Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detection of Norovirus In Respiratory Secretions In Children With Respiratory Tract Infection

To evaluate whether norovirus (NoV) can be a possible cause of respiratory tract infection, 562 nasopharygeal samples collected from children admitted for influenza-like illness were tested for NoV. Three (0.5%) were positive NoV GII.4. The data show that NoV can be found in the respiratory secretions of children with respiratory symptoms and that respiratory involvement can precede gastrointestinal manifestations.
Drug targeting to macrophages using paromomycin-loaded albumin microspheres for treatment of visceral leishmaniasis: an in vitro evaluation

Background: Leishmania parasite is an obligate intracellular parasite of the mammalian host and lives inside resident macrophages of liver and spleen. A high dose of paromomycin (PM) is required for the treatment. Purpose: Preparation and in vitro evaluation of PM loaded albumin microspheres (MS) (of size ≤ 5 µm) to target macrophages for treatment of visceral leishmaniasis. Methods: PM loaded MS were prepared by spray-drying method using albumin as a polymer matrix and stabilized using heat treatment. These MS were evaluated for product yield, encapsulation efficiency, particle size, size distribution, contact angle, drug–polymer interactions, and for in vitro drug release. Fluorescent labeling and in vitro uptake of these MS was assessed in RAW 264.7 cell line. Results: PM loaded albumin MS were prepared with a mean particle size ≈3 µm. Free albumin content and contact angle study confirmed the stabilization of these MS. Release studies showed biphasic release pattern. Interaction studies ruled out any possibility of drug–polymer interaction. Uptake study in macrophage confirmed the suitability of prepared MS for macrophage targeting. Conclusion: The proposed drug-delivery system was found suitable for targeting macrophages in vitro and may serve as an optimum carrier to target macrophages where Leishmania parasite resides.
Fifteen Years in the Trenches: Auditor–Client Negotiations Exposed and Explored

The study of auditor client management negotiations dates back twenty years with the publication of the first analytical model of negotiations in 1991. However, that article made next to no impact until Gibbins, Salterio and their later collaborators began a research program on auditor-client management negotiations in 1996. The purpose of this paper is to review the fifteen years of research on auditor client management negotiation including publishing, for the first time, the theoretical model that underlay their research program. I then review the sequence of published papers focusing on Gibbins, Salterio and their co-authors that led to the acceptance of the premise that the auditor co-created the financial statements and related disclosures with client management. I call this “exposing the phenomena” part of the paper. I then examine the experimental research carried out over the last decade and relate it to both the underlying theoretical model and the descriptive model of auditor client management negotiating, identifying where research has been carried out and where important matters, both descriptively and theoretically, have received less research interest than their importance may warrant. Finally, I provide some thoughts as to how archival researchers may join into this research stream by suggesting the repurposing audit report delay construct as a measure of probability that auditor-client management negotiations took place during the year-end audit. Furthermore, I suggest how this delay measure might be improved by using the newly popular text analysis comparison software that has recently come back in vogue in capital markets research. I call these sections “exploring the phenomena. ” I conclude with a brief reminder about the practical significance of auditor-client management negotiations and I urge continued research on this important area; one that may threaten the future existence of audit firms more than any other.
Environmental issue management: towards a multi‐level theory of environmental management competence

The continuity and profitability of business firms are under constant threat from environmental issues – forthcoming developments in the environmental domain or involving environmental stakeholders that are likely to have an important impact on the ability of the enterprise to meet its objectives. Managers must forge responses to such issues, but must they respond in an ad hoc fashion to every issue or can they develop more coherent environmental management competences? Empirical evidence was collected from a case study of the environmental issue management practices of Unilever, one of the largest food and personal care companies in the world. This company's approach to dealing with the issue of genetically modified ingredients reveals that issue managers face a complex level-of-analysis problem when confronting environmental issues: how to translate individual-level knowledge into organization-level outcomes? The theory developed here suggests that once firms learn how to span this chasm, they are able not only to address discrete environmental issues, but also to build competitive environmental advantages through the development of integrative organizational competences. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Coordination of Installation Base-Stock Policies in Supply Chains with Compound Poisson Demand

We consider a supply chain with tree network structure where external demands follow independent compound Poisson processes and each stage controls the inventory of one product by an installation base-stock policy. The inventories in the supply chain are either reviewed continuously or periodically in time. The lead-times are stochastic and sequential. Unsatisfied demands at each stage are fully backordered. We characterize the backorder (or stock-out) delay for each unit of a demand at each stage of the supply chain, and present an exact and systematic approach to analyze various material flow topologies in tree networks. For supply chains under continuous-review base-stock policies, we demonstrate the similarities and structural differences between compound Poisson demand and Poisson demand. We also compare and contrast the supply chains under continuous-review base-stock policies with those under periodic-review base-stock policies. Based on the analyzes, we present simple and tractable approximations which facilitate efficient coordination of the installation inventory policies at all stages with the objective of minimizing the system-wide inventory cost subject to certain service requirements of the external customers. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the coordination by numerical studies.
Impairment of Several Immune Functions and Redox State in Blood Cells of Alzheimer’s Disease Patients. Relevant Role of Neutrophils in Oxidative Stress

Since aging is considered the most risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), the age-related impairment of the immune system (immunosenescence), based on a chronic oxidative-inflammatory stress situation, could play a key role in the development and progression of AD. Although AD is accompanied by systemic disturbance, reflecting the damage in the brain, the changes in immune response and redox-state in different types of blood cells in AD patients have been scarcely studied. The aim was to analyze the variations in several immune functions and oxidative-inflammatory stress and damage parameters in both isolated peripheral neutrophils and mononuclear blood cells, as well as in whole blood cells, from patients diagnosed with mild (mAD) and severe AD, and of age-matched controls (elderly healthy subjects) as well as of adult controls. The cognitive decline of all subjects was determined by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) test (mAD stage was established at 20 ≤ MMSE ≤ 23 score; AD stage at <18 MMSE; elderly subjects >27 MMSE). The results showed an impairment of the immune functions of human peripheral blood neutrophils and mononuclear cells of mAD and AD patients in relation to healthy elderly subjects, who showed the typical immunosenescence in comparison with the adult individuals. However, several alterations were only observed in severe AD patients (lower chemotaxis, lipopolysaccharide lymphoproliferation, and interleukin (IL)-10 release; higher basal proliferation, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α release, and IL-10/TNF-α ratio), others only in mAD subjects (higher adherence), meanwhile others appeared in both mAD and AD patients (lower phytohemaglutinin lymphoproliferation and higher IL-6 release). This impairment of immune functions could be mediated by: (1) the higher oxidative stress and damage also observed in blood cells from mAD and AD patients and in isolated neutrophils [lower glutathione (GSH) levels, high oxidized glutathione (GSSG)/GSH ratio, and GSSG and malondialdehyde contents], and (2) the higher release of basal pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) found in AD patients. Because the immune system parameters studied are markers of health and rate of aging, our results supported an accelerated immunosenescence in AD patients. We suggest the assessment of oxidative stress and function parameters in peripheral blood cells as well as in isolated neutrophils and mononuclear cells, respectively, as possible markers of AD progression.
Flattening of the Phillips Curve: Estimations and consequences for economic policy

We test the hypothesis that the long-term Phillips curve is downward sloping and has become flatter in the last 10 to 15 years. Controlling for the most important other factors influencing the inflation rate, we estimate cointegrations and test whether a "break" in the Phillips curve can be detected. We restrict our study to Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK and the USA. The results vary considerably between the countries, but all exhibit a downward sloping long-run Phillips curve and show the presumed "break". First we explain the results by changes in the wage or price setting circumstance. Then we critically discuss explanations based on the time-varying NAIRU and put against them explanations based on aggregate demand and hysteresis. In the conclusion, some consequences for economic policy are indicated.
Using Ontology-Based Similarity Measures to Find Training Data for Problems with Sparse Data

In this article we present three similarity measures based on ontologies that are used to allow data mining in case of very sparse data. With the use of semantic knowledge associated to data sources we can aggregate data from similar sources and use that aggregated data to train a machine learning model. This article focuses on the ontology-based similarity measures that are required to compare data sources. We evaluate our similarity measures using a custom ontology created for fashion specific data and show that it is possible to identify similar data sources and gradually assign them similarity values.
An exploration of Generation Y's experiences of offshore fly-in/fly-out employment

Offshore fly in/fly out (FIFO) employment creates unique challenges for personnel working in this capacity and the impact of these challenges on personnel who are navigating the social challenges of early adulthood, or those belonging to Generation Y (Gen Y) is relatively unknown and deserving further investigation. This qualitative study explored the experiences of Gen Y employed offshore in a FIFO capacity using a social constructionist framework. Ten male offshore FIFO personnel aged between 18 and 28 years old participated in this study. Thematic content analysis of the in-depth interviews revealed three broad themes; these included the challenges of FIFO lifestyle, Self-identity and Relationships. It was concluded that even though the men were satisfied with benefits associated with the lifestyle there were none the less many challenges which they were attempting to address that were specific to the lifestyle generally and not unique to Gen Y.
Simulating Hedonic Labor Market Models: Computational Issues and Policy Applications

This research demonstrates that much useful quantitative information concerning hedonic labor market equilibrium and the effects of disturbances to it can be obtained through the use of numerical simulation analysis. In particular, the authors (1) explore the general problems involved in numerically simulating hedonic labor market equilibrium; (2) determin e the sensitivity of wages to changes in the parameter values of the underlying structural equations; and (3) examine the labor market and economic welfare implications of some straightforward policy alternatives, including a tax on the firm based on its industrial injury experience. Copyright 1988 by Economics Department of the University of Pennsylvania and the Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association.
Where's the Economics? The Core Discipline of Farm Management Has Gone Missing!

Economic illiteracy is abundant in farm management analysis. Failure to understand that economics is the core discipline of farm-management analysis and failure to apply the whole-farm approach leads to wrong questions being asked and wrong answers being given. The power of economic thinking is in making sense of resource allocation questions in farm systems characterised by much complexity and powerful dynamics. The challenge for those who continue to work in farm management economics is to re-establish theoretically sound farm-management analysis based on economics as the core discipline.
Temperature and peat type control CO2 and CH4 production in Alaskan permafrost peats

Controls on the fate of ~277 Pg of soil organic carbon (C) stored in permafrost peatland soils remain poorly understood despite the potential for a significant positive feedback to climate change. Our objective was to quantify the temperature, moisture, organic matter, and microbial controls on soil organic carbon (SOC) losses following permafrost thaw in peat soils across Alaska. We compared the carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) emissions from peat samples collected at active layer and permafrost depths when incubated aerobically and anaerobically at −5, −0.5, +4, and +20 °C. Temperature had a strong, positive effect on C emissions; global warming potential (GWP) was >3× larger at 20 °C than at 4 °C. Anaerobic conditions significantly reduced CO2 emissions and GWP by 47% at 20 °C but did not have a significant effect at −0.5 °C. Net anaerobic CH4 production over 30 days was 7.1 ± 2.8 μg CH4‐C gC−1 at 20 °C. Cumulative CO2 emissions were related to organic matter chemistry and best predicted by the relative abundance of polysaccharides and proteins (R2 = 0.81) in SOC. Carbon emissions (CO2‐C + CH4‐C) from the active layer depth peat ranged from 77% larger to not significantly different than permafrost depths and varied depending on the peat type and peat decomposition stage rather than thermal state. Potential SOC losses with warming depend not only on the magnitude of temperature increase and hydrology but also organic matter quality, permafrost history, and vegetation dynamics, which will ultimately determine net radiative forcing due to permafrost thaw.
Pattern mining from historical traffic big data

Knowledge mining from the historical traffic big data is absolutely necessary for future intelligent transportation system (ITS) and smart city. Mining traffic data is a challenging task that can be used for traffic forecasting and improving traffic flow. In this paper, we explore and analyse the historical traffic big data to extract the informative patterns. Three years (2013 to 2015) real traffic data was collected from the city of Porto, Portugal. We developed a Java based traffic data observation (TDO) tool for visualising traffic data, which can filter and extract expressive patterns from the traffic big data based on input features. Then, graphs are generated by TDO from the traffic data to find the historical averages of traffic flow. Finally, we have applied regression models: Linear Regression, Sequential Minimal Optimisation (SMO) Regression, and M5 Base Regression Tree on the traffic data to find annual average daily traffic (AADT) and compare their results. Also, we have used regression trees to find the traffic patterns. The goal is to find the abnormal traffic patterns from the historical traffic big data and analyse them to improve the traffic management system (TMS).
Different personal propensities among scientists relate to deeper vs. broader knowledge contributions

Significance Scientists’ productivity usually is measured with a single metric, such as number of articles published. Here, we study two dimensions of scientists’ knowledge contributions in 10-y publication records: their depth and their breadth. Study 1 shows that scientists view pursuing a deeper research project to be more attractive than pursuing a broader project; for example, scientists viewed broad projects as riskier and less important than deeper projects. Study 2 shows that scientists’ personal dispositions predict the aggregated depth vs. breadth of their published articles. Armed with such knowledge, scientists can strategically consider the desired nature of their research portfolios, criteria for choosing and designing research projects, how to compose research teams, and the inhibitors and facilitators of boundary-crossing research. Scientific journal publications, and their contributions to knowledge, can be described by their depth (specialized, domain-specific knowledge extensions) and breadth (topical scope, including spanning multiple knowledge domains). Toward generating hypotheses about how scientists’ personal dispositions would uniquely predict deeper vs. broader contributions to the literature, we assumed that conducting broader studies is generally viewed as less attractive (e.g., riskier) than conducting deeper studies. Study 1 then supported our assumptions: the scientists surveyed considered a hypothetical broader study, compared with an otherwise-comparable deeper study, to be riskier, a less-significant opportunity, and of lower potential importance; they further reported being less likely to pursue it and, in a forced choice, most chose to work on the deeper study. In Study 2, questionnaire measures of medical researchers’ personal dispositions and 10 y of PubMed data indicating their publications’ topical coverage revealed how dispositions differentially predict depth vs. breadth. Competitiveness predicted depth positively, whereas conscientiousness predicted breadth negatively. Performance goal orientation predicted depth but not breadth, and learning goal orientation contrastingly predicted breadth but not depth. Openness to experience positively predicted both depth and breadth. Exploratory work behavior (the converse of applying and exploiting one’s current knowledge) predicted breadth positively and depth negatively. Thus, this research distinguishes depth and breadth of published knowledge contributions, and provides new insights into how scientists’ personal dispositions influence research processes and products.
The Clustering of IPO Gross Spreads: International Evidence

Abstract Patterns of clustering in IPO gross spreads can be identified not only in the U.S., but also in many other markets across the world. The evidence indicates, however, that these clustering patterns are not necessarily collusive. Clustering is widespread in many countries with low gross spreads. In fact, the amount of clustering observed is negatively related to the gross spread level of a country. Additionally, an analysis of abnormal gross spreads following Hansen (2001) indicates that few clusters contain abnormal positive surpluses.
Validity, Reliability, and Performance Determinants of a New Job-Specific Anaerobic Work Capacity Test for the Norwegian Navy Special Operations Command

Abstract Angeltveit, A, Paulsen, G, Solberg, PA, and Raastad, T. Validity, reliability, and performance determinants of a new job-specific anaerobic work capacity test for the Norwegian Navy Special Operations Command. J Strength Cond Res 30(2): 487–496, 2016—Operators in Special Operation Forces (SOF) have a particularly demanding profession where physical and psychological capacities can be challenged to the extremes. The diversity of physical capacities needed depend on the mission. Consequently, tests used to monitor SOF operators' physical fitness should cover a broad range of physical capacities. Whereas tests for strength and aerobic endurance are established, there is no test for specific anaerobic work capacity described in the literature. The purpose of this study was therefore to evaluate the reliability, validity, and to identify performance determinants of a new test developed for testing specific anaerobic work capacity in SOF operators. Nineteen active young students were included in the concurrent validity part of the study. The students performed the evacuation (EVAC) test 3 times and the results were compared for reliability and with performance in the Wingate cycle test, 300-m sprint, and a maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD) test. In part II of the study, 21 Norwegian Navy Special Operations Command operators conducted the EVAC test, anthropometric measurements, a dual x-ray absorptiometry scan, leg press, isokinetic knee extensions, maximal oxygen uptake test, and countermovement jump (CMJ) test. The EVAC test showed good reliability after 1 familiarization trial (intraclass correlation = 0.89; coefficient of variance = 3.7%). The EVAC test correlated well with the Wingate test (r = −0.68), 300-m sprint time (r = 0.51), and 300-m mean power (W) (r = −0.67). No significant correlation was found with the MAOD test. In part II of the study, height, body mass, lean body mass, isokinetic knee extension torque, maximal oxygen uptake, and maximal power in a CMJ was significantly correlated with performance in the EVAC test. The EVAC test is a reliable and valid test for anaerobic work capacity for SOF operators, and muscle mass, leg strength, and leg power seem to be the most important determinants of performance.
Induction of specific allograft immunity by soluble class I MHC heavy chain protein produced in a baculovirus expression system.

Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) insect cells secreted a class I MHC RT1.Aa heavy chain protein when infected with baculovirus that bore a construct that contained a honeybee melittin secretion (ms) signal attached to RT1.Aa cDNA. The RT1.Aa heavy chain protein in the culture supernatant and cell lysate immunoprecipitated in the presence of 5 individual anti-RT1.Aa-specific mAb. As was revealed by densitometric analysis, the ms signal increased the production (7- to 17-fold) and secretion (20- to 47-fold) of RT1.Aa protein by Sf9 cells (compared with RT1Aa-Sf9 cells without the ms signal). Subcutaneous immunization with secreted RT1.Aa heavy chain protein of Wistar-Furth (WF; RT1u) rats (day -4) accelerated the rejection of ACI (RT1a), but not third-party Brown Norway (BN; RT1n), heart allografts from 5.9 +/- 0.5 days in controls to 4.0 +/- 0.0 days (P < 0.001); cell lysate from RT1.Aa-Sf9 or ms/RT1.Aa-Sf9 cells reduced ACI heart allograft survival to 3.8 +/- 0.4 days or 3.7 +/- 0.5 days, respectively (P < 0.001). Indirect presentation of RT1.Aa heavy chain proteins by syngeneic macrophages shortened the survival of RT1.Aa-disparate PVG.R8 (RT1.AaDuBuCu) heart allografts in PVG.1U (RT1u) hosts from 6.3 +/- 0.5 days in controls to 4.0 +/- 0.0 days (P < 0.01). Finally, RT1.Aa heavy chain proteins injected into the thymus or into the portal vein (day -14) in combination with anti-T cell receptor mAb (days -14 and -13) induced indefinite survival of ACI liver allografts in Lewis (RT1l) recipients ( > 250 days). Thus, indirect presentation of soluble class I MHC heavy chain proteins (produced in a baculovirus/Sf9 cell system) may either sensitize or induce tolerance in the same fashion as native class I MHC alloantigens expressed on donor tissues.