Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Perceived importance of sustainability dimensions in the Portuguese metal industry

ABSTRACT The growing interest of stakeholders regarding the contribution of organizations to Sustainable Development is influencing organizational behavior and strategic planning. The purpose of the present paper is to analyze the perception of the importance of organizational sustainability dimensions in a relevant economic sector: the metal industry. Survey data was collected from a sample of 211 Portuguese industries, and non-parametric statistical tests were used to validate five research hypotheses regarding the importance of the economic, environmental, social and cultural dimensions of sustainability. The results obtained demonstrate awareness of the sampled industries regarding all sustainability dimensions, recognizing that their importance has been increasing over the years, and prospecting that this importance will continue to increase in the future. The industries in this sample revealed different degrees of perceived importance for the different sustainability dimensions: the highest importance was given to the economic dimension, and culture was considered the least important sustainability dimension. However, the perception of the respondents is that these differences will be less relevant in the future. The results also show that companies with certified management systems reveal a higher perceived importance regarding sustainability dimensions. Also, industries with higher values of annual turnover, number of employees and export sales tend to give higher degrees of importance to sustainability dimensions. Considering the economic, environmental and social impacts of metal industries at an international level, the awareness of this industrial sector regarding the importance of sustainability is a relevant step to the commitment towards Sustainable Development.
The Role of (cid:1) 6-Containing Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Nicotine Reward and Withdrawal

The (cid:1) 6 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunit is involved in nicotine-stimulated dopamine release in the striatum. It is expressed in brain regions and coexpressed with nAChR subtypes implicated in nicotine dependence behaviors; hence, this subunit may play a role in nicotine dependence. Using the (cid:1) 6-selective antagonist (cid:1) -conotoxin H9A;L15A (MII[H9A; L15A]), we determined the role of (cid:1) 6* nAChRs in the pharmacological and behavioral effects of nicotine. We measured ef- fects of pretreatment with MII[H9A;L15A] on analgesia, locomotion, and body temperature after a single injection of nicotine. Effects of MII[H9A;L15A] on nicotine reward were measured using the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm. We further measured physical (somatic signs and hyper- algesia) and affective [anxiety-related behavior and conditioned place aversion (CPA)] nicotine withdrawal behaviors after ex- tended nicotine exposure. Results showed that MII[H9A;L15A] did not block acute nicotine effects on the behaviors measured. Conversely, MII[H9A:l15A] blocked the expression of nicotine CPP, as well as withdrawal-associated CPA and anxiety-re- lated behavior in the elevated plus maze, but not withdrawal-induced somatic signs or hyperalgesia. These results suggest a role for the (cid:1) 6 nAChR subunit in nicotine reward and affective nicotine withdrawal but not acute nicotine-induced or physical withdrawal behaviors.
Push-pull factors of E-Learning in the hotel industry

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to adopt the Multi-Theme Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory to explore the push and pull factors for the usage of E-learning. Design/methodology/approach – The framework was developed from a review and synthesis of the literature. More specifically, gaps in the literature were identified and a push/pull factor for E-learning in hotel industry was investigated. Findings – This paper clarify the pull or push factors with the help of research conclusions and have a more direct and effective influence on the usage of E-learning for the employees of the hotel industry. Research limitations/implications – This study can serve as a foundation for future research in E-learning for the employees of the hotel industry. More specifically, expects to distinguish whether or not it is the push factor or the pull factor that has a more direct and effective influence on the utilization, which is an important contribution. Practical implications – The study evaluate pull.
The need for economic performance measures for life cycle costing of sustainable commercial office buildings

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the current level of awareness, usage and advocated benefits of economic performance measures of life cycle costing (LCC) in sustainable commercial office buildings. Design/methodology/approach Questionnaire survey to 120 construction professionals was used to gauge the current level of awareness, usage and advocated benefits of economic performance measures in LCC. Findings The key findings of the statistical analysis indicated that there is a low awareness and usage of economic performance measures, and revealing the entire value of capital outflow alternatives was the most advocated benefit of its application. Research limitations/implications Although the data used in this paper were from professionally qualified members of either the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the British Institute for Facilities Management (BIFM), the research is limited in some ways in that it does not cover all the professionals in the construction industry. Nevertheless, all the professionals who responded to the questionnaire have up-to-date level of awareness of economic performance measures in LCC. Practical implications The use of economic performance measures helps to make available the information required for building performance. Therefore, economic performance methods in LCC are useful devices for users to appraise and distribute recognisable values from initial costs, operating and maintenance costs to clients in the life cycle of an asset. Social implications Value for money for construction products and its facilities should not be viewed only in terms of costs to design and construction. Rather, it is vital for corporate occupants and society in general to consider other key variables such as operations, maintenance, renovation, replacement and end-of-life costs. Originality/value This study fills the gap in the existing knowledge by addressing concerns over performance measurement to improve the confidence in LCC for sustainable commercial office buildings.
Is Etanercept 25 mg Once Weekly as Effective as 50 mg at Maintaining Response in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis? A Randomized Control Trial

Objective. To investigate, in a pilot randomized controlled trial, whether etanercept (ETN) 25 mg once weekly is effective at maintaining a clinical response in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who have responded to the standard 50 mg dose. Methods. Adults with AS not responding to conventional therapies were prescribed ETN 50 mg once weekly for 6 months. Responders as defined by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) were randomly assigned to taper to 25 mg once weekly or continue on 50 mg and followed for a further 6 months. The primary outcome measure was maintenance of a 50% reduction in the BASDAI or fall in BASDAI by ≥ 2 units and a ≥ 2-unit reduction in BASDAI spinal pain as measured on a 10-point visual analog scale at 6 months postrandomization. Results. Of 89 patients assessed for eligibility, 59 were enrolled; 47 (80%) had sufficient clinical response and were eligible for randomization, 24 were assigned to continue receiving ETN 50 mg, and 23 to taper to 25 mg. After 6 months, 20 (83%) of the 50 mg arm maintained clinical response compared with 12 (52%) of the 25 mg arm (a difference of −31%, 95% CI −58% – −5%). Conclusion. Although this pilot study demonstrates that treatment with ETN 25 mg was less effective at maintaining treatment response in the stepdown phase, 52% of participants maintained treatment response. Future research should address which patients are suitable for tapering.
Connections between New Hampshire superintendents' leadership orientations and their perceptions of selected issues associated with politics in education

Many Americans, including educational professionals, eschew politics in classrooms, administrative offices, or any interaction with the educational system. The apolitical myth has it roots in the struggle for public schooling by common school crusaders like Horace Mann and Henry Barnard and continuing in the twentieth century with adoption of Frederick Taylor's scientific management principles. Despite commonly held notions of the separateness and distance between politics and education, this study concludes that politics in education is inevitable. The purpose of the study is to uncover connections between superintendents' leadership orientations and their political behaviors and beliefs using a multiple perspectives approach. Bolman and Deal's (1984, 1992, 1997) typology of leadership theories postulated into four frames or ways of seeing (structural, human resource, political, and symbolic) serves as the conceptual framework. Frames as cognitive lenses open superintendents to viewing a broader range of potential and influential actions. Research establishing multiple perspectives recognizes the desirability for developing cognitive complexity (Bensimon, Neumann, & Birnbaum, 1989). Developing superintendents' cognitive complexity, the ability to move within frames, support challenges of change, uncertainty, and ambiguity inherent in the superintendency. This inquiry into the politics of education seeks the perspective of one of the major actors, the school superintendent. Using survey methodology, school superintendents in New Hampshire identify their leadership orientations and their perceptions of the political resources and actions used to influence outcomes in their school districts. This study concludes that New Hampshire superintendents are not unlike superintendents nationally in identifying the human resource frame as their dominant frame. Patterns of leadership orientations categorize into those focused on two frames and those distributed over three frames. Unlike findings from many studies, sixty-one percent of New Hampshire superintendents' leadership orientations are distributed over three frames. Despite lower orientation rates for a political frame perspective, New Hampshire superintendents actively engage in politics.
Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS): Circadian temperature variation

Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) is a rare neurocristopathy, which includes a control of breathing deficit and features of autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysregulation. In recognition of the fundamental role of the ANS in temperature regulation and rhythm and the lack of any prior characterization of circadian temperature rhythms in CCHS, we sought to explore peripheral and core temperatures and circadian patterning. We hypothesized that CCHS patients would exhibit lower peripheral skin temperatures (PST), variability, and circadian rhythmicity (vs. controls), as well as a disrupted relationship between core body temperature (CBT) and PST.
Selective destabilization of tumor cells with pulsed electric and magnetic sequences: a preliminary report

Background: Various studies in vitro suggest that low electric and magnetic fields may modify cancer cell growth and recent studies in vivo have revealed anti-tumoral effects. After screening different tumor cell lines, we identified specific sequences of localized magnetic and electric fields (MESQ) that reduce cancer cell survival in vitro. This finding led us to design an experiment to determine the actual efficacy of above sequences in selectively destabilizing tumor cells and their effect on healthy cells. Materials and Methods: We exposed the MCF7 cancer cell line and normal fibroblasts to MESQ for 1, 2, 3 and 6 hours, evaluating cell survival and induction of apoptosis. Results: Exposure to MESQ reduced MCF7 survival, inducing apoptosis in a timedependent way, whereas fibroblasts were completely unaffected. Conclusion: These results have promising implications for the treatment of cancer and warrant further research.
A mouse model of the atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome by repeated application of a crude extract of house‐dust mite Dermatophagoides farinae

Background: We cultured Dermatophagoides farinae (Df), one of the most common mites in house dust and the most important allergen among natural allergens. With this material, we attempted to produce an animal model of the atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome (AEDS).
PRESCHOOL TEACHER CHARACTERISTICS: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND CLASSROOM QUALITY

Effects of professional development, moderated by teacher characteristics, on classroom quality in early childhood settings were evaluated using secondary data from the Teacher Professional Development Study (funded by the NCRECE), as accessed through Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR). 210 teachers in early childhood settings received different forms of professional development and were randomly assigned to treatment groups. The goal of the professional development was to increase classroom quality as measured by the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS). At the completion of the study, four groups existed: Course and Consultancy, Course only, Consultancy only, and Control. Initial results showed that teacher characteristics play an important role in the effectiveness of the intervention. Specifically the consultancy component proved to be the most beneficial for teachers who have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The course component did not impact CLASS scores. Teacher age had a small influence on the effectiveness of this professional development treatment. The number of years that a teacher has worked in their current program had no effect on classroom quality.
Baseline MRI predicts future attacks and disability in clinically isolated syndromes

Objective: To determine the relation between baseline MRI and both conversion to multiple sclerosis (MS) and development of disability in a cohort of patients with clinically isolated syndromes (CIS). Methods: From 1995 to 1998, 175 consecutive patients with CIS underwent brain MRI within 3 months of their first attack and again 12 months and 5 years later. We studied the number and location of lesions at baseline and development of new T2 lesions. We also analyzed conversion to MS and development of disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] ≥ 3.0). Results: We included 156 patients with CIS followed for a median of 7 years. Compared to the reference group with 0 Barkhof criteria at baseline MRI, patients with one or two Barkhof criteria showed an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 6.1 (2.2 to 16.6) and patients with three to four Barkhof criteria of 17.0 (6.7 to 43) for conversion to MS and differentiated patients with low, medium, and high conversion risk. EDSS at year 5 correlated with baseline number of Barkhof criteria (r = 0.46, p < 0.0001). When categorizing by number of baseline lesions, similar results were seen. Patients with a baseline MRI with three to four Barkhof criteria had an adjusted HR of 3.9 (1.1 to 13.6) for reaching EDSS ≥ 3.0. Only 10% of the latter had disability at year 5, but 40% reached this at 8 years. Conclusions: Baseline MRI determines the risk for converting to clinically definite multiple sclerosis and correlates with disability at 5 years. The proportion of patients developing disability is low during the first 5 years but rapidly increases shortly after.
Three-year trials of personal therapy among schizophrenic patients living with or independent of family, I: Description of study and effects on relapse rates.

OBJECTIVE The study of individual psychotherapeutic approaches to the treatment of schizophrenia has yielded equivocal findings, partly because of methodologic problems. Further, the ability of psychosocial treatments to prevent psychotic relapse appears to lessen over time. The authors' goal was to develop and test a demonstrably effective individual therapy for schizophrenia. METHOD Using a study design that addressed previous methodologic issues, the authors evaluated personal therapy specifically designed to forestall late relapse in patients with schizophrenia. They evaluated the effectiveness of personal therapy over a period of 3 years after hospital discharge among 151 patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder diagnosed according to Research Diagnostic Criteria. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either personal therapy or contrasting therapies in one of two concurrent trials. One trial studied patients who were living with family (N = 97); the other studied patients who were living independent of family (N = 54). RESULTS All of the patients had extensive psychiatric histories, but only 44 (29%) experienced recurrent psychotic episodes over the 3-year study period, and only 27 (18%) prematurely terminated the study; most of those who left the study were in the no-personal-therapy conditions. Among patients living with family, personal therapy was more effective than family and supportive therapies in preventing psychotic and affective relapse as well as noncompliance. However, among patients living independent of family, those who received personal therapy had significantly more psychotic decompensations than did those who received supportive therapy. CONCLUSIONS Personal therapy had a positive effect on adverse outcomes among patients who lived with family. However, personal therapy increased the rate of psychotic relapse for patients living independent of family. The application of personal therapy might best be delayed until patients have achieved symptom and residential stability.
Anti-HHV-8/KSHV antibodies in infected individuals inhibit infection in vitro

Objective: To detect human herpesvirus (HHV)-8/Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) neutralizing antibodies (nAb). Design: Antibodies capable of inhibiting HHV-8 infection were measured by infecting transformed dermal microvascular endothelial cells (tDMVEC) with HHV-8 that had been pre-incubated with serum from HHV-8-seropositive or -seronegative subjects. The level of infection was quantified 48 h later. Methods: HHV-8 was prepared from JSC-1 primary effusion lymphoma cells; the titre of enveloped virions was determined by electron microscopy. Virus was incubated with serum samples for 60 min before inoculating tDMVEC. The level of infection was quantified by indirect immunofluorescence assay, staining for HHV-8 latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA)-1. Inhibition of infection was determined by comparing the level of infection obtained with HHV-8-seropositive subject serum with the level obtained by incubation with seronegative serum. Results: Up to 61% of cells were infected with HHV-8 in the absence of human serum; this level was not affected by pre-incubating the virus with HHV-8-seronegative serum. At dilutions of 1 : 10 and 1 : 50, HHV-8-seropositive sera significantly inhibited infection compared to seronegative controls (P = 0.036 for both serum dilutions, Mann–Whitney). The endpoint of inhibition was 1 : 100, when the serum of one of five subjects inhibited virus infection. At 1 : 500 dilution, there was no difference in the level of infection after virus incubation with seropositive or seronegative sera (P = 0.578). Depletion of antibody from serum with protein A reversed the inhibitory effect, confirming it was antibody-mediated. Conclusions: This study is the first to identify HHV-8 antibodies in infected subjects that reduce in vitro infectivity of the virus.
Pharmacological modulation of the endocannabinoid system in a viral model of multiple sclerosis

Theiler's virus infection of the central nervous system (CNS) induces an immune‐mediated demyelinating disease in susceptible mouse strains and serves as a relevant infection model for human multiple sclerosis (MS). Cannabinoids have been shown to exert beneficial effects on animal models of MS and evidence suggests that the endocannabinoid system plays a role in the tonic control of spasticity. In this study we show that OMDM1 [(R)‐N‐oleoyl‐(1′‐hydroxybenzyl)‐2′‐ethanolamine] and OMDM2 [(S)‐N‐oleoyl‐(1′‐hydroxybenzyl)‐2′‐ethanolamine], two selective inhibitors of the putative endocannabinoid transporter and hence of endocannabinoid inactivation, provide an effective therapy for Theiler murine encephalomyelitis virus‐induced demyelinating disease (TMEV‐IDD). Treatment of TMEV‐infected mice with OMDM1 and OMDM2 enhanced anandamide levels in the spinal cord and ameliorated motor symptoms. This was associated with a down‐regulation of inflammatory responses in the spinal cord. In addition we show that OMDM1 and OMDM2 down‐regulate macrophage function by (i) decreasing the surface expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules, (ii) inhibiting nitric oxide synthase‐2 (NOS‐2) expression and (iii) reducing the production of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β) and interleukin‐12 (IL‐12p40). Taken together, these results point to the manipulation of the endocannabinoid system as a possible strategy to develop future MS therapeutic drugs.
Insular Cortex Lesions Impair the Acquisition of Conditioned Immunosuppression

Conditioned immunosuppression can be readily obtained in animals by associating a taste with an immunosuppressive drug. On subsequent exposure to the conditioned taste, the animals show an attenuated immune response and also exhibit a conditioned taste aversion. It has been established that insular cortex lesions disrupt the acquisition of conditioned taste aversion. The effect of NMDA-induced lesions in either the insular cortex or the parietal cortex of male Wistar rats was evaluated in the acquisition of conditioned immunosuppression in two experiments. Unlesioned control rats showed the conditioned immunosuppressive response after reexposure to the taste, as indicated by lower hemagglutinating titers to sheep red blood cells in the first experiment and by a decreased IgM production to ovalbumin, measured by ELISA, in the second experiment. Insular cortex-lesioned rats did not show the conditioned immunosuppression in either experiment, while parietal cortex lesions and the sham-lesioned animals presented a clear decrease of hemagglutinating titer and a low IgM production. The insular cortex lesions did not affect the normal immune response, showing normal hemagglutinating titers and IgM production when compared to nonconditioned controls. The immunosuppressive action of cyclophosphamide also remained unaltered. In conclusion, these results show that the insular cortex is essential for the acquisition of conditioned immunosuppression.