Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fairness and job satisfaction of Japanese multinationals in Asia

We explored how fairness perceptions of HR practices affect job satisfaction among Asian managers of MNC subsidiaries, controlling age, gender, job tenure, previous work experiences, and management positions. Our fairness study focus described the effect of procedural justice and that of the transparency, which we have added as a new justice construct that is an organizational level of informational justice. We applied a performance evaluation system as an HR practice implemented over the MNC subsidiaries. Our research participants comprised of 903 Asian managers who worked for a leading Japanese multinational strategically expanding retail business markets in Asian locations: Japan, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Thailand. Our key results revealed that both procedural and transparent fairness perceptions of the HR practice significantly influenced job satisfaction of Asian managers as a whole group. Each regional group also mostly exhibited a strong connection between their fairness perceptions of both procedures and transparency, and their job satisfaction. Finally, we discussed the implication of this study.
Use and significance of anti-CCP autoantibodies in rheumatoid arthritis.

One of the most common autoimmune diseases is rheumatoid arthritis (RA), affecting 0.5–1% of the population. This systemic disease is marked by chronic inflammation of synovial joints, which leads to destruction of cartilage and bone and eventually to disability of the patient [1]. Though not directly lifethreatening, RA severely affects the quality of life of a patient and also has major economic consequences for society. Therefore, every attempt should be made to prevent the erosive processes to occur. Currently, the classification of RA relies mainly on the criteria described by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) [2]. These criteria, originally formulated 50 yr ago and last adjusted in 1987, are based mainly on clinical parameters. Since these parameters are often only sufficiently fulfilled when the damaging effects of the inflammatory process are already in progress, this set of criteria is not very suitable for the early diagnosis of RA [3]. The key to early recognition of autoimmunity lies within the humoral immune system. Since blood samples are taken from clinic-visiting (pre-)patients, screening for serological RA-indicators can be performed quite easily. In the ACR criteria for RA one serological marker is included: rheumatoid factor (RF). The RF autoantibody system, directed against the Fc part of immunoglobulin (Ig) G molecules, has had a central role in the diagnosis and prognosis of RA during recent decades [4] because RF can be detected in the majority of RA patients. However, it is becoming more and more clear that the presence of RF is not restricted to patients with RA, but that it can also be detected in subsets of patients suffering from other diseases and even in a percentage of healthy (especially elderly) individuals [5]. The resulting lack of specificity for RA can lead to confusion and unwanted treatment. The shortcomings of the RF test have kept the search for more specific RA markers alive. Most autoantibody systems described during recent decades have failed to mature into mainstream tests for RA because of low sensitivity, lack of specificity or technical inconvenience, as reviewed previously [6–8]. The only antibody system that combines good sensitivity with superior specificity for RA is that targeting citrullinated epitopes. This review will focus mainly on the diagnostic potential of the second-generation anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) test (CCP2) for RA. Next, we will address the prognostic ability of the anti-CCP test. The presence of these antibodies early in disease development opens a window of opportunity for early custom-tailored treatment of RA. Finally, we will review the effect of disease treatment on anti-CCP levels and briefly go into the putative functional role of these antibodies in the chronic aspects of RA.
Effect of different land use patterns on soil Carbon-dioxide Emission in Eastern Himalaya

The study was conducted in three prominent land use systems of East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh to measure soil CO2 released from the soils. Soil respiration rate varied significantly between different seasons as well as annually. Soil respiration rate was consistently the higher in the Forest area (296.54 mg CO2 m h), followed by the Paddy AES (291.42 mg CO2 m h ) when both seasonal and annual means were compared. Soil respiration in all the sites showed strong seasonal patterns with higher value observed in the wet season compared to the dry season in most of the sites. Seasonal variations in the soil respiration rate are mostly influenced by the prevailing climatic conditions such as rainfall and temperature in the different land use patterns in northeastern India.
Weak-Form Market Efficiency in Asian Emerging and Developed Equity Markets: Comparative Tests of Random Walk Behaviour

This paper examines the weak-form market efficiency of Asian equity markets. Daily returns for ten emerging (China, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Thailand) and five developed markets (Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore) are examined for random walks using serial correlation coefficient and runs tests, Augmented Dickey-Fuller, Phillips-Perron and Kwiatkowski, Phillips, Schmidt and Shin unit root tests and multiple variance ratio tests. The results, which are in broad agreement across the approaches employed, indicate that none of the emerging markets are characterised by random walks and hence are not weak-form efficient, while only developed markets in Hong Kong, New Zealand and Japan are consistent with the most stringent random walk criteria.
Investment Dynamics of Greater China Securitized Real Estate Markets and International Linkages

This paper focuses on evidence on securitized real estate markets as it investigates the volatility spillovers and correlation dynamics among the three real estate securities markets: China, Hong Kong and Taiwan in Greater China (GC) as well as their international linkages with the US securitized real estate markets over 1995-2009. Overall, results indicate the conditional volatility linkages and correlations among the GC securitized real estate markets have outweighed those relationships with the US, implying closer real estate market integration among the GC markets. Diversification potential across the markets is still good due to lower cross-market volatility interactions and correlation. Finally, there is also evidence supporting a higher level of conditional correlation and volatility spillover index in the post Asian aw well as the global financial crisis periods.
A Panel Data Approach to the Contribution of Trade to the Growth of Selected East Asian Countries

Panel data methods are used to estimate the contribution of openness of trade to the long term or the steady state rate of growth of output (SSGR) of selected East Asia countries viz., Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Korea and the Philippines. Since SSGR is unobservable, its estimates are derived by estimating modified production functions and by imposing the equilibrium conditions of the Solow (1956) growth model. Panel cointegration tests showed that there is a well defined long run relation between output, trade ratio and capital. Growth accounting exercise showed that factor accumulation is the dominant contributor to the SSGR of this region. Openness of trade, however, has made a significant contribution to SSGR by 1999-2003.
Arias Intensity Conditional Scaling Ground‐Motion Models for Subduction Zones

Conditional ground‐motion models (CGMMs) for estimating Arias intensity (IA) for earthquakes in subduction zones are developed. The estimate of IA is conditioned in these models on the estimated peak ground acceleration (PGA), the spectral acceleration at T=1 s (SA1), time‐averaged shear‐wave velocity in the top 30 m (VS30), and magnitude (Mw). Random‐effects regressions are used to develop CGMMs for Japan, Taiwan, South America, and New Zealand. By combining the conditional models of IA with the ground‐motion models (GMMs) for PGA and SA1, the conditional models are converted to scenario‐based GMMs that can be used to estimate the median IA and its standard deviation directly for a given earthquake scenario and site conditions. The conditional scaling approach ensures the estimated IA values are consistent with a design spectrum that may correspond to above‐average spectral values for the controlling scenario. In addition, this approach captures the complex ground‐motion scaling effects found in GMMs for spectral acceleration, such as sediment‐depth effects, soil nonlinearity effects, and regionalization effects, in the developed scenario‐based models for IA. Estimates from the new scenario‐based IA models are compared to those from traditional GMMs for IA in subduction zones.
Cross-regional comparison of colour emotions Part II: Qualitative analysis

Colour emotion is a feeling or emotion induced in our brains when we look at a colour. In this article, the colour emotional responses obtained by conducting visual experiments in different regions, namely Hong Kong, Japan and Thailand, using a set of 218 colour samples are compared using a quantitative approach in an attempt to study the influence of different cultural and geographical locations. Twelve pairs of colour emotions described in opponent words were used. These word pairs are warm–cool, light–dark, deep–pale, heavy–light, vivid–sombre, gaudy–plain, striking–subdued, dynamic–passive, distinct–vague, transparent–turbid, soft–hard, and strong–weak. These word pairs represent the fundamental emotional response of human beings toward colour. The influences of lightness and chroma were found to be much more important than that of the hue on the colour emotions studied. Good correlations of colour emotions among these three regions in East Asia were found, with the best ones for colour emotion pairs being light–dark and heavy–light. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 29, 451–457, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.20062
Are the anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies independent predictors of myocardial involvement in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis?

OBJECTIVES The anti-CCP antibodies are specific serological markers of RA, especially the aggressive course of joint disease. It has been postulated that the chronic inflammatory state is underlain by cardiovascular (CV) disease and that a higher level of anti-CCP antibodies is implicated in CV risk. The aim of the study was to assess: (i) the possible impact of anti-CCP antibodies on left ventricular diastolic dysfunction; and (ii) the possible differences in the effects of DASs on diastolic dysfunction. METHODS The study included 80 RA patients (70 females and 10 males) with no clinically evident CV disease, or concomitant diseases, and 80 matched healthy controls. Upon clinical and laboratory evaluation, all subjects underwent M-mode, two-dimensional and colour Doppler echocardiographic examination. RESULTS Isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) prolongation as the first sign of diastolic dysfunction was present in 36.25% of RA patients and in 15% of control subjects. IVRT was found to correlate with anti-CCP antibody titre (r = 0.382, P = 0.002) and modified DAS including CRP [DAS-28-CRP(4v)] (r = 0.204, P = 0.039). On multivariate linear regression analysis, anti-CCP antibody titre showed significant correlation with IVRT, while the ratio of early and late transmitral wave (E/A ratio) independently correlated with age and DAS-28-CRP(4v). CONCLUSIONS Anti-CCP antibody is an important marker, independently associated with impaired left ventricular relaxation and the DAS-28-CRP(4v) is a more sensitive predictor of cardiac involvement in the RA than the DAS-28 variant including the ESR.
Design, Manufacture, Mechanical Testing and Clinical/Mri Assessment of the Medical Elastic Compression Stockings, Base on Taiwanese's Leg Size

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) in the lower limb is commonly associated with varicose veins. In Asian countries, demand has increased for Medical Elastic Compression Stockings (MECS) as conservative treatment for varicose veins and CVI; however, their efficacy requires further investigation. The legs of 726 Taiwanese participants were measured, and MECS were designed and manufactured accordingly. Manufacturing processes included “fixation of the elastic fiber,” “design of the fabric,” “application of techniques for high-pressure stockings,” and “application of techniques for configuration. ” Further techniques used for the production of functional MECS included “elastic yarn composite techniques,” “incremental pressure fabric weaving,” and “pressure shaping of fabrics. ” Parameters for the mechanical testing of MECS included size measurement, extensibility, practical elongation, compression, and residual pressure on corresponding points of the leg. Clinical assessments and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) analyses using noncontract-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Venous (MRV) techniques were also performed on 100 participants with varicose veins pre-and post-MECS use. The average circumferences and lengths of specific points of the lower legs of the 726 participants were smaller than U.S. measurements by approximately 12% to 19%. This suggested that Taiwanese - and possibly Asian - MECS should not be manufactured according to Western sizes. Subjective clinical questionnaire results included relief of symptoms of heaviness of the legs, spasticity in the evenings, and convulsion during sleep. According to MRV analyses, deep venous blood flow increased significantly (relief of high pressure), and available hemoglobin in the deep vein increased (reduced tissue hypoxia) post-MECS use. Our findings provide important reference material for the establishment of Taiwanese and Asian standards for MECS. Results from clinical and MRV analyses confirmed the efficacy of prolonged use of MECS, with results indicating that 4 h/d and 112 h of use is sufficient to improve deep venous insufficiency.
The neurogenetics of sexually dimorphic behaviors from a postdevelopmental perspective

Most sexually reproducing animal species are characterized by two morphologically and behaviorally distinct sexes. The genetic, molecular and cellular processes that produce sexual dimorphisms are phylogenetically diverse, though in most cases they are thought to occur early in development. In some species, however, sexual dimorphisms are manifested after development is complete, suggesting the intriguing hypothesis that sex, more generally, might be considered a continuous trait that is influenced by both developmental and postdevelopmental processes. Here, we explore how biological sex is defined at the genetic, neuronal and behavioral levels, its effects on neuronal development and function, and how it might lead to sexually dimorphic behavioral traits in health and disease. We also propose a unifying framework for understanding neuronal and behavioral sexual dimorphisms in the context of both developmental and postdevelopmental, physiological timescales. Together, these two temporally separate processes might drive sex‐specific neuronal functions in sexually mature adults, particularly as it pertains to behavior in health and disease.
Identification of human papillomavirus in oral rinse specimens from women with and without cervical intraepithelial lesions

Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the oral cavity of women with and without abnormal cervical cytology and to determine whether there is an association of oral HPV infection with infection of the cervix or with cervical cancer precursor lesions. Methods The present study was conducted among 406 women, aged 18–82 years, who attended the Prevention Department of Barretos Cancer Hospital (HCB), Brazil due to a previous altered cervical cytology result. Oral rinse, cervical cytology and biopsy were collected at the same day. The participants also answered a questionnaire about socioeconomic characteristics and risk factors for cervical cancer. Molecular screening for HPV16, HPV18 and 12 other high-risk HPV types was performed on cervical and oral rinse specimens using Cobas 4800 (Roche Molecular Systems, USA). Results HPV was detected in the oral rinse of 3.9% of participants. Infection of the oral cavity with a non-HPV16 or 18 type was most frequent (81.2%), followed by HPV16 (18.7%). Infection with HPV in the cervix and oral cavity was present in 11 (2.7%) of participants. There were no differences observed in the smoking status (p value 0.62), mean age of first sexual intercourse (p value 0.25), mean age of the first oral sex (p value 0.90) or mean lifetime number of sexual partners (p value 0.08) between the participants with oral HPV infection or not. Conclusion The presence of HPV infection in the oral cavity was low in the group of women with abnormal cervical cancer screening findings and a high rate of cervical HPV infection.
Cosmopolitan locavorism: global local-food movements in postcolonial Hong Kong

ABSTRACT This ethnographic study examines how “locavorism,” or food localism, is articulated in the under-studied context of Hong Kong. Influences from diverse cultures and social systems brought about by colonization and transnational financial activities have created a mosaic of “Western” and “Eastern” traditions in this land-starved metropolis, rendering it an unlikely setting to preach about “eating locally” and going “back-to-the-land. ” However, localism and the discourse of reviving agriculture began to burgeon a few years after the 1997 handover. Against the backdrop of this oxymoron, this research investigates and compares ideas of young urban farmers and food activists to other interpretations of localness. By examining multi-vocality, this paper engages with debates surrounding cosmopolitanism and conceptualizes an analytical perspective, which I refer to here as cosmopolitan locavorism. This concept is proposed to argue that locavorism in Hong Kong is distinct from defensive localism, the cultural consumption of globetrotting elites, or an urban fascination with rural lifestyles. It simultaneously signifies trans-local connections and human-land bonds, mobilizing a cultural critique of local neoliberal governmentality rather than allying with anti-globalization or “anti-China” sentiments. In this context, “local food” embodies place-based experiences instead of a place-bounded state of mind.
Tropical fruit flies (Tephritidae: Dacinae) of South-East Asia: Indomalaya to North-West Australasia.

Providing complete descriptions and artwork of all species of Dacinae recorded from the south-east Asian region for the first time, this book is written and illustrated by experts with over 80 years' combined research experience. Areas covered include: India, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, China, Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines, Palau, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. It is an essential reference for departments of agriculture, researchers and students of entomology and quarantine, horticultural and chemical industry personnel worldwide.
A novel simple scoring model for predicting severity of patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection

Abstract An outbreak of pneumonia caused by a novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) began in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and quickly spread throughout the country and world. An efficient and convenient method based on clinical characteristics was needed to evaluate the potential deterioration in patients. We aimed to develop a simple and practical risk scoring system to predict the severity of COVID‐19 patients on admission. We retrospectively investigated the clinical information of confirmed COVID‐19 patients from 10 February 2020 to 29 February 2020 in Wuhan Union Hospital. Predictors of severity were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. A total of 147 patients with confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection were grouped into non‐severe (94 patients) and severe (53 patients) groups. We found that an increased level of white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils, D‐dimer, fibrinogen (FIB), IL‐6, C‐reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), α‐hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBDH), serum amyloid A (SAA) and a decreased level of lymphocytes were important risk factors associated with severity. Furthermore, three variables were used to formulate a clinical risk scoring system named COVID‐19 index = 3 × D‐dimer (µg/L) + 2 × lgESR (mm/hr) − 4 × lymphocyte (×109/L) + 8. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.843 (95% CI, 0.771–0.914). We propose an effective scoring system to predict the severity of COVID‐19 patients. This simple prediction model may provide healthcare workers with a practical method and could positively impact decision‐making with regard to deteriorating patients.
Performance of Different Oyster Mushroom Varieties Cultivated on Eleusine coracana (Finger Millet) Under High Altitude Condition of Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, India

The aim of the study was to investigate the suitability of locally available substrate Eleusine coracana (finger millet) straw for the cultivation of different Pleurotus species in terms of yield, biological efficiency, nutritional contents and antioxidant properties under the native condition of Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. Four species of oyster mushroom namely Pleurotus florida, P. ostreatus, P. citrinopileatus and P. erygnii were successfully cultivated on finger millet straw in the native condition of Tawang. P. florida and P. ostreatus showed better results in terms of pin head appearance, fruiting bodies maturation, yield and biological efficiency when compared (P≤0.05) to P. citrinopileatus and P. erygnii. Crude protein, fat, total ash, dietary fiber and total carbohydrate content in respective oyster species were found to be in the ranges of 0.70 – 2.37, 0.16 0.19, 0.62 – 1.05, 0.69 – 1.40 and 3.31 to 6.47 g/100g of fresh edible portion (EP) respectively. Whereas the values of calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron in the four oyster species were found to be in the ranges of 11.23 – 12.32, 11.02 – 16.21, 1.45 – 1.97 and 1.46 – 2.89 mg/100g of fresh EP respectively. In addition, the Pleurotus species grown on finger millet also showed good antioxidant activity with DPPH radical scavenging assay and hydroxyl radical scavenging assay. The ethanolic extract of P. florida showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging effect (47.71 ± 0.73%) at 1000 μg/ml concentration and strongest hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (56.75 ± 1.19%) at 2.5 μg/ml concentration when compared to other three Pleurotus species. This is the first study evaluating the suitability of Eleusine coracana (finger millet) straw as a substrate for growing oyster species.