Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Educational needs and opportunities for personnel in convention and visitor bureaus.

This study was undertaken to examine skills and personal qualities which are desirable for employment in convention and visitor bureaus and to identify employment opportunities. Despite a small return, it was found that there were employment opportunities available in CVB's. Sales level {professional) career opportunities were the most frequently reported openings within the responding bureaus. Important skills and personal qualities for all employment levels were identified. Desireable degree areas and years of experience desired were also identified. Professional associations were found to be the primary source of training opportunities. University education and training offerings were geared to the matriculated student, and not easily accessible to professionals already employed in a CVB. There is a need for professional associations to opportunities for individuals visitor bureaus; universities to work closer with the develop and provide education and training interested in careers in convention and EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONNEL IN CONVENTION AND VISITOR BUREAUS
Evaluation of QOL for stem cell transplantation recipients by SF-36 and FACT-BMT: preliminary results of FACT-BMT for Japanese patients.

BACKGROUND Quality of life (QOL) measurement is a powerful instrument for assessing medical morbidity from the patient's perspective. We measured the QOL of patients undergoing autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) in Japan to validate the FACT-BMT scale in comparison to SF-36. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional survey for transplant recipients receiving treatment at our outpatient clinic. Recipients undergoing autologous and allogeneic SCT between October 2002 and March 2006 were eligible. Participants completed both the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form (SF-36) and a Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy survey specific to bone marrow transplantation (FACT-BMT). RESULTS Thirty-six patients were enlisted, including 24 post-autologous SCT patients and 12 post-allogeneic SCT patients. The median time required to answer all questions was 9 and 11 minutes for SF-36 and FACT-BMT surveys, respectively. Cronbach's a was over 0. 7 for all domains in both SF-36 and FACT-BMT. Inter-scale correlations between all domains except for BP in SF-36 and BMT in FACT-BMT had correlation coefficients greater than 0. 4. The internal consistencies of both surveys were confirmed in Japanese patients. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicated the feasibility and partial validity of FACT-BMT in a one-time follow-up of QOL for Japanese patients after SCT.
DESTABILIZING SPECULATION IN MINING COMPANY IPO'S: AN ANALYSIS OF TRADING IN SHARES SURROUNDING ASSAY RESULT ANNOUNCEMENTS

The traditional view of the role of speculation is to influence a company's share price to move in the direction of fundamental value in the face of new information. However, newly formed mining companies provide a superior position to company insiders with respect to information. Insiders upon the receipt of new information may find it advantageous to initially destabilize prices away from fundamentals. If they are able to take advantage of the investing public who can be Characterized as positive feedback traders (PFT), who buy when prices rise and sell when prices decrease; they will be able to increase their returns at the expense of the positive feedback traders. When mining companies are first taken public, they are largely owned by a small number of insiders whose welfare is closely tied together. I t is argued that insiders use the period surrounding the release of assay results to the public to transfer ownership of the company to the public by taking advantage of the public's positive feedback trading characteristics. Investigation of mining company initial public offerings (IPO's) proceeds in two steps. First, the interrelationships between the market participants involved in the buying and selling of shares are outlined. Then a model is used in showing how these relationships provide insiders the opportunity to exploit investors. Specific predictions are made by the model with respect to the trading in shares around the assay results release. These predictions are built into an empirical model and tested on the trading of shares around 63 reported assays from
Group cognitive behavioural treatment for insomnia in primary care: a randomized controlled trial

Background Insomnia disorder is common and often co-morbid with mental health conditions. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for insomnia is effective, but is rarely implemented as a discrete treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of brief CBT groups for insomnia compared to treatment as usual (TAU) for insomnia delivered by mental health practitioners in a primary-care mental health service. Method A total of 239 participants were randomized to either a five-session CBT group or to TAU. Assessments of sleep and of symptoms of depression and anxiety were carried out at baseline, post-treatment and at 20 weeks. Primary outcome was sleep efficiency post-treatment. Results Group CBT participants had better sleep outcomes post-treatment than those receiving TAU [sleep efficiency standardized mean difference 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34–0.92]. The effect at 20 weeks was smaller with a wide confidence interval (0.27, 95% CI −0.03 to 0.56). There were no important differences between groups at either follow-up period in symptoms of anxiety or depression. Conclusions Dedicated CBT group treatment for insomnia improves sleep more than treating sleep as an adjunct to other mental health treatment.
The multifunctional regulatory proteins ABF1 and CPF1 are involved in the formation of a nuclease‐hypersensitive region in the promoter of the QCR8 gene

The abundant DNA‐binding proteins ABF1 and CPF1 are members of a family of global regulators with diverse chromosomal functions in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Recent evidence suggests that these protein factors may be involved in establishing and maintaining well‐defined chromatin structures in promoter regions and other genetic elements. We have investigated the involvement of ABF1 and CPF1 in chromatin organization at the QCR8 gene, encoding subunit VIII of the mitochondrial ubiquinol‐cytochrome c oxidoreductase. The promoter region of the QCR8 gene contains overlapping binding sites for ABF1 and CPF1. Nucleosome positioning studies indicate that the QCR8 gene is associated with a phased array of nucleosomes under both catabolite‐repressed and derepressed growth conditions. Analysis of binding site mutants reveals that both ABF1 and CPF1 are involved in maintaining a nuclease‐hypersensitive region in the QCR8 promoter. The chromatin structure at QCR8 during steady‐state growth is, however, mainly dependent on binding of ABF1 to the promoter region. Implications of these findings for the role played by ABF1 and CPF1 in the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis and other processes important for cell growth and division will be discussed.
Children’s exposure to nitrogen dioxide in Sweden: investigating environmental injustice in an egalitarian country

Study objective: Prior studies have shown that children are particularly sensitive to air pollution. This study examined whether children of low socioeconomic status suffered greater exposure to outdoor nitrogen dioxide than more affluent ones, both at their place of residence and at school, in a country with widespread state intervention for social equity. Design: Local scale data on outdoor nitrogen dioxide obtained from a validated air pollution model were analysed, along with all school children accurately geocoded to their building of residence and school. Participants: All 29 133 children in grades one through nine (aged 7 to 15 years) residing and attending school in Malmö, Sweden, in 2001. Main results: Defining the socioeconomic status of children according to the mean income in their residential building, the spatial scan statistic technique allowed the authors to identify eight statistically significant clusters of low socioeconomic status children, all of which were located in the most polluted areas of Malmö. Four clusters of high socioeconomic status children were found, all of them located in the least polluted areas. The neighbourhood socioeconomic status better predicted the nitrogen dioxide exposure of children than the socioeconomic status of their building of residence. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide at the place of residence and school of attendance regularly increased as the socioeconomic status of a child’s neighbourhood of residence decreased. Conclusions: Evidence of environmental injustice was found, even in a country noted for its egalitarian welfare state. Enforcement of environmental regulations may be necessary to achieve a higher level of environmental equity.
Social media analytics for natural disaster management

ABSTRACT Social media analytics has become prominent in natural disaster management. In spite of a large variety of metadata fields in social media data, four dimensions (i.e. space, time, content and network) have been given particular attention for mining useful information to gain situational awareness and improve disaster response. In this article, we review how existing studies analyze these four dimensions, summarize common techniques for mining these dimensions, and then suggest some methods accordingly. We then propose a schema to categorize the gathered articles into 15 classes and facilitate the generation of data analysis tasks. We find that (1) a large part of studies involve multiple dimensions of social media data in their analyses, (2) there are both separate analyses for each dimension and simultaneous analyses for multiple dimensions and (3) there are fewer simultaneous analyses as dimensions increase. Finally, we suggest research opportunities and challenges in fusing social media data with authoritative datasets, i.e. census data and remote-sensing data.
The effect of L-dopa in Parkinson’s disease as revealed by neurophysiological studies of motor and sensory functions

ABSTRACT Introduction: This review will first discuss evidence of motor and sensory abnormalities as yielded by neurophysiological techniques in patients with PD. It will then go on to describe the effects of L-dopa replacement on motor and sensory abnormalities in PD as assessed by neurophysiological studies. Areas covered: We analyzed papers in English using Pubmed with the following keywords: L-dopa, dopamine, bradykinesia, basal ganglia, kinematic analysis, TMS, motor cortex plasticity, motor cortex excitability, somatosensory discrimination threshold, pain Expert commentary: L-dopa improves the amplitude and speed of upper limb voluntary movements, but it does not restore abnormalities in the sequence effect or voluntary facial movements. L-dopa only partially normalizes changes in motor cortex excitability and plasticity and has also contrasting effects on the sensory system and on sensory-motor integration. The neurophysiological studies reviewed here show that PD is more than a hypo-dopaminergic disease, and non-dopaminergic mechanisms should also be considered.
The Impact of Securities Class Actions on Firm Governance and Operating Performance

Prior research has found securities class actions result in management making improvements within the firm, which helps to reduce agency problems. However, little evidence exists as to whether these changes are beneficial to the firm. We examine the effect securities class actions have on management’s decisions and operating performance. Consistent with prior research we find that managers take corrective actions post filing. In a clear addition to the literature, we find that operating performance declined in the two years leading up to the filing of a securities class action and that there is no evidence that the filing adversely affects performance. Indeed, the findings suggest securities class actions may act as a turning point for the performance of a firm. Finally, we analyze the relationship between the corrective actions taken and abnormal operating performance in order to determine how effective securities class actions are at inducing improvements within the firm. We find that firms that increase leverage post filing, experience subsequent increases in their operating performance. These results suggest that securities class actions do not damage operating performance and instead result in performance enhancing improvements. Our study, therefore, adds support to the use of securities class actions as a disciplinary mechanism.
Evaluation of the HOX11L1 gene as a candidate for congenital disorders of intestinal innervation

Editor—Homeobox (Hox) gene products are characterised by the presence of a highly conserved 20 amino acid region (homeodomain) known to bind specific DNA sequences. They promote the expression of downstream genes, thus controlling morphogenesis and cell differentiation in the developing embryo.1 Hox11l1 is also named Ncx ,2 3 Enx ,4 pmur10f ,5 and reported as Tlx-2 in the Mouse Genome Database (MGD,http://www.informatics.jax.org). Hox11l1 is a member of the Hox11 unclustered homeobox genes, a family characterised by a novel homeodomain with threonine replacing isoleucine or valine at a critical site (residue 48 in the third helix); this alters the DNA recognition motif, which may identify a unique set of target genes.5 Hox11l1 expression is detectable in mice in the E9.5 to the E12.5 stages of development and involves dorsal root ganglia, cranial (V, IX, X) and enteric nerve ganglia, adrenal glands in embryos, and adrenal glands and intestine in adult mice. Since its expression is limited to tissues derived from neural crest cells, Hox11l1 may play a role in the proliferation or differentiation of neural crest cell lines.2 Two different Hox11l1 knock out mouse models have been generated.3 4 In both cases homozygous mutant mice were viable but developed megacolon at the age of 3-5 weeks. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis showed hyperplasia of myenteric ganglia, a phenotype similar to that observed in a human congenital intestinal disorder named intestinal neuronal dysplasia (IND). 6 7 There are two clinically and histologically distinguishable subtypes of IND. Type A (IND type A, MIM 243180), occurring in less than 5% of cases, is characterised by congenital aplasia or hypoplasia of the sympathetic innervation and presents acutely in the neonatal period with episodes of intestinal obstruction, diarrhoea, and bloody stools. Type B (IND type B, MIM …
Fusarium Damaged Kernels Detection Using Transfer Learning on Deep Neural Network Architecture

The present work shows the application of transfer learning for a pre-trained deep neural network (DNN), using a small image dataset ($\approx$ 12,000) on a single workstation with enabled NVIDIA GPU card that takes up to 1 hour to complete the training task and archive an overall average accuracy of $94.7\%$. The DNN presents a $20\%$ score of misclassification for an external test dataset. The accuracy of the proposed methodology is equivalent to ones using HSI methodology $(81\%-91\%)$ used for the same task, but with the advantage of being independent on special equipment to classify wheat kernel for FHB symptoms.
Features of a relativistic space-time with seven isometries.

Previous works on Reboucas-Tiomno (RT) space-time are extended. We show that the RT model is Petrov type 0 and exhibit its conformally flat form. The geodesic equations are fully integrated and the corresponding motions are discussed at length. A comparison with other rare solutions possessing seven isometries is made.
Why organisations adopt family-friendly policy : a case of corporate childcare centre in a manufacturing company

Using a case study approach, this study seeks to examine the form and structure of a childcare centre at the workplace, and to explore the reasons organisations set-up a childcare centre at the workplace. This study was conducted in a private manufacturing company using qualitative methodology. Data were collected through in-depth interview and document analysis. Three theoretical perspectives, the institutional theory, the rational choice approach and the resource dependence theory, were used as a framework of analysis to explain reasons that drive the organisation to set-up up a childcare centre at the workplace. The findings of this paper revealed that the reasons for setting-up a childcare centre were to attract and retain employees, to reduce unplanned leave and absenteeism, and to increase productivity. Besides, the findings also suggest that organisation culture and the human resource professional are also important in influencing the organisation’s decision to set-up its corporate child care centre. The findings of this study have several theoretical and practical implications.
The Functional Movement Screen: a reliability study.

STUDY DESIGN Reliability study. OBJECTIVES To determine intrarater test-retest and interrater reliability of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) among novice raters. BACKGROUND The FMS is used by various examiners to assess movement and predict time-loss injuries in diverse populations (eg, youth to professional athletes, firefighters, military service members) of active participants. Unfortunately, critical analysis of the reliability of the FMS is currently limited to 1 sample of active college-age participants. METHODS Sixty-four active-duty service members (mean ± SD age, 25.2 ± 3.8 years; body mass index, 25.1 ± 3.1 kg/m2) without a history of injury were enrolled. Participants completed the 7 component tests of the FMS in a counterbalanced order. Each component test was scored on an ordinal scale (0 to 3 points), resulting in a composite score ranging from 0 to 21 points. Intrarater test-retest reliability was assessed between baseline scores and those obtained with repeated testing performed 48 to 72 hours later. Interrater reliability was based on the assessment from 2 raters, selected from a pool of 8 novice raters, who assessed the same movements on day 2 simultaneously. Descriptive statistics, weighted kappa (κw), and percent agreement were calculated on component scores. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), standard error of the measurement, minimal detectable change (MDC95), and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated on composite scores. RESULTS The average ± SD score on the FMS was 15.7 ± 0.2 points, with 15.6% (n = 10) of the participants scoring less than or equal to 14 points, the recommended cutoff for predicting time-loss injuries. The intrarater test-retest and interrater reliability of the FMS composite score resulted in an ICC3,1 of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.63, 0.85) and an ICC2,1 of 0.74 (95% CI: 0.60, 0.83), respectively. The standard error of the measurement of the composite test was within 1 point, and the MDC95 values were 2.1 and 2.5 points on the 21-point scale for interrater and intrarater reliability, respectively. The interrater agreement of the component scores ranged from moderate to excellent (κw = 0.45-0.82). CONCLUSION Among novice raters, the FMS composite score demonstrated moderate to good interrater and intrarater reliability, with acceptable levels of measurement error. The measures of reliability and measurement error were similar for both intrarater reliability that repeated the assessment of the movement patterns over a 48-to-72-hour period and interrater reliability that had 2 raters assess the same movement pattern simultaneously. The interrater agreement of the FMS component scores was good to excellent for the push-up, quadruped, shoulder mobility, straight leg raise, squat, hurdle, and lunge. Only 15.6% (n = 10) of the participants were identified to be at risk for injury based on previously published cutoff values.
Direct measurement of instantaneous source speed for a HDR brachytherapy unit using an optical fiber based detectora).

PURPOSE Several attempts to determine the transit time of a high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy unit have been reported in the literature with controversial results. The determination of the source speed is necessary to accurately calculate the transient dose in brachytherapy treatments. In these studies, only the average speed of the source was measured as a parameter for transit dose calculation, which does not account for the realistic movement of the source, and is therefore inaccurate for numerical simulations. The purpose of this work is to report the implementation and technical design of an optical fiber based detector to directly measure the instantaneous speed profile of a I192r source in a Nucletron HDR brachytherapy unit. METHODS To accomplish this task, we have developed a setup that uses the Cerenkov light induced in optical fibers as a detection signal for the radiation source moving inside the HDR catheter. As the I192r source travels between two optical fibers with known distance, the threshold of the induced signals are used to extract the transit time and thus the velocity. The high resolution of the detector enables the measurement of the transit time at short separation distance of the fibers, providing the instantaneous speed. RESULTS Accurate and high resolution speed profiles of the I192r radiation source traveling from the safe to the end of the catheter and between dwell positions are presented. The maximum and minimum velocities of the source were found to be 52.0±1.0 and 17.3±1.2cm/s. The authors demonstrate that the radiation source follows a uniformly accelerated linear motion with acceleration of |a|=113cm/s2. In addition, the authors compare the average speed measured using the optical fiber detector to those obtained in the literature, showing deviation up to 265%. CONCLUSIONS To the best of the authors' knowledge, the authors directly measured for the first time the instantaneous speed profile of a radiation source in a HDR brachytherapy unit traveling from the unit safe to the end of the catheter and between interdwell distances. The method is feasible and accurate to implement on quality assurance tests and provides a unique database for efficient computational simulations of the transient dose.
A criterion for vector autoregressive model selection based on Kullback's symmetric divergence

The Kullback information criterion, KIC, and its univariate bias-corrected version, KIC/sub c/, are two recently developed criteria for model selection. A small sample model selection criterion for vector autoregressive models is developed. The proposed criterion is named KIC/sub vc/, where the notation "vc" stands for vector correction, and it can be considered as an extension of KIC for vector autoregressive models. KIC/sub vc/ is an unbiased estimator of a variant of the Kullback symmetric divergence, assuming that the true model is correctly specified or overfitted. Simulation results shows that the proposed criterion estimates the model order more accurately than any other asymptotically efficient method when applied to vector autoregressive model selection in small samples.