Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Downsizing on Workplace Attitudes

Downsizing has become a popular organization-wide intervention for improving effectiveness. However, much of the existing literature is based on prescriptions and anecdotes. This article presents a longitudinal, quasi-experimental field study of a downsizing intervention in a healthcare organization. Measures of work attitudes (job satisfaction, organizational commitment, supervisor support, and workgroup trust) were taken at annual intervals over a 3-year period. Results partially supported the hypotheses that managers and front-line employees would report different reactions to downsizing programs. Explanations and implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Communicative Characteristics of the Lonely Person's Friendship Circle

The project described in this article examined several qualitative features of the friendship circles of lonely college students. It was expected that because communication is the cornerstone of young adult friendship, individuals whose social companions lacked important communicative attributes would experience poor peer relationships and, therefore, greater loneliness than individuals whose social companions possessed relevant communicative attributes. The liked peers of 208 participants (102 male, 106 female) were identified. Aggregate measures of social acceptance, loneliness, communication attitudes, communication values, and communication skills were obtained from liked peers, as were indices reflecting the extent to which individual participants were accepted by peers and felt lonely. Results indicated that some communicative attributes of the friendship circle predicted participants' levels of social acceptance and loneliness. A few significant gender differences in these relationships were also observed.
Determining the Optimum Location of a Substation by STING : Statistical Information Grid Clustering Approach

Several approaches have been presented in recent years, all of which have dealt with the major issue of determining the optimum location of a substation feeding various load points. Determining an optimum location of a distribution substation and grouping the various load points to be fed from a particular distribution substation has always been a concern to the distribution planners. In this paper, we propose a statistical information grid based (STING) approach for locating a substation. Statistical attributes are collected for all the data objects located in each individual mesh cell and clustering is, then, performed on the grid, using top down approach, instead of data objects themselves The idea is to capture statistical information associated with spatial cells in such a manner that whole classes of queries and clustering problems can be answered. In theory, and confirmed by empirical studies, this approach outperforms the best previous method by at least an order of magnitude, especially when the data set is large. It has much less computational time than other approaches. To minimize the cost load points having minimum distances are selected and accordingly single, two or three feeder system is generated which guarantees minimum cost for the distribution planning system.
An efficient MAC protocol for provisioning fairness in vehicle to roadside communications

In this paper, we present an efficient medium access control (MAC) protocol based on IEEE 802.11 DCF, which minimizes the unfairness problem of two way vehicle ad hoc networks. Geographically highly dynamic topology in vehicle ad hoc networks lead to unfairness problem. Unfairness problem has two aspects: higher velocity vehicles cannot transmit a minimum number of packets and lower velocity vehicles cannot transmit above a minimum number of packets. To address the above mentioned issues, our proposed scheme adjusts the transmission probability for each vehicle according to its residence time by changing the value of MAC parameters dynamically. An analytical model is developed to analyze the performance of the proposed protocol in a non-saturated state. We derive the relationship between the transmission probability and the residence time. Furthermore, relation between the transmission probability and the minimum contention window size of a vehicle is also derived to correlated residence time with minimum contention window size. Analytical results show that our proposed scheme overcomes the limitations of existing MAC protocols by ensuring that packet transmission rate remains proportional to the residence time of the vehicles.
Infrastructure for dynamic reconfigurable systems: choices and trade-offs

Platform-based design is a method to implement complex SoCs, avoiding chip design from scratch. A promising evolution of platform-based design are MPSoC. Such generic architectures might furnish enough performance for several classes of embedded systems. An associated advantage of these architectures is flexibility at the software level. In principle, hardware is not flexible. Thus, dedicated IP blocks must be inserted before chip design, or enough area can be reserved for them when using reconfigurable blocks. Dynamic self-reconfigurable systems (DSRSs) introduce flexibility to hardware. In DSRSs, IP blocks are loaded according to application demand, reducing area, power consumption and system cost. An MPSoC based platform, associated with dynamic reconfiguration, provides both hardware and software flexibility. This paper has two main goals. First, to present the necessary infrastructure for DSRSs, identifying which components are required in these systems, such as a configuration controller, configuration ports and reconfigurable IP interfaces. The second objective is to discuss practical implementations choices and area-performance tradeoffs. The paper employs case studies to access the advantages and problems related to different implementations for the communication infrastructure (bus and NoC), the configuration controller (hardware and software) and IP interfaces (LUT and tristate based).
Genotype MTBDRplus for Direct Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Drug Resistance in Strains from Gold Miners in South Africa

ABSTRACT GenoType MTBDRplus is a molecular assay for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and drug resistance. Assay performance as applied directly to consecutive unselected sputum samples has not been established. The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of the MTBDRplus test for direct detection of M. tuberculosis (in sputum) and for drug resistance in consecutively submitted sputum samples. In this cross-sectional study in South Africa, one sputum specimen from each person suspected of having pulmonary tuberculosis was tested by smear microscopy, direct MTBDRplus, and Mycobacterial Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) culture with MGIT drug susceptibility testing. MGIT results were the reference standard. We tested 2,510 sputum samples, and 529 (21.1%) were positive for M. tuberculosis by MGIT. Direct MTBDRplus identified M. tuberculosis in 256 of 529 specimens (sensitivity, 48.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 44.1, 52.7). The sensitivity of MTBDRplus for M. tuberculosis detection by sputum smear status was as follows: smear negative, 13.7% (95% CI, 9.8, 18.4); smear scanty, 46.2% (95% CI, 19.2, 74.9); smear 1+, 69.1% (95% CI, 55.2, 80.9); smear 2+, 86.3% (95% CI, 73.7, 94.3); smear 3+, 89.8% (95% CI, 83.7, 94.2). Direct MTBDRplus testing was negative for 1,594/1,612 sputum samples that were culture negative for M. tuberculosis (specificity, 98.9%; 95% CI, 98.2, 99.3). For specimens positive for M. tuberculosis by MTBDRplus, this assay's sensitivity and specificity for rifampin resistance were 85.7% (95% CI, 57.2, 98.2) and 96.6% (95% CI, 93.2, 98.6) and for isoniazid resistance they were 62.1% (95% CI, 42.3, 79.3) and 97.9% (95% CI, 94.8, 99.4). For sputum testing, the sensitivity of MTBDRplus is directly related to the specimen's bacillary burden. Our results support recommendations that the MTBDRplus test not be used for direct testing of smear-negative or paucibacillary sputum samples.
Awareness of metabolic concerns and perceived impact of pharmacotherapy in patients with bipolar disorder: a survey of 500 US psychiatrists.

OBJECTIVE An online survey was conducted to assess psychiatrists' familiarity with the metabolic syndrome and its components in patients with bipolar disorder, and characterize their perspectives and practices regarding its impact on patient management. METHODS Participants were US psychiatrists from a random sample of those in the AMA database. Qualified respondents practiced 4-30 years, spent > or = 50% of their time in direct patient care, and treated > or = 25 bipolar patients in the last month. Results were collected and tabulated by Harris Interactive from Nov-Dec 2005. RESULTS Five hundred psychiatrists qualified and completed the survey, and 50 respondents also participated in follow-up interviews. Most respondents (94%) viewed metabolic syndrome as a significant health risk requiring monitoring and treatment. While 76% have diagnosed it, only 28% correctly identified the five NCEP diagnostic criteria. Medication adverse effects of greatest concern were weight gain, glucose intolerance, and dyslipidemia. During treatment, 78% of respondents reported monitoring weight, 69% glucose, 61% lipids, and 52% blood pressure. Most respondents (92%) reported referring patients to specialists or primary care for metabolic abnormalities. Changes in metabolic profile were reported to prompt many psychiatrists (85%) to stop or switch bipolar medications, especially those who treat a large number of bipolar patients (89%). The follow-up interviews supported a change in practice patterns over the last 5 years. CONCLUSIONS Nearly all respondents have metabolic concerns with medical therapies used to treat bipolar disorder. Many now routinely monitor weight and other metabolic parameters. Most have referred patients for medical management and adjusted bipolar therapies due to metabolic abnormalities.
An Integrative Framework for Understanding Two-sided Persuasion

This article develops a framework that encompasses past two-sided persuasion research and incorporates additional theory and research on optimal arousal and attitude toward the ad to provide explanations for inconsistencies in previous findings. In particular, explanations are provided for the following: (1) when credibility gains will be enhanced, (2) when refutation is needed, (3) how the message should be structured (in terms of amount and placement of negative information), and (4) what types of attributes should be discounted (in terms of importance, type, and correlation with other attributes). In addition, directions for future research are discussed. Copyright 1994 by the University of Chicago.
Spinal mechanisms in man contributing to reciprocal inhibition during voluntary dorsiflexion of the foot.

1. The inhibition of the soleus Hoffmann reflex (H reflex) during voluntary dorsiflexion of the foot‐‐henceforth referred to as ‘natural’ reciprocal inhibition‐‐was found to be initiated 50 ms before the onset of the EMG activity in the tibialis anterior muscle and to increase gradually during a ramp‐and‐hold dorsiflexion. There was a positive correlation between strength of tonic dorsiflexion and amount of ‘natural’ reciprocal inhibition. 2. The change of activity in the disynaptic and a long‐latency group Ia inhibitory pathway and the change in presynaptic inhibition of the Ia fibres mediating the soleus H reflex were tested separately during ramp‐and‐hold dorsiflexion as well as during tonic dorsiflexion of the foot, and the results were compared with the development of the ‘natural’ reciprocal inhibition of the unconditioned soleus H reflex. 3. The disynaptic group I inhibition of soleus motoneurones was increased, as compared to rest, during the dynamic phase of a ramp‐and‐hold dorsiflexion movement, but the inhibition generally did not increase during tonic dorsiflexion of the foot. 4. The long‐latency group I inhibition was seen only during dorsiflexion of the foot. It appeared around 50 ms before tibial anterior EMG activity and there was a positive correlation between strength of tonic dorsiflexion and amount of this long‐latency inhibition. 5. Presynaptic inhibition of Ia afferents terminating on soleus motoneurones was estimated by an indirect method. The increase of presynaptic inhibition started soon after the onset of the ramp‐and‐hold dorsiflexion, and gradually became more pronounced during the ramp phase. The amount of presynaptic inhibition was positively correlated with strength of tonic dorsiflexion. 6. It is concluded that all investigated mechanisms may contribute to the ‘natural’ reciprocal inhibition and it seems that the different pathways are used differentially during different types of movement.
A sociocultural framework for understanding partner preferences of women and men: Integration of concepts and evidence

In the current sociocultural framework for understanding mating preferences, we propose that gender roles affect sex differences and similarities in mate preferences. Gender roles, in turn, are shaped by the unequal division of labour between women and men. As a consequence, mating preferences and choices should converge across the sexes as the weakening of this division puts the sexes in more similar social roles in their societies. To evaluate these assumptions, we review relevant findings from three domains that show variability in gender roles: (a) cross-cultural variability related to differences in societies’ division of labour, (b) historical variability related to temporal changes in the division of labour, and (c) individual variability in gender attitudes that reflects the gradual and uneven spread of shifts toward gender equality throughout each society. The bringing together of multiple lines of evidence puts the sociocultural framework on a new and more secure foundation.
More Than Words Alone: Incorporating Broadcasters' Nonverbal Communication Into the Stages of Crisis Coverage Theory—Evidence From September 11th

This study advances the theoretical development of Graber's (2002) stages of crisis coverage by explicating the role of nonverbal communication. It begins the process of enlarging the theoretical framework to account for the effects of nonverbal cues. Results support the idea of 3 distinct stages of crisis coverage with journalists' nonverbal expressions of emotion peaking in the 2nd stage, which is where journalists attempt to make sense of an event. Theoretical developments are explicated and implications for audience effects in news coverage are discussed.
Ca2+/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II Phosphorylation of Ryanodine Receptor Does Affect Calcium Sparks in Mouse Ventricular Myocytes

Previous studies in transgenic mice and with isolated ryanodine receptors (RyR) have indicated that Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) can phosphorylate RyR and activate local diastolic sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release events (Ca2+ sparks) and RyR channel opening. Here we use relatively controlled physiological conditions in saponin-permeabilized wild type (WT) and phospholamban knockout (PLB-KO) mouse ventricular myocytes to test whether exogenous preactivated CaMKII or endogenous CaMKII can enhance resting Ca2+ sparks. PLB-KO mice were used to preclude ancillary effects of CaMKII mediated by phospholamban phosphorylation. In both WT and PLB-KO myocytes, Ca2+ spark frequency was increased by both preactivated exogenous CaMKII and endogenous CaMKII. This effect was abolished by CaMKII inhibitor peptides. In contrast, protein kinase A catalytic subunit also enhanced Ca2+ spark frequency in WT, but had no effect in PLB-KO. Both endogenous and exogenous CaMKII increased SR Ca2+ content in WT (presumably via PLB phosphorylation), but not in PLB-KO. Exogenous calmodulin decreased Ca2+ spark frequency in both WT and PLB-KO (K0.5 ≈100 nmol/L). Endogenous CaMKII (at 500 nmol/L [Ca2+]) phosphorylated RyR as completely in <4 minutes as the maximum achieved by preactivated exogenous CaMKII. After CaMKII activation Ca2+ sparks were longer in duration, and more frequent propagating SR Ca2+ release events were observed. We conclude that CaMKII-dependent phosphorylation of RyR by endogenous associated CaMKII (but not PKA-dependent phosphorylation) increases resting SR Ca2+ release or leak. Moreover, this may explain the enhanced SR diastolic Ca2+ leak and certain triggered arrhythmias seen in heart failure.
Flexibility and Individualisation: A Comparison of Transitions into Employment in England and Germany

In virtually all advanced capitalist industrial societies, transitions from compulsory education into employment have been prolonged since the 1970s. The basic reasons are the same everywhere, but there have been contrasting interpretations of youth's new social condition by different countries' social scientists. Here a particularly sharp contrast is between Britain and Germany. In the former country most researchers have taken a negative view of the trends, whereas German scholars have stressed the spread of flexibility, individualisation, and opportunities for self-directed growth. This paper discusses the similarities and differences between transitions into employment in Britain and Germany using evidence from matched samples of 16-22 year olds. It is argued that there are fundamental, systemic differences between the organisation of entering the labour forces in Britain and Germany. In Germany transitions take longer, are more structured, and are rooted in a training culture. However, each country's young people are made to feel that they themselves make significant choices, and their transitions have become individualised. Simultaneously, individuals' opportunities in each country continue to be governed by the familiar predictors - family background, sex, place of residence, and attainments in secondary education. It is argued that in each country young people are prototypical cases of broader trends towards structured individualisation and the fragmentation of formerly more homogeneous social groups.
Collective Development in Open-Source Communities: An Activity Theoretical Perspective on Successful Online Collaboration

Online collaboration is often organized without strong predetermined rules or central authority, which is why coordination and ways of organizing cooperation become crucial elements of collaboration. This article investigates how online projects can overcome problems of dispersed work, solve inherent contradictions and utilize tensions in the activity system to develop collaborative artefacts and practices. Empirical evidence is based on a detailed observation of a successful open-source project — the K Desktop Environment (KDE). Our findings show that successful collaboration is based on coat-tailing systems. Coat-tailing means to inextricably bind together individual action and collective activity through careful design of complexes of technological, mental and cultural artefacts.
Effects of Conceptual Assignments and Conceptual Change Discussions on Students' Misconceptions and Achievement Regarding Force and Motion

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of conceptual assignments and conceptual change discussions on students' achievement and misconceptions about force and motion. The study was conducted with 6 physics teachers and their 18 classes, consisting of 396 high school physics students. The teachers administered the Force Misconception and Force Achievement Tests to their physics classes as a pretest. The results obtained were used to match the 18 classes statistically. Students assigned to the conceptual assignment protocol completed five conceptual assignments about force and motion. Students assigned to the discussion method participated in conceptual change discussions. At the end of the 8-week treatment period, the same tests were administered to all students as a posttest. The data were analyzed by using multivariate analysis of covariance, followed by protected univariate F test and step- down analysis. The statistical results showed that the conceptual change discussion was an effective means of reducing the number of misconceptions students held about force and motion. The conceptual change discussion was also found significantly effective in improving students' achievement in force and motion. 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 39: 1001-1015, 2002 Intuitive beliefs that students develop on their own before taking the first course in physics have a special place among the sources of difficulties students come across in physics. Researchers have used different names for this: Novak (1977) called them preconceptions, Driver & Easley (1978) referred to them as alternative conceptions, Helm (1980) called them misconceptions, Sutton (1980) preferred the term children's scientific intuitions, Gilbert, Watts, & Osborne (1982) called them children's science, Halloun & Hestenes (1985b) called them common sense concepts, and Pines & West (1986) called them spontaneous knowledge. In this article, ''preconceptions'' is used to indicate all beliefs students have before enrolling in their first formal physics course, whereas ''misconceptions'' refers only to those beliefs students have that contradict accepted scientific theories. Students' misconceptions are related to (a) key concepts such as mass, velocity, acceleration, force, etc.; and (b) fundamental principles and models such as Newton's laws, conservation laws, and others.
The importance of non-profit organisations in developing wine tourism in Poland

The main objective of this paper is to diagnose the influence of non-profit organisations in the development of wine tourism in Poland. Analysis is provided of their activities in promoting wine and wine tourism among farmers, people wanting to establish new vineyards, and tourists. Public sources are used as a secondary source for the research, including documents from the Agriculture Market Agency, the Central Statistical Office of Poland and non-profit organisations, as well as primary data. Interviews were used to research. These were conducted with the chairpersons of the following associations of wine growers: the Lesser Polish Gorge of the Vistula Wine Growers Association (Stowarzyszenie Małopolskiego Przełomu Wisły), the Polish Institute of Grapevines and Wine (Polski Instytut Winorośli i Wina), the Lesser Poland Wine Forum Association (Stowarzyszenie Małopolskie Forum Winne), and the Subcarpathian Wine Growers Association (Podkarpackie Stowarzyszenie Winiarzy). Research was conducted between April and June 2012. The results confirmed the importance of non-profit organisations in developing winery and wine tourism in Poland. These organisations motivate people to wine production through coaching, combined operations, and joint meetings. They organise events such as wine festivals and competitions; cooperate with the media; receive money from local governments for activities to enhance the attractiveness of the region and initiate common work to change wine legislation in Poland.
Modeling individual and collective opinion in online social networks: drivers of choice behavior and effects of marketing interventions

We investigate factors influencing choice behavior in online social networks. We use twitter data from a Dutch television talent show. In study one, we implement a nested conditional logit model with latent classes. We find heterogeneous effects. For two latent classes, cognitive factors most strongly influence choice behavior. For two other latent classes, the influence of the television show is strongest. For all latent classes, social effects positively influence individual choice. In study two, an agent-based model uses the parameters estimated in study one, and simulates marketing interventions. Our simulations show that collective choice behavior may be influenced by increasing the amount of time a product is displayed to the individuals, although changing the sequence that candidates appear or increasing the activity of influentials has no effect.