Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Leadership, Mental Health, and Organizational Efficacy in Health Care Organizations

Background: Only a few studies of psychosocial determinants of employee health and organizational development have been prospective, involving more than one organization and applying standardized assessment tools. This limits the ability of providing evidence-based guidance as how to carry out healthy organizational transformations. Methods: A total of 6,000 employees responded twice to a validated psychosocial-leadership questionnaire within a 2-year period. The assessment focused on changes over time in the three outcome measures – mental health, efficacy, and leadership, determined to be important indicators of a healthy organization. Changes within and between organization were assessed statistically using regular t tests and general linear modeling. Results: There were major differences between organizations in psychosocial measures, both at the baseline and over time. At the organizational level, changes between study periods in management performance feedback, participatory management, and work tempo were the most consistent predictors of improvements over time in the three outcome measures. Conclusions: Performance feedback and participatory management might be two common predictors of healthy workplaces. Some of the psychosocial determinants of healthy organizations suggested in previous research might not be universally valid. It is suggested that future research should to a larger degree make use of multiple departments and organizations in studies of psychosocial determinants of healthy organizations.
Input/Output Linearization using Time Delay Control

A nonlinear control procedure which uses Time Delay Control to achieve input/output linearization of a class of nonlinear systems is presented. The control system is characterized by a simple algorithm and enhanced robustness properties in comparison with current control algorithms. The paper first reviews the fundamentals of input/output linearization. The use of Time Delay Control is then shown to result in an exact linear system for sufficiently small delay time. It is also shown that robustness of the system is improved if the control input is filtered. Simulation results show that the algorithm works well with measurement noise.
Employment flexibility in large companies: change and continuity

Claims that companies have increasingly turned to temporary workers, outworkers and subcontracting to enhance their ‘numerical flexibility’ are scrutinised using data from a survey of industrial relations in large companies. The survey reveals considerable continuity in the use of these employment practices. Recent reports published by the National Economic Development Office and ACAS are shown to overstate the extent of change in the 1980s.
Crossnational comparison of entrepreneurs perceptions of success

This article examines how entrepreneurs in the United States, Japan, France, and Canada perceive success. The research examined the perceptions of success, the basis by which success is judged, specific success criteria, major obstacles overcome along the path to success, and the attributes and eucational experiences considered most important in achieving success.
Ultrasonic Power/Data Telemetry and Neural Stimulator With OOK-PM Signaling

An ultrasonic power/data telemetry and a neural stimulator are presented. An on-off keying with pulse modulation is adopted for ultrasonic signal transmission. The ultrasonic power is used to charge a battery. The ultrasonic data are used for neural stimulation, and an animal study is also demonstrated. The range of the stimulation current is 0-640 μA. The frequency of the stimulation current pulse is from 60 to 265 Hz. This ultrasonic power/data telemetry with a neural stimulator is fabricated in a 0.35- μm CMOS technology. It occupies the area of 4.4 mm2. The total power dissipation is 2 mW with a stimulation current of 140 μA and a stimulation frequency of 265 Hz.
An intelligent vehicle management system for reducing greenhouse gas emission – a case study of hybrid vehicle engine

In this paper, a genetic algorithm based vehicle management system is proposed to determine ‘green’ components of a new vehicle engine so as to reduce the greenhouse gases emission level. The proposed system is developed using genetic algorithm (GA) to define the appropriate sets of components for the development of vehicle engine. The novel idea of this paper is to develop a system that considers the transport system infrastructure as one of the important factor for the design of vehicle engine system. The proposed system is applicable for the vehicle engine development into the current hybrid electric vehicle. A case study is conducted to illustrate the functionality of the proposed system, the scenario study and operations procedures of GA are also discussed in the case study. Finally, results from the simulation highlight the value of this system toward the reduction of the fuel consumption and pollutants.
The Markowitz Optimization Enigma: Is 'Optimized' Optimal?

The indifference of many investment practitioners to mean-variance optimization technology, despite its theoretical appeal, is understandable in many cases. The major problem with MV optimization is its tendency to maximize the effects of errors in the input assumptions. Unconstrained MV optimization can yield results that are inferior to those of simple equal-weighting schemes. Nevertheless, MV optimization is superior to many ad hoc techniques in terms of integration of portfolio objectives with client constraints and efficient use of information. Its practical value may be enhanced by the sophisticated adjustment of inputs and the imposition of constraints based on fundamental investment considerations and the importance of priors. The operating principle should be that, to the extent that reliable information is available, it should be included as part of the definition of the optimization procedure.
Prenatal risk indicators of a prolonged pregnancy. The Danish Birth Cohort 1998–2001

Background. Few prenatal risk factors of prolonged pregnancy, a pregnancy of 42 weeks or more, are known. The objective was to examine whether sociodemographic, reproductive, toxicologic, or medical health conditions were associated with the risk of prolonged pregnancy. Methods. Data from the Danish Birth Cohort in Denmark were used. Interview data from 53,392 participants with live‐born singleton deliveries in the period 1998–2001 were available at the time of this study. The participants were interviewed by telephone at 12 and 30 weeks’ gestation, and 6 and 18 months after delivery. Statistical analyses were done using logistic regression. Results. Women with a pre‐pregnancy body mass index of 25 kg/m2 or more had a high risk of prolonged pregnancy. If the pre‐pregnancy body mass index was 35 kg/m2 or more the odds ratio was 1.52 (95% CI 1.28–1.82). Nulliparity also increased the risk of prolonged pregnancy (OR (95% CI) = 1.35 (1.27–1.44)). Conclusions. The risk of post‐term delivery was high in women with a pre‐pregnancy body mass index of 25 kg/m2 or more, and in nulliparous women.
Perception Gaps in Customer Expectations: Managers Versus Service Providers and Customers

Two new gaps are added to the 5-gap model proposed by PZB. These new gaps reflect the differences in the understanding of customer expectations by manager and front-line service providers and in customer expectations and service providers' perception of such expectations. Using room service as the object for investigation, the present study provides empirical evidence indicating the existence of these gaps which have negative impact on overall service quality. The findings also disclose that the gap between customer expectations and managers' perception of such expectations is much larger than the gap between customer expectations and service providers' understanding of such expectations.
Challenges in the Measuring of Comparative Corporate Governance: A Review of the Main Indices

This paper discusses the role that indices of corporate governance have had in comparative corporate governance research. To do so, we begin with a short discussion of what corporate governance is and its main debates. Then, we review the main indices (which are also summarized in Table 1) highlighting their strengths and limitations as well as describing some of the findings that emanate from them. In section 3, we discuss the methodological and conceptual assumptions of corporate governance indices which may compromise their construct validity. We conclude in section 4 with some encouraging suggestions for key methodological and research design issues to take into account in future comparative corporate governance.
Preparing and Publishing a Scientific Manuscript

Publishing original research in a peer-reviewed and indexed journal is an important milestone for a scientist or a clinician. It is an important parameter to assess academic achievements. However, technical and language barriers may prevent many enthusiasts from ever publishing. This review highlights the important preparatory steps for creating a good manuscript and the most widely used IMRaD (Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, and Discussion) method for writing a good manuscript. It also provides a brief overview of the submission and review process of a manuscript for publishing in a biomedical journal.
Comparison of Five Digital Scintigraphic Display Modes

In the last decade diagnostic imaging departments, even those of moderate size, have experienced unprecedented growth. Much of this expansion can be attributed directly to technological developments, including systems for the acquisition of diagnostic images in digital format. In modern imaging departments, digital-based systems are quite common and are found across the specialities of nuclear medicine, ultrasound, transmission and emission computed tomography, and angiography. Nuclear magnetic resonance is the newest digital-based modality, and it appears destined to achieve its place in the diagnostic arsenal. These systems all have one trait in common, which is the topic of this paper. They offer the potential of increasing diagnostic accuracy by varying the methods used to process and display the acquired imaged data. We present the results of a nuclear medicine study designed to compare observer performance among five digital scintigraphic display modes. The observer's task was to detect artificially created lesions in brain scintigrams. Each mode is defined by a combination of an image processing function and a method of display. Using 40 trained observers, a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed. The results support the use of color displays in nuclear medicine. (Med Decis Making 3:215-227, 1983).
Go for games: Managerial career networks in creative industries

ABSTRACT The digital games industry has developed from a secondary sector of the media entertainment industry to one of its major driving forces. Despite its economic relevance, it is still a transitional industry with quickly evolving structures. As such, it is also an interesting object for the analysis of the development of media industries. The current study uses a combination of social network analysis and expert interviews to map the emerging network structures within the German games industry. It reconstructs the career pathways of key managers in the industry, including their former and current business relationships. The study's findings indicate that the current breed of managers primarily enter the games business from other economic sectors. For this reason, the industry network is still characterized by weak organizational interconnections. However, the strong connectedness of a younger generation of managers hints at a future strengthening of the underlying business and communication network.
For the Sake of Whom

Regarded as beneficial and preferable to the clients, advice delivery has been an integral part of counseling; however, there are controversies over the suitability of giving advice in counseling services, including counseling conducted in the context of prisons. Based on conversation analysis, this article tries to explore when and how police counselors in two Chinese prisons give advice and how inmate clients respond to and seek advice in offender counseling. It is found that advice delivery, supposed to be for the inmate clients’ sake, only serves a phatic function in the context of prisons in which security is a priority, and transforming inmates into law-abiding citizen is the overall goal of prison rehabilitation and correction. Hence, offender counselors, intending to alleviate depression and anxiety in inmate clients, are caught in a dilemma.
New full-vectorial numerically efficient propagation algorithm based on the finite element method

A new full-vectorial beam propagation algorithm based on the versatile finite element method, in order to accurately characterize three-dimensional (3-D) optical guided-wave devices, is presented. The computationally efficient formulation is based on the two transverse components of the magnetic field without destroying the sparsity of the matrix equation. The robust perfectly matched layer (PML) boundary condition is incorporated into the formulation so as to effectively absorb the unwanted radiation out of the computational domain. The efficiency and precision of the proposed full-vectorial propagation approach is demonstrated through the analysis of single optical waveguide, directional couplers, and electrooptic modulator.
Determination of wine microbiota using classical method, polymerase chain method and Step One Real-Time PCR during fermentation process

The aim of our study was the identification of grape, must and wine microbiota during the fermentation process using a classical microbiological method and Real-Time PCR. The changes in different groups of microorganisms were monitored in total counts of bacteria, lactobacilli and yeasts. Microbiological parameters were observed during the current collection and processing of grapes in 2009. Samples were taken during the fermentation process in wine enterprises and a private vineyard. During this period 30 samples of wine among Müller Thurgau, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Tramin and Red Bio-wine were examined. Samples were collected from stages of grape-must unfiltered, grape-must filtered, the beginning of fermentation, fermentation, late fermentation and young wine. The highest total counts of bacteria ranged from 0.00 to 176 ± 15 CFU.mL−1 in the wine of Müller Thurgau, the highest number of yeast ranged from 0.00 to 150 ± 9 CFU.mL−1 in the wine of Müller Thurgau and the number of Lactobacillus spp. ranged from 0.00 to 92 ± 5 CFU.mL−1 in the sample of Cabernet Sauvignon wine. The presence and sensitivity of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial species Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus salivarius were detected using Real-Time PCR (RTQ PCR). Susceptibility of Enterococcus faecium varied in different isolates from 1 to 106 CFU.mL−1, the sensitivity of the species Lactobacillus acidophilus in different isolates of the wine samples ranged from 1 to 105 CFU.mL−1. We also monitored representation of species Lactobacillus crispatus, which were captured by RTQ PCR sensitivity and ranged from 1 to 105 CFU.mL−1 . Identification of the species Lactobacillus salivarius in each of isolates by RTQ PCR method showed the presence of these bacteria in the range of 1 to 104 CFU.mL−1.
What is the Natural History of Asymptomatic Pseudotumours in Metal-on-Metal Hip Resurfacing Patients?

Purpose We assessed the natural history of asymptomatic pseudotumours associated with metal-on-metal hip resurfacings (MoMHRs), and factors associated with future revision. Methods In 2007-2008, we identified 25 MoMHRs (21 patients; mean age 59.9 years; 76% female) with asymptomatic pseudotumours. All patients underwent identical initial assessment (ultrasound, blood metal ions, radiographs, Oxford Hip Score [OHS]) and were considered asymptomatic because they denied experiencing hip symptoms, were satisfied with their MoMHR surgery, and had good or excellent OHSs (≥34). In 2012-2013, repeat assessments were performed in all non-revised patients. Results Revision for pseudotumour was performed/recommended in 15 MoMHRs (60%) at a mean 2.7 years (range 0.4-6.4 years) from initial assessment, with 14 developing symptoms before revision. Non-revised MoMHRs (n = 10) underwent repeat ultrasound at a mean 5.1 years (range 4.0-6.5 years) later, with no changes in pseudotumour volume (p = 0.956) or OHS (p = 0.065) between assessments. High blood cobalt (p = 0.0048) and chromium (p = 0.0162), large pseudotumours (p = 0.0458), low OHS (p = 0.0183), and bilateral MoMHRs (p = 0.049) predicted future revision. Patients with blood metal ions above established unilateral/bilateral thresholds and/or initial pseudotumours >30 cm3 had an 86.7% sensitivity, 70.0% specificity, 81.2% positive predictive value, and 77.8% negative predictive value for future revision. Conclusions MoMHR patients with initially asymptomatic pseudotumours often become symptomatic and require revision. Patients with high blood metal ions and/or pseudotumours >30 cm3 should remain under annual surveillance or be considered for revision (especially in patients also having lower initial OHSs, bilateral MoMHRs, and/or those becoming symptomatic). Less regular surveillance of patients outside these parameters appears acceptable.
Financial Linkages, Portfolio Choice and Systemic Risk

Financial linkages smooth the shocks faced by individual components of the system, but they also create a wedge between ownership and decision-making. The classical intuition on the role of pooling risk in raising welfare is valid when ownership is evenly dispersed. However, when the ownership of some agents is concentrated in the hands of a few others, greater integration and diversification can lead to excessive risk taking and volatility and result in lower welfare. We also show that individuals undertake too little (too much) risk relative to the first best if the network is homogeneous (heterogeneous), and study optimal networks.
Specifying the Impact of Incumbency On State Legislative Elections

Prior research, based on the analysis of aggregate-level state legislative election data, has documented a decline in the marginality of state legislative districts. Over the past twenty or so years, state legislators, much like congressional incumbents, have been winning reelection by larger margins of the vote. By taking advantage of district-level, state legislative election data, the research presented here specifies the relative impact of incumbency on district marginality, while controlling for statewide party trends. More specifically, it follows the lead of congressional elections studies, examining the impact of retirement slump and sophomore surge on the legislative district vote. In general, the legislative district vote reflects both a retirement slump and a sophomore surge, with the magnitude of their impact being conditioned by the level of contested incumbent victories in a state.
Are you willing to do what it takes to become a senior global leader? Explaining the willingness to undertake challenging leadership development activities

Although the importance of on-the-job-learning as a global leadership development tool has been widely acknowledged by both scholars and practitioners, there is limited research on the willingness of employees to undertake such challenging assignments. Building on social exchange theory, we examine potential factors explaining the willingness of individual employees to undertake challenging global leadership development activities, such as cross-functional and international assignments and assignments related to reorganisations or new businesses. Our analysis of 427 individuals from 14 multinational companies reveals that the willingness to accept on-the-job challenges is positively associated with knowing that one has been formally identified as talented, identification with corporate values, and acknowledgement of the effectiveness of developmental assignments. Previous experience of working or studying abroad, and cross-functional experience also turned out to be positively related. Interesting differe.
Barcoding generalist predators by polymerase chain reaction: carabids and spiders

Identification of arthropod predators is challenging when closely related species are found at a given locality. Identification of the immature stages is especially problematic, because distinguishing morphological features are difficult to use or have not been described. We used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to distinguish closely related carabids and spiders, and to match eggs and larvae (or nymphs) with identified adult parents. Within the Carabidae, we amplified species‐specific mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) fragments for three species each in the genera Poecilus and Harpalus, and two each in Chlaenius and Bembidion. Within the Araneae, we amplified species‐specific COI fragments for two Hibana species (Anyphaenidae), Pardosa milvina and Rabidosa rabida (Lycosidae), Frontinella communis and Grammonota texana (Linyphiidae), and Cheiracanthium inclusum (Miturgidae). We are able to correctly identify all immature stages tested — eggs, larvae (or nymphs) and pupae — by comparison of the amplified fragments with those of the adults. Using COI markers as species identifiers is a tenet of the Barcode of Life initiative, an international consortium to provide a molecular identifier for every animal species.
Expression of metalloproteinases from human retinal pigment epithelial cells and their effects on the hydraulic conductivity of Bruch's membrane.

PURPOSE To evaluate the expression pattern of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) from retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in culture, and to determine their ability to alter the transport properties of human Bruch's membrane. METHODS Human RPE cells from either primary cultures or a cell line were maintained under culture conditions. At different time intervals after subculturing of cells the presence of MMPs in the bathing medium was determined by zymography. Cellular MMP activity was determined in a similar series of experiments where serum was omitted from the culture medium. Cultured cells were introduced onto Bruch's membrane, mounted in a modified Ussing chamber, to assess entry of MMPs into the membrane. Fluid flow across Bruch's membrane was determined by hydraulic conductivity for different ages of donor tissue, before and after 24 hours' incubation with active MMPs from the RPE-conditioned medium or after incubation with purified activated MMPs. Latent (inactive) MMPs from medium containing serum were used in control experiments. RESULTS Cultured RPE cells expressed both MMP-2 and -9, with active MMP-2 becoming detectable from 4 days after subculture through to confluence and activated MMP-9 becoming abundant up to 24 hours after subculture. Both active MMPs significantly increased hydraulic conductivity of Bruch's membrane, with the increase after MMP-9 incubation being far greater than that for MMP-2. Both enzymes showed a trend in hydraulic conductivity change with age such that, MMP-2 produced a relatively constant change, whereas MMP-9 showed a greater increase in older eyes. CONCLUSIONS Activation of both MMP-2 and -9 by cultured RPE cells appeared to show a temporal relationship with the growth cycle of the cells. The activated enzymes increased fluid flow of Bruch's membrane, and the marked effect observed with MMP-9 in older eyes suggests a mechanism that may allow debris removal.