Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A stage maturity model for enterprise resource planning systems use

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems dominate the information technology landscape of many companies. Organizations are at different stages in the implementation process ranging from the initial analysis of implementation options, through completed standard implementations and to the sophisticated exploitation of ERP systems using advanced knowledge management, customer relationship management and supply chain management systems. The authors present a maturity model for ERP systems that identifies three stages and this is illustrated using case data selected from the study which is based on 24 organizations in the US and Europe. In Stage 1, organizations are managing legacy systems and starting the ERP project. In Stage 2, implementation is complete and the functionality of the ERP system is being exploited across the organization. In Stage 3, organizations have normalised the ERP system into the organization and are engaged in the process of obtaining strategic value from the system by using additional systems such as customer relationship management, knowledge management and supply chain planning. It is shown that the organizations follow an S-shaped curve, and that most companies are in the middle stage. An analysis of the implications for organizations at each stage of the maturity model is presented which will be of value to practising managers. The implications are categorised as impacts on cost, entropy, complexity, flexibility and strategic competitiveness.
[Effects of short-term VDT usage on visual functions].

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of short-term VDT usage on visual functions. METHODS Visual function of the video display terminal (VDT) operators before and after 1 hour VDT usage were assessed. These included refraction, amplitude of accommodation, near point of convergence, AC/A, phorias, fusional convergence and divergence, tear film break time (BUT) and aberrations. And the same situation was compared was the non-VDT usage. RESULTS In comparison with pre-VDT use, amplitude of accommodation, BUT were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), near point of convergence, near lateral exophoria were significantly increased after VDT use (P < 0.05). Total, high order, 4th and 5th order aberrations were significantly greater after VDT use (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Short-term VDT work does have a significantly greater temporarily effect on visual function, tear film quality and visual quality.
Structured Variable Selection with Sparsity-Inducing Norms

We consider the empirical risk minimization problem for linear supervised learning, with regularization by structured sparsity-inducing norms. These are defined as sums of Euclidean norms on certain subsets of variables, extending the usual l1-norm and the group l1-norm by allowing the subsets to overlap. This leads to a specific set of allowed nonzero patterns for the solutions of such problems. We first explore the relationship between the groups defining the norm and the resulting nonzero patterns, providing both forward and backward algorithms to go back and forth from groups to patterns. This allows the design of norms adapted to specific prior knowledge expressed in terms of nonzero patterns. We also present an efficient active set algorithm, and analyze the consistency of variable selection for least-squares linear regression in low and high-dimensional settings.
The psychological effects of music: Implications for hotel firms

If used properly, music can be a useful tool employed by hoteliers. This article synthesizes most, if not all, of the recent and seminal work from a variety of disciplines to outline the positive effects that atmospheric music can have on a hotel's patrons and employees. Specifically, the psychological influences of music in a hotel's physical environments, a hotel's telephone system, and a hotel's proprietary website are discussed. In terms of the physical environment, music can: 1) cause guests to spend more time and money in an establishment; 2) influence buyer/ seller interactions; 3) improve customers' attitudes during a wait; 4) amend guests' perceptions of brand personality and décor; and 5) enhance employee productivity. Regarding telephone interactions, evidence suggests that the proper use of music can bolster customers' satisfaction with the telephone encounter. Lastly, emerging research indicates that website music can enhance viewers' arousal, interest, satisfaction, and learning.
Biological‐clinical significance of selective loss of HLA‐class‐I allelic product expression in squamous‐cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix

To determine possible correlations between the selective loss of HLA‐class‐l allelic forms on neoplastic cells and their biological‐clinical characteristics, 89 squamous‐cell carcinomas of the uterine cervix were evaluated immunohistochemically using monomorphic and polymorphic antibodies against HLA‐A, ‐B, and ‐C molecules and analyzed clinico‐pathologically. Four of the carcinomas exhibited a lack of detectable class‐l heavy‐chain expression associated with β2‐microglobulin. In 19 of 42 HLA‐A2‐positive patients, tumor cells revealed loss of the HLA‐A2 allelic product. Loss of HLA‐B7 and/or 40 (B7/40) allelic product(s) on tumor cells was observed in 12 of 2S HLA‐B7/40‐positive cases. These alterations did not correlate with patient age, clinical stage (FIGO) of the disease, histological sub‐type (WHO) or depth of cervical invasion. However, a statistically significant correlation was observed between lymph‐node metastases and selective loss of HLA‐B7/40 allelic produces), but not with HLA‐A2 allelic product on cancer cells of the primary lesion. Our results indicate that selective loss of certain HLA‐class‐l alleles on neoplastic cells can influence the nodal metastatic potential and suggest that these 2 class‐l molecules may have different immune functions as restriction elements in T‐cell‐mediated cytotoxicity.
Integrating a Distributed and Heterogenous Organisation Using Constraint Programming

The Internet globally connects a great deal of diverse and heterogeneous information resources, which an agent can dynamically combine in order to synthesise new information. An agent society is used to facilitate a common project within globally distributed, heterogeneous organisations. Besides coordinating a finite number of variables, the agents are used to iron out cultural differences within the organisations to ensure the overall success of the shared project. Constraint programming is used to compute schedules, to translate cultural dependent meaning of terms and to serve as a carrier for unambiguous information exchange for the negotiation based co-ordination process.
Applying Knowledge Elicitation to Improve Web Effort Estimation: A Case Study

OBJECTIVE - The objective of this paper is to describe a case study where Bayesian Networks (BNs) were used to construct an expert-based Web effort model. METHOD - We built a single-company BN model solely elicited from expert knowledge, where the domain expert was an experienced Web project manager from a small Web company in Auckland, New Zealand. This model was validated using data from 22 past finished Web projects. RESULTS - The BN model has to date been successfully used to estimate effort for numerous Web projects. CONCLUSIONS - Our results suggest that, at least for the Web Company that participated in this case study, the use of a model that allows the representation of uncertainty, inherent in effort estimation, can outperform expert-based estimates. Another nine companies have also benefited from using Bayesian Networks, with very promising results.
Transforming Growth Factor- Mediates Nuclear Factor B Activation in Strained Arteries

Mechanical factors regulate both blood vessel growth and the development and progression of vascular disease. Acting on apoptotic and inflammatory signaling, the transcription factor nuclear factor B (NFB) is a likely mediator of these processes. Nevertheless, pressure-dependent NFB activation pathways remain mostly unknown. Here we report that high intraluminal pressure induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) in arteries and that inhibition of NADPH oxidase prevents both the generation of ROS and the activation of NFB associated with high pressure. We also identify the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as a ROS-dependent signaling intermediate. In arteries from EGFR mutant mice (waved-2), pressure fails to activate NFB. Moreover, using vessels from EGFR ligand-deficient mice, we show that transforming growth factor (TGF), but neither heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor nor epiregulin, transduces NFB activation by high pressure. Preventing the release of the active form of TGFalso abolishes NFB induction by strain. The role of TGFsignaling in vascular remodeling is substantiated in vivo; angiotensin II-induced activation of NFB and associated cell proliferation and wall thickening are much reduced in TGF–mutant mice compared with wild-type, despite equivalent hypertension in both groups. Conversely, apoptotic cells are detected only in vessels from hypertensive TGF–mutant mice, outlining the role of NFB in cell survival. Finally, the NFB activation pathway contrasts with that of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, which is activated by stretch through the EGFR but does not implicate TGF. Hence, our data identify TGFas a potential specific target to modulate mechanosensitive NFB activation and associated vascular remodeling. (Circ Res. 2006;99:434-441.)
Stereoscopic 3D line drawing

This paper discusses stereoscopic 3D imaging based on line drawing of 3D shapes. We describe the major issues and challenges in generating stereoscopic 3D effects using lines only, with a couple of relatively simple approaches called each-eye-based and center-eye-based. Each of these methods has its shortcomings, such as binocular rivalry and inaccurate lines. We explain why and how these problems occur, then describe the concept of stereo-coherent lines and an algorithm to extract them from 3D shapes. We also propose a simple method to stylize stereo lines that ensures the stereo coherence of stroke textures across binocular views. The proposed method provides viewers with unique visual experience of watching 2D drawings popping out of the screen like 3D.
Play Therapy Training among School Psychology, Social Work, and School Counseling Graduate Training Programs.

This study examined play therapy training across the nation among school psychology, social work, and school counseling graduate training programs. It also compared current training to previous training among school psychology and school counseling programs. A random sample of trainers was selected from lists of graduate programs provided by National Association of School Psychologists, Council on Social Work Education, and American School Counselor Association. Eighty three graduate trainers completed a survey regarding play therapy training. Results indicated that graduate trainers view play therapy positively, with school counselor trainers expressing the most favorable attitude toward play therapy. Trainers who expressed more positive attitudes about play therapy were generally more likely to offer play therapy training. Overall, the majority of programs reported offering some sort of training in play therapy, with school counseling trainers indicating the highest percentage of programs offering play therapy instruction. When compared to previous research on school counseling trainers, results indicated a significant increase in the frequency of offering play therapy training between 1999 and 2007. When compared to previous research on school psychology trainers, results revealed a trend suggesting that the frequency of offering play therapy training increased between 1997 and 2007. An examination of the type of play therapy training revealed that very few programs required a course in play therapy or provided the number of training hours needed to meet standards set by Garry Landreth (2001) or Association for Play Therapy (2006). Main barriers to play therapy training included lack of faculty with play therapy expertise and lack of time within the curriculum. In addition, school psychology trainers reported research-based and vii philosophical reservations, and social work trainers reported funding to be a barrier. Findings suggest that as the play therapy research base has grown, there has been some growth in offering play therapy training. However, the format and amount of training offered does not adequately prepare graduate students to use play therapy with competence. More substantial training and field experience is required to train practitioners to meet the needs of children through play therapy.
Perceptual Dynamic Range for In-Camera Image Processing

A patent application based on the research in this article has been filed at the European patent/noffice, Application no 15154172.9-1906. This work was supported by the European Research/nCouncil, Starting Grant ref. 306337, by the Spanish government, grant ref. TIN2012-/n38112, and by the Icrea Academia Award.
Complex genetic background in a large family with Brugada syndrome

The Brugada syndrome (BrS) is an inherited arrhythmia characterized by ST‐segment elevation in V1–V3 leads and negative T wave on standard ECG. BrS patients are at risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) due to ventricular tachyarrhythmia. At least 17 genes have been proposed to be linked to BrS, although recent findings suggested a polygenic background. Mutations in SCN5A, the gene coding for the cardiac sodium channel Nav1.5, have been found in 15–30% of index cases. Here, we present the results of clinical, genetic, and expression studies of a large Iranian family with BrS carrying a novel genetic variant (p.P1506S) in SCN5A. By performing whole‐cell patch‐clamp experiments using HEK293 cells expressing wild‐type (WT) or p.P1506S Nav1.5 channels, hyperpolarizing shift of the availability curve, depolarizing shift of the activation curve, and hastening of the fast inactivation process were observed. These mutant‐induced alterations lead to a loss of function of Nav1.5 and thus suggest that the p.P1506S variant is pathogenic. In addition, cascade familial screening found a family member with BrS who did not carry the p.P1506S mutation. Additional next generation sequencing analyses revealed the p.R25W mutation in KCNH2 gene in SCN5A‐negative BrS patients. These findings illustrate the complex genetic background of BrS found in this family and the possible pathogenic role of a new SCN5A genetic variant.
Prostate-specific antigen-activated thapsigargin prodrug as targeted therapy for prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND Standard anti-proliferative chemotherapy is relatively ineffective against slowly proliferating androgen-independent prostate cancer cells within metastatic sites. In contrast, the lipophilic cytotoxin thapsigargin, which causes apoptosis by disrupting intracellular free Ca2+ levels, is effective against both proliferative and quiescent (i.e., G0-arrested) cells. However, thapsigargin's mechanism of action indicates that it is unlikely to be selective for cancer cells or prostate cells. METHODS We coupled a chemically modified form of thapsigargin, L12ADT, to a peptide carrier that is a substrate for the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) protease to produce a soluble, cell-impermeant latent prodrug that is specifically activated extracellularly within metastatic prostate cancer sites by PSA. We analyzed the kinetics of PSA hydrolysis of the prodrug, the in vitro cytotoxicity of the prodrug against PSA-producing LNCaP human prostate cancer and PSA non-producing HCT-116 human colon cancer cells, and the in vivo pharmacokinetics of the prodrug in mice. We also analyzed antitumor efficacy of the prodrug in nude mice xenograft models of prostate cancer (using LNCaP cells) and renal carcinoma (using human SN12C cells). RESULTS The L12ADT peptide prodrug was hydrolyzed efficiently by PSA, was selectively toxic to PSA-producing prostate cancer cells in vitro, and was stable in human plasma. A single dose of 7 mg/kg resulted in a peak serum prodrug concentration of 15.4 +/- 1.1 microM and a half-life of approximately 2.8 hours. Over 24 hours, less than 0.5% of free L12ADT was observed in plasma. Levels of prodrug and liberated L12ADT in prostate cancer xenograft tumors were approximately eightfold and sixfold, respectively, higher than the in vitro LD50s. Prostate cancer xenograft tumors in mice treated with prodrug by intravenous administration were growth-inhibited without substantial host toxicity. Continuous subcutaneous prodrug administration in mice produced complete growth inhibition of established PSA-producing prostate cancer xenograft tumors but had no effect on PSA non-producing renal carcinoma xenograft tumors. CONCLUSION Further development of PSA-activated thapsigargin prodrugs as therapy for metastatic prostate cancer is warranted.
Quantification of Horizontal Transmission of Salmonella enterica Serovar Enteritidis Bacteria in Pair-Housed Groups of Laying Hens

ABSTRACT An important source of human salmonellosis is the consumption of table eggs contaminated with Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis. Optimization of the various surveillance programs currently implemented to reduce human exposure requires knowledge of the dynamics of S. Enteritidis infection within flocks. The aim of this study was to provide parameter estimates for a transmission model of S. Enteritidis in laying-type chicken flocks. An experiment was carried out with 60 pairs of laying hens. Per pair, one hen was inoculated with S. Enteritidis and the other was contact exposed. After inoculation, cloacal swab samples from all hens were collected over 18 days and tested for the presence of S. Enteritidis. On the basis of this test, it was determined if and when each contact-exposed hen became colonized. A transmission model including a latency period of 1 day and a slowly declining infectivity level was fitted. The mean initial transmission rate was estimated to be 0.47 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.30 to 0.72) per day. The reproduction number R0, the average number of hens infected by one colonized hen in a susceptible population, was estimated to be 2.8 (95% CI, 1.9 to 4.2). The generation time, the average time between colonization of a “primary” hen and colonization of contact-exposed hens, was estimated to be 7.0 days (95% CI, 5.0 to 11.6 days). Simulations using these parameters showed that a flock of 20,000 hens would reach a maximum colonization level of 92% within 80 days after colonization of the first hen. These results can be used, for example, to evaluate the effectiveness of control and surveillance programs and to optimize these programs in a cost-benefit analysis.
The Problem of Candidate Selection and Models of Party Democracy

Candidate selection is vital to political parties but it also poses a dilemma, which is particularly acute in the cartel party, stemming from the position of MPs as both the base of the party in public office and the delegates of the party on the ground. One response is for leaders to democratize candidate selection in form, while centralizing control in practice. An inclusive but unorganized selectorate may give the appearance of democracy without the substance.
Longitudinal tissue segmentation methods for the aging brain

Automatic methods for tissue segmentation are critical to scientific study of the aging brain. Seeking to understand the biology of aging and the many disease processes that hinder cognition among the elderly population, researchers have embarked upon many large-scale longitudinal neuroimaging studies. In such studies, subjects are recruited to receive Magnetic Resonance Imagery (MRI) scans of their brains, along with tests of cognition and other biomarkers, regularly over time. As these studies produce large volumes of imaging data, they require state of the art computer algorithms for processing and extracting features and biomarkers that are of interest to medical science. The task of tissue segmentation, determining which type of tissue is present in each location of a brain image, is fundamental to this line of research. Many aging-related brain changes are visible under MRI, and so researchers require tissue segmentation algorithms that accurately measure these changes over time. Although research depends on these algorithms to accurately segment longitudinal data, many of the most popular, state of the art segmenters apply only to individual images, rather than modeling multiple images simultaneously. While joint-longitudinal segmentation would allow for direct modeling of change over time and facilitate more robust, accurate results, computational and domain-specific challenges make this a particularly challenging task. In this work, we begin with a review of Markov Random Fields (MRFs), the mathematical model underlying many of the most popular algorithms for tissue segmentation and low-level image processing. We then present and validate our own state of the art MRF-based methods for segmentation of the major classes of brain tissue from MR Images: Gray Matter (GM), White Matter (WM), Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), and White Matter Hyperintensities (WMH). Additionally, we discuss and present experimental evidence of the many challenges that make these tasks difficult, and how our proposed methods address them. We then present a novel method to reduce the computational cost of MRF-based algorithms and demonstrate its ability to provide significant cost reduction with minimal detriment to classification performance in a WMH segmentation task. By taking advantage of the reduced cost afforded by this procedure, we are able to perform joint-longitudinal segmentation of WMH tissue, which would otherwise be intractable under such conditions. We then demonstrate that such joint-longitudinal segmentation improves the biological feasibility of segmentation outputs for longitudinal data. Finally, we review the findings of many studies that have already employed techniques presented in this document, in order to provide a broader context for understanding their many applications, and propose several avenues for continuing future research.
Generation Gap? Young versus Old Voters and Presidential Candidate Preference

Much is known in political science about the influence of voter demographics (such as gender and the 'gender gap') on voter preferences. However, much of this research has not addressed whether age influences vote choice, and therefore, whether a 'generation gap' exists. Do differences in voter age result in differences in vote choice? Specifically, when young people enter the electorate, do they prefer different candidates than their older counterparts? Three competing theoretical constructs suggest that young and old voters should diverge on vote choice. First, age stratification theory predicts that individuals will prefer candidates closer to them in age, thus younger and older voters will prefer candidates located in their respective age cohorts. Second, life-cycle explanations assume that as people age they become more conservative, therefore, younger voters should prefer more liberal candidates, while older voters should prefer more conservative candidates. Last, the insurgent candidate hypothesis assumes that younger people prefer political candidates that are viewed as challengers to the traditional party establishment, whereas older people prefer more traditional, mainstream candidates. To test these three competing hypotheses, this analysis utilizes CBS News/NY Times primary season exit poll data from 1976-2008, National Election Study data from the 1984 and 1988 presidential primaries, and Annenberg Study data from the 2000 and 2004 presidential primaries.