Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Have the Reports of TQM’s Death Been Greatly Exaggerated? A Re-Examination of the Concept’s Historical Popularity Trajectory

There is a vast literature on Total Quality Management (TQM), one of the most influential management concepts introduced during the twentieth century. In the TQM literature, there are multiple conflicting views on TQM’s historical popularity trajectory. In the past, commentators have debated whether TQM represents a lasting trend, or instead should be considered a more short-lived management fad or fashion. Since the 1990s, skeptics have speculated about the imminent fall, death, and burial of TQM, and even delivered eulogies. However, others claim that the level of interest has picked back up and that TQM is alive and well. Therefore, this paper attempts to synthesize and reconcile these differing views on the long-term trajectory of TQM and provide an updated picture and status report, taking into account the latest findings and developments in research and practice. The evidence reviewed in this paper suggests that, even though TQM has become much less noticeable in public management discourse compared to the heydays of the 1980s and 1990s, the concept has persisted and even to this day remains widely used by organizations worldwide.
CHEMIOXYEXCITATION (Δp O2/ROS)-DEPENDENT RELEASE OF IL-1β, IL-6 AND TNF-α: EVIDENCE OF CYTOKINES AS OXYGEN-SENSITIVE MEDIATORS IN THE ALVEOLAR EPITHELIUM

Abstract The signalling mechanisms in oxidative stress mediated by cytokines in the perinatal alveolar epithelium are not well known. In an in vitro model of fetal alveolar type II epithelial cells, we investigated the profile of cytokines in response to ascending Δp O2regimen (oxyexcitation). The peak of TNF-α (4 h) preceded IL-1β and IL-6 (6–9 h), indicating a positive feedback autocrine loop confirmed by exogenous rmTNF-α. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced a dose-dependent release of cytokines, an effect specifically obliterated by selective antioxidants of the hydroxyl radical (.OH) and superoxide anion (O2−). Actinomycin and cycloheximide blocked the induced production of cytokines, implicating transcriptional and translational control. Whilst the dismutating enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase were ineffective in reducing ROS-induced cytokines, MnP, a cell-permeating SOD mimetic, abrogated xanthine/xanthine oxidase-dependent cytokine release. Desferrioxamine mesylate, which inhibits the iron-catalysed generation of.OH via the Fenton reaction, exhibited a mild effect on the release of cytokines. Dynamic variation in alveolar p O2constitutes a potential signalling mechanism within the perinatal lung allowing upregulation of cytokines in an ROS-dependent manner.
Supportive Organizational Context for Teams: A Study of Construct Validity

Despite a call within scientific literature to better account for contextual factors in team studies, very little research has systematically analyzed the potentially critical role of such factors, thus limiting organizations’ ability to provide contextual conditions that would foster team effectiveness. The Supportive Organizational Context for Teams (SOCT) construct effectively captures some of these factors (rewards, information, education, and resource allocation). However, while the internal consistency of the SOCT has been analyzed, its multidimensional representation has never been tested. In this study, we address these limitations by assessing the factor structure of a measure proposed by Wageman et al. (2005) and of its distinctive nature in relation to Perceived Organizational Support. Using a sample of 235 participants and the newly developed bifactor-ESEM framework, this study supports the notion that a high-order model is superior to a first-order model, and SOCT and Perceived Organizational Support are distinct from one another.
New Data On Aorolaimus Perscitus (Doucet, 1980) and Gracilacus Teres Raski, 1976 (Nematoda: Tylenchida) Associated With Olive (Olea Europea L.) in the Province of Jaén, Spain

Two species of tylenchid nematodes associated with olive (Olea europea L.) in the province of Jaen, Southeastern Spain differed morphologically from the original populations. Aorolaimus perscitus (Doucet, 1980) Fortuner, 1987 presents a mosaic pattern of the head annulation with many subdivisions of the basal ring while the Argentinian population shows a regular transverse annulation with a limited number of longitudinal lines. Gracilacus teres Raski, 1976 is recorded for the first time in Europe; under the light microscope it appears with two lines in the lateral field; S.E. M. showed it has four lateral lines.
New insights into the systematics and evolution of the filmy fern genus Crepidomanes (Hymenophyllaceae) in the Mascarene Archipelago with a focus on dwarf species

Abstract The diversity of species belonging to the filmy fern genus Crepidomanes (Hymenophyllaceae) in the Mascarene archipelago was studied, based on morphological investigations and focusing especially on the most dwarf species that are easily confused in the field and in herbarium collections. Morphological potential clusters and discriminations were then compared with an rbcL phylogeny. As a result, we recognized at least eight morpho-species for the archipelago and defined characters for distinguishing the three smallest ones, Crepidomanes bonapartei, Crepidomanes minutum and Crepidomanes (Trichomanes) trinerve. Morphological evidence and molecules confirm the specific status for T. trinerve (newly combined in Crepidomanes), the inclusion of Crepidomanes mannii into a C. minutum complex, and new records of C. bonapartei for Mauritius. The neotropical Polyphlebium pyxidiferum is found to be closely related to Afro-Madagascan Crepidomanes inopinatum and Crepidomanes melanotrichum species and so is newly combined in Crepidomanes. A key for the eight species of the genus in the archipelago, description of a new section clustering Crepidomanes frappieri and Crepidomanes longilabiatum, and new enhanced descriptions for two dwarf taxa (C. bonapartei and C. trinerve) are provided, and biogeographical origins of the genus in the Western Indian Ocean area are discussed.
Incidence, bacteriological profile and risk factor analysis of neonatal sepsis in a peri urban set up of North India

The neonatal period is a vulnerable phase in the lives of both mothers and their new-born babies and still it is the most neglected period regarding the quality of care. According to United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund data, children are at highest risk of dying in the first month of life at an average global rate of 18 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2018. Most of the neonatal deaths are concentrated in the first day and week of life. Globally, the common causes of neonatal deaths are preterm birth complications, intrapartum complications, neonatal sepsis and congenital malformation. Being the second most populated country India, claims a large proportion of neonatal sepsis burden. In India, Gramnegative bacteria have been reported to be the most common cause of neonatal sepsis till recently, Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) being predominant. However, the proportion of cases due to Gram-positive bacteria, especially Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and coagulase negative Staphylococci (CoNS), has ABSTRACT
Filtering processes in the assembly of plant communities: Are species presence and abundance driven by the same traits?

Abstract Question: Is the response of plant traits to environment at the community level similar when considering species abundance and when considering species presence only? Location: Mountain grasslands, central Argentina. Methods: We used data from 57 floristic samples, ordinated through DCCA along moisture and grazing gradients combined with trait values from 85 species (plant height, leaf area, leaf thickness leaf toughness and SLA). For each sample, we calculated the weighted average (considering species abundance) and the simple average (considering only species presence). Through multiple regressions we analysed how each average (dependent variable) responded to moisture and grazing (DCCA scores along Axes 1 and 2, respectively, as independent variables). Results: Weighted averages of all traits were significantly associated to both gradients, while simple averages did not always respond. In some cases the responses followed similar but weaker trends than the responses of weighted averages, but in other cases these responses were qualitatively different. Traits more associated with size (plant height, leaf area, leaf thickness) responded more consistently (similar trends for both averages) to grazing than to moisture, while traits more associated with plant resource acquisition (SLA, leaf toughness) responded more consistently to moisture than to grazing. Conclusion: The trait values and combinations which determine the probability of species presence are not necessary the same as those which determine their probability of becoming abundant. To understand community assembly rules, both species presence and species abundance should be taken into account as the result of different, although closely linked, filtering processes.
A Land Use Regression Application into Simulating
Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Particulate
Matter (PM2.5) Concentration in City
of Xi’an, China

Decreasing of PM2.5 concentration in the heating season was not significant in Xi’an. This article determined a land use regression (LUR) model and researched the distribution characteristics of PM2.5 in heating and non-heating seasons in Xi'an. The results showed that: (1) The R2 of LUR was larger than 0.9, and the simulation results were better than previous studies. (2) The PM2.5 concentration in the heating season was larger than in the non-heating season. In Xi’an, the distribution of PM2.5 concentration was low in the southeast and high in the northwest in the non-heating season and was low in the southeast and high in the main urban region in the heating season. (3) The PM2.5 concentration was affected by temperature, average air pressure, altitude, humidity and precipitation in non-heating season and was influenced by precipitation, altitude, average air pressure, vegetation, and density of roads in heating season. (4) This paper showed some improvements in selection of potential variables for LUR model, and the conclusion can provide a scientific basis for PM2.5 pollution control and a reliable method for simulating PM2.5 concentration in other cities.
Immune response of male barn swallows in relation to parental effort, corticosterone plasma levels, and sexual ornamentation

Life-history theory posits trade-offs between fitness components. Reproduction negatively affects physiology and immune system functioning, and the effect of this form of stress may be mediated by glucocorticosteroids. We manipulated brood size of barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) to study the effect of stress arising from reproductive effort on corticosterone levels of males. We also measured T-cell--mediated immunocompetence by intradermally injecting birds with phytohemagglutinin, which is mitogenic to T-lymphocytes. The results confirmed the prediction of a negative effect of parental effort on lymphoproliferative response. We found no covariation between immune response and corticosterone levels. Males with long tails, an ornament currently under directional sexual selection, had a relatively large T-cell response to the mitogen, consistent with models of parasite-mediated sexual selection predicting higher levels of immune defense in highly ornamented males. In addition, males with large sexual ornaments had relatively low corticosterone levels at the end of the parental period. These results can be reconciled with the hypothesis proposing a trade-off between parental activities and adaptive immunity and suggest that highly ornamented males are less exposed or less susceptible to stress arising from parental effort. Copyright 2002.
Why Is Part-time Unpaid Parental Leave (Still) Gendered? Narratives and Strategies of Couples in Spain

This article examines men’s and women’s reasoning regarding part-time unpaid parental leave use intentions once paid leave ends by using 52 original interviews conducted with highly educated men and women aged 24 years to 35 years in stable partnerships in Spain. We identify three part-time unpaid parental leave use strategies concealing six different narratives. Our results offer interesting gender discrepancies that reveal intended unpaid leave use arrangements. Our comparison of men’s and women’s narratives suggests that men seem to overestimate the egalitarianism within their relationships by being highly predisposed to take unpaid leave. Our analysis indicates that economic uncertainty and labor-market barriers (including persistent gender inequality) perpetuate a gendered use of this gender-neutral policy even among couples who show strong gender-egalitarian attitudes.
Phylogeny and Biogeography of Thuja L. (Cupressaceae), an Eastern Asian and North American Disjunct Genus

Abstract: In order to develop better insights into biogeographic patterns of eastern Asian and North American disjunct plant genera, sequences of nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (nr DNA ITS) region were used to estimate interspecific relationships of Thuja L. (Cupressaceae) and infer its biogeography based on the phylogeny. According to the phylogenetic analysis, two clades were recognized. The first clade included Thuja plicata D. Don (western North America) and T. koraiensis Nakai (northeastern Asia), and the second one contained T. occidentalis(Gord.) Carr. (Japan). The ancestral area of Thuja was inferred to be eastern Asia, and two dispersal events were responsible for the modern distribution of Thuja in North America. Both the North Atlantic land bridge and Bering land bridge were possible routes for the migration of ancestral populations to North America. (Managing editor: Li-Hui ZHAO)
The facialis musculature of the orang, Simia satyrus

Through the courtesy of Rlr. Winkleman and Doctor Dwight of the Madisoil Zoo we had an opportunity to dissect the facial muscles of an orang. In the course of the work it was neccssary to translate tlie work of Ruge on the gorilla and that of Vircliow on the chimpanzee. As there is but little on these animals in tlie English and American journals, it seems desirable to include rather full abstracts of their works. This makes them more accessible and gives a background to our description of the orang. To them we are indebted f o r the information on the gorilla and chimpanzee unless tlie contrary is indicated in the text. Ruge’s description of the muscles of the gorilla is in great detail, and would be spoiled if cut to the usual length of an abstract. With this in mind, we have taken over as much of his work as seemed necessary to maintain his meaning. One cannot work in this field without feeling under deep obligations to Ruge. Virchow’s monograph on the Chimpanzee, fully illustrated, is a good example of a clear description of a complex organization and lends itself more readily to abstracting. A recent paper by Sorintag gives additional information on the chimpanzee. All of the papers are open to the criticism that they are based on a limited amount of material, but the supply is so limited that any description seems a step in advance. All
Observations on the trade in sea turtles at the fish market of Alexandria, Egypt

Abstract During six months of observations in 1998/1999 at the Alexandria Fish Market, 135 turtles were offered for sale, 85% of which were Loggerhead Turtles, Caretta caretta, and the remainder Green Turtles, Chelonia mydas. Consumption of the meat was found to be largely favoured amongst those involved in the trade, the fishermen and less well educated people. Awareness of the illegality of the trade in turtles and the need for conservation is relatively low, though the awareness is higher among fishermen and traders than among buyers of turtle meat.
The diversity of divestment in Singapore: Junk commodities, charity gifts, and recycling bins

National and municipal recycling programmes are typically premised on their ability to reduce waste disposed in the landfill. However, a much wider variety of waste divestment conduits – such as trading with informal junk traders, making donations to charity, passing on items to family and friends – co-exist in many urban waste management landscapes. In this paper, we explore the cultures and economies of informal waste divestment practices in Singapore, in relation to the National Recycling Programme implemented by the government. We argue that one reason for the limited performance of the National Recycling Programme is because it reduces a relationship of (commodity) exchange or gift among persons, to an act of disposal in an impersonal recycling bin. Drawing on quantitatively and qualitatively obtained empirical data, we identify three frequently used conduits of divestment – junk traders, charity donations, and transfers to family and friends – that render radically different social meanings to divestment. While junk traders transform unwanted things into commodities, donations to charity, family, and friends transform unwanted things into gifts – creating rich ‘regimes of value’ that perpetuate a thing’s career. Hence, the complexity of people’s relationships to material objects helps keep things out of the general waste stream. We challenge if this complexity should be reduced by ordering and governing household practices to fit into complicated long-distance infrastructures, such as the recycling system.
Admittance-Based Stability Analysis: Bode Plots, Nyquist Diagrams or Eigenvalue Analysis?

In the literature, Bode plots and Nyquist diagrams are used extensively in stability analysis for admittance-based models. In this letter, we demonstrate that eigenvalues obtained from the total admittance lead to accurate prediction of stability while Bode plots and Nyquist diagrams show limitations. A voltage source converter with weak grid interconnection is used as an illustrative example to demonstrate the pros and cons of the three methods applied to <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$dq$</tex-math></inline-formula>-frame admittance matrices.
Antagonistic Effects of Interferon-γ and Interleukin-4 on Fibroblast Cultures.

A major characteristic of scleroderma (SSc) fibroblasts is an increased biosynthesis of extracellular matrix macromolecules that could be linked to impaired regulation by cytokines. We investigated the effects of two cytokines from T lymphocytes, interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon- γ (IFN- γ ), on normal and scleroderma fibroblast cultures. In both types of fibroblasts, IL-4 strongly stimulated collagen synthesis, whereas IFN- γ was a potent inhibitor. The effects of these cytokines were localized at the pre-translational level, and both mRNA steady-state level and protein synthesis were equally affected. SSc fibroblasts responded to IL-4 and IFN- γ as well as normal fibroblasts. When fibroblasts were incubated with combinations of both cytokines, IFN- γ completely suppressed the stimulation of collagen gene expression induced by IL-4. Northern blot and western blot analyses demonstrated that IFN- γ induced a rapid and strong decrease in the expression of the IL-4 receptor- α by fibroblasts. This effect might explain the antagonistic effects of IFN- γ on the IL-4–dependent enhancement of collagen synthesis. Thus, our data suggest that the alteration of collagen production in scleroderma fibroblasts does not depend on an altered sensitivity of these cells to stimulatory or inhibitory cytokines but is more likely the consequence of an imbalance in the local production of autocrine or paracrine regulatory factors.
The role of behavior in the success of invasive crustaceans

Many crustaceans have been moved to new locations where they have caused ecological or economic problems, that is, have become invasive. This article focuses on the role of animal behavior in contributing to their success. Certain behaviors are particularly relevant, including (1) feeding: outcompeting native species for food or eating native species of concern; (2) predator avoidance: the invader may be more successful at avoiding predators than native species; (3) habitat: invasive species may displace natives from their habitat or may alter the environment; (4) aggressive behavior: may contribute to (1) or (3) above; (5) movements: if the invader undergoes extensive migrations, it can spread more rapidly; (6) plasticity: (learning) if the invader is “smarter” than native species, it may be more likely to outcompete them for habitat and/or food; and (7) reproduction (though not strictly reproductive behavior per se). These behaviors are discussed with respect to invasive crustaceans, including freshwater and marine examples.
Job Insecurity and Burnout among Teachers in Turkey

In personal perceptions and evaluations, job insecurity is one of the facts that threaten employment and assurance to stay at work as a result of the ever-changing conditions of working life beyond finding a job. The negative results of the processes that cannot be coped with in the working life also constitute burnout. Like job insecurity, burnout emerges as a multi-dimensional and chronic response of personalized and failed efforts to manage various negative stress conditions. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between job insecurity and burnout. The hypothesis of the research was tested on 224 teachers working in the public sector. In addition, the sample group was asked if they had experienced unemployment and life changes that occurred when they experienced unemployment were also determined. The results of the study confirmed the relationship between job insecurity and burnout and revealed that teachers were less affected by burnout as their employability increased.
Energy-Efficient Fixed-Gain AF Relay Assisted OFDM With Index Modulation

To broaden the application scenario and reduce energy consumption, we propose an energy-efficient fixed-gain (FG) amplify-and-forward (AF) relay assisted orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing with index modulation (OFDM-IM) scheme in this letter. The proposed system needs neither instantaneous channel state information (CSI) nor complicated processing at the relay node. It operates based on the power allocation scheme that minimizes the sum of transmit power at both source and relay node, given an outage probability constraint. Through a series of problem transformation and simplification, we convert the original power allocation problem to its relaxed version and solve it using convex programming techniques. To reveal the computing efficiency of the proposed power allocation scheme, we analyze its computational complexity. Numerical simulations substantiate that the proposed optimization scheme has a neglectable loss compared with the brute force search, but the computational complexity can be considerably reduced.