Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Activation of Environmental Norms

This article considers how Schwartz's norm-activation model has been applied in the context of individual contributions to public goods, and how it might be extended to better reflect the full gamut of behavioral determinants in such situations. A review of literature in political economy, psychology, and sociology suggests that the translation of Schwartz's model from situations of isolated individual helping to the public goods context requires the role of organizations, policy initiatives, and notions of justice to be more explicitly incorporated within the model. Existing elements of the model also need to be broadened to encompass some of the unique characteristics of public good contributions, such as shared (as opposed to diffused) responsibility, and lower levels of individual decisiveness. A qualitative environmental case study illustrates some of the required extensions.
Insights into the Ecology and Evolutionary Success of Crocodilians Revealed through Bite-Force and Tooth-Pressure Experimentation

Background Crocodilians have dominated predatory niches at the water-land interface for over 85 million years. Like their ancestors, living species show substantial variation in their jaw proportions, dental form and body size. These differences are often assumed to reflect anatomical specialization related to feeding and niche occupation, but quantified data are scant. How these factors relate to biomechanical performance during feeding and their relevance to crocodilian evolutionary success are not known. Methodology/Principal Findings We measured adult bite forces and tooth pressures in all 23 extant crocodilian species and analyzed the results in ecological and phylogenetic contexts. We demonstrate that these reptiles generate the highest bite forces and tooth pressures known for any living animals. Bite forces strongly correlate with body size, and size changes are a major mechanism of feeding evolution in this group. Jaw shape demonstrates surprisingly little correlation to bite force and pressures. Bite forces can now be predicted in fossil crocodilians using the regression equations generated in this research. Conclusions/Significance Critical to crocodilian long-term success was the evolution of a high bite-force generating musculo-skeletal architecture. Once achieved, the relative force capacities of this system went essentially unmodified throughout subsequent diversification. Rampant changes in body size and concurrent changes in bite force served as a mechanism to allow access to differing prey types and sizes. Further access to the diversity of near-shore prey was gained primarily through changes in tooth pressure via the evolution of dental form and distributions of the teeth within the jaws. Rostral proportions changed substantially throughout crocodilian evolution, but not in correspondence with bite forces. The biomechanical and ecological ramifications of such changes need further examination.
Transforming quality evaluation

This paper outlines the preponderant approaches to external quality evaluation, including the purpose, focus, object, rationale, and methods of external evaluations. Accountability, compliance and, in some countries, control are much more frequent rationales for external monitoring than improvement. Research on the impact of quality monitoring is difficult because it is impossible to control all relevant factors to be able to map causal relationships. Arguably, such an endeavour is a positivist device that ignores the complexity and the wider socio‐political context of the quality phenomenon. Nonetheless, there is some impact research, which might be characterised as overview studies or close‐up studies. These studies reinforce the view that quality is about compliance and accountability and has, in itself, contributed little to any effective transformation of the student learning experience. Where changes to the student experience have taken place, this has arguably been the result of factors other than the external quality monitoring: at best the existence of the latter provides a legitimation for internally‐driven innovation. If quality evaluation is to be transformed to make it transforming it is time to reclaim quality evaluation from opportunistic politicians, re‐establish trust in higher education and focus attention on internal processes and motivators. Instead of politically acceptable methods, quality evaluation needs to adopt appropriate research methodologies. The paper will conclude by exploring the conditions under which quality evaluation might be transformed.
MICROBIAL XYLANASE : A REVIEW

Xylan is the major constituent of hemicellulose, the second most abundant natural polymer on earth. There are four main categories of xylans: arabinoxylans, glucuronoxylans, glucurono arabinoxylans and galacto glucurono arabinoxylans. The side chains of each xylan are being responsible for the solubility, physical conformation and reactivity of the xylan molecule with other components of the hemicellulose and therefore, influencing the mode and extent of enzymatic cleavage. Xylanases, as glycoside hydrolase members, are able to catalyse the hydrolysis of xylan, by breaking the β-1,4-glycoside linkages, in order to produce simpler compounds such as xylose. Because of the heterogeneity and complex chemical nature of xylan, the complete breakdown requires the action of several hydrolytic enzymes that are different considering their structure, the substrate specificities, their mode of action or biochemical properties. Many degrading microorganisms produce xylanases such as fungi (Aspergillus spp., Trichoderma spp.), bacteria (Bacillus spp., Streptomyces spp.), yeast (Cryptococcus spp.), marine algae etc. Depending on the source, microbial xylanases have different characteristics, that makes them useful for an application or another. Worldwide, the market of xylanases has expanded rapidly because of its potential in industrial use, especially in the biotechnological applications. In this review, are presented the significant aspects concerning the complete hydrolysis of xylan, and therefore of hemicellulose.
Is this the beginning of unravelling the puzzle of COPD exacerbations?

The natural history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of a progressive lung function reduction, essentially expressed by an accelerated decline in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), with limited exercise activity, poor health status and systemic (extrapulmonary) effects, all interspersed with a varying frequency of episodes of COPD exacerbation. Frequency of COPD exacerbations increases with increased disease severity, mostly in patients with advanced COPD (FEV1 <50% predicted), who are often prone to frequent and repeated episodes. COPD exacerbations have a serious impact on patients in terms of lung function decline or disease progression, morbidity and mortality, and poor quality of life, and involve huge economic costs. A background of lower FEV1 and frequent COPD exacerbations, defined as at least three episodes over the previous year within a geographic area 1, are considered vital risk factors for hospitalisation for a COPD exacerbation. Episodes of COPD exacerbation most commonly result in more severe airflow obstruction, with gas exchange 2 and pulmonary haemodynamic worsening 3, the latter being also predictive of hospitalisation for these exacerbations. Prognosis following severe hospitalised COPD exacerbation is also very poor, with high mortality rates at 2 yrs 4. According to the World Health Organization, COPD deaths are set to increase to ∼5 million annually, making this the fifth leading cause of global mortality 5. Moreover, the socio-economic burden to the different healthcare services is dramatic. While a global survey estimated considerable annual direct costs 6, hospital admissions for COPD exacerbation increase the economic burden 7. Altogether, COPD exacerbations represent one of the major battle fields of the physicians' clinical load, who in addition have access to a limited therapeutic armamentarium. In the current issue of the European Respiratory Journal , new evidence of the complex interaction …
La Comprensión Referencial Temprana: Aprendiendo Palabras a Través de Imágenes con Distinto Nivel de Iconicismo

El desarrollo de la comprension referencial de imagenes transita un largo camino durante los primeros anos de vida. Esta investigacion tuvo como objetivo explorar el impacto del iconicismo en la comprension referencial de imagenes impresas y el aprendizaje de palabras. En 2 estudios se enseno a una muestra por conveniencia de 34 ninos de 30 meses de edad de jardines infantiles de Rosario, Argentina, una palabra nueva aplicada a un objeto desconocido, mediante un libro de imagenes. Se comparo la ejecucion infantil en 2 condiciones, fotografias y bocetos, variando el nivel de iconicismo o grado en que la imagen se asemeja al referente. La Prueba Exacta de Fisher revelo que aprendiendo con bocetos la palabra quedaba fuertemente asociada a la imagen, obstaculizando ver el objeto a traves de ella, lo que no se observo en los ninos que aprendieron la palabra mediante fotografias. Los resultados muestran que la similitud perceptual incide en la comprension referencial, siendo las imagenes iconicas representaciones mas transparentes a edades tempranas. Estos resultados pueden tener implicancias en el diseno de libros educativos para ninos pequenos.
The Role of Unofficial Flood Warning Systems

Most research on flood warning systems is pre-occupied with official or formal systems designed by government organizations to warn other agencies and the public-at-risk. Yet those at risk may obtain much of their flood-related information from unofficial sources, such as personal networks and direct observation. Despite this, informal or unofficial systems are often afforded little official credence, even though empirical evidence indicates that formal flood warnings often fail. Exploration of the value of ‘folk’ or local, as opposed to specialist-technical, knowledge suggests that such knowledge satisfies a range of important needs which are likely to be unfulfilled by official warnings. The scope for personal networks to relay warnings and to contribute local knowledge towards system design appears to be large.This paper examines the widespread use of unofficial flood warnings and the advantages of integrating them with official ones. The reality of unofficial warning systems should be recognized. Efforts should be directed towards finding ways of integrating them with official ones — with the aim of enhancing overall warning system performance from the perspective of those at risk: that is, system reliability, accuracy, credibility and salience. Empirical evidence on official flood warning performance, the perceived need for official systems among flood-plain occupants and their levels of satisfaction with such systems, indicates that the merits of an integrated approach could be large, especially as flood-plain occupants are often willing to participate in flood warning systems.
Hydrophilized poly(lactide-co-glycolide) nanospheres with poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) triblock copolymer

A novel method for preparing the PLGA nanospheres with hydrophilic surface has been designed and characterized. Because of good solubility of tetraglycol in water, PLGA (poly(lactide-co-glycolide)) nanospheres were formed by spraying the PLGA/tetraglycol solution into water. The size of PLGA nanospheres was manipulated by changing the concentration of PLGA/tetraglycol solution. Based on the hydrophobic interaction between PLGA and poly(propylene oxide) domain of F-127 (one of Pluronics, poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) triblock copolymer, F-127-coated PLGA nanospheres was prepared to enhance the stability of PLGA nanospheres in the aqueous media. For the application as a drug delivery vehicle, it was characterized by measuring the loading amount, the encapsulation efficiency and the release pattern of drug. Paclitaxel used as a potent anti-cancer drug was selected as a model drug.
Induction of eggshell apex abnormalities by Mycoplasma synoviae: field and experimental studies

A novel eggshell pathology, characterized by an altered shell surface, thinning, increased translucency, and cracks and breaks in the eggshell apex, has become increasingly common in layer flocks of various breeds in The Netherlands. Two field studies found an association between the eggshell apex abnormalities (EAA) and infection with Mycoplasma synoviae. M. synoviae was isolated from the oviduct of birds that produced abnormal eggs, but not from birds in control flocks, although both affected and control birds had agglutinating antibodies against M. synoviae. After a single injection with long-acting oxytetracycline, the production of abnormal eggs ceased, but then reoccurred about 12 days later. A causal relationship between EAA and M. synoviae infection was subsequently demonstrated experimentally. EAA occurred after intratracheal inoculation of birds with M. synoviae, and even more frequently in birds infected with infectious bronchitis virus 5 days before inoculation of M. synoviae. EAA also occurred, although less frequently, in birds inoculated intravenously with M. synoviae and infected with infectious bronchitis virus. EAA did not occur in birds only inoculated intravenously with M. synoviae. M. synoviae was only isolated from the oviducts of birds producing abnormal eggs. The mean daily egg production was reduced in all groups infected with M. synoviae. Examination of the eggshells by scanning electron microscopy revealed that the mammillary layer of the calcified zone was absent and that the inner eggshell membranes were thicker. Isolates of M. synoviae from the oviducts of birds from farms producing abnormal eggs were examined by amplified fragment-length polymorphism analysis and did not appear to be clonal.
Bullying at work: an introduction to the symposium

Department of Organisational Psychology, Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street,London WC1E 7HX, UK; e-mail: liefooghe@bbk.ac. ukIntroductionBullying at work research has a long tradition of being discussed in symposia.Arguably, this is how a new research strand finds its own identity, nurtures itselfthrough the interactions with other like-minded researches, and slowly matures into afield of its own right. It can safely be asserted that the latter has now been achieved.At the last meeting of the European Congress on Work and OrganisationalPsychology (EAWOP 2003), only stress received more attention in terms of thenumber of papers being presented. In the literature, a similar trajectory has takenplace. Special Issues on bullying at work featured in the European Journal of Work andOrganisational Psychology (1996, 2001), the International Journal of Manpower(1999), and the International Journal of Management and Decision Making(2003). Each of these, in a unique way, managed to guide future research in thefield and they are hailed as landmarks in the study of explaining and understandingbullying at work. This present symposium follows in their footsteps.A brief historyThe pioneering work of Andrea Adams (1992) a BBC journalist who is credited withplacing bullying at work on the map in the UK, led to the notion that people beingsubmitted to extreme negative behaviours in their workplaces suffer as a consequencebeing accepted as a true reflection of the state of affairs. Several surveys later this wasempirically verified. Long before Adams and UK surveys, however, research inScandinavia had demonstrated this already. Work by Leymann (1992), and laterEinarsen (1996) and his colleagues, provided systematic evidence that the negativebehaviours of superiors and peers did indeed occur, and did indeed cause negativeoutcomes for the recipients. The most comprehensive account of bringing bullying atwork to the international consciousness is provided in a recent edited book byBritish Journal of Guidance & Counselling,Vol. 32, No. 3, August 2004
Characteristics of adolescents placed under section 136 Mental Health Act 1983

Mental Health Act 1983 section136 allows a non-medically trained professional to deprive individual liberty on mere suspicion of a mental disorder, based on ‘disorderly’ behaviour in the community. This study describes the characteristics, presentation and outcomes of adolescents, subjected to s.136. Socio-demographic, psychiatric and s.136 data were collected from 40 adolescents and consecutive same-sex adults placed on s.136 over a three year period in a London Mental Health Trust. Categorical variables were compared using Pearson χ2 analysis (or Fishers Exact test, where indicated). Twice as many female as male adolescents were brought in on s.136. Adolescents were found with higher rates of institutionalisation, abuse, criminal histories and more likely to be brought in due to self-harm. Despite evidence of vulnerability and psychiatric problems, about half were admitted to hospital following assessment. Further research to address the needs and improve service provision for this group is indicated.
Culture-independent bacterial community analysis of the salty-fermented fish paste products of Thailand and Laos

A bacterial community analysis, using a culture-independent method (polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis), detected 17 species of bacteria including species of the genera Tetragenococcus, Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, Weissella Halanaerobium, Clostridium, and Sphingomonas in a traditional salty-fermented fish paste known as pla-ra or pa-daek in Thailand and Laos, which is used as a storage-stable multi-purpose seasoning. The representative genus of lactic acid bacteria seemed to vary in the 10 products collected from Thailand and Laos. Tetragenococci were common in products from central Thailand and Vientiane in Laos which had salinities of not less than 11% and pH values ranging from 5.6 to 6.1. However, lactobacilli were common in products from northern Thailand which had the lowest salinities (8.3–8.6%) and pH values (4.5–4.8) of all the samples examined. Two Lactobacillus and one Tetragenococcus species were detected in one product from northeastern Thailand containing 10% salt. These results suggest that salinity in pla-ra/pa-daek is an important determinant of the representative genus of lactic acid bacteria such as, Tetragenococcus or Lactobacillus. Additionally, differences in the acidity between these two groups seemed to be related to the production of d-/l-lactic acid in the lactic acid bacteria in each product. This is the first study to report a correlation between bacterial community structure and taste components in pla-ra/pa-daek products from various regions. This scientific work on a traditional fermented food will be useful in helping local producers meet differing consumer preferences in various regions.
Inhibition of Kupffer cell functions as an explanation for the hepatoprotective properties of silibinin

The flavonoid silibinin, the main compound extracted from the milk thistle Silybum marianum, displays hepatoprotective properties in acute and chronic liver injury. To further elucidate the mechanisms by which it acts, we studied the effects of silibinin on different functions of isolated rat Kupffer cells, namely the formation of superoxide anion radical (0 2− ), nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐ α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and leukotriene B4 (LTB4). Production of 0 2− and NO were inhibited in a dose‐dependent manner, with an 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) value around 80 μmol/L. No effect on TNF‐α formation was detected. Opposite effects were found on the cyclooxygenase and 5‐lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism. Whereas no influence on PGE2 formation was observed with silibinin concentrations up to 100 μmol/L, a strong inhibitory effect on LTB4 formation became evident. The IC50‐ value for inhibiting the formation of this eicosanoid was determined to be 15 μmol/L silibinin. The strong inhibition of LTB4, formation by silibinin was confirmed in experiments with phagocytic cells isolated from human liver.
Employee Ownership, Board Representation, and Corporate Financial Policies

French law mandates that employees of publicly listed companies can elect two types of directors to represent employees. Privatized companies must reserve board seats for directors elected by employees by right of employment, while employee-shareholders can elect a director whenever they hold at least 3% of outstanding shares. Using a comprehensive sample of firms in the Societe des Bourses Francaises (SBF) 120 Index from 1998 to 2008, we examine the impact of employee-directors on corporate valuation, payout policy, and internal board organization and performance. We find that directors elected by employee shareholders increase firm valuation and profitability, but do not significantly impact corporate payout policy. Directors elected by employees by right significantly reduce payout ratios, but do not impact firm value or profitability. Employee representation on corporate boards thus appears to be at least value-neutral, and perhaps value-enhancing in the case of directors elected by employee shareholders.
Comment on "The Origins of Genome Complexity"

clicking here colleagues, clients, or customers by , you can order high-quality copies for your If you wish to distribute this article to others . here following the guidelines can be obtained by Permission to republish or repurpose articles or portions of articles (this information is current as of September 22, 2010 ): The following resources related to this article are available online at www.sciencemag. org http://www.sciencemag. org/cgi/content/full/306/5698/978a version of this article at: including high-resolution figures, can be found in the online Updated information and services, http://www.sciencemag. org/cgi/content/full/306/5698/978a/DC1 can be found at: Supporting Online Material found at: can be related to this article A list of selected additional articles on the Science Web sites http://www.sciencemag. org/cgi/content/full/306/5698/978a#related-content http://www.sciencemag. org/cgi/content/full/306/5698/978a#otherarticles , 15 of which can be accessed for free: cites 28 articles This article http://www.sciencemag. org/cgi/content/full/306/5698/978a#otherarticles 1 articles hosted by HighWire Press; see: cited by This article has been
Mediating modern marriage: A role for marriage counselling?

Abstract Rather than an indication of lifetime commitment, the predominant form of marriage in western societies is ‘companionate’. It is held together by personal and emotional considerations rather than by traditional influences. The pursuit of personal satisfaction is a central factor in marital relationships and, as a result, marriage has become less secure than hitherto. One result of this is the growth of counselling services which aim to assist couples through the process of negotiating relationships or in coming to terms with the emotional distress of failing to do so. This paper attempts to address some of the concerns about the supposed lack of research on the impact of counselling. It focuses on evaluation of marriage counselling provided by Relate: Marriage Guidance. The evidence suggests counselling can help couples renegotiate their relationships and help them through the personal anxieties connected with relationship problems. It clearly has a role to play in helping people through the comp.