Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Building the Global Competence of Asian Leaders

Recent development shows increasing international trade and across-borders investment as well as growing bilateral and multilateral free-trade agreement among the Asian countries. This is resulting in more and more Asian (and global) organizations facing increasingly culturally diverse groups to manage and to deal with. Hence, it indicates the need for systematic development of intercultural competence and sensitivity for Asian leaders. This study attempts to apply an indigenous approach to deal with the underdeveloped systematic knowledge for non-Western societies and the lack of practices to develop global Asian leaders. A series of 110 interviews with Chinese, Indonesian, and Singaporean international assignees and their local coworkers was conducted in China and Indonesia. More than half of the interviewees were business leaders and senior executives, while the others were mostly at mid-management levels. All interviews were recorded and fully transcribed in their original languages. Grounded Theory analysis was applied to analyze the interview data, supported by the computer-based QDA software Atlas.ti. Our result suggests that Asians are both neighbors and strangers. In spite of our closer physical proximity, many Asians are less prepared to interact with each other than with Westerners. As the number of Asian expats working within Asia grows, there is a need for more applied research to help prepare companies and individuals to overcome the challenges and capitalize on the potential of intra-Asia collaboration.
Molecular characterization of erythropoietic protoporphyria in South Africa

Background Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) results from a partial deficiency of ferrochelatase (FECH). Clinical expression normally requires coinheritance of a common hypomorphic FECH allele (IVS3‐48C) in trans to a deleterious (primary) FECH mutation.
Safety and efficacy of single-incision laparoscopic surgery for appendectomies: a meta-analysis.

AIM To compare single incision laparoscopic surgery for an appendectomy (SILS-A) with conventional laparoscopic appendectomy (C-LA) when implemented by experienced surgeons. METHODS Studies and relevant literature regarding the performance of single-incision laparoscopic surgery vs conventional laparoscopic surgery for appendectomy were searched for in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE and World Health Organization international trial register. The operation time (OR time), complications, wound infection and postoperative day using SILS-A or C-LA were pooled and compared using a meta-analysis. The risk ratios and mean differences were calculated with 95%CIs to evaluate the effect of SILS-A. RESULTS Sixteen recent studies including 1624 patients were included in this meta-analysis. These studies demonstrated that, compared with C-LA, SILS-A has a similar OR time in adults but needs a longer OR time in children. SILS-A has similar complications, wound infection and length of the postoperative day in adults and children, and required similar doses of narcotics in children, the pooled mean different of -0.14 [95%CI: -2.73-(-2.45), P > 0.05], the pooled mean different of 11.47 (95%CI: 10.84-12.09, P < 0.001), a pooled RR of 1.15 (95%CI: 0.72-1.83, P > 0.05), a pooled RR of 1.9 (95%CI: 0.92-3.91, P > 0.05), a pooled RR of 1.01 (95%CI: 0.51-2.0, P > 0.05) a pooled RR of 1.86 (95%CI: 0.77-4.48, P > 0.05), the pooled mean different of -0.25 (95%CI: -0.50-0, P = 0.05) the pooled mean different of -0.01 (95%CI: -0.05-0.04, P > 0.05) the pooled mean different of -0.13 (95%CI: -0.49-0.23, P > 0.05) respectively. CONCLUSION SILS-A is a technically feasible and reliable approach with short-term results similar to those obtained with the C-LA procedure.
An energy-balanced data transmission scheme for wireless sensor networks

The high energy consumption in the local network often leads to energy hole problem in wireless sensor networks(WSNs), It easy to make the WSNs dying prematureeely. The effective way is the evenness of energy consumption of each node. Unlike other existed schemes, we sliced the circular field into concentric circular bands of fixed width. By combining the direct transmission protocol and hop-by-hop transmission protocol to achieve energy-ba lanced consumption. our scheme can give specific formula to calculate the probability of hop-by-hop transmission and that of single-hop transmission. Numerical results show our scheme balances the individual energy consumption of different bands, while keeping the total energy consumption in a rather low level.
A Structure from Motion Approach for the Analysis of Adhesions in Rotating Vessels

While processing material in rotating vessels such as rotary kilns, adhesions on the inner vessel wall can occur. Large adhesions usually affect the process negatively and need to be prevented. An online detection and analysis of adhesions inside the vessel during operation could allow the process control to deploy counter-measures that prevent additional adhesions or reduce the adhesion's sizes. In this paper, we present a new method that enables an image-based online detection, tracking and characterization of adhesions inside a rotating vessel. Our algorithm makes use of the rotational movements of adhesions in a structure from motion approach which allows for the measurement of the positions and heights of adhesions with a single camera. The applicability of our method is shown by means of image sequences from a rotating vessel model as well as from an industrially used cement rotary kiln.
Positive changes in the premenstrual period

ABSTRACT– Positive or creative changes in the premenstrual week have been described. This study examines the perceptions of 100 healthy women as to whether they experience positive premenstrual changes and to what extent these occur alone or in combination with negative changes. Sixty‐six percent of the women reported at least one positive premenstrual change, most frequently increased sexual interest and enjoyment, tendency to clean and tidy, tendency to get things done, more attractive breasts, more energy and more creative ideas. There was a weak negative correlation between the number of negative premenstrual changes and the number of positive changes reported. There were no statistically significant associations for age (under or over 30 years), marital status, oral contraceptive use or cycle regularity for positive, negative or total number of premenstrual changes. To complement the current interest in negative symptoms, further studies of positive premenstrual changes are required.
The efficacy of enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain) for the treatment of deep infrabony periodontal defects: a placebo-controlled randomised clinical trial.

PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy of Emdogain versus placebo (its carrier) for the treatment of deep infrabony defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty patients with an infrabony defect of at least 4 mm deep and at least 2 mm wide were randomly allocated for treatment with either Emdogain or placebo (the Emdogain carrier). The treating clinician was completely blinded to the therapy provided and performed all evaluations blindly up to the third year of follow-up. Outcome measures were tooth loss, complications, post-operative healing, patient's satisfaction with treatment and aesthetics, changes in probing attachment levels (PAL), probing pocket depths (PPD), gingival recessions (REC) and radiographic bone levels (RAD). RESULTS One year after treatment, both therapies had significantly improved clinical outcome measures: placebo group PAL gain = 3.3 mm, PPD reduction = 3.9 mm, and RAD gain = 2.5 mm; Emdogain group PAL gain = 3.4 mm, PPD reduction = 4.2 mm, and RAD gain = 2.5 mm. Both therapies induced statistically significant gingival recession (0.6 mm in the placebo and 0.8 mm in the Emdogain group). There were no statistically significant differences between groups for any of the outcomes tested. No teeth had to be extracted up to 3 years after treatment. CONCLUSIONS There does not appear to be any clinical advantage when using Emdogain over its carrier (placebo) in the treatment of deep and wide infrabony defects.
The Role of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Anti–Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Agents in Children and Adolescents with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background:Anti–tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF&agr;) therapy is effective in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) but associated with a risk of developing anti-drug antibodies (ADA) which lower the efficacy. Incorporating measurement of trough levels and ADA (therapeutic drug monitoring) may prevent the development of neutralizing ADA or could contribute to more optimal treatment strategies if ADA are already formed. The aim of this review was to investigate the role of therapeutic drug monitoring in children and adolescents with IBD exposed to anti-TNF&agr; agents. Methods:A literature search identified publications that measured anti-TNF&agr; drug trough levels and/or ADA in children or adolescents with IBD. Studies were eligible when (1) article was written in English, (2) original data were available, (3) full text article or abstract was available, (4) measurement of antibodies against anti-TNF&agr; drugs or trough level of anti-TNF&agr; drugs were reported, and (5) levels were measured in pediatric patients with IBD. Results:The search yielded 811 articles, of which 795 articles were excluded based on title or abstract. A total of 14 studies were included in the review. Conclusions:Therapeutic drug monitoring within the pediatric IBD population certainly has a potential benefit. As occurrence of immune reactions to anti-TNF&agr; agents varies widely, incorporating measurement of IFX trough levels at week 8 or week 14 predicts therapy response and allows for dose adjustments to reach therapeutic drug concentrations. However, a clinically relevant cutoff level for ADA has not been defined yet, and the optimal intervention strategy still has to be determined.
Direct electron irradiation of DNA in a fully aqueous environment. Damage determination in combination with Monte Carlo simulations.

We report on a study in which plasmid DNA in water was irradiated with 30 keV electrons generated by a scanning electron microscope and passed through a 100 nm thick Si3N4 membrane. The corresponding Monte Carlo simulations suggest that the kinetic energy spectrum of the electrons throughout the water is dominated by low energy electrons (<100 eV). The DNA radiation damage, single-strand breaks (SSBs) and double-strand breaks (DSBs), was determined by gel electrophoresis. The median lethal dose of D1/2 = 1.7 ± 0.3 Gy was found to be much smaller as compared to partially or fully hydrated DNA irradiated under vacuum conditions. The ratio of the DSBs to SSBs was found to be 1 : 12 as compared to 1 : 88 found for hydrated DNA. Our method enables quantitative measurements of radiation damage to biomolecules (DNA, proteins) in solutions under varying conditions (pH, salinity, co-solutes) for an electron energy range which is difficult to probe by standard methods.
Cognitive Psychology for Deep Neural Networks: A Shape Bias Case Study

Deep neural networks (DNNs) have achieved unprecedented performance on a wide range of complex tasks, rapidly outpacing our understanding of the nature of their solutions. This has caused a recent surge of interest in methods for rendering modern neural systems more interpretable. In this work, we propose to address the interpretability problem in modern DNNs using the rich history of problem descriptions, theories and experimental methods developed by cognitive psychologists to study the human mind. To explore the potential value of these tools, we chose a well-established analysis from developmental psychology that explains how children learn word labels for objects, and applied that analysis to DNNs. Using datasets of stimuli inspired by the original cognitive psychology experiments, we find that state-of-the-art one shot learning models trained on ImageNet exhibit a similar bias to that observed in humans: they prefer to categorize objects according to shape rather than color. The magnitude of this shape bias varies greatly among architecturally identical, but differently seeded models, and even fluctuates within seeds throughout training, despite nearly equivalent classification performance. These results demonstrate the capability of tools from cognitive psychology for exposing hidden computational properties of DNNs, while concurrently providing us with a computational model for human word learning.
Is robotic arm stereotactic body radiation therapy ‘virtual high-dose rate brachytherapy’ effective for prostate cancer? An analysis of comparative effectiveness using published data

High-dose rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) monotherapy and robotic arm (i.e., CyberKnife) stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) are emerging technologies that have become popular treatment options for prostate cancer. Proponents of both HDR-BT monotherapy and robotic arm SBRT claim that these modalities are as efficacious as intensity-modulated radiation therapy in treating prostate cancer. Moreover, proponents of robotic arm SBRT believe it is more effective than HDR-BT monotherapy because SBRT is non-invasive, touting it as ‘virtual HDR-BT. ’ We perform a comparative effective analysis of the two technologies. The tumor control rates and toxicities of HDR-BT monotherapy and robotic arm SBRT are promising. However, at present, it would be inappropriate to state that HDR-BT monotherapy and robotic arm SBRT are as efficacious or effective as other treatment modalities for prostate cancer, which have stronger foundations of evidence. Studies reporting on these technologies have relatively short follow-up time, few patients and are largely retrospective.
Design and implement a virtual learning architecture for troubleshooting practice of automotive chassis

In this research, a web‐based troubleshooting architecture of automobile chassis is constructed, and it can support distance learning of practical courses in automotive chassis repair and maintenance. This system allows remote learners to operate a practical training module for troubleshooting through the Internet. There are several subjects discussed in this research: (1) developing the learning contents for repairing automotive chassis; (2) building the virtual and interactive platform for browsing and practice of troubleshooting; (3) creating the online evaluation tools and effectiveness analysis. The framework has been tested and implemented in the course, “Automotive Practice: Chassis,” in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Yung‐Ta Institute of Technology and Commerce during the spring semester of 2005. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 18: 512–525, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com; DOI 10.1002/cae.20219
Interplay between promoter methylation and chromosomal loss in gene silencing at 3p11-p14 in cervical cancer

Loss of 3p11-p14 is a frequent event in epithelial cancer and a candidate prognostic biomarker in cervical cancer. In addition to loss, promoter methylation can participate in gene silencing and promote tumor aggressiveness. We have performed a complete mapping of promoter methylation at 3p11-p14 in two independent cohorts of cervical cancer patients (n = 149, n = 121), using Illumina 450K methylation arrays. The aim was to investigate whether hyperm-ethylation was frequent and could contribute to gene silencing and disease aggressiveness either alone or combined with loss. By comparing the methylation level of individual CpG sites with corresponding data of normal cervical tissue, 26 out of 41 genes were found to be hypermethylated in both cohorts. The frequency of patients with hypermethylation of these genes was found to be higher at tumor stages of 3 and 4 than in stage 1 tumors. Seventeen of the 26 genes were transcriptionally downregulated in cancer compared to normal tissue, whereof 6 genes showed a significant correlation between methylation and expression. Integrated analysis of methylation, gene dosage, and expression of the 26 hypermethylated genes identified 3 regulation patterns encompassing 8 hypermethylated genes; a methylation driven pattern (C3orf14, GPR27, ZNF717), a gene dosage driven pattern (THOC7, PSMD6), and a combined methylation and gene dosage driven pattern (FHIT, ADAMTS9, LRIG1). In survival analysis, patients with both hypermethylation and loss of LRIG1 had a worse outcome compared to those harboring only hypermethylation or none of the events. C3orf14 emerged as a novel methylation regulated suppressor gene, for which knockdown was found to promote invasive growth in human papilloma virus (HPV)-transformed keratinocytes. In conclusion, hypermethylation at 3p11-p14 is common in cervical cancer and may exert a selection pressure during carcinogenesis alone or combined with loss. Information on both events could lead to improved prognostic markers.
Prediction model for 30-day hospital readmissions among patients discharged receiving outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy.

BACKGROUND Factors associated with readmission for patients prescribed outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) at hospital discharge have not been definitively identified. The study aim was to develop a model of 30-day readmissions for OPAT patients. METHODS A database comprising 782 OPAT patients treated between 2009 and 2011 at a single academic center was created. Variables collected included patient demographics, comorbidities, infections, and antibiotic classes. Final model discrimination was assessed using the c-statistic, and calibration was examined graphically. RESULTS Mean patient age was 58 years (range, 18-95 years), 43% were women, and the most common diagnoses were bacteremia (24%), osteomyelitis (20%), and pyelonephritis (13%). The unplanned 30-day readmission rate was 26%. The leading indications for readmission were non-infection related (30%), worsening infection (29%), and new infection (19%). The final regression model consisted of age (odds ratio [OR], 1.09 per decade; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.99-1.21), aminoglycoside use (OR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.17-4.57), resistant organisms (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.03-2.36), and number of prior hospital discharges without intravenous antibiotics in the past 12 months (OR, 1.20 per prior admission; 95% CI, 1.09-1.32). The c-statistic was 0.61 and the highest-risk quintile of patients had almost a 3-fold higher rate of readmission compared to the lowest. CONCLUSIONS Patients prescribed OPAT are at risk for readmission. A subgroup of patients at especially high risk can be identified using easily obtainable clinical characteristics at the time of hospital discharge. More intensive interventions to prevent OPAT readmissions should be targeted and tested with those at highest risk.
Comparing econometric and survey-based methodologies in measuring offshoring: The Danish experience

Offshoring, understood as the geographical relocation of companies’ activities to another country, is a key feature of contemporary globalization and has growing social, political and economic implications. However, the phenomenon remains poorly examined at aggregated macro levels such as the national or regional level. Most macro analyses are based on proxies and trade statistics with limitations. Drawing on unique Danish survey data, this article demonstrates how survey data can provide important insights into the national scale and impacts of offshoring, including changes of employment, which are difficult to measure with other methods.
Are co-linked business web sites really related? A link classification study

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to examine the reasons for the creation of co‐links between pairs of business web sites. Specifically, to determine whether co‐linked business web sites are really related.Design/methodology/approach – Co‐links to 32 telecommunications companies were retrieved using Yahoo! and a random sample of 495 co‐linking pages (the page that initiated the co‐link) were selected for a content analysis. The context of the co‐link and the content of the co‐linking page were manually examined to record the following data: type of web site and the reason for the creation of the co‐link.Findings – The study found that 61.4 per cent of co‐links were created to connected pairs of highly related businesses (related companies, related products, and related services). Only 14.7 per cent of co‐links were created for non‐business reasons. The remaining 23.8 per cent of co‐linked sites showed a loose or marginal business relationship. The study also found that co‐links targeting home pages.
Left ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Conflicting results have been reported regarding the effects of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) on daytime left ventricular (LV) systolic function. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and causes of LV systolic dysfunction, using radionuclide angiography, in a large group of patients with OSAS. DESIGN AND SETTING A prospective study in the pneumology department of a university medical center. PATIENTS One hundred sixty-nine consecutive patients with OSAS diagnosed by polysomnography, hospitalized for the administration of nasal continuous positive airway pressure. Patients with a known cardiac disease were excluded. MEASUREMENTS LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was measured in all patients, using radionuclide ventriculography with multiple-gated equilibrium cardiac imaging. Myocardial scintigraphy with a dipyridamole stress test and echocardiography were performed in those patients with LV systolic dysfunction, defined by a LVEF < 50%, to detect silent heart disease, especially coronary artery disease. RESULTS LV systolic dysfunction was observed in 7.7% (13 of 169 patients). In these 13 patients, the mean +/- SD LVEF was 42 +/- 6%, the lowest value of LVEF was 32%, and no silent cardiac disease was revealed. Age, body mass index, apnea-hypopnea index, parameters of nocturnal oxyhemoglobin desaturation, and prevalence of systemic hypertension did not significantly differ between patients with LVEF < 50% and those with LVEF > 50%. In seven patients with LV dysfunction, LVEF was measured following treatment of OSAS and reached normal values. CONCLUSION OSAS may be a direct cause of daytime LV systolic dysfunction that can resolve following reversal of nocturnal apneas.