Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Understanding of Literal Truth, Ironic Criticism, and Deceptive Praise Following Childhood Head Injury

Children with closed head injury (CHI) have semantic-pragmatic language problems that include difficulty in understanding and producing both literal and nonliteral statements. For example, they are relatively insensitive to some of the social messages in nonstandard communication as well as to words that code distinctions among mental states. This suggests that they may have difficulty with comprehension tasks involving first- and second-order intentionality, such as those involved in understanding irony and deception. We studied how 6- to 15-year-old children, typically developing or with CHI, interpret scenarios involving literal truth, ironic criticism, and deceptive praise. Children with severe CHI had overall poorer mastery of the task. Even mild CHI impaired the ability to understand the intentionality underlying deceptive praise. CHI, especially biologically significant CHI, appears to place children at risk for failure to understand language as externalized thought.
Do customer returns enhance product and shopping experience satisfaction

The purpose of this study was to determine if department store customers who had recently returned a sportswear apparel product differed from customers who had returned one within the last year. The survey research method was used, with a retailer-endorsed covering letter and a four-page questionnaire mailed to the sample. The sample chosen for the study consisted of 1,118 credit card customers of a major south-eastern United States department store chain who had made a sportswear purchase within the previous twelve months. A total of 439 respondents returned questionnaires (39 percent response rate). Chi-square analysis and t-tests were used to test the four hypotheses. The two consumer groups differed in reasons for returns, the frequency of dissatisfaction with purchases of the women's sportswear and the degree of dissatisfaction with the shopping experience. The two customer groups did not differ in dissatisfaction with the store's return process. Latent return customers were more frequently dissatisf.
TRANSITIVITY OF FINITE MODELS CONSTRUCTED FROM NORMAL FORMS FOR A MODAL LOGIC CONTAINING K4

By using normal forms for a modal logic L, Moss [3] constructed nite model Cn;m(L) and proved that the model is reexive if L contains KT, it is serial if L contains KD, and so on. However, concerning to transitivity, he raised the problem: \Is it true that for every logic L containing K4, Cn;m(L) is transitive for almost all n? ". In the present paper, by using another type of normal forms in [4], we prove that the model Cn;m(S4BW2) is not transitive for each n 2, where S4BW2 is the logic characterized by the class of the reexive and transitive
An experimental chain of infection reveals that distinct Borrelia burgdorferi populations are selected in arthropod and mammalian hosts

The prokaryotic, spirochaetal microorganism Borrelia burgdorferi is the causative agent of Lyme disease, an arthropod‐borne disease of a variety of vertebrates and the most prevalent arthropod‐borne disease of humans in the United States. In order to understand better the normal life cycle of B. burgdorferi, an experimental chain of infection was devised that involved multiple sequential arthropod and mammalian passages. By examining populations of B. burgdorferi emerging from different points in this infectious chain, we demonstrate that selection of B. burgdorferi populations peculiar to arthropod or vertebrate hosts is a property of at least one of the two ecologically distinct strains we examined. Distinct B. burgdorferi populations were identified using an antigenic profile, defined by a set of monoclonal antibodies to eight B. burgdorferi antigens, and a plasmid profile, defined by the naturally occurring plasmids in the starting clonal populations. These two profiles constituted the phenotypical signature of the population. In the strain exhibiting selection in the different hosts, transition from one host to another produced a striking series of alternating phenotypical signatures down the chain of infection. At the molecular level, the alternating signatures were manifested as a reciprocal relationship between the expression of certain antigenic forms of outer surface protein (Osp) B and OspC. In the case of OspC, the antigenic changes could be correlated to the presence of one of two distinctly different alleles of the ospC gene in a full‐length and presumably transcriptionally active state. In the case of OspB, two alleles were again identified. However, their differences were minor and their relationship to OspB antigenic variation more complicated. In addition to the reciprocating changes in the antigenic profile, a reciprocating change in the size (probably the multimeric state) of a 9.0 kbp supercoiled plasmid was also noted. Selection of distinct populations in the tick may be responsible for the microorganism's ability to infect a wide range of vertebrate hosts efficiently, in that the tick might provide selective pressure for the elimination of the population selected in the previous host.
Simvastatin Reduces MMP1 Expression in Human Smooth Muscle Cells Cultured on Polymerized Collagen by Inhibiting Rac1 Activation

Objective—Activation of collagen receptors expressed by smooth muscle cells induces matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression. The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) have been shown to interfere with integrin signaling, but their effects on collagen receptor-mediated MMP expression have not been investigated. Methods and Results—In the present study, we show that simvastatin (3 &mgr;mol/L) reduces MMP1 expression and secretion in human smooth muscle cells cultured on polymerized type I collagen by 39.9±11.2% and 36.0±2.3%, respectively. Reduced MMP1 protein levels correlate with a similar decrease in MMP1 promoter activity (−33.0±8.9%), MMP1 mRNA levels (−37.8±10.5%), and attenuation of smooth muscle cell collagen degradation (−34.2±6.1%). Mevalonate, and the isoprenoid derivative geranylgeraniol, precursors of geranylgeranylated proteins, completely prevent the inhibitory effect of simvastatin on MMP1. Moreover, the protein geranylgeranyltransferase inhibitor GGTI-286 significantly decreases MMP1 expression. Retroviral overexpression of dominant-negative mutants of geranylgeranylated Rac1 lead to a reduction of MMP1 protein (−50.4±5.4%) and mRNA levels (−97.9±1.0%), and knockdown of Rac1 by small interfering RNA downregulates MMP1 expression. Finally, simvastatin reduces GTP-bound Rac1 expression levels in smooth muscle cells cultured on polymerized collagen. Conclusions—These results demonstrate that simvastatin, by inhibiting Rac1 activity, reduces MMP1 expression and collagen degradation in human smooth muscle cells.
Ultra wide band frequency selective absorber with asymmetric absorbing performance

In this paper, a frequency selective absorber (FSA) with asymmetric performance is proposed. Modified log-periodic dipole array (LPDA) elements are applied to construct the FSA. With the ultra wide band (UWB) property of the LPDA-shaped elements, the FSA gets the UWB absorbing band. Due to the directionality of the LPDA, the FSA is asymmetric network which means that the reflection coefficients of the FSA are different when the incident wave lit the two surfaces respectively. Simulations and analysis are done to study the UWB and absorbing properties. The results show that the proposed FSA can effectively absorb or reflect the incident wave in 6.45GHz-20GHz when the incident wave lit the two surfaces respectively.
A quantitative method for analysing 3D branching in embryonic kidneys: development of a technique and preliminary data

The normal human adult kidney contains between 300,000 and 1 million nephrons (the functional units of the kidney). Nephrons develop at the tips of the branching ureteric duct, and therefore ureteric duct branching morphogenesis is critical for normal kidney development. Current methods for analysing ureteric branching are mostly qualitative and those quantitative methods that do exist do not account for the 3dimensional (3D) shape of the ureteric “tree”. We have developed a method for measuring the total length of the ureteric tree in 3D. This method is described and preliminary data are presented. The algorithm allows for performing a semi-automatic segmentation of a set of grey level confocal images and an automatic skeletonisation of the resulting binary object. Measurements of length are automatically obtained, and numbers of branch points are manually counted. The final representation can be reconstructed by means of 3D volume rendering software, providing a fully rotating 3D perspective of the skeletonised tree, making it possible to identify and accurately measure branch lengths. Preliminary data shows the total length estimates obtained with the technique to be highly reproducible. Repeat estimates of total tree length vary by just 12%. We will now use this technique to further define the growth of the ureteric tree in vitro, under both normal culture conditions, and in the presence of various levels of specific molecules suspected of regulating ureteric growth. The data obtained will provide fundamental information on the development of renal architecture, as well as the regulation of nephron number.
ANALISIS FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMENGARUHI PRAKTIK MANAJEMEN LABA PADA INDSUTRI PERBANKAN DI INDONESIA

Ekspektasi pemilik modal (principal) dan pengolah (agent) seringkali tidak sejalan. Dapat disebabkan ekspektasi pricipal yang terlalu tinggi sedangkan dunia bisnis tidak dapat semuanya dikendalikan, juga dipengaruhi faktor-faktor eksternal yang tidak dapat dikendali. Oleh sebab itu banyak cara yang dilakukan oleh agent untuk memenuhi ekspektasi pricipal tujuan pribadi agent,salah satunya adalah dengan manajemen laba. Dalam penelitian ini, penulis memilih industri perbankan sebagai subyek penelitian karena praktik manajemen laba tidak semudah dilakukan industri lain karena adanya keterbatasan dari aturan Bank Indonesia. Hasil penilitian bahwa Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), Non Perfoming Loan (NPL), Loan to Deposit Ratio Loan to Deposit Ratio (LDR), Growth, Reputasi auditor dan Audit tenure sebagai variabel independen yang diproses dengan menggunakan SPSS, ternyata CAR, LDR dan Growth yang mempengaruhi terhadap praktik manajemen laba di industri perbankan, sedangkan (NPL), Reputasi Auditor dan Audit Tenure tidak mempengaruhi. Expectations of shareholders (principal) and management (agent) are often not in line. This is due to the pricipal expectations were too high while the business world can not all be controlled, are also influenced by external factors that can not are controlled. Therefore, many ways in which the agent to meet the expectations of pricipal and personal goals agent, one of which is the earnings management. In this study, the authors chose the banking industry as research subjects because earnings management practices are not as easy to do other industries because of the limitations of the rules of Bank Indonesia. Results from the study that the Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), Non Performing Loan (NPL), Loan to Deposit Ratio (LDR), Growth, Auditor Reputation and Audit Tenure as independent variables that is processed by using SPSS, states that the CAR, LDR and Growth are influence to earnings management practices in the banking industry, while the NPL, Audit Reputation and Audit Auditor Tenure do not affect.
Exploring the development of quality in higher education

This paper uses a developmental perspective to characterise quality initiatives in the higher education systems of four countries: Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and North America. Each country demonstrates variety in its practices, as well as consistent patterns of environment, policy and institutional response. Survey data support a continuum of quality evolution from a low quality, low organisational learning environment toward organisational learning capabilities. The three stages of learning proposed by both Senge and McKay and Kember are also reflected in the study’s findings. Drawing on these findings, implications for managers are outlined focusing on areas of key organisational transformation such as leadership, culture and infrastructure.
Cardiac Transplantation Using Extended-Donor Criteria Organs for Systemic Amyloidosis Complicated by Heart Failure

Background. Systemic amyloidosis complicated by heart failure is associated with high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Heart transplantation for patients with systemic amyloidosis is controversial due to recurrence of disease in the transplanted organ or progression of disease in other organs. Methods. All patients with systemic amyloidosis and heart failure referred for heart transplant evaluation from 1997 to 2004 were included in this retrospective cohort analysis. An interdisciplinary protocol for cardiac transplantation using extended-donor criteria organs, followed in 6 months by either high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation for patients with primary (AL) or by orthotopic liver transplantation for familial (ATTR) amyloidosis, was developed. Survival of the transplanted amyloid cohort was compared to survival of those amyloid patients not transplanted and to patients transplanted for other indications. Results. A total of 25 patients with systemic amyloidosis and heart failure were included in the study; 12 patients received heart transplants. Amyloid heart transplant recipients were more likely female (58% vs. 8%, P=0.02) and had lower serum creatinine (1.3±0.5 vs. 2.0±0.7 mg/dL, P=0.01) than nontransplanted amyloid patients. Survival at 1-year after heart transplant evaluation was higher among transplanted patients (75% vs. 23%) compared to patients not transplanted (P=0.001). Short-term survival posttransplant did not differ between transplanted amyloid patients and contemporaneous standard and extended-donor criteria heart transplant patients (P=0.65). Conclusions. Cardiac transplantation for amyloid patients with extended-donor criteria organs followed by either stem cell or liver transplantation is associated with improved survival compared to patients not transplanted. Short- to intermediate-term survival is similar to patients receiving heart transplantation for other indications. This clinical management strategy provides cardiac amyloid patients a novel therapeutic option.
Framework for analysing and developing information integration : a study on steel industry maintenance service supply chain

Information integration – sharing of pertinent information between supply chain members – is vital to cope with the uncertainty and complexity embedded in service supply chains. The aim of this study is to understand the meaning, constituents, extent, and development means of information integration in service supply chain context. The research approach is abductive, emphasising the constant interplay between theory development and empirical observations. Analysis on a single case supply chain consisting of two types of maintenance service providers and a large steel manufacturer as the focal company is provided. A comprehensive conceptual framework for analysing and developing information integration in service supply chain is presented and applied in the case supply chain. Extent of integration is described through three levels of integration. Six information integration elements are used to define the levels: processes and activities, information technology use, information attributes, information sharing practices, collaborative foundation, and time-related issues. Service/market characteristics and supply chain relationship characteristics are deployed in explaining the differences in levels of integration. Depending on the level of integration, the performance effects sought and achieved through developing information integration range from operational to strategic level. Adopting a more structured approach to information integration in the case supply chain is suggested to address development areas in information sharing and improve performance. This can be implemented through a shared centralised maintenance information system, common procedures for information sharing, and commitment of supply chain actors. The framework in this study offers guidelines for choosing the appropriate level of integration in a service supply chain dyad. It shows that the special characteristics of service context can be deployed in designing and managing service supply chains. Service providers should be integrated to the supply chain just like other supply chain members, as it contributes to the supply chain performance. Differentiating the level of integration in service supply chain dyads within a supply chain based on the contextual setting is recommended. This study paves the way for better understanding and control of service supply chain links and contributes to the scarce empirical research on service supply chains.
Plasma Biomarker Profile Alterations during Variable Blood Storage.

To the Editor: A major confounding factor in the discovery of disease-specific molecular signatures is the variability in handling clinical blood samples. Consequently, novel protein markers of diseases have failed the “iron test” of validation and implementation into clinical practice because, in addition to patient variability, a range of preanalytical parameters contributes to erroneous results. The temperature of storing, transporting, and processing of whole blood following collection is one factor that has not been standardized. Often, samples are transferred from the local laboratories to centralized biobanks in a cooled environment or even on dry ice. Recently, we established a UK biobank to conduct research into the quality of organs donated for transplantation [UK QUOD (Quality in Organ Donation)], collecting donor blood samples from 60 UK transplant centers (www.Quod.org.uk). Taking into consideration the logistical challenges in a clinical setting for sample collection and biobanking, we favored whole blood sample handling and processing at ambient temperature (22 ± 2 °C) before isolation of plasma by centrifugation and subsequent storage at −80 °C. We explored how the proteome and degradome (proteolytic processing of the proteome) may change when whole blood remains at ambient temperature for 30 min, 8 h, 24 h, and 48 h before plasma preparation. We …
Préférences individuelles et incitations collectives : quels contrats agroenvironnementaux pour la réduction des herbicides par les viticulteurs ?

[paper in French]The CAP reform is an opportunity to improve the design of existing agri-environmental schemes. Understanding the design attributes affecting farmers’ choices when they adopt an agri-environmental contract can help to identify ways of increasing their participation. The aim of this article is to measure with a choice experiment, the preferences of wine-growers for different types of contracts limiting the use of herbicides in the Languedoc-Roussillon region (France). We test the effect of introducing a collective dimension in the contracts. A monetary “bonus” would be paid to each engaged farmer, provided that the proportion of land collectively enrolled in the scheme reaches a predefined threshold. Despite a high heterogeneity among wine-growers, respondents show a preference for the contracts including this bonus and are more willing to provide environmental efforts when their neighbors also do so. Then, the presence of this bonus in the contracts terms could enhance farmers’ participation.
Evaluation and Policy Analysis of Japanese Forestry: Productivity Management and Energy Supply

Forestry has been proposed as a mean to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions, by either reducing sources or enhancing sinks. Under the Kyoto Protocol, Japan plans to use forest absorption, or sinks to achieve 3.9 percentage points of the 6% cut in greenhouse gases from the 1990 level. The Japan’s forestry productions, however, have reduced 60% in the last ten years. This paper studies the forestry for renewable energy policies, and quantifies the link between alternative renewable policies and the productivity of forestry in Japan. In forestry production, a stylised fact known as a rotation effect considering dynamic aspect since it takes several decades to have forest production. This paper develops a dynamic data envelopment analysis (DEA) model of forest production that accounts for the rotation effect. The model is applied to data from a comprehensive perpetual or regional database in Japan to investigate the role of capital plays in observed productivity growth. Our empirical investigation shows that alternative forest management and renewable energy policies improve the efficiency of forest use as an energy source.
High-resolution computer-controlled oscillator of 2-mm wave-range for the low temperature dielectrometer

High-resolution computer-controlled oscillator of 2-mm wave-range intended for the low temperature dielectrometer was designed and constructed. The proposed oscillator unit may be used as free-running source as well as phase locked source being included to the frequency synthesis system. Dependence of dielectric loss vs temperature for some diamond-like materials was measured using proposed oscillator unit within frequency range 110 and 145 GHz and at temperatures within 1 and 300 K.
Whither Services Marketing?

This article examines the received wisdom of services marketing and challenges the validity and continued usefulness of its core paradigm, namely, the assertion that four specific characteristics—intangibility, heterogeneity, inseparability, and perishability—make services uniquely different from goods. An alternative paradigm is proposed, based on the premise that marketing exchanges that do not result in a transfer of ownership from seller to buyer are fundamentally different from those that do. It posits that services offer benefits through access or temporary possession, instead of ownership, with payments taking the form of rentals or access fees. This rental/access perspective offers a different lens through which to view services. Important implications include opportunities to market goods in a service format; the need for more research into how time is perceived, valued, and consumed; and the notion of services as a means of sharing resources.
Dynamic Taxi Pricing

Taxi journeys are usually priced according to the distance covered and time taken for the trip. Such a fixed cost strategy is simple to understand, but does not take into account the likelihood that a taxi can pick up additional passengers at the original passenger's destination. In this paper we investigate dynamic taxi pricing strategies. By using domain knowledge, such strategies discount trips to locations containing many potential passengers, and increase fares to those areas with few potential passengers. Identifying a closed form optimal dynamic pricing strategy is difficult, and by representing the domain as an MDP, we can identify an optimal strategy for specific domains. We empirically compare such dynamic pricing strategies with fixed cost strategies, and suggest future extensions to this work.