Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physical fitness modulates incidental but not intentional statistical learning of simultaneous auditory sequences during concurrent physical exercise

Abstract In real-world auditory environments, humans are exposed to overlapping auditory information such as those made by human voices and musical instruments even during routine physical activities such as walking and cycling. The present study investigated how concurrent physical exercise affects performance of incidental and intentional learning of overlapping auditory streams, and whether physical fitness modulates the performances of learning. Participants were grouped with 11 participants with lower and higher fitness each, based on their Vo2max value. They were presented simultaneous auditory sequences with a distinct statistical regularity each other (i.e. statistical learning), while they were pedaling on the bike and seating on a bike at rest. In experiment 1, they were instructed to attend to one of the two sequences and ignore to the other sequence. In experiment 2, they were instructed to attend to both of the two sequences. After exposure to the sequences, learning effects were evaluated by familiarity test. In the experiment 1, performance of statistical learning of ignored sequences during concurrent pedaling could be higher in the participants with high than low physical fitness, whereas in attended sequence, there was no significant difference in performance of statistical learning between high than low physical fitness. Furthermore, there was no significant effect of physical fitness on learning while resting. In the experiment 2, the both participants with high and low physical fitness could perform intentional statistical learning of two simultaneous sequences in the both exercise and rest sessions. The improvement in physical fitness might facilitate incidental but not intentional statistical learning of simultaneous auditory sequences during concurrent physical exercise.
Rupatadine is effective in the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria in children aged 2–11 years

Recommendations in current guidelines for the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in infants and children are mostly based on extrapolation of data obtained in adults. This study reports the efficacy and safety of rupatadine, a modern H1 and PAF antagonist recently authorized in Europe for children with allergic rhinitis and CSU.
Personality Change Influences Mortality in Older Men

Previous studies have indicated that high neuroticism is associated with early mortality. However, recent work suggests that people's level of neuroticism changes over long periods of time. We hypothesized that such changes in trait neuroticism affect mortality risk. Growth-curve parameters (levels and slopes) that quantified the trajectories of neuroticism change over 12 years were used to predict 18-year risk of mortality among 1,663 aging men. Proportional hazards models were used to estimate mortality risk from level and slope parameters, controlling for objective and subjective health, depression, and age. Although a parallel analysis of extraversion showed no significant effects, level and slope of neuroticism interacted in their effect on mortality. Men who had both a high average level of neuroticism and an increasing level of neuroticism over time had much lower survival than men without that combination. These findings suggest that it is not just the level of personality traits, but their direction of change, that is related to mortality.
Having, Being and Consumption

Marketing needs to recognise the changing priority of consumption. The belief that markets are secure because consumers will continue to be motivated to have an ever-greater array and quantity of goods and services is a shortsighted and erroneous assumption. Consumers are increasingly looking to the market to provide resources and technologies that will enable them to achieve rewarding and sustainable states of 'being'. Drawing on the humanist philosophy of Erich Fromm, this paper advances the case for a 'Marketing of Being', based on a detailed discussion of the changing nature of consumer identity and identification behaviour.
Population genetics of Chrysoperla externa (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) and implications for biological control.

AbstractGreen lacewings are insects with great potential to be use in the biological control of agricultural pests, but relatively few studies have attempted to understand the genetic structure of these agents, especially those of predatory insects. The purpose of this study was to characterize genetically populations of C. externa using sequences of subunit I of the cytochrome oxidase, a mitochondrial gene, and examine the population structure of this species in sampled areas in São Paulo state. The results indicate high genetic diversity but no genetic structure, detected by AMOVA analysis, and high levels of haplotype sharing in the network. These genetic patterns could be a consequence of environmental homogeneity provided by agroecosystem (citrus orchard), allowing gene flow among populations. Probably there is a unique population in the area sampled that could be used as a population (genetic) source for mass-reared and posterior release in these farms.
Review of current treatment in panicc disorder

The ideal properties tor an antipanic agent include the ability to provide complete recovery from panic attacks, resolution of associated anxiety and avoidance behavior, relapse prevention, good tolerability, and efficacy in comorbid conditions including depression. We compared the properties of currently available treatment options for panic attacks, including the benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), with this ideal. Experimental approaches in the development of therapeutic agents of potential use against panic disorder were also examined. It is clear that SSRIs, such as paroxetine, are an effective treatment for panic disorder, and their antidepressant activity also allows concurrent treatment of comorbid depressive disorders, for which patients with panic disorder are at high risk. However, despite the availability of effective antipanic agents, some patients do not respond to treatment.
A Turkish Perspective on Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery and Percutaneous Coronary Artery Intervention in Chronic Heart Failure Patients

The impact of coronary revascularization methods (coronary artery bypass graft [CABG] surgery and stent implantation) on clinical outcome has not been determined yet in patients with systolic heart failure (SHF). We examined outcomes in patients discharged from our hospital after hospitalization for decompensated SHF. Of 637 patients with SHF (mean age, 64 ± 13 years; mean ejection fraction, 26.5% ± 9%), 402 patients (63%) had coronary artery disease (CAD) and 235 patients (37%) had no CAD; 223 patients (35%) died because of cardiovascular reasons during follow-up. Patients who had stenting alone and patients who had CABG surgery and stenting had better prognosis than patients with CAD but no revascularization procedure (P < .001 and P = .013, respectively). In the patients with SHF having CAD who had stenting and CABG surgery + stenting may have better prognosis compared with patients with CAD who had no revascularization procedure in their past.
Persisting bacteriophage infections, lysogeny, and phage conversions.

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 265 Related Terminology 266 Range of Coverage 268 LYSOGENY 268 Inducibility of Lysogeni¢ Bacteria 272 Elimination of Prophages from Lysogenic Bacteria: "Curing". 274 Variations in the Patterns of Lysogeny 275 THE PHAGE CARRIER STATE, PSEUDOLYSOGENY 276 Condition 1: Phage Infection Limited by Available Receptors on Bacterial Cell . 277 Condition 2: Loss of Receptors Due to the Action of Virolysin (Endolysin) . 278 Condition 3: The Accumulation of Mutant ~’* in a Population of Bac (~) . 279 MODEL PHAGE CONVERSIONS 280 Bacteriophages ~ls and e~ and the Conversion of O-Antigens in Salmonella anatum 280 Corynebacteriophages and Diphtherial Toxin 284
Managing healthcare performance in analytical framework

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to develop an integrated framework for performance management of healthcare services. Design/methodology/approach – This study develops a performance management framework for healthcare services using a combined analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and logical framework (LOGFRAME). The framework is then applied to the intensive care units of three different hospitals in developing nations. Numerous focus group discussions were undertaken, involving experts from the specific area under investigation. Findings – The study reveals that a combination of outcome, structure and process-based critical success factors and a combined AHP and LOGFRAME-based performance management framework helps manage performance of healthcare services. Practical implications – The proposed framework could be practiced in hospital-based healthcare services. Originality/value – The conventional approaches to healthcare performance management are either outcome-based or process-based, which cannot reveal improvement measures appropriately in order to assure superior performance. Additionally, they lack planning, implementing and evaluating improvement projects that are identified from performance measurement. This study presents an integrated approach to performance measurement and implementing framework of improvement projects.
How Do Private Equity Investments Perform Compared to Public Equity

The merits of investing in private versus public equity have generated considerable debate, often fueled by concerns about data quality. In this paper, we use cash flow data derived from the holdings of almost 300 institutional investors to study over 1,800 North American buyout and venture capital funds. Buyout fund returns have consistently exceeded those from public markets; averaging about 3% to 4% annually. We find similar performance results for a sample of almost 300 European buyout funds. Venture capital performance has varied substantially over time. North American venture funds from the 1990s substantially outperformed public equities; those from the early 2000s have underperformed; and recent vintage years have seen a modest rebound. The variation in venture performance is significantly linked to capital flows: performance is lower for funds started when there are large aggregate inflows of capital to the sector. We also examine the variation in performance of funds started in the same year. We find marked differences between venture and buyout leading to a much more pronounced impact of accessing high performing funds in venture investing.
The role of managerial learning and interpretation in strategic persistence and reorientation: An empirical exploration

This study uses a managerial learning framework to build and test a model of the decisionmaking process that drives decisions to strategically reorient an organization. The model examines the effects of past performance, managerial interpretations, and top management team characteristics on the likelihood of strategic reorientation in two distinct environmental contexts. The results indicate that poor past performance, environmental awareness, top management team heterogeneity, and CEO turnover increased the likelihood of reorientation. There are some differences in the ways in which these variables affect reorientation across the two environmental contexts. Poor past performance was more strongly associated with reorientation in the stable environment than in the turbulent environment. The tendency to make external attributions for poor performance outcomes decreased the likelihood of reorientation in the turbulent environment, but not in the stable environment.
Comparison of treatment with imipenem vs. ceftazidime as a predisposing factor for nosocomial acquisition of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: a historical cohort study.

Imipenem is considered to confer greater risk for the acquisition of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia than are other beta-lactam antibiotics. We conducted a historical cohort study to directly compare the risks of S. maltophilia acquisition in patients treated with imipenem vs. ceftazidime during a 2-year period; 843 hospitalizations of 759 patients treated with ceftazidime (465 hospitalizations), imipenem (294), or both agents (84) were included. Acquisition, as measured by clinical detection, occurred in 24 hospitalizations. Rates of acquisition did not significantly differ between the imipenem and ceftazidime groups (3.7 vs. 7.1 cases per 10,000 patients days; P = .2). In contrast, patients treated with both agents had higher acquisition rates (19 cases per 10,000 patient days; P = .002). Thus, patients treated with imipenem are not at significantly higher risk for S. maltophilia acquisition than those treated with ceftazidime. The excessive risk for patients treated with both agents may be related in part to longer antibiotic therapy and a longer hospital stay.
Brand logo design: examining consumer response to naturalness

Purpose – This paper aims to study how logo design characteristics influence consumer response. Based on an in-depth literature review on consumer responses to logo design, the authors included in this research one fundamental dimension of logo design, namely, naturalness and investigated the influence of the different types of natural logo designs on affective response. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 96 logos were selected as design stimuli. The logos were previously classified, according to the naturalness of the logo design, as having an abstract, cultural or organic design. Responses were gathered through a survey in Portugal, including two studies with 220 participants. Findings – Results show that naturalness is an essential logo design element which significantly influences consumer affective responses to the logo, and that natural logos are clearly preferred to abstract logos. Additionally, this research indicates that, within natural logos, organic designs are favored over cultural desig.
Does Foreign Direct Investment Affect the Supply of Life Insurance in Developing Countries

We construct panel data on foreign direct investment and the supply of life insurance in 28 developing countries between 1992 and 2009 to test whether FDI coincides with increases in the supply of life insurance. For the sample period, our results suggest that developing countries with higher foreign direct investment tend to have higher life insurance penetration. JEL Classification: F40, G22
Strong X-Ray Absorption in a Broad Absorption Line Quasar: PHL 5200

We present ASCA observations of the z = 1.98 prototype broad absorption line quasar (BALQSO): PHL 5200. The source was detected in both SIS and GIS. A power-law spectrum (αE = 0.6−0.6+0.9) with large intrinsic absorption (NH = 1.3−1.1+2.3 × 1023 cm-2) best describes the spectrum. Excess column density over the local Galactic value is required at the 99% confidence level. This detection suggests that, although BALQSOs are X-ray-quiet, it is strong absorption in the BAL region that makes them appear faint to low-energy X-ray experiments. The required intrinsic absorbing column density is 2-3 orders of magnitude larger than earlier estimates of column densities in BALQSOs. This implies that the BAL systems are much more highly ionized than was previously thought.
Do ICT Skill Shortages Hamper Firms' Performance? Evidence from UK Benchmarking Surveys 1

Abstract - In light of the increased relative demand for skilled labour associated with Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), we combine survey data for UK enterprises in 1999 with post-survey financial data for the same enterprises to assess the impact of ICT skill shortages on firms' financial performance. There is clear evidence that ICT skill shortages have an indirect negative impact on performance through the restrictions that such deficiencies place on ICT adoption and on the intensity of ICT use post-adoption. However, there is only weak evidence of skill shortages impinging directly on performance at given levels of ICT adoption and utilisation.
AN EVALUATION OF THE PERCEIVED IMPACT OF IN-PATIENT CATERING OUTSOURCING ON PATIENT CARE IN KUNENE REGIONAL HEALTH DIRECTORATE, NAMIBIA

Outsourcing is a method that enables transferring activities or tasks that are traditionally performed in-house, to a specialist provider. The findings from the literature on in-patient catering outsourcing are for the most part inconclusive. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the perceived impact of outsourced in-patient catering services in Kunene Regional Health Directorate on patient care, and to identify specific risks and benefits of in-patient catering outsourcing. The research further examines the outsourcing provider's level of compliance with food safety regulations and environmental laws, and enables recommendations to be made on how to improve the delivery of outsourced in-patient catering services in Kunene Regional Health Directorate. In this cross-sectional descriptive survey, a quantitative research method was mainly utilized. Self-administered structured questionnaires were filled by 229 staff members in all three district hospitals of Kunene Regional Health Directorate, Namibia. The response to the questionnaire reached 87.7% and revealed the following: top four benefits or advantages of outsourcing are improved quantity and quality of in-patient meals, improved in-patient catering services, enhanced in-patient food safety, and improved focus on core activities (patient healthcare or service). Top four risks or disadvantages of outsourcing are bad publicity (poor catering services taint MoHSS' name), quality problems, loss of MoHSS' managerial control to outsourcing provider over how catering services are provided, and financial risks. Majority of the respondents perceived the in-patient catering outsourcing in their district hospitals as successful; with top four critical success factors for outsourcing being good relationships with in-patient catering outsourcing provider, effective communication throughout the process of outsourcing, regular site visits to the in-patient catering services, and strict control and supervision of in-patient catering staff by the outsourcing provider. Majority of the respondents had the opinion that in-patient outsourcing provider complied with food safety regulations and environmental laws; although some improvements still need to be implemented.
A comparison of the effects of hyperbaric and isobaric bupivacaine spinal anesthesia on hemodynamics and heart rate variability.

AIM To compare the effects of hyperbaric and isobaric bupivacaine spinal anesthesia on hemodynamics and heart rate variability (HRV) in nonobstetric surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty patients were randomly allocated to 2 groups. Group I (n = 30) received 15 mg (3 mL) of hyperbaric bupivacaine and Group II (n = 30) received 15 mg (3 mL) of isobaric bupivacaine for spinal anesthesia. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded before and after spinal anesthesia over 30 min. Analyses of HRV were performed on the day of surgery, after volume loading, and 20 min after spinal injection. Low frequency (LF) values, high frequency (HF) values, and LF/HF ratios were recorded. The incidences of hypotension and alterations of HRV parameters in both groups were investigated. RESULTS The incidence ofhypotension was 26.6% and 23.3% in Groups I and II, respectively. There were no significant differences in the LF and HF values and LF/HF ratios between groups. In Group I, LF/HF ratios were significantly lower and HF values were significantly higher at 20 min after spinal anesthesia, in comparison to the baseline value (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Hyperbaric bupivacaine caused a significantly greater decrease in LF/HF ratios and a significantly greater increase in HF values.
Ki 67 reactivity in nasal and periocular squamous cell carcinomas in cats treated with electron beam radiation therapy

Squamous cell carcinomas of sparsely haired skin are relatively common tumors in cats, and these tumors likely exhibit a rapid growth rate. Thus, we evaluated response and duration of response in relation to the Ki67 proliferative reactivity in such tumors. Seventeen cats with confirmed squamous cell carcinomas and treated with an accelerated, hypofractionated electron beam radiation protocol were included in the study. For all of them histologic grading, Ki67 reactivity, response, and disease-free interval (DFI) were evaluated. Response to therapy was excellent (94% complete response rate) with a median DFI of 414 days. Only moderate acute and few long-term adverse effects were seen. Cats with tumors with a low Ki67 reactivity had markedly shorter DFIs than cats with tumors with high Ki67 reactivity. We concluded that an accelerated, hypofractionated electron beam radiation therapy protocol is well suited for feline squamous cell carcinomas. The protocol appears especially efficacious in tumors with a high Ki67 reactivity. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2006. tb02914.x Posted at the Zurich Open Repository and Archive, University of Zurich ZORA URL: https://doi.org/10.5167/uzh-109746 Published Version Originally published at: Melzer, Katja; Guscetti, Franco; Rohrer Bley, Carla; Sumova, Andrea; Roos, Malgorzata; Kaser-Hotz, Barbara (2006). Ki67 reactivity in nasal and periocular squamous cell carcinomas in cats treated with electron beam radiation therapy. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 20(3):676-681. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2006. tb02914.x Ki67 Reactivity in Nasal and Periocular Squamous Cell Carcinomas in Cats Treated with Electron Beam Radiation Therapy Katja Melzer, Franco Guscetti, Carla Rohrer Bley, Andrea Sumova, Malgorzata Roos, and Barbara Kaser-Hotz Squamous cell carcinomas of sparsely haired skin are relatively common tumors in cats, and these tumors likely exhibit a rapid growth rate. Thus, we evaluated response and duration of response in relation to the Ki67 proliferative reactivity in such tumors. Seventeen cats with confirmed squamous cell carcinomas and treated with an accelerated, hypofractionated electron beam radiation protocol were included in the study. For all of them histologic grading, Ki67 reactivity, response, and diseasefree interval (DFI) were evaluated. Response to therapy was excellent (94% complete response rate) with a median DFI of 414 days. Only moderate acute and few long-term adverse effects were seen. Cats with tumors with a low Ki67 reactivity had markedly shorter DFIs than cats with tumors with high Ki67 reactivity. We concluded that an accelerated, hypofractionated electron beam radiation therapy protocol is well suited for feline squamous cell carcinomas. The protocol appears especially efficacious in tumors with a high Ki67 reactivity.
Manufacturer–retailer collaboration in the supply chain: Empirical evidence from the Greek food sector

The purpose of this study is to examine collaboration between food manufacturers and retailers and compare their motivation to collaborate the possible areas for collaboration and the preferred type of collaboration. Using a large quantitative sample of the Greek food sector, we compare and contrast what triggers retailers and manufacturers to get involved in long-term collaboration. We also compare the types of collaboration favoured by each group and illustrate the factors which influence the favoured type of collaboration for both manufacturers and retailers. Results show that the type of collaboration preferred is related strongly to specific factors, such as physical distribution management, trust and commitment to collaboration, and effective information management, with the last one commanding an increased role in the years to come. Another key finding is that transaction collaboration is the preferred collaboration type for these chain members.