Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A bit-rate reduction system for HDTV transmission

The transmission of HDTV (high-definition television) signals on available digital networks and satellites requires the adoption of sophisticated compression techniques to limit the bit-rate requirements and to provide a high-quality and reliable service. A hybrid predictive/transform system has been devised and implemented. The main parameters of this system are in accordance with those being recommended by CMTT for the transmission of conventional component TV. The basic algorithms, the codec architecture, the developed VLSI, and the equipment are described. The codec is designed to operate with the currently envisaged TV and HDTV formats and with a wide range of transmission rates. The optimization of the system and the evaluation of its performance have been carried out on the basis of a large number of subjective tests in accordance with the user requirements specified by the standardization bodies. The codecs have been extensively tested on-field during experimental point-to-multipoint satellite transmission of HDTV signals. >
Idiopathic interstitial pneumonias: diagnostic accuracy of thin-section CT in 129 patients.

PURPOSE To determine whether idiopathic interstitial pneumonias can be differentiated on the basis of the pattern and distribution of abnormalities at thin-section computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS Thin-section CT scans in 129 patients with histologically proved idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (35 with usual interstitial pneumonia [UIP], 24 with bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia [BOOP], 23 with desquamative interstitial pneumonia [DIP], 20 with acute interstitial pneumonia [AIP], and 27 with nonspecific interstitial pneumonia and fibrosis [NIPF]) were independently assessed by two observers without knowledge of clinical or histologic data. The observers recorded the abnormalities, diagnosis, and degree of confidence in their diagnosis. Differential diagnosis was limited to the five types of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia. RESULTS The two observers made a correct diagnosis, on average, in 74 (57%) cases. On average, the correct diagnosis was made in 25 (71%) cases of UIP, 19 (79%) of BOOP, 14.5 (63%) of DIP, 13 (65%) of AIP, and 2.5 (9%) of NIPF. The two observers made a correct diagnosis with a high degree of confidence in 50 (39%) readings. There was moderate agreement between the observers for the correct diagnosis (k = 0.55) and for the correct diagnosis with a high degree of confidence (k = 0.65). CONCLUSION Except for NIPF, the various subtypes of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias often have a characteristic appearance that allows differentiation at thin-section CT.
Experimental Haematobiochemical Alterations in Broiler Chickens Fed with T-2 Toxin and Co-Infected with IBV

The purpose of this experimental study was to evaluate and record the effects of T-2 toxicity alone and in association with IBV infection on haematobiochemical parameters. A total of 128 one-week-old chicks were divided into four groups of 32 birds each and were treated respectively with T-2 toxin alone, IBV alone, T-2 toxin and co-infected with IBV, and no treatment (control) for a period of 6 weeks. Haematologically, the birds treated with T-2 toxin developed anaemia as indicated by significant decrease in haemoglobin levels, total erythrocyte counts and packed cell volume values; leucopenia, lymphocytopenia heterophilia and thrombocytopenia. The IBV infected birds exhibited lymphocytophilia and heteropoenia; the degrees of severity of leucopenia, lymphocytopenia heterophilia and thrombocytopenia were more pronounced in T-2+IBV groups. The serum biochemistry revealed hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia in all the treated groups consistently. Besides, hypoglobulinemia and increased levels of alanine aminotransferase in T-2+IBV, and increased levels of alkaline phosphatase in toxin group alone were recorded. The changes in biochemical parameters were more in magnitude in the combination treatment group and their severity increased with duration of treatment. It was concluded that T-2 toxin made the birds more susceptible to IBV infection.
EMPLOYEE PERCEPTIONS OF ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT TO THE GREEN MOVEMENT, QUALITY MANAGEMENT MATURITY, AND OUTCOMES

In this research, we find support for a proposed set of linkages among employee perceptions of organizational green orientation, Quality Management (QM) Maturity, and outcomes, in terms of positive impacts of the green movement and organizational performance. Specifically, we find that employees who believe that their organizations are aligned with the green movement are more likely to also see the organization as higher in QM Maturity. In turn, outcomes in terms of overall performance and positive impact of the green movement will also be higher.
Run-Off Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) for Discriminating the Underlying Causes of Intermittent Claudication

Aim To evaluate run-off computed tomography angiography (CTA) of abdominal aorta and lower extremities for detecting musculoskeletal pathologies and clinically relevant extravascular incidental findings in patients with intermittent claudication (IC) and suspected peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Does run-off CTA allow image-based therapeutic decision making by discriminating the causes of intermittent claudication in patients with suspected peripheral arterial disease PAD? Material and Methods Retrospective re-evaluation of CTAs performed in patients with acute or chronic intermittent claudication (i.e., Fontaine stages I to IIB) between January 2005 and October 2013. Allocation to one of three categories of underlying causes of IC symptoms: vascular, musculoskeletal (MSK) or both. Clinically relevant extravascular incidental findings were evaluated. Medical records were reviewed to verify specific therapies as well as main and incidental findings. Results While focused on vascular imaging, CTA image quality was sufficient for evaluation of the MSK system in all cases. The underlying cause of IC was diagnosed in run-off CTA as vascular, MSK and a combination in n = 138 (65%), n = 10 (4%), and n = 66 (31%) cases, respectively. Specific vascular or MSK therapy was recorded in n = 123 and n = 9 cases. In n = 82, no follow-up was possible. Clinically relevant extravascular incidental findings were detected in n = 65 patients (30%) with neoplasia, ascites and pleural effusion being the most common findings. Discussion Run-off CTA allows identification of vascular, MSK, and combined causes of IC in patients with suspected PAD and can guide specific therapy. CTA also allowed confident detection of crEVIF although detection did not necessarily trigger workup or treatment.
BEHAVIOURAL FACTORS INFLUENCING INVESTMENT DECISION IN STOCK MARKET: A SURVEY OF INVESTMENT BANKS IN KENYA

Decision-making is process of choosing a particular alternative from a number of alternatives. It is an activity that follows after proper evaluation of all the alternatives. Decision making by individual investors is usually based on their personal factors such as age, education, income, and investment portfolio. The investor as decision maker has no control over the states of nature that will prevail in future but the future states of nature will certainly affect the outcome of any strategy that an investor may adopt. Effective decision-making in stock market requires better insight, and understanding of human nature in a global perspective, apart from sharp financial skills and ability to gain best out of investments. The main objective of this study was to establish the behavioral factors influencing individual investors’ decisions at the Nairobi Stock Exchange. The study was guided by the following specific objectives, that is, to find out the effect of risk aversion on investment decisions in Kenyan stock market, to investigate whether prospecting influences decision making in stock market investments, to establish the effect of anchoring on investment decision in Kenyan stock market and to determine the effect of herding on Investment decisions in Kenyan stock market. The target population of this study was 17 investment banks. The study relied mostly on primary data sources. The study employed a stratified random sampling technique in coming up with a sample size of 47 respondents. The study generated both qualitative and quantitative data where quantitative data was coded and entered into Statistical Packages for Social Scientists (SPSS Version 17.0) and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study concluded herding effect, risk aversion, prospecting and anchoring influences the investment decision making in stock market. The study recommended that since herding effect or behavior is relevant to the individuals, market environment and atmosphere, the investment banks should give their investors the relevant information to ensure that they are well versed with the prevailing market and economic situations. The study also recommended that since risk aversion influences investment decision of the individuals in stock market, there is need for the relevant organizations to ensure that their investment in the stock market are well chosen to ensure that the interests of the investors are well taken care of. The study further recommended that since prospecting influences the investment decision making in
Leveraging Organizational Performance through Effective Mission Statement

The mission statement is a critical and an integral part of the organization as an entity and the operating plan, which has become a unique vehicle through which the organization in the business world, articulates it strategic intent to exist, survive, grow and how it relates with stakeholders around it and including the wider society. The important question to ask is whether or not the existence of a mission statement is associated with or influences organizational performance? The findings from the various studies which explored this relationship appear rather inconclusive. Adopting a qualitative research approach, this study critically explored the essential link between a mission statement and organizational performance. The study established that the potential power of an effective mission statement in leveraging organizational performance was derived mainly from the fact that a mission statement is the starting point of the organization’s entire planning process, which serves as the basis for the formulation of objectives and strategies appropriate to the organization’s overall purpose and legitimate its existence. The study proposed that organization should strive to improve its mission statement as well as communicate same effectively to create mutual expectations among stakeholders.
Integrating Information Technology into the Marketing Curriculum: A Pragmatic Paradigm

This article presents a framework for integrating information technology (IT) into the marketing curriculum in the context of the specific objectives of an undergraduate business program.The authors propose integration of IT via five technological modules: (1) Web-based communication among instructors and students, (2) use of the marketing department’s Web site as an educational resource, (3) the Internet as a marketing medium, (4) computer-supported market analysis and decision making, and (5) computer-enhanced business presentations. As an illustration, this article details the use of the five modules according to the specific program objectives at Seton Hall University. The article also outlines practical guidelines for the application of IT in teaching and learning and outcomes and assessments measures. Marketing educators can use this paradigm to promote more efficient teaching and better learning, and consequently students will be better prepared to manage and use IT in their professional careers.
A conceptual model for evaluating the financial impact of supply chain management technology investments

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the literature concerning supply chain management technology (SCMT) and financial performance, and to present a model for evaluating the financial performance benefits of investments in supply chain management technologies. The literature review and the associated model also lead to a discussion of opportunities for future research in the area.Design/methodology/approach – To develop the model, a comprehensive review of the literature investigating the financial performance benefits of SCMT and other closely‐related information technologies, such as inter‐organizational systems, was performed. Findings from the reviewed studies were assimilated and used as the basis for the proposed model and for recommended avenues of future research.Findings – The literature reviewed suggested that financial performance improvements from SCMT investments are derived from improvements in knowledge‐intensive capabilities, which lead to improvements in operational capabiliti.
Corporate Diversification and Credit Risk

Existing literature has documented a lot of research efforts on the issues of corporate diversification discount and diversification premium, most of them trying to explain the rationales why firms diversify or focus, especially to unveil the benefits and costs of their diversification decisions. However, few of them explore the relationship between corporate diversification and corporate credit risk. It is the purpose of this study to investigate the effects of corporate diversification on both credit risk and firm value using American firms engaged in mergers and acquisitions from 1980 to 2005. In this study, we calculate a firm's one year default probability according to Black-Scholes (1973) and Merton (1974) and we follow both Berger and Ofek (1995) and Mansi and Reeb (2002) to calculate the excess firm values. We obtain several interesting findings. First, we observe that according to levels of credit quality, the changes in default probability move in different directions when firms diversify. Default probabilities of risky firms decline when diversifying, which is consistent with coinsurance effect and risk effect, while, on the contrary, those of safe firms increase, which violates the hypothesis of coinsurance effect. It can be explained by a strong risk effect suggested by Billett, King, and Mauer (2004). Second, market values of equity move in the same direction with default probabilities. It is consistent with the option theory based credit model originated by Black-Scholes (1973) and Merton (1974). We find that risky firms bear diversification discount and safe firms enjoy diversification premium when we only consider the wealth changes of stockholders. Finally, we provide empirical evidences for wealth transfer effect and show that the directions of the transfer are opposite according to the credit quality of diversifying firms.
The configuration of actors in market practice

This paper addresses three conceptual challenges concerning actors and agency that arise when taking interest in market practice: i) how agency is awarded in practical situations, ii) how actors are preconfigured, and iii) how actors are represented. These issues are explored in three empirical scenes taken from a case study of the introduction of an e-procurement system at an international transport and logistics company. First, we suggest that practical interaction can be fruitfully regarded as a process of interdefinition involving prescriptions and subscriptions between acting entities, or actants . Second, we employ the term inscription to address efforts to affect in advance the configuration of such actants. Third, we suggest that actors are entities to which actions are ascribed, ex post. Through this secondary process a number of actants may be subsumed under a common actor label, thus offering a way of accounting for agency as part of a practice perspective. We conclude by discussing implications of the proposed vocabulary for multiplicity, reflexivity and market agency.
Immunization with a Pentameric L1 Fusion Protein Protects against Papillomavirus Infection

ABSTRACT The prophylactic papillomavirus vaccines currently in clinical trials are composed of viral L1 capsid protein that is synthesized in eukaryotic expression systems and purified in the form of virus-like particles (VLPs). To evaluate whether VLPs are necessary for effective vaccination, we expressed the L1 protein as a glutathioneS-transferase (GST) fusion protein in Escherichia coli and assayed its immunogenic activity in an established canine oral papillomavirus (COPV) model that previously validated the efficacy of VLP vaccines. The GST-COPV L1 fusion protein formed pentamers, but these capsomere-like structures did not assemble into VLPs. Despite the lack of VLP formation, the GST-COPV L1 protein retained its native conformation as determined by reactivity with conformation-specific anti-COPV antibodies. Most importantly, the GST-COPV L1 pentamers completely protected dogs from high-dose viral infection of their oral mucosa. L1 fusion proteins expressed in bacteria represent an economical alternative to VLPs as a human papillomavirus vaccine.
The Effect of Average Wages on the Economy: The Case of the United States

The paper applies vector autoregressive and error correction models, in order to explore the effect of average wages growth on economic growth, inflation and unemployment rate in the United States from the first quarter of 1964 to the first quarter of 2013. We find that average wage growth increases economic growth, reduces inflation and does not affect unemployment. Therefore, those policies oriented to boost wages can be convenient to strength the domestic market and the macro economy of countries, following the case of the US.
Size and methylation mosaicism in males with Fragile X syndrome

ABSTRACT Background: Size and methylation mosaicism are a common phenomenon in Fragile X syndrome (FXS). Here, the authors report a study on twelve fragile X males with atypical mosaicism, seven of whom presented with autism spectrum disorder. Methods: A combination of Southern Blot and PCR analysis was used for CGG allele sizing and methylation. FMR1 mRNA and FMRP expression were measured by qRT-PCR and by Homogeneous Time Resolved Fluorescence methodology, respectively. Results: DNA analysis showed atypical size- or methylation-mosaicism with both, full mutation and smaller (normal to premutation) alleles, as well as a combination of methylated and unmethylated alleles. Four individuals carried a deletion of the CGG repeat and portions of the flanking regions. The extent of methylation among the participants was reflected in the lower FMR1 mRNA and FMRP expression levels detected in these subjects. Conclusion: Decreased gene expression is likely the main contributor to the cognitive impairment observed in these subjects; although the presence of a normal allele did not appear to compensate for the presence of the full mutation, it correlated with better cognitive function in some but not all of the reported cases emphasizing the complexity of the molecular and clinical profile in FXS.
Third Generation Quality Movements: From The stricto sensu Technique to Organizational Sustainability Models

Purpose Quality is (not mistakenly) one of the most discussed themes in the production management arena. This article analyses, based on literature review, the evolution of the quality concept, focusing on the called “third generation quality movement”, which is inspired by organic and relational premises, and it is observed completely associated with the postulates related with the organizaqtional sustainability concept. As conclusion, it is noticed that the evolution of the concept justifies the creation of organizational selfassessment sustainable models. Methodology/Approach – The methodology used in these study was based on the comparative analysis of literature review, referenced in national and international books, journals, monographs and thesis, related with all the concepts associated with sustainable excellence models, quality and organizatinal sustainability . Conclusion/Findings According to the analysis of the presented material and based on the observed tendencies in large Brazilian and international organizations, it is true that the evolution of the organizational management systems to the called third generation of quality is going to be a natural movement. Therefore, related to sustainable organizational management is suggested a gradual review of the actual organizational performance assessment, recommending, not only considerer the economic-financial criterions in the assessment , but also include social and environmental criterions in this assessment. Key-words: Corporate Sustainability, Quality, Sustainable Development, Excellence Models. Paper type General review
Allergen-Specific MHC Class II Tetramer+ Cells Are Detectable in Allergic, but Not in Nonallergic, Individuals1

Allergen-specific cells are present in very low frequency in peripheral blood of humans, and differ in function in allergic and nonallergic individuals. We report in this study that soluble class II MHC tetramers can be used to directly identify and study such allergen epitope-specific CD4+ T cells in humans. We identified the major antigenic epitope of rye grass allergen Lol p 1 in HLA-DRB1*0401 individuals using HLA-DR*0401 transgenic mice and peripheral blood cells from HLA-DR*0401 individuals. Using DRB1*0401 tetramers loaded with this major epitope of Lol p 1, we detected allergen-specific CD4+ T cells in the peripheral blood of DRB1*0401 rye grass allergic individuals after ex vivo expansion with allergen. These tetramer-positive cells produced IL-4, but little IFN-γ. In contrast, we were unable to detect rye grass tetramer-positive cells in cultures from HLA-DR*0401 nonallergic individuals, even after expansion with IL-2. Thus, our results suggest that rye grass allergen-specific T cells in DR*0401 nonallergic subjects are present at very low levels (e.g., because of deletion or suppression), differ in a fundamental way in their requirement for ex vivo expansion (e.g., they may be anergic), or use TCRs distinct from those of allergic individuals. Thus, analysis using DRB1*0401 tetramers loaded with a major epitope of Lol p 1 indicates that allergen-specific CD4+ T cells in nonallergic individuals are distinct from those in allergic subjects.
The Market Evolution and Take-Off of Product Innovations

In contrast to the prevailing supply-side explanation that price decreases are the key driver of a sales take-off, we argue that outward shifting supply and demand curves lead to market take-off. Our fundamental idea is that sales in new markets are initially low since the first commercialized forms of new innovations are primitive. Then, as new firms enter, actual and perceived product quality improves (and prices possibly drop) which leads to a take-off in sales. To provide empirical evidence for this explanation, we explore the relationship between take-off times, price decreases, and firm entry for a sample of consumer and industrial product innovations commercialized in the US over the past 150 years. Based on a proportional hazards analysis of take-off times, we find that new firm entry dominates other factors in explaining observed sales take-off times. We interpret these results as supporting the idea that demand shifts during the early evolution of a new market due to non-price factors is the key driver of a sales take-off.