Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Brand image as the competitive edge for hospitals in medical tourism

Purpose Following promising growth of the international medical tourism industry, competitions within the global market have escalated tremendously with increased involvement by numerous healthcare providers to acquire a share of its disposable income. The brand reputation would hereby play a determining role as a competitive strategy. Specifically, this paper aims to investigate the impact of social and marketing aspects on the brand image of medical tourism-based hospitals, alongside its relationship toward service quality. In turn, the influence of perceived service quality on satisfaction and the perceived value was examined, in view of further potential behavioral intention among medical tourists on healthcare providers in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach The data were collected through a survey questionnaire among medical tourists, with 596 successful cases collected via 6 major private hospitals at 3 popular Malaysian medical tourism locations. Data analysis was then performed using both SPSS and Smart PLS software. Findings The findings from the present study acknowledged the importance of both social (e.g. social media and word-of-mouth communications) and marketing (e.g. hospital advertisement and price perception) aspects toward establishing brand image among medical tourism-based hospitals. Consequently, the brand image would influence perceived service quality among medical tourists; further entail positive impact on behavioral intention, with satisfaction and perceived value as mediators between both factors. Following PLS predict analysis confirming this model’s high predictive capability, it demonstrated close representation to actual medical tourism scenario in Malaysia. Originality/value This study is one of the very few studies that explored the minimally investigated territory on the consequential importance of hospital branding within the medical tourism industry; specifically through extending the literature on the influence of social and marketing efforts toward the formation of brand image.
Software for Bioprinting

The bioprinting of heterogeneous organs is a crucial issue. To reach the complexity of such organs, there is a need for highly specialized software that will meet all requirements such as accuracy, complexity, and others. The primary objective of this review is to consider various software tools that are used in bioprinting and to reveal their capabilities. The sub-objective was to consider different approaches for the model creation using these software tools. Related articles on this topic were analyzed. Software tools are classified based on control tools, general computer-aided design (CAD) tools, tools to convert medical data to CAD formats, and a few highly specialized research-project tools. Different geometry representations are considered, and their advantages and disadvantages are considered applicable to heterogeneous volume modeling and bioprinting. The primary factor for the analysis is suitability of the software for heterogeneous volume modeling and bioprinting or multimaterial three-dimensional printing due to the commonality of these technologies. A shortage of specialized suitable software tools is revealed. There is a need to develop a new application area such as computer science for bioprinting which can contribute significantly in future research work.
Consequences of prolonged clonal growth on local and regional genetic structure and fruiting success of the forest perennial Maianthemum bifolium

The balance between clonal propagation and sexual reproduction varies among species. Although theory predicts an impact of clonal growth on both, within and between population genetic structure, most empirical evidence available to date does not reveal sharp differences between sexually reproducing and clonal species. This has been attributed mainly to the fact that even low levels of sexual recruitment can maintain high levels of genetic diversity. Here we study the effects of prolonged clonal growth and very low rates of sexual recruitment on the genetic structure of the perennial Maianthemum bifolium , an outcrossing understorey species of temperate forests. Average genotypic diversity (0.37) of the populations, as revealed by AFLP, was above the average values reported for species of similar characteristics, but some populations were extremely poor in genotypes. Fruiting success was positively correlated with genotypic diversity, probably as a result of shortage in mating types and compatible pollen in populations poor in genotypes. This was confirmed by a pollination experiment. Fruiting success increased by a factor three when individuals were hand-pollinated with pollen from a nearby population compared to hand-pollinations with pollen from the own population. Furthermore, the fruiting success after natural pollination (control individuals) was positively related to number of nearby populations which could act as pollen sources. Given the limited colonization capacity of the species (no seed flow), and the long time since fragmentation of the forest fragments studied, between-population genetic differentiation was relatively low (Fst /0.14). Lack of genetic drift due to long generation times and very limited sexual recruitment is probably responsible for this. Our results show that prolonged clonal growth and lack of sexual recruitment may affect within and between population genetic structure and the capability for sexual reproduction.
The influence of employees’ knowledge, organisational commitment, and culture on the innovativeness of vocational educational

ABSTRACT This study examines the innovation process in Hospitality and Tourism Vocational Education Schools (HTVES) in Spain. HTVES not only have to innovate to update the contents, including the operative and management changes that have occurred in the organisations where the students will work, but they also have to be a laboratory of ideas, initiatives, and projects that produce innovations for the tourism sector. In this regard, understanding what resources intervene in the innovation process and how they are related, strengthening or inhibiting the process, would be quite useful for these schools. This paper analyses the effect of two human resources, human capital and affective commitment, and one organisational resource, culture, on the innovativeness of HTVES. The results suggest that human capital and affective commitment alone do not have a relevant effect on innovativeness without the existence of a suitable organisational culture that looks after employees’ wellbeing and foments collective activities.
FEM Analysis and Experimental Research into Carrier Brackets in Ventilated Facades

Ventilated facades are one of the most durable and attractive ways of finishing a building facade. The weight of cladding panels and substructure elements of ventilated facades is transferred into building structure via carrier brackets (mounting brackets). This article is focused on resistance to vertical load which is one of the basic technical requirements that need to be met by facades carrier brackets inside the European Union, defined in European Technical Approval Guidelines – ETAG 034. FEM models of carrier brackets were presented, and the results of a non-linear analysis were described. The results of the numerical analysis were verified by means of laboratory testing. The article examines the influence of adopting various material stress-strain diagrams in FEM models on calculation results, especially when pertaining to the viability of applying a diagram in accordance with the continuous strength method (CSM). Based on the laboratory tests and the analysis of the FEM models it was shown which part of the carrier bracket is its weakest link and is decisive for its load-bearing capacity. The relationship between serviceability limit state and ultimate limit state for stainless steel brackets with various overhangs was also presented.
Accuracy of Assessment of Positive Cell Markers in Tissues Prepared With Immunohistochemistry and In Situ Hybridization Techniques

Abstract The aim of the current study was to evaluate differences in the expression of phenotype and cytokine markers of lymphocytes in tissues prepared by either immunohistochemistry (IHC) or In Situ hybridization (ISH) techniques. Soft-tissue biopsies from inflamed gingival tissues were collected from 11 sites in 9 subjects with generalized or localized forms of severe periodontitis or periimplantitis, that is, inflammatory destructive disease in the tissues surrounding teeth and dental implants. The biopsies were snap frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored in −70°C. Fivemicrometer sections were cut in a cryostat and every second section was prepared for either IHC or ISH techniques. Monoclonal antibodies or biotin-labeled sense and antisense probes for CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, interleukin-6, and interleukin- 10 were used. The histological quantitative assessments were performed using a Leitz DM-RBE microscope (Leica, Wetzlar, Germany) equipped with a Leica Q-500 MC® Image system. For the identification of positive cell markers, an interference contrast setting at a magnification of ×400 was applied. A point counting procedure was used to determine the percentage of positive cell markers within the immunochromatographic technology (ICT). A lattice comprising 400 light points was superimposed over the tissue area. Cross points that indicated positive cell markers in the compartment to be examined were counted and related to the total counts for the entire tissue area (%). To estimate the error of measurements for each of the two techniques, double assessments were performed with a two months interval. It was demonstrated that assessments of cell proportions using IHC were associated with larger variations and error of measurements than using ISH techniques. The IHC method resulted in general larger densities of phenotype markers and smaller fractions of cells positive for cytokine markers than ISH. It is suggested that the accuracy of the ISH technique is superior to that of IHC when used on comparable tissue samples (The J Histotechnol 30:167, 2007). Submitted December 14, 2006; accepted with revisions July 17, 2007
Particle Bombardment-Mediated Transformation and Regeneration of Marigold (Tagetes erecta)

We examined the possibility of transforming and obtaining transgenic marigold (Tagetes ercta L.) plants using the particle bombardment process. Conditions for optimal delivery of DNA to cotyledonous explants were established for three cultivars of marigold plant. The size of microcarriers, distance to target, and He pressure significantly affected transformation and regeneration efficiency. A total of approximately 1,000 cotyledonous explants for each cultivar were bombarded with DNA-coated particles and placed on selection medium containing 50 mgㆍL? ¹ kanamycin. The regeneration rates before bombardment were between 17 and 38% in 1/2 MRM medium supplemented with 5 or 7 mgㆍL? ¹ benzylaminopurine. However, the regeneration rate was reduced to 4% at most after bombardment.
Using AHP methodology for prioritizing the actions in the transport sector in the frame of SECAPs

The drafting of the Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan, required for the local authorities joining the Covenant of Mayors initiative, is an opportunity to plan actions reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector. Choosing the measures to implement requires the application of a methodology that compares them, considering costs and impacts in terms of energy consumption, emissions reduction, and social benefits. The paper aims to develop a method based on the typical approach of the Analytical Hierarchy Process, supporting decisions in the transport sector in the frame of the drafting of SECAP. The method allows determining the priority actions and the optimal allocation of economic resources, through the definition of indicators and weights, obtained by involving stakeholders in the process.
First-order stereology in diabetes and endocrine research-number and volume estimation of objects

Stereology is a technique that enables acquisition of data on number, volume, length or surface area of identifiable objects in a three-dimensional structure by sampling in two dimensions. That is, it provides a technique for quantifying objects on a slice from the structure such as a histological specimen viewed under the microscope or a computerised tomography (CT) scan. It has the enormous virtue of having a rigorous mathematical foundation and rules for counting that also give a reliable measure as well as an indication of precision. First-order stereology denotes estimating volume, surface area, length or number of any biological object. Terms such as degeneration, toxicity, atrophy hypertrophy, dysgenesis, and proliferation all refer to alterations in one or more of these parameters. However, as it is the case with almost all pertinent studies, it is not possible to count the number of relevant units directly. Yet the information is essential if we want to know how experimental or environmental interventions affect an organ’s development. For example, what effect does the absence of a particular growth factor or reduced nutrition have on the number or size of islets, and at what stage of development does this occur; or has behavioural experience or environmental insult affected the number of chromophobes in the pituitary gland? The mainly unbiased and reliable way to obtain such information is by means of stereology. This technique is an absolutely essential tool for any biologist who needs to know the number of units in any system — whether they be functional units like number of islets within the pancreas, or cell organelles like mitochondria. It also provides a means of obtaining size, length and surface area of any object under consideration. In this review the current practical applications of two first-order stereology parameters in relation to diabetes and endocrine research are highlighted.
System-Specific Variability in Murray Cod and Golden Perch Maturation and Growth Influences Fisheries Management Options

AbstractThe Murray Cod Maccullochella peelii and Golden Perch Macquaria ambigua are important recreational species in Australia's Murray–Darling Basin (MDB); both species have declined substantially, but recovery is evident in some areas. Minimum length limits (MLLs)—implemented to ensure fish could spawn at least once prior to harvest eligibility—have increased three times in the past decade. We quantified variation in length at 50% maturity (LM50), age at 50% maturity (AM50), and von Bertalanffy growth parameters (k = Brody growth coefficient; L∞ = asymptotic length; t0 = theoretical age at zero length) of these species within two rivers and two reservoirs of the MDB; to investigate whether fish length is a suitable surrogate for AM50 in setting MLLs. Between 2006 and 2013, we collected 1,118 Murray Cod and 1,742 Golden Perch by electrofishing and gillnetting. Values of k and L∞ were greater for reservoir fish than for riverine fish. For both species, AM50 was generally greater in rivers than in reservo.
A secure operating system for data centers: A survey

Data centers are now evolving source of computational hardware which have high potential to bring extraordinary computing capacity to use applications with resource sharing, fault tolerance, security, and scalability. To deliver the user with efficient computational power, with the support of data sharing, resource sharing and abstraction, an operating system-like software stack is needed for cloud computing hardware platforms. Existing distributed operating systems are not scalable to handle thousands of machines in clouds. As a result, current cloud computing environments are more complex at the user side. This paper surveys the existing data center functional platforms and discusses their worth and cost, to emphasis on development of a long-term mechanism with lasting impacts for present and future data center software infrastructure demands by considering all these factors which will help the organizations to select the best operating system for datacenter as per their particular needs and priorities.
The Efficacy and Safety of Different Dosages of Rituximab for Adults with Immune Thrombocytopenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Rituximab has been frequently used as a second-line treatment for patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). The optimal dose and course of rituximab are uncertain. Methods A comprehensive search for randomized controlled trials reporting the use of low-dose (100 mg) or standard-dose (375 mg/m2) rituximab in ITP treatment was conducted. Meta-analyses were performed on CRR (complete response rate), ORR (overall response rate), PRR (partial response rate), SRR (sustained response rate), infection rate, SB (significant bleeding) rate, and SAE (serious adverse event) rate. Results A total of 12 studies were included, comprising 869 patients. Compared to the control group, rituximab treatment resulted in an obvious increase in CRR (P < 0.00001), ORR (P < 0.0001), and SRR at month 6 and 12 (P = 0.0007, P = 0.0003), without increasing the infection rate (P = 0.12) and SAE rate (P = 0.11). No significant differences in CRR (RR 1.61 vs. 1.42, P = 0.45), ORR (RR 1.26 vs. 1.49, P = 0.28), PRR (RR 1.25 vs. 1.00, P = 0.11), SRR at month 12 (RR 2.00 vs. RR 1.64, P = 0.54), infection rate (RR 0.85 vs. 1.46, P = 0.36), and SB rate (RR 0.14 vs. 1.19, P = 0.17) were found in subgroups of low dose and standard dose. Conclusion Rituximab was effective and safe for adult patients with ITP. A low-dose rituximab regimen might be an effective alternative to the standard-dose regimen in ITP, as it showed similar CRR, ORR, and SRR at month 12 and was relatively safer with a lower cost.
Optical coherence tomography in the evaluation of retinitis pigmentosa

ABSTRACT Background Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging test that provides easily obtainable and highly reproducible cross-sectional images of the retina. Improved modalities of the OCT that are capable of providing high quality images of not only the retina, but also the deeper structures and vasculature have been developed, including swept-source OCTs and OCT angiography. Materials and methods Review. Results The use of OCT in the monitoring of retinitis pigmentosa has been well described and numerous signs of disease progression have been studied. Notably among them are the detection of changes to retinal thickness, the ellipsoid zone, the vasculature on OCT angiography, and cystoid macular edema. Conclusion In this review, we discuss the multiple applications of OCT as a tool in the monitoring of retinitis pigmentosa and its potential use as an outcome measurement in current and future therapeutic endeavors.
Business Power in Noisy Politics: An Exploration Based on Discourse Network Analysis and Survey Data

This study links voter-centred and interest group perspectives to assess the role structurally powerful businesses can play in contested political issues. Revisiting the literature on business influence in politics, incumbent businesses are theorised to strategically use their structural power to influence voters’ preferences. The conceptual framework is illustrated with a case study of a direct democratic vote related to Swiss energy policy. To empirically trace the role incumbent businesses played in the run-up to the vote, the study employs a two-step approach. First, it uses Discourse Network Analysis (DNA) to examine arguments and actor coalitions in the public debate preceding the vote. Second, the DNA results inform a statistical analysis of survey data on voting behaviour. The findings suggest that incumbent businesses can use their structural power strategically to shape voting behaviour. The study stimulates the discussion about political power relationships in societies and enriches the nascent debate about phasing out unsustainable energy infrastructure. Importantly, it opens up ways to combine DNA with other methods, an avenue that shows promise for use and further refinement in future applications.
Shift of seed mass and fruit type spectra along longitudinal gradient: high water availability and growth allometry

Abstract. Propagule traits vary among biomes along geographical gradients such as longitude, but the mechanisms that underlie these variations remain unclear. This study aims to explore seed mass variation patterns of different biome types along a longitudinal gradient and their underlying variation mechanisms by involving an in-depth analysis on the variation of seed mass, fruit type spectra, growth forms and dispersal mode spectra in Inner Mongolia and northeastern China. Plant community characterization and seed collection were conducted in 26 sites spreading over five vegetation types and covering 622 species belonging to 66 families and 298 genera. We found there are significantly declining trends for mean seed mass, vertebrate-dispersed species richness and fleshy-fruited species richness along a longitudinal gradient from forests to desert grasslands. However, we also found the lowest average seed mass and the smallest proportion of species dispersed by vertebrates occurring at typical grasslands in the five biomes. The variations of average seed mass display high congruence with transition of growth form spectra. The selection for these propagule attributes is driven mainly by climatic factors such as precipitation, temperature, soil moisture and evaporation, as well as by internal biotic factors such as growth forms, canopy coverage and leaf area (Ackerly and Donoghue, 1998). A hypothesis was provided that environmental factors and botanical traits that favor greater water availability lead to emergence (or speciation) of species with large seeds or fleshy fruits with high water content. Due to greater water availability and increasing leaf area, much more photosynthate (photosynthesis production) and allometric growth then ultimately increase the biome average seed mass from west to east. Phylogenetic signal or diversity are not found to be significantly involved in the effect on the patterns. A novel mechanistic framework and mathematical model are provided to expound seed variation among species or biomes.
A Place to Call Home: Bioengineering Pluripotential Stem Cell Cultures

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) have the power to revolutionize the future of cell-based therapies and regenerative medicine. However, stem/progenitor cell use in the clinical arsenal has been hampered by discrepancies resulting from stem cell engineering and expansion, as well as in their (mass) differentiation in culture. Moreover, the manner in which external conditions affect PSC and induced-pluripotent stem cell lineage establishment as well as maturation remains controversial. In this review, we examine novel methods of cell engineering and the role of reprogramming transcription factors in PSC development. In addition, we explore the effect of external environmental signals on PSC cultivation and differentiation by elucidating key components of the primordial stem cell microenvironment, the blastocyst. Furthermore, we assess the effects of hypoxic conditions on DNA editing, gene expression, and protein function in PSC self-renewal and growth. Finally, we speculate on the principal use of gap junction subunit expression as relevant biomarkers of PSC fate. Improving bioreactor design and pertinent cell biomarker classification could vastly enhance manufactured stem cell yield and quality, thereby increasing the potency and safety of therapeutic cells to be used in regenerative medicine.