Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An empirical investigation of a usage model of e-commerce technologies in small businesses in New Zealand: theory extension and implications

This research developed a usage model of Electronic Commerce (EC) technologies. The model hypothesised ten factors as influencing EC usage in Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in New Zealand (NZ). The research findings indicated that relative advantage, cost, compatibility, size, information intensity of product, competition, pressure from suppliers/buyers and CEO's involvement play an important role on EC usage. However, support from technology vendors and CEO's innovativeness did not appear to influence the extent of EC usage in NZ SMEs. The research addresses implications arising from the different factors in relation to theory and to practice.
Mianserin and Ventricular Tachycardia: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Mianserin is a drug frequently used to treat depression and sleep disturbances. Despite documented effects on various cardiac tissues in animal studies, mianserin has a very safe clinical profile. Only one case of ventricular arrhythmias in a patient treated with mianserin has been reported. This patient had a severe cardiac history. Our case is to our knowledge the first report on ventricular arrhythmias in a patient treated with mianserin without previous or present cardiac disease. After discontinuation of mianserin the arrhythmias disappeared within days. The literature on mianserin toxicity is reviewed.
Preschool children physical activity measurement: importance of epoch length choice.

The purpose of this study was twofold: first to document the gender differences in Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA) according to two epoch systems (5 vs. 60 s) in preschoolers, and, second to document the differences in physical activity (PA) patterns according to two different epoch choices. The sample comprised 59 preschoolers (31 girls) aged 2-5 years old. PA was assessed by accelerometer during school hours. The time spent in MVPA was significantly higher (p < .001) when a 5-s epoch was considered compared to the 60-s epoch, regardless gender. Further, it was found a difference of ? 17 min difference between the 2 epoch systems for MVPA. Different epoch times might affect the time spent in MVPA among preschool children.
Are Male Disaster Workers With Vietnam Military Service at Greater Risk for PTSD Than Peers Without Combat History?

This study examined whether male disaster workers with Vietnam service histories were at risk for posttraumatic stress disorder when compared with colleagues following duties at Ground Zero. The study compared participants from ongoing psychiatric screening of disaster workers: those with Vietnam service (Vietnam veteran; N = 125), those without trauma history (no trauma; N = 116); and those with childhood physical abuse but no combat history (physical abuse; N = 57). ANOVA indicated the trauma groups differed significantly in clinician-rated posttraumatic stress disorder severity (p < 0.005). However, post hoc analyses revealed the Vietnam veteran group did not differ significantly from the no trauma group; both had significantly lower severity compared with the physical abuse group. It should be noted that veterans in this sample, unlike in many studies, were in the workforce. Research with different veteran groups is warranted to clarify further the relation of combat experience and symptoms in disaster workers.
Classification of slaughtered animals and estimation of body condition scores during rainy season in Sokoto abattoir

The animals slaughtered at the Sokoto City Abattoir in Northwestern Nigeria from 5 th June to 6 th August 2010 were classified based on body condition scores (BCS) and other variables. A total of 6215 animals (cattle, sheep, goats and camels) were slaughtered with wide disparities in body conditions. Cattle remain the predominant animal slaughtered (67.74%) with the least predominant animal being camel (5.41%). The majority (80.80%) of the large ruminant slaughtered were in borderline to optimum (3-4) body condition while the majority of small ruminant (81.73%) primarily fell into the optimum (2-3) body conditions at slaughter. Multivariable ordered logistic regression analysis revealed that BCS as an estimated outcome is based principally on seasons with the beginning of rains (June) being the most critical. Since the study was undertaken at the beginning to middle of rainy season, it is expected that the animals are just recovering from the stress of previous dry season and scarcity of feed resources, this support the result from the analysis. Additional factors may contribute to differences in BCS of slaughtered animals are not evaluated in this study due to limitation of data collection, and future useful data may be generated by implementing a more comprehensive data recording system for slaughter statistics and research at the Nigerian abattoirs. Keywords : Abattoir, Body condition score, Nigeria, Ordinal model, Rainy season, Slaughtered animals
Rifampicin-carrying poly(D,L-lactide) microspheres: loading and release.

Rifampicin-loaded poly(D,L-lactide) (PDLLA) microspheres in the size range of 0.8-8.0 microns were prepared by a modified solvent evaporation method. Rifampicin loading was changed by using different types of solvents (i.e. methylene chloride, chloroform, and carbon tetrachloride) with different solvent/polymer ratios and different emulsifiers (i.e. methyl cellulose, gelatin, and Tween-20), and by changing the initial drug/polymer ratio. These rifampicin-loaded PDLLA microspheres degraded much faster in the medium at basic pH (9.8) and at high temperatures (55 degrees C). Rifampicin release was also high under these conditions. It was concluded that rifampicin release was both degradation- and diffusion-controlled.
High-field electron velocity in silicon surface-accumulation layers

Temperature dependence of saturation velocity in bulk silicon and in surface-accumulation layers was studied between room temperature and 600 K. The saturation electron velocity in bulk silicon was found to have a steeper temperature dependence than previously reported. The saturation velocity in surface-accumulation layers was found to be equal to the electron velocity in the bulk, and independent of the perpendicular electric field.
In vivo measurement by [3H]Tamsulosin of alpha1 adrenoceptors in rat tissues in relation to the pharmacokinetics.

The present study was undertaken to simultaneously measure alpha1 adrenoceptors in rat tissues by [3H]tamsulosin in vivo. In vivo specific [3H]tamsulosin binding was observed in the prostate, vas deferens, aorta, submaxillary gland, spleen, heart, lung, and kidney after i.v. injection of the ligand but not in the cerebral cortex and liver. Specific [3H]tamsulosin binding in the kidney, lung, heart, and spleen was greatest at 3 min after i.v. injection and declined rapidly with the disappearance of [3H]tamsulosin from the plasma. On the other hand, [3H]tamsulosin binding in the prostate and aorta peaked at 10 to 60 min after i.v. injection, and a considerable level of specific binding in both tissues persisted up to 240 min. The most sustained binding of [3H]tamsulosin occurred in the submaxillary gland. In vivo specific [3H]tamsulosin binding in rat tissues was effectively inhibited by the coinjection of low doses of unlabeled tamsulosin, prazosin, and terazosin with the radioligand but not by relatively high doses of yohimbine and propranolol. Based on estimated ID50 values, in vivo inhibitory effect of tamsulosin compared with prazosin was 5 to 14 times greater in rat tissues except the spleen, which showed 1.6 times less potent than prazosin. From ratios of ID50 (spleen) to ID50 (submaxillary gland) or ID50 (prostate), tamsulosin was 9 and 19 times, respectively, greater than prazosin in selectivity of alpha1 adrenoceptors in the submaxillary gland and prostate versus the spleen, respectively, suggesting that tamsulosin binds to alpha1A subtype with higher affinity than alpha1B subtype in vivo. The present study suggests that [3H]tamsulosin is a useful radioligand for in vivo measurement of alpha1 adrenoceptors in rat tissues.
Hub nodes inhibit the outbreak of epidemic under voluntary vaccination

It is commonly believed that epidemic spreading on scale-free networks is difficult to control and that the disease can spread even with a low infection rate, lacking an epidemic threshold. In this paper, we study epidemic spreading on complex networks under the framework of game theory, in which a voluntary vaccination strategy is incorporated. In particular, individuals face the ‘dilemma’ of vaccination: they have to decide whether or not to vaccinate according to the trade-off between the risk and the side effects or cost of vaccination. Remarkably and quite excitingly, we find that disease outbreak can be more effectively inhibited on scale-free networks than on random networks. This is because the hub nodes of scale-free networks are more inclined to take self-vaccination after balancing the pros and cons. This result is encouraging as it indicates that real-world networks, which are often claimed to be scale free, can be favorably and easily controlled under voluntary vaccination. Our work provides a way of understanding how to prevent the outbreak of diseases under voluntary vaccination, and is expected to provide valuable information on effective disease control and appropriate decision-making.
Plasma total homocysteine and memory in the elderly: The Hordaland Homocysteine study

We examined the relation between plasma total homocysteine (tHcy), folate, vitamin B12, and episodic memory in elderly community‐dwelling subjects. A population‐based study was conducted in 1992 and 1993, and subjects were re‐investigated after 6 years. Plasma analytes were determined on both occasions. At follow‐up, memory performance, using the Kendrick Object Learning Test, was investigated in 2,189 subjects (age, 65–67 years at baseline). Subjects with memory deficit (test score, <25) had higher tHcy and lower folate at follow‐up compared with those without memory deficit: 12.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.1, 13.1) versus 11.5 (95% CI, 11.3, 11.6) μmol/L (p < 0.001) for tHcy, and 6.7 (95% CI, 6.2, 7.1) versus 7.6 (95% CI, 7.5, 7.8) nmol/L (p < 0.001) for folate. The risk of memory deficit increased according to quintiles of tHcy both at baseline and at follow‐up. A decline in tHcy, or an increase in folate, over a 6‐year period was associated with a higher memory test score; and vice versa. These findings indicate that increased plasma tHcy is an independent risk factor for memory deficit both cross‐sectionally and prospectively, and that a “favorable” change in folate or tHcy concentrations over time is associated with better memory performance. Ann Neurol 2005
COMMENSAL RODENTS and THEIR PARASITES in ISRAEL

New findings on the geographical distribution and ectoand endoparasites of Rattus norvegicus, Rattus rattus, and Mus musculus were recorded in 1999-2000. Seven specimens of R. rattus were trapped in the coastal plain of Israel, six of these in the Haifa area and one in Tel Aviv. Up to this record, the coastal plain was known to harbor only R. norvegicus. An adult R. norvegicus was trapped in Jerusalem, a new record of this species inland. The rat flea, Xenopsylla cheopis, is a parasite of R. norvegicus in Israel, and its known geographical distribution was, till now, the coastal plain. X. cheopis is the vector of murine typhus, a few cases of which are recorded each year only in the coastal plain. One specimen of R. norvegicus trapped in Tel Aviv was infested with a single X. cheopis. This level of infestation of 0-1 fleas per rat is in accordance with the infestation index recorded in Israel since the beginning of the 1980s. One specimen of X. cheopis was recorded on the R. norvegicus trapped in Jerusalem, possibly indicating a changing distribution pattern of the rat flea, together with the invasion of R. norvegicus to the inland areas. The most worrying finding was 31 rat fleas recorded on a single R. norvegicus in the Lod area. Such a high infestation level has not been observed in Israel since the 1960s, posing a threat to public health. Only a few mite specimens were found on both rat species. A large population of rat lice, Polyplax spinulosa , was found on R. rattus from the village of Yesodot. Such lice are not a direct danger to man, but it has been shown that they have great epidemiological importance in transferring murine typhus among rats, thus perpetuating the disease cycle. Ten different species of helminths were identified from R. rattus and six were recorded from M. musculus. The incidence of infection in R. rattus was found to be relatively small (38.5%). Bacteriological examination of 37 specimens of commensal rodents revealed Campylobacter jejuni in only four specimens of R. rattus. No Salmonella was found. This is the first record of bacteriological testing of R. rattus in Israel. The changing patterns of geographical distribution and parasite infestation of commensal rodents since the 1950s is discussed.
Effects of Search Timing on Innovation: The Value of Not Being in Sync with Rivals

This paper investigates the effects on product innovation of firms' search to innovate, taking into account how a firm's search relates to that of its competitors. Drawing on organizational learning theory, we hypothesize that search timing relative to competitors matters and test two seemingly contradictory views: that competitors take away the exclusivity of search and therefore suppress innovation or, in contrast, sharpen and validate the focal firm's search and thus promote innovation. Our analysis of 15 years of longitudinal data on 124 Japanese, European, and U.S. industrial automation organizations reconciles these views. Results show that firms introduce more new products if they search after their competitors do, and they introduce more innovative new products if they search ahead of their competitors. The most innovative firms combine these two approaches, bridging their own and their rivals' hitherto isolated clusters of knowledge, but avoid engaging in learning contests in which they search at the same time as their rivals. The key insight for innovating firms, then, is not necessarily to strive to perform as well as possible in absolute terms, but to be different from the competition.
The CD52 antigen and development of the CAMPATH antibodies.

Correspondence to: Geoff Hale, Therapeutic Antibody Centre, Old Road, Headington, Oxford OX3 7JT, UK. Introduction The first CD52 Abs were isolated in 1980 during a search for Abs that could kill lymphocytes by activating human complement [1]. This was motivated by the thought that they should be ideal for removal of T cells, which were believed to cause GvHD. Other T-cell specific MAbs, such as OKT3, had already been suggested for this purpose, but they did not activate human effector systems (such as complement) to the extent necessary to destroy sufficient cells. These Abs could kill cells with rabbit serum, because natural inhibitors such as decay accelerating factor and CD59 do not protect against heterologous complement. Nevertheless, it was perceived that this would introduce an undesirable source of variability and expense. Few MAbs are efficient activators of lysis by autologous complement, but several were isolated from a fusion to create rat hybridomas making antibodies against human lymphocytes. All of them were directed against the same antigen, which is now defined as CD52.
Capital Requirements , Risk Choice , and Liquidity Provision in a Business Cycle Model

This paper develops a quantitative dynamic general equilibrium model in which households' preferences for safe and liquid assets constitute a violation of Modigliani and Miller. I show that the scarcity of these coveted assets created by increased bank capital requirements can reduce overall bank funding costs and increase bank lending. I quantify this mechanism in a two-sector business cycle model featuring a banking sector that provides liquidity and has excessive risk-taking incentives. Under reasonable parametrizations, the marginal bene t of higher capital requirements related to this channel signi cantly exceeds the marginal cost, indicating that US capital requirements have been sub-optimally low.
Reproduction in male swamp wallabies (Wallabia bicolor): puberty and the effects of season

This study describes pubertal changes in testes and epididymides and seasonal changes in the adult male reproductive organs and plasma androgen concentrations of the swamp wallaby (Wallabia bicolor). Pre‐pubescent males had testes with solid seminiferous cords and spermatogenesis only to the stage of gonocytes. Their epididymides had empty lumina along their entire length. The testes of three males undergoing puberty had some lumen formation and mitotic activity. Their epididymides were similar in appearance to those of adult males but were entirely devoid of any cells within the lumen of the duct. Three other pubescent males showed full lumen formation in the testes and spermatogenesis up to the elongating spermatid stage. Their epididymides were similar in appearance to those of adult males but with no spermatozoa in the duct. However, cells of testicular origin were found in the lumen of the duct in all regions suggesting that testicular fluids and immature germ cells shed into the rete testes flow through the seminiferous tubules into the epididymis before the release of mature testicular spermatozoa. The weights of testes and epididymides of adult males showed no change throughout the year but prostate weight and plasma androgen concentrations varied significantly with season, with maximums in spring and summer and minimums in winter. The volume fraction of Leydig cells and seminiferous tubules was significantly lower in winter than in summer; but, despite this, maturing spermatozoa were found in the testes throughout the year. Females in the area conceived year‐round, suggesting that seasonal changes in the male reproductive tract did not prevent at least some males from breeding throughout the year.
Evidence that estradiol induces the preovulatory LH surge in cattle by increasing pituitary sensitivity to LHRH and then increasing LHRH release.

The objectives of these studies were to determine 1) the influence of estradiol on the ability of the pituitary gland to release LH in response to LHRH in vivo, and 2) whether LHRH is required to cause the preovulatory LH surge in cattle. To minimize the confounding effect of endogenous LHRH or LHRH-induced LH release, we used the estradiol-treated steer as a model for the cow. The rationale for this choice is that estradiol does not normally cause an LH surge in steers, but it does exert a negative feedback effect inhibiting LHRH secretion. In the first experiment, an LH surge was induced in steers by injecting 1 μg LHRH at 20-min intervals between 12 and 20 h after estradiol. This surge resembled the preovulatory LH surge in cows with respect to both duration (10 h) and amplitude (49 ng/ml). After the peak, LH concentrations returned to baseline despite continued LHRH injections. In control steers given oil, repetitive injections of LHRH increased serum LH to only 13 ng/ml. In a second experiment, steer.
The complete mitochondrial genome of the Ancherythroculter lini (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidea)

Abstract Ancherythroculter lini is the endemic species of fish in China. In this study, we determined the complete mitochondrial genome of Ancherythroculter lini using the next-generation sequencing (NGS). The total length of the complete mitochondrial genome is 16 616 bp which consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNAs genes, and a control region. Most of the genes are encoded on the heavy strand except ND6 and eight tRNA genes. The genes order and locations are similar to other vertebrates. The H-strand has a nucleotide composition of 30.78% A, 24.74% T, 16.48% G, and 28.00% C. 13 intergenic spacers and five gene overlaps exist in the complete mitochondrial genome. And, we found the culter genus and Ancherythroculter nigrocauda are more closely related to Ancherythroculter lini by constructing a phylogenetic tree.
MALOCCLUSION AND ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT NEED AMONG 12-15-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN IN NAIROBI.

OBJECTIVE To describe the pattern of occurrence of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment need. DESIGN A descriptive cross-sectional survey. SETTING Six public primary schools in Nairobi, Kenya. SUBJECTS A randomly selected sample of 1382 children aged 12 to 15 years. Clinical examination for malocclusion was conducted using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI). Orthodontic treatment need was derived using the regression equation stated in the DAI. RESULTS Among the 1382 (672 males and 710 females) children examined, 70 children (5.1%) had missing teeth. Crowding and spacing in the incisal segments occurred in 652 (47.2%) and 644 (46.6%) children respectively. Anterior irregularities were found in 533 (38.6%) of the subjects in the maxilla and 430 (31.1%) in the mandible. Anterior crossbite was found in 86 (6.2%) of the children. The anterior open-bite occurred in 194 (14%) of the children with significantly more open-bite in females than males (p=0007). The maxillary median diastema and antero -posterior molar relation discrepancies were found in 289 (20.2%) and 344 (24.9%) of the sample respectively. The sample mean DAI score was 26.6 (SD 7.8). Seven hundred and thirty two (53.0%) of the children examined had either no need or slight need for treatment whereas 650 (47%) were found with orthodontic treatment needs ranging from elective 318 (23%), highly desireable 176 (12.7%) to mandatory 156 (11.3%). CONCLUSION There was an overall high prevalence of malocclusion with 11.3% of the sample exhibiting handicapping malocclusion. Notably, there were no significant gender differences for most of the traits except for anterior open-bite which was found to occur more in females than males.