Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Which workers are more vulnerable to work intensification? An analysis of two national surveys

Purpose - – The purpose of this paper is to identify whether there are particular employee groups that are more vulnerable to work intensification and its outcomes for well-being. Design/methodology/approach - – This paper utilises data collected in two representative national surveys in 2005 ( Findings - – Professionals reported significantly higher levels of work intensity than all other occupational groups, and higher levels of stress and work-life imbalance. In addition, full-time employees experienced greater work intensity than part-timers, and union members than non-union members. Public-sector employees reported greater stress and work-life imbalance than those in the private sector. There was also a small, but significant and consistent, interaction effect that identified women as more negatively impacted by high work intensity than men. Research limitations/implications - – Professionals have become vulnerable workers, in the sense of high levels of work demand, and the notion of worker vulnerability needs to recognise this. Future research on vulnerable employees would benefit from a broader conception of what constitutes vulnerability, exploring a wider range of employee groups who might be considered vulnerable, and including a wider range of potential outcomes for the lives and well-being of the individuals concerned. In particular, a more finely grained examination of the working conditions of professionals would be desirable, as would a more detailed examination of the reasons for the higher negative impact of work intensity on women. Practical implications - – One way of improving the sustainability of professional working is to foster higher rates of part-time working, which brings better outcomes in terms of stress and work-life balance. This, however, is hardly a societal remedy and the question of how to reverse deteriorating job quality among professionals, particularly those struggling to balance work and family demands, is something that needs much greater attention. Originality/value - – The paper expands the notion of “vulnerable workers” to recognise those groups most at risk of work intensification, and the outcomes of that intensification for satisfaction, stress, fatigue, and work-life balance. The authors add to the small group of studies highlighting the degradation of professional work, as well as identifying other types of employee who are more vulnerable to work intensification. The use of two large-scale surveys, with a four-year gap, has allowed a high degree of consistency in the patterns of vulnerability to be revealed.
The external shear acting on gravitational lens B1422+231

In a number of multiply imaged quasar systems, a significant contribution to the lensing potential is provided by groups and clusters of galaxies associated with the primary lens. As part of an ongoing effort to gather observational data on these systems, we present spectroscopy and near-infrared and optical photometry of galaxies in the field of the quadruple lens system B 1422+231. The spectra show that the primary lens and five nearby galaxies belong to a compact group at z = 0.338. The median projected radius of this group is 35 h^{-1} kpc and its velocity dispersion is 550 km/s. A straightforward application of the virial theorem yields a group mass of 1.4 x 10^{13} h^{-1} M(sun), which provides sufficient external shear to produce the observed image configuration. This data rules out a class of models and improves the system's prospects for a measurement of the Hubble constant.
An application of the BPCM model in an e-business driven transformation agenda: Assessing resource implications for a European automotive multinational corporation (MNC)

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate e-business driven organisational transformation and its resource implications for a European automotive multinational corporation. The application of Business Process Change Model (BPCM) was used to investigate throughout the five developmental stages of transformation and the associated resource implications in business-to-business (B2B) and extranet applications. Design/methodology/approach – Based on a case study design, B2B and extranet applications were selected. A triangulated research approach was used to capture the resource implications upon transformation, incorporating a participant observation and interviews. Findings – The findings indicate that the resource implications change in a transformation process based on individual e-business applications as well as the developmental stages of BPCM. Throughout the transformation only resource investment remained present in both applications. The change in resource implications and iterations between.
Understanding alliance and opposition among violent groups

In many parts of the world there are complex, violent interactions among groups with widely varying agendas. Situational awareness is difficult because there is rarely a clear distinction between good and bad actors, and there are constantly shifting alliances and oppositions between groups. This makes it difficult for analysts to understand the ecosystem of a country and region; still more to conceive of helpful interventions. We show how to use a newly developed spectral graph embedding technique that allows social networks with edge weights that are positive (alliance) and negative (opposition) to be modelled. We show the practical application by applying the technique to countries in North-West Africa, where civil wars are commonplace and complex islamist insurgencies have been active in the past few decades. A sense of the differences among these countries becomes visible, as well as a picture of the interactions among the key groups within each country.
Feeling for the Future: The Crisis of Anticipation in Great Expectations

This paper investigates the sense of shock, anxiety, and confusion that arises when the future-directed narrative that Pip internalizes about his own life story is thrown into disarray. It will examine Dickens’s deft handling of that crisis of narrative and of feeling. Although Great Expectations (1860–61) is quite rightly usually seen as a novel in which the past is found to be inescapable, this paper reminds us that Pip’s crisis is equally a crisis of the future. It considers recent work on the narrative representation of human cognition, as well as psychoanalytic readings of the novel, and it investigates the implications of these issues for Dickens’s account of Pip’s devastated feelings about the future, and for his stylized treatment of them. (Image scanned by Philip V. Allingham )
A Wearable Device and System for Movement and Biometric Data Acquisition for Sports Applications

This paper presents a miniature wearable device and a system for detecting and recording the movement and biometric information of a user during sport activities. The wearable device is designed to be worn on a wrist and can monitor skin temperature and pulse rate. Furthermore, it can monitor arm movement and detect gestures using inertial measurement unit. The device can be used for various professional and amateur sport applications and for health monitoring. Because of its small size and minimum weight, it is especially appropriate for swing-based sports like tennis or golf, where any additional weight on the arms would most likely disturb the player and have some influence on the player’s performance. Basic signal processing is performed directly on the wearable device but for more complex signal analysis, the data can be uploaded via the Internet to a cloud service, where it can be processed by a dedicated application. The device is powered by a lightweight miniature LiPo battery and has about 6 h of autonomy at maximum performance.
Improving the scale and precision of hypotheses to explain root foraging ability.

BACKGROUND Numerous hypotheses have been proposed to explain the wide variation in the ability of plants to forage for resources by proliferating roots in soil nutrient patches. Comparative analyses have found little evidence to support many of these hypotheses, raising the question of what role resource-foraging ability plays in determining plant fitness and community structure. SCOPE In the present viewpoint, we respond to Grime's (2007; Annals of Botany 99: 1017-1021) suggestion that we misinterpreted the scope of the scale-precision trade-off hypothesis, which states that there is a trade-off between the spatial scale over which plant species forage and the precision with which they are able to proliferate roots in resource patches. We use a meta-analysis of published foraging scale-precision correlations to demonstrate that there is no empirical support for the scale-precision trade-off hypothesis. Based on correlations between foraging precision and various plant morphological and ecophysiological traits, we found that foraging precision forms part of the 'fast' suite of plant traits related to rapid growth rates and resource uptake rates. CONCLUSIONS We suggest there is a need not only to examine correlations between foraging precision and other plant traits, but to expand our notion of what traits might be important in determining the resource-foraging ability of plants. By placing foraging ability in the broader context of plant traits and resource economy strategies, it will be possible to develop a new and empirically supported framework to understand how plasticity in resource uptake and allocation affect plant fitness and community structure.
An optimized adaptive spike detector for behavioural experiments

This paper presents the in vivo performances of a resource-optimized digital action potential (AP) detector featuring an adaptive threshold based on a new Sigma-delta control loop. The proposed AP detector is optimized for utilizing low hardware resources, which makes it suitable for real-time implementation on most common low-power microcontroller units (MCU). The adaptive threshold is calculated using a digital control loop based on a Sigma-delta modulator that precisely estimates the standard deviation of the neuronal signal amplitude. The detector was demonstrated using a common MCU from MSP430 family, incorporated into a small wireless platform for combined optogenetics and neura recording. The system has been fully characterized experimentally within in vivo experiments on a freely-moving transgenic mouse expressing ChannelRhodospin (Thy1::ChR2-YFP line4. The results demonstrate that the proposed AP detector can be used to achieve overall data reduction ratios above 11 hen transmitting only the detected APs. A comparison of the obtained results with other thresholding approaches shows that the pr posed detector provides similar performances to those significantly more resource demanding approaches.
Cultural Differences in Moral Justifications Enhance Understanding of Chinese and Canadian Children’s Moral Decisions

Chinese, Chinese-Canadian, and Euro-Canadian children 7, 9, and 11 years of age were presented scenarios in which story characters either lied or told the truth to help themselves but harm a collective, or vice versa. Children classified, evaluated, and justified their evaluations of the truthful or untruthful statements in each scenario. Cultural differences emerged in the children’s evaluations but were especially apparent in their justifications. Chinese children rated more positively statements that helped a collective and harmed an individual than vice versa, and they showed concerns for a group over the self when evaluating moral statements, thus reflecting collectivist inclinations. Euro-Canadian children did the reverse, demonstrating individualistic tendencies. Bicultural, Chinese-Canadian, children’s judgments and justifications were situation specific, offering preliminary evidence for the possibility that bicultural individuals shift, at a relatively early age, between cultural frames in their interpretations and evaluations of moral dilemmas, depending upon the context.
Novel neutrophil inhibitory factor homologue in the buccal gland secretion of Lampetra japonica

Abstract To identify the functional gene fragment, a neutrophil inhibitory factor (NIF) like protein was found in the buccal gland of Lampetra japonica, suggesting that this related lamprey protein represents a novel class of integrin receptor antagonists. The recombinant Lampetra japonica-NIF like (rLj-NIF) was identified by SDS-PAGE and purified by using His·Bind affinity chromatography. Effect of rLj-NIF on neutrophil migration suggested that rLj-NIF can act as a neutrophil inhibitory factor. Besides that, oxidative burst activity of neutriphil was tested by flow cytometry using dihydrorhodamine (DHR123) as a fluorogenic substrate, and the data suggested that the mean fluorescence intensity significantly decreased compared with positive controls (p<0.01). All above results indicated that rLj-NIF could also prevent the binding of β2 integrins to the surface of PMN and its FITC-labeled monoclonal antibodies (p<0.05). These data suggest that Lampetra japonica-NIF like protein is secreted by the stage of the parasite at the site of attachment. rLj-NIF plays an essential role in physiological reaction of neutrophil by a novel class of β2 integrin receptor antagonists. The activity of immunosuppressant of L. japonica-NIF could have potential medicinal value in anti-inflammation and therapy of autoimmune diseases.
A 3-D Positioning Algorithm for AOA-Based VLP With an Aperture-Based Receiver

We consider a visible light positioning system using modulated LEDs at the transmitter and photodiodes (PDs) combined with apertures at the receiver. The layout of the aperture-based receiver is designed in order to have angular diversity, implying it can detect the direction from which light is coming, by simply comparing the relative differences in received signal strength values in the different PDs. Hence, with this receiver, it is possible to extract the angle-of-arrival (AOA) of the light without needing the knowledge of the transmitted optical power. In this paper, we consider an algorithm, based on the maximum likelihood (ML) principle, to estimate the AOA, and obtain the position of the receiver in 3-D through triangulation. The ML algorithm, of which the practical implementation searches for the optimal value of the AOA starting from an initial estimate, suffers from convergence problems if the initial estimate is too far from the true AOA. Hence, we propose an initial low-complexity coarse estimation algorithm for the AOA, and make the algorithm iterative, where in each iteration, the initial estimate for the AOA is updated based on the previous position estimate. We show that the algorithm yields centimeter performance, i.e., an accuracy of 10 cm or better, using a limited number of LEDs, e.g., four LEDs for a $5\,\,\text {m} \times 5$ m area.
A Review of the “Digital Turn” in the New Literacy Studies

Digital communication has transformed literacy practices and assumed great importance in the functioning of workplace, recreational, and community contexts. This article reviews a decade of empirical work of the New Literacy Studies, identifying the shift toward research of digital literacy applications. The article engages with the central theoretical, methodological, and pragmatic challenges in the tradition of New Literacy Studies, while highlighting the distinctive trends in the digital strand. It identifies common patterns across new literacy practices through cross-comparisons of ethnographic research in digital media environments. It examines ways in which this research is taking into account power and pedagogy in normative contexts of literacy learning using the new media. Recommendations are given to strengthen the links between New Literacy Studies research and literacy curriculum, assessment, and accountability in the 21st century.
Misoprostol and pregnancy.

Misoprostol is a prostaglandin E1 analogue that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be taken orally for the prevention and treatment of gastric ulcers associated with the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. It has also become an important drug in obstetrical and gynecologic practice because of its uterotonic and cervical-ripening actions. Misoprostol is useful for elective medical abortion, cervical ripening before surgical abortion, evacuation of the uterus in cases of embryonic or fetal death, and induction of labor. The drug may also be used to treat and even prevent postpartum hemorrhage. However, misoprostol is .
Electronic Monitoring of Individual Healthcare Workers’ Hand Hygiene Event Rate

Potential conflicts of interest. L.A.M. reports having served as a consultant for, being a paid lecturer for, or receiving research funding from CareFusion, Bard, ICU Medical, 3M, Marvao, Fresenius, Astellas, and Theravance. All other authors report no conflicts of interest relevant to this article. All authors submitted the ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest, and the conflicts that the editors consider relevant to this article are disclosed here.
The Meaning Behind Attachment: Exploring Camaraderie, Cause, and Competency at a Charity Sport Event

Charity sport events have emerged as widespread and integral fundraising mechanisms for charitable organizations. This article explores the meaning that charity sport events hold in participants’ lives. Using the Psychological Continuum Model (PCM) as the theoretical framework, the authors examine participant attachment to charity sport events. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants in a charity sport event (N = 32) to discuss their perceptions of the event and their overall event experiences. Results revealed that camaraderie, cause, and competency reflect the enhanced meaning of the event and provide further explanation of attachment. Suggestions are made for charitable organizations and host communities to leverage these factors effectively and develop long-term sustainable events, and to assist in recruiting volunteers and facilitating social change in host communities.
Developing an instrument to measure patient satisfaction with nursing care in Greece.

AIM The main purpose of this study was to develop a reliable and valid instrument to measure patient satisfaction with nursing care. BACKGROUND The interest in patient satisfaction is intense but there is an absence of instruments with proper psychometric properties. METHODS A methodological exploratory design was employed with three phases: content development and critique, pilot study (N = 15) and final tryout (I = 103). FINDINGS The reliability coefficient for the whole scale was high (alpha = 0.94). An exploratory factor analysis revealed six factors, explaining 68.8% of the variability. The first three factors referred to interpersonal relationships and available time, technical competence and response, and information. The qualitative data facilitated the interpretation of the quantitative data, increased the validity of the scale and gave useful information for improvements. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the psychometric properties of the instruments were satisfactory but there is a need for continuous evaluation and verification of other studies.
Open field modifications needed to measure, in the mouse, exploration-driven ambulation and fear of open space

The open field test is used to assess ambulation and anxiety; one way to assess anxiety is to compare ambulation in the center with ambulation in the periphery: the more anxious is the mouse, the less it moves in the center. The results of this report cast doubts on the generality of that rule, because they show that ambulation, both in the center and in the periphery, depends on the mouse strain and on the size of the open field; specifically, in a brightly lit open-field of moderate size (38 x 31 x 25 cm), ambulation in the center reflects anxiety in Balb/c mice, but not in C57Bl/6 mice. Yet, a large open-field (100 x 100 x 30 cm), receiving approximately the same amount of light as in the mouse room, allows assessment of anxiety and exploration-driven ambulation in both strains of mice. To do that, the author of this report proposes (i) to express ambulation in normalized scores (i.e., ambulation per surface unit) to verify that ambulation in the periphery is higher than ambulation in the center, (ii) to use an open field sufficiently large so that mice of any strain ambulate more in the periphery than in the center, and (iii) to measure ambulation in concentric strips of the open field and plot ambulation against the distance of the strips from the wall: it is proposed that the intercept of the line reflects explorationdriven ambulation whereas the slope reflects fear of leaving the wall.
Migration, Identity and Group Analysis

Migrants from one country to another may experience a profound disturbance of their individual, social and cultural identities. A group-analytic psychotherapy group provides a microcosm of the adopted culture. Membership of such a group may enable immigrants to develop a sense of belonging to the group and thus to resolve, or resolve again, their `crises' of `identity v. identity confusion' in the new culture. Through the processes of identification, belonging and learning to share the language of the group, a sense of intimacy with others may be achieved.
Effects of a multidisciplinary, post-discharge continuance of care intervention on quality of life, discharge satisfaction, and hospital length of stay: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE To determine the impact of a hospital-coordinated discharge care plan, involving a multidisciplinary team of primary health care providers, on hospital length of stay, quality of life, and both patient and general practitioner inclusion in, and satisfaction with, discharge procedures. DESIGN This investigation comprised a prospective, randomized, controlled, clinical trial. SETTING This multicentre and cross-jurisdictional study focused on areas of tertiary and primary health care as well as community allied health in Western Australia. PARTICIPANTS Patients (n = 189) with chronic cardiorespiratory diagnoses were recruited from respiratory, cardiovascular, and general medical wards at two tertiary hospitals. INTERVENTION Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Intervention group patients received a discharge care plan in accordance with that outlined in the Australian Enhanced Primary Care Package, completed before discharge and sent to the patient's general practitioner and other community service providers for review. Control patients were discharged under existing hospital processes. Outcome measures. Patients and general practitioners were surveyed pre-discharge and 7 days post-discharge for quality of life and opinion of discharge procedures. Hospital length of stay was also determined. RESULTS Significant improvements in discharge planning involvement, health service access, confidence with discharge procedures, and opinion of discharge based on previous experience were seen for patients who received the discharge care plan. Further, improved perceptions of mental quality of life were observed within the first week post-discharge for intervention patients. Length of stay showed no difference between groups. Extent and speed of hospital-general practitioner communication were significantly improved via the intervention. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that a multidisciplinary discharge care plan, initiated before separation, improves quality of life, involvement, and satisfaction with discharge care, and hospital-general practitioner integration. As such, it possesses benefits over current Western Australian hospital discharge procedures for the care of chronically ill populations.