Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
E-Business Readiness, Intensity, and Impact: An Austrian Destination Management Organization Study

The majority of today’s information and communication technology (ICT) impact studies disregard infrastructural, organizational, and environmental factors typically responsible for successful e-business adoption and use. This article proposes an empirical approach that shows how the mentioned factors determine both e-business adoption and the impact of information and communication technologies. The research framework is based on E. Rogers’ Innovation Diffusion Theory and is tested with survey data gathered in the Austrian destination management organization sector. By referring to K. Zhu and K. L. Kraemer’s (2005) e-business impact model, the proposed approach explicates how the use of e-business applications may positively affect the performance of tourism organizations. Online survey data are analyzed through a linear structural equation modeling approach.
Outcomes in critically ill patients before and after the implementation of an evidence-based nutritional management protocol.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether the implementation of a nutritional management protocol in the ICU leads to the increased use of enteral nutrition, earlier feeding, and improved clinical outcomes in patients. DESIGN Prospective evaluation of critically ill patients before and after the introduction of an evidence-based guideline for providing nutritional support in the ICU. SETTING The medical-surgical ICUs of two teaching hospitals. PATIENTS Two hundred critically ill adult patients who remained npo > 48 h after their admission to the ICU. One hundred patients were enrolled into the preimplementation group, and 100 patients were enrolled in the postimplementation group. INTERVENTION Implementation of an evidence-based ICU nutritional management protocol. MEASUREMENT AND RESULTS Nutritional outcome measures included the number of patients who received enteral nutrition, the time to initiate nutritional support, and the percent caloric target administered on day 4 of nutritional support. Clinical outcomes included the duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU and in-hospital length of stay (LOS), and in-hospital mortality rates. Patients in the postimplementation group were fed more frequently via the enteral route (78% vs 68%, respectively; p = 0.08), and this difference was statistically significant after adjusting for severity of illness, baseline nutritional status, and other factors (odds ratio, 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2 to 5.0; p = 0.009). The time to feeding and the caloric intake on day 4 of nutritional support were not different between the groups. The mean (+/- SD) duration of mechanical ventilation was shorter in the postimplementation group (17.9 +/- 31.3 vs 11.2 +/- 19.5 days, respectively; p = 0.11), and this difference was statistically significant after adjusting for age, gender, severity of illness, type of admission, baseline nutritional status, and type of nutritional support (p = 0.03). There was no difference in ICU or hospital LOS between the two groups. The risk of death was 56% lower in patients who received enteral nutrition (hazard ratio, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.24 to 0.80; p = 0.007). CONCLUSION An evidence-based nutritional management protocol increased the likelihood that ICU patients would receive enteral nutrition, and shortened their duration of mechanical ventilation. Enteral nutrition was associated with a reduced risk of death in those patients studied.
Referendums in Eastern Europe: The Effects on Reforming the EU Treaties and on the Candidate Countries' Positions in the Convention

The paper discusses the impact of the constitutional amendment and referendum procedures of the Central and Eastern European (CEE) Candidate Countries on reforming the EU treaties and, secondly, on the Candidate Countries’ positions concerning the Debate on the Future of the Union. It highlights the procedural and practical complications in Central and Eastern Europe concerning the requirement of unanimous ratification of the EU treaty amendments under ‘the national constitutional procedures’ (art 48 TEU). Namely, in the CEE Candidate Countries, there is a tradition of using referendums frequently, the majority of recent referendums have been invalid because of the high minimum turnout requirements, public opinion tends to be rather eurosceptic in several countries, and there are relatively long prohibition periods for re-initiating unsuccessful referendums. These factors, which would increase the likelihood of cases such as the first Irish referendum on the Nice Treaty in the post-enlargement Union, should bring the politically sensitive issue of simplifying the EU treaty amendment procedure more firmly onto the agenda. These complications also predetermine the Central and Eastern Countries’ interest for an incremental integration with a view to the Debate on the Future of the Union, as a federal Union would be too difficult to ‘sell’ in the accession referendums. Indeed, the speeches of CEE politicians show that these countries predominantly support a looser union of nation-states instead of a federation, a constitutional treaty instead of a constitution, and a gradual strengthening of the Community institutions instead of an institutional revolution.
A mucoadhesive, cyclodextrin-based vaginal cream formulation of itraconazole

The development of vaginal medications, especially antifungal medications, requires that the drug is solubilized as well as retained at or near the mucosa for sufficient periods of time to ensure adequate bioavailability. Itraconazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent, which has been used for some time orally and intravenously but for which a vaginal formulation has not yet been developed. We present here a novel itraconazole formulation intended for vaginal use based on hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD), a functional excipient that increases drug solubility and generates a mucoadhesive system in the presence of other ingredients. An aqueous phase was prepared by solubilizing itraconazole with HCl in the presence of propylene glycol and then adding an aqueous solution of HPβCD. After pH adjustment, the itraconazole/HPβCD solution was added to the oil phase (paraffin oil, trihydroxystearate, and cetyl dimethicon copolyol) and the desired cream containing 1%, 2%, and 2.5% drug obtained by homogenization. Primary irritation studies and subchronic toxicity studies using a rabbit vaginal model indicated that the formulation was safe, well tolerated, and retained in the vaginal space. Clinical investigations indicated that application of 5 g of a 2% cream was very well tolerated and itraconazole was not systemically absorbed. Additional studies in women found that the itraconazole cream was highly effective in reducing or eliminating fungal cultures with few adverse effects. These studies suggested that an HPβCD-based, emulsified wax cream formulation was a useful and effective dosage form for treating vaginal candidiasis.
The Institutional Foundations of Regulatory Capitalism: The Diffusion of Independent Regulatory Agencies in Western Europe

This article studies the diffusion of the main institutional feature of regulatory capitalism, namely, independent regulatory agencies. While only a few such authorities existed in Europe in the early 1980s, by the end of the twentieth century they had spread impressively across countries and sectors. The analysis finds that three classes of factors (bottom-up, top-down, and horizontal) explain this trend. First, the establishment of independent regulatory agencies was an attempt to improve credible commitment capacity when liberalizing and privatizing utilities and to alleviate the political uncertainty problem, namely, the risk to a government that its policies will be changed when it loses power. Second, Europeanization favored the creation of independent regulators. Third, individual decisions were interdependent, as governments were influenced by the decisions of others in an emulation process where the symbolic properties of independent regulators mattered more than the functions they performed.
Glial Formation of Pyruvate and Lactate from TCA Cycle Intermediates: Implications for the Inactivation of Transmitter Amino Acids?

Abstract: Cerebral formation of lactate via the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle was investigated through the labeling of lactate from [2‐13C]acetate and [1‐13C]glucose as shown by 13C NMR spectroscopy. In fasted mice that had received [2‐13C]acetate intravenously, brain lactate C‐2 and C‐3 were labeled at 5, 15, and 30 min, reflecting formation of pyruvate and hence lactate from TCA cycle intermediates. In contrast, [1‐13C]glucose strongly labeled lactate C‐3, reflecting glycolysis, whereas lactate C‐2 was weakly labeled only at 15 min. These data show that formation of pyruvate, and hence lactate, from TCA cycle intermediates took place predominantly in the acetate‐metabolizing compartment, i.e., glia. The enrichment of total brain lactate from [2‐13C]acetate reached ∼1% in both the C‐2 and the C‐3 position in fasted mice. It was calculated that this could account for 20% of the lactate formed in the glial compartment. In fasted mice, there was no significant difference between the labeling of lactate C‐2 and C‐3 from [2‐13C]acetate, whereas in fed mice, lactate C‐3 was more highly labeled than the C‐2, reflecting adaptive metabolic changes in glia in response to the nutritional state of the animal. It is hypothesized that conversion of TCA cycle intermediates into pyruvate and lactate may be operative in the glial metabolism of extracellular glutamate and GABA in vivo. Given the vasodilating effect of lactate on cerebral vessels, which are ensheathed by astrocytic processes, conversion of glutamate and GABA into lactate could be one mechanism mediating increases in cerebral blood flow during nervous activity.
Effect of Atmospheric Turbulence on Hybrid FSO/RF Link Availability under Qatar Harsh Climate

Although there has been a growing interest in the hybrid free-space optical link and radio frequency FSO/RF communication system, the current literature is limited to results obtained in moderate or cold environment. In this paper, using a soft switching approach, we investigate the effect of weather inhomogeneities on the strength of turbulence hence the channel refractive index under Qatar harsh environment and their influence on the hybrid FSO/RF availability. In this approach, either FSO/RF or simultaneous or none of them can be active. Based on soft switching approach and a finite state Markov Chain (FSMC) process, we model the channel fading for the two links and derive a mathematical expression for the outage probability of the hybrid system. Then, we evaluate the behavior of the hybrid FSO/RF under hazy and harsh weather. Results show that the FSO/RF soft switching renders the system outage probability less than that of each link individually. A soft switching algorithm is being implemented on FPGAs using Raptor code interfaced to the two terminals of a 1Gbps/100 Mbps FSO/RF hybrid system, the first being implemented in the region. Experimental results are compared to the above simulation results. Keywords—Atmospheric turbulence, haze, soft switching, Raptor codes, refractive index.
Severe Bone Loss as Part of the Life History Strategy of Bowhead Whales

The evolution of baleen constituted a major evolutionary change that made it possible for baleen whales to reach enormous body sizes while filter feeding on tiny organisms and migrating over tremendous distances. Bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) live in the Arctic where the annual cycle of increasing and decreasing ice cover affects their habitat, prey, and migration. During the nursing period, bowheads grow rapidly; but between weaning and approximately year 5, bowhead whales display sustained baleen and head growth while limiting growth in the rest of their bodies. During this period, they withdraw resources from the skeleton, in particular the ribs, which may lose 40% of bone mass. Such dramatic changes in bones of immature mammals are rare, although fossil cetaceans between 40 and 50 million years ago show an array of rib specializations that include bone loss and are usually interpreted as related to buoyancy control.
Life Expectancy and Economic Well-being: A Within-country Regional-level Analysis Using the Micro-data of Bangladesh

A frequent empirical approach toward examining the impact of health on economic growth has been to focus on data for a cross-section of countries and to regress the income indicator on the health indicator controlling for the initial level of income and for other factors believed to influence steady-state income levels. From the methodological perspective, such a growth regression approach has mainly offered evidence for the relationship between health and income, using cross-country macro-level data. This article contributes to existing empirical research by introducing within-country regional-level analysis using three rounds of the Demographic and Health Surveys of Bangladesh, combined with corresponding geo-referenced global positioning system (GPS) data, to estimate the contribution of life expectancy to economic well-being. The joint evolution of the regional-level longevity and wealth indicator obtained from the micro-data corroborates Preston’s cross-country macro-level findings. Also, the finding that a 1 per cent increase in life expectancy leads to about 3 per cent increase in the wealth index corroborates the findings of several macro-regression studies and promotes the concept of direct investments in health. JEL Classification: I10, O40, R10
Predictors of disability pension over a 10-year period for men and women

Aims: The number of people leaving the labour market with a disability pension is high and knowledge regarding risk factors is limited. The aim of this study was to explore work- and non-work-related predictors of disability pension among men and women and to estimate to what extent the gender difference in retirement rate could be explained by factors in and outside work. Methods: A random sample of 5,940 employees registered in the Danish National Work Environment Cohort Study in 1995 was followed up with regard to labour market status in 2005 using the DREAM register, which contains data on all social transfer payments in the Danish population. Associations between disability pension and measures of ergonomic and psychosocial work environment, public employment, family status, and lifestyle were analysed by Cox regression and the difference in retirement rates adjusted separately for each group of variables. Results: The results showed (a) that both men and women had a higher risk of disability pension when they had work that involved standing or if they smoked; (b) that women in addition had a higher likelihood if they were public employees, had low job security, or low social support at work; (c) that the higher rate of disability pension among women compared with men could not be explained by work environmental factors, lifestyle, or family situation. Public employment was the single factor that explained most of the difference. Conclusions: Gender differences in exposures and predictors of disability pension were found, but few explanations of the higher rate of disability pension among women.
The Structure of Academic Self-Concept: The Marsh/Shavelson Model.

New academic self-concept instruments were used to measure self-concepts in 13 (Grades 5-6) or 16 (Grades 7-10) school subjects and to test the structure of academic self-concept posited in the Marsh/Shavelson model. First-order factor analyses identified the scales each instrument was designed to measure, demonstrating that academic self-concept is remarkably subject-specific. As posited, two higher order factors were sufficient to explain relations among core academic subjects, but additional higher order factors were needed to explain other school subjects (e.g., physical education, art, and music). The hierarchy, however, was weak, and much of the variance in specific subject self-concepts was unexplained by the higher order factors. Researchers interested in self-concepts in particular subjects are advised to use self-concept scales specific to those subject areas in addition, perhaps, to other measures of academic self-concept. Prior to the 1980s, reviewers of self-concept research noted a lack of theoretical models and appropriate measurement instruments. In an attempt to address this situation, Shavelson, Hubner, and Stanton (1976) reviewed existing theory, research, and instruments and developed a multifaceted, hierarchical model of self-concept. In their model a general facet at the apex of the self-concept hierarchy is divided into academic and nonacademic components of self-concept. Academic self-concept is then divided into self-concepts in particular subject areas (e.g., mathematics, English), and nonacademic self-concept is divided into social, emotional, and physical self-concepts. The academic portion of the Shavelson et al. model, which is the focus of this study, is shown in Panel A of Figure 1. The self-concept facets and the structure proposed by Shavelson et al. were heuristic and plausible, but they were not validated by research in their review. Commenting on this problem, Byrne (1984) noted that "many consider this inability to attain discriminant validity among the dimensions of SC [self-concept] to be one of the major complexities facing SC researchers today" (pp. 449-450). In contrast, more recent research based on better theoretical models and measurement instruments supports the multidimensionality of self-concept and many aspects of the Shavelson et al. model (e.g., Boersma & Chapman, 1979; Byrne, 1984; Dusek & Flaherty, 1981; Fleming & Courtney, 1984; Halter, 1982; Marsh, 1988, in press-a; Marsh, Byrne, & Shavelson, 1988; 1982; Soares & Soares, 1982).
Genetic Control of Susceptibility to Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis in Rats

Rats of the inbred strains Lewis and DA are highly susceptible to the induction of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) while Brown Norway rats are resistant to this disease. Evidence has been obtained which suggests that a single dominant gene is associated with susceptibility to EAE. The locus controlling EAE susceptibility is closely linked to the Ag-B histocompatibility locus but is not identical to it.
In-depth immunophenotyping of patients with glioblastoma multiforme: Impact of steroid treatment

ABSTRACT Despite aggressive treatment regimens based on surgery and radiochemotherapy, the prognosis of patients with grade IV glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains extremely poor, calling for alternative options such as immunotherapy. Immunological mechanisms including the Natural Killer Group 2 member D (NKG2D) receptor-ligand system play an important role in tumor immune surveillance and targeting the NKG2D system might be beneficial. However, before considering any kind of immunotherapy, a precise characterization of the immune system is important, particularly in GBM patients where conventional therapies with impact on the immune system are frequently co-administered. Here we performed an in-depth immunophenotyping of GBM patients and age-matched healthy controls and analyzed NKG2D ligand expression on primary GBM cells ex vivo. We report that GBM patients have a compromised innate immune system irrespective of steroid (dexamethasone) medication. However, dexamethasone drastically reduced the number of immune cells in the blood of GBM patients. Moreover, higher counts of immune cells influenced by dexamethasone like CD45+ lymphocytes and non-Vδ2 γδ T cells were associated with better overall survival. Higher levels of NKG2D ligands on primary GBM tumor cells were observed in patients who received radiochemotherapy, pointing towards increased immunogenic potential of GBM cells following standard radiochemotherapy. This study sheds light on how steroids and radiochemotherapy affect immune cell parameters of GBM patients, a pre-requisite for the development of new therapeutic strategies targeting the immune system in these patients.
Benefits of a Tangible Interface for Collaborative Learning and Interaction

We investigated the role that tangibility plays in a problem-solving task by observing logistic apprentices using either a multitouch or a tangible interface. Results showed that tangibility helped them perform the task better and achieve a higher learning gain. In addition, groups using the tangible interface collaborated better, explored more alternative designs, and perceived problem solving as more playful. Mediation analysis revealed that exploration was the only process variable explaining the performance for the problem-solving task. Implications of this study are discussed in terms of the benefits of tangibility for education and directions for future research.
Hybrid energy harvesting for autonomous sensors in building automation

For researches on energy harvesting in building automation two independent power sources have been examined. Therefor long term power profiles have been analysed, which show the available energy per transducer over time. These profiles have been investigated according to their ability to supply an energy autonomous system and to improve the availability and reliability of operation. To reduce the failing time of a sensor system by using two independent sources within a hybrid energy harvesting supply, is one of the general aims for this contribution. An energy management circuit has been developed and compared to the state of art solution of combining different energy sources. The additional losses of this method have been simulated. This contribution tends on a method to improve the reliability of an energy autonomous system using two different and independent energy sources and an optimized combination of both within an adapted energy management strategy.
Anti-TNF-α therapy modulates resistin in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objective Chronic systemic infl ammation plays a pivotal role in the development of atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In the present study, we investigated whether anti-TNF-α antagonist-monoclonal antibody-infl iximab administration alters α antagonist-monoclonal antibody-infl iximab administration alters α circulating levels of resistin, a proinfl ammatory adipokine. We further assessed associations of circulating resistin concentrations with CRP and ESR levels, platelet counts and metabolic syndrome and demographic characteristics in RA patients on periodical treatment with infl iximab. Methods We investigated 33 patients with RA on periodical treatment with infl iximab. Serum resistin levels were determined immediately prior to and after infl iximab infusion. Results Upon infl iximab administration, mean (SD) serum resistin concentrations (ng/ml) decreased from 21.9 (9.9) to 17.4 (8.9) (p=0.005). Also, a signifi cant association between the mean ESR (r=0.405; p=0.03) and CRP (r=0.571; p=0.0005) from disease diagnosis and ESR (r=0.486; p=0.004), CRP (r=0.599; p=0.0005) and platelet count (r=0.559; p=0.0007) at the time of the study and baseline resistin levels was found. Conclusions The present study shows that anti-TNF-α therapy results in a rapid reduction of serum resistin levels in patients with RA. α therapy results in a rapid reduction of serum resistin levels in patients with RA. α It also confi rms a close association between laboratory markers of infl ammation, particularly CRP and resistin levels. These observations support a potential role of resistin in the infl ammatory cascade in RA.