted strategies. The relationship between international experience, export commitment, export marketing mix strategy (4Ps), and export performance were supported across the models. Export commitment, place, product and foreign market attractiveness emerged as strong antecedents of export performance in the study. Drawing from resource based view of the firm, the study makes three key contribution to the export performance literature. First, it explains how exports market mix strategy transforms the impact of international experience, export commitment and export promotion programs on export performance. Secondly, it establishes moderating effects of foreign market attractiveness on the association between export marketing mix strategy and export performance. Lastly, the study provides enhanced understanding of key determinants of export performance for exporting firms in Ghana. This research responds to the call for advancing theory in Africa. The study further provides recommendations for public policy makers and managers to improve their export development programmes in Ghana and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Performance effects of involving lead users and close customers in new service development

Purpose – Customer involvement has been recognized as a key factor for successful service development. One important aspect affecting the outcome of new service development (NSD) projects in whose development customers are involved is the choice of the appropriate participating customer. This study aims to examine the effect of two customer characteristics (relational closeness and lead‐userness) on four indicators of new service performance.Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses data from 102 NSD projects. Covariance‐based path analysis is used to test the model.Findings – The results reveal that involving close customers in the NSD process has a positive direct effect on service advantage and speed to market and a positive indirect effect on market performance. The involvement of lead users, on the other hand, has a positive effect on service newness and service advantage, and a negative effect on market performance.Research limitations/implications – The focus on Spanish companies puts constraint.