Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A política industrial brasileira recente e as estratégias de inovação do setor moveleiro da região oeste de Santa Catarina

This study aims to evaluate the influence of industrial policies carried out in Brazil after 2003 on the furniture industry innovation strategies of the Santa Catarina West Region. As empirical strategy was field research conducted through semi-structured interviews in 14 export companies in the region. The interviews assessed a set of three elements related to the topic: i) characterization of the companies; ii) innovation strategies of enterprises; and, iii) contribution of industrial policy actions on innovations. The main findings relate to that industry is characterized mostly by small business that make residential furniture, and are in the market for over 20 years, do not have a deliberate policy of innovation, although monitor and carry out improvements in products and production processes steadily. The main changes refer to "technological change product" and "technological change in production processes" and to a lesser extent "organizational innovation". In terms of industrial policy, the results showed that they contributed marginally to stimulate their innovation and the improvement of policy should consider training programs to labor and improvement of labor legislation, lines of subsidized credit, tax subsidies and the improvement in infrastructure.
Genetic linkage of resistance to Listeria monocytogenes with macrophage inflammatory responses.

The mobilization of adequate numbers of mononuclear phagocytes to inflammatory foci was measured in Listeria-resistant and Listeria-sensitive mice. Resistant strains, such as B10.A, were found to have a 2- to 3-fold greater accumulation of peritoneal macrophages after i.p. treatment with a variety of nonspecific inflammatory stimuli in comparison to sensitive strains, such s A/J. In addition to low macrophage inflammatory responses, A/J mice had fewer resident peritoneal macrophages. Moreover, measurement of chemotaxis in vitro of equal numbers of thioglycollate-induced macrophages showed cells from A/J mice to be less responsive to complement-derived chemotactic factors. Thus, the mononuclear phagocyte systems of resistant B10.A and sensitive A/J mice were quantitatively and qualitatively different. A survey of inbred mouse strains revealed that these differences were not peculiar to A strain mice and that, in general, the level of the in vivo macrophage inflammatory response correlated with the level of resistance to Listeria in a given strain. Like resistance to Listeria, the macrophage inflammatory response was found to be genetically controlled by an autosomal, non-H-2-linked gene(s) expressed as incompletely dominant. Backcross analysis showed genetic linkage of the macrophage inflammatory response with resistance to Listeria. Thus, the results of this study provide formal evidence that the cellular basis of the genetically determined, enhanced resistance to Listeria is an augmented pool size of mononuclear phagocytes, and the prompt mobilization of these cells to foci of infection.
Benchmarking Small Business Performance : Barriers and Benefits

Benchmarking is now a commonplace term in business and many definitions have been proposed. Despite its increasing popularity there is growing evidence that it is often used incorrectly. ‘Benchmarking’ seems to be confused with competitive comparison studies, which are simply a component part of benchmarking. This paper reviews previous benchmarking studies in general, identifying the background to its growth, and benefits and barriers relating specifically to implementation by small businesses. Finally, the paper proposes strategies that can be adopted to make better use of benchmarking for small business. There are a number of barriers preventing businesses implementing benchmarking processes and the types of barriers may vary with business size. Large businesses have adopted benchmarking in order to gain and maintain competitive advantage. Although large businesses are well placed to take on new quality improvement processes, smaller firms may question their applicability. Previous studies indicate that performance measurement is rarely used by small businesses, as there are many barriers that prevent small businesses from undertaking benchmarking. Some of these barriers relate to lack of time, cost issues, lack of knowledge and poor strategic planning. Despite these barriers there are many benefits that can be derived from implementing benchmarking programs. Some of these benefits include identification of improved ways to meet customer needs and cost-effective collection of innovative ideas. This paper highlights that benchmarking is a huge and complex task, requiring dedication to ongoing effort and suggests that small businesses may require initial support in order to effectively implement benchmarking as a continuous improvement program. Introduction Benchmarking has gained popularity since the 1970’s and has become a common component of Total Quality Management programs taken up by large companies. Although small businesses are generally aware of the concept they often shy away from benchmarking because of time and cost issues. Yet benchmarking is appropriate for any business, small or large. Small businesses are faced with unique disadvantages when attempting to benchmark their performance but it is often easier for them to integrate new ideas and processes than larger businesses who tend to be held back by bureaucracy and red tape (Rothman, 1992). There is also evidence that the term benchmarking is often incorrectly used (Monkhouse, 1995) and is confused with competitive comparison studies. It seems that once aspects of a business are identified, measured and compared against other businesses there is little attempt to take the next step to analyse practices in order to identify performance gaps (Massheder & Finch, 1998).
Knowledge Sharing Among Industrial Enterprises in the Sultanate of Oman

This study investigates the status and nature of knowledge sharing among industrial enterprises in the Sultanate of Oman in terms of: identifying the motives of industrial enterprises in sharing or not sharing knowledge, identifying the factors that influence knowledge sharing between industrial enterprises, and suggesting a model example for knowledge sharing among industrial enterprises in Oman. The data collected through qualitative approach consists of 23 face-to-face interviews with managers from different industrial enterprises, and two focus groups. The first focus group is conducted with managers from all industrial enterprises, and the second one is conducted with managers from Nizwa industrial Estate. The most important results of the study include: most of the managers of Omani industrial enterprises lack the awareness of the concept of knowledge sharing. There is an internal knowledge sharing system at the level of units and departments within a single institution. The industrial enterprises lack specialized information centers that meet the needs of their employees, which then downgrade the potential of interactive and knowledge-sharing environment. The study proposes two model examples for knowledge sharing among Industrial enterprises of Oman: sharing knowledge within a single enterprise (internal); and sharing knowledge within a group of enterprises (external).
Immunoassay of P-Component in Amyloidotic Sera.∗

To date, all human amylodotic spleens studied by us have yielded a protein which is not detectable in normal or non-amyloidotic tissue. This protein has been identified by immunoelectrophoresis in the blood of normal individuals and for this reason has been called the P (plasma)—component of amyloid(1,2). We have recently measured the plasma level of P-component in patients with amyloidosis in order to determine whether its presence has any diagnostic significance and whether any data relevant to the genesis of amyloid might be obtained. Sera from patients with rheumatoid arthritis were studied as “pathologic” controls and also because this condition is not infrequently complicated by amyloidosis. Materials and Methods. A total of 35 pathologic sera were tested; 21 were derived from patients with biopsy proven amyloidosis, the remaining 14 from patients with classical rheumatoid arthritis. As controls, sera from 25 young and presumably healthy blood donors and cord blood from 9 new-born infants were tested. Serum was stored at —30°C and thawed just before use. An antiserum specific for P-component was prepared in rabbits from extracts of amyloid-laden tissues as previously described(3).
Assessment of genetic and nongenetic interactions for the prediction of depressive symptomatology: an analysis of the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study using machine learning algorithms.

OBJECTIVES We examined depression within a multidimensional framework consisting of genetic, environmental, and sociobehavioral factors and, using machine learning algorithms, explored interactions among these factors that might better explain the etiology of depressive symptoms. METHODS We measured current depressive symptoms using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (n = 6378 participants in the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study). Genetic factors were 78 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs); environmental factors-13 stressful life events (SLEs), plus a composite proportion of SLEs index; and sociobehavioral factors-18 personality, intelligence, and other health or behavioral measures. We performed traditional SNP associations via logistic regression likelihood ratio testing and explored interactions with support vector machines and Bayesian networks. RESULTS After correction for multiple testing, we found no significant single genotypic associations with depressive symptoms. Machine learning algorithms showed no evidence of interactions. Naïve Bayes produced the best models in both subsets and included only environmental and sociobehavioral factors. CONCLUSIONS We found no single or interactive associations with genetic factors and depressive symptoms. Various environmental and sociobehavioral factors were more predictive of depressive symptoms, yet their impacts were independent of one another. A genome-wide analysis of genetic alterations using machine learning methodologies will provide a framework for identifying genetic-environmental-sociobehavioral interactions in depressive symptoms.
RH10 provides superior transgene expression in mice when compared with natural AAV serotypes for neonatal gene therapy

Neonatal gene therapy is a promising strategy for treating diseases diagnosed before or shortly after birth. Early and long‐term expression of therapeutic proteins may limit the consequences of genetic mutations and result in a potential ‘cure’. Adeno‐associated viral vectors have shown promise in many areas of adult gene therapy but their properties have not been systematically investigated in the neonate.
Does controlling for biological maturity improve physical activity tracking?

UNLABELLED Tracking of physical activity through childhood and adolescence tends to be low. Variation in the timing of biological maturation within youth of the same chronological age (CA) might affect participation in physical activity and may partially explain the low tracking. PURPOSE To examine the stability of physical activity over time from childhood to late adolescence when aligned on CA and biological age (BA). METHODS A total of 91 males and 96 females aged 8-15 yr from the Saskatchewan Pediatric Bone Mineral Accrual Study (PBMAS) were assessed annually for 8 yr. BA was calculated as years from age at peak height velocity. Physical activity was assessed using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children/Adolescents. Tracking was analyzed using intraclass correlations for both CA and BA (2-yr groupings). To be included in the analysis, an individual required a measure at both time points within an interval; however, not all individuals were present at all tracking intervals. RESULTS Physical activity tracking by CA 2-yr intervals were, in general, moderate in males (r=0.42-0.59) and females (r=0.43-0.44). However, the 9- to 11-yr CA interval was low and nonsignificant (r=0.23-0.30). Likewise, tracking of physical activity by BA 2-yr intervals was moderate to high in males (r=0.44-0.60) and females (r=0.39-0.62). CONCLUSIONS Accounting for differences in the timing of biological maturity had little effect on tracking physical activity. However, point estimates for tracking are higher in early adolescence in males and to a greater extent in females when aligned by BA versus CA. This suggests that maturity may be more important in physical activity participation in females than males.
THE WRITING PROCESS : An Overview of Research on Teaching Writing as a Process

Contemporary literacy theory argues that teaching students how to write is a means to more fully engage them as readers and in literacy learning. The writing process is utilized in many U.S. classrooms. This method emphasizes the recursive processes of prewriting, drafting, editing, and revising. The purpose of this study reviews research about the evolution and effectiveness of the writing process.
The Sacroiliac Joint: A Potential Cause of Pain After Lumbar Fusion to the Sacrum

The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) can cause pain after lumbosacral fusion. Diagnosis requires >75% relief after local anesthetic SIJ injection. This study is a retrospective review of patients with low back pain after lumbosacral fusion who had SIJ injections. Percentage and duration of pain relief were noted. Results are as follows: there were 34 patients; 8 fused at L5–S1, 14 fused at L4–S1, and 12 had multilevel fusions. Twenty had >75% relief within 45 minutes, and 11 had prolonged relief. Six had relief >20% but <75%, and one had prolonged relief. Eight never improved. Eight had posterior iliac crest bone harvested, and there was no correlation between donor side and pain side. In 34 patients with low back pain after lumbosacral fusion, SIJ was the cause of pain in 32% and possibly the cause in 29%. This is the first detailed description of this problem.
A community‐based study to examine the effect of a youth HIV prevention intervention on young people aged 15–24 in South Africa: results of the baseline survey

Objectives To determine whether South African youths living in communities that had either of two youth human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention interventions [(a) loveLife Youth Centre or (b) loveLife National Adolescent Friendly Clinic Initiative] would have a lower prevalence of HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and high risk sexual behaviours than communities without either of these interventions.
Ten treatments to avoid in patients with lower limb tendon pain

Tendon pain and dysfunction are the presenting clinical features of tendinopathy. Research has investigated many treatment options, but consistent, positive, clinical outcomes remain elusive. We know that treatment should be active (eg, exercise-based), and that a consistent and ongoing investment in rehabilitation is required. It is important to maximise this investment by understanding (and conveying to patients) treatments that do not help. The following 10 points highlight treatment approaches to avoid as they do not improve lower limb tendinopathy. 1. Don’t rest completely. Rest decreases the load tolerance of tendon, and complete rest decreases tendon stiffness within 2 weeks.1 It also decreases strength and power in the muscle attached to the tendon and the function of the kinetic chain,2 and likely changes the motor cortex, leaving the person less able to tolerate load at multiple levels. Treatment should initially reduce painful, high tendon load (point 2) and introduce beneficial loads (eg, isometrics3). Once pain is low and stable (consistent …
Claudin-4 forms paracellular chloride channel in the kidney and requires claudin-8 for tight junction localization

Tight junctions (TJs) play a key role in mediating paracellular ion reabsorption in the kidney. The paracellular pathway in the collecting duct of the kidney is a predominant route for transepithelial chloride reabsorption that determines the extracellular NaCl content and the blood pressure. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the paracellular chloride reabsorption in the collecting duct are not understood. Here we showed that in mouse kidney collecting duct cells, claudin-4 functioned as a Cl– channel. A positively charged lysine residue at position 65 of claudin-4 was critical for its anion selectivity. Claudin-4 was observed to interact with claudin-8 using several criteria. In the collecting duct cells, the assembly of claudin-4 into TJ strands required its interaction with claudin-8. Depletion of claudin-8 resulted in the loss of paracellular chloride conductance, through a mechanism involving its recruitment of claudin-4 during TJ assembly. Together, our data show that claudin-4 interacts with claudin-8 and that their association is required for the anion-selective paracellular pathway in the collecting duct, suggesting a mechanism for coupling chloride reabsorption with sodium reabsorption in the collecting duct.
Running Head : Attachment and Psychological Adjustment to Cancer The Role of Relationship Attachment in Psychological Adjustment to Cancer in Patients and Caregivers : A Systematic Review of the Literature

Objectives: To report the results of a systematic review to evaluate the role of attachment in adjustment to cancer for patients and those close to them. Methods: A systematic search of electronic databases was undertaken, identifying literature published up to June 2013. PsychINFO, Medline, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) were searched using search strings related to cancer, relationships, attachment, and commonly assessed self-report psychosocial outcome measures. Extracted papers were assessed for their relevance. Key data were extracted to spreadsheets and two raters coded the quality of the research. Results: Following inclusion assessment, data were extracted from 15 quantitative studies. Scores from patients or caregivers on attachment questionnaires did not differ greatly from normative data. A more insecure attachment style has poorer outcomes for patients in terms of their psychological adjustment to cancer, and their ability to perceive and access social support. A secure attachment style is associated with positive growth and better wellbeing. A more insecure attachment style in caregivers was associated with depression, higher caregiving stress, less autonomous motivations for caregiving and difficulties with caregiving. Conclusions: An awareness of attachment theory and the ways in which different forms of insecure attachment impact on patients and caregivers and their wellbeing may substantially improve the ability of those working with cancer patients and their families to better understand and provide for their support needs. The development and evaluation of support interventions tailored to different attachment styles remains a longer-term goal.
Indoor self-localization via bluetooth low energy beacons

Indoor localization is concerned with mapping sensory data to physical locations inside buildings. Location of a user or a mobile device is an essential part of the context, and is therefore very useful for pervasive computing applications. Many proposals exist for solving the localization problem, typically based on image or radio signal processing, though the problem is still generally considered to be open, especially when costs and privacy constraints play an important role. In this paper, we propose a solution based on the emerging Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) standard and off-the-shelf hardware. Such approach proves to satisfy economic constraints, while challenging in terms of accurate location. To translate beacon signals into locations, we consider several approaches, i.e., cosine similarity, nearest neighbourhood classification, and the nearest beacon. Our experiments indicate a vector based approach as the most suited one. In fact, we show its effectiveness in an actual office deployment consisting of five indoor areas: three multiuser offices, a social corner, and a hallway. We achieve 90% and 80% for accuracy and F-measure, respectively.
iC3i-A Environment for Analyzing Customer Behaviour in Banking Sector

: The volume of data gathered by bank is increasing speedily and provides moment for banks to conduct predictive analytics and boost its business. However handling large volume of data efficiently and developing insight with real business value which makes data scientists to face large challenges. In this paper, the Intelligent Customer Investigation for Identifying and Inquiring (iC3i) framework is provided to analyze banking customer performance through banking big data through analytical modeling procedure and approach framed for key business scenario. Combining big data processing power and IBM platform with personalized data analytic models, the iC3i solution to satisfy a bank’s specific business need and data environment by provides deeper customer insights. In this case, iC3i helps generate insights for active customers based on their transaction behavior, using close to 20 terabytes of data.
Cardiac Electrophysiological Experiments in Numero, Part II: Models of Electrophysiological Processes

This article is the second part of a three article series reviewing computer simulation models of the heart, in particular of cardiac electrophysiology. The previous section of the review discussed the methodological principles of the construction und application of computer models. This article overviews the development of mathematical and computer modeling studies applied to cardiology. The models are classified according to the physiological processes that were simulated: this article distinguishes models oriented to cardiac mechanics, hemodynamics, and electrophysiology. The electrophysiology models are discussed in more detail and the review classifies them into four main categories: models of cellular processes, models of tissue behavior, models of the ventricular electric field, and models of macroconduction disturbances. In each category, the historical development of the models and their key achievements are described.
Household members of hepatitis C virus-infected people in Hafizabad, Pakistan: infection by injections from health care providers

Household members of people with hepatitis C are at increased risk of HCV infection. The prevalence and routes of transmission of HCV to household members in Hafizabad, Pakistan were investigated. Household members of 24 index cases were given a risk factor questionnaire, tested for HCV infection, and the risk factors between the infected and uninfected were compared. Twelve of 74 household members (16·2%) were seropositive for HCV antibody. This was 2½ times the rate of infection in the general population (OR=2·8; P=0·01). None of the routes of transmission studied within the household was associated with an increased risk. Household members who received more than 4 injections per year were 11·9 times more likely to be infected than those who had not (P=0·016). In Hafizabad, the greatest risk for HCV infection to household members of infected people is injections given by health-care workers rather than household contact with infected persons.