Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Extended range luminescence dating of quartz and alkali-feldspar from aeolian sediments in the eastern Mediterranean

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) on quartz is an established technique for dating late Pleistocene to late Holocene sediments. Unfortunately, this method is often limited to up to 100 ka (thousands of years). Recent developments in new extended range luminescence techniques show great potential for dating older sediments of middle and even early Pleistocene age. These methods include thermally transferred OSL (TT-OSL) and violet stimulated luminescence (VSL) for 10 quartz and post infrared-infrared stimulated luminescence (pIRIR) for feldspar. Here we investigate the luminescence behavior of the TT-OSL, VSL and pIRIR signals of quartz and feldspar minerals of aeolian sediments of Nilotic origin from the eastern Mediterranean. We sampled a 15 m thick sequence (Kerem Shalom) comprising sandy calcic paleosols, which is part of a sand sheet that covers an extensive region in south-western Israel. Dose recovery and bleaching experiments under natural conditions indicated that the pIRIR250 signal is the most suitable for dating the Nilotic feldspar. Luminescence 15 intensity profiles revealed natural saturation of the three signals at the same depth of ~6 m, indicating that ages of samples below that depth are minimum ages. Using TT-OSL and pIRIR250, a minimum age of 715 ka, for the base of the section was obtained, suggesting aeolian sand accumulation along the eastern Mediterranean coastal plain already since the early Pleistocene. Our results indicate that both TT-OSL and pIRIR250 can accurately date middle Pleistocene aeolian sediments of Nilotic origin and that minimum ages can be provided for early Pleistocene samples. 20
ATTITUDE TOWARDS ADVERTISING: A COMPARISON BETWEEN STUDENTS OF COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION IN POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES.

The main purpose of this study is to determine attitude from the perspective of the students of the four departments of Business Administration (Marketing Management, Office Administration, Entrepreneurship and Human Resource Management) towards advertising. A quantitative approach by means of adopted 5-point Likert scale questionnaire based survey was conducted at Polytechnic University of the Philippines, under the College of Business Administration, with 337 copies, whereby 102 were students from the department of Marketing Management, 78 Office Administration students, 56 were from the department of Entrepreneurship and 101 students from Human Resource Management, were collected. Descriptive and inferential analyses were subsequently used. The data gathered in this study showed that there is no significant difference in attitudes and beliefs of the students, despite of different specializations towards advertising. This study also articulates the present view of the students in the said university about advertising.
Effect of Honey on Measurable Sport

For more than 5000 years, people have used honey to improve the physical attributes of the musculoskeletal system as well as for health reasons. Honey is mainly composed of carbohydrate (CHO), minerals, and vitamins which are properties that are proved to be able to improve sports performance and general health. Honey has the potential to improve aerobic exercise performance. Meanwhile, honey in combination with exercise improves bone health, boosts the immune system, and improves performance in sports. It is believed that Carbohydrate (CHO) and honey constituents play an important role during training in providing the benefits of improving sports performance on cycling, and running. Honey is a source of carbohydrates that contain flavonoid compounds which act as antioxidants and have ergogenic properties. The natural nutrition and biochemical properties of honey make it an energy food status. Carbohydrate (CHO) make up the largest portion of honey's nutritional composition (95-99%) with the glycemic index (GI) varying from 32 to 87, in the average water content range of 13.6% to 19.2%. Other important compositions of honey include vitamins and minerals. Its composition is highly dependent on the type of flower extracted by bees, as well as regional and climatic conditions. This paper presents to elaborate the findings about the effect of honey on measured sport performance as well as the combined effect of honey and exercise on health-related outcomes. Trainers and athletes should know the positive effects of using honey and how to use it so, that the results are felt more leverage in sports performance.
The Feasibility and Necessity of a Revolution in Geriatric Medicine

Currently, geriatric medicine consists mainly of palliative treatment of the disorders that characterize senile decay. This is perfectly compatible with the prevailing view that aging is the inevitable result of multiple degenerative processes that cannot be treated effectively as they are, in themselves, inevitable and irreversible. This interpretation of aging clashes with a mass of data and arguments that, conversely, indicate that aging is a specific physiological function, favoured by supra-individual natural selection, and is genetically determined and modulated. According to this concept, it is possible to modify, or even reverse, aging by influencing its primary mechanisms. This is diametrically opposed to the current interventions used in geriatric medicine, which act only on the effects of such mechanisms. The goal of complete control of the aging process may appear Utopian; however, it is quite rational and feasible if we consider the already proven reversibility of aging at the cellular level and in some in vivo models. The method of achieving this objective by no means is to counter the countless changes that characterize aging. On the contrary, the method is to control the telomere-subtelomere-telomerase system, which appears to be the general determining factor and regulator of aging. This system can apparently be controlled by OBM Geriatrics 2017; 1(2), doi: 10.21926/obm.geriat. 1702002 Page 2/34 modifying telomerase activity, or even, as suggested recently, in combination with techniques that alter telomere and subtelomere structure. In the first instance, these interventions must predominantly address the control of some manifestations of aging, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and age-related macular degeneration, which are particularly devastating in terms of patient suffering and the associated economic burden. Effective treatments for these diseases represent a pivotal challenge facing a revolution in geriatric medicine, which is now both feasible and essential. The implications of such a revolution will lead to developments that will extend well beyond the boundaries of geriatric medicine.
Risk for Depression and Psychological Well-Being in German National and State Team Athletes—Associations With Age, Gender, and Performance Level

Adolescence is a vulnerable period for the development of depression. Research on depression in athletes including adolescent athletes, however, is scarce. The purpose of the present study was to assess the risk for depression depending on the athletes’ age, gender, and performance level. Data were collected from 1,799 German national and state team athletes. The PHQ-2 and the WHO-5 were administered to assess the athletes’ risk for depression and current state of psychological well-being. Overall, 13% of the athletes were screened positive for depression and 10% for impaired well-being. Adolescents, females and athletes of junior national teams showed a higher risk for depression and/or lower well-being than other subgroups. The finding that adolescent athletes are more vulnerable to suffer from depressive symptoms than adult athletes mirrors finding in the general population. Screening tools for depression should be followed up by clinical expert interviews to provide an external criterion for the obtained results.
Australian University Students’ Perceptions of Mental Illness: A Qualitative Study

Depression and anxiety are common experiences for young adults in Australia (Yap & Jorm, 2011; Jorm, 2012). Social factors resulting from stigmatising social discourses, including that promulgated through the media are major contributors to mental health issues in this age group (Wright, Jorm & Mackinnon, 2011; Yap & Jorm, 2011). However, there is limited qualitative research in this area. This qualitative study used interviews to investigate the social perceptions of depression and anxiety among young Australians. Participants (n=10) were university students aged between 19 and 24 years. The findings have demonstrated confusion around diagnostic labelling, concepts of mental health issues, and the power of the media as both productive and counter-productive in its portrayal of mental health and illness. On the basis of these findings we propose that positive and pragmatic psycho-education programs should be implemented at a younger age, in order to normalise experiences of depression and anxiety earlier in life. This could possibly counter the stigmatising discourses that young people experience. These findings can be used to inform health policy for the prevention of mental health issues and mental illness in Australia. In keeping with the Commonwealth of Australia (2013) recommendations, terms of ‘mental health issues’ and ‘mental illness’ are adopted throughout this work.
The Impact of Customer Relationship Management on Customer Loyalty via the Mediating Role of Customer Satisfaction: An Empirical Study on Private Kuwaiti Fitness Gyms

The existing research paper was built based on an existing literature from previous researchers and articles and done in a different context (i.e. industry and country). Further, this research contributes to enabling others to understand more between customer relationship management, customer satisfaction and customer loyalty in Kuwaiti private gyms since limited efforts were undertaken to examine this topic in this particular sector. Traditionally, researchers have focused on studying the deal relationship between customer relationship management and customer loyalty through customer satisfaction as a mediating variable. Thus, this research went a step further by not only studying these variables but also by adding an integrated marketing communication as a new variable in customer relationship management practices with also a new mediating variable which is customer satisfaction. The current research comes up with insightful findings and recommendations.
Links between metabolic syndrome and the microbiome

Abstract Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of harmful conditions which occur together, such as insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, and hypertension. The global prevalence of MetS is growing rapidly, with some estimates suggesting over one billion people worldwide experience increased morality and disease rates linked with this syndrome. One possible factor contributing to MetS risk is changes in microbiome composition. Approximately 100 trillion bacteria and other microbes reside in the human intestinal tract, collectively termed the gut microbiome. Humans and microbes share a long evolutionary history, with many of these microbes influencing human health outcomes. However, environmental conditions have changed dramatically with human technological innovations; many of these changes (e.g., diets high in processed foods and sedentary lifestyles) appear to impact human-microbe relationships. In general, recent changes in diet and activity patterns have been linked to decreased microbiome diversity, elevating inflammation and metabolic disease risk and likely promoting the development of MetS. Targeting patient diet or exercise patterns may therefore help doctors better treat patients suffering from MetS. Still, additional work is needed to determine how the microbiome responds to changes in patient activity and diet patterns across culturally and biologically diverse human populations.
Screening for glaucoma in populations at high risk: The eye screening New York project

Abstract Purpose: To explore the yield and feasibility of glaucoma screening and the prevalence of glaucoma in high risk populations in New York City. Methods: A Community based glaucoma screening study was conducted in a high-risk population in NYC from 2007–2014 using fixed sites and mobile van. Participant underwent visual acuity testing, Tonopen intraocular pressure (IOP), frequency doubling technology (FDT), and optic nerve cup/disk ratio (C/D) by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Glaucoma suspects (GS) were defined by IOP ≥ 21 mm Hg, abnormal FDT, and cup/disc ≥ 0.5. Results: 8,547 where screened between 2007–2014. 54% were Hispanics and 16% were African Americans. Of the 8,547 screened 2,118 (24.94%) where referred for glaucoma evaluation, 1,243(14.63%) where referred for an ophthalmic evaluation and 5,133(60.43%) where recommended for routine eye exam. 31.96% of our screened population were uninsured and 56.85% never saw an eye doctor in their life. Having IOP ≥ 21 had 36.27fold increase in RRR of being a GS [95% 29.45–44.44, p < 0.001]. Having C/D ratio of ≥ 0.5 had 23.6fold increase in RRR of being a GS [95% 20.65–27, p < 0.001]. Having an abnormal FDT had 2fold increase in RRR of being a GS [95% 1.79–2.19, p < 0.001]. Follow up was available in 610 subjects. Glaucoma was confirmed in 52% of the individuals who followed up. Conclusions: Our data suggests the prevalence of positive screening is substantial in high risk populations. It establishes the feasibility of mobile screening as a method of facilitating access to care. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of an active blindness prevention program in the context of population management.
Local government social responsibility: empirical evidence in the region of Extremadura

espanolEn el contexto de la divulgacion de informacion sobre Responsabilidad Social (RS) por la Administracion Local, este trabajo presenta un doble objetivo. En primer lugar, se examina como evolucionan los niveles de divulgacion de informacion sobre RS. Para ello, se ha realizado un analisis de contenido de las paginas web de los gobiernos locales en una region de Espana, pionera en la aprobacion de una Ley de Responsabilidad Social Coroporativa. En segundo lugar, se investigan algunos factores poblacionales, socio-economicos, fiscales y politicos determinantes de la divulgacion de este tipo de informacion, planteando un modelo de regresion lineal multiple en funcion de un indice de divulgacion calculado previamente. Los resultados muestran, por un lado, un aumento en la cantidad de informacion divulgada entre los anos 2013 y 2016. Por otro lado, los municipios de mayor tamano, con mayores recursos, gobernados por partidos progresistas y con una alta competencia politica, muestran mayores niveles de divulgacion de informacion sobre RS. EnglishThis paper serves as a double purpose in the context of local administrations’ information on line disclosure of Social Responsibility (SR). First, this study examines how levels of information dissemination of SR are evolving. Second, some fiscal, political, population, and socioeconomic factors were investigated as determinants of this information disclosed. A content analysis of the websites of the local government in a region of Spain was carried out. This region is the first which has a Corporate Social Responsibility Lay. Later, according to literature review, the authors propose a multiple linear regression model based on disclosure index scores calculated previously. On the one hand, the results show an increase in the amount of SR information disclosed between 2013 and 2016. On the other hand, the study concludes that larger municipalities with more resources, progressive party governments, and intense political competition present higher levels of information disclosure of social responsibility.
What Affects Children's Outcomes: House Characteristics or Homeownership?

We study the impact of housing conditions on the educational outcomes of young persons in Switzerland. We focus on children ages 15 to 19, who are potentially enrolled in or graduates of high school or vocational training programs, and young adults ages 20 to 24, who are potentially students in or graduates of university or other tertiary institutions. Housing conditions are characterized in three ways: whether the parents rent or own the dwelling, the type of dwelling (house or apartment), and a measure of crowding (occupants per room). We find that the density of residents in the dwelling is the only influential housing characteristic. Crowding directly affects the outcomes of children ages 15 to 19 and presumably indirectly affects the outcomes of young adults given that admission to university study requires completion of high school. None of the other housing characteristics affects children’s outcomes. In particular, homeownership is not statistically significant in any of our estimations.
Impact of Business Strategy on Big Data Analytics Adoption: The Mediating Effect of Supply Chain Competence

Recent advancements in big data analytics have invoked tremendous attention from both academics and industries. Many researchers refer that the adoption and application of big data analytics could lead to performance impact to organizations, and therefore further affect organizational adoption intention of this technology. However, few researches study the association between business strategy and big data analytics adoption. Furthermore, the role of firms’ functional activities such as supply chain operations has seldom been addressed in the adoption considerations of big data analytics. In this research, empirical data from enterprises were collected and analyzed to assess the impact of business strategy on big data analytics adoption and the possible effect of supply chain competence in the linkage. The results supported our hypotheses and the implications for management decisions are elaborated.
A Sediment Trap Evaluation of B/Ca as a Carbonate System Proxy in Asymbiotic and Nondinoflagellate Hosting Planktonic Foraminifera

The ratio of boron to calcium (B/Ca) in a subset of foraminifera has been shown to covary with seawater carbonate chemistry, making this geochemical signature a promising proxy for carbon cycle science. Some studies suggest complications with the B/Ca proxy in photosymbiont‐bearing planktonic foraminifera, while relatively few studies have investigated B/Ca in species that lack large dinoflagellate symbionts. For the first time, we use a sediment trap time series to evaluate B/Ca of subtropical and subpolar planktonic foraminifera species that are asymbiotic (Globigerina bulloides and Neogloboquadrina incompta) and a species that hosts small intrashell photosymbionts (Neogloboquadrina dutertrei). We find that B/Ca measurements across size fractions indicate overall little to no size‐dependent uptake of boron that has previously been reported in some symbiont‐bearing foraminifera. Neogloboquadrina incompta and N. dutertrei B/Ca are strongly correlated with calcite saturation, pH, and carbonate ion concentration, which is in good agreement with the limited number of published core top results. While G. bulloides B/Ca trends with seasonal fluctuations in carbonate chemistry, during discrete periods considerable B/Ca offsets occur when a cryptic G. bulloides species is known to be seasonally present within the region. We confirm presence and significant B/Ca offset between cryptic species by individual LA‐ICP‐MS analyses. This finding calls into question the use of traditional morphological classification to lump what might be genetically distinct species for geochemical analyses. Our overall results highlight the utility of G. bulloides, N. incompta, and N. dutertrei B/Ca while bringing to light new considerations regarding divergent geochemistry of cryptic species.
Employer branding through crowdsourcing: understanding the sentiments of employees

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of social media in creating an attractive employer brand for any organization. It investigates one of the social media Glassdoor, which is an online employer branding platform, where employees put their reviews which are both positive and negative. Analysis of these reviews can generate a lot of insights into employer branding. ,The data was collected as 1,243 reviews from Glassdoor, an online crowdsourced employer branding platform for 40 top-rated employers across four different sectors, namely, Pharma, IT, retail and FMCG. Text and sentimental analyses were done using SAS visual analytical for these reviews. ,Ten themes were generated from the text analytics which is nothing but the employer value propositions (EVPs), and they were social, interest, development and economic value as given by Berthon et al. (2005) and also others, such as work–life, management and brand value emerged. Social value came as a significant EVP followed by interest value and work–life values. ,This research is providing only ways to show that crowdsourced data can also be used to understand the mindset of employees regarding an employer’s image but is not providing any idea regarding how to generate the right employee value proposition. ,The research has shown that employers can use crowdsourced employer branding insights to see where they stand in the employer's attractiveness spectrum. They can use innovative data analytics techniques, such as visualization for text and sentimental analysis to create employer branding intelligence strategies.
IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE OF DIABETIC PATIENTS THROUGH NON-SURGICAL PERIODONTAL TREATMENT

Improving the periodontal health leads to better glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients. 6,7 The study included known type II diabetic patients registered with the Diabetic Out Patient Department of Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore and Oral examinations were carried out in the Department of Oral Health Sciences of Shaikh Zayed Medical Institute. 61 subjects, 31 treatment group 30 control group. All the patients were non smokers with at least 14 teeth and showed mild to severe level of periodontal disease. Age ranged from 45-65years.HbA1c values varied from 5-8%. No history of systemic antibiotic administration in the past 3 months. Subjects with any change in oral glycemic drug or its dose altered were withdrawn from the study. Patients with gingival hyperplasia, with renal problems, using any renal medication or any antibiotics were not included in the study. Treatment group showed a statistically and clinical significant improvement of 16.25% in HbA1c values. The periodontal therapy improves quality of life of diabetic person by improving glycemic control and decreasing the patients’ dosage of oral glycemic drugs. In review of this advantage periodontal therapy should be made an integral part of the regime to improve glycemic control.