Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Free testosterone/cortisol ratio in soccer: usefulness of a categorization of values.

AIM The free testosterone:cortisol ratio (FTCR) is widely used for studying and preventing overtraining syndrome in various sports. The use of FTCR for following overtraining syndrome was proposed originally with two approaches: FTCR lower than 0.35x10(-3), calculated on free testosterone (FT) in nanomoles per liter (nmol/L) and on cortisol (C) in micromoles per liter (mmole/L) or a decrease of the ratio of 30% or more in comparison with the previous value. In our experience, the use of an absolute value as a threshold is not useful, whereas the evaluation of the concentrations of hormones and their ratio in comparison with previous ones is more useful. These classical approaches are not, however, sufficient to describe the various possible physiological modifications linked to training excess and/or incomplete recovery. METHODS We collected samples from 32 professional soccer players of an Italian First Division team, during the period July 2001-July 2003. We analyzed the values of 21 athletes during the season 2001-2002 and of 11 athletes during the season 2002-2003 (6 out of 11 were examined also during the previous one) always present when the 4 (first season) or 5 (second season) blood drawings have been performed. We applied an original, pragmatic and easy-to-use classification of FTCR values, in association with classical interpretations based on decreases of the values in comparison with previous athlete's result. RESULTS We used the traditional approaches in two consecutive seasons in a professional soccer team: the evaluation of the decrease >30% of the parameter in comparison with the previous value or with the basal (preseason) value are shown. The statistical differences between the FTCR values of the six athletes followed in both seasons were not significant. CONCLUSIONS The classification method we propose is advantageous in comparison with traditional interpretative schemes, because identify different risk categories, stratifying the interval between the values 0.35-0.8.
Export diversification and economic growth in some selected developing countries

Nowadays, export diversification has become one of the most important economic objectives of development strategies in the developing countries. For various reasons, such as preventing instability in export prices of primary products in global markets and consequently, reducing fluctuations in exchanges of them compared with industrial goods, producing dynamic benefits resulted from exporting various goods and increasing productivity of production factors may increase the rate of economic growth. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the role of export diversification in the economic growth of some selected developing countries over the period of 2000-2009. Accordingly, the relationship among GDP per capita, physical capital stock, labour force, and export diversification index was studied using the generalized method of moments (GMM). The results showed that reducing export specialization and, consequently, increasing export diversification have significantly positive effect on the rate of economic growth of these countries. Key words: Export diversification, economic growth, developing countries, GMM.
Identification of a new fimbrial structure in enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) serotype O148:H28 which adheres to human intestinal mucosa: a potentially new human ETEC colonization factor

Three important fimbrial colonization factor antigens (CFAs) designated CFA/I, CFA/II, and E8775 were identified originally in some human enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strains because of their mannose-resistant hemagglutination properties. To identify CFA, in strains lacking mannose-resistant hemagglutination properties we exploited the ability of human ETEC strains to adhere to human proximal small intestinal mucosa. ETEC strain B7A (O148:H28) was selected for study because it belongs to an epidemiologically important serotype and does not produce a known CFA, and yet it is known to be pathogenic and cause diarrheal disease in human volunteers. Results of an human enterocyte adhesion assay indicated that some bacteria in cultures of B7A produced adhesive factors. To select for such bacteria, cultured human duodenal mucosal biopsy samples were infected with B7A for up to 12 h, after which time a large percentage of the mucosal surface became colonized by bacteria. A new fimbrial structure morphologically distinct from CFA/I, CFA/II, and E8775 fimbriae and consisting of curly fibrils (approximately 3 nm in diameter) was readily identified when bacteria were subcultured from the mucosa and examined by electron microscopy. Identical fimbriae were produced by ETEC strain 1782-77 of the same serotype. Identification of these fimbriae only on bacteria subcultured from human intestinal mucosa strongly suggests that they promote mucosal adhesion of ETEC serotype O148:H28 and thus represent a potentially new human ETEC CFA.
Diagnostic and prognostic value of procalcitonin and sTREM-1 levels in sepsis.

BACKGROUND/AIM Sepsis is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality despite the improvements in diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the values of procalcitonin and soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) in the differential diagnosis of patients with sepsis and noninfectious systemic inflammatory response syndrome (NI-SIRS) and measure their importance in the prognosis of patients with sepsis. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective study included 41 NI-SIRS and 33 sepsis patients hospitalized in Celal Bayar University Hospital, Manisa, Turkey. Blood samples were taken from NI-SIRS patients on days 0 and 3 and from sepsis patients on days 0, 3, 4, 7, and 14. Clinical status of the patients was determined with the SOFA scoring system. RESULTS The SOFA scoring system and procalcitonin and sTREM-1 measurements were significant in the differential diagnosis of sepsis and NI-SIRS patients. The SOFA scoring system was considered the most important indicator in determining the prognosis of sepsis patients. Procalcitonin and sTREM-1 levels increased progressively in nonsurvivors and decreased in survivors, but changes were statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION In the differentiation of sepsis and NI-SIRS, and evaluation of the prognosis of sepsis, combined measurements of procalcitonin and sTREM-1 levels are important.
HIV Lipodystrophy Case Definition using Artificial Neural Network Modelling

Objective A case definition of HIV lipodystrophy has recently been developed from a combination of clinical, metabolic and imaging/body composition variables using logistic regression methods. We aimed to evaluate whether artificial neural networks could improve the diagnostic accuracy. Methods The database of the case-control Lipodystrophy Case Definition Study was split into 504 subjects (265 with and 239 without lipodystrophy) used for training and 284 independent subjects (152 with and 132 without lipodystrophy) used for validation. Back-propagation neural networks with one or two middle layers were trained and validated. Results were compared against logistic regression models using the same information. Results Neural networks using clinical variables only (41 items) achieved consistently superior performance than logistic regression in terms of specificity, overall accuracy and area under the ROC curve. Their average sensitivity and specificity were 72.4 and 71.2%, as compared with 73.0 and 62.9% for logistic regression, respectively (area under the ROC curve, 0.784 vs 0.748). The discriminating performance of the neural networks was largely unaffected when built excluding 13 parameters that patients may not have readily available. The average sensitivity and specificity of the neural networks remained the same when metabolic variables were also considered (total 60 items) without a clear advantage against logistic regression (overall accuracy 71.8%). The performance of networks considering also body composition variables was similar to that of logistic regression (overall accuracy 78.5% for both). Conclusions Neural networks may offer a means to improve the discriminating performance for HIV lipodystrophy, when only clinical data are available and a rapid approximate diagnostic decision is needed. In this context, information on metabolic parameters is apparently not helpful in improving the diagnosis of HIV lipodystrophy, unless imaging and body composition studies are also obtained.
Murine ORAI2 Splice Variants Form Functional Ca2+ Release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) Channels*

The stimulation of membrane receptors coupled to the phopholipase C pathway leads to activation of the Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels. Recent evidence indicates that ORAI1 is an essential pore subunit of CRAC channels. STIM1 is additionally required for CRAC channel activation. The present study focuses on the genomic organization, tissue expression pattern, and functional properties of the murine ORAI2. Additionally, we report the cloning of the murine ORAI1, ORAI3, and STIM1. Two chromosomal loci were identified for the murine orai2 gene, one containing an intronless gene and a second locus that gives rise to the splice variants ORAI2 long (ORAI2L) and ORAI2 short (ORAI2S). Northern blots revealed a prominent expression of the ORAI2 variants in the brain, lung, spleen, and intestine, while ORAI1, ORAI3, and STIM1 appeared to be near ubiquitously expressed in mice tissues. Specific antibodies detected ORAI2 in RBL 2H3 but not in HEK 293 cells, whereas both cell lines appeared to express ORAI1 and STIM1 proteins. Co-expression experiments with STIM1 and either ORAI1 or ORAI2 variants showed that ORAI2L and ORAI2S enhanced substantially CRAC current densities in HEK 293 but were ineffective in RBL 2H3 cells, whereas ORAI1 strongly amplified CRAC currents in both cell lines. Thus, the capability of ORAI2 variants to form CRAC channels depends strongly on the cell background. Additionally, CRAC channels formed by ORAI2S were strongly sensitive to inactivation by internal Ca2+. When co-expressed with STIM1 and ORAI1, ORAI2S apparently plays a negative dominant role in the formation of CRAC channels.
The Last American Shoe Manufacturers: Decreasing Productivity and Increasing Profits in the Shift from Piece Rates to Continuous Flow Production

This study examines the economic effects of changes in a group of managerial policies, a key element of which was the switch from piece rate to time rate modes of compensation, in one of the last remaining firms in the U.S. shoe industry in the 1990s. The firm, which we call 'Big Foot' (BF), entered the 1990s using a set of human resource policies that included piece rates to motivate workers, which induced relatively high productivity. But, faced with severe foreign competition, it switched to time rates and associated managerial policies, which produced higher profits despite lowering productivity. The reason profits increased is that time rate-related labor management policies reduced labor and other costs by enough to offset a fall in productivity. Data for shoe manufacturing from the Longitudinal Research Data (LRD) files of the U.S. Census show, more generally, that establishments with high labor costs and relatively many nonproduction workers, both of which are associated with management policies that often include piece rates, had lower rates of survival in this period than other establishments. Our finding that labor management policies associated with piece rate compensation can raise productivity but lower profitability is consistent with the broad decline of piece rate pay in advanced economies.
Morphological and Molecular Revision of Zoanthus (Anthozoa: Hexacorallia) from Southwestern Japan, with Descriptions of Two New Species

Abstract No clear method of identifying species in the zoanthid genus Zoanthus has been established, due in part to the morphological plasticity of this genus (e.g., in polyp and colony form, oral disk color, tentacle number). Previous research utilizing the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene (COI) as a phylogenetic marker indicated that Zoanthus spp. in Japan may consist of only one or two species, despite a bewildering variety of observed morphotypes. Here we have utilized not only COI but also mitochondrial 16S ribosomal DNA (mt 16S rDNA) in order to clarify the extent of Zoanthus species diversity in southern Japan. Our molecular genetic results clearly show the presence of three monophyletic Zoanthus species groups with varying levels of morphological plasticity, including the new species Z. gigantus n. sp. and Z. kuroshio n. sp. We describe all three species found in this study, and identify potential morphological characters (coenenchyme and polyp structure as well as polyp external surface pigmentation patterns) useful in Zoanthus species identification. A morphological dichotomous key is provided to assist in field species identification.
Conjunctival Lymphoid Follicles in New World Rodents

We report for the first time, the detection of conjunctival lymphoid follicles (CLF) in the eyes of New World rodents. CLF were found in 7 of the 15 species examined, 6 of the 10 genera, and in at least one individual in four families of rodents. These follicles are dense collections of leukocytes in the conjunctival substantia propria with a thinned overlying epithelium lacking in goblet cells. Although the precise location of CLF within the conjunctiva varied from species to species, all CLF were found in the fornix of the conjunctival sac. In general, size and complexity of CLF varied with the size of the eye; the larger the eye, the larger and more complex the CLF. Our findings also reveal that some species of New World rodents, like the majority of Old World rodents examined in this and previous studies might lack CLF. However, until larger samples are examined, this is difficult to state with certainty. Consequently, the presence/absence of CLF at this point might not be informative for phylogenetic comparisons. Our findings also suggest the deer mouse, Peromyscus maniculatus, might serve as a useful model species for studying ocular infections and immunology of the eye. Anat Rec, 290:1190–1194, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Job Sharing: Evidence from New Zealand

Results of a survey undertaken in Dunedin (a university city of approximately 96,000 people in the South Island of New Zealand) provide two interesting insights regarding the implementation of job sharing in the surveyed organisations: first, that the majority of job-share positions are employer-initiated; and second, that there is a preponderance of newly established job-share positions. These findings depart from the established international pattern. Possible explanations are considered.
Swimming Upstream: Trends in the Gender Wage Differential in the 1980s

Using Michigan Panel Study of Income Dynamics data for 1979 and 1988, we analyze how a falling gender wage gap occurred despite changes in wage structure unfavorable to low-wage workers. The decrease is traced to "gender-specific" factors which more than counterbalanced changes in measured and unmeasured prices working against women. Supply shifts net of demand were unfavorable for women generally and hurt high-skilled more than middle- and low-skilled women. By analyzing wages, we find support for the notion of a gender twist in supply and demand having its largest negative effect on high-skilled women.
The Impact of Retention Incentives and Client Business Risks on Auditors' Decisions Involving Aggressive Reporting Practices

This research examines the individual and interactive effects of client retention incentive and client business risks on auditors' decisions regarding whether to accept clients' aggressive reporting practices. Fifty‐five audit seniors and managers from all of the Big 5 accounting firms participated in this experimental study. We find a significant main effect of client business risks and an interactive effect between client retention incentives and client business risks on auditors' decisions. Specifically, the results indicate that, when a client's business risks are high, auditors tend to scrutinize such risks and carefully evaluate a client's proposed accounting practices. However, when there is less concern over a client's business risks, auditors may be willing to accept the client's aggressive reporting proposal if retention incentives are high.
L'intérim, un milieu favorable au déroulement de carrières nomades ?

Temporary work : an enabler for boundaryless careers ? The aim of the present paper is to examinate the notion of career applied to the temporary help service (THS) workers. During the recent period, leader firms in the temporary help service industry in France are trying to build real "careers" for their temporary employees, by using various methods, such as enabling long-term employment relationships, or making efforts to extend some benefits of the "permanents" employees to the temporary workers (mutual funds, occupational training.). Our ambition is to study the impacts of these evolutions on the temporary employees, by using the framework of the boundaryless careers [ex: Arthur and Rousseau – on 1996; Cadin and al – on 2003]. We formulate the hypothesis that the professional course of some specific temporary workers (mobile and qualified) can now be viewed as real careers, regarding the framework proposed by the boundaryless careers theorists. To validate this hypothesis, we led a qualitative empirical study (31 interviews conducted with temporary work agency managers), completed by a questionnaire administered to a sample of 208 temporary employees. We then built a typology drawing from the results, based on two criteria (employability and preference for temporary work), which allowed us to isolate a class of "boundaryless temporary workers". These employees demonstrate four important characteristics: – High level of preference for temporary work; – Strong perceived employability; – Limited perceived job insecurity; – Positive opinion towards the notion of "temporary career". These results must be considered with caution, because they raised complex institutional and psychological issues concerning the notion of "temporary career". Institutionally, we can demonstrate that the temporary work legal frame in France is not adapted for workers willing to pursuit a long term career under temporary status. Under a psychological point of view, we notice that the social image of the temporary work remains strongly associated with uncertainty and job insecurity. This social image generates a stigmatization for the long-term temporary workers in their everyday life (ex : discriminations). All these obstacles contribute to explain that the percentage of "boundaryless temporary employees" on our sample is low (15% of the respondents).
Strengths and weaknesses of the outward FDI paths of the Central European countries

This article uses foreign direct investment (FDI) annual reports of central banks and annual reports of the largest firms to study the outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) of the Central European countries. Four countries – the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovenia – are the source of the predominant part of the OFDI stock of the Central-Eastern European area. Since the beginning of the 2000s the OFDI of the Central European countries has increased sharply. A small number of large horizontal multinationals investing in the neighbouring countries account for the bulk of the OFDI flows and stock. We distinguish three different OFDI paths and analyse the strengths and weaknesses of each one: the Czech and Hungarian path is characterised by the pivotal role of the foreign-owned multinationals in the OFDI process. The Polish OFDI path differs from the Czech and Hungarian path by the central role played by the state-owned extractive and infrastructure companies in the Polish FDI abroad. In Slovenia, the OFDI path takes the form of investments by private indigenous-grown multinationals that have successfully set up subsidiaries in the neighbouring countries.
Design of system-level simulation platform for 5G networks

The Fifth Generation (5G) of mobile communications systems have been proposed and researched globally, and are expected to be launched in 2020. Aside from diverse exciting air-interface innovations for 5G systems, the networking design plays the critically important role to support the massive mobile traffics. It is widely recognized that the core features of 5G networking lie in the heterogeneous accesses, which are not confined to coexistence of small and macro cells, but generalized to access over multiple air-interfaces with utterly different networking fashions, such as LTE-A and WLAN. The heterogeneous feature not only complicates the network design, but also imposes significant challenges in system-level simulations and evaluations. Lack of innovation in simulation techniques will no doubt slow down the evolving and standardization process of 5G systems. To tackle these problems, we in this paper present a novel design of system-level 5G simulation platform. The unique features of our design include two-fold. 1) Simultaneous simulation of different types of networks are supported. In particular, cellular networks run in a well time-aligned fashion while WiFi operates entirely based on asynchronous random access mechanism. 2) Our platform offers the simulation of concurrent transmissions over multiple radio-access technologies for each single user, supporting either single or multiple services. We elaborate on the core ideas of our design embedding the aforementioned features as well as the details for building the entire platform. We also discuss the future innovative efforts and directions in simulation techniques for 5G networks.
POVERTY IS NOT BEING REDUCED IN MOZAMBIQUE

The paper presents a wide range of data on Mozambique and examines what this shows about changes to poverty and income levels over the past decade. The authors point to the lack of changes in farming practice which is contributing to the persistence of poverty and consider cash income and the poverty trap in Mozambique. The paper goes on to discuss the failure of donor-led development models and looks at Mozambique and other countries for alternative policies that might reduce poverty and raise agricultural production. Finally, the paper considers the arguments for and against a change of policy in the future.
The Application of Activity-Based Costing in a Quick Service Restaurant

ABSTRACT Traditional cost accounting systems in the manufacturing sector have been replaced in recent years by Activity Based Costing (ABC) systems. This study demonstrates the incorporation of ABC data into traditional Contribution Margin (CM) methods and provides food service managers with an improved tool for cost and profitability analysis. The study uses ABC data collected from a Quick Service restaurant (QSR) in the Southeastern United States. ABC methodologies, using qualitative methods, adapted from an established model for full-service restaurants, allowed for the tracing of overhead costs to individual menu items. Results reveal that ABC is a superior method for establishing overall menu profitability, and that a restaurant manager's menu management decisions will change dramatically if he or she is confronted with differing results from a contribution margin analysis and an ABC approach.