Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lead in School Drinking Water: Canada Can and Should Address This Important Ongoing Exposure Source

Reducing all preventable lead exposures in children should be a public health priority given that blood lead levels in children that were once considered “safe” have since been associated with important neuro-developmental deficits. Limited Canadian data indicate that school drinking water can be an important component of children’s overall exposure to lead. Outside of Ontario, however, Canadian schools are not required to test for lead in water; in most of Canada, school testing is case by case, typically initiated by parental concerns. Provinces and territories are encouraged to follow Ontario’s example by instituting a routine school water lead testing program in order to identify facilities where action can result in a decrease in students’ exposure to lead. Testing and remediation frameworks developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency, Health Canada, and the province of Ontario provide direction to school boards and local and provincial/territorial health authorities. RésuméLa réduction de toutes les expositions au plomb évitables chez les enfants doit être une priorité de santé publique. En effet, des plombémies chez l’enfant autrefois considérées comme sans danger ont depuis été associées à d’importants déficits neuro-développementaux. Des données canadiennes limitées indiquent que l’eau potable en milieu scolaire peut représenter une part importante de l’exposition globale des enfants au plomb. Toutefois, à l’exception de l’Ontario, les écoles canadiennes ne sont pas tenues d’analyser l’eau potable pour y déceler la présence de plomb. Dans la majeure partie du pays, l’eau en milieu scolaire est testée de manière ponctuelle, généralement à la suite d’inquiétudes exprimées par les parents. Les provinces et les territoires sont invités à suivre l’exemple de l’Ontario en instaurant un programme systématique de tests visant à déterminer la présence de plomb dans l’eau en milieu scolaire, afin de cibler les infrastructures où une intervention pourrait aboutir à la réduction de l’exposition des élèves au plomb. Les cadres relatifs aux tests et aux mesures d’atténuation mis au point par l’Agence de protection de l’environnement des États-Unis, par Santé Canada et par la province de l’Ontario peuvent guider les conseils scolaires et les autorités sanitaires provinciales et territoriales à cet égard.
Clinical importance of estrogen receptor-beta evaluation in breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant tamoxifen therapy.

PURPOSE The clinicopathologic importance of a second estrogen receptor (ER), ER-beta, in breast cancers has been intensely studied; however, there is still no real consensus regarding the clinical utility of an ER-beta assay, probably because of the lack of standardized methodology, the presence of several ER-beta isotypes (ER-beta1-5, and so on), and, more importantly, the lack of convincing data on whether the ER-beta status provides clinically useful information over what is already provided by the traditional ER-alpha/progesterone receptor (PR) assay. A large and systematic study is needed to address these important issues. PATIENTS AND METHODS Archival materials of 442 invasive breast cancers from women treated with adjuvant tamoxifen monotherapy and with a long follow-up period (median, 11.1 years) were subjected to immunohistochemical study using three commercially available anti-ER-beta antibodies that detect ER-beta1-3 (ER-betaN), ER-beta1, and ER-betacx (ER-beta2). RESULTS Positive staining for ER-betaN or ER-beta1 was associated with significantly better survival. By contrast, ER-betacx status did not influence survival. In multivariate analysis, ER-beta1 status emerged as an independent predictor of recurrence and mortality. ER-beta1 status was significantly associated with survival in postmenopausal, but not premenopausal, women. Importantly, ER-beta1 positivity was associated with significantly better survival in patients with ER-alpha-negative/PR-negative or ER-alpha-negative/PR-negative/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (triple-negative) tumors, which are widely believed to be hormone unresponsive, have poor prognosis, and require chemotherapy. CONCLUSION Immunohistochemical examination of ER-beta1 in addition to ER-alpha and PR is clinically important in patients with breast cancer treated with tamoxifen monotherapy. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.
The effect of short-term fasting on performance traits and rectal temperature of broilers during the summer season

1. The present study was conducted to determine if detrimental effects of high temperature on broiler performance could be overcome by short-term fasting and to examine the effect of food withdrawal on the responses of two commercial strains (S1 and S2). 2. An experimental design was used with three feeding groups and two strains. Birds in the control (C) group were fed ad libitum during the experimental period (0 to 6 weeks), while feed was withdrawn in the other groups between 10:00 and 16:00 h during weeks 5 and 6 (F1) or week 6 (F2), respectively. After standard brooding for the first 3 weeks temperature and humidity varied according to outside climate between 4 and 6 weeks of age. 3. Feeding strategy significantly affected body weight at week 6 (BW6) and daily weight gain during week 6 (DWG5-6). F2 gave the best results in BW6 and DWG5-6. Strain effect was significant on DWG4-5 and DWG5-6; S1 had higher DWG4-5 and S2 gained more at the last stage. S1C broilers had greater BW6 than S2C but the S2 strain gave a better response to short-term fasting compared with S1 and this resulted in significant strain by feeding interaction effect on BW6 and DWG5-6. 4. It was shown that short-term fasting was an effective method for controlling rectal temperature (RT) of broilers at 5 and 6 weeks of age. 5. Total food consumption (FC0-6), food conversion ratio (FCR0-6), mortality, and carcase characteristics were not affected by short-term fasting in the experimental conditions. 6. In conclusion, it can be recommended that broiler producers may practise 6 h of fasting during the hot period of the day without any adverse effect on slaughter weight and FCR when the birds are close to the average slaughter weight and a heat wave is expected. Strain differences in RT measurements also indicate the importance of choosing strains to be used in hot and warm climate conditions with attention to the thermoregulation ability of broilers.
Analysis of permanent magnet synchronous motors with integer-slot and fractional-slot windings

This paper examines torque ripple, cogging torque, and d-axis and q-axis reactances variation in permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs). Effect of number of poles on electromagnetic motor torque (including cogging torque), and d- and q-axis reactance, has been analyzed for two different PMSM configurations having the same envelop dimensions and output requirements. Finite element technique is used for computation of the machine characteristics. Maxwell stress tensor is used to find the torque.
Bone marrow macrophage iron grade and survival of HIV-seropositive patients.

OBJECTIVE Increased iron stores predispose to certain microbial infections. This association might be especially important in patients whose immune system is impaired by HIV. This study examined the relationship between iron stores and the survival times of patients with HIV infection. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of iron stores, as determined directly in bone marrow aspirates, and of hospital records. SETTING The George Washington University Hospital, an urban academic tertiary care institution. PATIENTS Three hundred and forty-eight HIV-seropositive adults who had diagnostic bone marrow aspirates between January 1985 and June 1996. MEASUREMENTS Bone marrow macrophage iron stores were graded on a scale of 0 to 5. For analysis of the influence of iron stores on survival, we compared patients with grades 4-5 iron stores (markedly or massively increased; n = 188) to those with grades 0-2 iron stores (normal or decreased; n = 130). RESULTS Infections caused by Candida spp. , Pneumocystis carinii, and Mycobacterium spp. were more common in patients with high macrophage iron grades than in patients with low or normal iron grades (P < or = 0.006). The adjusted estimated rate of death (hazards ratio) was higher in patients with high iron stores compared with patients with low or normal iron stores, both from the time of the bone marrow study (ratio of 2.1; 95% confidence interval 1.3-3.5; P = 0.003) and the determination of HIV-seropositivity (ratio of 2.8; 95% confidence interval 1.4-4.9; P = 0.001). CONCLUSION High iron stores, as determined by bone marrow macrophage iron grade, may be associated with shorter survival times in patients with HIV infection.
Internetbankieren: veiligheidspercepties van gebruikers

In dit onderzoek kijken we vanuit gebruikersperspectief naar de veiligheid van internetbankieren, in het bijzonder naar risicoperceptie van online bankfraude. Secundaire analyse van data op basis van vragenlijstonderzoek onder 1200 internetbankierende Nederlanders laat zien dat gebruikers van internetbankieren online bankfraude niet als groot risico zien. Hun risicoperceptie wordt voornamelijk bepaald door de ingeschatte kans om slachtoffer te worden van online bankfraude. De gepercipieerde impact van online bankfraude en de mate van vertrouwen in internetbankieren zijn in enige mate van invloed op hun risicoperceptie. (In)direct slachtofferschap heeft amper invloed op risicoperceptie. De resultaten van deze studie kunnen helpen om communicatie over risico’s van internetbankieren te verbeteren.
Altmetrics is an indication of quality research or just HOT Topic

With the widespread use of social media tools in the discovery, dissemination and discussion of research output, altmetric measurements are fast gaining popularity and they supplement the traditional research metrics by tracking the number of social mentions of research articles. In recent years, there a few such tools and they adopt different models and have different coverage. Publishers such as Scopus and PLoS have already incorporated altmetrics in their websites. This paper seeks to make sense of these available tools and evaluate their effectiveness. Do they identify quality research or just HOT topics? This paper also analyses most cited papers from 18 different subject categories in Web of Science (WOS) and compares the results with an altmetrics database to find out the correlation between these 2 sets of data. This paper ends by highlighting how users could leverage altmetrics effectively to disseminate their works to a wider audience.
Exploring the Organizational Effects of Directors' Embeddedness in Board Networks

In this dissertation, I explore how top executives’ and directors’ embeddedness in corporate elite networks within and between organizations’ boards of directors influence organizational strategy and policy. In the first study, I conduct a comprehensive review of the governance literature using both a traditional narrative approach as well as a bibliometric main path analysis, which traces the development and diffusion of scholarly knowledge on corporate elite networks. In the second study, drawing from network theory and behavioral governance research, I introduce a methodology that allows researchers to model intraboard networks by measuring the strength of ties among members of boards of directors based on objective formative indicators of the constructs of social similarity, social status, social exchange, and social history. Next, I use this technique to explore the antecedents and consequences of intraorganizational network characteristics of boards. Finally, in the third study, I examine the joint influence of interlocking directorates and intraorganizational networks of boards of directors on interorganizational imitation of corporate strategic activity. Results show that directors’ centrality within a focal organization’s board and those of its alters are important predictors of interorganizational imitation of corporate strategic activity. I contribute to the strategic management and organization theory literatures by advancing our understanding of the relationship of corporate elite networks with organizational strategy and policy, and by introducing a new approach to modeling directors’ networks in corporate governance research.
Nonprofit Board Performance: Board Members' Understanding Their Roles and Responsibilities

Using survey data from nonprofit CEOs and Board Chairs this paper presents a new concept for measuring NPO effectiveness by examining the impact of certain roles and responsibilities, specifically internal board performance (practices that take place within the board room) on external performance (practices that take place outside of the board room). Data from the BoardSource Nonprofit Governance Index Survey provides information on twelve board practices. Path analysis was used to investigate the impact of internal board practices on external action. Regression analyses demonstrate how internal board functioning impacts the organization’s ability to fundraise, improve community relations and outreach, and recruit new board members. Results indicate the strongest impact on the external board performance is from board members’ understanding their roles and responsibilities.
On the Electric Breakdown Behavior of Silicone Gel at Interfaces

Electrically stressed interfaces between solids are considered as weak points in the electrical insulation technology. This matter of fact is founded in the presence of microscopic cavities or areas with a low material density in the interface layer. Silicone gel, which is a soft and conformable solid with certain tackiness, offers a good adaptation to any surface and the ability to fill in voids completely. Due to these properties the silicone gel is predestinated for the use at electrically stressed interfaces. The work presented, describes the electric breakdown behavior of the material used at interfaces. The results provide practical information for the design of electrical insulation using silicone gel.
Interaction of KNAT6 and KNAT2 with BREVIPEDICELLUS and PENNYWISE in Arabidopsis Inflorescences[W]

The three amino acid loop extension (TALE) homeodomain superfamily, which comprises the KNOTTED-like and BEL1-like families, plays a critical role in regulating meristem activity. We previously demonstrated a function for KNAT6 (for KNOTTED-like from Arabidopsis thaliana 6) in shoot apical meristem and boundary maintenance during embryogenesis. KNAT2, the gene most closely related to KNAT6, does not play such a role. To investigate the contribution of KNAT6 and KNAT2 to inflorescence development, we examined their interactions with two TALE genes that regulate internode patterning, BREVIPEDICELLUS (BP) and PENNYWISE (PNY). Our data revealed distinct and overlapping interactions of KNAT6 and KNAT2 during inflorescence development. Removal of KNAT6 activity suppressed the pny phenotype and partially rescued the bp phenotype. Removal of KNAT2 activity had an effect only in the absence of both BP and KNAT6 or in the absence of both BP and PNY. Consistent with this, KNAT6 and KNAT2 expression patterns were enlarged in both bp and pny mutants. Thus, the defects seen in pny and bp are attributable mainly to the misexpression of KNAT6 and to a lesser extent of KNAT2. Hence, our data showed that BP and PNY restrict KNAT6 and KNAT2 expression to promote correct inflorescence development. This interaction was also revealed in the carpel.
[The expression of NOD1 and NOD2 and the regulation of glucocorticoids on them in allergic rhinitis].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the expression of NOD1 and NOD2 in the nasal mucosa of healthy individuals and allergic rhinitis(AR), and explored the regulation of glucocorticoids on them. METHOD RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of NOD1 and NOD2 in nasal mucosa from healthy control and AR. Nasal explant culture was used to explore the effect of glucocorticoids on NOD1 and NOD2 expression. RESULT NOD1 and NOD2 mRNA expression level was significantly increased in AR compared with control. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that NOD1 and NOD2 were mainly expressed by epithelial cells and some unknown cells in lamina propria and there were significantly more positive staining cells were observed in AR tissue when compared with control. Glucocorticoids down-regulated NOD1 and NOD2 expression in AR. CONCLUSION NOD1 and NOD2 as two PRRs may take part in the pathogenesis of AR, glucocorticoids may play a therapeutical role on allergic rhinitis through down-regulated the expression of NOD1 and NOD2.
Using Predator-Prey Theory to Predict Outcomes of Broadscale Experiments to Reduce Apparent Competition

Apparent competition is an important process influencing many ecological communities. We used predator-prey theory to predict outcomes of ecosystem experiments aimed at mitigating apparent competition by reducing primary prey. Simulations predicted declines in secondary prey following reductions in primary prey because predators consumed more secondary prey until predator numbers responded to reduced prey densities. Losses were exacerbated by a higher carrying capacity of primary prey and a longer lag time of the predator’s numerical response, but a gradual reduction in primary prey was less detrimental to the secondary prey. We compared predictions against two field experiments where endangered woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) were victims of apparent competition. First, when deer (Odocoileus sp.) declined suddenly following a severe winter, cougar (Puma concolor) declined with a 1–2-year lag, yet in the interim more caribou were killed by cougars, and caribou populations declined by 40%. Second, when moose (Alces alces) were gradually reduced using a management experiment, wolf (Canis lupus) populations declined but did not shift consumption to caribou, and the largest caribou subpopulation stabilized. The observed contrasting outcomes of sudden versus gradual declines in primary prey supported theoretical predictions. Combining theory with field studies clarified how to manage communities to mitigate endangerment caused by apparent competition that affects many taxa.
Managers attitude and response towards social responsibility: The case of large scale manufacturing firms in Nairobi

Motivated by the increasing social concerns, large scale manufacturing firms have got their role to play as far as social responsibility aspects are concerned; specifically in terms of environmental, employee and community social responsibility issues. The study sought to determine 1) the attitude of managers towards social responsibility, 2) the social responsibility programmes that managers in large scale manufacturing firms have put in place, 3) the relationship between managers attitude and implementation of social responsibility and 4) the factors that hinder firms from engaging more in social responsibility activities. The population of the study was a total of273 large scale manufacturing firms in Nairobi . A ample of45 firm wa picked and out of the 120 qu ti nnmrc distributed, 48 of them were return d to there arch ring d tim fl r d< tn anal si . The empirical results attained showed that managers ha e a trong p itiv attitud towards social responsibility. Various programs ha e al o b en put in plac as far a social responsibility is concerned. Howe\'er there ult indicat d that th re is very little association between attitude and implem nt ti n of the s me, and that arious factor hinder the implementation of i 1 r p n ibili · in l r 1 manufacturing finn . CHAPTER! INTRODUCTION: 1. 1. Background In Kenya today, there are a lot of social problems that need to be addressed. Here in Nairobi, we cannot underestimate the extent of pollution in terms of water, air, noise and even litter that is being experienced. Large scale manufacturing firms do have some contribution as far as this is concerned. Poor economic conditions and the use of modern technology have led to restructuring and right sizing by firms . This has directly affected the employees, including those in large scale manufacturing firms . Large scale manufacturing firms in Kenya have a long history. Some of them have been in operation for a long period of time. The Kenya A ociation ofManufacturers was established in 1959 during which period it al o erv d th large cal manuf: ctu in firms . As Bateman and Zeithaml (1993) indicates, the manag r· peratin in t day'· world face a new and urgent challenge of creating a new relation hip u ·m activity and our natural environment that will halt environmental damag and cl an up the effects of past practices. Social responsibility concept ha been defin d diffi r ntl b · diffi r nt p pl Rue (1992) defines ocial respon ibilit th rot of m m m abo e I gal r quir m nt . rtin th un t 11\iz. ti n
The Robust Cold Standby Redundancy Allocation in Series-Parallel Systems With Budgeted Uncertainty

This paper studies a redundancy allocation problem (RAP) with cold standby strategy in non-repairable series-parallel systems. We assume that the components' reliabilities are uncertain values in a budgeted uncertainty set, with unknown probability distributions. Because the system reliability is a nonlinear function of the components' reliabilities, classical robust optimization approaches cannot be directly applied to construct the robust counterpart of this problem. Therefore, this paper for the first time proposes linear mixed integer programming (MIP) and binary equivalent models for the cold standby RAP; and by exploiting the problem structure, robust counterparts are developed to deal with budgeted uncertainty in this problem. Then, two exact solution methods are proposed: one of them solves a MIP model iteratively in a Benders' decomposition framework, and the other one solves a single binary linear model. The validity and the performance of the proposed approach are tested through a Monte Carlo simulation, and computational results.
Design of Highly Nonlinear Photonic Crystal Fiber

A highly nonlinear photonic crystal fiber is designed and the theoretical analysis and numerical simulation of its character are realized by all-vector finite element method. The results show that in the wavelength range of 0.7~1. 4μm,the dispersion can be tuned by adjusting the optical fiber structure and nonlinear coefficient reaches to 51 km-1W-1 at the wavelength of 1. 31μm.
I2R at TREC 2006 Genomics Track

This paper describes the method we used for the Genomics Track of TREC 2006. BM25 model is implemented to retrieve relevant documents. We also tried to re-ranking documents based on the initial retrieval before passage retrieval. Passages are retrieved based on the concepts defining in topics and concept coverage. Results of submitted runs are listed and discussed.
Algorithmic Trading of Portfolios

We develop a portfolio trading strategy that aims to achieve optimal performance against arrival prices by minimizing market impact and risk. We first lay the groundwork by formulating a single-security trading strategy and then generalize the framework to the portfolio trading context. Correlations between securities are incorporated via a multi-factor risk model, and the resulting optimization problem is solved numerically by quadratic programming. Comparing the efficient frontier and the early-end VWAP (volume-weighted average price) strategies leads to an intuitive method to determine the risk aversion parameter. We also present an efficient way to identify securities for which block trading opportunities can be pursued without compromising the risk structure of the portfolio.