Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Servant-Leadership in Public Libraries

hen Beverly Martin, Director of Johnson County Public Library, was asked to name the most important skill for her job, she replied without hesitation, Leadership.  Beverly emphasized that a good leader creates a working environment in which all employees feel that their contributions to the organization are valued. She noted that even new and relatively inexperienced employees may nevertheless offer valuable insights and fresh ideas to library issues. Finally, she said that she always tries to pay her staff a living wage and provide funds for their continuing professional development. Although Beverly didnt attach a name to her style of leadership, her priorities suggest some of the attributes of what is known as servant-leadership. This article will explore the concept of servant-leadership and its possible application to the management of public libraries. Servant-leadership, a term coined by Robert K. Greenleaf in 1969, is a form of leadership that emphasizes the concept of service. Greenleaf (1904-1990), a management theorist and practicing Quaker, enjoyed a forty-year career at AT&T before retiring to found the Center for Applied Ethics, now called the Greenleaf Center for Servant-Leadership, in 1964. Greenleaf (1977), in his seminal essay The Servant as Leader, relates that the concept of servant-leadership came out of his reading of Herman Hesses Journey to the East. This story features a group of men who are making a kind of physical and spiritual journey to the east. A cheerful and helpful servant known as Leo seems to raise the spirits of everyone as he goes about his menial work. One day, however, Leo disappears. As a result, the group is thrown into disarray and is unable to complete its journey. Much later in the story, the narrator meets Leo again and discovers that the servant, Leo, was actually the leader of the Order that had sponsored the journey. Greenleaf (1977) notes that this story clearly says that the great leader is seen as servant first, and that simple fact is seen as the key to his greatness (p. 7). Greenleafs insight into Hesses story, together with a lifetime of work exploring how organizations, leaders, and employees interact, led him to articulate a set of principles that define the ideal servant leader. These concepts were set forth in his 1970 essay, The Servant as Leader. Unlike many current books and essays concerning leadership, The Servant as Leader is less a how-to manual and more a …
Supervised group nonnegative matrix factorisation with similarity constraints and applications to speaker identification

This paper presents supervised feature learning approaches for speaker identification that rely on nonnegative matrix factorisation. Recent studies have shown that group nonnegative matrix factorisation and task-driven supervised dictionary learning can help performing effective feature learning for audio classification problems. This paper proposes to integrate a recent method that relies on group nonnegative matrix factorisation into a task-driven supervised framework for speaker identification. The goal is to capture both the speaker variability and the session variability while exploiting the discriminative learning aspect of the task-driven approach. Results on a subset of the ESTER corpus prove that the proposed approach can be competitive with I-vectors.
A Quasi-Bounded Target Zone Model – Theory and Application to Hong Kong Dollar

This paper proposes a quasi-bounded process for exchange rate dynamics within a target zone, consistent with a credible exchange rate band in which the exchange rate cannot breach the strong-side limit while the weak-side limit is only accessible under restricted conditions of the relationship between the parameters of the drift term and stochastic part of the process. The empirical results suggest that this model can describe the dynamics of the Hong Kong dollar under a target-zone system, where the drifting force is an increasing function of foreign reserves.
Effect of Job Design on Employee Satisfaction (A Study of Fertilizer Companies Listed in Lahore Stock Exchange)

Human is declared as “Better” in all living creation. That is the reason behind the importance of the Human Resource whether in Business Organizations or Non-Business Organization. It is the asset which can neither be copied nor be created. In the past two decades, the importance of Human Resource becomes shinier for the organizations especially for the business sectors. Human Resource Management, now a day, is the most important area for Business Organizations and Vital Topic for the Researchers as well. Achieving target and goals, capturing new markets and niches, acquiring and selling are one dimension of success for the organization, but now organizations are putting a valuable consideration to Human Resource Management and its issues. Job Design, Job Enrichment, Job Enlargement, Employee Satisfaction and Motivation, Brain Drain, Performance and Reward are some factors which captured the attention of the organizations. This Research exist in the orbit of the topic “Effect of job design on Employee Satisfaction” and declare 6 Variables of job design which is Independent Variable and find the relation of these variables with employee satisfaction through correlation and linear regression technique. Through Questionnaire, Primary data is collected and by the use of SPSS and Excel 2007, the results are concluded that there is a strong positive correlation between Job Design and Employee Satisfaction and both of these variables move in the same direction. Key w ord : Job Design, Employee Satisfaction, Fertilizer Companies, Lahore Stock Exchange
Teamworking under Lean in UK public services: lean teams and team targets in Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs (HMRC)

The authors of The Machine that Changed the World were in no doubt about the importance of teamworking in lean production: ‘in the end’, they say [Womack, J., Jones, D, & Roos, D. (1990). The machine that changed the world. New York: Rawson Associates, p. 99], ‘it is the dynamic work team that emerges as the heart of the lean factory’. It is with this bold statement in mind that we seek to explore and develop our conceptual and practical understanding of how teamworking operates under Lean. We examine these issues in the context of a high-profile case of Lean implementation in the UK public sector, the Pacesetter programme of the UK's tax assessment and collection service, Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs (HMRC). We find that although the teams themselves were ostensibly set up on a lean basis, they were largely unable to operate as such as a result of the pressures they faced to meet their work targets. The operation of the teams thus retained, and was shaped by, characteristics of the pre-existing ‘target-based’ mode of teamworking. This, in turn, suggests particular ways in which we might better understand how Lean interacts with the context or environment into which it is introduced. These findings also to some degree run counter to the overwhelmingly negative account of Lean put forward in other recent studies of HMRC [e.g. Carter, B. , Danford, A. , Howcroft, D. , Richardson, H. , Smith, A. , & Taylor, P. (2013a). Taxing times: Lean working and the creation of (in)efficiencies in HM Revenue and Customs. Public Administration, 91, 83–97].
Effects of Filtration Seeding on Cell Density, Spatial Distribution, and Proliferation in Nonwoven Fibrous Matrices

The cell seeding density and spatial distribution in a 3‐D scaffold are critical to the morphogenetic development of an engineered tissue. A dynamic depth‐filtration seeding method was developed to improve the initial cell seeding density and spatial distribution in 3‐D nonwoven fibrous matrices commonly used as tissue scaffolds. In this work, trophoblast‐like ED27 cells were seeded in poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) matrices with various porosities (0.85−0.93). The effects of the initial concentration of cells in the suspension used to seed the PET matrix and the pore size of the matrix on the resulting seeding density and subsequent cell proliferation and tissue development were studied. Compared to the conventional static seeding method, the dynamic depth‐filtration seeding method gave a significantly higher initial seeding density (2−4 × 107 vs 4 × 106 cells/cm3), more uniform cell distribution, and a higher final cell density in the tissue scaffold. The more uniform initial cell spatial distribution from the filtration seeding method also led to more cells in S phase and a prolonged proliferation period. However, both uniform spatial cell distribution and the pore size of the matrices are important to cell proliferation and morphological development in the seeded tissue scaffold. Large‐pore matrices led to the formation of cell aggregates and thus might reduce cell proliferation. The dynamic depth‐filtration seeding method is better in providing a higher initial seeding density and more uniform cell distribution and is easier to apply to large tissue scaffolds. A depth‐filtration model was also developed and can be used to simulate the seeding process and to predict the maximum initial seeding densities in matrices with different porosities.
A Low Glycemic Index Staple Diet Reduces Postprandial Glucose Values in Asian Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Background A low glycemic index (GI) diet is beneficial for glucose control in patients with diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to investigate the influence of a low-GI diet on postprandial glucose levels in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods Pregnant women with GDM were randomized to receive a normal diabetic control diet or a low-GI staple diet for 5 days. A low-GI staple food was used to replace rice in lunch and dinner for the low-GI staple diet group, whereas the total energy and carbohydrate levels remained equal in both groups. Fasting and postprandial glucose levels were determined daily. Results A total of 140 pregnant women with GDM were included in the study, including 66 in the low-GI staple diet group and 74 in the normal diabetic diet control group. No differences existed in baseline characteristics between the 2 groups (all P > 0.05). After dietary intervention, glucose levels were significantly reduced in the low-GI staple diet group (all P < 0.01) and the control group (all P < 0.008). Postintervention glucose values after breakfast, lunch, and dinner were significantly reduced in the treatment group compared with those in the control group (all P < 0.05). The percentage changes from baseline of all glucose values were significantly greater in the treatment group than in the control group (all P < 0.05). Conclusions A low-GI staple diet significantly reduces postprandial glucose levels in women with GDM.
Do free-living amoebae in treated drinking water systems present an emerging health risk?

There is an expanding body of evidence that free-living amoebae (FLA) increase both the numbers and virulence of water-based, human-pathogenic, amoeba-resisting microorganisms (ARM). Legionella spp. , Mycobacterium spp. , and other opportunistic human pathogens are known to be both ARM and also the etiologic agents of potentially fatal human lung infections. However, comparatively little is known about the FLA that may facilitate ARM growth in drinking water. This review examines the available literature on FLA in treated drinking water systems; in total 26 studies from 18 different countries. FLA were reported to breakthrough the water treatment barrier and enter distribution systems, in addition to the expected post-treatment system ingress. Once in the distribution system there is evidence of FLA colonization and regrowth especially in reservoirs and in-premise plumbing storage tanks. At the point of use the average FLA detection rate was 45% but highly variable (n = 16, σ = 31) due to both differences in both assay methods and the type of water systems examined. This review reveals that FLA are consistently detected in treated drinking water systems around the world and present a yet unquantified emerging health risk. However, more research is urgently required before accurate risks assessments can be undertaken to assess the impacts on human health, in households and institutions, due to exposure to FLA facilitated pathogenic ARM.
Mutant Mouse Lysozyme Carrying a Minimal T Cell Epitope of Hen Egg Lysozyme Evokes High Autoantibody Response

Self proteins including foreign T cell epitope induce autoantibodies. We evaluated the relationship between the size of foreign Ag introduced into self protein and the magnitude of autoantibody production. Mouse lysozyme (ML) was used as a model self protein, and we prepared three different ML derivatives carrying T cell epitope of hen egg white lysozyme (HEL) 107–116, i.e., heterodimer of ML and HEL (ML-HEL), chimeric lysozyme that has residue 1–82 of ML and residue 83–130 of HEL in its sequence (chiMH), and mutant ML that has triple mutations rendering the most potent T cell epitope of HEL (sequence 107–116). Immunization of BALB/c mice with these three ML derivatives induced anti-ML autoantibody responses, whereas native ML induced no detectable response. In particular, mutML generated a 104 times higher autoantibody titer than did ML-HEL. Anti-HEL107–116 T cell-priming activities were almost similar among the ML derivatives. The heterodimerization of mutant ML and HEL led to significant reduction of the autoantibody response, whereas the mixture did not. These results show that size of the nonself region in modified self Ag has an important role in determining the magnitude of the autoantibody response, and that decrease in the foreign region in a modified self protein may cause high-titered autoantibody response.
Influenza D Virus Infection in Herd of Cattle, Japan

Citation: Murakami, S. , Endoh, M. , Kobayashi, T. , Takenaka-Uema, A. , Chambers, J. K. , Uchida, K. , . Horimoto, T. (2016). Influenza d virus infection in herd of cattle, Japan. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 22(8), 1517-1519. doi:10.3201/eid2208.160362
Americans, Marketers, and the Internet: 1999-2012

This is a collection of the reports on the Annenberg national surveys that explored Americans' knowledge and opinions about the new digital-marketing world that was becoming part of their lives. So far we’ve released seven reports on the subject, in 1999, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2010, and 2012. The reports raised or deepened a range of provocative topics that have become part of public, policy, and industry discourse. In addition to these reports, I’ve included three journal articles — from I/S, New Media & Society and the Journal of Consumer Affairs — that synthesize some of the findings and place them into policy frameworks. The journals have kindly allowed reproduction for this purpose.
Fitness effects of DHFR‐TS mutations associated with pyrimethamine resistance in apicomplexan parasites

Pyrimethamine resistance in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is characterized by specific point mutations in the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) domain of the bifunctional dihydrofolate reductase‐thymidylate synthase (DHFR‐TS) gene. We have previously explored the effect of these mutations by engineering homologous alleles of Toxoplasma gondii DHFR‐TS, which can readily be expressed as recombinant protein for enzymatic studies, or as allelic replacements in transgenic parasites. In order to directly assess the costs of pyrimethamine‐resistance in vivo, we have carried out competition studies between mixtures of T. gondii tachyzoites harbouring wild‐type or mutant DHFR‐TS alleles, both in tissue culture and in mice. Arg59+Asn108 mutants (using the P. falciparum numbering system) exhibit no significant fitness defects in vitro, but a fitness defect of 1.8% per generation in mice. Arg59+Ser223 mutants exhibit fitness defects of > 2.8% per generation both in vitro and in vivo, which may explain why this highly pyrimethamine‐resistant allele has not been observed in the field. It is important to note that long‐term propagation of parasites in vitro or in vivo can produce adaptations affecting fitness by > 3.7% per generation, necessitating careful attention to background in head‐to‐head competition studies. A sensitive PCR‐based assay permits different growth rates to be assessed even in the absence of a drug resistance marker that can be scored by plaque assay.
A Note on Chance-Constrained Optimization of Analog Integrated Circuit

As the design-manufacturing interface becomes increasingly complicated with IC technology scaling, the corresponding process variability poses great challenges for nanoscale analog design. In this paper we propose to formulate the analog IC design with variability problem as a specific type of chance-constrained optimization problem, namely chance-constrained posynomial programming, in which statistical variations in both the process parameters and design variables can be explicitly incorporated. Using such constrained optimization approach, automated statistical design can be obtained with very suboptimal design cost, and parametric yield of each specification can be guaranteed. Finally, the method is illustrated by considering the example of a ring oscillator
Optimal control of decoupling point with deteriorating items

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to develop a dynamic model to simultaneously determine the optimal position of the decoupling point and the optimal path of the production rate as well as the inventory level in a supply chain. With the objective to minimize the total cost of the deviation from the target setting, the closed forms of the optimal solution are derived over a finite planning horizon with deterioration rate under time-varying demand rate. Design/methodology/approach: The Pontryagin's Maximum Principle is employed to explore the optimal position of decoupling point and the optimal production and inventory rate for the proposed dynamic models. The performances of parameters are illustrated through analytical and numerical approaches. Findings: The results denote that the optimal production rate and inventory level are closely related to the target setting which are highly dependent on production policy; meanwhile the optimal decoupling point is exist and unique with the fluctuating of deteriorating rate and product life cycle. The further analyses through both mathematic and numerical approaches indicate that the shorten of product life cycle shifts the optimal decoupling point forward to the end customer meanwhile a backward shifting appears when the deterioration rate increase. Research limitations/implications: There is no shortage allowed and the replacement policy is not taken into account. Practical implications: Solutions derived from this study of the optimal production-inventory plan and decoupling point are instructive for operation decision making. The obtained knowledge about the performance of different parameters is critical to deteriorating supply chains management. Originality/value: Many previous models of the production-inventory problem are only focused on the cost. The paper introduces the decoupling point control into the production and inventory problem such that a critical element-customer demand, can be taken into account. And the problem is solved as dynamic when the production rate, inventory level and the position of the decoupling point are all regarded as decision variables.
SpRET: Highly Sensitive and Reliable Spectral Measurement of Absolute FRET Efficiency

Abstract Contemporary research aims to understand biological processes not only by identifying participating proteins, but also by characterizing the dynamics of their interactions. Because Förster's Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) is invaluable for the latter undertaking, its usage is steadily increasing. However, FRET measurements are notoriously error-prone, especially when its inherent efficiency is low, a not uncommon situation. Furthermore, many FRET methods are either difficult to implement, are not appropriate for observation of cellular dynamics, or report instrument-specific indices that hamper communication of results within the scientific community. We present here a novel comprehensive spectral methodology, SpRET, which substantially increases both the reliability and sensitivity of FRET microscopy, even under unfavorable conditions such as weak fluorescence or the presence of noise. While SpRET overcomes common pitfalls such as interchannel crosstalk and direct excitation of the acceptor, it also excels in removal of autofluorescence or background contaminations and in correcting chromatic aberrations, often overlooked factors that severely undermine FRET experiments. Finally, SpRET quantitatively reports absolute rather than relative FRET efficiency values, as well as the acceptor-to-donor molar ratio, which is critical for full and proper interpretation of FRET experiments. Thus, SpRET serves as an advanced, improved, and powerful tool in the cell biologist's toolbox.
The risk approach to strategic management in development NGOs

Today's rapid changes within and outside Northern and Southern NGOs heighten uncertainty about how to meet new challenges and achieve results. In this volatile environment, risk management is a tool for maximising an NGO's opportunities and minimising the dangers to success. It enables NGO decision makers to think strategically all the time. This article is hosted by our co-publisher Taylor & Francis.
Multiplicative methods for entropy programming problems and their applications

The problems of entropy functions maximization over the sets specified with the simultaneous linear or quadratic equalities and inequalities (the problems of entropy-linear and entropy quadratic programming) are under consideration. Multiplicative algorithms with p-active dual and primal variables are proposed for such problems solving. Active variables are selected using the feedback about p-maximal errors in the equations of complement non-rigidity. A convergence of the algorithms proposed is studied. The results of such methods application for the problems of investment portfolio formation and traffic modeling are considered.
The Role of Roles in Risk Management Change: The Case of an Italian Bank

Abstract This paper explores the role of roles (i.e. groups of actors characterised by the same functional tasks within an organisation), and of their interactions, within processes of change in risk management (RM). By combining insights from the literature on RM and from institutional studies, this paper suggests that change in RM can be interpreted as a process that involves both enabling and precipitating dynamics [Greenwood, R. , & Hinings, C. R. (1996). Understanding radical organizational change: Bringing together the old and the new institutionalism. The Academy of Management Review, 21, 1022–1054. doi:10.5465/AMR.1996. 9704071862] between different roles. Aiming to address these dynamics empirically, we rely on a longitudinal case study of an Italian bank. The study shows that the interactions between roles were dependent on their respective specific interests, the different institutional templates they supported, and the shifts in power for control over relevant information. These dynamics both affected and were affected by the change in the template-in-use within the bank and allowed a sort of RM ideal (i.e. the search for more RM) to persist over evolving templates.