Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lean in a community learning disability service

This article describes an evaluation of staff members’ perspectives regarding the implementation of a pilot Lean initiative in a community learning disability service within the West Midlands. The evaluation aimed to develop an understanding of staff experiences of Lean implementation including staff perceptions of the benefits and challenges of implementation and their recommendations for improvements to Lean within the service. The methodology employed was a survey design in which a questionnaire was administered to 28 staff members directly involved in the implementation of Lean initiatives. The questionnaire incorporated closed questions which enabled analysis pertaining to frequencies and comparisons between participant responses and open questions which enabled identification of emergent themes in the data. The findings indicated staff members have mixed opinions towards Lean implementation; benefits of implementation were improved team working, tracking of referrals and service planning. The challe.
Spinal Cord Injury and Mental Health

Objectives: The aim of the study was to examine the mental health of adults with spinal cord injury living in the community Methods: The study was a representative community cross-sectional cohort self-report survey, carried out in adults with traumatic spinal cord injury registered on the Victorian Spinal Cord Injury Register and adults with non-traumatic spinal cord injury attending a specialist non-traumatic spinal cord injury rehabilitation clinic. Participants (n=443) completed a self-report survey by internet, telephone or hard copy, which used reliable and valid measures of depression, anxiety and stress (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale) and post-traumatic stress disorder (Impact of Events Scale–Revised). Results: Nearly half (48.5%) of the population with spinal cord injury suffered mental health problems of depression (37%), anxiety (30%), clinical-level stress (25%) or post-traumatic stress disorder (8.4%). Overall, there was a twofold or more increase in the probability of emotional disorders compared to the general population. Of those with one mental health disorder, 60% also had at least one other emotional disorder, representing a substantial 56% increase over the general population in the probability of comorbidity of psychopathology. Better health and time since injury were associated with decreasing the risk of psychopathology. Conclusion: The results of the present study underscore the vulnerability of the population with spinal cord injury to emotional disorders. This study highlights the complexity of mental health problems experienced by many individuals with spinal cord injury living in the community. The delivery of mental health services to this vulnerable population requires recognition of comorbidity and problems of mobility, access and stigma.
Rabbit Ileal Loop Response to Strains of Clostridium perfringens

The ligated loop of the rabbit intestine was investigated as a possible experimental model for the study of Clostridium perfringens food poisoning. The method of preparation of the challenge inoculum was important in determining whether a given strain would provoke a response. When cultures were grown for 4 hr at 37 C in Skim Milk (Difco), 14 of 29 type A strains isolated from food-poisoning outbreaks consistently produced exudation of fluid and consequent dilation of the ileal segments. In contrast, 15 of the 18 strains derived from other sources failed to elicit a response. By use of different inoculum preparations, nearly all strains could be made to give at least an occasional positive loop reaction. Diarrhea was not obtained in rabbits by intraluminal injection into the normal ileum or by per os administration of the cultures. Lecithinase, purified and in concentrated culture supernatant fractions, failed to produce a response in the isolated ileal loops.
Characterization of environmental regulators of Bordetella pertussis

Bordetella pertussis suppresses transcription of its virulence genes in response to specific environmental conditions, a response called modulation. The organism responds to high concentrations of SO4 and CIO4 ions, nicotinic acid, and nicotinic acid analogs in vitro; however, the in vivo modulator has not been identified. We investigated which chemical structures of the nicotinic acid molecule are important for modulation by testing various analogs for their ability to modulate. The ring nitrogen of nicotinic acid was not required, since benzoic acid was a modulator. In contrast, the carboxyl group was required, since derivatives like ethylnicotinate, 3-pyridylcarbinol, 3-acetyl pyridine, and 6-chloronicotinamide with altered carboxyl groups were not modulators. The planar ring structure or resonance in the ring was required for modulation, since nipecotic acid failed to modulate. The most potent modulators were nicotinic acid derivatives with electron-withdrawing substituents in the meta or para position relative to the carboxyl group. Relative hydrophilicity of substituents did not appear to contribute to modulation. Although these modulators elicited a clear biological response, the mechanism of modulation remains unclear, because no binding of the modulator 35SO4 or [14C]4-chlorobenzoic acid to whole B. pertussis was detected. However, modulation appears to involve a charge-charge interaction, since the response was blocked by chlorine ions.
Examination of Factors Moderating the Success of Private Label Brands: A Study of the Packaged Food Market in China

ABSTRACT The major objective of this study is to explore how different determinants of perceived risk help explain variations in purchasing preferences for national brands versus private label brands (PLB) of the packaged food market in urban China. We selected the Chinese packaged food market because it is “one of the most rapidly fastest growing markets” in the world (Wu & Deng, 2002). Following a description of the Chinese market, we build our conceptual framework by combining the PLB literature with searching versus experience, price consciousness, and product quality literature. Using the data we collected in GuangZhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai cities, we find both their direct and indirect effects. Supporting theory-based expectations, we find that (1) PLB purchase in a category increases when consumers perceive reduced consequences of making a mistake in brand choice in that category; (2) when that category has more “search” than “experience” characteristics; and (3) consumer's degree of price consciousness in that category, through which we brought in PLB-favoring variables such as lower incomes, high deal-proneness, and a decreased belief in price-quality associations. We discuss our results in light of the managerial and theoretical implications, especially the important role played by “experience” attributes in leading consumers to favor national brands over PLBs.
A Simple Compact Monopole Antenna With Variable Single- and Double-Filtering Function for UWB Applications

In this letter, a simple rectangular monopole antenna with variable band-notched function is proposed. The antenna is constructed on an FR4-epoxy substrate with thickness of 1.6 mm and εr = 4.4. The proposed antenna shows ultrawideband (UWB) characteristics from around 3 up to 10.6 GHz for . Two shorting pins running through the substrate connect the patch to the inverted L-shaped stubs printed on the bottom of the substrate to create multifiltering function. By changing the stubs' lengths, the proposed antenna shows variable single- and double-filtering characteristics.
Interaction of West Nile virus with primary murine macrophages: role of cell activation and receptors for antibody and complement

We have measured growth of West Nile virus in mouse primary peritoneal macrophages (resident, thioglycolate elicited, and Mycobacterium bovis BCG activated) and in macrophagelike (P338D1) and nonmacrophage (L929, PS clone D) cell lines infected in the absence or presence of specific antibodies (immunoglobulin G ([IgG], IgM), and complement. Monoclonal antibodies directed against Fc receptors (IgG1/2b, 2.4G2) and type 3 complement receptors (Mac-1) were used to define the role of each receptor. Virus yield depended on a balance between enhancement and neutralization and was influenced by the physiologic state of the macrophage, the receptor pathway of viral entry, the mouse strain and age of donor. BCG-activated macrophages displayed a greater ability to restrict West Nile virus than nonactivated cells only in the presence of antiviral IgM, with or without complement; the Fc receptors for various classes of IgG mediated striking enhancement. These studies identify some of the complex innate and acquired factors that determine the interaction between West Nile virus and primary macrophages in vitro.
Role of Indoleamine-2,3-Dioxygenase in Alpha/Beta and Gamma Interferon-Mediated Antiviral Effects against Herpes Simplex Virus Infections

ABSTRACT Gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-mediated indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity in human astrocytoma cells and in native astrocytes was found to be responsible for the inhibition of herpes simplex virus replication. The effect is abolished in the presence of excess amounts of l-tryptophan. Both IFN-α and IFN-β restricted herpes simplex virus replication in both cell types, but (in contrast to the results seen with IFN-γ) the addition of an excess amount of l-tryptophan did not inhibit the induced antiviral effect.
The consumer’s reaction to delays in service

The objective of this study is to examine the relationships that exist among the attributions, the affect and behavioural intentions of consumers who suffer delays in services. As a new element, we propose to consider two different affective dimensions: anger (emotional reaction) and satisfaction with the service (cognitive and emotional evaluation). The methodology employed is based on structural equation modeling and the empirical application in the airline industry, which was carried out in Spain, demonstrates the existence of the sequence “attribution‐affect‐behavioural intention”, with anger being the mediator in the relationship between the attribution of control on behavioural intention (propensity to complain and repurchase intentions).
The Critical Role of Perceived Risk and Trust in Determining Customer Satisfaction with Automated Banking Channels

Comparatively little attention has been paid to the role played by trust and perceived risk in determining satisfaction within the banking sector and in particular Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). Here, the key variables in determining satisfaction with ATMs are determined. Based on a literature review, a number of hypotheses have been developed. A linear regression model is used to predict the overall level of consumer satisfaction with ATMs. The final model uses five direct input factors and seven moderated factors, of which the most important were found to be perceived value, trust, and perceived risk. Finally, the managerial and research implications of these results are discussed.
Sensory characteristics of meat and composition of carcass fat from sheep fed diets containing various levels of broiler litter.

The effect of high levels of broiler litter in the diets of sheep on sensory characteristics and composition of fat in mutton was evaluated. Thirty-six South African Mutton Merino wethers weighing ca. 41 kg were randomly allocated to four treatment diets containing 0, 28, 56 or 85% broiler litter. All wethers were slaughtered at a target body mass of 55 kg. Dressing percentage was calculated and the composition of fatty acids in the subcutaneous fat was analysed. An analytical sensory panel evaluated sensory characteristics of carcass samples and loin sample characteristics. High sensory scores (7 out of 10) were obtained for all dietary treatments. Compared to the other treatments, a high inclusion level (85%) of broiler litter in the diet reduced (p (South African Journal of Animal Science, 2000, 30(1): 26-32)
Research and Design on P2P Based Reliable Reputation Management System

Since the anonymity and openness of P2P,in P2P networks,services may be misused by providing tampered files, viruses and Trojan Horses. But existing researches on reputation system for P2P networks are still limited to the resistance of some attacks. This paper provides a new measure by adding a server into the reputation system to record all userspsila actions, such as uploading, downloading, judging and getting judgments, defending the attack etc. It is proved to be feasible and efficient. Finally, Conclusion and some prospects are proposed.
Improved sphere decoding algorithm with low complexity for MIMO systems

Sphere decoding (SD) algorithm, as one of the main vector detection mechanisms in digital communication systems, has been referred to have polynomial complexity over a wide range of signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), rates, and numbers of antennas. The first part of this paper discusses the expected complexity of the SD algorithm over all input SNRs and numbers of antennas, and derives the upper bound of the expected complexity. The result demonstrates how the complexity is affected by the input SNR and the problem size. Moreover, it shows that the expected complexity grows exponentially with the square root of the problem size in low input SNR, while grows polynomially with the problem size in high input SNR for a wide range of the problem sizes. In the latter part, a new algorithm reducing the searching radius in the SD algorithm is proposed. We show that the computational complexity of the novel algorithm is lower compared to the traditional SD algorithm, while the bit error rate hardly changes. Finally, the simulation results show that the new proposed algorithm outperforms the traditional SD algorithm.
Enrichment of fermentation media and optimization of expression conditions for the production of EAK16 peptide as fusions with SUMO

EAK16 (AEAEAKAKAEAKAEAK) belongs to a novel class of self‐assembling peptides, which is being investigated in research and industry. SUMO belongs to the ubiquitin class of proteins and is a promising fusion partner currently in use. In this study, EAK16 peptide fusions with hexa‐histidine tagged SUMO have been constructed using Escherichia coli based pET expression vector. Intracellular expression of the SUMO–EAK16 fusion using LB media has been optimized. Low‐cost complex media (fungal autolysates, wheat and gluten hydrolysates) produced via a novel wheat‐based biorefinery have been used as alternative fermentation media to LB. Shake flask cultures using either enriched LB or complex wheat‐derived media containing 2 g/L of glucose resulted in intracellular SUMO–EAK16 fusion protein production of approximately 250 mg/L fermentation volume which corresponded to 30–35% of the total bacterial protein expressed being the fusion protein. Fusion protein productivities up to five times higher were achieved when using a bioreactor. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009; 102: 725–735. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Review of Conveying Confident Conclusions: P Values, Confidence Intervals, and Forest Plots

As the physician assistant (PA) profession matures and education has transitioned to an entry-level master’s degree for practice, there is a growing emphasis on the importance of research in this relatively young profession. The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), which sets the standards for PA education, has long required instruction in the “interpretation of the medical literature. ” However, the burgeoning amount of medical literature, the emphasis on evidence-based practice, and growing research in the profession require a greater sophistication among faculty, students, andpracticing clinicians in thedesign and interpretation of research studies. Interestingly, 2 recent studies conducted among experienced researchers, one including novice psychology students with little statistical knowledge, showed that even those who are experienced in research were almost as likely to misinterpret the findings of a hypothetical research study as to correctly interpret their meaning. Therefore, our understanding must go beyond simply being able todescribe the results andalsomust include correctly interpreting the findings and conclusions beyond those reported by the authors. STATISTICAL INFERENCE
Intracellular LPS inhibits the activity of potassium channels and fails to activate NFκB in human macrophages

Although much has been learned about signal transduction mechanisms and binding proteins involved in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)‐induced activation of monocytes/macrophages, little is known about the ability of internalized LPS to activate cells. To approach this question we either exposed macrophages to LPS or microinjected the cells with LPS before studying early cellular events associated with LPS‐mediated macrophage activation. We measured membrane currents and translocation of NFκB to the nucleus. Using the whole‐cell patch clamp technique ion channels were analyzed and characterized as K+ sensitive inward and outward currents. Exogenous LPS was shown to increase the voltage‐dependent outward current whereas the voltage‐dependent inward current was unaffected. However when cells were microinjected with LPS both inward and outward current were completely abolished. The presence of LPS within the cells did not prevent them to perform phagocytosis or to respond to fMLP with an appropriate increase in [Ca2+]i. The immunocytological detection of NFκB p65 translocation revealed that exogenous LPS led to the nuclear localization of the p65 subunit of NFκB, whereas only the cytoplasmic localization of p65 was observed following microinjection of LPS. These data show that one major process in macrophage activation, the NFκB dependent transcription of a number of genes encoding for many inflammatory mediators cannot be induced by intracellular LPS but requires the interaction of LPS with external membrane components. However intracellular LPS causes a drastic decrease in potassium currents which by keeping the cell membrane at a depolarized potential may result in changed biological answers of these cells. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Generative pairwise models for speaker recognition

This paper proposes a simple model for speaker recognition based on i‐vector pairs, and analyzes its similarity and differences with respect to the state‐of‐the‐art Probabilistic Linear Discriminant Analysis (PLDA) and Pairwise Support Vector Machine (PSVM) models. Similar to the discriminative PSVM approach, we propose a generative model of i‐vector pairs, rather than an usual i‐vector based model. The model is based on two Gaussian distributions, one for the “same speakers” and the other for the “different speakers” i‐vector pairs, and on the assumption that the i‐vector pairs are independent. This independence assumption allows the distributions of the two classes to be independently estimated. The “Two‐Gaussian” approach can be extended to the Heavy‐Tailed distributions, still allowing a fast closed form solution to be obtained for testing i‐vector pairs. We show that this model is closely related to PLDA and to PSVM models, and that tested on the female part of the tel‐ tel NIST SRE 2010 extended evaluation set, it is able to achieve comparable accuracy with respect to the other models, trained with different objective functions and training procedures.
Regularity and packing of the horizontal cell mosaic in different strains of mice

The present study describes the relationships between mosaic regularity, intercellular spacing, and packing of horizontal cells across a two-fold variation in horizontal cell density in four strains of mice. We have tested the prediction that mosaic patterning is held constant across variation in density following our recent demonstration that intercellular spacing declines as density increases, by further examination of that dataset: Nearest-neighbor and Voronoi-domain analyses were conducted on multiple fields of horizontal cells from each strain, from which their respective regularity indices were calculated. Autocorrelation analysis was performed on each field, from which the density recovery profile was generated, and effective radius and packing factor were calculated. The regularity indexes showed negative correlations with density rather than being held constant, suggesting that the strong negative correlation between intercellular spacing and density exceeded that required to produce a simple scaling of the mosaic. This was confirmed by the negative correlation between packing factor and density. These results demonstrate that the variation in the patterning present in the population of horizontal cells across these strains is a consequence of epigenetic mechanisms controlling intercellular spacing as a function of density.
Effects of Past Experience, Learning Capabilities and Overall Motivation on the Performance of Chinese Outward FDI and the Mediating Role of Learning

Existing theoretical models of internationalization do not fully explain the international venturing of emerging economy private ventures (Yiu, Lau & Burton, 2007; Lu, Liu, & Wang, 2010; Zahra, 2003). Using survey data of midsized private Chinese firms that have already made outward foreign direct investments (OFDI), this paper introduces how past international experiences, learning capabilities and overall motivations of a firm influence the performance of its OFDI. We hypothesize that each of these variables will have a positive effect on the performance of the current OFDI project and that the firm's learning mediates these relationships. Our results show that the relationship between the firm's potential absorptive capacity and its OFDI performance is fully mediated by what the firm learned from the OFDI project. Also we find that the firm's overall motivation has a direct effect on performance and is partially mediated by what the firm has learned. What the firm has learned from the firm's international business in the host country has a direct and positive effect on the performance of the OFI. However, diverging from prior research, our analysis indicates that neither the founder's international experience nor the firm's prior international experience has a direct impact on the OFDI performance.
The Dirichlet Multinomial Distribution as a Magazine Exposure Model

The authors examine methods by which the Dirichlet multinominal distribution (DMD) can be parameterized in the modeling of magazine media exposure distributions. The performance of alternative methods of parameter estimation of the DMD is compared with that of three other exposure distribution models. Performance is assessed in terms of accuracy of predicted versus observed distributions on 515 tabulated schedules derived from 1979 SMRB data. Results show the DMD is superior in performance to all other models tested, including the popular beta binomial distribution (BBD).