Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Competing for Future Leaders

Employer marketing in public administration will become one of the most important functions in the light of shrinking labor supply due to future demographic change. For a successful development of human resource selection and marketing measures, public administration needs to know more about its perception as an attractive employer and what implications employer attractiveness has for the behavioral trends of potential employees. Using data from a sample of university students, this study tests a theoretical framework of employer attractiveness. Against the background of person–organization fit theory, the results show significant differences between the importance of intrinsic and extrinsic work motives. Overall, the results support the hypothesized relationship between public service motivation and attractiveness of public sector organizations and its impact on behavioral trends like intention to apply for a job or to recommend an employer.
Impact of On-Field Football Success on the Off-Field Financial Performance of Afl Football Clubs

In this study, we examine the factors that contribute to the financial performance of clubs in the Australian Football League over the period from 1993 to 2002. Primarily, we examine the association between the on-field football success of clubs and their level of off-field financial performance. We find that match attendance is positively related to both short-term and long-term success of football clubs and also to the uncertainty as to the match outcome (i.e. the expected closeness of the match). We also find that club membership is highly persistent and is positively related to both the past football success of the club and the marketing expense incurred. Finally, we find that there is a significant association between the level of marketing revenue and the level of on-field success in the prior 2 years.
Does the Firm's Technology and Marketing Profile Affect Foreign Market Entry?

The authors examine the influence of the firm's technology and marketing profile on foreign market entry mode by testing hypotheses based on data from 105 firms in four European countries. Four technology and marketing variables were the most important: (1) the firm's generic marketing strategy—market concentration versus diversification, (2) demand uncertainty—the position in the life cycle of the firm's principal product, (3) transaction costs—transaction uncertainty and research and development, and (4) value added—product patents. The authors suggest ways managers may be assisted in their foreign market entry decisions on the basis of their firms’ technology and marketing profile.
Vital exhaustion predicts new cardiac events after successful coronary angioplasty.

&NA; Excessive tiredness is one of the most prevalent premonitory symptoms of myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death. This state is labelled as vital exhaustion and consists of three components: fatigue, increased irritability, and demoralization. Vital exhaustion has been found to be an independent risk‐indicator of myocardial infarction in one prospective study and several case‐control studies. It is as yet unclear whether the association between vital exhaustion and future myocardial infarction can be explained by confounding of (subclinical) coronary artery disease. Therefore, the present study investigates the predictive value of vital exhaustion for the occurrence of new cardiac events after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), while explicitly controlling for the severity of coronary artery disease. Patients with a successful PTCA were followed during 1.5 years. A new cardiac event was defined as present if one of the following end points occurred: cardiac death, myocardial infarction, coronary bypass surgery, repeat‐PTCA, increase of coronary atherosclerosis, or new anginal complaints with documented ischemia. Vital exhaustion was assessed using the Maastricht Questionnaire two weeks after hospital discharge. Participants of the present study were 127 patients (mean age 55.6 +/‐ 9.1; 105 men, 22 women). Fifteen (35%) of the 43 exhausted patients experienced a new cardiac event, whereas 14 (17%) of the 84 not exhausted patients had a new cardiac event (OR = 2.7; CI = 1.1–6.3; p = .02). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that vital exhaustion continued to be of predictive value when other significant risk factors for new cardiac events were controlled for (i.e., severity of coronary artery disease and hypercholesterolemia). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Validation of the INNO-LIA Syphilis Kit as a Confirmatory Assay for Treponema pallidumAntibodies

ABSTRACT The commercially available diagnostic tests for syphilis are mostly based on the use of extracted antigens of Treponema pallidum. Pronounced cross-reactivities with other spirochete antigens are often reported. The aim of this study was to validate a novel multiparametric assay (the assay performed with the kit) INNO-LIA Syphilis for the confirmation of syphilis antibodies in a set of 840 documented human serum samples. All serum samples were previously tested at the French World Health Organization reference center for venereal diseases (Institute Alfred Fournier, Paris, France), with a consensus result provided for each sample. The study was conducted in two phases, with each phase involving a validation set (500 well-documented serum samples) and an exploratory set (340 serum samples) of serum samples, respectively. By measuring the sensitivity and specificity, we compared the result of the new assay with the consensus result on the basis of the results of a variable number of classical serological methods and clinical information when available. A sensitivity of 99.6% (95% confidence internal [CI], 98.5 to 99.9%) and a specificity of 99.5% (95% CI, 98.1 to 99.9%) were found for the new line immunoassay. Six of seven samples with indeterminate results by classical serology tested positive with the INNO-LIA Syphilis kit. This single multiparametric assay provides reliable confirmatory diagnostic information that must currently be obtained by the performance and interpretation of results of a combination of serological assays.
The Functional Val158Met Polymorphism of COMT Predicts Interindividual Differences in Brain α Oscillations in Young Men

Individual patterns of the electroencephalogram (EEG) in wakefulness and sleep are among the most heritable traits in humans, yet distinct genetic and neurochemical mechanisms underlying EEG phenotypes are largely unknown. A functional polymorphism in the gene encoding catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), an enzyme playing an important role in cortical dopamine metabolism, causes a common substitution of methionine (Met) for valine (Val) at codon 158 of COMT protein. Val allele homozygotes exhibit higher COMT activity and lower dopaminergic signaling in prefrontal cortex than Met/Met homozygotes. Evidence suggests that this polymorphism affects executive functions in healthy individuals. We hypothesized that it also modulates functional aspects of EEG in wakefulness and sleep. EEG recordings were conducted twice on separate occasions in 10 Val/Val and 12 Met/Met allele carriers (all men) in wakefulness, and in baseline and recovery sleep before and after 40 h prolonged waking. During sleep deprivation, subjects received placebo and modafinil in randomized, cross-over manner. We show that the Val158Met polymorphism predicts stable and frequency-specific, interindividual variation in brain α oscillations. α peak frequency in wakefulness was 1.4 Hz slower in Val/Val genotype than in Met/Met genotype. Moreover, Val/Val allele carriers exhibited less 11–13 Hz activity than Met/Met homozygotes in wakefulness, rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep, and non-REM sleep. This difference was resistant against the effects of sleep deprivation and modafinil. The data demonstrate that mechanisms involving COMT contribute to interindividual differences in brain α oscillations, which are functionally related to executive performance such as counting tendency on a random number generation task in young adults.
Herschel : the first science highlights Special feature L etter to the E ditor Determining dust temperatures and masses in the Herschel era : The importance of observations longward of 200 micron

Context. The properties of the dust grains (e.g., temperature and mass) can be derived from fitting far-IR SEDs (≥100 μm). Only with SPIRE on Herschel has it been possible to get high spatial resolution at 200 to 500 μm that is beyond the peak (∼160 μm) of dust emission in most galaxies. Aims. We investigate the differences in the fitted dust temperatures and masses determined using only <200 μm data and then also including >200 μm data (new SPIRE observations) to determine how important having >200 μm data is for deriving these dust properties. Methods. We fit the 100 to 350 μm observations of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) point-by-point with a model that consists of a single temperature and fixed emissivity law. The data used are existing observations at 100 and 160 μm (from IRAS and Spitzer) and new SPIRE observations of 1/4 of the LMC observed for the HERITAGE key project as part of the Herschel science demonstration phase. Results. The dust temperatures and masses computed using only 100 and 160 μm data can differ by up to 10% and 36%, respectively, from those that also include the SPIRE 250 & 350 μm data. We find that an emissivity law proportional to λ−1.5 minimizes the 100–350 μm fractional residuals. We find that the emission at 500 μm is ∼10% higher than expected from extrapolating the fits made at shorter wavelengths. We find the fractional 500 μm excess is weakly anti-correlated with MIPS 24 μm flux and the total gas surface density. This argues against a flux calibration error as the origin of the 500 μm excess. Our results do not allow us to distinguish between a systematic variation in the wavelength dependent emissivity law or a population of very cold dust only detectable at λ ≥ 500 μm for the origin of the 500 μm excess.
Distribution of Membrane Lipids of Planktonic Crenarchaeota in the Arabian Sea

ABSTRACT Intact core tetraether membrane lipids of marine planktonic Crenarchaeota were quantified in water column-suspended particulate matter obtained from four depth intervals (∼70, 500, 1,000 and 1,500 m) at seven stations in the northwestern Arabian Sea to investigate the distribution of the organisms at various depths. Maximum concentrations generally occurred at 500 m, near the top of the oxygen minimum zone, and the concentrations at this depth were, in most cases, slightly higher than those in surface waters. In contrast, lipids derived from eukaryotes (cholesterol) and from eukaryotes and bacteria (fatty acids) were at their highest concentrations in surface waters. This indicates that these crenarchaeotes are not restricted to the photic zone of the ocean, which is consistent with the results of recent molecular biological studies. Since the Arabian Sea has a strong oxygen minimum zone between 100 and 1,000 m, with minimum oxygen levels of <1 μM, the abundance of crenarchaeotal membrane lipids at 500 m suggests that planktonic Crenarchaeota are probably facultative anaerobes. The cell numbers we calculated from the concentrations of membrane lipids are similar to those reported for the Central Pacific Ocean, supporting the recent estimation of M. B. Karner, E. F. DeLong, and D. M. Karl (Nature409:507-510, 2001) that the world's oceans contain ca. 1028 cells of planktonic Crenarchaeota.
HomotopyContinuation.jl - a package for solving systems of polynomial equations in Julia

This paper is gives a short introduction into HomotopyContinuation.jl, a polynomial equations solver for Julia [1]. It present excerpts from the comprehensive documentation available at this https URL The aim of this project is twofold: establishing a fast numerical polynomial solver in Julia and at the same time providing a highly customizable algorithmic environment for researchers for designing and performing individual experiments. [1] J. Bezanson, A. Edelman, S. Karpinski and V. Shah: Julia: A fresh approach to numerical computing, SIAM Review, 59(1) (2017), 65-98.
The Money or the Principle?

Christel Lane and Reinhard Bachmann (eds), Trust within and Between Organizations , Oxford: Oxford University Press 1998, £45.00, xiii+334 pp. Patrick Maclagan, Management and Morality. A Developmental Perspective , London: Sage, £45.00, paper £14.99, vii+212 pp. Trust seems a useful test-case for business morality. According to Fukuyama it is the opposite of contractual relations, as it is ‘based on commonly shared norms . about deep “value” questions like the nature of God or justice, but it may also encompass secular norms, like professional standards and codes of behaviour. ’ (Fukuyama 1995: 26).
Farmers’ long-term investment decisions: a study of Sri Lankan rubber smallholders

Planting and replanting of perennial crops confronts small farmers with a long‐term investment decision. In this study, we analyse the behaviour of rubber smallholders in Sri Lanka when faced with a replacement decision. An intertemporal profit maximizing model (maximizing discounted stream of expected future net revenues) predicts behaviour of larger, hired labour using farmers quite well. The model can also be extended successfully to smaller, family farms, when a lower than market wage rate is imputed to family labour to better reflect opportunity cost of labour, and risk considerations are incorporated in relatively simple fashion. The difference between a cash investment and a labour investment is crucial for the poorer family farmers and an appropriate cash subsidy can play a vital role in inducing them to undertake long term investments.
Evidence for the presence of novel β-melatonin receptors along with classical α-melatonin receptors in the fish Rasbora daniconius (Ham.)

Abstract The effects of melatonin (MT) were examined on the isolated scale melanophores from dorso-lateral (D-L) and band regions of a tropical fish Rasbora daniconius. Our study primarily aimed for further depiction of the signaling receptors involved in MT mediated pigment translocations in the fish. Melanophore Size Index (MSI) was employed as a recording parameter for the responses of melanophores to MT and various antagonists. MT has induced aggregation as well as dispersion in D-L region and aggregation in band region melanophores during summer season. During winter, MT-induced responses were only of aggregatory type in D-L region, while in the band region there was an increase in the sensitivity. The responses of the melanophores to MT were reversible. The aggregation of innervated melanophores induced by MT on the D-L and band regions was partially mediated through the neurotransmitters released under the influence of MT and partially by the specific MT receptors. Luzindole and K185 have completely blocked the aggregatory responses of D-L and band region melanophores. Aggregatory receptors may be of the conventional α-MT type. Dispersion of D-L and band region melanophores induced by MT in the presence of various antagonists and on denervated band region could be the result of activation of β-MT receptors of dispersive nature. Presence of α and β MT receptors is thus indicated in this fish melanophores.
The Political Significance of the Imperial Watchword in the early Empire*

The emperor displayed his role as commander-in-chief through his actions as the soldiers' supreme benefactor, martial portraits on the coinage and imperial art, and speeches to particular army units. The fortunate survival of the text of Hadrian's speech at Lambaesis provides us with an exceptional record of how the emperor showed both an awareness of military techniques and empathy for the rigours of army life. In times of crisis, the emperor could address the soldiers directly, in order to ensure their continuing support for his rule. As a study on imperial witticisms has shown, what the emperor said was as important as what he did for the purpose of defining his role within the Principate.
Socio-economic position and quality of life among older people in 10 European countries: results of the SHARE study

This study examines associations between quality of life and multiple indicators of socio-economic position among people aged 50 or more years in 10 European countries, and analyses whether the relative importance of the socio-economic measures vary by age. The data are from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) in 2004. 15,080 cases were analysed. Quality of life was measured by a short version of the CASP-19 questionnaire, which represents quality of life as comprising four conceptual domains of individual needs that are particularly relevant in later life: control (C), autonomy (A), self-realisation (S) and pleasure (P). The short version has 12 items (three for each domain). Five indicators of socio-economic position were used: income, education, home ownership, net worth, and car ownership. A multiple logistic regression showed that quality of life was associated with socio-economic position, but that the associations varied by country. Relatively small socio-economic differences in quality of life were observed for Switzerland, but comparatively large differences in Germany. Education, income, net worth, and car ownership consistently related to quality of life, but the association of home ownership was less consistent. There was no indication that the socio-economic differences in quality of life diminished after retirement (i.e. from 65+ years). Conventional measures of socio-economic position (education and income), as well as alternative indicators (car ownership and household net worth), usefully identified the differential risks of poor quality of life among older people before and after the conventional retirement age.
Immunomodulatory effects of potential probiotics in a mouse peanut sensitization model.

Peanut allergy accounts for the majority of severe food-related allergic reactions and there is a need for new prevention and treatment strategies. Probiotics may be considered for treatment on the basis of their immunomodulating properties. Cytokine profiles of probiotic strains were determined by in vitro co-culture with human PBMCs. Three strains were selected to investigate their prophylactic potential in a peanut sensitization model by analysing peanut-specific antibodies, mast cell degranulation and ex vivo cytokine production by splenocytes. The probiotic strains induced highly variable cytokine profiles in PBMCs. L. salivarius HMI001, L. casei Shirota (LCS) and L. plantarum WCFS1 were selected for further investigation owing to their distinct cytokine patterns. Prophylactic treatment with both HMI001 and LCS attenuated the Th2 phenotype (reduced mast cell responses and ex vivo IL-4 and/or IL-5 production). In contrast, WCFS1 augmented the Th2 phenotype (increased mast cell and antibody responses and ex vivo IL-4 production). In vitro PBMC screening was useful in selecting strains with anti-inflammatory and Th1 skewing properties. In case of HMI001 (high IL-10/IL-12 ratio) and LCS (high interferon-γ and IL-12), partial protection was seen in a mouse peanut allergy model. Strikingly, certain strains may worsen the allergic reaction as shown in the case of WCFS1.
Differential frequencies of p16(INK4a) promoter hypermethylation, p53 mutation, and K-ras mutation in exfoliative material mark the development of lung cancer in symptomatic chronic smokers.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of three (epi)genetic alterations (p53 and K-ras mutations and p16(INK4a) promoter hypermethylation) in symptomatic chronic smokers compared with patients with lung cancer and to evaluate the use of exfoliative material for such analyses. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fifty-one patients with histologically confirmed lung cancer and 25 chronic smokers (> 20 pack-years) were investigated for mutations in the K-ras (codon 12) and p53 (codons 248, 249, and 273) genes and for allelic hypermethylation of the p16(INK4a) gene. DNA was isolated from sputum and bilateral bronchial lavage, and brushings were taken at bronchoscopy. RESULTS Forty-one genetic lesions were detected within exfoliative material from the group of 51 patients with lung cancer and 10 lesions in the chronic smoker group. K-ras mutations occurred exclusively in the lung cancer group, whereas p53 mutations and p16(INK4a) promoter hypermethylation were also found in chronic smokers. Three of eight chronic smokers who harbored an (epi)genetic alteration were subsequently diagnosed with lung cancer. Analysis of sputum yielded information equivalent to that of samples obtained during bronchoscopy. CONCLUSION p16(INK4a) promoter hypermethylation and p53 mutations can occur in chronic smokers before any clinical evidence of neoplasia and may be indicative of an increased risk of developing lung cancer or of early disease. K-ras mutations occur exclusively in the presence of clinically detectable neoplastic transformation. Molecular analysis of sputum for such markers may provide an effective means of screening chronic smokers to enable earlier detection and therapeutic intervention of lung cancer.
Success Themes in Scottish Family Enterprises: Philosophies and Practices Through the Generations

A series of workshops were held in Scotland to help family business managers identify and overcome obstacles to success. Core themes that emerged were family values, responsiveness to change, and family dynamics. The findings suggest that family enterprises have unique developmental characteristics with implications for economic and business development frameworks such as those in Scotland, which do not differentiate family businesses. A model is presented to analyze and categorize family enterprises in order to illustrate the issues facing family enterprises. The model provides insights into the source and effect of family values and family dynamics on the business and fosters business growth and development.
Binding of Serum Ferritin to Concanavalin A: Patients with Hornozygous β Thalassaemia and Transfusional Iron Overload

Serum ferritin concentrations have been measured in 124 patients with homozygous β thalassaemia who were between 2 and 21 years old, had received 11–504 units of blood but had not undergone splenectorny. There were highly significant correlations between serum ferritin concentration and both the amount of blood transfused and alanine amino‐transferase (ALT) activity. However, multivariate analysis showed that units of blood and ALT activity together only accounted for about 30% of the variation in serum ferritin concentration. Little of the remaining variation could be explained by other variables related to iron nietabolism or liver damage. The concentration of concanavalin A binding ferritin increased rapidly with the number of units of blood up to 100 units but thereafter showed no further increase with number of transfusions. The concentration of non‐binding ferritin was more closely related to transfusion load. These results suggest that the secretion of glycosylated ferritin from rcticuloendothelial cells reaches a maximum with increasing iron accumulation, perhaps reflecting a maximum rate of synthesis. Ferritinaemia in patients with transfusional iron overload therefore seems to be the result of the combined effects of increased ferritin synthesis and the release of intracellular ferritin from damaged cells. A simple relationship between serum ferritin and iron stores cannot be assumed when ferritin concentrations exceed 4000 μg/l or in patients who have received more than 100 units of transfused blood.