Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Validation of expert assessment of occupational exposures.

BACKGROUND Assessment by experts may be the best method available for retrospective occupational exposure measurement in community-based studies. This study was undertaken to examine the validity of occupational exposure assessment by comparing the ratings of experienced raters with previously recorded industrial hygiene measurements. METHODS We obtained 50 measurements from industrial hygiene records, covering a variety of jobs and substances and created 47 job descriptions around these measurements. Three raters were asked to assess exposure to a checklist of 19 substances (including those substances which had been measured). We estimated the sensitivity of the raters in correctly detecting those substances known to have been present. RESULTS Using a liberal criterion for the ratings, the average sensitivity among the raters was 90%. Using a more stringent criterion, the average sensitivity was 73%. Among substances coded as present, the raters were quite accurate in rating the relative concentration and frequency of exposure. CONCLUSIONS This trial demonstrated that a team of experienced raters could successfully characterize jobs in which important exposures occurred.
SilNet : Single- and Multi-View Reconstruction by Learning from Silhouettes

The objective of this paper is 3D shape understanding from single and multiple images. To this end, we introduce a new deep-learning architecture and loss function, SilNet, that can handle multiple views in an order-agnostic manner. The architecture is fully convolutional, and for training we use a proxy task of silhouette prediction, rather than directly learning a mapping from 2D images to 3D shape as has been the target in most recent work. We demonstrate that with the SilNet architecture there is generalisation over the number of views -- for example, SilNet trained on 2 views can be used with 3 or 4 views at test-time; and performance improves with more views. We introduce two new synthetics datasets: a blobby object dataset useful for pre-training, and a challenging and realistic sculpture dataset; and demonstrate on these datasets that SilNet has indeed learnt 3D shape. Finally, we show that SilNet exceeds the state of the art on the ShapeNet benchmark dataset, and use SilNet to generate novel views of the sculpture dataset.
PROSPECTS FOR SKILLS-BASED EXPORT GROWTH IN A LABOUR-ABUNDANT, RESOURCE-RICH DEVELOPING ECONOMY

Abstract In an integrated global economy, specialisation in trade is an increasingly prominent strategy. A labour-abundant, resource-rich economy like Indonesia faces stiff competition in labour-intensive manufactures; meanwhile, rapid growth in demand for resources from China and India exposes it to the ‘curse’ of resource wealth. This diminishes prospects for more diversified growth based on renewable resources like human capital. Using an international panel data set we explore the influence of resource wealth, foreign direct investment and human capital on the share of skill-intensive products in exports. FDI and human capital increase this share; resource wealth diminishes it. We use the results to compare Indonesia with Thailand and Malaysia. Indonesia's reliance on skill-intensive exports would have been greater had it achieved higher levels of FDI and skills. Its performance in accumulating these endowments, and its relative resource abundance, impede diversification in production and trade. We present policy options flowing from these findings.
Pengaruh Corporate Social Responsibility Dan Mekanisme Corporate Governance Terhadap Nilai Perusahaan

This study examines the influence of CSR and the mechanism of GCG on firm value. The main reasons are, first, disclosure of social responsibility is very important for the company's reputation. Second, CSR is no longer voluntary. Third, CSR disclosure can be linked to corporate governance. By using a sample of manufacturing companies listed on the Stock Exchange in 2011-2015, this study provides results that (1) disclosure has a positive and significant influence on firm value, (2) managerial ownership has a positive and insignificant influence on the value of the company, ( 3) institutional ownership has a negative and insignificant effect on the value of the company, (4) an independent board of directors has a positive and significant influence on the value of the company, and (5) the audit committee has a positive influence and significant influence on the value of the company
CHARACTERISTICS OF VASORELAXATION RESPONSES IN A RAT MODEL OF METABOLIC SYNDROME

1. Abnormal vasorelaxation responses are seen in the context of various disease states, including obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes. Metabolic syndrome, which is characterized by the concomitant presence of all of these disease states, develops spontaneously in the SHR/NDmcr‐cp (cp/cp) rat (SHR‐cp). The goal of the present study was to determine whether abnormal vasorelaxation responses were present with metabolic syndrome.
Catalytic Core of a Membrane-Associated Eukaryotic Polyphosphate Polymerase

A yeast membrane protein complex contains a domain that generates linear phosphate polymers from adenosine triphosphate. The Mystery of PolyP Polymerase Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) is found in all organisms. In bacteria it is involved in multiple cellular processes, but in eukaryotes its function is less clear and investigation is hampered because the identity of the polyP synthesizing enzyme has been elusive. Previous genetic screens suggested that a yeast vacuolar transporter chaperone may play a role in polyP metabolism. Hothorn et al. (p. 513) have used structural and biochemical studies to show that a domain in this chaperone complex generates polyP from ATP. Crystal structures from various stages of the reaction cycle supply clues for the mechanism and include a structure with a phosphate polymer bound in an enzyme tunnel. This polymerase has been found in a range of organisms where it appears to be important not only in deep-sea organisms contributing to global phosphate cycling, but also in symbiotic fungi exchanging phosphate with their hosts, through to phosphate storage in human protozoan parasites like Leishmania. Polyphosphate (polyP) occurs ubiquitously in cells, but its functions are poorly understood and its synthesis has only been characterized in bacteria. Using x-ray crystallography, we identified a eukaryotic polyphosphate polymerase within the membrane-integral vacuolar transporter chaperone (VTC) complex. A 2.6 angstrom crystal structure of the catalytic domain grown in the presence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) reveals polyP winding through a tunnel-shaped pocket. Nucleotide- and phosphate-bound structures suggest that the enzyme functions by metal-assisted cleavage of the ATP γ-phosphate, which is then in-line transferred to an acceptor phosphate to form polyP chains. Mutational analysis of the transmembrane domain indicates that VTC may integrate cytoplasmic polymer synthesis with polyP membrane translocation. Identification of the polyP-synthesizing enzyme opens the way to determine the functions of polyP in lower eukaryotes.
Decision-Making Process in Japanese Board Room. Audit & Supervisory Board As a Source of Information to Outside Board Members: A Systematic Review

In the context of the Corporate Governance Code enactment in Japan, we examine how newly introduced outside directors in Japanese boards obtain information to take part in the decision-making process. We conducted a systematic review of the literature and found 18 peer-reviewed publications in a time span between 2000 and 2016 that described the asymmetry of information between the insider group of board directors (including the CEO) and the outside board members. Our findings show that for the course of more than a decade, despite all changes and reforms, the role of board directors, whether insiders or outsiders, is still supplementary. They are treated more as advisors than active part in the decision-making process. We reveal different insider sources of information as forming social ties with the CEO and/or inside board directors and collaboration with Audit & Supervisory Board (Kansayaku), which can help reduce this asymmetry and improve the decision-making process. We assume that it will be easier for the outsiders to establish contacts and form social ties with the Audit & Supervisory Board members because of their unspoken lower status and thus to obtain more information about the company internal affairs and discussions that take place during the informal meetings, where only insiders (including the CEO) are present.
Yet another way that phage λ manipulates its Escherichia coli host: λrexB is involved in the lysogenic–lytic switch

The life cycle of phage λ has been studied extensively. Of particular interest has been the process leading to the decision of the phage to switch from lysogenic to lytic cycle. The principal participant in this process is the λcI repressor, which is cleaved under conditions of DNA damage. Cleaved λcI no longer acts as a repressor, allowing phage λ to switch from its lysogenic to lytic cycle. The well‐known mechanism responsible for λcI cleavage is the SOS response. We have recently reported that the Escherichia coli toxin‐antitoxin mazEF pathway inhibits the SOS response; in fact, the SOS response is permitted only in E. coli strains deficient in the expression of the mazEF pathway. Moreover, in strains lysogenic for prophage λ, the SOS response is enabled by the presence of λrexB. λRexB had previously been found to inhibit the degradation of the antitoxin MazE, thereby preventing the toxic action of MazF. Thus, phage λ rexB gene not only safeguards the prophage state by preventing death of its E. coli host but is also indirectly involved in the lysogenic–lytic switch.
A patient and relative centred evaluation of treatment escalation plans: a replacement for the do-not-resuscitate process

The Treatment Escalation Plan (TEP) was introduced into our trust in an attempt to improve patient involvement and experience of their treatment in hospital and to embrace and clarify a wider remit of treatment options than the Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order currently offers. Our experience suggests that the patient and family are rarely engaged in DNR discussions. This is acutely relevant considering that the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) now obliges these discussions to take place. The TEP is a form that the doctor completes, ideally with the competent patient or close relative, documenting what treatment options would be appropriate if that patient were to become acutely unwell. Ventilation of the lungs, cardiac resuscitation, renal replacement therapy, intravenous fluids and antibiotics are all discussed. The study evaluated patient and relative experiences with the TEP. 55 patients or their relatives were interviewed regarding their experience of the TEP and thoughts regarding the process. 96% of patients and relatives evaluated thought that the TEP was a good idea. Free text comments were all positive and only 34% of patients claimed to feel anxious when completing the form. Following this study, the TEP has been expanded hospital wide and into the community within our trust. Discussions are currently taking place in hospitals within our region to introduce the TEP form into other local trusts.
Optimization of β-galactosidase production from lactic acid bacteria

β-galactosidase, commonly known as lactase, represents commercially important enzyme that is prevalently used for lactose hydrolysis in milk and whey. To the date, it has been isolated from various sources. In this study different strains of lactic acid bacteria were assessed for their β-galactosidase productivity, and Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 resulted with the highest production potential. Thereafter, optimal conditions for accomplishing high yields of β-galactosidase activity were determined. Maximal specific activity (1.01 IU mL-1) was accomplished after 2 days shake flask culture fermentation (150 rpm) at 37oC, with modified Man Rogosa Sharpe culture broth using lactose (2.5%) as sole carbon source. Finally, in order to intensify release of intracellular β-galactosidase different mechanical and chemical methods were conducted. Nevertheless, vortexing with quartz sand (150 μm) as abrasive was proven to be the most efficient method of cell disruption. The optimum temperature of obtained β-galactosidase was 45°C and the optimum range pH 6.5-7.5.
A bifunctional urease enhances survival of pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica and Morganella morganii at low pH

To infect a susceptible host, the gastrointestinal pathogen Yersinia enterocolitica must survive passage through the acid environment of the stomach. In this study, we showed that Y. enterocolitica serotype O8 survives buffered acidic conditions as low as pH 1.5 for long periods of time provided urea is available. Acid tolerance required an unusual cytoplasmically located urease that was activated 780-fold by low-pH conditions. Acid tolerance of Helicobacter species has also been attributed to urease activity, but in that case urease was not specifically activated by low-pH conditions. A ure mutant strain of Y. enterocolitica was constructed which was hypersensitive to acidic conditions when urea was available and, unlike the parental strain, was unable to grow when urea was the sole nitrogen source. Examination of other urease-producing gram-negative bacteria indicated that Morganella morganii survives in acidic conditions but Escherichia coli 1021, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Providencia stuartii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa do not. Consistent with these results, biochemical evidence demonstrated that Y. enterocolitica and M. morganii ureases were activated in vitro by low pH with an unusually low activity optimum of pH 5.5. In whole cells activation occurred as medium values decreased below pH 3.0 for Y. enterocolitica and pH 5.5 for M. morganii, suggesting that in vivo activation occurs as a result of cytoplasmic acidification. DNA sequence analysis of portions of the M. morganii ure locus showed that the predicted primary structure of the enzyme structural subunits is most similar to those of Y. enterocolitica urease. One region of similarity between these two ureases located near the active site is distinct from most other ureases but is present in the urease of Lactobacillus fermentum. This region of similarity may be responsible for the unique properties of the Y. enterocolitica and M. morganii ureases since the L. fermentum urease also has been shown to have a low pH optimum for activity.
Multinational investment and the value of growth options: Alignment of incremental strategy to environmental uncertainty

Research Summary One of the motivations for multinational firms' investment in foreign affiliates in uncertain environments is the future growth opportunities the investment may bring. We argue that whether firms derive growth option value from their multinational investment is determined by the interaction between market uncertainty and firms' incremental investment strategy. We show evidence that multinational investment creates growth option value for firms operating affiliates in host countries with high market uncertainty. In such uncertain environments, however, incremental investment strategies—limiting the equity stake or the size of investment in affiliates, across all countries or within each country—prove critical to the value of growth options. Creating growth option value therefore requires an alignment of firms' incremental investment strategy to the uncertain country environments they confront. Managerial Summary Managers have long recognized the importance of taking an incremental approach to strategy making, but evidence on whether and when strategic incrementalism is valuable to firms remains scarce. This study focuses on two ways Japanese multinational firms invest incrementally in the context of foreign expansion—by limiting the equity stake or the size of investment in their foreign affiliates—and analyzes when such incremental strategies create valuable growth options that translate into market value. We find that these strategies, whether implemented across all host countries or within each country, do create significant growth option value, provided that market uncertainty is high. The findings highlight the importance of aligning firms' incremental strategy to the environmental uncertainties they confront, in line with the core notion of “fit” in strategic management.
Investigation assessing the publicly available evidence supporting postmarketing withdrawals, revocations and suspensions of marketing authorisations in the EU since 2012

Objectives To assess the sources of publicly available evidence supporting withdrawal, revocation or suspension of marketing authorisations (‘regulatory actions’) due to safety reasons in the EU since 2012 and to investigate the time taken since initial marketing authorisation to reach these regulatory decisions. Setting This investigation examined the sources of evidence supporting 18 identified prescription medicinal products which underwent regulatory action due to safety reasons within the EU in the period 1 July 2012 to 31 December 2016. Results Eighteen single or combined active substances (‘medicinal products’) withdrawn, revoked or suspended within the EU for safety reasons between 2012 and 2016 met the inclusion criteria. Case reports were most commonly cited, supporting 94.4% of regulatory actions (n=17), followed by randomised controlled trial, meta-analyses, animal and in vitro, ex vivo or in silico study designs, each cited in 72.2% of regulatory actions (n=13). Epidemiological study designs were least commonly cited (n=8, 44.4%). Multiple sources of evidence contributed to 94.4% of regulatory decisions (n=17). Death was the most common adverse drug reaction leading to regulatory action (n=5; 27.8%), with four of these related to medication error or overdose. Median (IQR) time taken to reach a decision from the start of regulatory review was found to be 204.5 days (143, 535 days) and decreased across the study period. Duration of marketing prior to regulatory action, from the medicinal product’s authorisation date, increased across the period 2012–2016. Conclusions The sources of evidence supporting pharmacovigilance regulatory activities appear to have changed since implementation of Directive 2010/84/EU and Regulation (EU) No. 1235/2010. This, together with a small improvement in regulatory efficiency, suggests progress towards more rapid regulatory decisions based on more robust evidence. Future research should continue to monitor sources of evidence supporting regulatory decisions and the time taken to reach these decisions over time.
No Preventive Effect of Dietary Fiber Against Colon Cancer in the Japanese Population: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

The report of Fuchs et al. in 1999 on the protective effects of dietary fiber (DF) against colon carcinogenesis has led many researchers to question the benefits of DF. We analyzed the relationship between dietary intake and mortality from colon cancer in Japan cross-sectionally. Dietary data were taken from the National Nutrition Survey. The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was calculated using data from "Vital Statistics" and "the Population Census in Japan. " Multiple regression analysis (stepwise variable selection method) was performed with the SMR of colon cancer as the objective variable and intake of DF, nutrients, and food groups in 1966 as the explanatory variables. The beta regression coefficient was significantly positive for intakes of fat, protein, and vitamin C and significantly negative for intakes of calcium and vitamin A to the SMR of colon cancer. However, no significant correlation was observed for DF or for any of the various food groups analyzed. In conclusion, our data do not demonstrate any protective effect of DF on colon cancer in subjects with a low fat intake (Japanese subjects), which supports Fuchs' findings in subjects with high fat intake (U.S. subjects).
Social networks in fitness centres: the impact of fan engagement on annual turnover

Few studies to date discuss the use of social networks or examine whether they have a positive impact on user engagement and the turnover of sports entities. This study aims to analyse the use of social networks (that is, the number of fans/followers) by the 194 companies belonging to code 9313 of the National Classification of Economic Activities in Spain; to analyse the corresponding of engagement on Facebook and Twitter; and, to examine the relationship between this engagement and the annual turnover of each company. The results indicate that these companies use ten social networks (Facebook and Twitter being the most common) and that a positive relationship exists between the number of fans/followers and their engagement and the revenue of the fitness centres. This study shows that social networks should form part of the marketing strategies of sports entities, as they generate good content and value via their posts, so that users who are fans/followers have a greater sense of belonging to these centres.
Attachment of Porphyromonas gingivalis to corroded commercially pure titanium and titanium-aluminum-vanadium alloy.

BACKGROUND Titanium dental material can become corroded because of electrochemical interaction in the oral environment. The corrosion process may result in surface modification. It was hypothesized that a titanium surface modified by corrosion may enhance the attachment of periodontal pathogens. This study evaluates the effects of corroded titanium surfaces on the attachment of Porphyromonas gingivalis. METHODS Commercially pure titanium (cp-Ti) and titanium-aluminum-vanadium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) disks were used. Disks were anodically polarized in a standard three-electrode setting in a simulated oral environment with artificial saliva at pH levels of 3.0, 6.5, or 9.0. Non-corroded disks were used as controls. Surface roughness was measured before and after corrosion. Disks were inoculated with P. gingivalis and incubated anaerobically at 37°C. After 6 hours, the disks with attached P. gingivalis were stained with crystal violet, and attachment was expressed based on dye absorption at optical density of 550 nm. All assays were performed independently three times in triplicate. Data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance, the Tukey honestly significant difference test, t test, and Pearson's correlation test (α = 0.05). RESULTS Both cp-Ti and Ti-6Al-4V alloy-corroded disks promoted significantly more bacterial attachment (11.02% and 41.78%, respectively; P <0.0001) than did the non-corroded controls. Significantly more (11.8%) P. gingivalis attached to the cp-Ti disks than to the Ti-6Al-4V alloy disks (P <0.05). No significant difference in P. gingivalis attachment was noted among the corroded groups for both cp-Ti and Ti-6Al-4V alloy (P >0.05). There was no significant correlation between surface roughness and P. gingivalis attachment. CONCLUSION A higher degree of corrosion on the titanium surface may promote increased bacterial attachment by oral pathogens.