Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Certification Schemes in the European Agri-Food Sector

In the last few years, following a number of food crises, quality assurance systems have been widely introduced into the European agri-food sector. Customers' growing quality demands and their undermined trust in food safety are just two of the driving forces behind this trend. With regard to quality assurance schemes, Central and Eastern European agriculture and food industries are in a catch-up position. To compensate for the lack of research in this field, this paper presents an overview of certification schemes in the European agriculture and food industry with a special emphasis on Central and Eastern Europe. It also discusses the characteristics and scope of the schemes as well as possible determinants and effects of the trend observed in recent years.
Test and Analysis of Technology Quadrupole Shell (TQS) Magnet Models for LARP

Test results are reported on four quadrupole magnet model tests (TQS01a, TQS01b, TQS01c, TQS02) in support of the development of a large-aperture superconducting quadrupole for the US LHC Accelerator Research Program (LARP). All four magnet assemblies used key and bladder technology to compress and support the coils within an iron yoke and an aluminum shell. The first three models tested different magnet assemblies of several coils, having MJR conductor, and gapped segmented bronze pole-islands. TQS02's coils utilized improved (RRP) conductor, and addressed TQS01's quench-training pattern, by utilizing titanium alloy (TiAl6V4) pole-islands, with no axial gaps during reaction. This paper summarizes the assembly, cool-down and performance of TQS01a, TQS01b, TQS01c, and TQS02 and compares measurements with design expectations.
The Molecular Basis of Chloride Channel Dysregulation in Cystic Fibrosis

The opening and closing of chloride (Cl−) channels in the apical membrane of epithelial cells is regulated by hormones, neurotransmitters and enterotoxins (intestine) acting through a variety of intracellular messengers, including cyclic nucleotides (cAMP, cGMP), calcium (Ca) and diacylglycerol (DAG). The chloride impermeability of epithelial membranes observed in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients does not result from a defect in the Cl− conducting properties of the channel or in channel recruitment but stems either from a defect in a key regulator of the channel, presumably a phosphoprotein, or from the hyperactivation of a channel closing mechanism, presumably a protein phosphatase or a down‐regulating protein kinase (i.e. protein kinase C). In vitro phosphorylation of isolated intestinal brush border membranes has revealed the existence of a 25000 molecular weight proteolipid (p25) acting as a cosubstrate for both cGMP‐ and cAMP‐dependent protein kinases and cross‐reacting with antibodies directed against the cytoplasmic tail of the band 3 anion exchanger from erythrocytes. The putative role of p25 in Cl− channel regulation and its relationship to an unidentified GTP‐binding protein recently implicated in Cl− channel activation is discussed on the basis of a regulatory model indicating potential sites of the CF defect at a molecular level.
Multimedia Formats for Patient Education and Health Communication: Does User Preference Matter?

Background: Providing quality, current cancer information to cancer patients and their families is a key function of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Web site. This information is now provided in predominantly-text format, but could be provided in formats using multimedia, including animation and sound. Since users have many choices about where to get their information, it is important to provide the information in a format that is helpful and that they prefer. Objective: To pilot and evaluate multimedia strategies for future cancer-information program formats for lay users, the National Cancer Institute created new multimedia versions of existing text programs. We sought to evaluate user performance and preference on these 3 new formats and on the 2 existing text formats. Methods: The National Cancer Institute's "What You Need to Know About Lung Cancer" program was the test vehicle. There were 5 testing sessions, 1 dedicated to each format. Each session lasted about 1 hour, with 9 participants per session and 45 users overall. Users were exposed to the assigned cancer program from beginning to end in 1 of 5 formats: text paperback booklet, paperback booklet formatted in HTML on the Web, spoken audio alone, spoken audio synchronized with a text Web page, and Flash multimedia (animation, spoken audio, and text). Immediately thereafter, the features and design of the 4 alternative formats were demonstrated in detail. A multiple-choice pre-test and post-test quiz on the cancer content was used to assess user learning (performance) before and after experiencing the assigned program. The quiz was administered using an Authorware software interface writing to an Access database. Users were asked to rank from 1 to 5 their preference for the 5 program formats, and provide structured and open-ended comments about usability of the 5 formats. Results: Significant improvement in scores from pre-test to post-test was seen for the total study population. Average scores for users in each of the 5 format groups improved significantly. Increments in improvement, however, were not statistically different between any of the format groups. Significant improvements in quiz scores were seen irrespective of age group or education level. Of the users, 71.1% ranked the Flash program first among the 5 formats, and 84.4% rated Flash as their first or second choice. Audio was the least-preferred format, ranking fifth among 46.7% of users and first among none. Flash was ranked first among users regardless of education level, age group, or format group to which the user was assigned. Conclusions: Under the pilot study conditions, users overwhelmingly preferred the Flash format to the other 4 formats. Learning occurred equally in all formats. Use of multimedia should be considered as communication strategies are developed for updating cancer content and attracting new users. (J Med Internet Res 2003;5(3):e16) doi:10.2196/jmir.5. 3.e16
The research and application of electronic signature system based on improved Gif-Shuffle algorithm

This paper first introduces the Gif-Shuffle digital watermarking algorithm based on GIF format and studies the application of copyright authentication and integrity protection in electronic signature system. Then a new electronic signature system model based on multi-certified technologies is proposed. Experimental analysis shows that improved Gif-Shuffle algorithm which is applied to electronic signature system can further improve the system security.
CMOS design challenges to power wall

CMOS power dissipation has been increasing due to the increase in power density. The power dissipation increased fourfold every three years until the early 1990's, due to a constant voltage scaling. Recently, a constant field scaling has been applied to reduce power dissipation, where the power density is increased proportional to the 0.7th power of scaling factor, resulting in power increase by twice every 6.5 years. It is considered that the power dissipation of CMOS chips will steadily be increased as a natural result of device scaling. Technology scaling will become difficult due to the power wall. On the other hand, future computer and communications technology will require further reduction in power dissipation. Since no new energy efficient device technology is on the horizon, low power CMOS design should be challenged. This paper discusses what and how much designers can do for CMOS power reduction.
Relationship between illness representation and self-efficacy.

AIM This paper reports a patient survey exploring the possible relationship between illness perception and self-efficacy following a cardiac event, and the implications this could have for nursing practice. BACKGROUND Cardiac rehabilitation guidelines endorse the need to improve psychological care; suggesting that individualized support will improve the effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation. Surveys, however, continue to identify that psychosocial factors are poorly assessed. Illness representation and self-efficacy are two prominent research approaches that have been developed as separate foci for the treatment of patients. METHOD A cross-sectional survey with patients diagnosed with either myocardial infarction or angina over an 8-month period in two hospitals. The Illness Perception Questionnaire, General Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, Cardiac Diet Self-efficacy Instrument and Cardiac Exercise Self-efficacy Instrument were used, alongside two specifically-designed scales: the Diet Outcome Expectation and Exercise Outcome Expectation Scales. RESULTS The results indicate that there is a significant relationship between illness perception and self-efficacy. The greater patients' perceived consequences of the heart condition, the lower was the general self-efficacy available to cope with the condition. Further, the longer the perceived time the condition will affect the patient, the higher the specific self-efficacy to maintain a change of diet or exercise regime. CONCLUSION The findings identify that, in the initial phase of recovery, nursing practice needs to focus on the key variables of "consequence" and "timeline" in order to increase patients' confidence in their ability to cope (self-efficacy).
Tyrosine and threonine phosphorylation of an immunoaffinity-purified 44-kDa MAP kinase.

We have approached the functioning of a MAP kinase, which is thought to be a "switch kinase" in the phosphorylation cascade initiated from various receptor tyrosine kinases including the insulin receptor. To do so, antipeptide antibodies were raised against the C-terminal portion of ERK1 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1), a protein kinase belonging to the family of MAP kinases. With these antipeptide antibodies, we observed the following: (i) a 44-kDa protein can be specifically recognized both under native and denaturing conditions; (ii) a 44-kDa phosphoprotein can be revealed in 32P-labeled cells; its phosphorylation is stimulated by insulin, sodium orthovanadate, and okadaic acid; (iii) a MBP kinase activity can be precipitated, which phosphorylates MBP on threonine residues, and which is stimulated by insulin, sodium orthovanadate, okadaic acid, and fetal calf serum; (iv) this MBP kinase activity appears to be correlated with the in vivo induced phosphorylation of the 44-kDa protein. We next studied the in vitro phosphorylation of this 44-kDa/ERK1-immunoreactive protein. A time- and manganese-dependent phosphorylation was stimulated by the in vitro addition of sodium orthovanadate. Phosphoamino acid analysis of the in vitro phosphorylated 44-kDa protein revealed both threonine and tyrosine phosphorylation. Importantly, this in vitro phosphorylation of MAP kinase results in activation of phosphorylation of added MBP substrate. As a whole, our data indicate that the 44-kDa phosphoprotein identified by our antipeptide antibodies very likely corresponds to a MAP kinase. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Economics of Retirement Behavior

This paper examines the role of economic factors in determining retirement behavior using a unique new data archive on more than 8,700 workers covered by 10 different pension plans. We build on our earlier work by estimating several different retirement models including both linear and discrete choice formulations. This framework provides new insights into how and why retirement ages differ across firms. We conclude that older workers' income opportunities differ depending on their pension rules, which in turn have a powerful influence on their retirement patterns. In addition, the models indicate that older workers' tastes for income are not uniform, either across individuals or across firms. Finally, we show that retirement age differences are due in part to differences in worker preferences and in part to differences in income opportunities. There appears to be some evidence of worker sorting across pension plans.
Response: Prospects for Budget Process Renewal

In my 2007 Public Administration Review essay on the "unraveling" of the federal budget process, I argued that federal budgeting had deteriorated seriously since 1998. I evaluated the process in terms of four widely accepted standards of what the budget process should do in a democracy: provide transparency and accountability, predictability, prioritization, and balance. I concluded that this collapse of the budget process was important because "[t]he growth of debt and the muddled and opaque budget processes that grow up to obscure deficit spending have major implications for democracy. When the rules change every year or are not adhered to, when guidelines on budget totals are buried in unrelated legislation, when expenditures are moved out of defense and then funded in a supple mental, when the impact of tax cuts is erased from the budget, the process may be neither fair nor open, neither democratic nor accountable. "
Membrane Topology and Cellular Location of the Treponema pallidum Glycerophosphodiester Phosphodiesterase (GlpQ) Ortholog

ABSTRACT Recent reports that isolated Treponema pallidum outer membranes contain an ortholog for glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase (GlpQ) (D. V. Shevchenko, D. R. Akins, E. J. Robinson, M. Li, O. V. Shevchenko, and J. D. Radolf, Infect. Immun. 65:4179–4189, 1997) and that this protein is a potential opsonic target for T. pallidum (C. E. Stebeck, J. M. Shaffer, T. W. Arroll, S. A. Lukehart, and W. C. Van Voorhis, FEMS Microbiol. Lett. 154:303–310, 1997) prompted a more detailed investigation of its physicochemical properties and cellular location. [14C]palmitate radiolabeling studies of a GlpQ-alkaline phosphatase fusion expressed in Escherichia coli confirmed the prediction from DNA sequencing that the protein is lipid modified. Studies using Triton X-114 phase partitioning revealed that the protein’s amphiphilicity is due to lipid modification and that a substantial portion of the polypeptide is associated with theT. pallidum peptidoglycan sacculus. Three different approaches, i.e., (i) proteinase K treatment of intact treponemes, (ii) indirect immunofluorescence analysis of treponemes encapsulated in agarose beads, and (iii) opsonophagocytosis of treponemes incubated with antiserum against recombinant GlpQ by rabbit peritoneal macrophages, confirmed that GlpQ is entirely subsurface in T. pallidum. Moreover, rabbits hyperimmunized with GlpQ were not protected against intradermal challenge with virulent treponemes. Circular dichroism spectroscopy confirmed that the recombinant form of the polypeptide lacked discernible evidence of denaturation. Finally, GlpQ was not radiolabeled when T. pallidum outer membranes were incubated with 3-(trifluoromethyl)-3-(m-[125I]iodophenyl)-diazarene, a photoactivatable, lipophilic probe which promiscuously labels both proteins and lipids within phospholipid bilayers. Taken as a whole, these studies indicate that the T. pallidum GlpQ ortholog is a periplasmic protein associated predominantly with the spirochete’s peptidoglycan-cytoplasmic membrane complex.
Government involvement in entrepreneurship and new business creation in Australia: A quantitative analysis of public perceptions and opinions

In order to determine the range of Australian perceptions on new venture creation at the end of the decade of the 1980s, and in particular attitudes towards government involvement in fostering entrepreneurship, a major quantitative study was conducted. The survey involved more than 1500 Australians in face-to-face interviews (300 in each mainland capital city) chosen on a random basis. An analysis of the data provides an assessment of the Australian general publics their belief in government involvement in fostering new venture creation. It is believed to be the first study attempting to quantify an entire nation&s perceptions in three areas vital to creators of national economic and industry policies.
Attempts to optimize active specific immunotherapy for melanoma.

During the past 5 years, we have been conducting clinical trials with a therapeutic melanoma vaccine (melanoma "theraccine"). Mechanical lysates of two melanoma cell lines chosen for their complementary characteristics were combined with the adjuvant DETOX and injected subcutaneously on weeks 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 for one or two courses, and then monthly in patients with objective clinical responses. Of 109 patients, 22 (20%) have had objective clinical regression of tumor masses, with 5% complete responses. Ten patients have lived more than a year. Eight of the 10 are still alive, five of whom have lived more than 3 years. It was not necessary to achieve complete remissions to cause an increase in survival, and most of the long-surviving patients have one or more (stable) residual nodules. The pace of the disease process has clearly been slowed in those individuals. A rise in the level of cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursors in the blood (pCTL) has correlated with clinical response. Only one patient without such a rise in pCTL has had a response, and assays in that patient were considered unreliable. Both CD4+ and CD8+ CTL have been cloned from the blood of immunized patients. Both types of CTL killed a number of melanoma cell lines, but not other types of tumor or normal cells (lymphoblasts and melanocytes). CD8+ CTL have not been restricted to killing the autologous melanoma. MHC restriction by the HLA-A2 locus was identified. CD4+ CTL were not restricted only by Class II HLA antigens. Many CD4+ clones killed HLA Class II-negative melanomas, and we were able to block cytotoxicity of a particular clone with either anti-HLA Class I or anti-Class II MHC monoclonal antibodies, or both. An association of clinical response to the theraccine with certain HLA phenotypes, notably HLA-C3, -A2 (and the cross-reactive HLA-A28), B12 (and the related alleles (HLA-B44 and -B45) and perhaps DR4, particularly when combinations of those alleles were present, was suggested by our analysis of 70 patients. It is possible that this simply indicates the sharing of MHC antigens between the immunizing melanomas and the patient's melanoma. However, these MHC molecules may be important in their own right in presenting melanoma-associated antigens in CTL in vivo. Subtractive hybridization of mRNA from lung squamous carcinoma cells from cDNA of the M-1 melanoma cell line has yielded several DNA sequences unique to melanoma. Those are now being analyzed for possible immunogenicity, with cytotoxicity by CTL from immunized patients as the major criterion. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
THE RELATIONSHIP OF SODIUM CHLORIDE TO HYPERTENSION.

Restriction of the sodium chloride intake as a therapeutic measure in hypertensive vascular disease was first advocated many years ago (1, 2, 3). Although subsequent investigators (4, 5, 6, 7) claimed that the addition or removal of salt from the diet failed to influence the blood pressure level significantly, interest in the subject has recently been renewed. Selye and his coworkers (8) noted a striking hypertensive effect when sodium chloride was administered to experimental animals receiving injections of desoxycorticosterone acetate. Grollman and his associates (9) observed that drastic reduction in sodium intake resulted in a decline in blood pressure in some hypertensive patients. They believed it probable that the beneficial effects of the diet proposed by Kempner (10) might be due to the restriction of salt. Recently evidence has been presented (11) that sodium chloride potentiates the pressor activity of desoxycorticosterone acetate when injected into rats rendered nephritic with nephrotoxic serum. The present study was undertaken to reexamine the relationship of sodium chloride to hypertensive vascular disease in man.
The Measurement of Advertising Results

rff HE objectlve of this study can be stated as follows: What is the efI fect of varying frequency and eontinuity on the results of the advertising program? Is it possible to develop a technique which will provide a quantitative answer to two practical questions confronting every advertiser: (i) How often should I advertise? (2) Should I advertise at regular or irregular intervals? These questions cannot be answered until two more fundamental problems have been settled. The first is an appropriate definition of advertising results, a step highly dependent on the relevant point of view. The sociologist, for example, would be interested in the impact of advertising on social behavior; the psychiatrist in its effect on personality; and the billboard reformer in its effect on landscape. These alternatives are suggested by way of emphasizing the necessity for clarifying which aspect of advertising is to be "researched. " From the point of view of the advert'iser, the objective of advertising is to influence buying behavior, or sales; advertising results are the sales which are caused by the advertising for which the results are to be measured. It is in this context alone that advertising research is considered in this study. Nevertheless, it should be clear that other aspects of advertising, even other economic aspects, are important to the advertiser. For example, there is the question of "control" or "position in the industry," a long-run problem excluded from consideration here. The second fundamental problem is the technique of measuring the sales results of advertising. The methodological difficulties involved in this process are almost overwhelming. The very magnitude of these difficulties explains the diversion of much research energy into activities (such as magazine readership) which have no necessary connection with the measurement of the sales attributable to advertising. Such substitute activities may be completely justifiable, but their vindication can come only from a successful assault on the basic objective. Certainly not until sales results are measured can the extravagant claims both "{for" and " against" advertising be subjected to disinterested analysis. While this study represents a partially successful assault, no effort has been made to conceal the difficulties still to be overcome. Of the conclusions which can be drawn, none is more important than the tentative answers to the questions about frequency and continuity posed in the first paragraph of this introduction.
Parents’ first concerns of their child's development in toddlers with autism spectrum disorders

Objective: Investigations about first concerns among parents of toddlers with ASD and comparisons of the same with children diagnosed with other developmental disorders are scarce. Method: The current study utilized a sample of toddlers diagnosed with an ASD or other developmental delay and examined the nature of parents’ first concern and the age of first concern compared to the age of first assessment. Results: The majority of parents of both toddlers diagnosed with ASD and non-ASD related developmental delays indicated that the area of first concern was in communication. However, the age of first concern was significantly younger for toddlers with an ASD diagnosis. In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between the age at which concerns were first noted and the age at which assessment was sought. Conclusion: The implications of these findings are discussed as they relate to early assessment and intervention.