Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Strategic Human Resource Management: Theoretical Perspective

The field of Human Resources Management as undergone significant changes in scope, functions and activities over many years. There is a radical raise in professional maturity in this field and thus personnel management is now shaped as HRM and further developed as strategic HRM. This involves the managerial personnel of an organization and regards "People as the single most important asset of organization" (Poole and Jenkins 1990). In this strategy the HR policies and practices has to be consistent emphasizing on team work, flexibility, employee involvement and organizational commitment. HR processes emphasizes on factors like hiring, maintaining the workforce, which are very much needed for the highly competitive growing organizations. In the modern trend, the important aspect of the management of people lies in the organizational culture and capabilities. The strategic HRM dimensions include “strategic HR practices, flexibility, communication, organizational learning, leadership, coherence, organizational structure, organizational capabilities, empowerment, and management of change, participative management, organizational commitment and organizational culture”. All over the world a great deal of emphasis is placed on strategic implementation of the HRM which indeed had been witnessed during the 1980s and 1990s. The success of the new policies depends on the introduction and implementation of new strategic HRM policies. The strategy implements on job training, career planning, job rotation and management development.
DYNAMICS OF VOLUNTEERING AND LIFE SATISFACTION IN MIDLIFE AND OLD AGE: FINDINGS FROM 12 EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

A growing literature shows that doing voluntary work not only helps the wider community but can also improve one’s own well-being. To date, however, few studies have examined the relationship between volunteering and well-being in non-US and especially in comparative data. We study this relationship using two waves of data of 18,559 individuals aged 50 and above from 12 European countries. We analyze life satisfaction impacts of change and stability in volunteering status and in the intensity (frequency) of volunteering, and explore whether these impacts differ according to life stage (age, employment status) and across countries with different norms and supports for voluntarism. Findings show that net life satisfaction is higher among longer-term, recent, and former volunteers than among stable (long-term) non-volunteers. There are no significant life satisfaction differences between the three groups with volunteer experience. Equally, similar levels of life satisfaction are observed among people who have increased and decreased their frequency of volunteering. It thus seems to be the experience and not the dynamics (i.e., change or persistence) of volunteering that is associated with well-being. Findings further suggest life course variation in the association between volunteering and well-being, as the relationship is stronger for older and long-term non-employed (mostly retired) individuals than for their middle-aged and working counterparts. The relationship is also stronger in countries where volunteering is less common and less institutionally supported.
Deciphering Early Angiosperm Landscape Ecology Using a Clustering Method on Cretaceous Plant Assemblages

Fossils open up windows on past lives and evolutionary mechanisms inaccessible to other fields of biology. Palaeontology has highlighted five moments of major extinctions in the life history on Earth: Ordovician/Silurian, Late Devonian, Permian/Triassic, Triassic/Jurassic and Cretaceous/Tertiary (Sepkoski, 1986). These five crises shaped life (apparitions versus extinctions of species), as well as diversity, ecology, and landscape. So fossils are not objects only useful for taxonomy and systematics, but their ecological traits can be deciphered to reveal macro-evolutionary processes and landscape ecology.
REGIONAL OPENNESS, INCOME GROWTH AND DISPARITY ACROSS MAJOR INDIAN STATES DURING 1980-2004

As a country progressively engages in international trade, its factors of production will enter increasingly into the export sector, where their return is higher, compared to the import competing sector. At the regional level too those states, which can attune their production structure to international demands, earn higher than other states and grow at a faster rate. Further if the newly-industrial states concentrate more on those sectors, a trend of regional convergence will be discernible. Then, the regional openness index, developed by Marjit, Kar and Maiti (2007), has been reconstructed by using two alternative weighting techniques to combine the export and import intensities, ranks of correlation of state production shares, respectively with national export and import shares of the states. The per capita net state domestic products have grown in all major states in India during 1980-2004 but at different rates resulting to the rise of regional disparity and the regional openness have been detrimental for this. The state, which moved away from importable production to exportable production, grew faster than the rate of others at least by 1-1.5% per annum. Definitely, a few newly-industrial states showed an increasing dependence on exportable production, but not all. Moreover, some of the industrially developed states (in terms of exportable share) it has been observed yet continue with importable production to a large extent.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Local Teicoplanin in Diabetic Tibia Plafond Fractures

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the records of 22 diabetic patients who underwent osteosynthesis with open reduction plate–screw fixation due to tibial plafond fractures between January 2007 and January 2016. The cases were divided into two groups as teicoplanin group (Group T, n=12) and control group (Group C, n=10) based on perioperative administration of 400 mg TEC. In addition to demographic data, both groups were compared for the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, duration of operation, length of hospital stay (LOS), post-surgical infection, and rates of reoperation and amputation.
Industry Structure of Debt and Market Share Leadership Persistence

This study investigates the relationship between the industry structure of debt and market share leadership persistence using a large sample of firms spanning the years 1961-2012. We construct unique variables that measure the structure of industry leverage and conduct tests for the relationship between these variables and the likelihood that firms retain market share leadership from year to year. Results show that firms in industries with high capital structure diversity are more likely to maintain market share leadership over time, indicating that heterogeneity in capital structure among industry incumbents facilitates the strategic use of leverage to secure and maintain a leadership position. We also find that firms with higher and more stable leverage ratios are more likely to maintain their leadership, suggesting that firms use debt financing to invest in market share growth. The results highlight the importance of firm- and industry-level debt structures in product market leadership positioning and provide a new perspective on intra-industry rivalry.
Methods of evaluating electric vehicles from a user's perspective - The MINI E field trial in Berlin

In the present study the authors propose a methodological framework for user studies on electric vehicles (EVs) and present first results from a 1-year field study conducted in the Berlin metropolitan area. The objective of the current field study is to develop, adjust and apply psychologically founded methods of assessing the acceptance of EVs in everyday use. Based on these methods, it will be possible to identify factors influencing the acceptance of EVs and to outline changes, for example in attitudes or behaviour, of participants during their participation in test trials. Accordingly, we identified four pillars that are decisive in user evaluation of EVs: mobility, human–machine interaction (HMI), traffic and safety implications and acceptance. Results from the first study period indicate that a great part of daily mobility needs are satisfied although range of EVs is limited. Attitudes towards EVs are predominantly positive. As expected, ecological aspects such as CO2 emissions play an important role in the evaluation of EVs.
In Vitro Percutaneous Absorption of Caffeine from Emulsions for Cosmetic Formulation Development

Caffeine is narcotic drug affects to many important systems of the body, but it is widely applied in many cosmetic forms, especially cosmetic emulsion, such as anti-wrinkles and anti-periobital hyperpigmentation products, hair lost prevention, cellulite treatment products etc. The object of the research was to study in vitro percutaneous absorption of caffeine, now that the caffeine should not absorb to any other system of organ and took its action. The experiment of percutaneous absorption through the newborn pig skin instead of human skin was comparatively studied between caffeine in oil in water emulsion and water in oil emulsion. The result showed that caffeine amount was absorbed from oil in water emulsion was more than water in oil emulsion. So it was concluded that water in oil emulsion should be considered for cosmetic formulation and preparation of caffeine.
ON SENSITIZATION OF FULVIC ACID ON PHOTOREDUCTION OF Cr ( VI ) TO Cr ( III ) BY TiO

Sensitization of fulvic acid (FA) on photoreduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) by TiO2 photocatalyst has been studied. Parameters influencing the sensitization, i.e., pH of medium, as well as FA concentrations, TiO2 concentrations and initial Cr(VI) concentrations were critically evaluated. Extraction of FA from peat soil sampled in Gambut, South Kalimantan, Indonesia, was performed using Amberlite XAD-7 resin. The FA extract then was purified by cation exchange method using Amberlite IRA-120 resin. The TiO2 produced by Merck was used as semiconducting photocatalyst and two 30-W UV lamps (Philips model TUV) were used as photon source. The results showed that presence of FA on TiO2 suspensions could sensitize the photoreduction of Cr(VI), enhancing of the amount of reduced Cr(VI) more significantly than the sensitization by humic acid. The effectiveness of this sensitization increased with increasing initial concentrations of FA, TiO2, or Cr(VI) until certain concentration, but no further improvement can be observed in excess FA, TiO2, or Cr(VI) concentrations. On the contrary, the effectiveness of this sensitization decreased with increasing of the medium pH.
On the Links between Managerial Actions, Keystone Species, and the Resilience of Ecological-Economic Systems

Managerial actions influence the survival probabilities of the keystone species of an ecological-economic system. In turn, the well-being of these keystone species translates into the well-being or the resilience of the underlying ecological-economic system. What are the theoretical links between managerial actions, keystone species, and the resilience of ecological-economic systems? Recently, Batabyal (2002) has addressed aspects of this question. In this paper, we extend the analysis in Batabyal (2002). First, we use a stochastic model to delineate a stylized ecological-economic system. Next, we discuss the links between managerial actions, keystone species, and this ecological-economic system’s resilience. Finally, we show how the model can be used to actually compute the resilience of our ecological-economic system.
It's in the Game: The effect of Competition and Cooperation on Anti-Social Behavior in Online Video Games

Video games have been criticized for the amount of violence present in them and how this violence could affect aggression and anti-social behavior. Much of the literature on video games effects has focused primarily on the content of video games, but recent studies show that competition in video games could be a major influence on aggression. While competing against other players has been shown to increase aggression, there is less research on whether the mere presence of a competitive environment can influence aggression. The existing research has also primarily been performed using surveys and lab experiments. While these two approaches are very useful, they lack the ecological validity of methods like field experiments. This study examined how competitiveness, teamwork, and co-operation affect anti-social behavior in video games. A 2 (competition: high vs low) x 2 (cooperation: vs no cooperation) x 2 (team: teammates vs opponents) online field experiment on hostile speech was performed. In this study, it was found that players experience more hostile language from their teammates than they do opponents. However, neither the level of competition nor cooperation had an effect on hostile language. There was a significant interaction between player team and cooperation, with teammates being less hostile in the cooperation condition and enemies being more hostile in the cooperation condition. Implications for hostility in online video games and group dynamics within online games are discussed. iii Table of
Detection of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from Bagan Lalang recreational beach, Malaysia

Aims: The aim of the study was to assess the presence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at Bagan Lalang recreational beach, Selangor using the PCR method. Methodology and results: Water samples collected from Bagan Lalang recreational beach were analyzed by culturing on selective solid media and by PCR using mecA gene. Water samples were collected in triplicate from three different locations at the sampling site including main recreational area that is accessible to the public. The result shows that out of 286 presumptive S. aureus enumerated by the culturing method, only 12 (4.2%) were confirmed as MRSA based on PCR detection of mecA gene. Interestingly, all of MRSA detections were found at the main area of recreational activity. Conclusion, significance and impact of the study: Our results suggest that public marine beaches may be reservoirs for the transmission of MRSA to beach visitors as well as an ecosystem for exchange of antibiotic resistance genes among staphylococci and related genera. PCR is an effective method to detect MRSA from recreational beaches. This is the first report on the detection of MRSA in recreational beaches in Malaysia.
Tetracycline Resistant Genes in E. coli Isolated from UTI and DiarrheaPatients in Zaria, Nigeria

Tetracycline (TC) is one of the widely used antibiotics for the treatment of infections with significant therapeutic effect due to its broad spectrum. But due to the emergence of high percentages of tetracycline resistance and the recent reoccurrence of multidrug resistance isolates in clinical settings, its use in hospitals have drastically reduced. This study evaluates the percentage of TC resistant in clinical isolates of E. coli from UTI and diarrhea patients in Zaria, Nigeria. Out of the 86 E. coli isolates collected from 4 hospitals for the period of 6 months (April-September, 2014), 68.6% (59) were observed to be resistant to TC using both disc diffusion and MIC (range of ≥ 4 μg/ml) methods. The antibiotic susceptibility profile of the isolates showed that the isolates had varied antibiotic resistant profile to the 14 antibiotics tested. Significant percentage (35.6% (21)) of the isolates also exhibited simultaneous resistance to Ciprofloxacin, Gentamicin and Amoxicillin. The isolates were also observed to have high MARI, and there molecular analysis showed that 95% (20) of the MDR isolates had TetA gene while 90.5% (19) had TetB gene. Our results showed that there is a correlation between phenotypic TC resistance and genomic TetA and TetB carriage in E. coli isolates from UTI and diarrhea patients in Zaria, Nigeria.
A PRELIMINARY LOOK AT TURKISH CUSTOMERS EXPECTATIONS

Although Turkey has been facing economic crises over the last few years, considerable amount of interest and resources has been devoted towards the utilization of the Internet. Despite an enthusiastic reception for Internet retailing as a new channel, e-retailing does not seem to perform as expected. This exploratory study examines Turkish customers’ expectations and satisfaction with online purchasing in order to understand online customers better. Various recommendations are offered for e-retailers who are serving small but demanding customers.
Effect of indoor concentrate feeding vs. outdoor grazing on the expression of genes involved in muscle growth and nutrient content in Japanese Black steer muscle.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of outdoor grazing on the expression of genes involved in muscle growth and the nutrient contents of skeletal muscle in steers. Ten Japanese Black steers were divided into two groups: grazing (GR) and concentrate (CT) groups. Crude protein, extractable lipid, moisture, fatty acid, cooking loss and Warner Bratzler shear force in muscle tissue were analyzed. The gene expression of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoform (2a, 2x and slow), myostatin, follistatin, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ2 (PPARγ2), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα), heat shock protein (HSP) 27 and HSP40 in skeletal muscles was evaluated at the end of fattening. Decreases in MyHC-2a and MyHC-2x (fast-twitch fiber type) expression in the longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle were detected in the GR group compared with the CT group; in contrast, an increase in MyHC-slow (slow-twitch fiber type) expression was shown in the GR group. These results suggest that grazing initiated muscle fiber type conversion to slow-twitch from fast-twitch. A decrease in extractable lipid content was observed in the GR group in the LL and semitendinosus (ST) muscles. Crude protein content in the LL muscle in the GR group was higher than in the CT group. MyHC expression in LL muscle in the GR group was greater than in the CT group. A decrease in myostatin and PPARγ2 gene expression was detected in the GR group compared with the CT group in both muscles. Expression of C/EBPα in LL muscle in the GR group was lower than in the CT group. These results suggest that grazing steers at the end of fattening may lead to an increase in protein content and a decrease in fat accumulation in LL and/or ST muscles by regulation of myostatin, MyHC, PPARγ2 and C/EBPα gene expression.
Assessment of cell surface properties and adhesion potential of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Lasoda bari - A rare fermented food of Himachal Pradesh (India)

One of the most significant groups of probiotic organisms are the lactic acid bacteria, with fermentative, biopreservative and various health benefits. Most important criterion during probiotic selection is the adhesion to the luminal epithelium to colonize the gastrointestinal tract of a human and to provide health benefits and safety against GI disorders after being consumed. Present study was aimed to evaluate in vitro adhesion of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Lasoda baria rare fomented food product of Himachal Pradesh (India) to gut mucosa and epithelial cell lines. Pediococcus pentosaceus LB-CC and Pediococcus pentosaceus LB-WC were found to exhibit 87.0 and 88.0 % hydrophobicity, produced exopolysaccharides, showed 68.56 and 49.62% adherence to gastric mucin and efficiently adhered to human epithelial cell lines. Overall, both isolates fulfilled the essential criteria for their selection and could be recommend for the nutraceutical product formulations to provide health benefits to human beings.
Development and optimization of microparticles containing a hypoglycemic fraction of calyces from Physalis peruviana

Physalis peruviana L. (Cape gooseberry) is a plant widely cultivated in the Andean mountain in South America and its calyces are the main by-product of the harvest and commercialization of the fruits. Hypoglycemic activity was evaluated to both hydroethanolic extract and its fractions by glucose tolerance test methodology. Since butanolic fraction exhibited hypoglycemic activity as well as the hydroethanolic extract, this fraction was microencapsulated in hypromellose phthalate (HPMCP) by emulsification-evaporation method. Rutin was the major flavonoid in the whole extract and butanolic fraction. By using Plackett-Burman and Box-Behnken statistical experimental designs, were development and optimized HPMCP-microparticles loaded with butanolic fraction. Optimized microparticles has an entrapment efficiency of 71% and yield of 64%, only 8% of release at acidic pH and significant hypoglycemic activity. Development and optimization of microencapsulated butanolic fraction of calyces from P. peruviana is an important contribution to improve the its hypoglycemic activity as a promising therapeutic alternative.
A Multimessenger Picture of the Flaring Blazar TXS 0506+056: Implications for High-energy Neutrino Emission and Cosmic-Ray Acceleration

Detection of the IceCube-170922A neutrino coincident with the flaring blazar TXS 0506+056, the first and only ∼3σ high-energy neutrino source association to date, offers a potential breakthrough in our understanding of high-energy cosmic particles and blazar physics. We present a comprehensive analysis of TXS 0506+056 during its flaring state, using newly collected Swift, NuSTAR, and X-shooter data with Fermi observations and numerical models to constrain the blazar’s particle acceleration processes and multimessenger (electromagnetic (EM) and high-energy neutrino) emissions. Accounting properly for EM cascades in the emission region, we find a physically consistent picture only within a hybrid leptonic scenario, with γ-rays produced by external inverse-Compton processes and high-energy neutrinos via a radiatively subdominant hadronic component. We derive robust constraints on the blazar’s neutrino and cosmic-ray emissions and demonstrate that, because of cascade effects, the 0.1–100 keV emissions of TXS 0506+056 serve as a better probe of its hadronic acceleration and high-energy neutrino production processes than its GeV–TeV emissions. If the IceCube neutrino association holds, physical conditions in the TXS 0506+056 jet must be close to optimal for high-energy neutrino production, and are not favorable for ultrahigh-energy cosmic-ray acceleration. Alternatively, the challenges we identify in generating a significant rate of IceCube neutrino detections from TXS 0506+056 may disfavor single-zone models, in which γ-rays and high-energy neutrinos are produced in a single emission region. In concert with continued operations of the high-energy neutrino observatories, we advocate regular X-ray monitoring of TXS 0506+056 and other blazars in order to test single-zone blazar emission models, clarify the nature and extent of their hadronic acceleration processes, and carry out the most sensitive possible search for additional multimessenger sources.