Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mehrstufige Verjüngungskontrollen und Grenzwerte für die Verbissintensität | Comparitive regeneration control and limiting value of browsing damage intensity

Storms such as Lothar often bring to light what has previously lain hidden in dark forests, thereby heightening our perception of problems in the realms of forest and game. Hunting and forestry measures can solve these problems and basic information is important in order to determine suitable measures. This is why regeneration control is called for after every storm to gather up-to-date information on forest regeneration and the influence of game. A collecting concept must include a supply of data from many levels. In a first step, on the basis of a survey assessment, we ask whether the region under investigation is a problem area or not and regions are accordingly assigned to one of either category. In a second step, measurements are carried out on samples in chosen indicator areas. These indicator areas are between 30 and 50 ha and representative of the forest and game conditions of the whole. In this phase woodland plants are inventoried according to the vegetation period of the previous year and the d.
Influence of different monetary regimes on financial stability in see countries

This paper aims to address different monetary regimes in SEE countries and its performances regarding financial stability in the context of the current financial crisis. SEE countries seem to have been more pre-crisis vulnerable to financial and real shocks. Five countries are observed in this paper – Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, FYR Macedonia and Bulgaria. Nowadays international capital flows are very important in determining performances of different monetary regimes. It shows the level of financial integration which is important element of the Mundell-Fleming`s model and the related principle of impossible trinity. In today’s economy with most countries being financially integrated, they are moving to either pure float or monetary union, and analysis in the SEE region supported the bipolar view regarding the exchange rate regime. However, the emergence of the crisis has caused a significant drop in FDI in these countries. This once more highlights the standpoint that FDI can be described as a double-edge sward. The massive inflow of foreign capital that made the boom years possible is now the source of a very large problem for the region because this region is highly indebted externally. Authors try to find the best definition of systemic financial risk and financial (in)stability in order to consider the key aspects of macro prudential policymaking in the SEE region. Recommendation in the paper for all SEE economies is immediate adoption of the Basel III standards with the argument to give macro prudential policy mandate to an explicit authority to conduct efficient and timely decision making.
[Serologic and clinical evidence for endemic occurrences of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis in North-Eastern Switzerland].

BACKGROUND Tick-borne human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) has not been diagnosed in Switzerland, although the HGE agent has been identified in ticks and animal reservoirs and human infections have been suspected on the basis of serological surveys. METHODS We retrospectively tested sera of 48 persons with antibodies to B. burgdorferi and/or tick-borne encephalitis virus for the presence of antibodies to E. phagocytophila (a surrogate marker of the agent of HGE), and reviewed their charts with regard to clinical manifestations possibly associated with a tick-borne infection. We then prospectively examined EDTA blood of 80 patients who presented with fever 7 to 21 days after a tick bite for the presence of the HGE agent (using nested PCR and microscopic examination of blood smears) and anti-E. phagocytophila antibodies. We also collected clinical data. RESULTS The retrospective study revealed 12 persons (25%) with anti-E. phagocytophila antibody titers > or = 1:80, suggesting coinfection with HGE and either Lyme Borrelia or tick-borne encephalitis virus. Among these, 7 patients presented with clinical manifestations compatible with HGE disease. The prospective investigation identified 8 patients (10%) with anti-E. phagocytophila antibody titers > or = 1:80, and 7 of these presented with signs and symptoms suggesting HGE. The HGE agent, however, was detected neither by PCR nor by microscopic examination. CONCLUSIONS Serological and clinical data suggest the occurrence of an HGE-like agent as well as of coinfections with HGE and B. burgdorferi or tick-borne encephalitis virus in Switzerland. However, the HGE agent was not identified in persons living in Switzerland.
The Impact of High School Financial Education: Experimental Evidence from Brazil

This paper studies the impact of a comprehensive financial education program spanning six states, 868 schools, and approximately 20,000 high school students in Brazil through a randomized control trial. The program increased student financial knowledge by a quarter of a standard deviation and led to a 1.4 percentage point increase in saving for purchases, better likelihood of financial planning, and greater participation in household financial decisions by students. "Trickle-up"impacts on parents were also significant, with improvements in parent financial knowledge, savings, and spending behavior. The study also finds evidence that the program affected students'inter-temporal preferences and attitudes.
A biological rationale for musical consonance

The basis of musical consonance has been debated for centuries without resolution. Three interpretations have been considered: (i) that consonance derives from the mathematical simplicity of small integer ratios; (ii) that consonance derives from the physical absence of interference between harmonic spectra; and (iii) that consonance derives from the advantages of recognizing biological vocalization and human vocalization in particular. Whereas the mathematical and physical explanations are at odds with the evidence that has now accumulated, biology provides a plausible explanation for this central issue in music and audition.
Tourism planning: an emerging specialization

Abstract Tourism has become a major global activity, and the planning of tourism is emerging as a specialized type of development planning. Planners have accumulated considerable experience on methodological approaches to tourism planning and a number of techniques, principles, and models have evolved. However, continued research and experimentation are needed, especially to determine optimum forms of tourism development for particular types of areas. This article presents an overview of the tourism planning process and some typical planning principles, with emphasis on environmental and socioeconomic considerations. As tourism continues to expand, the field of tourism planning will offer new opportunities and challenges to the planning profession.
Urinary neopterin concentrations during combination therapy with cetuximab in previously treated patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM Increased concentrations of neopterin, a biomarker of systemic immune response, have been reported after administration of cytokines, cytotoxic chemotherapy or external-beam radiation, but little is known about the effects of targeted-agents on neopterin. PATIENTS AND METHODS Urinary neopterin was studied in pre-treated patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma during therapy with cetuximab, administered mostly in combination with irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin. Urinary neopterin was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS High initial urinary neopterin concentrations predicted poor prognosis. A significant correlation was observed between urinary neopterin and peripheral blood leukocyte count, hemoglobin and carcinoembryonic antigen concentrations. Urinary neopterin concentrations significantly increased during therapy only in patients with initially low neopterin concentrations. CONCLUSION Urinary neopterin concentrations predict prognosis in patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma treated with cetuximab. Rising neopterin concentrations indicate an activation of systemic immune response that could be responsible for the antitumor activity of cetuximab.
In vivo transfer of a reporter gene to the retina mediated by an adenoviral vector.

PURPOSE The ability of replication-deficient adenovirus to mediate gene transfer to retinal cells was evaluated. METHODS A replication-deficient adenoviral vector, AdCMV beta A.ntlacZ, which contains the bacterial beta-galactosidase (lacZ) reporter gene, was injected into the subretinal space of normal, rd, and rds strains of mice at various ages. The efficiency and duration of transgene expression were assessed by histochemical examination and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS AdCMV beta A.ntlacZ was effective in mediating gene transfer to the retinal pigment epithelial cells, rod and cone photoreceptor cells, and cells in the inner nuclear layer of the retina for periods of up to 1 month. Gene transfer to retinal pigment epithelial cells occurred at much lower viral titers than was required for gene transfer to photoreceptor cells. The extent to which photoreceptor cells could be transduced varied with the age of the animals and the conditions of the photoreceptor cells: greater numbers of photoreceptor cells were transduced in 5- to 7-day-old pups and in mice at the initial stages of photoreceptor degeneration than in normal adult mice. No evidence of gross pathogenic effects or viremia in recipient mice was observed. CONCLUSIONS Replication-deficient adenovirus mediates transfer and expression of a foreign gene in retinal pigment epithelial and photoreceptor cells. Gene transfer to photoreceptor cells is enhanced in developing retinas or at the predegenerate stage of photoreceptors in genetically programmed retinal degeneration.
Discriminating factors of information systems function performance in Hong Kong firms practising TQM

This paper proposes an effective way to improve poor performance of ISF. The result finding was based on a questionnaire survey, and the selected respondents were asked to evaluate the adoption level of the TQM concept in governing their information systems function. Through the tests of reliability and validity, the proposed instrument was verified as a good measuring tool. The findings show that dissatisfying performers of ISF should pay more emphasis on the practices of user focus, IS top management support, and IS product/service design.
HIGH MALE REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS OF HERMAPHRODITES IN THE ANDRODIOECIOUS PHILLYREA ANGUSTIFOLIA

Abstract Androdioecy, the coexistence of males and hermaphrodites within a population, is a rare breeding system, often considered as unlikely to evolve because of restrictive conditions for its maintenance. Phillyrea angustifolia, a wind-pollinated shrub, is one of the handful species reported to be androdioecious. Our previous studies have shown that natural populations of this species in southern France exhibit higher male frequencies (∼50%) than predicted on theoretical grounds. Thus, the male functionality of hermaphrodites is still debated. To assess the functional breeding system of this species in the wild, a paternity analysis was performed with two highly polymorphic microsatellite loci on 729 seeds collected on 10 maternal shrubs in a natural population of 24 mature individuals of P. angustifolia. A large proportion of seeds were found to have been sired by pollen from outside the population. Analysis of seeds sired by individuals within the study population revealed a high male fertility of hermaphrodites resulting in a low male advantage in fertility for male plants. Intermate distances were found to have a strong impact on male reproductive success, whereas sexual morph had no effect, with males and hermaphrodites performing equivalently. This study is the first to unequivocally document the occurrence of a male function of hermaphrodites in a natural population of an androdioecious species.
Effects of almond dietary supplementation on coronary heart disease lipid risk factors and serum lipid oxidation parameters in men with mild hyperlipidemia.

OBJECTIVES Oxidation and level of plasma lipids are closely implicated in the development of coronary heart disease (CHD). Dietary almond supplementation may participate in beneficial effects on CHD lipid risk factor levels and their susceptibility to oxidative modification. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with almond on serum lipid levels and their relation to lipid oxidation parameters in men with mild hyperlipidemia. DESIGN Thirty (30) healthy volunteer men (age 45.57 ± 7.14 years and body-mass index 24.29 ± 2.15 kg/m(2)) with mild hyperlipidemia received 60 g almond daily for 4 weeks. OUTCOME MEASURES Overnight fasting blood samples were obtained before and after supplementation. Serum levels of lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins and copper-induced serum lipid oxidation were determined. Lipid oxidation was followed by monitoring of the change of conjugated dienes in diluted serum after addition of Cu(2+). A number of quantitative parameters including lag-time, maximal rate of oxidation (V-max), and maximal amount of lipid peroxide products (OD-max) were evaluated. RESULTS After 4 weeks, almond supplementation significantly decreased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol (TC), and apolipoprotein B100 (apo-B100). At baseline, there was little correlation between lipid risk factors and lipid oxidation parameters, but a positive correlation was observed between TC and lag-time (r = 0.6, p = 0.001), negative correlation between TC with V-max and OD-max (r = -0.65, p < 0.001 and r = -0.61, p = 0.001), and also positive correlation between apo-B100 with V-max and OD-max (r = 0.48, p = 0.01 and r = 0.54, p = 0.003) after almond supplementation. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrated that almond supplementation, in addition to lowering effects on serum levels of CHD lipid risk factors, may contribute to a dramatic change in the relation of lipid risk factors and susceptibility of serum lipids to oxidative modification. This may be due to the distribution of different almond phenolic antioxidants in different components of serum including nonlipoprotein molecules such as serum albumin.
Human Resource Management: the Views of Personnel Directors1

John Gennard and James Kelly, who are Professor and Senior Lecturer respectively in the Department of Human Resource Management at the University of Strathclyde, use data from semi-structured interviews with a number of personnel directors to consider whether, in their view, there is a new HRM paradigm and, if so, whether there is revolution/discontinuity or evolution/continuity with personnel management. They suggest that the contrast between the majority of those interviewed, who considered there to be no difference between HRM and personnel management, and a significant minority, who did, could largely be explained in terms of the extent to which the function was well established and/or needed to signal to other key actors that a new ‘order’ was necessary.
The influence of perceived employee voice on organizational commitment: an exchange perspective

Using exchange theory, this study examines how perceptions of employee voice, the employee–line manager relationship, and trust in senior management are related to organizational commitment. It is hypothesized that the direct relationship between perceptions of opportunities for employee voice and organizational commitment is mediated by the longer-term effects of the perceived employee–line manager relationship and trust in senior management. Multiple regression analysis of a sample of 2,291 employees in organizations undergoing significant change finds some support for this hypothesis, highlighting in particular the importance of trust in senior management as a partial mediator of the relationship between employee voice and organizational commitment. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fat mass loss predicts gain in physical function with intentional weight loss in older adults.

BACKGROUND Clinical recommendation of weight loss (WL) in older adults remains controversial, partially due to concerns regarding lean mass loss and potential loss of physical function. The purpose of this study is to determine the independent associations between changes in fat and lean mass and changes in physical function in older, overweight, and obese adults undergoing intentional WL. METHODS Data from three randomized-controlled trials of intentional WL in older adults with similar functional outcomes (short physical performance battery and Pepper assessment tool for disability) were combined. Analyses of covariance models were used to investigate relationships between changes in weight, fat, and lean mass (acquired using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) and changes in physical function. RESULTS Overall loss of body weight was -7.8 ± 6.1 kg (-5.6 ± 4.1 kg and -2.7 ± 2.4 kg of fat and lean mass, respectively). In all studies combined, after adjustment for age, sex, and height, overall WL was associated with significant improvements in self-reported mobility disability (p < .01) and walking speed (p < .01). Models including change in both fat and lean mass as independent variables found only the change in fat mass to significantly predict change in mobility disability (β[fat] = 0.04; p < .01) and walking speed (β[fat] = -0.01; p < .01). CONCLUSIONS Results from this study demonstrate that loss of body weight, following intentional WL, is associated with significant improvement in self-reported mobility disability and walking speed in overweight and obese older adults. Importantly, fat mass loss was found to be a more significant predictor of change in physical function than lean mass loss.
Unmet needs of caregivers of severely affected multiple sclerosis patients: A qualitative study

ABSTRACT Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients' caregivers are sometimes considered as “hidden patients. ” How much more this might be true for caregivers of severely affected MS patients has so far been scarcely studied. Palliative care also addressing relatives' needs might therefore be very relevant for these caregivers. However, we do not yet know which unmet needs they have and how these could be met. Our aim was to gain an insight into the subjectively unmet needs of caregivers of severely affected MS patients in Germany. Method: The study employed a qualitative cross-sectional approach for assessing unmet needs. Twelve caregivers of severely affected MS patients were recruited using a convenience sampling approach. Face-to-face interviews were conducted, audiotaped, and transcribed verbatim, followed by qualitative content analysis. Results: Unmet needs were sorted into the following categories: “relationship to physician,” “individual support by the healthcare system,” “relationship to the individual severely affected by MS,” “end-of-life issues,” “self-care,” and “higher awareness of MS.” Caregivers tended to group the unmet needs of their care recipients with their own and rarely focused on their own wishes and restrictions. Significance of Results: A close patient–caregiver dyad makes it difficult to differentiate unmet caregiver needs. However, the palliative care approach might help caregivers of severely affected MS patients by answering questions on disease progress and end-of-life issues, as well as by offering respite care, support for self-care, and help in preserving one's identity, and also anticipating the time to come after the death.
Fine pitch chip interconnection technology for 3D integration

3D-IC packaging using through silicon via technology has been extensively developed to meet small form factor and low power consumption for next generation devices. For 3D chip integration, a robust micro-joining technology is required to stack Si chips, which usually offer high I/O pin counts to achieve better electrical performance. As for the 3D chip stacking methodology, chip-on-wafer bonding is expected to have higher yield than chip-on-chip or wafer-on-wafer bonding. In the case of chip-on-chip bonding, the large amount of bottom chip warpage induced by the printed circuit board during bonding causes a serious drop in the joining yield. Wafer-on-wafer bonding is limited by lower cumulative yield even though the throughput is very high. In this study, the chip-on-wafer bonding method is used for 3D chip stacking, and the 40um pitch interconnection technology is developed. Both fluxless thermo-compression and conventional flip chip bonding technique were adopted and evaluated for chip-on-wafer bonding. By optimizing the bonding conditions, the good bondability and electrical connections were achieved regardless of bonding technique.
Gender Differences in the Intergenerational Earnings Mobility of Second-Generation Migrants

This study analyzes gender diff erences in the intergenerational earnings mobility of second-generation migrants in Germany. The analysis takes into account potential influences like assortative mating in the form of ethnic marriages and the parental integration measured by parents' years since migration. First, intergenerational earnings elasticities are estimated at the mean and along the earnings distribution. The results do not reveal large differences in the intergenerational mobility - neither between natives and migrants nor between men and women. Second, intergenerational changes in the relative earnings position are analyzed. The results show that migrants are less likely than natives to worsen their relative earnings position while they have the same probability as natives to improve their earnings position. In summary, migrants are mostly as (im)mobile as the native population.
Management Buyouts: Evidence on Taxes as a Source of Value

type="main" xml:lang="en"> This paper estimates the value of tax benefits in 76 management buyouts of public companies completed in the period 1980 to 1986. The median value of tax benefits, estimated at the time the buyout company goes private, has a lower bound of 21% and an upper bound of 143% of the premium paid to pre-buyout shareholders. The estimated value depends on the rate buyout debt is repaid and the tax rate applied to the interest deductions. The paper also presents evidence on the actual taxes paid and debt repayment rates by these companies after the buyout. The results in this paper suggest that tax benefits are an important source of the wealth gains in management buyouts.
Exposing Vulnerabilities in Mobile Networks: A Mobile Data Consumption Attack

Smartphone carrier companies rely on mobile networks for keeping an accurate record of customer data usage for billing purposes. In this paper, we present a vulnerability that allows an attacker to force the victim's smartphone to consume data through the cellular network by starting the data download on the victim's cell phone without the victim's knowledge. The attack is based on switching the victim's smartphones from the Wi-Fi network to the cellular network while downloading a large data file. This attack has been implemented in real-life scenarios where the test's outcomes demonstrate that the attack is feasible and that mobile networks do not record customer data usage accurately.
Pattern Clustering With Statistical Methods Using a DNA-Based Algorithm

Clustering is commonly exploited in engineering, management, and science fields with the objective of revealing structure in pattern data sets. In this article, through clustering we construct meaningful collections of information granules (clusters). Although the underlying goal is obvious, its realization is fully challenging. Given their nature, clustering is a well-known NP-complete problem. The existing algorithms commonly produce some suboptimal solutions. As a vehicle of pattern clustering, we discuss in this article how to use a DNA-based algorithm. We also discuss the details of encoding being used here with statistical methods combined with the DNA-based algorithm for pattern clustering.