Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The influence of work-life balance on employees’ commitment among bankers in Accra, Ghana

The study explored the influence of work-life balance on employee commitment and this should be of interest to social workers. In the banking sector where employees’ work interferes with their social life, it is crucial to examine their commitment. The objectives of the study were to explore employees’ perceptions on work-life balance and the relationship between work-life balance and commitment. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional survey design with 115 employees responding to questionnaires and seven employees participating in interviews. The study found among others that unmarried employees balanced their work and family roles better than their married counterparts. Women also experienced more work-life conflict than men. There was a weak positive relationship between work-life balance and commitment among employees because they were not satisfied with paternity leave, study leave, and part-time work. The study concluded that work-life balance policies did not influence employee commitment that much. It was therefore recommended that bankers should benefit from paternity leave, study leave and part-time work to enhance work-life balance. In addition, industrial social workers should educate bankers on how to balance their work and social responsibilities in order to manage both domains and perform efficiently and effectively at the workplace. Keywords: work-life balance, employee commitment, Ghana
Neuron–astrocyte interactions in neurodegenerative diseases: Role of neuroinflammation

Selective neuron loss in discrete brain regions is a hallmark of various neurodegenerative disorders, although the mechanisms responsible for this regional vulnerability of neurons remain largely unknown. Earlier studies attributed neuron dysfunction and eventual loss during neurodegenerative diseases as exclusively cell autonomous. Although cell‐intrinsic factors are one critical aspect in dictating neuron death, recent evidence also supports the involvement of other central nervous system cell types in propagating non‐cell autonomous neuronal injury during neurodegenerative diseases. One such example is astrocytes, which support neuronal and synaptic function, but can also contribute to neuroinflammatory processes. Indeed, aberrations in astrocyte function have been shown to negatively impact neuronal integrity in several neurological diseases. The present review focuses on neuroinflammatory paradigms influenced by neuron–astrocyte cross‐talk in the context of select neurodegenerative diseases.
Estudio comparativo de diferentes métodos de evaluación de traducción general: (inglés-español)

El objetivo de esta tesis es investigar diferentes metodos de evaluacion de la traduccion general inversa, que forma parte del primer ciclo de la licenciatura espanola de Traduccion e Interpretacion. El trabajo se divide en dos partes: una revision del estado de la cuestion y una parte experimental. La revision teorica abarca la definicion del error de traduccion, la busqueda de criterios de evaluacion, los intentos de definir el constructor de la competencia traductora, y, finalmente, la evaluacion basada en los estudios de sociolinguistica y psicolinguistica. En la parte experimental se estudian diferentes metodos de evaluacion, tanto analiticos (basados en el analisis de errores) como holisticos, que estan actualmente en uso en el ambito profesional o academico. Los resultados de una encuesta enviada a universidades nacionales y extranjeras sobre la naturaleza de los metodos de evaluacion empleados sirven de base para escoger y elaborar los cuatro metodos utilizados en el experimento: dos metodos anliticos, un metodo holistico y un metodo analitico-holistico. Se estudian la validez y la fiabilidad de estos metodos mediante diferentes analisis estadisticos de los resultados obtenidos a raiz de su aplicacion por cinco correctores a 64 traducciones realizadas por alumnos universitarios en un examen de la licenciatura.
Time profiles and toxicokinetic parameters of key biomarkers of exposure to cypermethrin in orally exposed volunteers compared with previously available kinetic data following permethrin exposure

Biomonitoring of pyrethroid exposure is largely conducted but human toxicokinetics has not been fully documented. This is essential for a proper interpretation of biomonitoring data. Time profiles and toxicokinetic parameters of key biomarkers of exposure to cypermethrin in orally exposed volunteers have been documented and compared with previously available kinetic data following permethrin dosing. Six volunteers ingested 0.1 mg kg–1 bodyweight of cypermethrin acutely. The same volunteers were exposed to permethrin earlier. Blood samples were taken over 72 h after treatment and complete timed urine voids were collected over 84 h postdosing. Cis‐ and trans‐3‐(2,2‐dichlorovinyl)‐2,2‐dimethylcyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acids (trans‐ and cis‐DCCA) and 3‐phenoxybenzoic acid (3‐PBA) metabolites, common to both cypermethrin and permethrin, were quantified. Blood and urinary time courses of all three metabolites were similar following cypermethrin and permethrin exposure. Plasma levels of metabolites reached peak values on average ≈ 5–7 h post‐dosing; the elimination phase showed mean apparent half‐lives (t½) for trans‐DCCA, cis‐DCCA and 3‐PBA of 5.1, 6.9 and 9.2 h, respectively, following cypermethrin treatment as compared to 7.1, 6.2 and 6.5 h after permethrin dosing. Corresponding mean values obtained from urinary rate time courses were peak values at ≈ 9 h post‐dosing and apparent elimination t½ of 6.3, 6.4 and 6.4 h for trans‐DCCA, cis‐DCCA and 3‐PBA, respectively, following cypermethrin treatment as compared to 5.4, 4.5 and 5.7 h after permethrin dosing. These data confirm that the kinetics of cypermethrin is similar to that of permethrin in humans and that their common biomarkers of exposure may be used for an overall assessment of exposure. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relational Wellbeing Following Traumatic Interpersonal Events and Challenges to Core Beliefs

Objective: Prior research has found that the degree to which a traumatic event challenges core beliefs is associated with adjustment problems; however, how such experiences impact relational wellbeing has received little attention. The current study examined whether negative posttraumatic cognitions mediated the relation between examination of core beliefs and relational wellbeing in young adults following experiences of interpersonal trauma. Method: A moderated parallel mediation model investigated the relation between core beliefs and relational wellbeing through negative cognitions about the self, the world and others, self-blame, and depressive symptoms, following interpersonal violence (IPV; n = 168) and violent loss (VL; n = 102), with ego-resilience moderating the paths from examination of core beliefs to each mediator and relational wellbeing. Results: For individuals with IPV experiences, greater examination of core beliefs was associated with increased depressive symptoms and negative cognitions about the self and about the world and others, each of which was associated with decreased relational wellbeing. For those reporting VL and lower ego-resilience, only negative cognitions about the self emerged as a mediator. Self-blame did not emerge as a mediator whereas ego-resilience emerged as both promotive and protective. Conclusions: Results suggest distinct pathways to relational difficulties following IPV and VL. Following IPV, it was not the process of examining core beliefs that impacted relational functioning, but rather the conclusions drawn about the self, others, and the world. Findings suggest that targeting specific posttraumatic cognitions may enhance relational functioning and possible interventions for addressing such cognitions and fostering ego-resilience are presented.
der(4)t(Y;4): Three‐generation transmission and sperm meiotic segregation analysis

We present a family where five members (three males and two females) are carriers of der(4)t(Y;4)(q11.23;p16.3). The adult carriers are phenotypicaly normal and fertile; the boy shows macrocephaly, psychomotor retardation, and atypical autism. The FISH on cultured lymphocytes confirmed that the redundant Yq heterochromatin was attached to the 4p‐subtelomeric region maintained on the der(4). Sperm FISH analysis performed in a normospermic der(4) carrier showed a significant distortion of the expected 1:1 ratio of the X‐ and Y‐bearing spermatozoa in favor of the X chromosome and significant lack of Y,der(4)spermatozoa. The overall lack of Y spermatozoa was not balanced even by a relative excess of Y,4 sperm. The analysis of X, Y, 7, 8, 18, and 21 sperm disomy and diploidy did not indicate any interchromosomal effect. The chromosome 4 disomy was significantly increased but still very low to be of considerable reproductive significance. The neurodevelomental phenotype of the boy was probably caused by a gene mutation. The coincidental occurrence of such chromosomal aberration and boy's phenotype might lead to misinterpretation of the causal relationship between these findings. It is necessary to consider the results of chromosomal analysis and clinical records of relatives for provide genetic counseling in such families. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prospective Evaluation of the New Chromogenic Medium Candida ID, in Comparison with Candiselect, for Isolation of Molds and Isolation and Presumptive Identification of Yeast Species

ABSTRACT We conducted a prospective evaluation of Candida ID chromogenic medium (bioMérieux, Marcy l'Etoile, France) with 786 clinical specimens in comparison with Candiselect medium (Bio-Rad, Marnes la Coquette, France). Candida ID chromogenic medium identified 97.7% of Candida albicans strains; enabled presumptive identification of C. tropicalis, C. lusitaniae, C. guillermondii, and C. kefyr and better detection of yeast combinations (11.4% more often); and was more sensitive for the isolation of filamentous fungi (17.7% more often). However, Candida ID chromogenic medium appeared to be less selective vis-à-vis bacteria, with bacterial colonies sometimes pigmented blue.
The role of brand equity and crisis type on corporate brand alliances in crises

Co-branding is regarded as a beneficial corporate branding strategy. Corporate crises can,however, result in one or both brands damaging customer-firm relationships. Research evidence in the area is sparse and shows that the non-culpable partner is negatively influenced by crises when perceived as being aware of the wrongdoing. Extending prior research, we investigate how brand equity of the non-culpable partner shapes consumers’ post-crisis attitudes. We also examine boundary conditions to the brand equity effect. Drawing on expectancy violation theory, we show that high-equity of the non-culpable partner mitigates the negative effects of accidental crises, whilst low-equity can mitigate preventable crises. In preventable crises, non-culpable partner brands enjoying high equity suffer from negative attitudes accruing from the culpable brand in the alliance. The results suggest that managers should use corporate co-branding with caution, carefully evaluating the partner brand’s equity and its effects when planning for and managing crisis situations.
NKT Cell-Derived Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Promotes Peripheral Tolerance Associated with Eye1

In a model of peripheral tolerance called anterior chamber-associated immune deviation (ACAID), the differentiation of the T regulatory cells depends on NKT cells and occurs in the spleen. In this study, we show that NKT cells that express the invariant (i) TCR and are the CD1d-reactive NKT cells (required for development of peripheral tolerance) actually produced urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) during tolerance induction. The RT-PCR and in vitro plasmin assay showed that splenic iNKT cells derived uPA-converted plasminogen to plasmin. Moreover, uPA was required for tolerance induction because uPA knockout (KO) mice did not develop peripheral tolerance or develop CD8+ T regulatory cells after Ag inoculation into the anterior chamber. In contrast, other aspects of ACAID-induced tolerance, including recruitment of iNKT cells to the spleen and production of IL-10 by iNKT cells, were unchanged in uPA-deficient mice. The adoptive transfer of splenic NKT cells from wild-type mice restored ACAID in Jα18 KO mice (iNKT cell deficient), but NKT cells from uPA KO mice did not. We postulate that the mechanism of action of uPA is through its binding to the uPAR receptor, and enzymatic cleavage of plasminogen to plasmin, which in turn activates latent TGFβ. In conclusion, uPA derived from iNKT cells is required to induce peripheral tolerance via the eye.
MicroRNA based immunoevasion mechanism of human polyomaviruses

Since miRNAs are considered non-immunogenic, it was not too surprising to discover that some herpesviruses, which are masters of immune evasion, developed their own unique miRNAs to escape immune elimination. In this point of view we discuss our recent findings in which we demonstrate that two polyomaviruses, JC and BK, use an identical miRNA to escape immune attack. This identical miRNA targets the stress-induced protein ULBP3, which is recognized by the killer receptor NKG2D and thus, through the usage of a miRNA, JCV and BKV avoid the NKG2D mediated elimination. We further compare the miRNA-based immune evasion mechanisms of herpes and polyomaviruses, offering new insights on the complexity of the stress induced ligands function and recognition. Lastly, we consider the possibility that other viral and cellular mechanisms are also involved in targeting ULBP3 and other NKG2D ligands.
Limits to psychological ownership in the family business

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze how the sense of control, psychological ownership and motivation of both family owners and non-family managers in family firms are interrelated. This paper analyzes the limits set by family owners when delegating control to their non-family managers and the resulting potential for conflict and demotivation of the non-family managers. Design/methodology/approach Building on the existing literature, first, an overview of the literature on psychological ownership and control is presented. Second, the paper analyzes the insights gained from interviews with 15 family owners and non-family managers in five family firms. Findings This study finds that motivating non-family managers is not merely a matter of promoting a sense of psychological ownership throughout the company. A strong sense of psychological ownership may facilitate but also hinder the cooperation between family and non-family. Family owners are often only willing to delegate operational control, while non-family managers also feel entitled to participate in strategic decision making. This leads to the proposition that non-family managers’ psychological ownership in family firms’ conflicts with family owners’ desire to maintain control. Originality/value This study answers the calls to seek additional insight in how non-family managers function within family firms. By shedding light on the complex relationship between control, psychological ownership and motivation in family firms, the study responds to the calls for more empirical validation of the psychological ownership framework and for more research into the potential negative effects of psychological ownership in the family business.
The Application of Procurement Systems in IBS Housing Project

Traditional procurement system has been critique due to inefficiency dealing with innovation and industry development. As the industry developed, modern and alternative procurement systems has been introduced such as Design and Built and Management fees. Malaysian National Housing Policy 2012 has focused on the implementation of industrialized building system (IBS) to transform the housing industry by improving its quality, more economical, speed to construct and less dependency on foreign labors. The success of these development will highly be depending on procurement system management. This paper explores the type of procurement system currently been used in the industry, the procurement system management and issues arise from the practice. The findings revealed that under the two most popular systems that are Traditional and Design and Built; there are no differences in terms of appointment of IBS Manufacturer where the IBS Manufacturer will be appointed late under the Main Contractor. Thus, it is hypothesized that the issues arise due to the practice of these 2 procurement system are almost similar which does not comprehend the need to cater innovation in the industry
Credit Default Swaps Around the World: Investment and Financing Effects

We analyze the impact of the introduction of credit default swaps (CDS) on real decision making within the firm, taking into consideration differences in firms’ local economic and legal environments. We extend the model of Bolton and Oehmke (2011) to take into account uncertainty whether the actions taken by the reference entity will trigger credit events for the CDS obligations. We test the predictions of the model in a sample of more than 56,000 firms across 50 countries over the period 2001–2015 and find substantial evidence that the introduction of CDS affects real decisions within the firm, including those regarding leverage, investment, and the riskiness of the firm’s investments. Importantly, we find that the legal and market environments in which the reference entity operates have an influence on the impact of CDS. The effect of CDS is larger in environments where uncertainty regarding CDS obligations is reduced and where CDS mitigate weak property rights. Our results shed light on the incomplete nature of CDS contracts in international capital markets, related to significant legal uncertainty surrounding the interpretation of underlying credit events.
Bisdemethoxycurcumin inhibits PDGF-induced vascular smooth muscle cell motility and proliferation.

SCOPE A key event in the development of plaque in the arteries is the migration and proliferation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from the media to the intima of the blood vessel. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of bisdemethoxycurcumin (BC), a naturally occurring structural analog of curcumin (CC), on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-stimulated migration and proliferation of SMCs. METHODS AND RESULTS CC and BC were synthesized by condensing acetyl acetone with vanillin and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, respectively. SMCs isolated from adult rat aorta were stimulated with PDGF in the presence or absence of CC or BC following which, cell migration and proliferation were assessed by monolayer wound healing assay and [(3) H]-thymidine incorporation respectively. PDGF-stimulated phosphorylation of PDGF receptor-β and its downstream effectors Akt and ERK were assessed by Western blotting. Intracellular reactive oxygen species was assessed using the fluorescent dye 5-(6)-chloromethyl-2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate. BC elicited a concentration-dependent inhibition of PDGF-stimulated phosphorylation of PDGF receptor-β, Akt and Erk as well as the PDGF-stimulated SMC migration and proliferation. BC was more potent than CC in inhibiting migration and proliferation and suppressing PDGF-signaling in SMCs. Both compounds were equipotent in inhibiting PDGF-stimulated generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species. CONCLUSION BC may be of potential use in the prevention or treatment of vascular disease.
Treatment of femoral shaft fractures in young children: comparison between conservative treatment and retrograde flexible nailing

Outcomes of pediatric femoral fractures treated with traction followed by cast (conservative treatment) were compared with flexible nailing treatment. Fifty-one femoral fractures (24 conservative, 27 nail) from 46 patients were studied retrospectively. Four cases of angular deformities greater than 10° were observed from the conservative treatment and none from the nailing group. Conservative treatment showed a wider variance of leg length discrepancy (LLD) and four cases showed severe LLD greater than 10 mm. The nailing group had no discrepancy. Retrograde flexible nailing may result in more reliable outcomes than conservative treatment for femoral fractures.
Readiness for knowledge management implementation : the case of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Department of Public Works in Pietermaritzburg.

II ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . IV DEDICATION . V TABLE OF CONTENTS . VI LIST OF FIGURES . X LIST OF TABLES . XI LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS . XII CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 Background of the study . 1 1.2 Brief background of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works . 3 1.3 Preliminary literature review . 4 1.4 Brief definition of key concepts . 5 1.4. 1 Knowledge management . 5 1.4. 2 Knowledge management enablers . 5 1.4. 3 Public sector . 6 1.4. 4 Organization . 6 1.5 Statement of the problem. 6 1.6 Research objectives . 8 1.7 Research questions . 8 1.8 Significance of the study . 8 1.9 Limitations and key contributions of the study . 9 1.10 Conceptual framework and research methods . 10 1.11 Research ethics . 11 1.12 Structure of the dissertation . 12 1.13 Summary . 13 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW . 14 2.
Internal Green Supply Chain Management Practices Influence on Firm Performance

Green supply chain management (GSCM) is a valuable tool for manufacturing companies that seek to reduce the environmental impact and also improve their firm performance. However, in South America, this topic is just emerging. Based on a survey of 216 respondents, this paper assesses the impact of the implementation of internal green supply chain management practices (internal environmental management and eco-design) on environmental, operational and economic performance of Peruvian manufacturing companies. The data was analyzed through partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings show that internal environmental management positively influences the three aspects of firm performance but eco-design only influence environmental and operational performance. The practical implications of this research suggest that managers should put their efforts on implementing internal GSCM practices to obtain the benefits on performance. Keywords: Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM), Internal Environmental Management (IEM), Eco-Design (ED), firm performance, Peru
How to Improve Written Case Analysis and Reduce Grading Time: The One-Page, Two-Case Method

Teaching with cases, especially at universities where cases are not a regular part of the curriculum, poses challenges for both faculty and students. The results in this research present an effective and manageable method to introduce the case analysis process and to facilitate written case analysis for both students and faculty. Experiment 1 compares the effectiveness of a semistructured one-page written case analysis over a traditional case analysis and finds the shorter assignment results in shorter grading time and better student grades. A two-case method introducing the case analysis process is tested in Experiment 2 and finds that a short lecture introducing the case analysis method and an initial small group practice case further improves student grades. Theoretical reasoning and directions for future research are discussed.