Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Radioprotective properties of nutraceutical Gonebazol: In vivo study

BACKGROUND: In vitro investigation of radioprotective properties of novel nutraceutical Gonebazol (Biofarm, Belgrade) has displayed its remarkable potential to reduce chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei induced by x rays. The goal of this study was to evaluate its protective properties in vivo. For this purpose, a group of medical staff performing invasive radiological diagnostics, that was identified to carry dicentrics in their lymphocytes, was selected for further monitoring. They consumed this nutraceutical for 3 weeks, 2 x 10 g per day (2 x 2 teaspoons dissolved in a glass of water). METHODS: Hematological parameters, chromosomal aberrations and micronucleus frequency were examined at the beginning of monitoring, on day 10 and 21 of the treatment. RESULTS: In the course of three weeks the incidence of chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei was significantly reduced (50%-80%), absolute number of granulocytes was lowered whereas the number of monocytes significantly was enhanced. This study has revealed that nutraceutic posses immunomodulatory properties seen as an improving monocyte-macrophage activity, which inversely correlates with incidence of lymphocyte micronuclei (r=0.75, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Observed finding could be of particular importance in reducing cumulative effects of ionizing radiation in radiosensitive tissues and in preventing adverse health effects. No side effects were evidenced. Mechanisms of its immunomodulatory effects should be further examined.
Regret in Repeat Purchase versus Switching Decisions: The Attenuating Role of Decision Justifiability

The decision-making literature has consistently reported that decisions to maintain the status quo tend to be regretted less than decisions to change it. We examine the consequences of repeat purchasing (maintaining the status quo) versus switching in the context of information regarding the reason for the decision (e.g., prior consumption episode, brand history), and we argue that there are situations in which repeat purchasing may cause as much or even more regret than switching. We contend that this effect depends on whether or not there is a justifiable basis for the decision. In a series of four studies, we show that if there is sufficient motivation to warrant a switch, consumers will feel less regret in the face of a subsequent negative outcome realized via a switch than in one realized via a repeat purchase. Our results imply that feelings of regret are mitigated when the consumer reflects and concludes that the decision was appropriate under the circumstances.
Conceptualizing knowledge transfer between expatriates and host country nationals: The mediating effect of social capital

Abstract This paper aims to propose a conceptual model of knowledge transfer by relating two specific personal factors of expatriate and host country national (HCN) dyads as antecedents of knowledge transfer, and mediated by social capital factors. An intensive literature review method was employed to identify and analyse relevant literatures. The paper used a dyadic bi-directional approach in theorizing knowledge transfer by integrating the social capital theory, and the anxiety and uncertainty management theory. The paper considers two personal factors (cultural intelligence and knowledge-seeking behaviour) and two social capital variables (trust and shared vision) as mediators of knowledge transfer. Upon model validation, the paper could offer practical interventions for human resource practitioners and managers to assist multinational corporations towards managing knowledge transfer involving expatriates and HCNs.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Recent Work Title Performance evaluation of an agent-based occupancy simulation model Permalink

Occupancy is an important factor driving building performance. Static and homogeneous occupant schedules, commonly used in building performance simulation, contribute to issues such as performance gaps between simulated and measured energy use in buildings. Stochastic occupancy models have been recently developed and applied to better represent spatial and temporal diversity of occupants in buildings. However, there is very limited evaluation of the usability and accuracy of these models. This study used measured occupancy data from a real office building to evaluate the performance of an agent-based occupancy simulation model: the Occupancy Simulator. The occupancy patterns of various occupant types were first derived from the measured occupant schedule data using statistical analysis. Then the performance of the simulation model was evaluated and verified based on (1) whether the distribution of observed occupancy behavior patterns follows the theoretical ones included in the Occupancy Simulator, and (2) whether the simulator can reproduce a variety of occupancy patterns accurately. Results demonstrated the feasibility of applying the Occupancy Simulator to simulate a range of occupancy presence and movement behaviors for regular types of occupants in office buildings, and to generate stochastic occupant schedules at the room and individual occupant levels for building performance simulation. For future work, model validation is recommended, which includes collecting and using detailed interval occupancy data of all spaces in an office building to validate the simulated occupant schedules from the Occupancy Simulator.
Antimicrobial resistance, virulence and transmission of enterococci isolated from humans and animals

Enterococci are commensal bacteria of humans as well as of animals and major causes of nosocomial infections. Enterococci of animals have potential risks of dissemination to human or transferring their antimicrobial resistance or virulence genes. It is concerned that companion animals can be a reservoir of infectious enterococci. Food, especially provided by food animals, has been also suspected as a carrier of enterococci of animal with antimicrobial resistance and virulence factor. Accordingly, enterococcal isolates from humans and animals were characterized and their epidemiological relation was analyzed in this study. It was carried out to compare the phenotypes and genotypes of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes from 184 enterococci strains isolated from chickens, pigs, companion animals (dogs and a cat), and human patients in Korea. Then, ampicillin resistant E. faecium (AREF) strains were selected and multilocus sequence typing was performed to investigate the dispersion of clonal complex 17 (CC17), a global epidemic strain, among animals and humans. The companion animal and human isolates showed high resistance rates against ampicillin and ciprofloxacin, whereas
A Literature Review of Medication Errors in the United States of America

This study is a review fifteen articles selected from 395 articles of medication error in the United States of America between the year 2000 and 2015 from the CINAHL and Academic Search Elite databases. This study explored existing literature on medication error with the aim of providing knowledge about safe medical care. The goal of the study was to shed light to the following questions: (1) What factors contribute to the medication errors? (2). What can be done to mitigate these errors? Broadly speaking, deficits in knowledge and performance, lack of resources, tiredness, work environment, documentation, lack of information and failure to use available information, policy violation, product similarity and inexperience were identified as the causes of medication errors. The study identified education and training, improving the work environment, employing full-time unit based pharmacist, use of technology and encouraged error reporting as tested strategies that can reduce medication errors. This study reveals that management strategies that can better reduce errors should focus on the system as a whole and not just on individuals. It is evident in this study that medication errors are still quite common and are made by all categories of care professionals. This study is faced with the limitation to fifteen articles selected from two databases. The findings might be affected if a larger sample size is used. This work was commissioned by Arcada university of Applied sciences.
A Guide and Two Untime Chronicles to Contemplate Rothko’s Work

The experience offered by a museum to a visitor can have different nature and importance for everyone. Each artwork is perpetually sending a message to the viewer, possibly creating an art-person link. This link can provide experiences of great significant power to the visitor. The article below aims to delve into the facilitation of these experiences in the case of the paintings created by the artist Mark Rothko work (1903-1970). Their special characteristics mean that they can be called "Rothko experiences". As a result, a guide to viewing the work, based on the artist's recommendations, has been developed which can facilitate the emergence of these so-called "Rothko experience". Specifically, some of the multiple "reality-aesthetical-art" connections experienced between Rothko's work and people whom observation incorporate an aesthetical and metaphysical dimension of reality are presented. To help in the understanding of these profound experiences and the aesthetical education of sensibility, the narrative method is used through two chronicles that gather the experiences lived by the authors in their contemplation of Rothko's work. These chronicles are examples that can help to understand the possibilities of Rothko's contemplative painting. The result is a synthetic study of Rothko work conceptualization, through one guide and the narrative dialectics between two "Rothko experiences" to show his aesthetical way of thinking, represented in his paintings.
NoSQL databases as a data warehouse for decision support systems

These days decision making processes are supported by specialised computer systems which on the basis of the analysis of collected data indicate the best solution to a given problem. This process should be quick, particularly in the case when decisions are made in emergency situations, it is also vital that the proposed solutions are accurate. One of the factors which influences response/decision accuracy is the amount of data on the basis of which decisions are made – the larger the amount of data, the higher the conclusion accuracy. Such an approach practically imposes using Big Data by such systems [7].
The impact of probiotic Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus paracasei on zonula occludens 1 production in enterocytes of gnotobiotic mice

Intestinal permeability plays a role in pathogenesis of several disorders, in which probiotics are successfully used. The regulation of intestinal barrier integrity is dependent on zonula occludens (ZO) proteins which link cytoskeleton actin filaments and intercellular tight junctions of epithelial cells. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of the probiotic mixture of Lactobacillus casei LOCK 0900, Lactobacillus casei LOCK 0908 and Lactrobacillus paracasei LOCK 0919 on expression of ZO-1 protein in ileum of gnotobiotic mice. ZO-1 was visualized by the immunohistochemical technique and quantitatively analyzed by morphometric Cell P program in germ-free (GF) mice associated with the mixture of probiotics, GF mice and mice reared in conventional conditions (CONV). The largest amounts of ZO-1 were found in epithelial cells of CONV mice (mean 41,58%), and the quantity of this protein was significantly higher in comparison with GF mice (mean 13,54%). Association of GF animals with Lactobacillus strains induced significantly higher synthesis of ZO-1 in intestinal epithelium in comparison with GF mice (27,4% versus 13,54%). We conclude that probiotic Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus paracasei strains, which were shown to induce clinical improvement in children with cow’s milk protein allergy could exhibit beneficial effects by modulation of the intestinal barrier function.
Drug Delivery Systems: A New Frontier in Nano-technology

Nano-technology is a recent advancement in science, defined as “Science, engineering, and technology conducted at the Nano scale” (National nanotechnology initiatives in USA). Applications of Nano-technology cover a vast range from basic material science, personal care applications, agriculture, and medicine. Nano-technology is used in field of medicine for treatment, diagnostic, monitoring, genetic engineering, and drug delivery. There are two main types of Nano Particles (NPs) used in drug delivery; organic NPs and inorganic NPs. In drug delivery, the drug-Nano- Particle (NP) conjugate should be able to deliver drugs to the target site without degradation in gastrointestinal track and without reducing drug activity. Further, it should attack to target cells without causing any adverse effects. The ultimate goal of NP drug delivery is to improve proper treatment, effectiveness, less side effects with safety and patient adherence as well as reduction in the cost.
Determinants of capital structure: an empirical study of firms in Iran

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the determinants of capital structure of non-financial firms in Iran. Design/methodology/approach – This paper reviews different conditional theories of capital structure to formulate testable propositions concerning the determinants of capital structure of Iranian companies. Pooled ordinary least squares and panel econometric techniques such as fixed effects and random effects are used to investigate the most significant factors that affect the capital structure choice of manufacturing firms listed on Tehran Stock Exchange Iran during 2003-2007. Findings – The results of the study suggest that variables such as firm’s size, financial flexibility, asset structure, profitability, liquidity, growth, risk and state ownership affect all measures of capital structure of Iranian corporations. Short-term debt is found to represent an important financing source for corporations in Iran. The results of the present research are consistent with some capital structure theories. Research limitations/implications – In general, the results provide evidence that the five theories discussed influence emerging markets. Due to the existence of a negative relationship between profitability and capital structure, investors must consider capital structure before making investment decisions. Practical implications – This study has laid some groundwork to explore the determinants of capital structure of Iranian firms upon which a more detailed evaluation could be based. Furthermore, the empirical findings will help corporate managers in making optimal capital structure decisions. Originality/value – To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that explores the determinants of capital structure of manufacturing firms in Iran by using the most recent data. Moreover, this paper provides a theoretical model to explain the mechanism of how the ownership structure impacts debt financing.
Past and Distant Whaling and the Rapid Decline of Sperm Whales off the Galápagos Islands

It is generally expected that exploited whale populations should rebuild following the end of whaling. Using photographic identification of individuals during a series of field projects, we studied female and immature sperm whales ( Physeter macrocephalus) that visit the waters off the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. Analysis of mark‐recapture data, using a likelihood model, indicates the population decreased at a rate of about 20% per year (95% c.i. 7–32%) between 1985‐1995. During the study period the animals were not hunted and were not obviously the subject of other immediate anthropogenic threats. Rates at which research vessels encountered whales also fell over this interval. The decline seems to be due principally to migration into waters off the Central and South American mainland. The population also has a very low recruitment rate, about 0.05 calves/female/year, as indicated by rates of observation of calves. Although other causes cannot be ruled out, both the high emigration rate and low recruitment rate are probably related to heavy whaling in Peruvian waters which ended in 1981. Whales from the Galápagos are moving east to fill productive but depopulated waters near the coast, and the virtual elimination of large breeding males (in their late twenties and older) from the region has lowered pregnancy rates. The case of the Galápagos sperm whales strongly suggests that exploitation can continue to have substantial negative impacts on the size and recruitment rate of an animal population well outside the range of the hunt and for at least a decade after it has ended.
Devanagari character recognition using structure analysis

A method of character recognition using prior knowledge of the script is proposed. Devanagari, a script widely used in India at present, and found in Buddhist texts of the past, is used for this purpose. This study is confined to recognizing a particular font used in a printed Buddhist text: Saddharmapundarika. <<ETX>>
Organizational knowledge creation: Benchmarking of existing models

In the knowledge based economy, knowledge asset is the main source of sustainable competitive advantage. Thus, companies should manage their knowledge. Especially, they should know how to create and apply new knowledge because it allows them to leave their competitors behind by undertaking innovative actions. Literature proposes several models of organizational knowledge creation. Each model has its strengths and weaknesses. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to demonstrate which model of organizational knowledge creation is more accurate. To solve this research question, a critical analysis of existing literature has been done. As a result, a conceptual model of knowledge creation will be proposed. © 2015 Published by Future Academy www.FutureAcademy. org.uk
Coordination of interface protection systems for DG applications in MV distribution networks

The Dispersed Generation (DG) is a form of production based either on renewable energy sources (such as wind and solar photovoltaic) or on conventional energy (such as small gas engines, tipically CHP). In the near future, the growing concern for environmental issues as well as for the security of the supply system is expected to lead to the development of local renewable DGs connected to the distribution network, both Medium Voltage (MV) and Low Voltage (LV) system, which has been designed to host only passive users. Such network architecture, chosen when DG was rare, today can be considerably impacted for operation, control, protection and reliability issues.
Métodos de aprendizaje artificial para la siguiente generación del web: parte II

POR MEDIO DE LA TECNICA DE VELOCIMETRIA POR IMAGENES DE PARTICULAS (PIV), Y MEDIANTE LA APLICACION DE FILTROS DISCRIMINADORES, SE CALCULARON LAS VELOCIDADES DE CAIDA DE SEDIMENTOS PARA DIFERENTES INTERVALOS DE TAMANOS. SE EMPLEO UN CANAL EXPERIMENTAL DE SECCION 10'15 CM Y DOS VALORES DE CAUDAL LIQUIDO CON DIFERENTES CARACTERISTICAS DE TURBULENCIA PARA EVALUAR EL EFECTO DE ESTA ULTIMA EN LA VELOCIDAD DE CAIDA DE LAS PARTICULAS DE SEDIMENTO. LA TECNICA PERMITIO DETERMINAR LA VELOCIDAD DE PARTICULAS INDIVIDUALES, ASI COMO LAS CARACTERISTICAS DEL CAMPO DE FLUJO DEL FLUIDO. LA CAPTURA Y ANALISIS DE IMAGENES SE REALIZO CON CAMARAS DIGITALES TIPO CCD POR MEDIO DEL SOFTWARE SHARP-PROVISION PIV, EMPLEANDO LA TECNICA ESTADISTICA DE CORRELACION CRUZADA. LOS RESULTADOS MOSTRARON QUE LA VELOCIDAD DE CAIDA DE LAS PARTICULAS ES AFECTADA POR LA TURBULENCIA, LA CUAL TIENDE A AUMENTAR EL COEFICIENTE DE ARRASTRE DEL FLUIDO. LA EXPLICACION FISICA DEL FENOMENO SE RELACIONA CON LA MAGNITUD DE LA VELOCIDAD FLUCTUANTE EN LA VERTICAL DEL FLUIDO. SIN EMBARGO, SE REQUIERE CONTINUAR CON LA INVESTIGACION PARA LLEGAR A PROPONER EXPRESIONES DE CALCULO DE LA VELOCIDAD DE CAIDA DE SEDIMENTOS QUE TOMEN EN CUENTA ESE EFECTO.
WHAT ARE COGNITIVE EVOKED POTENTIALS

The following article is a summary of the introduction to a two-hour satellite symposium on Cognitive Evoked Potentials (CEPs) to which the following authors contributed: C. E. Elger and T. Grunwald (Bonn): Kognitive Potentiale innerhalb des Temporallappens unter dem Gesichtspunkt der Neurobiologie des menschlichen deklarativen Gedächtnisses; M. Seek, T. Landis and C. Michel (Geneva): Zeitlich-räumliche Lokalisation komplex-visueller Prozesse mit Tiefenund Oberflächenableitung; K. Gutbrod, A. Nirkko, C. Ozdoba and A. Schnider (Berne): Aktivierung von Spracharealen im funktionellen MRI (fMRI); B. Weber, K. Lehnertz, C. Helmstaedter, H. G. Wieser and C. E. Elger (Zurich, Bonn): Neuronale Komplexität des intrahippokampalen EEGs während kognitiver Aufgaben; D. Brandeis and D. Lehmann (Zurich): Funktionelles Brainmapping mit kognitiv evozierten Potentialen.
Experimental Investigations and Theoretical Modeling Aspects in Column Studies for Removal of Cr(VI) from Aqueous Solutions Using Activated Tamarind Seeds

Continuous adsorption experiments are conducted using fixed-bed adsorption column to evaluate the performance of the adsorbent developed (from activated tamarind seeds) for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions and the results obtained are validated with a model developed in this study. The effects of significant parameters such as flow rate, mass of adsorbent, and initial Cr(VI) concentration are studied and breakthrough curves are obtained. As the flow rate increases from 10 to 20 mL min-1, the breakthrough time decreases from 210 to 80 min. As the mass of adsorbent increases, breakthrough time gets delayed. The breakthrough times are obtained as 110, 115 and 210 min for 15, 20 and 25 g of activated tamarind seeds. As the initial Cr(VI) concentration increases from 100 to 200 mgL-1, the break point time decreases from 210 to 45 min. The process parameters for fixed-bed adsorption such as breakthrough time, total percentage removal of Cr(VI), adsorption exhaustion rate and fraction of unused bed length are calculated and the performance of fixed-bed adsorption column is analyzed. The mechanism for Cr(VI) adsorption on activated tamarind seeds is proposed. At low value of solution pH (= 1), the increase in Cr(VI) adsorption is due to the electrostatic attraction between positively charged groups of activated tamarind seeds and the HCrO4-. A mathematical model for fixed-bed adsorption column is proposed by incorporating the effect of velocity variation along the bed length in the existing model. Pore and surface diffusion models are used to describe the intra-particle mechanism for Cr(VI) adsorption. The breakthrough curve obtained theoretically from pore diffusion model and surface diffusion model are compared with experimental results for different operating conditions. The standard deviation values obtained for pore diffusion model and solid diffusion model are 0.111 and 0.214 respectively.