Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimisation of a multi-objective two-dimensional strip packing problem based on evolutionary algorithms

This paper considers a real-world two-dimensional strip packing problem involving specific machinery constraints and actual cutting production industry requirements. To adapt the problem to a wider range of machinery characteristics, the design objective considers the minimisation of material length and the total number of cuts for guillotinable-type patterns. The number of cuts required for the cutting process is crucial for the life of the industrial machines and is an important aspect in determining the cost and efficiency of the cutting operation. In this paper we propose the application of evolutionary algorithms to address the multi-objective problem, for which numerous approaches to its single-objective formulation exist, but for which multi-objective approaches are almost non-existent. The multi-objective evolutionary algorithms applied provide a set of solutions offering a range of trade-offs between the two objectives from which clients can choose according to their needs. By considering both the length and number of cuts, they derive solutions with wastage levels similar to most previous approximations which just seek to optimise the overall length.
Deception for Drugs: Self-Reported “Doctor Shopping” Among Young Adults

Background: Pharmaceutical abuse is a burgeoning problem, and various forms of drug diversion are becoming more common. At present, little is known about those who attempt to deceive physicians to receive medications, and even less is known about those who successfully avoid detection and abuse-related repercussions. The goal of this study is to assess the prevalence of attempted physician deception in a general population, explore common motives, and evaluate risk factors associated with the behavior. Methods: A stratified random sampling technique was used to obtain a locally representative sample of 2349 young adults. The sample was 48.4% male, 68.9% white, 24.4% black, and 2.8% Hispanic. Selected individuals were surveyed using a self-report instrument (80.4% response rate). Results: Of the respondents, 93 (4.0%) self-reported having attempted to deceive a physician to obtain a pharmaceutical. Most of these indicated that they were at least partially motivated by their own abuse. Approximately half reported that selling a portion of the prescription was a motivating factor. Alcohol use, marijuana use, and pharmaceutical misuse each were risk factors associated with attempted deception. Although no traits were definitively linked to the behavior, attempted deception was more commonly reported by men, Hispanics, self-identified lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender individuals, and those at the lowest and highest extremes of the income spectrum. Logistic regression models of rare events indicated that past substance use along with sexual orientation and family income were related to attempted deception when controlling for other factors. Conclusion: Results suggest that attempted physician deception may be more common than previously believed. Practicing physicians should attempt to use risk factor information presented within this study, albeit very cautiously. This study identifies general characteristics of young people who might divert medications but notes that only a small minority of any patient group will do so. Awareness should not equal bias in the treatment of these patients; instead, it should reinforce the need for careful clinical interviewing and the utilization of prescription drug monitoring programs and local law enforcement databases.
Determination of Infarct Size in Ex Vivo Swine Hearts by Multidetector Computed Tomography Using Gadolinium as Contrast Medium

Objective:To demonstrate the feasibility of using multidetector computed tomography with gadolinium contrast (Gd-MDCT) for the quantification of myocardial infarct (MI). Materials and Methods:MI was induced in male swine (n = 6). One week later, the animals received 0.2-mmol/kg gadopentetate dimeglumine and were sacrificed. On the excised hearts, Gd-MDCT with several tube voltages (80, 120, and 140 kV), late gadolinium enhancement MRI (LGE-MRI), and triphenyl-tetrazolium-chloride staining were then conducted. We used a 2-SD threshold for the CT images and several threshold limits (2, 3, 4, 5, 6 SD, and full width at half-maximum [FWHM]) for the LGE-MRI images to delineate the infarct area. Total infarct volume and infarct fraction of each heart were calculated. Results:MI size measured by MDCT at 140 kV showed good correlation with the reference triphenyl-tetrazolium-chloride value. Applying an 80-kV tube voltage, however, significantly underestimated MI size. In our study, the LGE-MRI method, using the 6-SD threshold, provided the most accurate determination of MI size. LGE-MRI, using the 2- and 3-SD threshold limits, significantly overestimated infarct size. Conclusions:The Gd-MDCT technique has been found suitable for the evaluation of MI in an ex vivo experimental setting. Gd-MDCT has the ability to detect MI even at low kV settings, but accuracy is limited by a high image noise because of reduced photon flux.
Iron Sharpens Iron: Exploring the Experiences of Female College Student Leaders

This qualitative study explored a small sample of female college students' perceptions of their experiences in leadership positions. Specifically the researcher examined the women's leadership styles and the factors that influenced how they lead. Additionally, the researcher focused on how gender may relate to the women's experiences. Basic interpretive and descriptive qualitative research methods were employed. Data were collected through in-depth individual interviews, a focus group, and participant journals. Participants included four female students at a medium-sized, religiously affiliated private university who held significant leadership roles in student organizations. Results revealed that the participants employed either a relationship-oriented, task-oriented, or hybrid approach to leading. Additional themes emerged around influences on the women's approaches to leadership, with particular emphasis on the role of the larger environment in impacting students' leadership behaviors, and the role gender plays in their leadership experiences. This study can provide insight into the landscape of young women's leadership today and help begin to fill the research gap that currently exists about college student women holding formal leadership roles and how to support these leaders.
The effects of growth hormone and/or testosterone in healthy elderly men: a randomized controlled trial.

CONTEXT Declines in GH and testosterone (Te) secretion may contribute to the detrimental aging changes of elderly men. OBJECTIVE To assess the effects of near-physiological GH with/without Te administration on lean body mass, total body fat, midthigh muscle cross-section area, muscle strength, aerobic capacity, condition-specific quality of life (Age-Related Hormone Deficiency-Dependent Quality of Life questionnaire), and generic health status (36-Item Short-Form Health Survey) of older men. DESIGN, SETTINGS, AND PARTICIPANTS A 6-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed on 80 healthy, community-dwelling, older men (age, 65-80 yr). INTERVENTIONS Participants were randomized to receive 1) placebo GH or placebo Te, 2) recombinant human GH (rhGH) and placebo Te (GH), 3) Te and placebo rhGH (Te), or 4) rhGH and Te (GHTe). GH doses were titrated over 8 wk to produce IGF-I levels in the upper half of the age-specific reference range. A fixed dose of Te (5 mg) was given by transdermal patches. RESULTS Lean body mass increased with GHTe (P = 0.008) and GH (P = 0.004), compared with placebo. Total body fat decreased with GHTe only (P = 0.02). Midthigh muscle (P = 0.006) and aerobic capacity (P < 0.001) increased only after GHTe. Muscle strength changes were variable; one of six measures significantly increased with GHTe. Significant treatment group by time interactions indicated an improved Age-Related Hormone Deficiency-Dependent Quality of Life questionnaire score (P = 0.007) in the GH and GHTe groups. Bodily pain increased with GH alone, as determined by the Short-Form Health Survey (P = 0.003). There were no major adverse effects. CONCLUSION Coadministration of low dose GH with Te resulted in beneficial changes being observed more often than with either GH or Te alone.
The Insurance Hypothesis: An Examination of KPMG's Audit Clients around the Investigation and Settlement of the Tax Shelter Case

SUMMARY: Although prior literature has suggested that independent audits provide an implicit form of insurance against investor losses (the “insurance hypothesis”), it has been challenging to isolate the “insurance” effect. In this paper, we use a unique setting to examine this effect. In 2002, KPMG was investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice in relation to tax shelters sold by the firm. From then until early 2005, several news reports suggested that KPMG would be indicted and suffer potentially the same fate as Arthur Andersen. However, in August of 2005 KPMG entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, which ended widespread speculation of an impending federal indictment against the accounting firm. Because the investigation centered around tax services offered by the firm, we argue that the circumstances surrounding the investigation and settlement provide a natural setting to test the insurance value provided by auditors. We show that KPMG audit client firm.
The 2001 Legislative Assembly Elections and Political Development in Macau

The objective of this article is to analyze the major trends in post-1999 Macau's political development as evidenced by the evolving role of its legislature as well as the 2001 legislative elections. The article argues that (1) the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) political system, thanks to the constitutional design of its Basic Law and the political convention inherited from the former Portuguese administration, is dominated by the executive branch of power or an ‘executive-led’ system; (2) the dramatic win by the Association for New Democratic Macau in the direct elections does not suggest a breakthrough in Macau's democratization process because altogether the pro-democracy groups won less than one-third of the total votes; (3) Macau is ruled by a conservative pro-Beijing power elite comprising prominent local businesspeople and leaders of the labour unions and neighbourhood associations; and (4) a new political convention that the MSAR government, though not popularly elected, is accountable to the Macau citizens seems to be emerging. In any event, democratization in Macau is likely to be a very long and gradual process.
Real Wages and Employment: A Sceptical View of Some Recent Empirical Work

A number of recent empirical studies have found real wages to have significant (and negative) coefficients when included in employment equations, a result which has been held to be consistent with, or even evidence for, a causal relationship. In this paper, the authors suggest a number of alternative mechanisms which could generate the same finding. They illustrate the point by estimating "employment" functions using constructed data, which embody well-defined relationships between random numbers; these habitually generate the familiar negative coefficients on "real wages" even though the link between real wages and employment, via profit maximization and a production function, is ruled out by construction. Copyright 1989 by Blackwell Publishers Ltd and The Victoria University of Manchester
An empirical study on intertemporal decision making under risk

This study compares time preference in the cases of certainty and risk. We analyze both matching and choice behavior. We find that violations of the stationarity axiom are restricted to matching behavior, both for certainty and risk. We also compare the discounting of certain and risky outcomes as well as the discounting of gains and losses. In matching tasks, certain outcomes are discounted more than risky ones. We could not confirm these results in a choice task. Gains and losses are not found to be discounted at different rates.
Modulation of Pulmonary Cytochrome P4501A1 Expression by Hyperoxia and Inhaled Nitric Oxide in the Newborn Rat: Implications for Lung Injury

Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO), with supplemental oxygen, is used in the treatment of hypoxic respiratory failure of the newborn. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that exposure of newborn rats to iNO, hyperoxia, or iNO + hyperoxia would modulate the expression of pulmonary cytochrome P450 (CYP)1A1 in relation to acute lung injury. Newborn Fischer 344 rats were maintained in room air, or exposed to iNO, hyperoxia (>95%), or iNO (20 or 40 ppm) + hyperoxia for up to 168 h, and lung injury parameters and CYP1A1 expression were studied. Animals given iNO (40 ppm) + hyperoxia were more susceptible to lung injury than those exposed to hyperoxia or iNO alone. On the other hand, animals exposed to iNO (20 ppm) + hyperoxia did not elicit lung damage. Pulmonary CYP1A1 protein and mRNA expression were induced by hyperoxia, iNO (20 or 40 ppm), or iNO (20 ppm) + hyperoxia for up to 168 h, compared with air-breathing controls. In animals given iNO (40 ppm) + hyperoxia, pulmonary CYP1A1 was enhanced at 48 h, followed by down-regulation at later time points. Immunohistochemistry experiments showed localization of CYP1A1 in the pulmonary epithelial and endothelial cells. In conclusion, because previous studies have shown beneficial effects of CYP1A1 induction in hyperoxic lung injury, our current observations showing maintenance of pulmonary CYP1A1 induction by iNO (20 ppm) + hyperoxia through the 168-h period support the hypothesis that this phenomenon may contribute to the protective effects of iNO against hyperoxic injury.
Robust Model Predictive Control of a Nonlinear System with Known Scheduling Variable and Uncertain Gain

Abstract Robust model predictive control (RMPC) of a class of nonlinear systems is considered in this paper. We will use Linear Parameter Varying (LPV) model of the nonlinear system. By taking the advantage of having future values of the scheduling variable, we will simplify state prediction. Because of the special structure of the problem, uncertainty is only in the B matrix (gain) of the state space model. Therefore by taking advantage of this structure, we formulate a tractable minimax optimization problem to solve robust model predictive control problem. Wind turbine is chosen as the case study and we choose wind speed as the scheduling variable. Wind speed is measurable ahead of the turbine, therefore the scheduling variable is known for the entire prediction horizon.
Seasoned and potential internet shoppers: a multinomial logit analysis

This paper extends the existing literature on the characteristics of Internet shoppers in two ways. First, the paper looks at the potential of Internet shopping by consumers in the future. Second, the paper divides consumers into four different categories of shoppers based on their past Internet shopping experience and enthusiasm towards Internet shopping. Based on a survey of Malaysian consumers and using a multinomial logit model, this paper explores the factors that determine the likelihood of consumers who will conduct Internet shopping in the next five years.
The Valuation Effect of Listing Requirements: An Analysis of Venture Capital-Backed IPOs

This paper examines the impact of securities regulation and exchange listing standards on the valuation of venture capital-backed IPOs in Canada and the United States. We use a sample of IPOs in both countries matched by size and sector over the 1986-2007 period. The data strongly indicate Canadian IPO valuations are 48% to 66% lower than their matched American counterparts, depending on the matched sample and control variables. We carefully control for several alternative explanations that might account for this difference, including issuer and VC quality, mispricing and liquidity effects. The data highlight the costs associated with low listing standards in Canada. Ce papier examine l'impact de la reglementation des valeurs mobilieres et des normes minimales d'inscription en bourse sur la valorisation des premiers appels publics a l'epargne (PAPEs) effectues au Canada et aux Etats-Unis par des emetteurs finances par des investisseurs en capital de risque. Nous utilisons un echantillon de PAPEs dans chacun des pays sur la periode 1986 a 2007. Chaque emission canadienne est pairee avec une emission americaine de taille et de secteur similaires. Nous montrons que les valorisations des emissions canadiennes sont de 48 % a 66 % plus basses que celles des emissions correspondantes americaines, en fonction de l'echantillon retenu et des variables de controle. Cette difference subsiste a la prise en compte de plusieurs variables de controle, notamment la qualite des emetteurs et des investisseurs en capital de risque, ainsi que la liquidite. Les resultats montrent que les normes reglementaires permissives appliquees aux entreprises emergentes au Canada ont un effet perceptible sur la valeur que leur attribuent les investisseurs.
Organisational learning, knowledge assets and HR practices in professional service firms

This paper identifies the interrelationship between the nature of knowledge assets (inputs), HR practices and types of organisational learning (outputs) in Professional Service Firms (PSFs). First, we draw on a theoretical framework which includes both exploitive and explorative learning and is appreciative of the time-dimensions within which PSFs operate (accelerated-planned). This juxtaposition identifies four learning orientations. Second, we conduct a thematic analysis of multiple case study data to identify the properties of the dominant knowledge assets and the HR practices that underpin each learning orientation. Finally, we highlight the HR approaches to managing the tensions which arise when exploitive and explorative learning are combined.
Comparison of the effects of inquiry-based cooperative learning and demonstrations in science education

iii List of Tables . vii Chapter 1: Introduction . 1 My Challenges in Teaching Science.3 My Instruction.5 Research Questions.6 Chapter 2: Literature Review.8 Science Benchmarks and Curriculum.8 Middle School Student Learning . 9 Activity-and Inquiry-Based Learning . 10 Cooperative Learning.13 Demonstrations and Laboratories . 14 Density . 17 Air Pressure.19 Summary . 20 Chapter 3: Methodology . 22 Participants.22 Procedures.25 Air Pressure Unit Overview.27 Air Pressure Unit: Control Group, Second Hour . 27 Air Pressure Unit: Demonstration Group, Third Hour . 32 Air Pressure Unit: Cooperative Learning Lab Group, Fourth Hour . 34 v Density Unit Overview . 35 Density Unit: Control Group, Second Hour . 35 Density Unit: Demonstration Group, Third Hour.40 Density Unit: Cooperative Learning Lab Group, Fourth Hour.40 Data Collection . 41 Preand Post-Unit Tests . 41 Air Pressure Unit Assignments and Labs . 42 Density Unit Assignments and Labs.43 Data Analysis . 44 Chapter 4: Data and Results.47 Air Pressure Unit.47 Within Class Preand Post-Test Comparisons . 47 Between Class Preand Post-Test Comparisons . 48 Homework and Lab Reports . 49 Summary . 50 Density Unit . 51 Within Class Preand Post-Test Comparisons . 51 Between Class Preand Post-Test Comparisons . 52 Homework and Lab Reports . 54 Summary . 55 Chapter 5: Conclusions . 56 Implications for the Classroom.58 Limitations and Further Research.60 vi Summary . 61 References.62 Appendices.68 Appendix A: Human Subjects Forms . 68 Appendix B: Air Pressure Preand Post-Test.71 Appendix C: Air Pressure Lecture Notes.73 Appendix D: Photo of BB Model of Air Density . 75 Appendix E: Photo of 15 Pound Bar Demonstration.76 Appendix F: Photo of Inverted Water in a Cup Demonstration . 77 Appendix G: Air Pressure Homework Assignment.78 Appendix H: Weighing Air Lab . 79 Appendix I: Pressure and Temperature Lab . 80 Appendix J: Cloud Machine Lab . 82 Appendix K: Density Preand Post-Test.84 Appendix L: Density Lecture Note.86 Appendix M: Density Homework Assignment.88 Appendix N: Photo of a Density Column.90 Appendix O: Density Column Demonstration.91 Appendix P: Density Lab.92 Appendix Q: Air Pressure Preand Post-Test Rubric . 95 Appendix R: Density Preand Post-Test Rubric . 96
Quality in the public procurement process

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate four dimensions of how to integrate quality in the public procurement process from three perspectives. The study was carried out in the public transportation industry where service provision has been outsourced.Design/methodology/approach – An explorative case study was carried out using two data collection methods. The first involved a document study that considered the integration of quality in the public procurement process. This led to the second method, which involved conducting in‐depth interviews to follow up on the procurement and the role of quality with the participants.Findings – The findings provide insights into how quality can be included in the public procurement process and, in particular, how self‐assessment can be used to evaluate the “best quality practice”. The quality maturity of the industry also has an influence on three dimensions: the choice of quality model, the weighting between price and quality and how the tenders perform t.
Probable Migraine in the United States: Results Of The American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention (AMPP) Study

Probable migraine (PM) is a prevalent migraine subtype fulfilling all but one criterion for migraine with or without aura. The aims of this study were: (i) to describe the epidemiology, medical recognition and patterns of treatment for PM in the USA; (ii) to compare the patterns of preventive PM treatment in the population with expert panel guidelines for preventive treatment. A validated self-administered headache questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of 120 000 US households. Subjects were classified as PM according to the second edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-2). The questionnaire also assessed patterns of migraine treatment. Guidelines for preventive medication use were developed by a panel of headache experts, who used headache frequency and impairment to assess the need for preventive therapy and the gap between current and ideal use. Our sample consisted of 162 576 individuals aged ≥12 years. The 1-year period prevalence of PM was 4.5% (3.9% in men and 5.1% in women). In women and men, prevalence was higher in middle life, between the ages of 30 and 59 years. The prevalence of PM was significantly higher in African-Americans than in Whites (female 7.4% vs. 4.8%; male 4.8% vs. 3.7%) and inversely related to household income. During their headaches, most (48.2%) had at least some impairment, while 22.1% were severely disabled. The vast majority (97%) of PM sufferers used acute treatments, although 71% usually treated with over-the-counter medication. Most PM sufferers (52.8%) never used a migraine-preventive treatment and only 7.9% were currently using preventive medication. According to the expert panel guidelines, prevention should be offered (16.9%) or considered (11.5%) for 28.4% of the PM sufferers in the survey. We conclude that PM is a frequent, undertreated, sometimes disabling disorder. It has an epidemiological profile similar to migraine. In contrast to migraine, which is less prevalent in African-Americans than in Whites, PM is more prevalent in African-Americans than in Whites. In the USA, many with PM do not receive adequate treatment.