Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficiency and Innovation Oriented Business Value of Enterprise Systems Interoperability -- An Empirical Investigation

The establishment of interoperability of enterprise IS with the ones of trading partners (e.g. customers, suppliers, business allies) is regarded, based on a variety of theoretical arguments, as an important source of business value associated with efficiency gains and innovation. However, there is a lack of empirical investigation of this business value. This paper presents an empirical study of the effect of adopting two types of IS interoperability standards for exchanging electronic data with trading partners, the industry-specific and the proprietary ones, on the benefits firms obtain from their ICT infrastructures, and finally on their business performance. Furthermore, it examines what part of these effects is through increasing effectiveness of existing business process for producing existing products and services, and what part of them is through driving innovation. It is concluded that the adoption of both these types of IS interoperability standards for exchanging electronic data with trading partners has positive effect on the benefits gained from ICT infrastructures, with the effect of the industry-specific standards being much higher than the effect of the proprietary ones. Also, it has been found that a large part of these effects (46% for the industry-specific standards and 62% for the proprietary ones) is through driving innovation.
CALL FOR PAPERS Bioengineering the Lung: Molecules, Materials, Matrix, Morphology, and Mechanics Synergy between acid and endotoxin in an experimental model of aspiration- related lung injury progression

Tetenev K, Cloutier ME, von Reyn JA, Ather JL, Candon J, Allen GB. Synergy between acid and endotoxin in an experimental model of aspiration-related lung injury progression. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 309: L1103–L1111, 2015. First published September 25, 2015; doi:10.1152/ajplung.00197. 2014. —Aspiration is a common cause of lung injury, but it is unclear why some cases are self-limited while others progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Sporadic exposure to more than one insult could account for this variable progression. We investigated whether synergy between airway acid and endotoxin (LPS) amplifies injury severity in mice and whether LPS levels in human patients could corroborate our experimental findings. C57BL/6 mice aspirated acid (pH 1.3) or normal saline (NS), followed by LPS aerosol or nothing. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was obtained 2 to 49 h later. Mice were injected with FITC-dextran 25 h after aspiration and connected to a ventilator, and lung elastance (H) measured periodically following deep inflation (DI). Endotracheal and gastric aspirates were also collected from patients in the intensive care unit and assayed for pH and LPS. Lung instability ( H following DI) and pressure-volume hysteresis in acidor LPS-exposed mice was greater than in controls but markedly greater in the combined acid/LPS group. BALF neutrophils, cytokines, protein, and FITC-dextran in the acid/ LPS mice were geometrically higher than all other groups. BALF from acid-only mice markedly amplified LPS-induced TNFproduction in cultured macrophages. Human subjects had variable endotracheal LPS levels with the highest burden in those at higher risk of aspiration. Acid aspiration amplifies LPS signaling in mice to disrupt barrier function and lung mechanics in synergy. High variation in airway LPS and greater airway LPS burden in patients at higher risk of aspiration could help explain the sporadic progression of aspiration to ARDS.
Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of fecal occult blood testing (Hemoccult II) for colorectal neoplasia in symptomatic patients: a prospective study with total colonoscopy.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the specificity, sensitivity, and positive predictive value of fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) in symptomatic patients, with colonoscopy as the gold standard, and to assess the usefulness of FOBT as an ancillary examination in symptomatic patients for whom total colonoscopy is indicated. METHODS We studied 439 consecutive patients who underwent Hemoccult II testing before total colonoscopy. RESULTS The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value for colorectal neoplasia (cancer and adenomatous polyps) was 76.5%, 56.7%, and 27.6%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value for colorectal cancer were 69.2%, 73.2%, and 7.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of FOBT are difficult to estimate from screening programs, because Hemoccult-negative individuals do not undergo examination of the colon, and many of the Hemoccult-positive cases do not undergo total colonoscopy. With total colonoscopy serving as the gold standard, FOBT does not appear to be of much value as an ancillary examination in patients with symptoms potentially attributable to the lower gastrointestinal tract.
Education for Sustainability: Exploring Teaching Practices and Perceptions of Learning Associated with a General Education Requirement

abstract:Higher education institutions are increasingly interested in infusing sustainability content into their curricula. This can be accomplished through general education programs, which the University of Vermont recently established. The implementation of this new requirement created a unique opportunity to investigate sustainability- related teaching and learning. The purpose of this study was to explore how instructors structured and taught sustainability learning outcomes and students' perceptions of learning within an assortment of general education courses. The variety of data collection methods (online survey, interviews, focus groups, observation, and document review) enabled the identification and triangulation of strong themes. Findings describe three course design approaches instructors used to incorporate sustainability. Instructors taught sustainability through class discussions, papers, readings, projects, guest speakers, and case studies. Students reported the following teaching practices as particularly helpful: experiencing real-world applications, discussing sustainability issues in class, exploring different perspectives, experiencing agency, and learning from peers and guest speakers. The following are recommended areas for skill development: (1) training instructors to align learning outcomes with assessment strategies to ensure that appropriate evidence is gathered, (2) encouraging instructors to reflect upon which teaching practices effectively supported student learning and consider improvements, and (3) using a variety of teaching practices and assessment strategies.
Single‐Dose Study of Nabilone in Anxious Volunteers

Abstract: The effects of single oral doses of nabilone, a synthetic cannabinoid, were studied in eight anxious volunteer subjects. Each subject had two exposures to placebo and three dose levels of nabilone at one‐week intervals in a single‐blind balanced Latin‐square design after the nabilone dose range was determined by each subject's response to a test dose. Heart rate and blood pressure were monitored. The Profile of Mood States (POMS), a self‐rating adjective checklist, was used as the quantitative measure of subjective effects. Four subjects performed a continuous avoidance procedure. High doses (4 or 5 mg) of nabilone produced orthostatic hypotension in these subjects. Mild dose‐related increases in heart rate also occurred. Despite the occurrence of highly significant levels of sedation, there were no significant effects of nabilone on the continuous avoidance procedure. Two of these four subjects experienced an antianxiety effect from low (1 or 2 mg) nabilone doses. Four other subjects received comparatively lower doses of nabilone and performed on three behavioral tasks at intervals before and after drug: a recognition memory procedure, a task requiring spaced responding at a controlled rate, and a reaction time task. In these subjects there were no reliable effects on blood pressure or heart rate, no significant subjective effects on the POMS, and no antianxiety effects. Drug effects were also minimal on the three behavioral tasks.
The effects of food essential oils on cardiovascular diseases: A review

ABSTRACT Essential oils (EO) are complex secondary metabolites, which are produced by aromatic plants and identified by their powerful odors. Present studies on EO and their isolated ingredients have drawn the attention of researchers to screen these natural products and evaluate their effect on the cardiovascular system. Some EO, and their active ingredients, have been reported to improve the cardiovascular system significantly by affecting vaso-relaxation, and decreasing the heart rate and exert a hypotension activity. Several mechanisms have been proposed for the role of EO and their main active components in promoting the health of the cardiovascular system. The objective of this review is to highlight the current state of knowledge on the functional role of EO extracted from plants for reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and their mechanisms of action. Research on EO has the potential to identify new bioactive compounds and formulate new functional products for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as arterial hypertension, angina pectoris, heart failure, and myocardial infarction.
[ 15 N 2 ]ARGININE AS A FIRST POTENTIAL INHALED DIAGNOSTIC AGENT TO CHARACTERIZE RESPIRATORY DISEASES

Conventional diagnosis of the pulmonary tract uses physical methods such as spirometry and oscillometry. However, the inhalation of a chemical diagnostic agent ought to provide novel ways of more specific diagnosis, for instance of inflammatory states of the bronchial and lung mucosa. The stable isotope technique using a 15 N-labeled substrate appears to be a suitable tool for this application. In a pilot study, defined amounts of the amino acid L -[guanidino- 15 N 2 ]arginine monohydrochloride (aqueous solution, 20 atom % 15 N) were inhaled as a diagnostic agent by healthy volunteers and pulmonary patients suffering from asthma bronchiale. The amino acid is resorbed and partly metabolized to 15 NO. The exhaled air was collected under defined conditions in 10-L breath bags and analyzed for NO using chemiluminescence. Under standardized test conditions, healthy persons (n = 6) exhaled 0.97 ± 0.08 μ molNO/m 3 and asthmatic patients (n = 7) 1.17 ± 0.14 μ molNO/m 3. A better distinction was expected comparing the 15 NO exhalation. The 15 N abundance of NO was determined using a Cryotrap gas chromatography - mass spectrometry set-up. Between 30 and 80 minutes after inhaling 700mg [ 15 N]arginine, a maximum with a plateau of the 15 NO abundance was found in the exhaled air. At this time, healthy and asthmatic subjects exhibited clear differences in their exhaled 15 NO amounts. Under standardized test conditions, the healthy persons (n = 6) exhaled 102.3 ± 6.7 nmol 15 NO/m 3, whereas asthmatic patients (n = 7) exhaled only 76.1 ± 10.9 nmol 15 NO/m 3. It is concluded that 15 NO yielded after the inhalation of 15 N-labeled arginine could be a potential marker for demonstrating pathophysiological changes in the lung epithelium. This method could pave a new diagnostic principle of "inhalative breath test. "
Global Tax Governance: What is Wrong and How to Fix it (Book Note)

There is a lacuna in international tax scholarship that traces its origins to the formative history of public finance. Arthur Cecil Pigou, one of the world’s pre-eminent 20th-century economists, conceded his failure to incorporate international relations into economic theory. Much work in international tax law remains artificially demarcated from questions of policy, overlooking the complex political, diplomatic, and behavioural implications for neoclassical economic theory. An inter-disciplinary approach that yields actionable and effective global policy coordination is necessitated by current context. Global Tax Governance is therefore an essential read for tax practitioners and scholars concerned with global tax policy innovation.
Plasma Arachidonic Acid Influences Insulin-Stimulated Glucose Uptake in Healthy Adult Women

Background: Fatty acids can modulate lipid metabolism, this is related to insulin resistance (IR). This study evaluated the relationship of plasma fatty acid profile with IR, fuel oxidative metabolism and plasma lipid concentration in ‘healthy’ women. Methods: Sixteen ‘healthy’, sedentary and non-obese women were evaluated under fasting conditions for fuel oxidation, plasma fatty acid profile, free fatty acids, triglycerides, glucose and insulin concentrations. IR, fuel oxidation and plasma lipids were measured under insulin-stimulated conditions. Using the Spearman test the correlation between relevant variables was assessed. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was done to identify the main clinical/metabolic and fatty acid determinants of IR. Results: Plasma arachidonic acid content (%) determined IR, and in combination with insulin-stimulated plasma triglyceride concentration explained 45% of the IR variance. IR was inversely related to physical fitness (rs = –0.48, p = 0.01). The latter was inversely associated to plasma saturated fatty acid content (%) (rs = –0.48, p < 0.01), but directly associated to plasma docosahexaenoic acid content (%) (rs = 0.40, p = 0.04). Conclusions: Support for the hypothesis that specific fatty acids influence IR is provided. Plasma arachidonic acid was associated to IR, independent on clinical/metabolic study variables. Docosahexaenoic and saturated fatty acids could potentially affect insulin action through modulating mitochondrial oxidative function.
Premigratory risk factors in Vietnamese Amerasians.

OBJECTIVE The study's goal was to determine the ability of risk factors determined before migration to predict future levels of anxiety and depression in a group of Vietnamese Amerasian immigrants. METHOD In a cohort of 161 randomly selected Vietnamese Amerasian youth in Vietnam awaiting placement, risk factors for psychological distress were identified with Felsman's 35-item Personal Information Form and the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25). Ninety-five members of the original cohort were subsequently reevaluated, again with the HSCL-25, at a Philippine refugee center during their 6-month stay there awaiting placement in the United States. RESULTS A statistically significant relationship was found between greater numbers of risk factors identified in Vietnam and higher total symptom levels in the Philippines. The strongest relationship was between greater numbers of risk factors and higher levels of depression. The relationship between number of risk factors and levels of anxiety was not significant. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the ability of risk factors determined prior to departure in Vietnam to predict future levels of psychological distress in a group of Vietnamese Amerasian immigrants.
Empirical Analysis of Investments on the Fine Art Market

In conditions of the stock market instability the art assets could be considered as an attractive investment. However, due to the heterogeneity of the fine art market's goods and the absence of the systematic information about the sales, researchers do not come to the same opinion about the merits of the art assets conducting studies on single segments of the market. We make an attempt to investigate attractiveness of the fine art market for investors. Extensive data was collected to obtain a complete pattern of the market analyzing it within different segments. We construct hedonic art price indexes using parametric and semi-parametric methodologies and assess the risk via CAPM model. The artworks in the high price sector are the potentially most profitable assets on the market, but the investments in paintings are associated with high risk.
Effect of High-Speed Treadmill Training With a Body Weight Support System in a Sport Acceleration Program With Female Soccer Players

Abstract Johnson, AW, Eastman, CS, Feland, JB, Mitchell, UH, Mortensen, BB, and Eggett, D. Effect of high-speed treadmill training with a body weight support system in a sport acceleration program with female soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 27(6): 1496–1502, 2013—Maximum running speed and acceleration are essential components in many sports. The identification of specific training protocols to maximize sprint speed would be useful knowledge for coaches and players. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a high-speed treadmill (HST) with the use of a body weight support (BWS) system in a 6-week sport acceleration program (SAP) on female soccer athlete’s 40-yard sprint time and maximal isometric knee flexor and extensor strength. Two treatment groups and one control group were created. Both treatment groups participated in a 12-session SAP. The first treatment group (n = 12) used a BWS system while running on a HST; the second group (n = 12) used a standard treadmill (ST) with no BWS system. The participants of the control group (n = 8), NT, did not participate in a sports acceleration program and did not alter their exercise routines outside of the study. An analysis of covariance was performed using baseline measures as the covariate. The 40-yard sprint times for both treatment groups were shown to improve significantly compared with the control group (p < 0.001). Isometric knee flexor strength showed a greater increase in the ST group (p = 0.026) than in the other 2 groups, whereas knee extensor strengths did not show significant differences between treatment groups and control group (p > 0.05). Participants in the ST group had a much higher rate (66%) of shin splints and foot pain throughout the study than those in the HST (8%) and NT (0%) groups. These results can help high school coaches and athletes determine the optimal treadmill training regime.
Correlates of poverty in Africa: Exploring the roles of remittances, financial development, and natural resources

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine how remittances, financial development (FD), and natural resources and their different transmission channels can be used to reduce poverty in Africa. Design/methodology/approach - Using the Human Development Index (HDI) as the measure of welfare, the authors specify these relationships using the System GMM estimator approach. Findings - The authors hypothesise that for remittance to effectively improve welfare, the recipient of remittances must have access to credit to profitably utilise the monies. Again, the authors assert that FD can be effective in improving welfare when development of the sector actually benefits the poor. The authors provide empirical support for these hypotheses using 54 African countries covering the period 1990-2012. The findings also show that the North African region has been able to utilise its oil rents in particular to improve welfare unlike the Sub-Saharan counterpart. Originality/value - This paper is the first to jointly estimate the impact of remittances, FD, and natural resources on welfare using a comprehensive measure of poverty – HDI.
GREENTAP: USING NUDGES, AUTOMATIC BEHAVIOUR, AND COMMITMENT DEVICES TO RAISE SAVING RATES AMONG DLSU UNDERGRADUATES

Previous studies (Ayson et al, 2011) have shown evidence of a "last mile" problem in personal saving among DLSU undergraduates, whose declared intentions to save are not matched by equivalent action. The behavioural economics literature suggests that nudges, automatic behaviour, and commitment devices may help overcome this "last mile" problem. In this paper, we propose a mechanism called GreenTap that combines these three elements into a novel ID-based saving scheme. GreenTap is conceptualised as a re-purposed version of a pre- existing yet under-utilised electronic wallet (e-wallet) facility at DLSU called GreenPurse. The modified programme would split the GreenPurse e-wallet into two "compartments", a spending compartment and one for saving. It would then allow students to deposit funds into the e-wallet and, crucially, set a pre-determined amount that would shift money from the spending account to the saving account every time they scanned their ID card - as a "nudge" that takes advantage of their automatic behaviour. The saving account would be locked for a pre-determined period, leaving the saved funds temporarily inaccessible, as a commitment device. We also present the results of a large-scale simulation administered as a month-long randomised controlled trial intended to obtain preliminary data for the effectiveness of such an intervention. We recruited 111 student volunteers, roughly half of which were assigned to a simulation of the GreenTap scheme, and the other half as control (regular saving). Both groups reported data on daily saving, spending, and ID use, which we use to perform an evidence-based evaluation of GreenTap's potential. Results indicate that the mechanism has the potential to induce savings among students only if a minimum pre-determined amount of about PhP 24.20 is enforced, and that it is possible to target the mechanism at specific demographics that experience below average savings.
Dynamics of cluster formation in driven magnetic colloids dispersed on a monolayer

We report computer simulation results on the cluster formation of dipolar colloidal particles driven by a rotating external field in a quasi-two-dimensional setup. We focus on the interplay between permanent dipolar and hydrodynamic interactions and its influence on the dynamic behavior of the particles. This includes their individual as well as their collective motion. To investigate these characteristics, we employ Brownian dynamics simulations of a finite system with and without hydrodynamic interactions. Our results indicate that hydrodynamic interactions have a profound impact on the dynamic behavior of the clusters and the dynamics of the clustering process.