Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reaping Return on Information Technology Investment: An Empirical Study

Since the amount spent on information technology (IT) keeps on increasing with time, senior management is rightly concerned with the evaluation of their capital investments in IT. However, despite significant progress in evaluating the productivity impacts from corporate investment in IT, the inability of traditional economic measures to fully account for intangible impacts has led to for calls for a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to measuring IT business value. This paper goes beyond the notion of improving evaluation based on measurement improvements and shows that there are limits to obtaining accurate benefit and cost figures. This paper is premised on the belief that IT investments do lead to increased business value. However, for an organization to experience such increased business value, efforts have to be made to control investments and heedfully take steps to leverage IT resources. Evaluation, therefore, has to take on a continuous characteristic. Amongst the issues discussed in this paper are the relationship between the comprehensiveness of IT investment evaluation and their effects on realized returns on IT investment by an organization, executives’ perceptions about the various aspects of IT investment evaluation (costs, benefits, risks and evaluation methodology). In this study perceptual measures, as reported by IT managers, have been used to assess payoffs from IT investment. This provides an added advantage in that, unlike traditional economic measures, perceptual measures can be used to evaluate both tangible and intangible impacts. These measures include the importance and level of difficulty in measuring costs, benefits and risks and desirable features of a good IT evaluation methodology. To establish the relationship between extensiveness of IT investment evaluation and the returns on IT investment, causal model analysis has been done using structural equation modeling. The main finding is that increased attention to risks in IT investment evaluation leads to better investment control, which, in turn, results in a higher realized return on IT investment by the organization.
Chronic Fungal Sinusitis in Apparently Normal Hosts

Several fungal species are capable of causing either noninvasive fungal sinusitis or invasive disease characterized by erosion into mucosa, submucosa, bone, and deeper contiguous structures. The diagnosis of invasive infection becomes firmly established only after histologic demonstration of hyphae within these areas. Computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging can assist in distinguishing between invasive and noninvasive disease by outlining bone and adjacent structures. The 2 forms of chronic fungal sinusitis mandate different therapeutic approaches. While patients with noninvasive infection require only surgical removal of hyphal masses and the reestablishment of sinus drainage for a successful outcome, invasive infection necessitates not only thorough surgical debridement of abnormal tissues but may also require prolonged antifungal chemotherapy. All patients require long-term follow-up. Even the combined approach has sometimes proven disappointing during long-term follow-up of disease, rendering investigational therapy appropriate in some patients.
3-D In Vitro Acoustic Super-Resolution and Super-Resolved Velocity Mapping Using Microbubbles

Standard clinical ultrasound (US) imaging frequencies are unable to resolve microvascular structures due to the fundamental diffraction limit of US waves. Recent demonstrations of 2-D super-resolution both <italic>in vitro</italic> and <italic>in vivo</italic> have demonstrated that fine vascular structures can be visualized using acoustic single bubble localization. Visualization of more complex and disordered 3-D vasculature, such as that of a tumor, requires an acquisition strategy which can additionally localize bubbles in the elevational plane with high precision in order to generate super-resolution in all three dimensions. Furthermore, a particular challenge lies in the need to provide this level of visualization with minimal acquisition time. In this paper, we develop a fast, coherent US imaging tool for microbubble localization in 3-D using a pair of US transducers positioned at 90°. This allowed detection of point scatterer signals in 3-D with average precisions equal to <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$1.9~\mu \text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> in axial and elevational planes, and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$11~\mu \text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> in the lateral plane, compared to the diffraction limited point spread function full-widths at half-maximum of 488, 1188, and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$953~\mu \text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> of the original imaging system with a single transducer. Visualization and velocity mapping of 3-D <italic>in vitro</italic> structures was demonstrated far beyond the diffraction limit. The capability to measure the complete flow pattern of blood vessels associated with disease at depth would ultimately enable analysis of <italic>in vivo</italic> microvascular morphology, blood flow dynamics, and occlusions resulting from disease states.
IS MINDFULNESS PRESENT-CENTRED AND NON-JUDGMENTAL? A DISCUSSION OF THE COGNITIVE DIMENSIONS OF MINDFULNESS

This essay critiques the standard characterization of mindfulness as present-centred non-judgmental awareness, arguing that this account misses some of the central features of mindfulness as described by classical Buddhist accounts, which present mindfulness as being relevant to the past as well as to the present. I show that for these sources the central feature of mindfulness is not its present focus but its capacity to hold its object and thus allow for sustained attention, regardless of whether the object is present or not. I further show that for these sources mindfulness can be explicitly evaluative, thus demonstrating the degree to which classical Buddhist accounts differ from the modern description of mindfulness as non-judgmental. I conclude that although this modern description may be useful as an operational definition intended for practical instruction, it does not provide an adequate basis for a theoretical analysis of mindfulness, for it fails to emphasize its retentive nature to privilege i.
The work compatibility improvement framework: Defining and measuring the human‐at‐work system

This article is one in a series of articles demonstrating the foundations of the work compatibility model (WCM) as an engineering approach to improve human performance in organizations. Previous work has concentrated on defining the core elements that constitute the model, moving beyond constructs of work stress and job satisfaction. In this article, the work environment is explained in terms of protective and risk effects that comprise both physical and nonphysical elements (e.g., psychosocial, organizational, cultural, and financial).
Impairment of Presynaptic α2-Adrenoceptor-Regulated Norepinephrine Overflow in Failing Hearts from Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rats

The aim of this study was to assess whether cardiac norepinephrine overflow is affected in Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Homozygous (fa/fa) Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats were used as a model of Type 2 diabetes; heterozygous (fa/+) ZDF rats served as non-diabetic controls. Cardiac performance was determined in isolated working hearts; release of endogenous norepinephrine was induced by electrical field stimulation in Langendorff-perfused hearts. At a mean age of 30 weeks, left ventricular contraction, relaxation, and developed pressure were reduced by 20% to 35% in ZDF-fa/fa rats compared with ZDF-fa/+ rats. Stepwise increase of stimulation frequency gradually increased norepinephrine overflow in isolated hearts from both rat strains. Compared to ZDF-fa/+ rats, cardiac norepinephrine overflow was suppressed by 25% to 45% in ZDF-fa/fa rats. During presynaptic α2-adrenoceptor blockade with rauwolscine, increase of norepinephrine overflow was significantly higher in ZDF-fa/fa rats than in ZDF-fa/+ rats whereas α2-adrenoceptor activation with UK 14,304 suppressed norepinephrine overflow solely in ZDF-fa/+ rats. Myocardial tissue content of norepinephrine did not differ markedly between the two groups. In conclusion, cardiac norepinephrine overflow is inhibited in failing hearts from ZDF-fa/fa rats. This inhibition may result from a hyperactive status of presynaptic α2-adrenoceptors.
Circulating FGF21 proteolytic processing mediated by fibroblast activation protein

Proteolytic cleavage of FGF21, evaluated in human plasma, confirmed three known proline hydrolysis sites. Although DPP-IV participates in consecutive cleavages from the N-terminus, fibroblast activation protein was implicated as the enzyme responsible for the C-terminal cleavage that inactivates FGF21.
Sump bay fever: inhalational fever associated with a biologically contaminated water aerosol.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical, serological, and environmental features of a work related inhalational fever associated with exposure to an aerosol generated from a biologically contaminated 130,000 gallon water pool in a building used for testing scientific equipment. METHOD: Cross sectional survey of all exposed subjects (n = 83) by symptom questionnaire, clinical examination, spirometry, and serology for antibody to Pseudomonads, pool water extract, and endotoxin. In symptomatic patients diffusion capacity was measured, and chest radiology was performed if this was abnormal. Serial peak flow was recorded in those subjects with wheeze. Bacterial and fungal air sampling was performed before and during operation of the water pool pump mechanism. Endotoxin was measured in the trapped waters and in the pumps. Serum cotinine was measured as an objective indicator of smoking. RESULTS: Of the 20 symptomatic subjects, fever was most common in those with the highest exposure (chi 2 42.7, P < 0.001) in the sump bay when the water was (torrentially) recirculated by the water pumps. Symptoms occurred late in the working day only on days when the water pumps were used, and were independent of the serum cotinine. Pulmonary function was normal in most subjects (spirometry was normal in 79/83, diffusion capacity was low in five subjects, chest radiology was normal). Peak flow recording did not suggest a work relation. The bacterial content of the aerosol rose from 6 to > 10,000 colony forming units per cubic metre (cfu/m3) (predominantly environmental Pseudomonads) when the pumps were operating. High endotoxin concentrations were measured in the waters and oil sumps in the pumps. Low concentrations of antibody to the organisms isolated were detected (apart from two subjects with high antibody) but there was no relation to exposure or the presence of symptoms and similar antibody was found in the serum samples from a non-exposed population. The fever symptoms settled completely with the simple expedient of changing the water and cleaning the pumps. CONCLUSION: Given the results of our study, the development of inhalational fever in this unique environment and clearly restricted cohort was closely related to the degree of exposure to contaminated aerosol and mainly occurred in the absence of distinct serological abnormality and independent of cigarette smoking.
Deep Sequencing Whole Transcriptome Exploration of the σE Regulon in Neisseria meningitidis

Bacteria live in an ever-changing environment and must alter protein expression promptly to adapt to these changes and survive. Specific response genes that are regulated by a subset of alternative σ70-like transcription factors have evolved in order to respond to this changing environment. Recently, we have described the existence of a σE regulon including the anti-σ-factor MseR in the obligate human bacterial pathogen Neisseria meningitidis. To unravel the complete σE regulon in N. meningitidis, we sequenced total RNA transcriptional content of wild type meningococci and compared it with that of mseR mutant cells (ΔmseR) in which σE is highly expressed. Eleven coding genes and one non-coding gene were found to be differentially expressed between H44/76 wildtype and H44/76ΔmseR cells. Five of the 6 genes of the σE operon, msrA/msrB, and the gene encoding a pepSY-associated TM helix family protein showed enhanced transcription, whilst aniA encoding a nitrite reductase and nspA encoding the vaccine candidate Neisserial surface protein A showed decreased transcription. Analysis of differential expression in IGRs showed enhanced transcription of a non-coding RNA molecule, identifying a σE dependent small non-coding RNA. Together this constitutes the first complete exploration of an alternative σ-factor regulon in N. meningitidis. The results direct to a relatively small regulon indicative for a strictly defined response consistent with a relatively stable niche, the human throat, where N. meningitidis resides.
L'impossibilité théorique: Arrow

L’objectif essentiel de la recherche de Arrow, exposge dans son livre &dquo;Choix collectif et preferences individuelles&dquo; 1 , est d’examiner si, et dans quelles conditions, il est possible d’obtenir un choix social, une decision collective, ou encore, pour reprendre la terminologie de Arrow, une decision politique par opposition a la dgcision individuelle, traditionnellement considgrge dans les processus de decisions economiques. De telles regles de decisions collectives abondent dans la marche courante des processus sociaux car elles s’averent indispensables au fonctionnement des societes. Luce et Raiffa 2, citent
Reappraisal writing relieves social anxiety and may be accompanied by changes in frontal alpha asymmetry

It is widely reported that expressive writing can improve mental and physical health. However, to date, the neural correlates of expressive writing have not been reported. The current study examined the neural electrical correlates of expressive writing in a reappraisal approach. Three groups of participants were required to give a public speech. Before speaking, the reappraisal writing group was asked to write about the current stressful task in a reappraisal manner. The irrelevant writing group was asked to write about their weekly plan, and the non-writing group did not write anything. It was found that following the experimental writing manipulation, both reappraisal and irrelevant writing conditions decreased self-reported anxiety levels. But when re-exposed to the stressful situation, participants in the irrelevant writing group showed increased anxiety levels, while anxiety levels remained lower in the reappraisal group. During the experimental writing manipulation period, participants in the reappraisal group had lower frontal alpha asymmetry scores than those in the irrelevant writing group. However, following re-exposure to stress, participants in the reappraisal group showed higher frontal alpha asymmetry scores than those in the irrelevant writing group. Self-reported anxiety and frontal alpha asymmetry of the non-writing condition did not change significantly across these different stages. It is noteworthy that expressive writing in a reappraisal style seems not to be a fast-acting treatment but may instead take effect in the long run.
A framework of preparing corpora from social network sites for sentiment analysis

This paper proposes a framework for preparing and using corpora from online social networks and review sites for sentiment analysis task. The framework consists of three phases. The first phase is the preprocessing and cleaning of data collected, then data annotation. The second phase is applying various text processing techniques including: removing stopwords, replacing the negation words and the following negated words with the antonyms of the negated words, and using selective words of part-of-speech tags (adjectives and verbs) on the prepared corpora. The third phase is text classification using Naïve Bayes and Decision Tree classifiers and two feature selection approaches, unigrams and bigrams. The experiments show that the data is extremely unbalanced. The results show that applying text processing techniques improve the classification accuracy of the Naïve Bayes classifier and reduce the training time of both classifiers. The results also show that Decision tree classifier is more suitable for imbalance data.
Developing mental toughness: Perceptions of elite female gymnasts

Abstract The present study examined how elite female gymnasts developed their mental toughness. Following semistructured interviews with 10 elite performers, inductive content analysis revealed four general dimensions that contributed to the development of their mental toughness. These included the sport process, sporting personnel, nonsporting personnel, and environmental influences. Although many of the findings reflect those from previous research but within a specific sport, a unique and unexpected finding related to the cultural differences experienced by the athletes throughout their development. The findings provide further details of how mental toughness could be developed in addition to future research and applied issues being discussed
Reorganization of Functional Networks in Mild Cognitive Impairment

Whether the balance between integration and segregation of information in the brain is damaged in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) subjects is still a matter of debate. Here we characterize the functional network architecture of MCI subjects by means of complex networks analysis. Magnetoencephalograms (MEG) time series obtained during a memory task were evaluated by synchronization likelihood (SL), to quantify the statistical dependence between MEG signals and to obtain the functional networks. Graphs from MCI subjects show an enhancement of the strength of connections, together with an increase in the outreach parameter, suggesting that memory processing in MCI subjects is associated with higher energy expenditure and a tendency toward random structure, which breaks the balance between integration and segregation. All features are reproduced by an evolutionary network model that simulates the degenerative process of a healthy functional network to that associated with MCI. Due to the high rate of conversion from MCI to Alzheimer Disease (AD), these results show that the analysis of functional networks could be an appropriate tool for the early detection of both MCI and AD.
The Verbalization of Emotions in the Therapeutic Dialogue–A Correlate of Therapeutic Outcome?

An English version of the “Affective Dictionary Ulm” was constructed based on Dahl's emotion theory for the computerized investigation of affective vocabularies of transcripts stemming from the Penn Psychotherapy Project. Therapist and patient vocabularies from “most successful” and “least successful” psychodynamic therapies were investigated at the beginning and at the end of treatment. Two hypotheses were partially confirmed: (1) therapists verbalize more emotions than their patients, and (2) “most successful” therapists will name more emotion words than their “least successful” colleagues. Furthermore, we found that–in comparison with their initial levels–at the end of treatment “most successful” therapists tended to verbalize emotions of the subcategory “anger. ” These represent affective states where according to Dahl's (1978) emotion theory a subject attributes the “focus of control” of a situation towards the self.Eine englische Fassung des „Affecktinan Diktionais” Ulm wurde auf der Basis von Dahl's.
Neighbourhood risk factors for tuberculosis in Hong Kong.

BACKGROUND Tuberculosis (TB) has been reported to be associated with poverty, especially in developing countries. Hong Kong is one of the few industrialised areas with a high incidence of TB where previous reports on the effect of poverty at neighbourhood level have been conflicting. OBJECTIVE To examine the spatial distribution of TB and its association with neighbourhood risk factors. METHOD A total of 17 294 TB cases notified from 2005 to 2007 were mapped down to the District Council Constituency Area (DCCA) level, and were indirectly standardised by age and sex using 2006 census population data. The standardised TB ratio was correlated with neighbourhood risk factors classified by family, ethnicity, economic and environmental domains. RESULTS The indirect age- and sex-standardised ratio demonstrated a spatially varied pattern, and was significantly associated with all neighbourhood factors on univariate analysis. Only marital status, place of birth and low household income were independently associated with the standardised TB ratio on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION Despite the virtual elimination of absolute poverty by a well-developed social assistance scheme, low household income in the neighbourhood was significantly associated with TB, independently of place of birth, marital status and other risk factors.
Inaugural Article: The protein expression landscape of the Arabidopsis root

Multicellular organisms use specialized cell types to perform activities that are integral to their function. Cellular tasks are usually achieved by proteins, which act in signaling cascades, provide structural support, and catalyze enzymatic reactions vital to growth and metabolism. Knowledge of protein cellular localization and abundance using proteomic approaches is thus crucial to our understanding of biological systems (1, 2). Proteome data can be visually represented in a map, which highlights the spatial relationships of proteins at the level of cell type, tissue, or organ. Proteome maps are useful representations of the complex “building plan” of a biological system and also serve as valuable tools for the discovery of new cellular functions (2, 3). Proteomic studies of single cell populations isolated from a variety of multicellular organisms have recently been achieved, including the oocytes of worms and mice (4–6); pollen grains (consisting of two sperm and one vegetative cell) and stomatal guard cells of plants (7, 8); and sperm cells of mice and flies (9, 10). These cell types were relatively accessible because they either reside on the surface and can be purified in large quantities using biochemical fractionation (e.g., guard cells) or are large and can easily be collected (e.g., Caenorhabditis elegans oocytes). However, similar proteomic studies of internal cell populations have been more difficult and are usually only partially represented in proteomes of whole organs owing to signal dilution (e.g., refs. 11–16). The Arabidopsis thaliana root is an excellent model for investigating cellular functions internal to an organ because it is transparent, radially symmetric, and cell types can be isolated by FACS to allow molecular profiling (17). The goal of this study was to investigate cell-type function by generating a proteomic map of the Arabidopsis root, at cell-type resolution. We performed FACS followed by GeLC-MS/MS (in-gel tryptic digestion followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) proteomic analysis to identify the proteins in individual root cell types. The resulting proteome map of cell types revealed cellular functions and many proteins that are absent in the whole root proteome (11), supporting the importance of our cellular-level approach. We also compared our cellular proteome map with the RNA expression map of the same cell types (18) and found positive but low correlations between protein and RNA profiles. We observed improved correlations when we used a quantitative label-free proteomic approach, more specifically peak integration, of the same cell populations. This proteome map of the cell types of an organ highlights the potential of cell-type proteomics to provide new hypotheses about cellular functions and useful biomarkers. Focusing on root hairs, we performed GeLC-MS/MS proteomics on mutants with either ectopic or no hairs. We tested the hypothesis that cell type-specific proteins are involved in cell identity and identified two unique developmental modulators of root hairs.