Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Motivational Factors of Employee Retention and Engagement in Organizations

Retention is the process of physically keeping employee members in an organization as it is one of the key fundamentals that are necessary for organizational success. In a globalized environment, retention and engagement of high prospective employees are a huge challenge to organizations especially in times of high turnover rates. In many cases, even engaged employees are sometimes dissatisfied with the outcomes of organizational performance which may lead them to look elsewhere. Due to these reasons, this theoretical paper investigates motivational factors that influence employee retention and examines their impacts on both organizations and employees. This paper argues the motivational factors that are crucial in influencing employee retention are financial rewards, job characteristics, career development, recognition, management and work-life balance. Thus, organizations should formulate appropriate retention strategies in a holistic manner to reduce turnover rates, and these require a commitment from employers, but it will be well worth the investment in the long term. Keywords: Employee Retention, Engagement, Motivational Factors.
Consumer satisfaction and loyalty in private-label food stores

Purpose – This study aims to determine which factors underlie the store attributes that contribute to a particular food store image. Furthermore, heightened recent attention to private labels in the food retailing industry creates the need to assess whether the factors vary, depending on customers' brand proneness and their impact on key marketing performance variables (satisfaction, attitudinal loyalty, behavioural loyalty). Design/methodology/approach – The proposed analysis features 211 questionnaires out of a sample of 391 consumers surveys gathered in four different store formats; 137 of which were completed by consumers who admitting being private label prone, and 74 pertaining to consumers who considered themselves national brand prone. The underlying food store factors were identified using factorial analysis of principal components, and their influence on consumers' satisfaction and loyalty was evaluated with linear parametric regression models. Findings – Store attributes related to providing su.
Comparison of two point-of-care testing (POCT) devices for fetal lactate during labor

Abstract Background: Point-of-care testing (POCT) of fetal scalp blood lactate is used as an alternative for pH analysis. Lactate measurements have not been standardized and values vary with each device used. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of two POCT lactate meters for intrapartum use. Methods: Analytical performance of StatStrip Lactate (Nova Biomedical) and Lactate Pro (Arkray) was evaluated using CLSI EP10. Both POCT meters were compared with our lactate reference method (RapidLab 860; Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics) using fetal scalp and neonatal cord blood. Deming regression analysis was performed. Results: StatStrip Lactate coefficients of variation (CVs) were 5.1%, 5.0% and 2.6% at 0.9, 7.5 and 14.1 mmol/L lactate, respectively. CVs for Lactate Pro were 10.7%, 5.2% and 5.7% at 1.7, 4.1 and 6.4 mmol/L lactate, respectively. Consecutive lactate measurements in 37 fetal scalp and 122 cord blood samples revealed different test characteristics for the two POCT devices. In fetal scalp blood: StatStrip Lactate=1.13*RapidLab–0.39 (R2=0.907) and Lactate Pro=0.95*RapidLab–0.03 (R2=0.823). In cord artery blood: StatStrip Lactate=1.08*RapidLab–0.09 (R2=0.810) and Lactate Pro=0.72*RapidLab+0.59 (R2=0.807). Conclusions: Overall performance of both Lactate Pro and StatStrip Lactate was good, with StatStrip Lactate having smallest CVs and closest correlation to our reference method. Both StatStrip Lactate and Lactate Pro can be used as a lactate POCT device for obstetric use.
Quantitative immunohistologic criteria are superior to the lymphocytic focus score criterion for the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of quantitative immunohistologic criteria for Sjögren's syndrome (SS) in labial salivary gland biopsies. METHODS Quantitative immunohistologic examination was performed on labial salivary gland biopsy samples from 80 healthy controls, 32 patients with primary SS, 14 patients with secondary SS, 5 with "probable" SS, 36 with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) with a lymphocytic focus score less than 1 on the lip biopsy, and 18 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) without clinical evidence of SS. RESULTS This is the first study to show that immunohistologic criteria for SS, based on the percentages of IgA-containing and IgG-containing plasma cells, are able to 1) confirm the diagnosis of SS in labial salivary glands of KCS patients in the absence of grade IV lymphocytic adenitis; and 2) distinguish between a grade IV focal lymphocytic adenitis in the labial salivary glands of SS patients and of RA patients without SS. CONCLUSION Quantitative immunohistologic criteria were shown to be much more sensitive and disease specific than the widely accepted grade IV lymphocytic adenitis criterion, which corresponds to a lymphocytic focus score greater than 1, and these criteria should be included in the international diagnostic criteria for Sjögren's syndrome.
Unexpected Complexity in the Mechanisms That Target Assembly of the Spectrin Cytoskeleton*

The spectrin cytoskeleton assembles within discrete regions of the plasma membrane in a wide range of animal cell types. Although recent studies carried out in vertebrate systems indicate that spectrin assembly occurs indirectly through the adapter protein ankyrin, recent studies in Drosophila have established that spectrin can also assemble through a direct ankyrin-independent mechanism. Here we tested specific regions of the spectrin molecule for a role in polarized assembly and function. First, we tested mutant β-spectrins lacking ankyrin binding activity and/or the COOH-terminal pleckstrin homology (PH) domain for their assembly competence in midgut, salivary gland, and larval brain. Remarkably, three different assembly mechanisms operate in these three cell types: 1) neither site was required for assembly in salivary gland; 2) only the PH domain was required in midgut copper cells; and 3) either one of the two sites was sufficient for spectrin assembly in larval brain. Further characterization of the PH domain revealed that it binds strongly to lipid mixtures containing phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) but not phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate. A K8Q mutation in the lipid binding region of the PH domain eliminated the PIP2 interaction in vitro, yet the mutant protein retained full biological function in vivo. Reporter gene studies revealed that PIP2 and the spectrin PH domain codistribute with one another in cells but not with authentic wild type αβ-spectrin. Thus, it appears that the PH domain imparts membrane targeting activity through a second mechanism that takes precedence over its PIP2 binding activity.
Long-term photometric behaviour of outbursting AM CVn systems

The AM CVn systems are a class of He-rich, post-period minimum, semidetached, ultracompact binaries. Their long-term light curves have been poorly understood due to the few systems known and the long (hundreds of days) recurrence times between outbursts. We present combined photometric light curves from the Lincoln Near Earth Asteroid Research, Catalina Real-Time Transient Survey, and Palomar Transient Factory synoptic surveys to study the photometric variability of these systems over an almost 10 yr period. These light curves provide a much clearer picture of the outburst phenomena that these systems undergo. We characterize the photometric behaviour of most known outbursting AM CVn systems and establish a relation between their outburst properties and the systems’ orbital periods. We also explore why some systems have only shown a single outburst so far and expand the previously accepted phenomenological states of AM CVn systems. We conclude that the outbursts of these systems show evolution with respect to the orbital period, which can likely be attributed to the decreasing mass transfer rate with increasing period. Finally, we consider the number of AM CVn systems that should be present in modelled synoptic surveys.
Goodness-of-fit tests based on spacings for progressively type-II censored data from a general location-scale distribution

There has been extensive research on goodness-of-fit procedures for testing whether or not a sample comes from a specified distribution. These goodness-of-fit tests range from graphical techniques, to tests which exploit characterization results for the specified underlying model. In this article, we propose a goodness-of-fit test for the location-scale family based on progressively Type-II censored data. The test statistic is based on sample spacings, and generalizes a test procedure proposed by Tiku . The null distribution of the test statistic is shown to be approximated closely by a s-normal distribution. However, in certain situations it would be better to use simulated critical values instead of the s-normal approximation. We examine the performance of this test for the s-normal and extreme-value (Gumbel) models against different alternatives through Monte Carlo simulations. We also discuss two methods of power approximation based on s-normality, and compare the results with those obtained by simulation. Results of the simulation study for a wide range of sample sizes, censoring schemes, and different alternatives reveal that the proposed test has good power properties in detecting departures from the s-normal and Gumbel distributions. Finally, we illustrate the method proposed here using real data from a life-testing experiment. It is important to mention here that this test can be extended to multi-sample situations in a manner similar to that of Balakrishnan et al.
Shiga toxin 2 and lipopolysaccharide cause monocytic THP-1 cells to release factors which activate platelet function

Summary Platelet and monocyte activation may contribute to hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and renal failure associated with the hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) caused by Escherichia coli O157:H7. Since Shiga toxins (Stxs) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from this bacterium are implicated in the pathogenesis of HUS, we examined whether stimulation of THP-1 human monocytic cells by Shiga toxin 2 (Stx2) and LPS can lead to the activation of platelet function. We now show that Stx2 caused THP-1 cells to release the chemokines IL-8, MDC, and RANTES and that the presence of LPS further stimulated this release. IL-8 was produced in greatest amount and was an effective co-agonist for inducing platelet aggregation. Primary human monocytes also released large amounts of IL-8 in response to LPS and Stx2. Factors released by THP-1 cells exposed to Stx2 and LPS activated platelet function as evidenced by increased aggregation, serotonin secretion, P-selectin exposure and by the formation of stable platelet-monocyte aggregates. Our data therefore show that monocytes exposed to E. coli-derived Stx2 and LPS release factors which activate platelet function.
Barriers, Incentives and Facilitators for Adoption of Universal Design Practices by Consumer Product Manufacturers

As electronic technologies become more integrated into education and employment, the ability to access and use these new technologies becomes critical to people with disabilities (40 million people in the U.S. alone) if they are to be able to participate in these environments. A key strategy for ensuring access to these emerging technologies is the practice of universal design - designing products so that they can be directly used by as many people as possible. Universal design is a practice that depends on the standard, mass-market product manufacturers for its implementation. Although there are key examples of universal design practices in the electronic and communication industries, they do not represent the majority of current practice. Little is known or documented about the reasons why universal design is, or is not, practiced. This paper reports on the first phase of a three-year project to explore the practice of universal design of products, including key factors, motivators, disincentives, and barriers to its practice, as well as what activities external to the company would facilitate (or hinder) practice within companies.
Simulation of long‐term consolidation behavior of soft sensitive clay using an elasto‐viscoplastic constitutive model

The phenomenon of excess pore water pressure increase or stagnation and continuing large ground deformation in soft sensitive clay following the completion of construction of embankment is simulated for a case study at Saint Alban, Quebec, Canada. The present model employs an updated Lagrangian finite element framework and is combined with an automatic time increment selection scheme. The simulation based on an elasto‐viscoplastic constitutive model considers soil‐structure degradation effect. It is shown that without consideration for the microstructural degradation effect, it is not possible to reproduce the field responses of soft sensitive clay even during the construction of the embankment. When the soil‐structure degradation effect is considered, the present model can offer reasonably accurate prediction for the consolidation behavior of soft sensitive clay, including the so‐called anomalous pore water pressure generation and continuing large deformation even after the end of construction, which has been posing numerous uncertainties on the long‐term performance of earth structures. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Opportunities for green marketing: young consumers

– The purpose of this paper is to identify important factors that affect Hong Kong adolescent consumers' green purchasing behaviour. , – A total of 6,010 (2,975 males and 3,035 females) adolescents in Hong Kong were recruited through multi‐staged random sampling. They were surveyed on their green purchasing behaviour, environmental attitude, environmental concern, perceived seriousness of environmental problems, perceived environmental responsibility, perceived effectiveness of environmental behaviour, social influence and concern for self‐image in environmental protection. , – Multiple regression analysis showed that social influence was the top predictor of Hong Kong adolescents' green purchasing behaviour, followed by environmental concern as the second, concern for self‐image in environmental protection as the third, and perceived environmental responsibility as the fourth top predictor. , – A major limitation of this study lies in the self‐reported nature of the survey used. Future study should include some objective assessments (such as observations or other‐reported survey) of the subjects' green purchasing behaviour. , – This paper is a useful source of information for international green marketers about what works and what does not in appealing to the young consumers in Hong Kong. , – This paper serves as a pioneer study to identify important factors in affecting young consumers' green purchasing behaviour in the Hong Kong context. It offers practical guidelines to international green marketers planning to target the Asian markets.
Epidemiology and genetic diversity of group A rotavirus in acute diarrhea patients in pre‐vaccination era in southwest China

Group A rotavirus (RVA) is one of the leading cause of acute diarrhea worldwide, the RVA‐related disease burden and the genotypes of RVA is important reference to introduce RVA variance to national immunisation programmes, 1,121 diarrhea cases and 319 healthy controls were recruited from four sentinel hospital outpatient from July 2014 to June 2015. The prevalence of RVA was 244 (21.8%) in gastroenteritis cases and in 12 (3.8%) in healthy controls across all age group (OR = 7.12, 95%CI = 3.93–12.89); the detection rate of RVA in diarrhea patients under 5 years was more higher than in diarrhea cases over 5 years (26.1%, 222/850; 8.1%, 22/271, respectively, P = 0.000). Of 244 RVA strains isolated from acute diarrhea cases, G9 (66.4%) was predominant G genotype, followed by G3 (18.7%), G1 (8.9%), and G1G3 (3.8%); P[8] was the overwhelming prevalence P genotype, followed by P[4] (4.7%); G9P[8] (54.9%) was most common G and P Combination, followed by G3P[8] (17.6%) and G1[8] (8.6%). The conclusion of the study was important to provide reference for introducing the RVA vaccine to prevent and control RVA‐associated disease burden. J. Med. Virol. 89:71–78, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Situational influences on service quality evaluations

Purpose – This study seeks to illustrate empirically how person‐situation variants influence customer assessments of service quality across multiple stages in the service drama.Design/methodology/approach – Using surveys that were systematically distributed to 3,000 passengers boarding 30 different flights (with 432 complete responses), the effects of consumption motive (hedonic versus utilitarian) and service duration (shorter versus longer service encounters) were examined in relationship to perceived time pressure within a multiple‐sequence service encounter.Findings – The results indicate that the consumption motives (utilitarian‐hedonic) of passengers do influence perceptions of service quality, as well as altering perceived time pressure resulting from service delays. Also, the length of the service duration moderates the negative effects of time pressure on perceived service quality.Research limitations/implications – Extrapolating the findings from this research to other service industries should .
Epidemiology and antifungal susceptibility of bloodstream Candida isolates in Quebec: Report on 453 cases between 2003 and 2005.

BACKGROUND Between May 2003 and April 2005, a population-based surveillance of Candida bloodstream infections was conducted in Quebec. A total of 453 episodes of candidemia (464 yeast isolates) from 54 participating hospitals were studied. RESULTS The annual incidence rate was three per 100,000 population. Global hospital mortality was 38%. The most common predisposing factors were the presence of an intravascular catheter (80%), use of antibacterial therapy (67%), stay in an intensive care unit (49%), use of parenteral nutrition (32%) and intra-abdominal surgery (31%). Fluconazole alone or in association with other antifungals was used for treatment in over 80% of cases. Candida albicans comprised 62% of isolates, followed by Candida glabrata (17%), Candida parapsilosis (9%), Candida tropicalis (5%), Candida lusitaniae (3%) and Candida krusei (3%). Of the 288 C albicans isolates, seven (2%) were resistant to flucytosine, one to fluconazole and none to itraconazole or voriconazole. Of the 75 non-C albicans species isolates with reduced susceptibility to fluconazole (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] 16 mug/mL or greater), none were susceptible to itraconazole (MIC 0.12 mg/L or lower), whereas 71 (95%) were susceptible to voriconazole (MIC 1 mug/mL or lower). However, only five of 12 (42%) fluconazole-resistant isolates were susceptible to voriconazole. Posaconazole, ravuconazole and caspofungin displayed a broad spectrum of activity against these isolates, with MICs of 1 mg/L or lower in 56%, 92% and 100% of isolates, respectively. Overall, a correlation (r(2)>0.87) was observed among increasing fluconazole MICs and the geometric mean MICs of itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole and ravuconazole. CONCLUSIONS These surveillance results when compared with those of the 1993 to 1995 survey confirm little variation in the distribution of species causing invasive Candida infection over a 10-year period in Quebec, as well as the continuous excellent overall in vitro activity of fluconazole.
The significance of the new venture's first sale: The impact of founders' capabilities and proactive sales orientation

Initial sale success in the market with a new product is a critical milestone for a new venture. Failure at the introduction stage of a new product could have lethal consequences for the venture. In the present study, the authors investigate the role of a new venture company's first successful sale in the venture's future commercial success. The authors develop and test a model of the impact of the founders' entrepreneurial and commercial capabilities and proactive sales orientation on the significance of the first sale and sales growth of a new venture. Using survey data and partial least squares estimation, the results reveal that the founders' commercial capabilities have a positive effect on proactive sales orientation, while their entrepreneurial capabilities positively moderate the effect of commercial capabilities. Further, the results reveal that a proactive sales orientation positively affects the significance of the first sale and that value-based selling approach positively moderates the effect of proactive sales orientation. Finally, the results reveal that the significance of the first sale is positively related to sales growth. Thus, the authors conclude that combining the founders' commercial and entrepreneurial capabilities strengthens proactive sales orientation and that, in turn, a proactive sales orientation particularly increases the significance of the first sale when new venture companies practice value-based selling. Research has convincingly demonstrated proactive selling behavior to be one of the most powerful predictors of sales performance. Value-based selling is a sales approach to identify, quantify, communicate, and verify value of a new product to the customer. Our findings suggest that founders who possess both strong commercial and entrepreneurial capabilities engage considerably more in proactive sales practice as compared with founders that only possess strong commercial capabilities. Hence, rather than hiring specific sales expertise, founders should develop their proactive, value-selling capabilities.