Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pediatric Functional Constipation Gastrointestinal Symptom Profile Compared With Healthy Controls

Objectives: Patient-reported outcomes are necessary to evaluate the gastrointestinal symptom profile of patients with functional constipation. Study objectives were to compare the gastrointestinal symptom profile of pediatric patients with functional constipation with matched healthy controls with the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Gastrointestinal Worry Scales and to establish clinical interpretability in functional constipation through identification of minimal important difference (MID) scores. The secondary objective compared the symptom profile of patients with functional constipation with patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Methods: : Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Worry Scales were completed in a 9-site study by 116 pediatric patients with functional constipation and 188 parents. Gastrointestinal Symptoms Scales measuring stomach pain, stomach discomfort when eating, food and drink limits, trouble swallowing, heartburn and reflux, nausea and vomiting, gas and bloating, constipation, blood in poop, and diarrhea were administered along with Gastrointestinal Worry Scales. A total of 341 families with healthy children and 43 families with patients with IBS completed the scales. Results: A broad profile of gastrointestinal symptoms and worry were reported by patients with functional constipation in comparison with healthy controls (P < 0.001) with large effect sizes (>0.80) across the majority of symptom domains. Patients with IBS manifested a broader symptom profile than functional constipation, with differences for stomach pain, stomach discomfort when eating, and worry about stomachaches, with similar constipation scores. Conclusions: Pediatric patients with functional constipation report a broad gastrointestinal symptom profile in comparison with healthy controls and only somewhat fewer symptoms than patients with IBS, highlighting the critical need for more efficacious interventions to achieve healthy functioning.
Intangible Assets and Profitability in the Italian Banking Industry: Which Relationship?

Purpose of this paper is to value the role of the human capital in the profitability production within the Italian Mutual Bank (Bcc); to achieve this, we provide for the carrying out of an analysis on a sample of 209 of the above-mentioned banks using the Pulic’s VAICTM methodology (1998), in a five-year period of time (2006-2010). Obviously, we will use what the specialized literature gives us, which offers interesting and in-depth hints about the intellectual capital, but only referred to the listed medium-large banks; as far as we know there are no analysis and assessments over the local banks which, apart from their dimension, have a more and more nerve role in the financing of the real economy. The results of our analysis show clearly how the human capital has a meaningful role on the banks’ profitability, especially those which let the active presence in the territory be a setting value of their own business mission. At a territorial level, the Bcc of the South show steadier marginal effects than their sister companies of the North. In a historical period characterized by evident phenomena of credit crunch put into action by the great banks on the real economy, the banks’ local model and centrality of the human capital which characterize them still represents a value on which set up the sustain and the revival of the economy in the territory.
‘You Get Really Old, Really Quick’: Involuntary Long Hours in the Mining Industry

Is there a job-quality problem in mining? Is part of this problem that mining employees are working involuntary long hours? If so, how extensive is this problem? What is the impact, if any, of involuntary long hours in mining on family life? And how much control do mining employees have over their working-time arrangements? What are the possible policy responses? We address these questions through analysis of data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the Australian Work and Life Index survey, a survey of employees in Queensland, and qualitative interviews with 135 people associated with the Queensland mining industry. We find evidence of substantial involuntary long hours in mining, closely related to 24-hour operations and 12-hour shifts, with adverse implications for the work—life balance, which is made worse where employees lack input into the design of rosters. The findings suggest that, in order to promote ‘good jobs’ in the mining industry, there is both a need to revisit protections for employees against being forced to work ‘unreasonable’ hours above the ostensible national standard of 38 hours per week and strong support even amongst mine-workers for a ceiling on hours worked per week.
Outsourcing HRM activities in Australian organisations

Although human resource management (HRM) outsourcing is an international trend little has been written in the Australian literature about HRM outsourcing choices. The aims of the research are to determine first which HRM areas are most likely in Australia to be initiated using external consultants, second whether organisational size or sector impacts on the outsourcing decision and third the type of skills that HRM consultants bring into organisations. Results from an on-line survey generating 1372 responses identify training and development, recruitment and selection, and HRIS as the primary outsourced HRM areas. With respect to organisational determinants, larger organisations were more likely to use consultants; sector differences revealed higher recruitment and selection and performance-related pay outsourcing in the private sector, higher HRIS outsourcing in the public sector, and a focus on employee relations in the not-for-profit sector. There are no differences in the qualifications of HRM professionals and consultants but consultants are more likely to have broader business experiences.
Attitudes and Perceptions Toward Tourism and Rural Regional Development

Tourism development increasingly is used to enhance rural and regional economies. However, a number of key actors are involved in the process of developing this industry that hold varying viewpoints with regard to the viability of the industry. This study presents the results of using an attitudinal scale to survey 13 cities and six counties within the Columbia River Gorge region of Oregon and Washington. The key actors involved are not in agreement with the role of rural regional tourism and recreation development. The article concludes with recommendations for further research related to congruency and public policy in tourism development.
Forecasting Efficiency: Concepts and Applications

This article introduces the concept of forecast efficiency, in which the forecast contains all information available at the time of the forecast. Empirical tests investigate weak efficiency, where the information set is all past forecasts and where all forecast revisions and errors should be uncorrelated with past forecast revisions. Tests of macroeconomic, energy-consumption, and oil-price forecasts find a significant autocorrelation of forecast revisions, with fifty of fifty-one tests showing positive correlation of forecast revisions, as opposed to zero correlation consistent with forecast efficiency. Copyright 1987 by MIT Press.
Cheap Donuts and Expensive Broccoli: The Effect of Relative Prices on Obesity

In recent years, much attention has been directed at the ongoing increase in body weight, and what might be done about it. We use data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) for the period 1982-1996 to estimate models relating measures of body weight (BMI, a dummy indicating that a person is overweight or obese, and a dummy indicating that a person is obese) to two food price indexes constructed using regional BLS price data as well as the official BLS food price index. The most aggressive use of our results suggests that variation in year-to-year food prices is unlikely to explain much of the increase in body weight over our sample period. This conclusion holds true regardless of the food price measure we consider.
Optical Control of Individual Nitrogen-Vacancy Centers in Diamond

Individual nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in diamond have recently emerged as a leading candidate for a building block for quantum information processing systems. Individual NV centers have many properties that are desirable for qubits. For example their spin states can be manipulated, initialized and measured even at room temperature. In order to build a quantum information processing system that consists of more than a single NV center, these individual NV centers have to be connected via quantum channels that distribute entanglement and allow quantum state transfer between NV centers. This thesis explores how the optical properties of the NV center can be used and manipulated to form these quantum channels. Likewise we show how the same properties can be used to better control the nuclear spin environment surrounding the NV center. We first introduce, review and experimentally study the relevant optical properties of the NV center. These quantum optical techniques are then used to experimentally demonstrate spin-photon entanglement between the electronic spin of an individual NV center and a single photon. We next demonstrate quantum interference of two photons produced by NV centers in distinct diamond samples separated by two meters. These two demonstrations pave the way for entanglement generation, leading
Vertical and horizontal thickness profiles of the corneal epithelium and Bowman's layer after orthokeratology.

PURPOSE To investigate thickness profile changes of the corneal epithelium and Bowman's layer at the vertical and horizontal meridians with overnight myopia orthokeratology (OK) lenses. METHODS Twenty subjects (age range: 19-33 years) wore reverse-geometry rigid gas-permeable OK lenses in both eyes for 30 days. Before lens wear and after 1, 7, and 30 days of overnight lens wear, evaluation of lens fitting, visual acuity examination, corneal topography, and ultra-high resolution optical coherence tomography (UHR-OCT) were performed. The central, midperipheral, and peripheral cornea were imaged in both the horizontal and vertical meridians. Custom software was produced to acquire the thickness profiles of the epithelium and Bowman's layer. RESULTS Unaided visual acuity and refraction were improved significantly after OK lens wear. The central corneal epithelium thinned in the horizontal and vertical meridians after one night of lens wear (P < 0.05). In the horizontal meridian, the epithelium thickened at the temporal and nasal midperipheries (P < 0.05), while the superior midperipheral epithelium thinned in the vertical meridian. There were no changes in the thickness profile of Bowman's layer during the study period. CONCLUSIONS Overnight wear of OK lenses caused the central corneal epithelium to thin in both the vertical and horizontal meridians, while the midperipheral nasal and temporal epithelium became thicker and the superior midperipheral epithelium became thinner. The thickness of the central or midperipheral Bowman's layer in either meridian did not change. Improved vision acuity after overnight OK lens wear can be attributed to changes in the corneal epithelium and not Bowman's layer.
Negative regulation by RpoS: a case of sigma factor competition

A mutation in the Escherichia coli gene encoding the stationary phase‐inducible sigma factor (σs, RpoS) not only abolishes transcription of some genes in stationary phase, but also causes superinduction of other stationary phase‐induced genes. We have examined this phenomenon of repression by σs using as a model system the divergently transcribed stationary phase‐inducible genes, uspA and uspB. uspA is transcribed by σ70‐programmed RNA polymerase and is superinduced in an rpoS mutant, while uspB induction is σs dependent. The data suggest that the superinduction of uspA is caused by an increased amount of σ70 bound to RNA polymerase in the absence of the competing σs. Increasing the ability of σ70 to compete against σs by overproducing σ70 mimics the effect of an rpoS mutation by causing superinduction of σ70‐dependent stationary phase‐inducible genes (uspA and fadD), silencing of σs‐dependent genes (uspB, bolAp1 and fadL) and inhibiting the development of σs‐dependent phenotypes, such as hydrogen peroxide resistance in stationary phase. In addition, overproduction of σs markedly reduced stationary phase expression of a σ70‐dependent promoter. Thus, we conclude that sigma factors compete for a limiting amount of RNA polymerase during stationary phase. The implications of this competition in the passive control of promoter activity is discussed.
A Near Field Focused Microstrip Array for a Radiometric Temperature Sensor

A low-cost radiometric temperature sensor system is described, with emphasis on the use of a 12.5 GHz near-field focused microstrip array to provide a low-profile compact product suitable for commercial and industrial applications. An overview of the temperature sensor system is given, followed by design details of the focused microstrip array, including near-field patterns and antenna efficiency measurements. Temperature measurements made with the radiometric system in a food-processing plant field test show that the antenna can resolve individual hamburger patties at a practical measurement distance
Magnetic tunnel junction-based on-chip microwave phase and spectrum analyzer

A magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ)-based microwave detector is proposed and investigated. When the MTJ is excited by microwave magnetic fields, the relative angle between the free layer and pinned layer alternates, giving rise to an average resistance change. By measuring the average resistance change, the MTJ can be utilized as a microwave power sensor. Due to the nature of ferromagnetic resonance, the frequency of an incident microwave is directly determined. In addition, by integrating a mixer circuit, the MTJ-based microwave detector can also determine the relative phase between two microwave signals. Thus, the MTJ-based microwave detector can be used as an on-chip microwave phase and spectrum analyzer.
TOWARD BEHAVIORAL MODELING OF ALASKA GROUNDFISH FISHERIES: A DISCRETE CHOICE APPROACH TO BERING SEA/ALEUTIAN ISLANDS TRAWL FISHERIES

"This article implements a discrete choice model of fishery participation in the multispecies trawl fisheries of the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands Region off Alaska. Nonparametric estimates of the operation-specific moments of quasirent by fishery and week are used to explain probabilities of choosing different target fisheries. There are pronounced risk aversion, seasonal, and relative performance effects. Notably, the model runs with regularly collected data, so this type of discrete choice modeling can be used routinely in the management and policy evaluation process. Improvements are needed, though, in both the quality and the extent of economic data on fisheries in Alaska and elsewhere in the United States. (JEL" Q22, C25, Q28) Copyright 1999 Western Economic Association International.
Annual World Bank Conference on Development Economics 2004: Accelerating Development

Presenting the proceedings of the May 2003 World Bank Annual Bank Conference on Development Economics (ABCDE), the volume imparts new research findings and discussions on key policy issues related to poverty reduction by eminent scholars and practitioners from around the world. Topics include Fostering Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Growth; Challenges of Development in Lagging Regions; Participation, Inclusion and Results and Scaling Up and Evaluation. Contributors to the volume include, Nicholas Stern, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist of the World Bank; Azim Hasham Premji, Chairman of Bangalore's Wipro Corporation; Francois Bourguignon of the Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales, Possiy, France; Partha Dasgupta of Cambridge University; Justin Lin of Hong Kong University; Rakesh Mohan, Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India; Jean Philippe Platteau of the University of Namur, Belgium; Karen Polenske of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; T. N. Srinivasan, of Yale University; and Anthony Venables of the London School of Economics.
Antecedents, Consequences And Control Of Opportunistic Behavior In Strategic Networks

In the Strategic Management literature, the problem of cooperation arising from conflicts of interest has been described as the problem of motivation. Under assumptions of self-interest, or its stronger forms (such as opportunism), collectively beneficial outcomes do not result for because of the actions motivated by the self interests of individual members. In this paper, the author presents a host of antecedents that can spur and/or facilitate such opportunistic pursuits in members of a strategic network. The influence of these antecedents has been reflected in the ex-ante and ex-post phases of network life cycle. It is postulated that the problem can be resolved by securing an alignment in partners’ interest which together with alignment in actions contributes to the bottom line through increased ability to yield an integrated response to the adaptation requirements stemming from disturbances in networks’ environment. A detailed discussion been administered on how opportunism can be controlled through formal measures like contracts, TSIs, vertical integration and game theoretic stipulations, and the informal controls like relational norms, identification, and culmination of trust and commitment.
Transcription of Human ABO Histo-blood Group Genes Is Dependent upon Binding of Transcription Factor CBF/NF-Y to Minisatellite Sequence*

We have studied the transcriptional regulatory mechanism of the human histo-blood group ABO genes, and identified DNAcis-elements and trans-activating protein that control the expression of these genes which are important in blood transfusion and organ transplantation. We introduced the 5′-upstream sequence of ABO genes into the promoterless reporter vector and characterized the promoter activity of deletion constructs using transient transfection assays with gastric cancer cell line KATO III cells. The sequence just upstream of the transcription start site (cap site), and an enhancer element, which is located further upstream (between −3899 and −3618 base pairs (bp) from the transcription initiation site) and contains 4 tandem copies of a 43-bp repeat unit, were shown in gastric cancer cells to be responsible for the transcriptional activity of the ABO genes. DNA binding studies have demonstrated that a transcription factor, CBF/NF-Y, bound to the 43-bp repeat unit in the minisatellite. Functional importance of these CBF/NF-Y-binding sites in enhancer activity was confirmed by transfection experiments using reporter plasmids with mutated binding sites. Thus, transcriptional regulation of the human ABO genes is dependent upon binding of CBF/NF-Y to the minisatellite.
Desmoplastic Trichilemmoma

Seven cases of desmoplastic trichilemmoma (DT). a recently described pseudomalignant variant of trichilemmoma, are reviewed. The tumor generally occurs in men after the fifth decade of life and presents as a small solitary nodule on the face. It is frequently misdiagnosed clinically as a basal cell carcinoma or a papilloma. Histologically DT displays a superficial lobular growth arranged about a central prominent desmoplastic stroma. At the periphery, the tumor lobules show the typical features of trichilemmoma. In contrast, at the center the cells assume a more random pattern of cords and strands traversed by the hyaline stroma, mimicking invasive carcinoma. The tumor's architectural pattern, in particular the perilobular hyaline mantle, enables DT to be differentiated from basal cell carcinoma and malignant trichilemmoma. Immunohistochemical analysis failed to demonstrate human papilloma virus (HPV), epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and alpha-lactalbumin in tumor epithelium. Keratin was expressed by the central pseudoinvasive epithelial cords. Neither factor Xllla nor keratin expression was found in the stromal cells, which stained only for vimentin. These findings suggest that DT is not an HPV-induced epithelial proliferation and that the stroma is not the result of degenerative changes in tumor epithelium. Instead, there appears to be a fibroblast-mediated, dendrocyte independent, stromal reaction producing this appearance.
Differential effects of colleges on the labour market success of their graduates

This paper explores the effects of colleges for higher vocational education on the labour market success of their graduates. Using data about the labour market position of Dutch graduates from higher vocational education, and applying multi-level statistical modelling techniques it is shown that for four domains (finding a job, level of job, monthly wages, and wages per hour) the colleges did hardly differ substantially. Most of the institutional variation occured at the department level within the colleges, but these department effects appeared to be small as well and not always very stable over the years. The discussion focuses on the implication for using labour market data for the construction of institutional performance indicators. It is shown that the ranking of colleges on their labour market performance changes as soon as input variables are controlled for. It is therefore important to look at the â€˜net'' outcomes or â€˜added value'' rather than the â€˜gross'' outcomes.
"Reconstructing normality": the use of infrastructure leftovers in crisis situations as inspiration for the design of resilient technology

In this paper, we examine challenges people face in situations of disrupted network infrastructures and how people use surviving portions of technology to cope with these challenges. We show how an important aspect in crises is the disturbance of services caused by disruptions in underlying technological structures. In such situations, people resort to all possible means to "reconstruct normality" in the sense of restoring their ability to communicate. For doing so, people often make creative use of the remains of the technological landscape. Building on the analysis of interviews with crises witnesses and first responders, external reports and scientific literature, we propose and describe three categories of mechanisms involving the creative use of surviving technology in crisis situations. We argue that studying these mechanisms can provide a key source of inspiration to define qualities of resilient architectures, and use these mechanisms as creative input to propose architectural qualities that can potentially make communication systems more resilient in the face of crises.
A NEW PARADIGM IN MANAGEMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES OF GOVERNMENT SECTOR, INDIA

An overview of the Higher Educational Institutes of public sector in India shows that it is in a crisis plagued with unemployability, unwieldy expansion, excessive diversification and an archaic dysfunctional management. An amount of 115 billion rupees per year is spent on HE with disproportional quality products. It is pointed out that the cause of sickness lies in the lack of strategic management. A new paradigm with an enforcing authority of Vice-chancellor/director/Principal at the provincial level rising vertically towards a comprehensive National Commission for Higher Education and Research (NCHER) at the top of the ladder is proposed. Liberalism and too much divergence must be replaced by uniformity and thorough discipline. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study is to churn out the existing situation of the HE in India and identify the factors of contrivance to build a new paradigm, utilizing the principles of strategic management. The sources of data are published literature and reports from academic organizations.