Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The significance of consultation and delegation in the new forms of work organisation: the need for a re-appraisal?

The European Foundation's EPOC survey results suggest there is a need to reappraise the relative significance of the two main forms of direct participation: consultation and delegation. Unexpectedly, in the light of the very different priority accorded to them in both the policy and scientific debates, not only does a majority of respondent managers regard the consultative forms of direct participation as more important than the delegative forms but the effects of the consultative forms on a range of indicators of performance are also considered to be at least equal to those of the delegative forms. Intriguingly, too, statistical analysis suggests the consultative forms are more likely to be associated with positive employment trends than delegation.
African Origin of Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Type 2 (HTLV-2) Supported by a Potential New HTLV-2d Subtype in Congolese Bambuti Efe Pygmies

ABSTRACT We identified a potential new subtype within human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 2 (HTLV-2), HTLV-2d, present in members of an isolated Efe Bambuti Pygmy tribe. Two of 23 Efe Pygmies were HTLV-2 seropositive, with HTLV-2 Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay reactivities. From one of them the entire genome of the HTLV-2 strain Efe2 could be amplified and sequenced. In all gene regions analyzed, this strain was the most divergent HTLV-2 strain, differing by 2.4% (tax/rex) to 10.7% (long terminal repeat) from both subtypes HTLV-2a and HTLV-2b, yet major functional elements are conserved. The similarity between the HTLV-2 Efe2 Gag and Env proteins and the corresponding HTLV-2a and -2b proteins is consistent with the observed serological reactivity. In the proximal pX region, one of the two alternative splice acceptor sites is abolished in HTLV-2 Efe2. Another interesting feature of this potential new subtype is that it has a Tax protein of 344 amino acids (aa), which is intermediate in length between the HTLV-2a Tax protein (331 aa) and the HTLV-2b and -2c Tax proteins (356 aa) and similar to the simian T-cell lymphotropic virus type 2 (STLV-2) PP1664 Tax protein. Together these two findings suggest a different phenotype for the HTLV-2 Efe2 strain. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed that the Pygmy Efe2 strain potentially belonged to a new and quite divergent subtype, HTLV-2d. When the STLV-2 bonobo viruses PP1664 and PanP were used as an outgroup, it was clear that the Pygmy HTLV-2 Efe2 strain had the longest independent evolution and that HTLV-2 evolution is consistent with an African origin.
The Fallacy of Micro Foundation and Micro Fluctuations

: Argues that there is no micro foundation for microeconomic fluctuations, or business cycles, based on the law of large numbers in probability theory and statistical mechanics. Discusses the Lucas model of rational expectations as inconsistent with the efficient market hypotheses because arbitrage activities in financial markets can eliminate the intertemporal substitution effect to the macro economy. Suggests the need for nonlinear macroeconomic dynamics and a non-equilibrium mechanism to understand large and persistent business cycles. Abstract There is no micro foundation for macroeconomic fluctuations based on the law of large numbers in probability theory and statistical mechanics. The Lucas model of rational expectations is inconsistent with the efficient market hypotheses, because arbitrage activities in financial market can eliminate intertemporal substitution effect to the macro economy. We need nonlinear macroeconomic dynamics and non-equilibrium mechanism to understand observed large and persistent business cycles.
Efficiency tests and volatility effects: evidence from the Jordanian stock market

This paper examines the efficiency of the Jordanian stock exchange and the relationship between returns and conditional volatility. An AR(1)-GARCH(1,1)-M model is estimated for five daily indices. The empirical results indicate significant departures from the efficient market hypothesis; in only two cases there is a significant relationship between risk and return, and returns tend to exhibit high persistent volatility clustering.
A Cautionary Note on Data Inputs and Visual Outputs in Social Network Analysis

Innovations in network visualization software over the last decade or so have been important to the popularization of social network analysis (SNA) among academics, consultants and managers. Indeed, there is a growing literature that seeks to demonstrate how ‘invisible social networks’ might be revealed and leveraged for ‘visible results’ through management interventions. However, the seductive power of the network graphic has distracted attention away from a variety of emerging and long recognized concerns in SNA. For example, weaknesses exist in data collection techniques that often rely on nominal boundary-setting and respondent recall. Non-response can also be highly problematic. Increasingly, email data are being employed, yet this represents a poor proxy for relationships and raises issues of privacy. In displaying relational data, visualizations typically reify and ossify the network. Yet, individual perceptions of a network can vary greatly from unified visualizations, and their structure is typically fleeting. The aim of this paper is to draw together the diffuse literature concerning data input and visual output issues in SNA, in order to raise awareness among management researchers and practitioners. In doing so, the nature and impact of such weaknesses are discussed, as are ways in which these might be resolved or mitigated.
Data quality assessment and improvement

Data quality has significance to companies, but is an issue that can be challenging to approach and operationalise. This study focuses on data quality from the perspective of operationalisation by analysing the practices of a company that is a world leader in its business. A model is proposed for managing data quality to enable evaluation and operationalisation. The results indicate that data quality is best ensured when organisation specific aspects are taken into account. The model acknowledges the needs of different data domains, particularly those that have master data characteristics. The proposed model can provide a starting point for operationalising data quality assessment and improvement. The consequent appreciation of data quality improves data maintenance processes, IT solutions, data quality and relevant expertise, all of which form the basis for handling the origins of products.
Union Effects on Job Attitudes

This paper examines differences in the reported job satisfaction of union members and nonmembers using a multiple equation model that treats union membership, wage rates, and reported satisfaction as endogenously determined. The results indicate that union members differ from nonmembers in how they assess their satisfaction with supervision, co-workers, and job content. Consistent with prior research, union members are found to report lower levels of satisfaction than nonmembers. Although many studies have attributed such findings to the availability of the “voice” option in unionized settings, analyses of the effects of employer tenure and grievance procedure use lend only partial support to the “exit-voice” hypothesis.
The Validation Path of Hypoxia PET Imaging: Focus on Brain Tumours.

BACKGROUND Gliomas are brain tumours arising from the glia, the supportive tissue of the central nervous system (CNS), and constitute the commonest primary malignant brain tumours. Gliomas are graded from grade I to IV according to their appearance under the microscope. One of the most significant adverse features of high-grade gliomas is hypoxia, a biological phenomenon that develops when the oxygen concentration becomes insufficient to guarantee the normal tissue functions. Since tumour hypoxia influences negatively patient outcome and targeting hypoxia has potential therapeutic implications, there is currently great interest in imaging techniques measuring hypoxia. OBJECTIVES The aim of this review is to provide up to date evidence on the radiotracers available for measuring hypoxia in brain tumours by means of positron emission tomography (PET), the most extensively investigated imaging approach to quantify hypoxia. METHODS The review is based on preclinical and clinical papers and describes the validation status of the different available radiotracers. RESULTS To date, [F-18] fluoromisonidazole ([18F]FMISO) remains the most widely used radiotracer for imaging hypoxia in patients with brain tumours, but experience with other radiotracers has expanded in the last two decades. Validation of hypoxia radiotracers is still on-going and essential before these radiopharmaceuticals can become widely used in the clinical setting. CONCLUSION Availability of a non-invasive imaging method capable of reliably measuring and mapping different levels of oxygen in brain tumours would provide the critical means of selecting patients that may benefit from tailored treatment strategies targeting hypoxia.
Yes We Can (Profile You): A Brief Primer on Campaigns and Political Data

During the summer of 2011, Michelle Bachman’s campaign rolled out an online video advertising campaign exclusively for Republicans likely to caucus living within one hundred miles of the straw poll in Ames, Iowa.1 In the months leading up to the caucuses Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign purchased ads that ran before all YouTube videos watched by voters in Iowa and New Hampshire.2 Meanwhile, through sophisticated voter modeling, targeted communications based on voters’ political interests, and tracking the attitudes of supporters over the course of two campaigns, Romney’s campaign orchestrated his near-victory in the 2012 Iowa caucuses.3 Underlying all of this is a vast data infrastructure that has made targeted online advertising and marketing possible, and has contributed to a revival of field campaigning over the last decade.4 Online advertising and field campaign-
Can nature-based tourism benefits compensate for the costs of national parks? A study of the Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany

German national parks are increasingly under pressure from land use change and need objective information on economic values associated with different forms of use to help policy-makers resolve conflicting policy goals. To date, a complete cost–benefit analysis of a German national park has not been undertaken. This paper addresses this gap through a study from the Bavarian Forest National Park (BFNP), the oldest and best known park in Germany. The research questions are: (1) Is the designation of the national park economically justified? and (2) Can revenue from park tourism compensate for its costs? Databases used include a visitor and enterprise survey, qualitative interviews and secondary sources; analyses involved several interrelated environmental valuation methods. Results suggest that the BFNP is an economically favourable land use option under most scenarios. At national level, half of the scenarios show a benefit–cost ratio (BCR) greater than 1. At regional level the park acts as a tool for economic development, generating net monetary gains for surrounding counties, with BCRs of over 1 throughout. Tourism contributes to over 60% of the benefits and compensates for more than two-thirds of the costs in half of the scenarios discussed. Key policy implications are listed.
Acetylcholine receptors and myasthenia

Much progress has been made in the 26 years since initial studies of the first purified acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) led to the discovery that an antibody‐mediated autoimmune response to AChRs causes the muscular weakness and fatigability characteristic of myasthenia gravis (MG) and its animal model, experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG). Now, the structure of muscle AChRs is much better known. Monoclonal antibodies to muscle AChRs, developed as model autoantibodies for studies of EAMG, were used for initial purifications of neuronal AChRs, and now many homologous subunits of neuronal nicotinic AChRs have been cloned. There is a basic understanding of the pathological mechanisms by which autoantibodies to AChRs impair neuromuscular transmission. Immunodiagnostic assays for MG are used routinely. Nonspecific approaches to immunosuppressive therapy have been refined. However, fundamental mysteries remain regarding what initiates and sustains the autoimmune response to muscle AChRs and how to specifically suppress this autoimmune response using a practical therapy. Many rare congenital myasthenic syndromes have been elegantly shown to result from mutations in muscle AChRs. These studies have provided insights into AChR structure and function as well as into the pathological mechanisms of these diseases. Evidence has been found for autoimmune responses even to some central nervous system neurotransmitter receptors, but only one neuronal AChR has so far been implicated in an autoimmune disease. Thus far, only two neuronal AChR mutations have been found to be associated with a rare form of epilepsy, but many more neuronal AChR mutations will probably be found to be associated with disease in the years ahead. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 23: 453–477, 2000.
A keyless facility access control system with wireless enabled personal devices

Nowadays, wireless personal devices, such as cell phones and Personal Data Assistants (PDAs), have gradually taken an important part of our daily lives. With two-factor authentication, the wireless personal devices can be further promoted to more security demanding and mission-critical applications, such as e-commerce, home surveillance, and medical monitoring, etc. Facility access is one of applications that have demonstrated a tremendous market potential for replacing the conventional physical key approach. In this paper, we present a novel keyless facility access control system by using wireless personal devices, where the devices serve as a second authentication factor to assure security. The proposed system is not only cost-efficient, but also capable of mitigating security threats existing in the traditional key control system. Furthermore, the proposed authentication protocol is featured in two different authentication processes for the first time and subsequent accesses by using a one-time authentication mechanism based on one-way hash chain while considering the resource constraints of the wireless personal devices and E-lock. Finally, a role-based access control (RBAC) system is adopted to reduce the complexity of key maintenance.
Does experience matter? The effect of founding team experience on the survival and sales of newly founded ventures

While earlier researchers have argued that the founding team’s industry and start-up experience should positively affect new venture performance, robust empirical support for these arguments has been lacking. Moreover, theory suggests that the relationship between founding team experience and new venture performance may be more complex than previous empirical research suggests. We test specific hypotheses about the effect of founding team industry and start-up experience on the survival and sales of 223 new ventures initiated by a representative sample of Swedish new ventures, using a methodology that overcomes the limitations to previous research. Our results show that founding team experience enhances both new venture survival and sales, but that the effects are non-lin ear, and vary with venture age.
The Fanconi anaemia pathway orchestrates incisions at sites of crosslinked DNA

Fanconi anaemia (FA) is a rare, autosomal recessive, genetically complex, DNA repair deficiency syndrome in man. Patients with FA exhibit a heterogeneous spectrum of clinical features. The most significant and consistent phenotypic characteristics are stem cell loss, causing progressive bone marrow failure and sterility, diverse developmental abnormalities and a profound predisposition to neoplasia. To date, 15 genes have been indentified, biallelic disruption of any one of which results in this clinically defined syndrome. It is now apparent that all 15 gene products act in a common process to maintain genome stability. At the molecular level, a fundamental defect in DNA repair underlies this complex phenotype. Cells derived from FA patients spontaneously accumulate broken chromosomes and exhibit a marked sensitivity to DNA‐damaging chemotherapeutic agents. Despite complementation analysis defining many components of the FA DNA repair pathway, no direct link to DNA metabolism was established until recently. First, it is now evident that the FA pathway is required to make incisions at the site of damaged DNA. Second, a specific component of the FA pathway has been identified that regulates nucleases previously implicated in DNA interstrand crosslink repair. Taken together, these data provide genetic and biochemical evidence that the FA pathway is a bona fide DNA repair pathway that directly mediates DNA repair transactions, thereby elucidating the specific molecular defect in human Fanconi anaemia. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stable expression of the cDNA encoding the human T lymphocyte‐specific CD2 antigen in murine L cells

The human CD2 antigen is a T lymphocyte cell surface glycoprotein that has been implicated in both T lymphocyte adhesion and activation. The requirement for a T lymphocyte‐specific factor(s) in the mechanism of signal transduction initiated via the CD2 antigen has been explored using murine L cells transfectants that stably express the human CD2 antigen at the cell surface. Such transfectants express the three CD2 epitopes previously defined on human T lymphocytes. However, combinations of CD2 monoclonal antibodies, that stimulated an increase in the cytoplasmic calcium concentration of the human T cell line Jurkat, failed to induce a similar signal in the transfectants. These results indicate that the transfected CD2 antigen cannot alone transduce intracellular signals in response to stimulatory combinations of CD2 monoclonal antibodies, and suggest that the functional CD2 antigen expressed on human T lymphocytes requires the association of another, as yet undefined factor(s).
Housing and Satisfaction With Environment in Singapore

Abstract Singapore is a city state with 80 percent of the population classified as urban; of these 35 percent live in high-rise flats administered and constructed by the government around the perimeter of the central area. A further 40 percent live in crowded conditions in the central area itself. In seeking to evaluate the impact of the government's housing policy on people's satisfaction with their urban environment, two sample populations, one residing in government housing and the other in the old central row and tenement housing area of the city were surveyed. The data were subject to factor analysis' and the findings revealed that the form of housing per se had little effect on residents' satisfaction with their environment. Before concluding that housing had no impact, however, specific dimensions of housing such as density, size of dwelling, and household size would need to be examined in more detail than was possible in the present study.
Competitive Search Equilibrium with Private Information on Monetary Shocks

The relationship between unanticipated inflation and output has been a classic issue in macroeconomics. This paper studies the effects of monetary uncertainty on output in a competitive search environment where there is asymmetric information about monetary shocks. In such an environment, sellers post prices that are contingent on the realization of the shock, and buyers then direct their search towards the most attractive price. The paper proposes a new mechanism for real output effects of monetary shocks: when the realization of the monetary shock is privately observed by buyers, to induce truth-telling behavior, sellers offer more output when the economy experiences a positive monetary shock; otherwise, buyers have an incentive to lie about the state of the world in order to pay low prices. This contrasts with the centralized Walrasian market environment, where nominal shocks by themselves have no real effects.
Sensitivity of kinetic macro parameters to changes in dopamine synthesis, storage, and metabolism: A simulation study for [18F]FDOPA PET by a model with detailed dopamine pathway

Quantitative interpretation of brain [18F]FDOPA PET data has been made possible by several kinetic modeling approaches, which are based on different assumptions about complex [18F]FDOPA metabolic pathways in brain tissue. Simple kinetic macro parameters are often utilized to quantitatively evaluate metabolic and physiological processes of interest, which may include DDC activity, vesicular storage, and catabolism from 18F‐labeled dopamine to DOPAC and HVA. A macro parameter most sensitive to the changes of these processes would be potentially beneficial to identify impaired processes in a neurodegenerative disorder such as Parkinson's disease. The purpose of this study is a systematic comparison of several [18F]FDOPA macro parameters in terms of sensitivities to process‐specific changes in simulated time‐activity curve (TAC) data of [18F]FDOPA PET. We introduced a multiple‐compartment kinetic model to simulate PET TACs with physiological changes in the dopamine pathway. TACs in the alteration of dopamine synthesis, storage, and metabolism were simulated with a plasma input function obtained by a non‐human primate [18F]FDOPA PET study. Kinetic macro parameters were calculated using three conventional linear approaches (Gjedde‐Patlak, Logan, and Kumakura methods). For simulated changes in dopamine storage and metabolism, the slow clearance rate (kloss) as calculated by the Kumakura method showed the highest sensitivity to these changes. Although kloss performed well at typical ROI noise levels, there was large bias at high noise level. In contrast, for simulated changes in DDC activity it was found that Ki and VT, estimated by Gjedde‐Patlak and Logan method respectively, have better performance than kloss. Synapse 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.