Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Customer involvement in new service development: a conversational approach

The expression “customer involvement” is finding increasing popularity with popular as well as academic marketing texts. Within the evolving research, customer involvement is cast in an information‐processing mould that tends to reduce it to the mere transfer of information from where it exists (customers) to where it is dearly needed (the firm). Customers' active participation is accounted for in economic psychological (contract) terms. Drawing on case study material gleaned from an organisation that adopted a customer involvement strategy, the present paper suggests a conversational approach that regards customers' active participation and involvement in terms of conversational exchanges between customers during which new ideas are jointly co‐created and commitment to action is established. Conversation is not only the fostering ground for new ideas and knowledge, but also the source of social agency. Some theoretical and practical implications of the conversation‐based customer‐firm interface for involving customers are discussed.
Synchrotron Phase Tomography: An Emerging Imaging Method for Microvessel Detection in Engineered Bone of Craniofacial Districts

The engineering of large 3D constructs, such as certain craniofacial bone districts, is nowadays a critical challenge. Indeed, the amount of oxygen needed for cell survival is able to reach a maximum diffusion distance of ~150–200 μm from the original vascularization vector, often hampering the long-term survival of the regenerated tissues. Thus, the rapid growth of new blood vessels, delivering oxygen and nutrients also to the inner cells of the bone grafts, is mandatory for their long-term function in clinical practice. Unfortunately, significant progress in this direction is currently hindered by a lack of methods with which to visualize these processes in 3D and reliably quantify them. In this regard, a challenging method for simultaneous 3D imaging and analysis of microvascularization and bone microstructure has emerged in recent years: it is based on the use of synchrotron phase tomography. This technique is able to simultaneously identify multiple tissue features in a craniofacial bone site (e.g., the microvascular and the calcified tissue structure). Moreover, it overcomes the intrinsic limitations of both histology, achieving only a 2D characterization, and conventional tomographic approaches, poorly resolving the vascularization net in the case of an incomplete filling of the newly formed microvessels by contrast agents. Indeed, phase tomography, being based on phase differences among the scattered X-ray waves, is capable of discriminating tissues with similar absorption coefficients (like vessels and woven bone) in defined experimental conditions. The approach reviewed here is based on the most recent experiences applied to bone regeneration in the craniofacial region.
Network evaluation: principles, structures and outcomes of the German working group of Health Promoting Universities

With more than 60 participating universities, the German working group of Health Promoting Universities (German HPU network) is the largest and most active network of universities as healthy settings. This study aims at evaluating processes and effects of the German HPU network and at supporting the future development of the network. The evaluation was based on the multi faceted network assessment instrument developed by Broesskamp-Stone (7). We used a document analysis, two expert interviews and a survey among members (n = 33) to collect relevant data for the assessment. The analysis showed that the visions of the network can be regarded as fulfilled in most aspects. The members of the network received network support through trustful and mutual relationships. The network ranked high on general network principles like implementation of mutual relationships, sharing of information, risks and resources, equal access to resources, responsibility and consensus orientation. However, a high degree of centralization was found as a negative indicator. Other critical aspects of the network’s structures and processes have been the regional predominance of universities from the northern and middle part of Germany, the low representation of students in the network, and the low proportion of members that could successfully implement health promotion into the guiding principles of their university. Overall, the evaluation has shown that the network has worked effectively, has developed meaningful processes and structures and has formulated practical guidelines. Since its 12 years of existence the German HPU network has been able to adapt and to adequately respond to changing contextual conditions regarding health promotion at universities in Germany. The network should develop strategies to counteract the critical aspects and detected imbalances in order to further increase its impact on universities as healthy settings. (Global Health Promotion, 2010; 17(1): pp. 25—32)
The effect of nitrogen mustard on the rat brain and the therapeutic value of proanthocyanidin.

AIM Nitrogen Mustard (NM) is an alkylating agent that damages cellular nuclear DNA after penetrating tissue. This results in cytostatic, mutagenic and cytotoxic effects. We used the electron microscope to investigate the effect of NM gas administered through the dermal and respiratory routes to rats on the brain cortex and also tried to show whether the antioxidant Proanthocyanidin (PC) could decrease this effect. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 32 rats were randomized into four groups: Group I: Control group, Group II: PC group, Group III: NM group, Group IV: NM + PC group. The rats were sacrificed 3 days after NM gas exposure. A segment of the cortical tissue was prepared for electron microscopy. RESULTS We used the electron microscope for cellular analysis of NM on cortical neural cells. These investigations revealed degeneration of the cortical neural cell nuclei together with oedema and axonal degeneration in the subcortical neural tissue. The group receiving antioxidants was found to have less oedema and degeneration. CONCLUSION These findings imply that structural changes induced by mustard gas can be prevented and restored by proanthocyanidin treatment.
ERP Implementation in Portugal: Interpreting Dimensions of Power

We use the dimensions of power framework (Hardy and Leiba-O'Sullivan 1998) to study an ERP implementation in a Portuguese small/medium sized enterprise (SME). In this study, we found that while the ERP implementation coincided with a great shift of power within the firm, it should not be considered the main driver of the episodic power shift. Instead, the ERP can be seen as a tool chosen and used to formalize and complete the shift in power for this SME. Our findings provide evidence of the usefulness of the dimensions of power framework in understanding complex organizational power issues in ERP implementations. Given the nature of the firm and the context, such findings are specific to an emerging economy.
Prevalence of IL‐28B and ITPA genotypes in Chinese Han population infected persistently with hepatitis C virus genotype 6 or HCV‐1

The geographic distribution, demographics, epidemiology, host factors, and clinical characteristics of persistent HCV‐6 infection in China need further characterization. This multicenter study enrolled 63 patients with persistent HCV‐6 infection and 63 patients with persistent HCV‐1 infection as controls. Blood biochemistry, quantitation of HCV RNA levels, and identification of host IL‐28B genotypes (rs12979860, rs8099917, and rs12980275) and ITPA genotype (rs1127354) were performed to estimate potential variability in host factors that may affect response to treatment. The mean HCV‐6 RNA level (3.8E6 IU/ml) was significantly higher than that in patients infected with HCV‐1 (1.7E6 IU/ml; P < 0.001). Patients persistently infected with HCV‐6 had a high prevalence of IL‐28B rs12979860 CC genotype (92.1%), rs8099917 TT genotype (93.7%), and rs12980275 AA genotype (90.5%). Their prevalence in patients infected with HCV‐1 was only modestly lower (82.5%, 84.1%, and 82.5%, respectively; P > 0.05). The inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatase (ITPA) SNP rs1127354 CC genotype was present in 66.7% of patients infected with HCV‐6, comparable to that of patients infected with HCV‐1 (65.1%; P > 0.05). There were no differences in the liver function, proportion of hepatic cirrhosis patients or patients with increased serum glucose between these two groups. Persistent HCV‐6 infection in Chinese Han is found mainly in the southern China. Chinese Han with chronic HCV‐1 or HCV‐6 infection have IL‐28B genotypes, suggesting responsiveness to interferon‐based pharmacotherapy. Most patients (67%) possess the ITPA genotype associated with susceptibility to ribavirin‐induced hemolysis. The routes of transmission for HCV‐6 genotype were more diversified than HCV‐1 genotype. The outbreak of HCV‐6 infection through blood transfusion progressed faster than HCV‐1. J. Med. Virol. 85:1163–1169, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Basic science breaks through: New therapeutic advances in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease and is typically associated with progressive motor dysfunction, although PD patients also exhibit a variety of non‐motor symptoms. The neuropathological hallmark of PD is intraneuronal inclusions containing primarily α‐Synuclein (α‐Syn), and several lines of evidence point to α‐Syn as a key contributor to disease progression. Thus, basic research in the field of PD is largely focused on understanding the pathogenic properties of α‐Syn. Over the past 2 y, these studies helped to identify several novel therapeutic strategies that have the potential to slow PD progression; such strategies include sequestration of extracellular α‐Syn through immunotherapy, reduction of α‐Syn multimerization or intracellular toxicity, and attenuation of the neuroinflammatory response. This review describes these and other putative therapeutic strategies, together with the basic science research that led to their identification. The current breadth of novel targets for the treatment of PD warrants cautious optimism in the fight against this devastating disease. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Characterization and Compensation of Harmonics and Reactive Power of Residential and Commercial Loads

This paper uses data obtained from laboratory measurements of typical home appliances to verify whether these nonlinear loads behave similar to current or voltage-type harmonic sources. Based on the measurements and additional simulations, it is stated that domestic and commercial electronic loads behave essentially like harmonic voltage sources. This behavior helps to explain why reactive shunt compensators and filters may even increase the harmonic current content in the feeders. Additionally, based on field measurements in a residential low-voltage distribution secondary, the share between linear and nonlinear loads, as well as the prevailing kind of their nonlinearity is analyzed. The measurements, made just before and after the installation of a capacitor bank, confirm that the use of shunt compensation increases both voltage and current distortion in the feeder
Cellular phones for reducing battlefield stress: Rationale and a preliminary research

Battlefield stress is the consequence of man being exposed to the hostile environment of combat. Combat stress is specifically caused by man's feat of the dangers of combat, and is fueled and tempered by other variables such as morale, cohesion, fatigue, confidence, training and intensity of the combat. Treatment is often as simple as giving soldiers time to rest for a few hours or days, to get a shower and some sleep, to talk about the feelings they have in the presence of a counselor. Only in rare cases soldiers undergo more serious psychological treatment. One of the best strategies for dealing with stress is learning how to relax. However, relaxing is difficult to achieve in a battlefield. In this chapter we suggest the use of mobile multimedia technology--PDA/cellular phones--for the provision of advanced coping techniques suitable to the battlefield context. Specifically, we developed a protocol based on mobile narratives, to be experienced on mobile multimedia technology--3G cellular phones or PDAs--like the one now under development by the US Army within the "Soldier as a System--SaaS" and "Future Combat Systems--FCS" projects. Mobile narratives are audio-visual experiences, implemented on mobile devices, in which the narrative component is a critical aspect to induce a feeling of presence and engagement. Through the link between the feeling of presence and the emotional state, mobile narratives may be used to improve the mood state in their users. The rationale of the approach and a preliminary test of the proposed method are presented and discussed.
Eighth-Grade Algebra Course Placement and Student Motivation for Mathematics

This study uses student panel data to examine the association between algebra placement and student motivation for mathematics. Changes in achievement goals, expectancy, and task value for students in eighth-grade algebra are compared with those of peers placed in lower-level mathematics courses (N = 3,306). In our sample, students placed in algebra reported an increase in performance-avoidance goals as well as decreases in academic self-efficacy and task value. These relations were attenuated for students who had high mathematics achievement prior to algebra placement. Whereas all students reported an overall decline in performance-approach goals over the course of eighth grade, previously high-achieving students reported an increase in these goals. Lastly, previously high-achieving students reported an increase in mastery goals. These findings suggest that while previously high-achieving students may benefit motivationally from eighth-grade algebra placement, placing previously average- and low-performing students in algebra can potentially undermine their motivation for mathematics.
Load-balanced Integrated Information Security Monitoring System

Monitoring is the last step of the information security management process. It is intended to evaluate not the state of security itself, but rather the accuracy and quality of prior security evaluation and risk treatment applied. In other words, it is supposed to provide the answer, whether chosen countermeasures and all other decisions based on the security assessment and evaluation results were accurate, proper and sufficient. If during this phase of the security management process, any significant anomaly is found within the system, it means that either one of the accepted ‘as is’ risks occurred, or that the applied countermeasures did not provide assumed protection in some point of the system. In such a case it is necessary to identify all the areas that require security audit repeat. As information systems grow in complexity, an integrated solution for security monitoring that will prevent system overload caused by monitoring is proposed in this paper.
Analyzing the Energy Generation Efficiency of Inorganic Solar Cells

The Energy Generation Efficiency of Inorganic Solar Cells also increases as the cell absorbs photons of different energies. The need for enhancing the performance and energy conversion rates have led to identify better manufacturing procedures of solar cells. Inorganic solar cells are being very widely used and experimented in various mission critical robust applications like satellites and calculators. Improvements are continuously being attempted to increase the performance of solar cells. There are various procedures to manufacture solar cells with varying performances and more experiments are required to enhance the efficiency.
The Effects of Two Different Exercise Programs on the Ultrastructural Features of the Sciatic Nerve and Soleus Muscle After Sciatic Crush

Peripheral nerve injuries constitute a significant medical problem and the recovery is critically dependent on post‐injury treatment. In this study, following sciatic nerve crush, we investigated the effects of a 4‐week endurance training program (ET) and balance and coordination training program (BCT) on the ultrastructural features of the sciatic nerve and soleus muscle. The animals were randomly divided into Sham, non‐trained (NT), ET, and BCT groups each of which included three animals. Ultra‐thin cross and longitudinal sections (70–85 nm) were digitized and analyzed comparatively. The electron micrographic analysis of the sciatic nerve showed similar organelles features in the injury groups (myelin debris and swelling mitochondria). Nonetheless, the ET group presented better ultrastructural features as demonstrated by the greater predominance of rounded fibers and more defined organization in the myelinated axon bundles. In the soleus muscle's analyses, the injured groups demonstrated similar organelles' features (nucleus contained highly heterochromatic nuclei and smaller mitochondria). However, ET and BCT groups showed apparently enlarged myofibril cross‐sectional areas and less collagen around muscle fibers, although, the ET group displayed reduced intermyofibrillar spaces and more closely aligned myofilaments when compared with the BCT group. Based on electron micrographic analysis, our findings suggest the presence of ultrastructural differences between the Sham, NT, and the trained groups. Therefore, exercise type seems to be responsible for producing some different positive features in the trained groups, while ET seems to have a more pronounced influence on the ultrastructural features of the sciatic nerve and the soleus muscle after a crush injury. Anat Rec, 300:1654–1661, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Taurine Supplementation Improves Functional Capacity, Myocardial Oxygen Consumption, and Electrical Activity in Heart Failure

ABSTRACT Background: Taurine is an amino acid found abundantly in the heart in very high concentrations. It is assumed that taurine contributes to several physiological functions of mammalian cells, such as osmoregulation, anti-inflammation, membrane stabilization, ion transport modulation, and regulation of oxidative stress and mitochondrial protein synthesis. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness of taurine supplementation on functional capacity, myocardial oxygen consumption, and electrical activity in patients with heart failure. Methods: In a double-blind and randomly designed study, 16 patients with heart failure were assigned to two groups: taurine (TG, n = 8) and placebo (PG, n = 8). TG received 500-mg taurine supplementation three times per day for two weeks. Results: Significant decrease in the values of Q-T segments (p < 0.01) and significant increase in the values of P-R segments (p < 0.01) were detected following exercise post-supplementation in TG rather than in PG. Significantly higher values of taurine concentration, T wave, Q-T segment, physical capacities, and lower values of cardiovascular capacities were detected post-supplementation in TG as compared with PG (all p values <0.01). Conclusions: Taurine significantly enhanced the physical function and significantly reduced the cardiovascular function parameters following exercise. Our results also suggest that the short-term taurine supplementation is an effective strategy for improving some selected hemodynamic parameters in heart failure patients. Together, these findings support the view that taurine improves cardiac function and functional capacity in patients with heart failure. This idea warrants further study.
The Effect of Personal Goals, Self-Efficacy, and Self-Satisfaction on Injury Rehabilitation

This study examined the effect of goal setting on injury rehabilitation, specifically, differences in personal goal setting, self-efficacy, self-satisfaction, and performance between injured and noninjured subjects. Two experimental groups (32 women with knee injuries and 29 noninjured women) and one control group (n = 30) were used. Subjects performed four trials of a knee extension task on an isokinetic dynamometer. Prior to the third and fourth trials, subjects in the experimental groups set personal goals and completed self-efficacy and self-satisfaction scales. There were significant performance improvements for the two experimental groups; correlation coefficients between self-efficacy, self-satisfaction, goal setting, and performance were significant at the . 001 level Personal goal setting was affected by level of ability and in turn had a direct effect on performance. Self-efficacy and self-satisfaction were affected by ability or performance but had no significant effect on personal goals or perf.
Oral Flora of Elderly Patients following Acute Medical Admission

The human oral microflora is diverse and is usually predominately composed of Gram-positive bacteria. It is uncommon to find Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) in healthy mouths. The incidence of infection with GNB rises in institutionalised, frail elderly subjects. There is also evidence of an association between intra-oral GNB presence and denture wearing. There have been few studies which have investigated intra-oral GNB carriage in acutely ill elderly patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral flora of a group of elderly patients during an acute medical admission and to investigate any associations between the oral microflora and existing medical or oral factors. A total of 28 patients (17 females and 11 males; age: 74–93 years) on a care for the elderly ward were studied. Epidemiological data, detailed medical histories and oral examinations were undertaken. In addition, oral swabs of the palate area were taken to determine their oral flora. Twelve (43%) of the patients had GNB in their oral cavities. These patients were suffering from a variety of medical conditions and were on various drug regimes. There was a correlation between oral GNB presence and denture use. There was no association between GNB presence and denture hygiene. As oropharyngeal GNB colonisation can be associated with infections such as aspiration pneumonia, it is important in patients at risk that intra-oral organisms are identified and managed.
The preparation of partially purified plasmin, and an account of its intrathecal use in patients.

The treatment of tuberculous meningitis is frequently hindered by the formation of exudate within the cerebrospinal spaces. This exudate may obstruct the cerebrospinal circulation and give rise to the complications of subtentorial, basal cistern, and spinal block. Furthermore, the presence of exudate predisposes to the occurrence of tuberculous arteritis, which is responsible for the cerebral and spinal cord softenings frequently found in this disease (1-4). Cathie (5) introduced the use of intrathecal streptokinase to prevent the formation of, and to remove exudate. It was hoped that the use of this agent would reduce the incidence of complications, render chemotherapy more effective, and lessen the likelihood of relapse. Clinical trials in tuberculous meningitis with streptokinase have yielded contradictory results (6-9). The majority of investigators believe that its value remains unproven. Streptokinase has no intrinsic proteolytic properties, but activates a precurser plasminogen to form a proteolytic enzyme plasmin, the action of whichmay be inhibited bybody fluids (10). Streptokinase was used in the treatment of pleural infections by Tillett and Sherry (11), who showed that clinical response was dependent upon the demonstration of adequate fibrinolytic activity in these fluids. Investigators interested in intrathecal treatment have relied upon clinical response to assess the adequacy of the dose, and have for the most part employed a dose of 100 Christensen units (600 Cathie units) of streptokinase for intrathecal use. The development of methods for the measurement of the various components of the plasminogen-plasmin system in biological fluids (12) led Fletcher (13) to determine the composition of the cerebrospinal fluid with respect to these compo