Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Knowledge diversity and entrepreneurship following an economic crisis: an empirical study of regional resilience in Great Britain

ABSTRACT This article argues that the ability of entrepreneurs to facilitate regional adaptation to economic crises is mediated by the size and diversity of local knowledge stocks. The specific research question addressed is the hypothesis that, in the aftermath of a crisis, the birth rate of new firms will recover more rapidly in regions with a strong and diverse knowledge stock. It is theorised that unrelated knowledge diversity is of particular importance in stimulating new entrepreneurial opportunities and structural change, whilst the incentive to exploit opportunities differs according to region-specific factors. In addition to this theoretical contribution, the article develops spatial econometric models to test these research hypotheses using data on sub-regions of Great Britain for 2004–2014. The results support the central theoretical hypotheses and emphasise the positive significance of unrelated knowledge diversity and employment in knowledge intensive services to regional recovery from an economic shock. A key implication for policy-makers wishing to facilitate regional adaptation to crises is that it is important to focus on fostering entrepreneurship by developing a region’s stock of knowledge intensive services and the diversity of the knowledge creating sector, rather than relying on specialised clusters of firms.
A surface potential-based compact model of n-MOSFET gate-tunneling current

Aggressive scaling of the gate-oxide thickness has made gate-tunneling current an essential aspect of MOSFET modeling. This work presents a novel physics-based compact model of gate current in the n-MOSFET. A simplified version of the Esaki-Tsu formula is developed to calculate the tunneling current density, in which the original integral is approximated to retain the essential physics without sacrificing computational efficiency required in a compact model. The proposed model is surface potential-based in both the channel and source/drain overlap regions. The channel component of the gate current is physically partitioned into the source and drain parts using a symmetrically linearized version of the charge-sheet model. The partition is implemented in analytical form and accounts for the drain bias dependence of the channel component. A small number of adjustable parameters is sufficient to reproduce the experimentally observed bias and geometry dependence of the gate current for several advanced processes.
In vitro susceptibility of Candida species to five antifungal agents in a German university hospital assessed by the reference broth microdilution method and Etest.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to evaluate the susceptibilities of Candida spp. to the common antifungal agents in a German university hospital. Since quick results of in vitro testing are desirable, Etest and the CLSI broth microdilution (BMD) method (reference method) were compared, focusing on the validity of early readings. METHODS A total of 512 Candida spp. isolates, including 174 from primarily sterile sites, were collected in the clinical routine. The yeasts were differentiated by CHROMagar and verified by API 20C AUX if necessary. In vitro susceptibilities to amphotericin B, flucytosine, fluconazole, voriconazole and caspofungin were determined using the BMD method described in the CLSI (formerly NCCLS) M27-A2 document and Etest. MICs were noted after 24 and 48 h of incubation. RESULTS The most frequently isolated species was Candida albicans. Among the non-albicans species, Candida glabrata was the most prevalent, followed by Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis and Candida krusei. MICs (mg/L) at which 90% of the strains were inhibited were 1 for amphotericin B, 32 for flucytosine, 8 for fluconazole, 0.25 for voriconazole and 1 for caspofungin. Susceptibility to fluconazole was 85.0% for C. glabrata and 5.3% for C. krusei, almost all other isolates were susceptible in over 90% except very rare species. The 48 h MIC values of Etest and BMD were in agreement (no more than 2 log(2) dilutions) in 88.7% to 98.1% with categorical agreement rates of 91.6% to 98.2%, depending on the antifungal agent. Comparison of the 24 h MICs of both BMD and Etest with the 48 h MICs of the reference method showed categorical agreement in 94.9% to 99.2%. For caspofungin, however, a comparison of the categorical agreement was not possible due to the lack of interpretive breakpoints. The order of frequency and the resistance patterns of the isolates from primarily sterile sites and those of isolates from non-sterile sites did not differ. CONCLUSIONS No alarming resistances against the agents tested were found; however, owing to the relatively high frequency of C. glabrata with elevated fluconazole MICs, this species and, to a certain extent, C. krusei must be taken into consideration when choosing antifungal agents for calculated therapy. Etest is a reliable method for the susceptibility testing of Candida spp. and the 24 h readings of both Etest and BMD can serve as helpful preliminary results in most cases.
The convergence and divergence of impulsivity facets in daily life.

OBJECTIVE Impulsivity appears to be best conceptualized as a multidimensional construct. For example, the UPPS-P model posits that there are five underlying facets of impulsivity. The present study examined the expression of the UPPS-P facets in daily life using experience sampling methodology. A specific goal of the study was to examine positive urgency, a facet added to the original UPPS model, and its convergence and divergence from the negative urgency facet. METHOD A large nonclinical sample of young adults (n = 294) completed the UPPS-P scale and was signaled to complete questionnaires assessing daily affect, cognitions, sense of self, and impulsive behaviors eight times a day for 7 days. RESULTS Results indicated that the UPPS-P facets are associated with disruptions in affect, cognitions, and behavior in daily life. Furthermore, all of the UPPS-P facets were associated with impulsivity in daily life. Contrary to expectation, positive urgency was associated with negative affect rather than positive affect and had a profile indistinguishable from negative urgency. CONCLUSIONS These results generally support a four-factor model of multidimensional impulsivity with a general overall urgency factor instead of separate positive and negative urgency facets.
Toward a Generic Torque and Reactive Power Controller for Doubly Fed Machines

A novel shaft-position sensorless algorithm for decoupled control of torque and reactive power (TRPC) of doubly fed machines, such as the classical wound-rotor induction machine (DFIM) and the emerging brushless reluctance machine (BDFRM), has been discussed and experimentally verified in this paper. The underlying control concept is derived from first principles of magnetization and torque production in the machines. For control purposes, only the grid-connected winding measurements and rough knowledge of its resistance value are required. Such a weak parameter dependence makes the TRPC inherently robust, structurally simple, and fast to execute even on low-cost DSPs. A variety of applications are possible including drive and generator systems with limited variable speed ranges (e.g., large pumps and wind turbines), where cost savings of using partially rated power electronics are significant. Two custom-designed and built BDFRM prototypes have served as case studies to evaluate the controller performance by computer simulations and through laboratory experiments.
Toxin production and antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli river water isolates.

OBJECTIVES To establish the types of E. coli isolates that are found in river water around Nairobi and to assess the potential risk of use of this water to human health. DESIGN Multiple stratified sampling was carried out. Surface sampling was used in the entire study. SETTING The study was carried out on river waters surrounding Nairobi, Kenya. SUBJECTS Forty Escherichia coli strains isolated from river water. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Serotyping, toxin gene tests and susceptibility to tetracyclines, ampicillin, chloramphenicol and kanamycin were analysed. RESULTS None of the isolates could be specifically serotyped using the available antisera. Toxin gene production tests using the colony hybridisation technique revealed that nine (22.5%) of the strains were positive for heat stable (ST) toxin, seven (17.5%) to the heat labile (LT) toxin and two (5%) to both. Using the Agar Disk Diffusion technique, eighty per cent of the strains were susceptible to all four antibiotics, while twenty per cent of the strains showed multiple resistance. None of the strains was resistant to all four antibiotics while no strain showed resistance to kanamycin. CONCLUSION None of the E. coli isolates was serotypable and it was therefore not possible to determine whether serologically identical strains of ETEC were haboured by man or animals. Toxin gene tests results showed that there is some risk of infection by diarrhoea causing ETEC to man and animals. Toxin gene tests results showed that there is some risk of infection by diarrhoea causing ETEC to man and animals if they consume this water untreated and there is evidence to show resistance of bacteria to antibiotics, hence appropriate health measures should be adhered to.
Functional Characterization of Sequence Motifs in the Transit Peptide of Arabidopsis Small Subunit of Rubisco1[W]

The transit peptides of nuclear-encoded chloroplast proteins are necessary and sufficient for targeting and import of proteins into chloroplasts. However, the sequence information encoded by transit peptides is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated sequence motifs in the transit peptide of the small subunit of the Rubisco complex by examining the ability of various mutant transit peptides to target green fluorescent protein reporter proteins to chloroplasts in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) leaf protoplasts. We divided the transit peptide into eight blocks (T1 through T8), each consisting of eight or 10 amino acids, and generated mutants that had alanine (Ala) substitutions or deletions, of one or two T blocks in the transit peptide. In addition, we generated mutants that had the original sequence partially restored in single- or double-T-block Ala (A) substitution mutants. Analysis of chloroplast import of these mutants revealed several interesting observations. Single-T-block mutations did not noticeably affect targeting efficiency, except in T1 and T4 mutations. However, double-T mutants, T2A/T4A, T3A/T6A, T3A/T7A, T4A/T6A, and T4A/T7A, caused a 50% to 100% loss in targeting ability. T3A/T6A and T4A/T6A mutants produced only precursor proteins, whereas T2A/T4A and T4A/T7A mutants produced only a 37-kD protein. Detailed analyses revealed that sequence motifs ML in T1, LKSSA in T3, FP and RK in T4, CMQVW in T6, and KKFET in T7 play important roles in chloroplast targeting. In T1, the hydrophobicity of ML is important for targeting. LKSSA in T3 is functionally equivalent to CMQVW in T6 and KKFET in T7. Furthermore, subcellular fractionation revealed that Ala substitution in T1, T3, and T6 produced soluble precursors, whereas Ala substitution in T4 and T7 produced intermediates that were tightly associated with membranes. These results demonstrate that the transit peptide contains multiple motifs and that some of them act in concert or synergistically.
Dietary fatty acids affect lipid metabolism and estrogen receptor expression in N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced rat mammary cancer model.

BACKGROUND We hypothesized that dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) could affect the expression of serum fatty acid binding protein 5 (FABP5) and CD36 levels and also fatty acid synthase (FAS), and estrogen receptor (ER) expressions in breast cancer cells. METHODS A rat mammary cancer model was induced by injection i.p., with 50 mg MNU/kg body weight. Low (13.8% energy) or high-fat (42.5% energy) diets composed mainly of n-6 or n-3 PUFAs originating either from linoleic acid or linolenic acid, respectively, were given for eight weeks. After sacrifice at week 8, serum FABP5 level was examined and immunostainings of CD36, FAS, and ER of breast cancer tissue were observed. RESULTS By week 8, there was no statistical difference of tumor formation rate between each group. The level of serum FABP5 in the high n-3 group was significantly lower than the low n-6 and high n-6 groups. Immunohistochemistry results showed that there was a significant difference of CD36 expression between the low n-3 group and high n-6 group (p < 0.05). Although the high n-3 group had the most inhibition on FAS and ER expression, there was no statistical difference between each group. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that different dietary PUFAs may affect lipid metabolism in breast cancer tissues by altering the expression of FABP5, CD-36, FAS, and ER, which may change treatment response and even prognosis of breast cancer.
Lifestyle correlates of self-reported sleep duration among Saudi adolescents: a multicentre school-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND Lifestyle factors are important determinants of adequate sleep among adolescents. However, findings on sleep duration relative to lifestyle factors are conflicting. Therefore, this study examined the association of self-reported sleep duration with physical activity, sedentary behaviours and dietary habits among Saudi adolescents. METHODS A multicentre school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in three major cities in Saudi Arabia. The sample included 2868 secondary-school students (51.9% girls) aged 15-19 years, randomly selected using a multistage stratified cluster sampling technique. In addition to anthropometric measurements, sleep duration, physical activity, sedentary behaviours and dietary habits were assessed using self-reported questionnaire. RESULTS Several lifestyle factors were associated with sleep duration in adolescents. While controlling for some potential confounders, the findings showed that high screen time [>5 h/day; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.505, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.180-1.920, P = 0.001] and low (aOR = 1.290, 95% CI = 1.064-1.566, P = 0.010) to medium (aOR = 1.316, 95% CI = 1.075-1.611, P = 0.008) physical activity levels were significantly related to daily sleep of 8 h or longer. Furthermore, having low intake of breakfast (<3 day/week compared with 5 days or more per week) decreased the odd of having adequate sleep duration by a factor of 0.795 (95% CI = 0.667-0.947, P < 0.010). CONCLUSIONS Short sleep duration (<8 h/day) among Saudi adolescents 15-19 year olds was significantly associated with several lifestyle factors. Intervention programs aiming for improving sleeping habits among adolescents need to consider such potential association of lifestyle variables with sleep duration.
Maturation-Promoting Factor Governs Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Activation and Interphase Suppression During Meiosis of Rat Oocytes1

Abstract Meiosis is a particular example of a cell cycle, characterized by two successive divisions without an intervening interphase. Resumption of meiosis in oocytes is associated with activation of maturation-promoting factor (MPF) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). The activity of MPF declines during the transition between the two meiotic divisions, whereas the activity of MAPK is sustained. Attempts to disclose the interplay between these key regulators of meiosis in both amphibian and mammalian oocytes generated contradictory results. Furthermore, the enzyme that governs the suppression of interphase in mammals is still unidentified. To our knowledge, we provide herein the first demonstration in a mammalian system that inhibition of MPF at reinitiation of meiosis abrogated Mos expression and MAPK activation. We also show that oocytes, in which reactivation of MPF at completion of the first telophase was prevented, exhibited an interphase nucleus with decondensed chromosomes. Inhibition of MAPK did not interfere with the progression to the second meiotic metaphase but, rather, resulted in parthenogenic activation. We conclude that in rat oocytes, MPF regulates MAPK activation and its timely reactivation prevents the oocytes from entering interphase.
Social sustainability in the ready-made-garment sector in Bangladesh: an institutional approach to supply chains

Ready-made-garment (RMG) production for sale in the EU and USA is a key source of economic development for Bangladesh. The 2013 collapse of Rana Plaza revealed worker safety and other social issues in RMG factories in Bangladesh, showing that formal, top-down approaches to these problems, including corporate codes-of-conduct and reforms in Bangladeshi labor laws, have little effect. Supply chain sustainability is a key issue for business, government and civil society. Satisfactory theoretical approaches to promoting social sustainability in supply chains are lacking. A case study using qualitative document analysis identifies the key institutional factors related to social sustainability in the Bangladeshi RMG industry, with a modified version of the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework as an analytical frame. Key elements of other frameworks for social sustainability are discussed in terms of how well the IAD framework captures those concepts, and how employing the IAD could enhance supply chain analysis.
Old antibiotics for infections in critically ill patients

Purpose of reviewThe alarming epidemic of multidrug-resistant bacteria and the reluctance of the pharmaceutical industry to invest in the development of new antibiotics have forced clinicians to reintroduce forgotten antibiotics into their practice. This review highlights the effectiveness and safety of older antibiotics when used in the treatment of infections of critically ill patients. Recent findingsPolymyxins emerged as useful antibiotics for the treatment of infections due to multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, in particular Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity associated with their use are less frequent and serious than previously reported. In addition, aerosolized polymyxins may be a useful weapon in the treatment of hospital-acquired pneumonia. Fosfomycin and chloramphenicol have a wide antimicrobial spectrum, are used extensively in Europe and Africa, respectively, and may have an expanded role in our antimicrobial arsenal. Fusidic acid remains active against various staphylococcal strains, while isepamicin (an aminoglycoside used in some European countries) is slightly more effective than amikacin against some Gram-negative bacteria. SummaryThe declining investment of the pharmaceutical industry in the development of new antibiotics and the increasing antimicrobial resistance create a fertile ground for the study and, probably, revival of older antibiotics for use, especially in critically ill patients.
Hitting where it hurts the most: Hungary’s legal challenge against the EU’s refugee quota system

Following the drama and confusion on the South-Eastern borders of the EU in the hot summer of 2015, the EU and the Member States within seemed to have found solutions for the management of the crisis that was caused by the influx of refugees and migrants entering Europe. One of the instruments adopted was a Council Decision which introduced a quota system for the distribution and settlement of asylum seekers and migrants among the Member States. Its aim was to relieve the burdens from the most affected Member States and to establish a regime for the fair sharing of burdens among the Member States. This quota system was opposed and subsequently challenged before the EU Court of Justice by Hungary, which was one of the worst affected EU Member States, by which it affirmed its position as a Member State which regards the Union primarily as an arena for vindicating its national interests, and which is not hesitant to prioritise its own interests, mainly in areas which fall within competences retained by the Member States, over those of other Member States and of the Union.
Cardiac rehabilitation patients' perspectives on the recovery following heart valve surgery: a narrative analysis.

AIMS To explore the structure and content of narratives about the recovery process among patients undergoing heart valve surgery participating in cardiac rehabilitation. BACKGROUND Several studies with short-term follow-up have shown that recovering from cardiac surgery can be challenging, but evidence on the long-term recovery process is very limited, especially following heart valve surgery. Furthermore, few studies have explored the recovery process among cardiac rehabilitation participants. DESIGN A qualitative study with serial interviews analysed using narrative methods. METHODS We collected data over 18 months (April 2013-October 2014). We recruited nine patients undergoing heart valve surgery from a randomized trial, CopenHeartVR and conducted 27 individual narrative interviews at 2-3 weeks, 3-4 months and 8-9 months after surgery. FINDINGS Following heart valve surgery, the participants expected to return to normality. The analysis identified four courses of recovery, with three non-linear complex pathways deviating from the classic restitution narrative: the frustrated struggle to resume normality, the challenged expectation of normality - being in a limbo and becoming a heart patient. These deviating pathways were characterized by physical, existential and mental challenges even up to 9 months after surgery. CONCLUSION The recovery processes of participants' in cardiac rehabilitation were often more complicated than anticipated. Patients undergoing heart valve surgery may benefit from more extensive medical follow-up immediately after discharge, individual psychological assessment and individualized, realistic information about the recovery trajectory.
Progress beyond policy making? Assessing the performance of Dutch-German cross-border cooperation in Deltarhine

ABSTRACT This longitudinal study assesses the performance of the Dutch-German cross-border water regime using a combination of performance indicators. The regime has, despite many efforts over five decades, rarely progressed beyond policy making and hardly contributed to actual problem-solving for issues such as water pollution or river restoration. Stakeholder satisfaction is nevertheless high, showing that combined performance indicators are needed to assess cross-border cooperation, and performance cannot simply be equated with problem-solving and goal attainment. Practical policy advice is provided to progress beyond policy making, focusing on policy design, network management and the adequacy of resources (financial, human, legal) for policy implementation.