Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SHIFTWORK, WORK-FAMILY CONFLICT AMONG ITALIAN NURSES, AND PREVENTION EFFICACY

Shiftwork may be a demanding situation because it raises problems for reconciling work and nonwork activities; as such, this conflict may be mitigated by designing and implementing effective preventative actions at the workplace. There is a paucity of research directly examining the impact of work schedules and preventative measures at work on work-family conflict. Hence, the authors posed the following questions in their study: What is the impact of different work schedules on work-family conflict? Is a preventative culture associated with less work-family conflict? Is work-family conflict associated with specific health and well-being indicators and if so, how does work-family conflict affect well-being as compared with other potential determinants? A subset of 750 nurses (≈10% of total workforce) were randomly selected from a larger sample. Nurses completed the Italian version of the NEXT questionnaire plus newly developed items to create an index on occupational safety and health prevention at work. Data were explored using two data mining techniques, Random Forests and Bayesian Networks, and modeled using hierarchical linear regression models. In all, 664 (88.5% of sample) nurses answered the questionnaire. The authors found that different work schedules had a differential impact on work-family conflict. In addition, effective risk communication between workers and people in charge of safety and health, and participation in preventative activities, quantitative workload, performing tasks not belonging to the nursing profession, and the number of weekends/month spent at work were all strongly associated with work-family conflict. The variable “time schedules” also acted as an effect modifier in the relationship between effective communication and participation in preventative activities and work-family conflict. In addition, quantitative demands played a role as a mediator (30% of total effect) in the relationship between effective communication and participation in preventative activities and work-family conflict. Work-family conflict was significantly associated with burnout, sleep, and presenteeism; its association with burnout was higher than other precursors. Shift schedules that involved night work implied different workload demands, less effective communication, and participation in preventative activities than the other work schedules considered. The presence of a preventative culture directly reduced work-family conflict and indirectly via reduction of work demands. The authors conclude that the development of a preventative culture among irregular and night shiftworkers can be effective in reducing work-family conflict, while positively increasing well-being and job performance. (Author correspondence: donatella.camerino@unimi.it)
Letter from the Group Chief Executive Officer

In a case where an image forming apparatus is connected to an information processing apparatus, correction information is generated through comparison between time information obtained by the image forming apparatus and time information obtained by the information processing apparatus. The image forming apparatus transmits, to the information processing apparatus, time information indicating a time at which setting information is updated in the image forming apparatus. The information processing apparatus corrects the received time information with the correction information. The information processing apparatus determines whether to update setting information stored in the information processing apparatus with received setting information, based on the corrected time information.
Effects of Hatha yoga and Omkar meditation on cardiorespiratory performance, psychologic profile, and melatonin secretion.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate effects of Hatha yoga and Omkar meditation on cardiorespiratory performance, psychologic profile, and melatonin secretion. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Thirty healthy men in the age group of 25-35 years volunteered for the study. They were randomly divided in two groups of 15 each. Group 1 subjects served as controls and performed body flexibility exercises for 40 minutes and slow running for 20 minutes during morning hours and played games for 60 minutes during evening hours daily for 3 months. Group 2 subjects practiced selected yogic asanas (postures) for 45 minutes and pranayama for 15 minutes during the morning, whereas during the evening hours these subjects performed preparatory yogic postures for 15 minutes, pranayama for 15 minutes, and meditation for 30 minutes daily, for 3 months. Orthostatic tolerance, heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, dynamic lung function (such as forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced expiratory volume percentage, peak expiratory flow rate, and maximum voluntary ventilation), and psychologic profile were measured before and after 3 months of yogic practices. Serial blood samples were drawn at various time intervals to study effects of these yogic practices and Omkar meditation on melatonin levels. RESULTS Yogic practices for 3 months resulted in an improvement in cardiorespiratory performance and psychologic profile. The plasma melatonin also showed an increase after three months of yogic practices. The systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and orthostatic tolerance did not show any significant correlation with plasma melatonin. However, the maximum night time melatonin levels in yoga group showed a significant correlation (r = 0.71, p < 0.05) with well-being score. CONCLUSION These observations suggest that yogic practices can be used as psychophysiologic stimuli to increase endogenous secretion of melatonin, which, in turn, might be responsible for improved sense of well-being.
Cloning and transcriptional expression of a leucokinin‐like peptide receptor from the Southern cattle tick, Boophilus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae)

Leucokinins are invertebrate neuropeptides that exhibit myotropic and diuretic activity. Only one leucokinin‐like peptide receptor is known, the lymnokinin receptor from the mollusc Lymnaeastagnalis. A cDNA encoding a leucokinin‐like peptide receptor was cloned from the Southern cattle tick, Boophilus microplus, a pest of cattle world‐wide. This is the first neuropeptide receptor known from the Acari and the second known in the subfamily of leucokinin‐like peptide G‐protein‐coupled receptors. The deduced amino acid sequence exhibits 40% identity to the lymnokinin receptor. The receptor transcript is present in all tick life stages as determined by semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. We also propose that the sequence AAF50775.1 from the Drosophila melanogaster genome (CG10626) encodes the first identified insect leucokinin receptor.
Effect of Oxygen Incorporation on Microstructure and Media Performance in CoCrPt–SiO$_{2}$ Perpendicular Recording Media

The effect of oxygen incorporation on microstructure and media performance in CoCrPt-SiO2 films with various oxygen contents (OC) from 3 to 10 at% at different CoCrPt-SiO2 film thicknesses (tMAG) from 2 to 27 nm is investigated. Nonuniform microstructure with less grain isolation close to Ru and more grain isolation at the top region is clearly seen. Higher density of stacking faults is found at the top region. A higher OC is needed to reduce the thickness of the initial layer with less grain isolation. The increase in coercivity and saturation magnetization with increasing OC is due to the formation of lower Cr and higher Pt-containing core grains caused by the preferred oxidation of Cr. These excess Pt atoms mostly align along the c-axis direction. The magnetocrystalline anisotropy constant enhanced by the excess Pt improves thermal stability factor but it is sensitive to temperature. Crystallographic c-axis orientation and magnetic anisotropy dispersion deteriorate with increasing OC but are independent of tMAG
Exploring the complexities of e-government implementation and diffusion in a developing country: Some lessons from the State of Qatar

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore empirically the complexities of e‐government implementation and diffusion from a developing country perspective.Design/methodology/approach – An empirical case study using an interview‐based research agenda is adopted. After reviewing the extant literature on e‐government, the paper first proposes a conceptual model, which is consequently used to explore empirically, within the State of Qatar, the key challenges influencing e‐government implementation and diffusion from organisational, technological, social and political perspectives.Findings – The conceptual model proposed in this study offers a comprehensive overview of the implementation and diffusion challenges of e‐government through identifying various factors associated with organisational, technological, social and political perspectives from the literature. Through adopting an empirical research strategy focusing on developing countries that are not in an advanced state of e‐government development.
Phosphorylation of Plant Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-2 by the Plant-encoded Double-stranded RNA-dependent Protein Kinase, pPKR, and Inhibition of Protein Synthesis in Vitro(*)

Regulation of protein synthesis by eukaryotic initiation factor-2α (eIF-2α) phosphorylation is a highly conserved phenomenon in eukaryotes that occurs in response to various stress conditions. Protein kinases capable of phosphorylating eIF-2α have been characterized from mammals and yeast. However, the phenomenon of eIF2-α-mediated regulation of protein synthesis and the presence of an eIF-2α kinase has not been demonstrated in higher plants. We show that plant eIF-2α (peIF-2α) and mammalian eIF-2α (meIF-2α) are phosphorylated similarly by both the double-stranded RNA-binding kinase, pPKR, present in plant ribosome salt wash fractions and the meIF-2α kinase, PKR. By several criteria, phosphorylation of peIF-2α is directly correlated with pPKR protein and autophosphorylation levels. Significantly, pPKR is capable of specifically phosphorylating Ser in a synthetic eIF-2α peptide, a key characteristic of the eIF-2α kinase family. Taken together, these data support the concept that pPKR is a member of the eIF-2α kinase family. In addition, the inhibition of brome mosaic virus RNA in vitro translation in wheat germ lysates by the addition of double-stranded RNA, phosphorylated peIF-2α, meIF-2α, or activated human PKR suggests that plant protein synthesis may be regulated via phosphorylation of eIF-2α.
eal-time in vivo hotoacoustic and ltrasound imaging

oy G. M. Kolkman,* Peter J. Brands, iendelt Steenbergen, and Ton G. van Leeuwen University of Twente, Biophysical Engineering, Institute or BioMedical Technology, Faculty of Science & echnology, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, he Netherlands ESAOTE Europe BV, P.O. Box 1132, 6201 BC Maastricht, he Netherlands University of Amsterdam, Laser Center, Academic Medical enter, P.O. Box 22700, 1100 DE Amsterdam, he Netherlands
The Family Business in Tourism and Hospitality

The family business is a global phenomenon, and is particularly prominent in tourism and hospitality. In many cases, the family business was developed for the purpose of facilitating personal and family goals. For example, in rural areas, farmers can use tourism as a way to generate additional income, thereby remaining in the area and retaining family property. Running a bed and breakfast establishment is a way to mix family and work. Lifestyle, locational and autonomy motives are the norm, but profit and growth-oriented entrepreneurs are also found within family businesses. This book is the first academic treatment of family business issues within the tourism and hospitality industry. It provides comprehensive assessment of ownership, management and family-related concerns across the entire business and family life cycle. Many new international case studies of real family businesses are used to illustrate key points. The book will be of significant interest to researchers and students in tourism and hospitality, small business and entrepreneurship studies, as well as to owners and potential investors in family businesses.
Oxamflatin improves developmental competence of porcine somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos.

Abstract Aberrant epigenetic nuclear reprogramming of somatic nuclei is a major cause of low success in cloning. It has been demonstrated that treatment of histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) enhances developmental potential of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos by alteration of epigenetic status. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of oxamflatin, a novel HDACi, on the developmental competence of porcine SCNT embryos. Treatment with 1 μM oxamflatin for 9 h after activation of SCNT embryos increased both in vitro and in vivo developmental competence. Treatment of SCNT embryos with 1 μM oxamflatin significantly increased blastocyst rate and total cell number in blastocysts (33.3±6.0 and 73.1±1.6, respectively) than that of controls (10.3±3.7 and 54.1±3.5, respectively) or scriptaid (16.4±4.6 and 64.4±2.1, respectively). Moreover, oxamflatin showed significant higher overall cloning efficiency from 0.9% to 3.2%, whereas scriptaid demonstrated 0% to 1.8%. In conclusion, these results indicate that oxamflatin treatment improves the developmental competence of porcine SCNT embryos.
Multi-product Firms and Product Basket Adjustments in Ethiopian Manufacturing

This paper analyzes firm level adjustment of the product mix and its implications for aggregate output growth. Using firm level panel data from Ethiopian manufacturing during the period 1996-2007, it shows that about 30% of firms adjust their ‘extensive margin’ annually by adding and/or dropping at least one product and about half of those firms undertake such adjustment only through product adding. At the aggregate level, about 30% of annual growth in sales is accounted for by the adjustment of the extensive margin which is more than four times the net contribution of firm entry and exit. The paper also shows that the likelihood of adding a product tends to decline with firm size and increases dramatically with the incidence of large investment outlays. While the level of productivity does not seem to increase the probability of adding a product, a net increase in the number of products is strongly associated with subsequent growth in sales, productivity and capital stock at the firm level.
Incomplete coronary revascularization: a cautionary tale.

Recently, Chang et al . found that incomplete coronary revascularization using drug-eluting stents demonstrated similar mortality to complete coronary revascularization in multivessel coronary artery disease (1). The authors found a higher risk of post-intervention myocardial infarction in patients with incomplete revascularization, but other important outcomes such as death, stroke, and repeat revascularization were no different. These results suggest that a less rigorous approach to percutaneous revascularization might be tolerable, but must be interpreted with caution due to several significant limitations of the study.
On Huygens synchronization. Application to Van der Pol oscillators with distributed couplings

By Huygens synchronization it is understood synchronization of the oscillators through their connecting “environment”. In the last years modeling and analysis of the dynamics of this phenomenon (in various forms) has received a renewed attention. Among the recently discussed models one can find synchronization of two mechanical Van der Pol oscillators coupled through a distributed parameters elastic rod of finite length. We consider in this contribution an electronic analogue of the aforementioned mechanical model - two electronic Van der Pol oscillators coupled through a finite length LC line and give its description by a two point boundary value problem for a lossless telegraph equation. The problem is discussed by associating a system of functional differential equations obtained from the integration of the Riemann invariants along the characteristics. This “auxiliary” mathematical object allows statement and solving of various qualitative problems which afterwards are projected back on the problem for the telegraph equation.
Phase I Trial of Combretastatin A4 Phosphate (CA4P) in Combination with Bevacizumab in Patients with Advanced Cancer

Purpose: The vascular disrupting agent (VDA) combretastatin A4 phosphate (CA4P) induces significant tumor necrosis as a single agent. Preclinical models have shown that the addition of an anti-VEGF antibody to a VDA attenuates the revascularization of the surviving tumor rim and thus significantly increases antitumor activity. Experimental Design: Patients with advanced solid malignancies received CA4P at 45, 54, or 63 mg/m2 on day 1, day 8, and then every 14 days. Bevacizumab 10 mg/kg was given on day 8 and at subsequent cycles four hours after CA4P. Functional imaging with dynamic contrast enhanced-MRI (DCE-MRI) was conducted at baseline, after CA4P alone, and after cycle 1 CA4P + bevacizumab. Results: A total of 63 mg/m2 CA4P + 10 mg/kg bevacizumab q14 is the recommended phase II dose. A total of 15 patients were enrolled. Dose-limiting toxicities were grade III asymptomatic atrial fibrillation and grade IV liver hemorrhage in a patient with a history of hemorrhage. Most common toxicities were hypertension, headache, lymphopenia, pruritus, and pyrexia. Asymptomatic electrocardiographic changes were seen in five patients. Nine of 14 patients experienced disease stabilization. A patient with ovarian cancer had a CA125 response lasting for more than a year. DCE-MRI showed statistically significant reductions in tumor perfusion/vascular permeability, which reversed after CA4P alone but which were sustained following bevacizumab. Circulating CD34+ and CD133+ bone marrow progenitors increased following CA4P as did VEGF and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor levels. Conclusions: CA4P in combination with bevacizumab appears safe and well tolerated in this dosing schedule. CA4P induced profound vascular changes, which were maintained by the presence of bevacizumab. Clin Cancer Res; 18(12); 3428–39. ©2012 AACR.
Role based privacy applied to context-aware mobile applications

Sharing of personol irformafion in confataware applications challenges the application design since users wish to restrict and control fhe irformation occess according lo in which situation and with whom the information is shored. We introduce a mobile application, Privacy Studio, which eitobles the user to define diffcerenf injormation shoring levels for distinct user groups. 7% is done by defining privocy profiles, nhich are opplird in certain usage situations to define irfoimotion shoring access rights lo different torgef groups. We have demonstroted Privacy Studio mobile opplication with o mobile phone, and evaluoted ond assessed the users' perceptions in relation to irformafiorr sharing and privacy with user tests. Positive feedback related t cm the eficient and easy way of irformation sharing was gained, whereas potential privacy risks were seen as a major concent with the applicotion.
Studies on input impedance and coupling of a dual polarized two port microstrip antenna

Multiport analysis with a cavity model is used to investigate the dual-port, dual-polarized microstrip patch. Using the equations derived, the normalized driving point impedance and the coupling are determined for a square patch with a feed port located at the center of one side. From the results presented it is clear that for dual polarization the coupling port should be located exactly in the middle of the orthogonal side of the square. This gives the minimum coupling for the other port location. The results obtained using the analysis are compared with the experimental results available in the literature and are found to be in good agreement with theory. <<ETX>>
New Evidence on Procyclical Bank Capital Regulation: The Role of Bank Loan Commitments

Previous research on procyclical bank capital regulation has largely focused on the role of increased loan losses and deteriorated credit ratings in economic downturns. We focus on the role of bank loan commitments, which have been increasingly popular from the 2000s, on the procyclicality of bank capital regulation. Using the bank-level data of U.S. commercial banks, we present another independent source of procyclicality working through bank loan commitments, which we call "loan commitments channel. " We find that, as firms draw down more from their pre-existing credit lines when credit market conditions are tighter, this increased takedown raises bank risk-weighted assets via involuntary lending and thus lowers capital adequacy ratios of commercial banks, making them more procyclical. Our empirical results suggest that this loan commitments channel is quantitatively important and needs to be addressed in designing the regulatory framework for reducing credit procyclicality.
Effects of rotation amplitude on arm movement when rotating a spherical object

Arm movements when rotating a spherical object were experimentally investigated. Twelve volunteers participated in the experiment and were asked to rotate a sphere for a large range of amplitude. Results showed that subjects anticipated their posture at the beginning of object manipulation even for low rotation amplitudes. The way of anticipation strongly depended on rotation direction. The end-state comfort hypothesis, effects of joint limits and principle of minimum work were examined for explaining motion control. The anticipation would ensure a better end-state comfort while avoiding joint limits in case of higher amplitude of object rotation. Meanwhile, it should not deteriorate the comfort at the beginning of manipulation too much. High postural variability for low rotation amplitude tasks suggested that there might exist a range of postures of similar level of comfort. These findings will be useful in developing human behaviour-based motion simulations for digital human. Practitioner Summary: Arm movement was investigated when rotating a spherical object with a large range of amplitude. The end-state comfort hypothesis, effects of joint limits and principle of minimum work were examined for explaining motion control. Results will be helpful for a better design of rotary controls and for developing motion simulation algorithms.
Efferent projections of the infralimbic cortex of the rat

On the basis of stimulation studies, it has been proposed that the infralimbic cortex (ILC), Brodmann area 25, may serve as an autonomic motor cortex. To explore this hypothesis, we have combined anterograde tracing with Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin (PHA‐L) and retrograde tracing with wheat germ aggutinin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (WGA‐HRP) to determine the efferent projections from the ILC.
The Nature of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Ethiopian Business Context

CSR in developed countries like that in the U.S. and U.K., models of corporate social responsibility (CSR) are relatively well defined. As the phenomenon of CSR establishes itself more globally, the question arises as to the nature of CSR in other countries. In line with this Robertson (2009), raises the following question: “Is a universal model of CSR applicable across countries or is CSR specific to country context? ” In this regard, hence, the objective of this paper is to assess the specific context of Ethiopian business environment; i.e., identify the structural, systemic and other reasons that preclude the intention or practice of CSR in Ethiopia