Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Whole-body vibration exercise training reduces arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women with prehypertension and hypertension

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine the impact of whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise training on arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity [PWV]), blood pressure (BP), and leg muscle function in postmenopausal women. MethodsTwenty-five postmenopausal women with prehypertension and hypertension (mean [SE]; age, 56 [1] y; systolic BP, 139 [2] mm Hg; body mass index, 34.7 [0.8] kg/m2) were randomized to 12 weeks of WBV exercise training (n = 13) or to the no-exercise control group. Systolic BP, diastolic BP, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, carotid-femoral PWV, brachial-ankle PWV, femoral-ankle PWV (legPWV), leg lean mass, and leg muscle strength were measured before and after 12 weeks. ResultsThere was a group-by-time interaction (P < 0.05) for arterial stiffness, BP, and strength as brachial-ankle PWV (−1.3 [0.3] m/s, P < 0.01), legPWV (−0.81 [0.22] m/s, P < 0.01), systolic BP (−12 [3] mm Hg, P < 0.01), diastolic BP (−6 [2] mm Hg, P < 0.01), and mean arterial pressure (−9 [3] mm Hg, P < 0.01) decreased and as strength increased (21.0% [2.2%], P < 0.001) after WBV exercise training compared with no change after control. Heart rate decreased (−3 [1] beats/min, P < 0.05) after WBV exercise training, but there was no interaction (P > 0.05). Leg lean mass and carotid-femoral PWV were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by WBV exercise training or control. ConclusionsOur findings indicate that WBV exercise training improves systemic and leg arterial stiffness, BP, and leg muscle strength in postmenopausal women with prehypertension or hypertension. WBV exercise training may decrease cardiovascular and disability risks in postmenopausal women by reducing legPWV and increasing leg muscle strength.
Jury Verdicts Against Auditors Under Precise and Imprecise Accounting Standards

U.S. auditors are concerned that the greater imprecision in accounting standards under IFRS will lead to increased legal liability. We conduct an experiment with 749 mock jurors to examine how juries evaluate auditor conduct under precise and imprecise standards. We find that juries return more verdicts against auditors under imprecise standards than under precise standards – but only when the audit client’s accounting is less aggressive and deviates from industry norms. These negative consequences are eliminated when the less aggressive accounting is instead consistent with industry norms, suggesting that auditors should be able to anticipate and avoid increased legal exposure under imprecise standards. We also find that when the audit client’s accounting is more aggressive, jurors return fewer verdicts against auditors under imprecise standards than precise standards. Taken together, our results suggest that imprecise standards are a double-edged sword that increases verdicts against auditors in some circumstances and decreases verdicts against auditors in other circumstances.
Motivation factors of positive eWOM for universities through online social networks

Information Technologies changed ways of communications. The recent fast-paced online technology developments and globalization phenomenon force radical changes in the world of online marketing. Such changes are also observable in the higher educational institutions. Electronic-Word-Of-Mouth (eWOM) is one of the effective and low-cost marketing strategies that can be used to promote university products and services. eWOM can ingeniously benefit from the applicants of tertiary education who are the Internet users as a medium of advertisement. However, universities? marketing programs face lack of knowledge about the motivational factors for their virtual fans to participate in eWOM. Therefore, the current research aims at identifying the motivation factors for the university virtual fans to participate in positive eWOM. An instrument created based on the literature review. After collecting the data, a factor analysis was done and four positive sharing factors were loaded: positive academic altruism, institutional self-enhancement, rewards and emotional connection. The results of this study not only contributed to the body of knowledge in the area of electronic communication, but also cleared the interdisciplinary link between information technology, marketing and psychology.
Perspectives on Modern Orthopaedics: Use of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate in the Management of Osteoarthritis

71 Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent musculoskeletal condition: more than 70% of the population 65 years of age or older demonstrate radiographic evidence of this process,1 with an incidence approximately twice as high in women as in men.2 Substantial patient morbidity from pain and loss of function can be attributed to this disease. Despite the high prevalence of osteoarthritis, its precise biochemical mechanisms are not yet completely understood. Characteristics of osteoarthritic cartilage include an increase in the water content and degradation of the extracellular matrix, including alteration of the proteoglycans (e.g., shorter chains and a decrease in the ratio of chondroitin to keratan sulfate). These changes predispose to progressive deterioration, with eventual loss of the articular cartilage. The goals of osteoarthritis therapy are to decrease pain and to maintain or improve joint function. In recent years, numerous studies have investigated potential chondroprotective agentssubstances that are capable of increasing the anabolic activity of chondrocytes while simultaneously suppressing the degradative effects of cytokine mediators on cartilage. It has been suggested that such agents may repair articular cartilage, or at least decelerate its progressive degradation. Among those substances that may possess chondroprotective properties are chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine sulfate, hyaluronic acid, piroxicam, tetracyclines, corticosteroids, and heparinoids.3 Publicity relating to the clinical experience with the first two of these agents has created an air of controversy surrounding their use as alternative agents in the treatment of osteoarthritis. The recent literature contains some limited evidence on the efficacy, potential toxicity, and long-term safety of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for the treatment of patients with osteoarthritis. Health-care professionals should be familiar with that evidence and should conduct further objective evaluations of their efficacy.
BELIEF OF SELF-EFFICACY IN DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES IN THE INVESTMENT MARKET

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the self -efficacy belief of investors regarding their decision’s making in Stock Market. A total of 25 investors that trades stocks in the Brazilian Stock Market for at least a year participated in this exploratory-descriptive Survey. In order to collect data, a 10-item Self-Efficacy Scale of decision-making in the investment market was build, based on the General Self-Efficacy Scale developed by Renato Nunes, Ralf Schwa rzer e Matthias Jerusalem. After the Scale was administered, the data was organized by frequency distribution and analyzed. As the results, the study did not confirm significant correlation between self -efficacy and the variables: age, length of experience in stock market investment (time), and financial results of the investment. The results from the variable “financial results” shows that even though the percentage of “high belief of self-efficacy” of investors that lost money (20%) is lower than those who won money (27,2%), 80,9% of the investors that lost money still have, in general, high beliefs of their capacity of making financial investments decisions and choosing strategies that they think are accurate. Based on descriptive analysis, this work conc ludes that, because the phenomenon studied is based on interpretation as opposed to effective results, it finds itself associated to subjectivity and susceptible to cognitive distortion, which can result in self -efficacy beliefs that induces inaccurate investments decisions.
Expression of the Peptide Antibiotic Human β-Defensin 1 in Cultured Gingival Epithelial Cells and Gingival Tissue

ABSTRACT Human β-defensin-1 (hBD-1) is a member of the family of small cationic antimicrobial peptides that have been identified in several mucosal epithelia. Because human gingival epithelium is a site that is constantly challenged by oral microorganisms, we examined the expression of hBD-1 in human gingival epithelial and fibroblast cell cultures and tissue samples. Cell cultures were challenged with cell wall extracts of Porphyromonas gingivalis or Fusobacterium nucleatum,Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide, tumor necrosis factor alpha, or phorbol myristate acetate. hBD-1 mRNA was detected in unstimulated and stimulated cultures by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR using several primer sets specific for hBD-1. Gingival epithelial cells, but not gingival fibroblasts, expressed a product of the predicted size for hBD-1 mRNA. The sequence of the PCR product was identical to that of hBD-1. hBD-1 mRNA expression was not significantly modulated by any of the stimulants tested. Human gingival tissues from noninflamed and inflamed sites were also analyzed by RT-PCR. hBD-1 mRNA was expressed in all tissue samples. The relative expression of hBD-1 mRNA was similar in noninflamed and inflamed tissues obtained from each of four patients undergoing treatment for periodontitis. However, the relative expression of hBD-1 mRNA varied in gingival biopsies obtained from 15 different normal individuals, and the relative hBD-1 expression was unrelated to interleukin-8 expression. Our findings show the constitutive expression of hBD-1 mRNA in cultured epithelial cells and gingival tissues but not gingival fibroblasts. These findings suggest that expression of hBD-1 may play a role as part of the innate host defenses in maintaining normal gingival health.
Structure and phosphorylation of the Fujinami sarcoma virus gene product

The Fujinami avian sarcoma virus (FSV) transforming gene product, P140, is a fusion protein which contains both gag-related and FSV-specific methionine-containing tryptic peptides. The virion protease p15 cleaved p140 into two fragments: an N-terminal 33K fragment which contained all but one of the gag-related tryptic peptides and a C-terminal 120K fragment which contained all of the FSV-specific tryptic peptides. The 33K gag-related fragment from P140 phosphorylated in FSV-transformed cells contained only phosphoserine, whereas the 120K C-terminal FSV-specific fragments contained both phosphoserine and phosphotyrosine. P140 isolated from cells infected at the nonpermissive temperature with an isolate of FSV which is temperature sensitive for transformation had a normally phosphorylated 33K fragment, but a hypophosphorylated 120K fragment deficient in both phosphotyrosine and phosphoserine. When P140 was immunoprecipitated from cells and phosphorylated in vitro at tyrosine residues in the immune complex kinase reaction, only the FSV-specific fragment was labeled. These data define the structure of FSV P140 and locate the phosphorylated amino acids within the two regions of the polypeptide.
Condition monitoring of generator stator winding inter-turn short circuit fault based on electrically excited vibration

Generator rotor and stator vibration characteristics on stator winding inter-turn short circuit fault are analyzed. Through calculating the generator parameters of air-gap magnetomotive force, air-gap magnetic field energy and magnetic flux density on the fault, the frequency characteristic of imbalance magnetic pull acting on rotor and that of pulsating magnetic pull acting on stator core are found out. Then the rotor and stator radial vibration characteristics are gotten. Finally practically acquired vibration data on the spot of SDF-9 and MJF-30-6 type generator respectively, the results of verification show that the analysis is correct. On the other hand finds out the relationship between electric fault such as winding fault and mechanical vibration, and points out the vibration signal can be the symptom of winding faults as well as electric signal, and provides the new idea and method for study the electric fault
Performance evaluation of passive direction finding systems in a multi-path environment

The performance of amplitude- and phase-based passive direction finding (DF) systems is evaluated in a multi-path environment. For performance analysis and fair comparison, a parametric circular DF array is modelled and analyzed in a two-wave (direct and reflected) environment. The parameterized model varies the aperture size and number of antenna elements of DF array, frequency, strength and angle-of-incidence of direct and reflected waves. The root-mean-square (RMS) bearing error is estimated for all the possible combinations of the said parameters. The MATLAB simulation results based on the analytical model show the better reflection immunity of the phase-based direction finding system in a multi-path environment, subject to the selection of appropriate antenna-pattern and field-of-view.
Human Resource Management Relate d Facto rs Affecting Performance among Part-time Academic Staff in Ugandan Public Universities

Part-time academic staff form a significant proportion of the academic staff force in Ugandan public universities. However, their performance is reportedly poor, despite the fact that they are comparable to their fulltime counterparts in terms of academic qualification and relevant work experience. Grounded on the propositions of Frame of Reference Theory, therefore, this study probed the impact of the way the part-time dons are managed, relative to their fulltime counterparts, on their performance. Data were collected, from a sample of 298 part-time academic staff, on how they are recruited, selected, appointed, deployed and compensated; and on the extent to which they would agree that these ways affect their performance. The findings were that majority of them were selected through their personal contacts in the respective universities; were not appointed by the universities’ directorates of human resources; were not given detailed job descriptions; were not usually given notice of meetings; and felt that their rewards are not equitable, relative to those of their fulltime counterparts, all of which have affected their performance. Thus, it is recommended that, to improve their part-timers’ performance, the universities should endeavour to depersonalize their appointment; provide them with detailed job descriptions; and align their rewards with those of their fulltime counterparts.
Integrating e-commerce into existing export marketing theories: A contingency model

Current theory on export marketing is based on the assumption that each exporting decision is made in isolation, whereby a set of factors are considered for single market entry only, without the consideration of simultaneous entry into multiple foreign markets. Because e-commerce is able to provide instantaneous access to numerous global markets, recent technological advances force us to rethink whether existing theoretical frameworks are sufficient in explaining today's export marketing strategies. A review of the recent export literature suggests that a new paradigm may be needed to take into consideration the electronic marketplace, both in the process of entering markets, and in the management of operations within those markets. The purpose of this article is to present a model that integrates e-commerce into existing theories on export marketing. Specifically, the aim is to develop a theoretical framework that: (a) extends existing export marketing theories by incorporating ecommerce strategy; (b) proposes a contingency approach to compare and contrast the relationship among environmental variables, export market strategy and export performance; and, (c) provides a clear direction for future research through the development of research propositions investigating the role of e-commerce strategy in the exporting process.
Effectiveness of the Direct Marketing as the Promotional Element of an Enterprise

The paper deals with standing of young population about the SMS messaging as an element of direct marketing advertising of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This issue is of great importance for Croatian SMEs who want to be competitive with SMEs in EU who have already gradually accepted this promotional channel. First part of the article explores recent literature on the subject, and afterwards the results of the research are presented. The research shows that examined population (Students of Faculty of Organization and Informatics, University of Zagreb - FOI) is not enthusiastic about SMS advertising. But, certain potential exists because they like and easily accept innovative products and services and about third of them is still indifferent of the idea of receiving SMS ads which could be changed. This way, SMS advertising could become prosperous channel of promotion for SMEs in Croatia.
Virus excretion and mutation by infants following primary vaccination with live oral poliovaccine from two sources

The excretion of virus by 30 children was followed over a period of 28 days after their first vaccination with live oral poliovaccine. The type 1 and type 2 strains were isolated at similar high frequencies throughout this period, while the type 3 strain was not excreted by most children after day 2 post vaccination. Mutations in the 5′ non‐coding region associated with the attenuated phenotype reverted most rapidly for type 3 and least rapidly for type 1. The data are consistent with different degrees of selection against the attenuating mutations in the three serotypes in the gut, but imply that reversion is required for prolonged excretion. The findings also provide a possible explanation for the reported distribution of the rarely occurring vaccine associated cases between recipients and contacts for the three serotypes. A statistically significant difference was not observed between vaccine from the two main suppliers to the UK market.
Group-wise change point detection in task FMRI data by Bayesian methods

Change point detection has been one of the major objectives in task-based fMRI data analysis. In this paper, we focus on the application the Bayesian magnitude change point model (BMCPM) described in our other paper submitted to NIPS 2013. Firstly, we introduce the basics of BMCPM. The employed BMCPM statistically infers block boundaries separating the time series into quasi-stable temporal blocks that exhibit substantial differences of brain states from each other via a Bayesian framework equipped with a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) scheme. It applies Metropolis-Hastings algorithm to sample from the posterior distribution of different temporal segmentations (magnitude change points) of a given dataset and to estimate a series of posterior probabilities of time points being magnitude change points. After extensive simulations have been carried out to validate the proposed BMCPM and obtain good results, we focus on the application and analysis of BMCPM on real fMRI data. Then, these detected group-wise consistent magnitude change points are clustered into various patterns of temporal and spatial activities. The methods have been applied on a task-based fMRI dataset and revealed complex and meaningful brain activation patterns.
A Hybrid Multilevel Control Scheme for Supporting Mixed Traffic in Broadband Networks

The paper discusses a control scheme for broadband switching systems consisting of a hybrid multilevel control network and a three-phase commit control protocol. The proposed architecture and protocol allow for fast connection setup in point-to-point connections while efficiently handling multicast and broadcast connections. The consistency of system status is maintained through the three-phase commit procedure. The optimal control configuration to minimize the connection setup service time is derived by using both analytical and simulation approaches.
Community perceptions of and suggested fundraising strategies for local charities

Increasing competition for charity dollars has led many charities to reconsider their approach to fundraising. While donors are more likely to support charities they have a personal connection with, low psychological involvement with a charity influences the desire to switch. Local charities are commonly smaller and less resourced than state, national or international charities, but have the opportunity to increase and maintain donors by utilising strategies that increase community engagement. The current study, undertaken with people aged over 15 years in a regional area, found that most donors disliked guilt inducing techniques and telemarketing. Participants suggested more effective strategies including workplace giving, social media, local media partnerships and events that encourage community participation and connectedness. They preferred raising funds for discreet items and stressed the importance of regular communication with donors regarding positive achievements. The insights are useful for all charities in determining fundraising strategies and maintaining positive donor relationships.
Feedback Regulation of β,β-Carotene 15,15′-Monooxygenase by Retinoic Acid in Rats and Chickens

beta,beta-Carotene 15,15'-monooxygenase (formerly termed beta,beta-carotene 15,15'-dioxygenase, EC 1.13.11.21) catalyzes the conversion of provitamin A carotenoids to retinal in vertebrate tissues. In the present study, we investigated whether preformed vitamin A or beta-carotene and its direct metabolites can regulate the enzyme activity in vivo. We found dose-dependent decreases in intestinal beta,beta-carotene monooxygenase activity after oral administration to rats of retinyl acetate (up to -79%), beta-carotene (up to -79%), apo-8'-carotenal (up to -56%), all-trans retinoic acid (up to -88%), and 9-cis retinoic acid (up to -67%). Liver beta,beta-carotene 15,15'-monooxygenase (betaCMOOX) activity was not affected. Apo-12'carotenal and the retinoic acid receptor (RAR) alpha antagonist Ro 41-5253 significantly increased the intestinal enzyme activity by 55 and 94%, respectively. When beta-carotene was administered to rats pretreated with the two cytochrome P(450) (CYP) inducers, pentobarbital and naphthoflavone, the intestinal betaCMOOX activity increased by 39%. In a transcriptional study in chickens, treatment with retinoic acid resulted in low expression of the intestinal betaCMOOX. Our data suggest that retinoids and carotenoids might regulate betaCMOOX expression by a transcriptional feedback mechanism via interaction with members of the RAR family.
Securities Analysts' Watch and Audit Supervision: Substitution or Complementary Effect: Empirical Evidence from Chinese Private Listed Companies

As one of the important strengths of external corporate governance,securities analysts have some influence on audit supervision. Using A-share private listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchange from 2001 to 2010 as a sample,this article empirically investigates the relationship between securities analysts' watch and audit quality from the perspective of audit opinions and accounting conservatism. The results show that securities analysts' watch significantly reduces audit supervision quality and there is a substitution effect between them.