Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Managing dependence in logistics outsourcing relationships: evidence from China

As third-party logistics (3PL) plays an increasingly important role in businesses, managing dependences between 3PL providers and users has become critical for business success. Drawing on the resource dependency theory (RDT), we propose that logistics integration and interorganisational relationships are two effective approaches for 3PL users to cope with their dependence on 3PL providers and to achieve better financial performance. The model was empirically tested using data collected from 134 3PL users in China. The results show that both inter-organisational relationships and integration and their interplay effectively carry the positive influence of dependence on financial performance. We also find that while both interorganisational relationships and integration are effective for Chinese-controlled 3PL users to leverage their dependence on 3PL providers for financial performance improvement, foreign-controlled 3PL users rely solely on interorganisational relationships to manage their dependence.
Spinal integration of hot and cold nociceptive stimuli by wide-dynamic-range neurons in anesthetized adult rats

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Mechanosensitive wide-dynamic-range spinal neurons differentially integrate thermal noxious information applied using a hot or cold micro-Peltier device. Abstract Introduction: Early neuronal processing of thermal noxious information relies mostly on molecular detectors of the transient receptor potential family expressed by specific subpopulation of sensory neurons. This information may converge to second-order wide-dynamic-range (WDR) neurons located in the deep layer of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Method: Using a micro-Peltier thermode thermal contact stimulator II delivering various cold and hot noxious stimulations, we have characterized the extracellular electrophysiological responses of mechanosensitive WDR neurons in anesthetized adult male and female Wistar rats. Results: Most of the WDR neurons were activated after hot and cold noxious stimulations, at mean temperature thresholds corresponding to 43 and 20°C, respectively. If the production of action potential was not different in frequency between the 2 thermal modalities, the latency to observe the first action potential was significantly different (cold: 212 ms; hot: 490 ms, unpaired Student t-test: t = 8.041; df = 32; P < 0.0001), suggesting that different fiber types and circuits were involved. The temporal summation was also different because no facilitation was seen for cold noxious stimulations contrary to hot noxious ones. Conclusion: Altogether, this study helps better understand how short-lasting and long-lasting hot or cold noxious stimuli are integrated by mechanosensitive WDR neurons. In our experimental conditions, we found WDR neurons to be nociceptive specific for C-fiber–mediated hot stimuli. We also found that cold nonnoxious and noxious information, triggered at glabrous skin areas, are likely taken in charge by A-type sensory neurons. This study will be helpful to establish working hypothesis explaining the thermal pain symptoms displayed by animal models and patients in a translational extent.
Suppliers, do you know your customers?

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate the customer's perception of service quality within the context of the pharmaceutical supply chain, and look specifically at the supplier/customer relationship.Design/methodology/approach – The research in question focuses on the trading relationship between a pharmaceutical wholesaler and its pharmacy customers. Existing literature shows that quality of the overall service is determined by the customer's perceptions of that service; therefore it is important that the supplier measures the customer's perception of service quality and understands what factors influence that perception and build this into their service delivery. The data were collected via a series of qualitative semi‐structured interviews with hospital and retail pharmacies located in the North West of England.Findings – The findings show that pharmacy customers have a range of vitally important to less important criteria associated with good service quality and that pharmaceutical whol.
Synthesis of TiO2 coatings by thermal oxidation with a suitable cooling process for improved wettability

The present research aims to develop a suitable cooling strategy in conjunction with the oxidation time during thermal oxidation to develop a TiO2 layer on Ti–6Al–4V substrate that could improve wettability and promote osseointegration. The study was carried out to verify if a change in cooling methods in conjunction with the change in oxidation time during thermal oxidation could influence the wettability of oxide layers for bio-medical implants made of titanium alloys. The prepared specimens are subjected to XRD, XPS, surface roughness and wettability studies to study the effect of cooling methods. A parameter named polycrystallinity index was introduced to explain the relationship between relative intensities in XRD and wettability. Oil cooling with 8 h oxidation was found to be the most favourable one out of all the conditions considered in the present work that would achieve enhanced wettability, resulting in better biomineralization and improved osseointegration.
Efficacy of Case-Based Learning in Anatomy

Introduction In the present Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME), learning is more student-centered where the students take the responsibility for their learning. Anatomy is an important basic science that lays the foundation for clinical courses in the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) curriculum. To make it interesting and clinically useful, several innovative teaching-learning methods like case-based learning (CBL) and problem-based learning (PBL) are introduced. The present study was taken up to know the effectiveness of CBL as a teaching-learning method in Anatomy in improving the knowledge and retention of acquired knowledge. Material and Methods This was an interventional cross-over study carried out at NRI Medical College and General Hospital, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. Two hundred students studying in first-year MBBS were included in the study and divided into two batches. The batches - A and B - were exposed to CBL and didactic lecture, respectively, in the first month for Topic I, and then cross-over was done in the second month for Topic II. The knowledge of the students before and after the sessions was assessed by pre-session and post-session multiple-choice question (MCQ) tests. Knowledge retention was assessed by another MCQ test conducted four weeks after the post-session test. Results The average difference of the scores between pre-session and post-session tests in the CBL group for Topics I and II (4.01±1.17 and 3.8±1.6) are significantly more compared to the didactic lecture method (3.3±1.3 and 1.9±1.2). The average difference of the scores between the post-session tests and retention-tests in the CBL group (0.122±1.05 and 0.18±1.04) were further compared to the lecture method (0.016±0.95 and 0.09±0.8) for Topics I and II, respectively. There was a significant increase in the proportion of students with scores above 50% in the post-session test and retention test in the CBL group compared to the didactic lecture group. Conclusion Results from the pre-session tests, post-session tests, and retention tests for both the topics indicate that CBL as a teaching-learning method in Anatomy is a more effective method for improving and retention of knowledge.
Terminalia catappa Extract Palliates Redox Imbalance and Inflammation in Diabetic Rats by Upregulating Nrf-2 Gene

This study aims at evaluating the ameliorative role of Terminalia catappa aqueous leaf extract (TCA) on hyperglycaemia-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in a high-fat, low dose streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rat model. Experimental rats were treated orally with 400 and 800 mg/kg bw TCA daily for four weeks. Antioxidant enzyme activities, plasma glucose concentration, protein concentration, oxidative stress, and inflammation biomarkers were assayed using standard methods. Hepatic relative expressions of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-six (IL-6), and nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf-2) were also assessed. Molecular docking and prediction of major TCA phytoconstituents' biological activity related to T2DM-induced oxidative stress were evaluated in silico. Induction of diabetes significantly (p < 0.05) reduced superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, and peroxidase activities. Glutathione and protein stores were significantly (p < 0.05) depleted, while glucose, MDA, interleukin-six (IL-6), and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) increased. A significant (p < 0.05) upregulation of hepatic TNF-α and IL-6 expression and downregulation (p < 0.05) of Nrf-2 expression were observed during diabetes onset. TCA treatment significantly (p < 0.05) modulated systemic diabetic-induced oxidative stress and inflammation, mRNA expression dysregulation, and dysregulated macromolecule metabolism. However, only 800 mg/kg TCA treatment significantly (p < 0.05) downregulated hepatic TNF-α expression. 9-Oxabicyclo[3.3. 1]nonane-2,6-diol and 1,2,3-Benzenetriol bound comparably to glibenclamide in Nrf-2, IL-6, and TNF-α binding pockets. They were predicted to be GST A and M substrate, JAK2 expression, ribulose-phosphate 3-epimerase, NADPH peroxidase, and glucose oxidase inhibitors. These results suggest that TCA ameliorates hyperglycaemia-induced oxidative stress and inflammation by activating Nrf-2 gene.
Differential heterologous neutralisation profile against strains within DENV-3 genotype II

Abstract The dengue virus type 3 (DENV-3) homotypic outbreak cycles reported in Klang Valley, Malaysia in 1992–1995 and 2002 demonstrated different epidemic magnitude and duration. These outbreak cycles were caused by two closely related strains of viruses within the DENV-3 genotype II (DENV-3/II). The role of viral genotypic diversity and factors that could have influenced this phenomenon were investigated. The serum neutralisation sensitivity of DEN3/II strains responsible for the DENV-3 outbreak cycles in 1992–1995 and 2002 were examined. Representative virus isolates from the respective outbreaks were subjected to virus neutralisation assay using identified sera of patients with homotypic (DENV-3) or heterotypic dengue infections (DENV-1 and DENV-2). Results from the study suggested that isolates representing DENV-3/II group E (DENV-3/II-E) from the 1992–1995 outbreak and DENV-3/II group F (DENV-3/II-F) from the 2002 outbreak were neutralised at similar capacity (intergenotypic differences <2-fold) by sera of patients infected with DENV-3, DENV-1 and DENV-2/Asian genotypes. Sera of the DENV-2/Cosmopolitan infection efficiently neutralised DENV-3/II-F (FRNT50 = 508.0) at a similar neutralisation capacity against its own homotypic serotype, DENV-2 (FRNT50 = 452.5), but not against DENV-3/II-E (FRNT50 = 100.8). The different neutralisation sensitivities of DENV-3/II strains towards the cross-reacting DENV-2 heterotypic immunity could play a role in shaping the DENV-3 recurring outbreaks pattern in Malaysia. Two genetic variations, E-132 (H/Y) and E-479 (A/V) were identified on the envelope protein of DENV-3/II-E and DENV-3/II-F, respectively. The E-132 variation was predicted to affect the protein stability. A more extensive study, however, on the implication of the naturally occurring genetic variations within closely related DENV genotypes on the neutralisation profile and protective immunity would be needed for a better understanding of the DENV spread pattern in a hyperendemic setting.
Environmental Conditions Associated With Youth Delinquency Events: A Temporal, Meteorological, and Contextual Perspective

Research on youth delinquency has been essential for gaining a deeper understanding of the etiology of delinquent behavior. Studies considering the environmental perspective have increased during the last decade, but relatively little attention has been paid to temporal patterns and weather conditions. The present study explores the seasonality of youth delinquency as well as the association between violent and non-violent youth offenses and temperature, rainfall, level of darkness, type of day, type of place, and companionship, using data gathered by the police along with data obtained from official weather agencies. To this end, we conducted ANOVA and contingency table analyses. Seasonality was found for non-violent crimes. Companionship, semi-public, and public places were all associated with a higher likelihood of non-violent crime, while darkness and public holidays raise the odds of violent crime to happen. No direct association was found between temperature and type of crime.
Framework for Sustainable Food Packaging Design

The environmental impacts of packages have been found to be relatively small compared with the food items they contain. Furthermore, from the environmental and operational point of view, the most significant task of the package is to protect the product, which is important to acknowledge in the packaging design process. This study introduces a guiding framework for designing sustainable food packaging. In this approach, the entire life cycle of the product–package combination is taken into consideration. The emphasis is on the prevention of food losses in packaging design as a major environmental criterion. Consideration of the properties of both the package and the product itself when designing the final package will lead to a better end result with smaller product losses and environmental impacts. By using different assessment methods in the different stages of the packaging design, the sustainability of the package can be enhanced. The decision making of the packaging designer is facilitated with methods that are introduced step by step and in a certain order that will also allow for corrective measures through back‐loops in the design process. The purpose is to integrate sustainability aspects at all stages firmly into the design process. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do physical therapy modalities have additional benefit over exercise therapy in the management of Ankylosing Spondylitis? A randomized controlled trial

Aim : The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of microwave therapy and global postural reeducation (GPR) exercises on disease activity, pain, quality of life and functional status in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Materials and Methods : 77 patients diagnosed with AS were included in the study. First group (n: 25) was treated with global postural reeducation exercises 5 days a week, for 3 weeks. Patients in the second group (n: 26), in addition to GPR, were treated with microwave therapy before each exercise session to warm lumbar paraspinal muscles. Third group (n: 26) consisted of controls. Subjects were evaluated at baseline, on the third week, third and six months. Results : In the first group, improvement in all parameters was found to be significant (p<0.05). Second group exhibited statistical improvement in all outcome measures (p<0.05) except daytime pain (p >0.05). In the control group, improvements in BASMI, BASDAI and Beck depression scores were statistically significant (p<0.05). Intergroup comparisons showed a statistically significant difference among groups in all outcome measures at the sixth month follow-up (p<0.05). First and second groups which received GPR demonstrated greater improvement in BASMI, BASFI, BASDAI and Beck depression inventory scores compared with the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion : Our results show that GPR has beneficial effects on disease activity, quality of life, pain and depression in patients with AS. We could not detect any additional benefits of microwave therapy applied before exercise.
Construction Craft Workers’ Perceptions of the Factors Affecting Their Productivity

In efforts to quantify craft workers’ perspective of construction productivity, a nationwide survey involving 1,996 craft workers was employed. The survey quantified the relative impact of 83 productivity factors, which had been identified through a series of focus group sessions involving craft workers conducted on construction jobsites located throughout the United States. The findings show that craft workers do have a good understanding of the factors affecting their daily productivity, and most of the adversarial factors affecting productivity can be addressed by site management teams. Factors involving tools and consumables, materials, engineering drawing management and construction equipment were identified as having the greatest impact on productivity from the craft workers’ perspective. A statistical comparative analysis was employed to distinguish the significant factors encountered by craft workers on projects with relatively low perceived productivity. The research further examined the differen.
Effects of driver-side mirror type on lane-change accidents

This quasi-experiment was designed to investigate the effects of the type of driver-side mirror on lane-change accidents. The analysis was based on 407 accidents reported from 1987 to 1992 to Finnish insurance companies, for vehicles with passenger-side convex mirrors and one of three types of driver-side mirrors (flat, convex or multiradius). The results showed that there was no difference between the multiradius and convex mirrors in the frequencies of lane-change accidents to the left. Compared to the flat mirror, the mean effect of the multiradius and convex mirror was a 22% decrease. However, the statistical strength of the data was low; 95% confidence interval ranged from a 51% decrease to a 25% increase. This result was not related to driver characteristics or driving conditions. In conclusion, the multiradius and convex driver-side mirrors, in comparison to the flat mirror, are more likely to reduce than increase lane-change accidents. A theoretical implication of this study is that minimizing the.
Advance Directives Document: knowledge and experiences of healthcare professionals in Colombia

Introduction: The Advanced Directives Document (ADD) is a bioethical quality benchmark for healthcare and assurance of compliance with the rights of autonomy, self-determination and dignity of the patient. This document was established over the past decade and currently there is no evidence about the attitudes and knowledge of the healthcare professionals with regards to the use of this tool in clinical practice in Colombia. Objective: To describe the knowledge and experiences of healthcare professionals members of six Colombian Scientific Societies regarding the right to sign an ADD and explore the barriers to its applicability in clinical daily practice. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted using an anonymous and voluntary e-survey with the participation of six Colombian Medical Societies. A questionnaire was designed comprising five groups of variables: general, ADD knowledge, medical experiences and personal experiences regarding advanced directives and potential obstacles to its implementation. Results: 533 professionals participated in the survey. 54 % (n = 286) expressed their lack of awareness about the fact that there is law governing the ADD in Colombia; 34.33 % (n = 183) said they were familiar with the requirements of the document. Over the last year, 24 % of the professionals received one or more ADDs from their patients. Only 11.7 % of healthcare practitioners had themselves completed an ADD. 77.1 % of the professionals surveyed believe that the number of individuals with an ADD has not changed after the approval and regulation of the right to an advanced directives document. 86.6 % of the practitioners said they respected the ADD, notwithstanding the fact that the patient could benefit otherwise. Conclusions: The overall perception of healthcare professionals with regards to the number of ADDs signed by patients is that the number has not changed after the approval of the Law in Colombia. This study evidenced that medical practitioners have a poor knowledge about the ADD and that there is a need to educate healthcare professionals about the ADD and to promptly implement institutional programs about Planning of Advanced Directives (PAD). Both strategies are challenging for the applicability of AD in Colombia.
The Workplace Challenges of Lupus Patients

Objective: To examine the workplace challenges of lupus patie nts. Methods: A cross sectional study surveyed lupus patients se en at the Toronto Lupus Clinic in the last 2 years. We included questions o health, work context and psychosocial perceptions. Descriptive statistics de scribed the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the sample; m ultivariable analysis examined factors associated with workplace activity limitations, job strain, an d job accommodations. Results: 362 respondents completed the questionnaire (60% r esponse). 49.7% were currently employed. Participants who recently left work had higher disease activity and workplace activity limitations. Employed participan ts had low to moderate job strain. Seventy percent of employed participants used job a ccommodations. Health, work context, and psychological factors were significant ly associated with workplace activity limitations, job strain and job accommodations. Conclusion: Persons living with lupus are faced by different c hallenges at the workplace. Workplace difficulties and needs of individuals wit h lupus should be assessed by health professionals.
Design and Performance of Monolithic GaAs Direct-Coupled Preamplifiers and Main Amplifiers

The design and performance of a GaAs direct-coupled preamplifier and main amplifier is described. The amplifiers are fabricated by the self-aligned implantation for n/sup +/ -Iayer technology (SAINT) process. The developed preamplifiers have 13-dB gain, 3-GHz bandwidth, and 4.8-dB noise figure for the one-stage amplifier, and 22-dB gain, 2.7-GHz bandwidth, and 5.6-dB noise figure for the two-stage amplifier. The developed four-stage main amplifier has 36-dB gain and 1.5-GHz bandwidth with a power consumption of 710 mW. These amplifiers are promising candidates for application to high-speed data communication systems.
The Efficacy of Probiotics in the Management of Helicobacter Pylori: A Systematic Review

Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative microorganism that causes chronic dyspepsia, gastritis, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, and gastric adenocarcinoma. Various antibiotic regimens are employed to eradicate it; however, antibiotic resistance has skyrocketed in recent years, resulting in a reduction in eradication rates. As a result, numerous novel therapeutic approaches are being adopted in clinical practice, and probiotics are being extensively investigated. Probiotics are living bacteria that, when consumed, offer many medicinal advantages that may be accomplished by altering the amount or activity of gut flora. Their beneficial influence on gut health, immune system modulation, and cancer therapy is the subject of extensive investigation. This is owing to their perceived safety and simplicity of use. The primary objective of this review is to learn about and investigate the function of probiotics in the eradication of H. pylori, either alone or in conjunction with traditional treatments. Data have been collected from PubMed, PubMed Central, Medline, Cochrane, and Google Scholar, and relevant articles have been chosen following the PRISMA guidelines. Our search resulted in 2489 records, of which 123 full-text articles were screened for eligibility. Two reviewers independently performed the quality appraisal of 16 relevant articles, and ultimately 11 high-quality studies are included in this review. In conclusion, probiotic monotherapy does not have a significant effect on the eradication rates of H. pylori, but in conjunction with standard treatment regimens, there was mild improvement in the eradication rates but a significant reduction of side effects due to antibiotics.