Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Study of Relationship between Change-oriented Leadership and the Quality of Services

The aim of this research was to study the relationship between change-oriented leadership and the quality of services. According to the objectives, this research could be considered as a practical one, and according to the methodology; it could be considered as descriptive. The statistical society included 268 employees of Lorestan Keshavarzi Bank Branches, from which 96 persons were selected as sample, using Morgan, Krechsi, and Cohen Table. The data were collected through library research, and the data regarding change-oriented leadership were collected through multi-factorial leadership questionnaire designed by Bass and Avolio. In order to evaluate the quality of services, it was used Servqual 22-question questionnaire. The validity and reliability, using alpha coefficient was 0.887, and the validity and reliably for multi-factorial leadership questionnaire, using alpha coefficient was 0/92 which indicated that questionnaires have both accepted validity and reliability. Results from hypotheses showed that there was a significant and powerful relationship between change-oriented leadership and the quality of services provided. Findings indicated that the factors related to change-oriented leadership such as individual consideration with the correlation coefficient of %69, idealized correlation with the correlation coefficient of %62, inspirational motivation with the correlation coefficient of %58, Intellectual Stimulation with the correlation coefficient of %56, and Idealized Behaviors with the correlation coefficient of %51, had the most important impact on the quality of services. Moreover, one of the alternative findings in this research found that there was no significant relationship between change-oriented leadership and quality of services, and also there was a negative relationship between non- interventional leadership and quality of services.
Construction and binding analysis of recombinant single-chain TCR derived from tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and a cytotoxic T lymphocyte clone directed against MAGE-1.

The TCR is responsible for the specificity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) by recognizing peptides presented in the context of MHC. By producing recombinant soluble TCR, it is possible to study this interaction at the molecular level. We generated single-chain TCR (scTCR) from tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and one CTL clone directed against melanoma-associated antigen (MAGE)-1. Sixty-eight day anti-MAGE-1 TIL and one cloned anti-MAGE-1 CTL were analyzed by PCR for their Valpha and Vbeta gene usage. The TIL population showed a restriction in Valpha and Vbeta usage with only Valpha4 and Valpha9 and Vbeta2 and Vbeta7 expressed. The anti-MAGE-1 CTL clone demonstrated absolute restriction with only Valpha12 and Vbeta1 expressed. DNA sequence analysis was performed on all V regions. For the TIL, each possible Valpha-Vbeta combination (i.e. Valpha4-Vbeta2, Valpha9-Vbeta2, Valpha4-Vbeta7 and Valpha9-Vbeta7) was constructed as a distinct scTCR and the recombinant proteins expressed in bacteria. From the anti-MAGE-1 TIL, Valpha4-Vbeta2 scTCR demonstrated binding activity to HLA-A1(+) cells pulsed with MAGE-1 peptide. Results obtained from screening a panel of our scTCR constructs on HLA-A1(+) cells pulsed with MAGE-1 peptide or irrelevant peptide demonstrated that Vbeta2 plays a significant role in binding to the MAGE-1 peptide. Amino acid alignment analysis showed that each Vbeta sequence is distinctly different from the others. These findings demonstrate that soluble TCR in single-chain format have binding activity. Furthermore, the results indicate that in TCR, like antibodies, one chain may contribute a dominant portion of the binding activity.
Large-scale experiment shows that banning wire leaders helps pelagic sharks and longline fishers

We assess the performance of wire leaders, which some jurisdictions have banned to reduce shark mortality from pelagic longline fishing. Experiments were conducted on commercial vessels that deployed equal numbers of wire and nylon monofilament leaders randomly along their longlines. Catch rates of several species, including sharks, were significantly lower on nylon than on wire leaders, probably because those animals often escape by severing the nylon leaders. High bite- off rates indicate that as many animals escape from nylon leaders as are caught on nylon leaders. The fate of escaped animals is not known, although large sharks are more likely to survive than are small animals. By contrast, catch rates of valuable bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) were higher on nylon than on wire leaders. Bigeye tuna are probably able to see wire leaders and avoid those hooks. The financial benefits of increased bigeye tuna catches outweigh the costs associated with banning wire leaders, such as increased rates of gear loss. Thus, banning wire leaders is an effective way of reducing shark catches that fishers should be keen to adopt.
A study on continuous max-flow and min-cut approaches

We propose and study novel max-flow models in the continuous setting, which directly map the discrete graph-based max-flow problem to its continuous optimization formulation. We show such a continuous max-flow model leads to an equivalent min-cut problem in a natural way, as the corresponding dual model. In this regard, we revisit basic conceptions used in discrete max-flow / min-cut models and give their new explanations from a variational perspective. We also propose corresponding continuous max-flow and min-cut models constrained by priori supervised information and apply them to interactive image segmentation/labeling problems. We prove that the proposed continuous max-flow and min-cut models, with or without supervised constraints, give rise to a series of global binary solutions λ∗(x) ∊ {0,1}, which globally solves the original nonconvex image partitioning problems. In addition, we propose novel and reliable multiplier-based max-flow algorithms. Their convergence is guaranteed by classical optimization theories. Experiments on image segmentation, unsupervised and supervised, validate the effectiveness of the discussed continuous max-flow and min-cut models and suggested max-flow based algorithms.
Occupational activities of nonacademic and academic pedagogues working in the field of childhood education – an investigation of differences and predictor variables

Nonacademic and academic pedagogues working in childhood education are involved in multiple occupational activities. Theoretical frameworks focussing on career development and processes of professionalisation may provide hints about differences in the occupational activities of nonacademic and academic pedagogues as well as with regard to how personal, motivational, and contextual variables may influence the occupational activities of nonacademic and academic pedagogues. However, there is only limited research on these issues to date. The current study aimed to reduce this gap by using survey data from 563 nonacademic and 237 academic pedagogues working in childhood education in Germany. Occupational activities were captured with four composites representing administrating and advising, caring and educating, managing and monitoring, and advertising and publishing. With regard to the occupational activities, the findings indicated only small differences between nonacademic and academic pedagogues. Furthermore, the results revealed that personal, motivational, and contextual variables predicted pedagogues' activities; however, the pattern of significant predictors differed between the vocational groups. The field of work and holding a managerial position were relatively consistent predictors in both vocational groups. The findings may contribute to the discussion about the professionalisation of nonacademic and academic pedagogues working in childhood education.
On compression of parse trees

We consider methods for compressing parse trees, especially techniques based on statistical modeling. We regard a sequence of productions corresponding to a sum of the path from the root of a tree to a node x as the context of a node x. The contexts are augmented with branching information of the nodes. By applying the text compression algorithm PPMon such contexts we achieve good compression results. We compare experimentally the PPMapproach with other methods.
Simple Estimators for the Parameters of Discrete Dynamic Games (with Entry/Exit Examples)

This paper considers the problem of estimating the distribution of payoffs in a discrete dynamic game, focusing on models where the goal is to learn about the distribution of firms' entry and exit costs. The idea is to begin with non parametric first stage estimates of entry and continuation values obtained by computing sample averages of the realized continuation values of entrants who do enter and incumbents who do continue. Under certain assumptions these values are linear functions of the parameters of the problem, and hence are not computationally burdensome to use. Attention is given to the small sample problem of estimation error in the non parametric estimates and this leads to a preference for use of particularly simple estimates of continuation values and moments.
Deep neural networks for audio scene recognition

These last years, artificial neural networks (ANN) have known a renewed interest since efficient training procedures have emerged to learn the so called deep neural networks (DNN), i.e. ANN with at least two hidden layers. In the same time, the computational auditory scene recognition (CASR) problem which consists in estimating the environment around a device from the received audio signal has been investigated. Most of works which deal with the CASR problem have tried to ind well-adapted features for this problem. However, these features are generally combined with a classical classi-ier. In this paper, we introduce DNN in the CASR ield and we show that such networks can provide promising results and perform better than standard classiiers when the same features are used.
Seroconversion to HCoV-NL63 in Rhesus Macaques

HCoV-NL63 is a recently identified respiratory virus. Its pathogenesis has not been fully unraveled because an animal model is currently lacking. Here we examined whether rhesus macaques encounter HCoV-NL63 infections during life, by examining the levels of antibodies to HCoV-NL63 in time. The animals were followed for 7 up till 19 years, and in three animals we observed a steep rise in antibodies during follow up, indicative of a natural infection with HCoV-NL63.
Domain-dependent Photodamage to Bcl-2

Photodynamic therapy using the photosensitizer Pc 4 and red light photochemically destroys the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 and induces apoptosis. To characterize the requirements for photodamage, we transiently transfected epitope-tagged Bcl-2 deletion mutants into DU-145 cells. Using confocal microscopy and Western blots, wild-type Bcl-2 and mutants with deletions near the N terminus were found in mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and nuclear membranes and were photodamaged. A mutant missing the C terminus, including the transmembrane domain, spread diffusely in cells and was not photodamaged. Bcl-2 missing α-helices 5/6 was also not photodamaged. Bcl-2 missing only one of those α-helices, with or without substitutions of the singlet oxygen-targeted amino acids, behaved like wild-type Bcl-2 with respect to localization and photodamage. Using green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged Bcl-2 or mutants in live cells, no change in either the localization or the intensity of GFP fluorescence was observed in response to Pc 4 photodynamic therapy. Western blot analysis of either GFP- or Xpress-tagged Bcl-2 revealed that the photodynamic therapy-induced disappearance of the Bcl-2 band was accompanied by the appearance of bands indicative of heavily cross-linked Bcl-2 protein. Therefore, the α5/α6 region of Bcl-2 is required for photodamage and cross-linking, and domain-dependent photodamage to Bcl-2 offers a unique mechanism for activation of apoptosis.
Effects of Nurses’ Job Stress and Work-Family Conflict on Turnover Intention

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships among nurses’ job stress, work-family conflict, coping methods, job burnout, and turnover intention. A survey using a structured questionnaire was conducted with 423 clinical nurses in South Korea. It was revealed that job stress was positively related to work-family conflict and had a negative influence on active coping but no influence on passive coping. Job stress had a positive influence on job burnout but no influence on turnover intention. Work-family conflict didn’t influence coping strategies and turnover intention but had a positive influence on job burnout. Active coping strategies had a negative influence on the job burnout but no influence on turnover intention. Job burnout had a positive influence on turnover intention. It was found that active coping strategies which influence a nurse"s turnover intention can be an intervention measure as a mediator effect. Further, the variables that were confirmed to be influencing factors in this study can be changed through nursing interventions. Thus, these variables can be used to develop a program for decreasing nurses’ turnover intention.
Global optimization for structured low rank approximation

In this paper, we investigate the complexity of the numerical construction of the Hankel structured low-rank approximation (HSLRA) problem, and develop a family of algorithms to solve this problem. Briefly, HSLRA is the problem of finding the closest (in some pre-defined norm) rank r approximation of a given Hankel matrix, which is also of Hankel structure. Unlike many other methods described in the literature the family of algorithms we propose has the property of guaranteed convergence.
Motivações da Comunicação Boca a Boca Eletrônica Positiva entre Consumidores no Facebook

Abstract The purpose of the present study is to investigate the underlying motivations for positive electronic word of mouth (eWOM) behavior about products, services and brands by Brazilian Facebook users. Research hypotheses and a theoretical model were developed to further our understanding of positive eWOM communication motivations. A survey was conducted with 468 Facebook users in Brazil in order to empirically test the validity of the proposed model. Data was analyzed using structural equations models. Results suggest that concern for other consumers, the desire to engage in social interactions, as well as the desire to share positive emotions and help companies are significant motivations. The hypothesis which predicted that economic rewards are correlated with positive eWOM communication was not confirmed, suggesting that social and psychological motivations are more correlated with eWOM behavior than purely economic reasons for Brazilian Facebook users. The empirical test supported the moderating role of tie strength in the relationship between concern for other consumers and positive eWOM communication.
The Mediating Effects of Basic Psychological Needs at Work on the Relationship between the Dimensions of the Learning Organization and Organizational Commitment in Registered Nurses.

BAIRD, BONNI LYNN. The Mediating Effects of Basic Psychological Needs at Work on the Relationship Between the Dimensions of the Learning Organization and Organizational Commitment in Registered Nurses. (Under the direction of Dr. Timothy Hatcher.) The purpose of this study was to determine the mediating effects of the Basic Psychological Needs at Work, comprised of competence, autonomy and relatedness, on the relationship between the Dimensions of the Learning Organization and affective and normative organizational commitment in the United States nursing population. The study incorporated Marsick and Watkins (2003) Dimensions of the Learning Organization QuestionnaireAbbreviated, Meyer and Allen’s (2004) Three Component Model of Employee Commitment Questionnaire-Abbreviated, and Ryan and Deci’s (1998) Basic Psychological Needs ScaleWork. Participants were a purposeful sample of 870 registered nurses from seven, statebased professional nursing organizations located in the United States. Data analysis provided validity and reliability findings for all three instruments, two of which, the DLOQ-A and BPNS-W, had not previously been used exclusively with RNs in the United States. Regression analysis and SEM findings demonstrated that autonomy and relatedness partially mediated the relationship between the Dimensions of the Learning Organization and both affective and normative organizational commitment: competence was not a significant mediating variable. This study demonstrated that the dimensions of the learning organization met the need for autonomy and relatedness at work, which increased the affective and normative organizational commitment of nurses. This impacts healthcare organizations and HRD by providing validity and reliability for the DLOQ-A, BPNS-W and TCMQ-A for use with registered nurses in the U.S. and also provides a study design and findings that can be used to shape future research and learning organization implementation. © Copyright 2012 by Bonni Lynn Baird All Rights Reserved The Mediating Effects of Basic Psychological Needs at Work on the Relationship Between the Dimensions of the Learning Organization and Organizational Commitment in Registered Nurses
A method for preparing single mammalian ova for cytological studies using light and electron microscopy.

The inability to define accurately the cytological characteristics associated with fertile mammalian ova is due, at least in part, to difficulty in obtaining and preparing adequate numbers of these cells for critical morphological studies. This communication describes a method which has proved useful in preparing single bovine ova for study using both light and electron microscopy. Bovine ova were recovered by follicular aspiration immediately following slaughter. Aspiration was accomplished with a 20-gauge hypodermic needle and
Using Client-Side JavaScript to Mitigate Drive-by-Downloads

The prevalence of web-based malware distribution has exploded in recent years, with malicious enterprises continuously devising new ways of exploiting vulnerabilities. Security professionals have found themselves in an arms race in an attempt to contain the spread of malware. Drive-bydownloads, as coined by Google in 2007, is a particularly insidious form of malware distribution that uses browser exploits to automatically install malware on unsuspecting enduser machines. To gain maximum exposure, developers of drive-by-download malware have continuously infiltrated unsuspecting websites that are trusted by many users, and have recruited these websites into their malware distribution network without the consent or knowledge of the website owners. Websites that have been hacked in this manner often go unnoticed for long periods of time by their owners who are oblivious to the malware that their websites are serving. Often, website developers will include third-party widgets, or other features that introduce vulnerabilities to their website that often lead to these types of attacks on their websites. There are many server-side solutions that scan and protect websites from such attacks. In this paper, we propose a JavaScript solution that could be applied directly into the website code in an effort to add security enhancements from the client-side perspective.
Selectivity of direct and network-mediated stimulation of the retinal ganglion cells with epi-, sub- and intraretinal electrodes

Objective. Intra-retinal placement of stimulating electrodes can provide close and stable proximity to target neurons. We assessed improvement in stimulation thresholds and selectivity of the direct and network-mediated retinal stimulation with intraretinal electrodes, compared to epiretinal and subretinal placements. Approach. Stimulation thresholds of the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in wild-type rat retina were measured using the patch-clamp technique. Direct and network-mediated responses were discriminated using various synaptic blockers. Main results. Three types of RGC responses were identified: short latency (SL, τ < 5 ms) originating in RGCs, medium latency (ML, 3 < τ < 70 ms) originating in the inner nuclear layer and long latency (LL, τ > 40 ms) originating in photoreceptors. Cathodic epiretinal stimulation exhibited the lowest threshold for direct RGC response and the highest direct selectivity (network/direct thresholds ratio), exceeding a factor of 3 with pulse durations below 0.5 ms. For network-mediated stimulation, the lowest threshold was obtained with anodic pulses in OPL position, and its network selectivity (direct/network thresholds ratio) increased with pulse duration, exceeding a factor of 4 at 10 ms. Latency of all three types of responses decreased with increasing strength of the stimulus. Significance. These results define the optimal range of pulse durations, pulse polarities and electrode placement for the retinal prostheses aiming at direct or network-mediated stimulation of RGCs.
Levocarnitine for valproic-acid-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy.

PURPOSE The use of levocarnitine for the treatment of valproic-acid-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy (VHE) is reviewed. SUMMARY VHE is generally characterized by an acute onset of impaired consciousness, focal neurologic symptoms, and increased seizure frequency. The exact mechanism of VHE is unclear but relates to the accumulation of toxic valproic acid metabolites and elevated ammonia levels. Carnitine is an essential cofactor in the proper metabolism of valproic acid and ammonia elimination. A lack of carnitine is thought to contribute to hyperammonemia. Valproic acid is thought to increase renal metabolism of glutamate and may contribute to ammonia production. Levocarnitine, the active isomer of carnitine, has been used to treat VHE resulting from valproic acid overdose as well as usual dosages of valproic acid. A literature search of PubMed was conducted for all English-language articles published from 1948 to May 2011 regarding the use of levocarnitine for VHE. Search terms included levocarnitine, l-carnitine, valproic acid, and hyperammonemia encephalopathy. Although large, randomized controlled trials of levocarnitine treatment in VHE are lacking, levocarnitine has been shown to be generally safe and effective in retrospective trials and case reports. Overall, there is more literature supporting the use of levocarnitine in VHE associated with acute overdose than with short- or long-term treatment with usual dosages of valproic acid. No adverse events related to levocarnitine therapy were reported in any of the literature reviewed. Prospective trials are needed to further support the efficacy and safety of levocarnitine in the treatment of VHE. CONCLUSION Levocarnitine may be effective and appears to be safe in the treatment of VHE.