Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Body, coping and self-identity. A qualitative 5-year follow-up study of stroke

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this article is to identify, from a long-term perspective, stroke survivors’ self-identity, their views of any associated disabilities and how they manage their lives after stroke. Methods: The interviews and analyses were conducted using a phenomenological qualitative method. A total of 10 men and 5 women, aged 42–84, participated. All had suffered first-time stroke 5 years earlier. Results: After 5 years, participants had greater acceptance of their situation compared with immediately after participating in the rehabilitation programme. However, they described how they still had to deal with the consequences of stroke. They had suffered further illnesses and additions to side effects of the stroke. In dealing with their disabilities and changes to self-identity and life patterns, they seemed to be in a continuous process of change that never truly stabilised. They coped with this continuous process in at least two different ways, including resignation or personal growth. Conclusion: Stroke survivors suffered considerable ongoing and changing difficulties in relation to disability, self-perception and to coping with a new life. This continuous process of change could be seen to drain their energy. The study shows that many survivors live a more home-centred life with fewer social relations and less active participation in their community. This can entail the risk of depression and loneliness. The study also shows, however, that adopting an optimistic approach to life can lead to continued learning about abilities and limitations, to the development of new skills and to the fashioning of a new self-identity. Implications for Rehabilitation This study suggests that stroke survivors should be offered individualised rehabilitation programmes that address not only physical activities but also psychological circumstances and existential issues. It is recommended that the interventions offered to the stroke survivor are unfolded through a pedagogical approach, so the individuals do not feel alienated or need to struggle in isolation. The programme should promote the individual’s motivation, the sense of being able to cope and an optimistic view of life. There is a need for further research focusing on identifying the factors that facilitate the individual’s positive approach to life and optimism. There is also the need to examine a variety of approaches to rehabilitation that emphasise empowerment and self-efficacy for stroke individuals in a variety of phases of rehabilitation and with various degrees of disability.
The role of identification, participation and attachment in building brand equity in social networking sites

Although Social Networking Sites have become dominant in the lives of many consumers, research on virtual brand communities in the context of Social Networking Sites is scarce. This study focuses on addressing this gap by investigating how identification with the brand and the brand community, participation on official brand pages on Facebook, and attachment to the brand develop and support brand equity in the context of Social Networking Sites. Participation in virtual brand communities has been generally viewed as posting and lurking. This study has developed new participation scales to address the limited perspective of participation in the literature. In addition, this study aims to investigate the types of members of brand pages on Facebook and the nature of their participation. The author developed a model that provides a new understanding of how brand equity develops in Social Networking Sites. The study was conducted in two stages. Firstly, a pilot study was conducted that used focus groups to build new scales to measure participation in Social Networking Sites, which were tested and validated by analysing quantitative data collected from an online and offline survey. Secondly, the main study was conducted by collecting data from an online panel of 436 UK consumers. Structural equation modelling techniques were then used to assess the validity of the new proposed participation scales and to test the set of interrelationships among the proposed variables. The findings indicate that consumer identification with the brand and the community has a positive impact on participation on brand pages as well as on attachment to the brand. The findings also reveal that brand loyalty, perceived quality, willingness to pay a price premium, and word-of-mouth are all predicted by brand attachment. Finally, this study has shown that participation is a two level behaviour that is based on three member types: tourists, minglers, and fans. The model and the new participation scales proposed in this study present a new perspective on online consumer behaviour. In addition, the findings of this study have implications for understanding and building consumer-brand relationships in Social Networking Sites. Keywords: Brand Equity, Brand Identification, Brand Community Identification, Virtual Brand Community, Perceived Quality, Brand Loyalty, Word-of-Mouth, Willingness to Pay a Price Premium, Brand Attachment, Participation, Social Networking Sites, Structural Equation Modelling,fACEBOOK
The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Enhancing Organizational Effectiveness: The Case of Information Technology Managers in Jordan

The aim of this research is to explore the role of emotional intelligence (awareness of one’s own emotion, management of one’s own emotion, awareness of other’s emotion, and management of other’s emotion) on organizational effectiveness in Jordanian public shareholding firms. A total of 154 questionnaire containing 29 items was used to collect information from the respondents. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to test the research hypotheses. Results of the current study revealed that there were significant positive impacts of management of one’s own emotion, awareness of other’s emotion, and management of other’s emotion on organizational effectiveness, whereas awareness of one’s own emotion did not have a significant impact on organizational effectiveness. Also, the results revealed that there was no significant difference in the impact of emotional intelligence on organizational effectiveness that could be attributed to gender. On the other hand, results of ANOVA test indicated that there were significant differences in the impact of emotional intelligence on organizational effectiveness in favor of age and experience.
The Effects of Extracellular pH with and without Bicarbonate on Intracellular Procaine Concentrations and Anesthetic Effects in Crayfish Giant Axons

Background The potentiating effect of sodium bicarbonate on local anesthetic action is attributed to two mechanisms: (1) an increase in the un‐ionized local anesthetic due to extracellular alkalinization, and (2) an accelerated conversion of local anesthetic from un‐ionized to ionized form with intracellular acidification caused by bicarbonate. To evaluate these hypotheses, the intracellular pH, intracellular ionized procaine concentration, and evoked action potentials were measured in crayfish giant axons. Methods In all measurements, axon preparations from crayfish were perfused extracellularly for 15 min with either bicarbonate‐containing solution at pH 7.6 (bicarb/7.6) or bicarbonate‐free solution at pH 7.6 (nonbicarb/7.6) or pH 8.0 (nonbicarb/8.0). Intracellular pH was measured using a pH‐sensitive microelectrode. Intracellular anesthetic concentration was measured using a specially designed procaine‐sensitive microelectrode with each of three solutions containing 1 mM procaine hydrochloride. Membrane potential was measured and, as an index of anesthetic action, the dV/dt of evoked action potential was calculated during perfusion with procaine. Results Mean intracellular pH was significantly lower in the bicarb/7.6 (7.16 +/‐ 0.07) group than in the nonbicarb/7.6 (7.33 +/‐ 0.09) and nonbicarb/8.0 (7.33 +/‐ 0.12) groups (P < 0.01). The mean intracellular ionized procaine concentration was significantly higher in the bicarb/7.6 (0.53 +/‐ 0.08 mM; P < 0.05) and nonbicarb/8.0 (0.58 +/‐ 0.13 mM; P < 0.01) than in nonbicarb/7.6 (0.32 +/‐ 0.14 mM) group but did not differ between the bicarb/7.6 and nonbicarb/8.0 groups. The mean percentage decrease in dV/dt (max) was approximately coincident with the mean intracellular procaine concentration in each solution. Conclusion The presence of bicarbonate or extracellular alkalinization increased the intracellular concentration of ionized procaine and the anesthetic effect.
Effects of protein engineering and rational mutagenesis on crystal lattice of single chain antibody fragments

Protein crystallization is dependent upon, and sensitive to, the intermolecular contacts that assist in ordering proteins into a three‐dimensional lattice. Here we used protein engineering and mutagenesis to affect the crystallization of single chain antibody fragments (scFvs) that recognize the EE epitope (EYMPME) with high affinity. These hypercrystallizable scFvs are under development to assist difficult proteins, such as membrane proteins, in forming crystals, by acting as crystallization chaperones. Guided by analyses of intermolecular crystal lattice contacts, two second‐generation anti‐EE scFvs were produced, which bind to proteins with installed EE tags. Surprisingly, although noncomplementarity determining region (CDR) lattice residues from the parent scFv framework remained unchanged through the processes of protein engineering and rational design, crystal lattices of the derivative scFvs differ. Comparison of energy calculations and the experimentally‐determined lattice interactions for this basis set provides insight into the complexity of the forces driving crystal lattice choice and demonstrates the availability of multiple well‐ordered surface features in our scFvs capable of forming versatile crystal contacts. Proteins 2014; 82:1884–1895. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intravenous infusion of bone marrow in patients receiving radiation and chemotherapy.

AFTER a lethal dose of radiation in rodents,1 canines2 or primates,3 the destroyed bone marrow may be repopulated by intravenous infusion of cellular suspensions of marrow taken from healthy isologous, homologous4 and, in some cases, heterologous3 donors. Effective cells for these infusions may be stored by the Polge technic of freezing to -80°C. in glycerol.6 Hosts seeded with donor marrow have some of the immunologic characteristics of the donors, and in some circumstances will take and hold homografts of other organs from them.7 Since cases of radiation disaster may occur, and since bone-marrow deficiency from radiation or chemotherapy does occur .
Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency in the Context of Autoimmune Polyendocrinopathy

Purpose To report two sisters with bilateral progressive visual loss and photophobia secondary to stem cell deficiency due to multiple endocrine deficiency. Methods Case reports and review of medical literature. Results The younger sister had severe photophobia and decreased visual acuity since May 2000. Despite multiple outpatient visits no definite cause was found and conservative treatments failed. On slit lamp examination severe meibomian gland dysfunction, loss of eyelashes, decreased tear meniscus, diffuse corneal vascularization, and delayed punctate fluorescein staining of corneal epithelium were detected. She also had episodes of hypotension, oral candidiasis, and seizures. Her systemic workup revealed multiple endocrine deficiency (Addison's disease and hypoparathyroidism). Hormone replacement therapy with fludrocortisone and oral calcium accompanied by punctual occlusion led to significant clinical recovery. The older sister showed a similar pattern but interestingly the onset was later and the signs and symptoms were milder. Conclusions In the pediatric age group with diffuse corneal vascularization and no definite cause, systemic workup should be done to rule out multiple endocrine deficiencies. The therapy consists of hormone replacement therapy and management of dry eye.
Barriers to Innovation in SMEs: Can the Internationalization of R

Technological advancements, especially in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have enhanced greatly the competition spurred by the globalization of the world economies. Even small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are no more immune to the challenges that the globalization brings about. It is a remarkable, and in certain instances worrisome, situation since SMEs play a key-role in most economies, in that they constitute the largest business block and provide the bulk of employment. However, opportunities presented by the globalization and the entwined, simultaneous pressure to innovate opens for SMEs new arenas to engage in what we may call are global innovation activities so as to gain, retain, and further strengthen the competitive position. This pressure to go for global innovation is enhanced by given socio-demographic factors, e.g. shortage of skilled labour, in many industrialized countries. This paper presents the findings of a survey by the authors carried out in the Metropolitan Region of Hamburg in Germany to identify barriers to innovation in selected industries and to work out solutions. The project RIS-Hamburg was initiated by the State Ministry of Economic and Labour Affairs in Hamburg and co-financed by the European Union (EU). The findings of this survey are here matched against perceived opportunities and challenges presented by global innovation.
Designing financial systems in transition economies : strategies for reform in Central and Eastern Europe

This collection examines the design of financial systems for central and eastern European countries engaged in the transition to market-based economies. It highlights the need for better approaches to measuring performance and providing incentives in banking and for financial mechanisms to encourage private-sector growth. Written by leading European and North American scholars, the essays apply modern finance theory and empirical data to the development of new financial sectors. Two broad themes emerge. The first is the critical relationship between reforms in the financial sector and in the real economy. Lending policies, which have a significant impact on business performance, need to discourage bad firm performance without prematurely liquidating potentially profitable enterprises. Conversely, the quality of firms influences the financial sector. If banks cannot find good credit risks, they cannot improve the quality of their portfolios. Until a critical mass of viable firms is built, equity markets will not develop sufficiently. The second theme is that the lack of fully developed markets and institutions may distort the policy outcomes predicted under models based on fully developed economies. Reliance on these models may therefore be inappropriate for transition economies.
Specific Deposition of Serum Amyloid A Protein 2 in the Mouse

The homogenates of amyloid‐laden spleens prepared from CBA mice were analysed by SDS‐PAGE and immunoblotting employing rat anti‐murine monoclonal antibody, MSA 4–26, The results showed that the precursor of amyloid A protein (AA). serum amyloid A protein 2 (SAA2). and SAA intermediates with molecular weights of 10,000, 9000, and 8000 were contained in amyloid‐laden tissues. The experiment using sonicated spleen cells and acute phase murine sera showed a delay in the degradation rate of SAA2 on cell fragments and the remains of SAAI in supernatants. This result can explain disappearance of SAA2 from the murine serum during amyloidogenesis in vivo.
Does implementing social supplier development practices pay off

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is twofold. First is to investigate the impact of social supplier development practices on the suppliers’ social performance. Second is to analyze if the implementation of supplier development practices by Western buying firms pays off in terms of operational and economic results. Design/methodology/approach – Hypotheses are tested in a sample of 120 Spanish manufacturing firms using Path Analysis. Findings – The results suggest that while supplier development practices help to improve the suppliers’ social performance and the buying firm’s operational performance, they do not pay off in terms of economic performance. Research limitations/implications – The paper shows that supplier development practices help to improve the suppliers’ social performance while improving the operational performance of the buying firm. The study has two main limitations. First, because cross-sectional data are used, possible recursive relationships could not be accounted for. Second, the s.
Evaluation of sample preparation methods for nuclear magnetic resonance metabolic profiling studies with Eisenia fetida

The earthworm Eisenia fetida is frequently used in ecotoxicological studies; however, it has not yet been investigated using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) metabolic profiling methods. The present study investigates the impact of depuration time, sample homogenization, and different extraction solvents on the quality and reproducibility of the 1H NMR spectra of E. fetida with the goal of determining whether this species is suitable for future metabonomic studies. A depuration time of 96 h, followed by intact lyophilization before homogenization and extraction into a deuterium oxide (D2O)‐based phosphate buffer, was found to produce extracts with excellent 1H NMR reproducibility. The D2O buffer extracted the largest quantity of the widest variety of earthworm metabolites, which is consistent with the results from other studies using different earthworm species. Nuclear magnetic resonance assignments of the major metabolites in the D2O‐based buffer also were performed and found to be similar to those for other earthworm species, such as Eisenia veneta, but also to have characteristic attributes in E. fetida. The major metabolites identified include amino acids (alanine, arginine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, leucine, lysine, phenylalanine, serine, tyrosine, and valine), two sugars (glucose and maltose), the sugar alcohol mannitol, and the polyalcohol inositol. Two other earthworm species (Lumbricus rubellus and Lumbricus terrestris) also were examined using protocols developed for E. fetida, and of the three species, the 1H NMR spectra of E. fetida had the least variation, indicating this species is well‐suited for future metabolomic‐based ecotoxicity studies.
Credit Growth in Emerging Europe: A Cause for Stability Concerns?

High credit growth in Emerging Europe, generally considered a sign of catching-up with the"old"Europe, has begun receiving considerable attention among investors and policymakers alike. Given heightened global risks and the demands under the European Union accession process, the need to better understand this high credit growth's drivers, riskiness, and the possible macroeconomic and financial stability consequences is strong. The authors adopt a holistic approach in reviewing the rapid credit growth experienced in the region, examining macroeconomic, financial sector, corporate sector, and asset market consequences and possible vulnerabilities. They consider three possible scenarios-a catching-up with older European countries, a soft landing as experienced by Portugal in the early 2000s, and a hard landing as experienced by Asia in 1997.
Protein array autoantibody profiles for insights into systemic lupus erythematosus and incomplete lupus syndromes

The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and clinical significance of a spectrum of autoantibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus and incomplete lupus syndromes using a proteome microarray bearing 70 autoantigens. Microarrays containing candidate autoantigens or control proteins were printed on 16‐section slides. These arrays were used to profile 93 serum samples from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE (n = 33), incomplete LE (ILE; n = 23), first‐degree relatives (FDRs) of SLE patients (n = 20) and non‐autoimmune controls (NC; n = 17). Data were analysed using the significance analysis of microarray (SAM) and clustering algorithms. Correlations with disease features were determined. Serum from ILE and SLE patients contained high levels of IgG autoantibodies to 50 autoantigens and IgM autoantibodies to 12 autoantigens. Elevated levels of at least one IgG autoantibody were detected in 26% of SLE and 19% of ILE samples; elevated IgM autoantibodies were present in 13% of SLE and 17% of ILE samples. IgG autoantibodies segregated into seven clusters including two specific for DNA and RNA autoantigens that were correlated with the number of lupus criteria. Three IgG autoantibody clusters specific for collagens, DNA and histones, were correlated with renal involvement. Of the four IgM autoantibody clusters, two were correlated negatively with the number of lupus criteria; none were correlated with renal disease. The IgG : IgM autoantibody ratios generally showed a stepwise increase in the groups following disease burden from NC to SLE. Insights derived from the expanded autoantibody profiling made possible with the antigen array suggest differences in autoreactivity in ILE and SLE. Determining whether the IgM aurotreactivity that predominates in ILE represents an early stage prior to IgG switching or is persistent and relatively protective will require further longitudinal studies.
Latitudinal range shifts in Australian flying-foxes:

Recent range shifts towards higher latitudes have been reported for many animals and plants in the northern hemisphere, and are commonly attributed to changes in climate. Relatively little is known about such changes in the southern hemisphere, although it has been suggested that latitudinal distributions of the fruit-bats Pteropus alecto and Pteropus poliocephalus changed during the 20th century in response to climate change in eastern Australia. However, historical changes in these species distributions have not been examined systematically. In this study we obtained historical locality records from a wide range of sources (including banding and museum records, government wildlife databases and unpublished records), and filtered them for reliability and spatial accuracy.The latitudinal distribution of each species was compared between eight time-periods (1843–1920, 1921–1950, five 10-year intervals between 1950 and 2000, and 2001–2007), using analyses of both the filtered point data (P. alecto 870 records, P. poliocephalus 2506) and presence/absence data within 50 ¥ 50 km grid cells. The results do not support the hypothesis that either species range is shifting in a manner driven by climate change. First, neither the northern or southern range limits of P. poliocephalus (Mackay, Queensland and Melbourne, Victoria respectively) changed over time. Second, P. alecto’s range limit extended southward by 1168 km (approximately 10.5 degrees latitude) during the twentieth century (from approximately Rockhampton, Queensland to Sydney, New South Wales). Within this zone of southward expansion (25–29°S), the percentage of total records that were P. alecto increased from 8% prior to 1950 to 49% in the early 2000s, and local count data showed that its abundance increased from several hundred to more than 10 000 individuals at specific roost sites, as range expansion progressed. Pteropus alecto expanded southward at about 100 km/decade, compared with the 10–26 km/decade rate of isotherm change, and analyses of historical weather data show that the species consequently moved into recently-colder regions than it had previously occupied. Neither climate change nor habitat change could provide simple explanations to explain P. alecto’s observed rapid range shift. More generally, climate change should not be uncritically inferred as a primary driver of species range shifts without careful quantitative analyses.