Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mapping the field of product lifecycle management : a bibliometric study

In today’s competitive economy the systematic development and management of industrial products has become a central issue for manufacturers. In this paper, the field of product lifecycle management is mapped to tribute to its colorful past and promising future. Therefore, a set of well-established bibliometric methods – i.e. (1) citation analysis, (2) co-citation analysis, (3) bibliographic coupling analysis, (4) co-author analysis, and (5) co-word analysis – provides a suitable methodological vehicle. Essential results comprise (1) the documents, authors, and journals with the most impact, (2) the intellectual structure, (3) the intellectual structure of emerging literature, (4) the social structure, and (5) the topics associated with the field. Grounded on these insights, potential avenues for further research are highlighted. Within the characteristic limitations of this kind of literature review, the paper offers content-wise, method-wise, and discipline-wise contributions.
Role of serum Cystatin C as a marker of early nephropathy in metabolic syndrome: a case control study

Background: The metabolic syndrome (MS) has become a significant public health problem and patients with MS are at higher risk for developing renal diseases. Serum Cystatin C suggested as a sensitive endogenous marker than creatinine for slight changes in GFR could be useful marker in MS.Methods: A total of 200 subjects were included. New International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition of MS was used as inclusion criteria. Patients excluded were those with hypo/hyperthyroidism, on glucocorticoids, statins and fibrate, malignancy, cirrhosis, active liver disease and conditions affecting abdominal girth. Serum Cystatin C, insulin, creatinine, triglycerides, high density lipoproteins-cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting glucose, Urinary microalbumin and Urinary creatinine were estimated by standard method.eGFR and HOMA-IR (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance) were calculated. The primary outcome assessed was the occurrence of early nephropathy in MS and the secondary outcome included evaluation of early nephropathy by serum Cystatin C and eGFR. Appropriate statistical test was applied by using SPSS Version 21 software.Results: Fasting insulin levels and insulin resistance were significantly raised in MS cases. eGFR (MDRD) was lower in the MS cases (72.59±8.79mL/min/1.73m2) vs non-MS (130.34±40.75 mL/min/1.73m). Urinary microalbumin levels and serum cystatin C were significantly increased in MS and the cystatin c levels showed significant positive correlation with urinary microalbumin and negative correlation with eGFR.eGFR was found to be lower in the microalbuminuric than normoalbuminuric groups.Conclusions: Serum Cystatin C levels are higher in MS and can be useful, practical, non-invasive biomarker for evaluation of early renal involvement in MS.
Low-Voltage Ride-Through Capability of a Single-Stage Single-Phase Photovoltaic System Connected to the Low-Voltage Grid

The progressive growing of single-phase photovoltaic (PV) systems makes the Distribution System Operators (DSOs) update or revise the existing grid codes in order to guarantee the availability, quality, and reliability of the electrical system. It is expected that the future PV systems connected to the low-voltage grid will be more active with functionalities of low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) and the grid support capability, which is not the case today. In this paper, the operation principle is demonstrated for a single-phase grid-connected PV system in a low-voltage ride-through operation in order to map future challenges. The system is verified by simulations and experiments. Test results show that the proposed power control method is effective and the single-phase PV inverters connected to low-voltage networks are ready to provide grid support and ride-through voltage fault capability with a satisfactory performance based on the grid requirements for three-phase renewable energy systems.
Peptide hydroxamate derivatives as regulators for insulin receptor signaling and its degradation by zinc metalloprotease in diabetic rats

Insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) is the major zinc-metalloprotease involved in the cleavage of insulin, β-amyloid protein and mainly contributes to the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, this enzyme is expressed as candidate target for drugs used in the management of diabetes and peptide hydroxamates have been reported recently as inhibitors for IDE. Novel synthesized peptide hydroxamic acid II containing tryptophan and a sulfonamide bond has been prepared in our laboratory. The aim of this study was to determine whether this drug could be of value in modulating diabetic states in rats. In this study, forty adult male Wistar albino rats received 20% fructose in drinking water (HFW) for six weeks to induce diabetes. Administration of the prepared compound at two dose level (5 and 10 mg/kg body weight, p.o) to diabetic rats significantly reduced IDE protein, glucagon levels, improved insulin receptor signaling (phosphorylation), insulin sensitivity and lipid profile. However, it induced certain up-regulation of IDE mRNA expression. These findings may confirm its role in the modulation of glucose homeostasis through IDE and insulin receptor signaling. Key words: Insulin degrading enzyme, insulin receptors phosphorylation, insulin resistance, glucagon, hyperlipidemia.
Chronology and impact of the 2011 Cordón Caulle eruption, Chile

Abstract. We present a detailed chronological reconstruction of the 2011 eruption of the Cordon Caulle volcano (Chile) based on information derived from newspapers, scientific reports and satellite images. Chronology of associated volcanic processes and their local and regional effects (i.e. precursory activity, tephra fallout, lahars, pyroclastic density currents, lava flows) are also presented. The eruption had a severe impact on the ecosystem and on various economic sectors, including aviation, tourism, agriculture and fishing industry. Urban areas and critical infrastructures, such as airports, hospitals and roads, were also impacted. The concentration of PM10 (particulate matter ≤ 10 µm) was measured during and after the eruption, showing that maximum safety threshold levels of daily and annual exposures were surpassed in several occasions. Probabilistic analyses suggest that this combination of atmospheric and eruptive conditions has a probability of occurrence of about 1 %. The management of the crisis, including evacuation of people, is discussed, as well as the comparison with the impact associated with other recent eruptions located in similar areas and having similar characteristics (i.e. Quizapu, Hudson and Chaiten volcanoes). This comparison shows that the regions downwind and very close to the erupting volcanoes suffered very similar problems, without a clear relation to the intensity of the eruption (e.g. health problems, damage to vegetation, death of animals, roof collapse, air traffic disruptions, road closure, lahars and flooding). This suggests that a detailed collection of impact data can be largely beneficial for the development of plans for the management of an eruptive crisis and the mitigation of associated risk of the Andean region.
Do they fit in any theory ?

We test different predictions of the pecking order and trade-off theories for the dividends of a sample of Latin-American firms in seven countries covering the years 1999 to 2005. Most of the theoretical predictions are confirmed by the data; our tests also report a high speed of adjustment in the dividend levels of the firms in the sample. A simple model testing the effect of the payout level on the dividend yield, find some support for the tax advantage of capital gains over dividends.
The Influence of Culture on Soccer Players Verbal Reactions

Behavioral values, rules and patterns of one culture are usually mirrored in its verbal communicative style. The reaction of German and Japanese soccer players to their (non)-nomination for their national teams is a rare opportunity to compare these styles in a 100% comparable setting. The main behavioral and verbal traits of each culture will be introduced and contrasted. German communicative style is direct, content-related and less situation-bound, while Japanese verbal communicative style is more indirect, clearly situation-related and refers more to the in-group. In the analysis of the verbal reaction of a total of four soccer players, it will be shown that their comments and reactions are very much in accord with the behavioral cultural exigencies of their respective cultures. The German players did not mind appearances and the Japanese players did not express their feelings directly but rather referred to their in-groups. The direct comparison of Japanese and German reactions in the same situation highlights these points clearly. It will be asserted that the overall tendencies of the two cultures, represented by soccer-players well-known in their countries, display the above mentioned differences.
Cetuximab and Oral Mucositis: Is it Different from Oral Mucositis Caused by Other Drugs?

Purpose: To estimate frequency of oral mucositis in treatment for head and neck cancer with radiotherapy and concurrent cetuximab and to determine whether it has different characteristics from mucositis caused by other drugs. Materials and methods: Subjects with locally advanced, primary non-metastatic, squamous cell carcinoma located in the oropharynx were treated with radiation therapy plus concomitant cetuximab. Results: None of patients received their full planned course of combination treatment due to excessive mucosal toxicity. All patients developed oral mucositis within about 10-15 days: it began directly, without escalation, as grade ≥ 3; it was associated with severe pain and trismus; it was never associated to specific supra-infections; the evolution and the consequent resolution of clinical discomfort required several days and the treatment with corticosteroids did not represent the solution formula. Conclusion: Cetuximab induced oral mucositis have the following specific characteristics: time of onset, mode of clinical expression, severity, association with trismus and minimal response to corticosteroid therapy. Considering that the majority of studies do not reveal oral toxicity associated with cetuximab, future clinical trials should focus on specific topics to improve the definition of documented oral toxic effects.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MECHANISMS AND THE PERFORMANCE OF MALAYSIAN LISTED FIRMS

In the aftermath of the Asian Financial crisis in 1997/1998, the Malaysia Securities Commission (SC) issued the Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance in 2000 (MCCG 2000). It was subsequently revised in 2007 following the Enron and Transmile debacles. In 2012, the SC issued the latest MCCG 2012 which introduced several new recommendations that are in line with developments in other parts of the world. Hence, the purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of the structure of the board and its activities on firm performance post MCCG 2007. The study also aims to shed light on the effectiveness of the board of directors since the issuance of MCCG 2000 and of MCCG 2007. It also aims to reveal the preparedness of listed firms in Malaysia to embrace MCCG 2012. Using a population of non-finance listed firms for the 2009, 2010 and 2011 financial years, it was found that board independence, chief executive officer (CEO) duality, directors’ busyness, nomination committee independence, the establishment of a risk management committee (RMC) and board meetings are not associated with firm performance, i.e. Tobin’s q. However, the market appears to be in favour of a larger board size. As for return on assets (ROA), it is not associated with board independence, board size, directors’ busyness and nomination committee independence. On the other hand CEO duality and the establishment of a RMC improve ROA, while board meetings are detrimental to ROA. It can therefore be concluded that board independence is not associated with either Tobin’s q or ROA. Hence, any corporate governance reforms should not over-emphasize the representation of independent directors on the board, rather the focus might be shifted to board activities, such as board meetings and the establishment of a RMC. With regard to board size, since the market is in favour of a larger board size, firms should increase the board’s size to enable the appointment of women directors to the board. Finally, combining the CEO and board chairman roles should not be disallowed as the market views this favourably. Hence, the ‘one-hat approach’ does not appear to be applicable in the case of CEO duality.
Diversity of the tree flora in Semenggoh Arboretum, Sarawak, Borneo

A 4-ha sample plot was established at the Arboretum, Semenggoh Forest Reserve to document tree species in this lowland mixed dipterocarp forest. The area assessed contains 2837 trees with diameter at breast height ≥ 10 cm belonging to 60 families, 160 genera and 541 species. Euphorbiaceae and Malvaceae (10 genera each) were the most diverse families at genus level and Dipterocarpaceae (61 species) is most diverse at species level. More than 25% of trees (720 individuals) were dipterocarps and contributed the highest basal area (cross-sectional area over-bark at breast height measured in m2) of 16.7 m2/ha. The most abundant species are Shorea multiflora (21 trees/ha) and Pouteria malaccensis (31 trees/ha) for dipterocarp and non-dipterocarp species, respectively. Semenggoh Arboretum has a rich and diverse flora and, being a natural primary forest in the middle of an increasingly developed area, Semenggoh is important as a genetic reservoir for threatened species (particularly the dipterocarps) and as an in-situ conservation site for Sarawak’s lowland mixed dipterocarp forest.
The Relationship between Principals’ Managerial Approaches and Student Discipline in Secondary Schools in Kenya

Students’ discipline is critical to the attainment of positive school outcomes. This paper presents and discusses findings of a study on the relationship between principals’ management approaches and the level of student discipline in selected public secondary schools in Kenya. The premise of the study was that the level of students’ discipline depends on whether the principals’ discipline management approach is inclusive or exclusive of teachers’ and parents’ involvement. Data were collected using a selfadministered questionnaire from a sample of 211 teachers, 28 principals and 22 chairpersons of the Parent-Teachers Association. The raw data were analysed using frequency counts, the mean and standard deviation and hypotheses tested using the t-test and one way ANOVA at alpha level of 0.05. Key findings indicated that female principals applied more inclusive discipline management approaches compared to male principals. In addition, the level of teachers and parental input and the level of student discipline were comparatively higher in female - headed schools. More experienced principals applied inclusive discipline management approaches compared to the less experienced ones. Headship experience was positively related to teacher and parental input while it was negatively correlated with the level of student discipline. The findings have important implications on determining policy guidelines on headship appointments and the strategies for upholding student discipline in secondary schools. Key words: Principal; Management approach; Student discipline.
Company Performance and the Two-Tier Board Structure: Empirical Evidence from France

This study's objective is to assess the impact of board structure on company performance in France, where companies are allowed to choose between a one-tier or a two-tier board structure and to verify the specificities of companies with a two-tier board. To verify the specificities of companies with a two-tier board, we analyze 250 large publicly traded companies and find that the two-tier structure does have a significant impact on long-term performance, measured by Tobin's Q, yet no impact on cash holdings. Supervisory board size and the percentage of shares controlled by supervisors also have a significant impact on performance. Our findings are consistent with agency theory.
Anchors for the cosmic distance scale: the Cepheids U Sagittarii, CF Cassiopeiae, and CEab Cassiopeiae

New and existing X-ray, UB V JHKsW(1−4), and spectroscopic observations were analyzed to constrain fundamental parameters for M 25, NGC 7790, and dust along their sight-lines. The star clusters are of particular importance because they host the classical Cepheids U Sgr, CF Cas, and the visual binary Cepheids CEa and CEb Cas. Precise results from the multiband analysis, in tandem with a comprehensive determination of the Cepheids’ period evolution (dP/dt) from ∼140 years of observations, helped to resolve concerns raised regarding the clusters and their key Cepheid constituents. Specifically, the distances derived for members of M 25 and NGC 7790 are 630 ± 25 pc and 3.40 ± 0.15 kpc, respectively.
Electron pitch angle distribution during magnetic reconnection diffusion region observations in the Earth's magnetotail

Abstract. The Earth's magnetosphere provides an excellent laboratory for magnetic reconnection research. In particular, the magnetotail current sheet that is formed between the interface of the similar Northern and Southern Hemispheres of the magnetotail provides a relatively stable symmetric reconnection configuration that can be used to study basic aspects of the reconnection process. Of particular importance is the manner in which electrons are processed by the reconnection. Simulations and satellite data analyses of the ion diffusion region have suggested that the fluxes of electrons in the inflow regions of reconnection are greater in the directions parallel and anti-parallel to the magnetic field (field-aligned) whereas the electron flux in the outflow region is distributed more isotropically. However, this has only been studied experimentally on a case-by-case basis. In this paper, we investigate this claim by analyzing the degree of bulk electron field alignment in the outflow and inflow regions during encounters of the magnetic reconnection ion diffusion region by the Cluster spacecraft in the years 2001–2006. We demonstrate that while the median electron flux in the inflow region is indeed more field aligned than in the outflow region during some ion diffusion region encounters, the variation of the signature across events is so large that it cannot be said to be a general feature of magnetic reconnection in the Earth's magnetotail.
The labour market and the knowledge intensification of Australian jobs: a view to the future

The importance of knowledge in the labour market and in economic activity has been recognized since as far back as the Industrial Revolution. A feature of employment change in Australia has been the knowledge intensification of occupations. This paper outlines and discusses why some knowledge sets might be more important than others in meeting the challenges of a rapidly changing labour market and how best to assess what sets are required by the economy to grow and to compete effectively in a complex and competitive economic global environment. The paper uses the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), an extensive US database that describes the attributes and characteristics of occupations and workers. It uses the O*NET data on knowledge which is made up of 33 distinct indicators and applies it to the Australian labour market context using the Monash Forecasting System, and presents detailed “knowledge” forecasts. The paper concludes that the knowledge intensity of Australian jobs has increased significantly historically and is expected to continue to grow in the future.
Hamiltonian interpretation of the Stroh formalism in anisotropic elasticity

Stroh's sextic formalism for static problems or steady motions in anisotropic elasticity is a formulation in which the equation of equilibrium/motion is written as a system of first-order differential equations for the displacement and traction in terms of one of the spatial variables. The so-called fundamental elasticity matrix N appearing in this formulation has the property that, when partitioned as a 2×2 block matrix, its 12- and 21-blocks are symmetric matrices and its 11-block is the transpose of its 22-block. This property gives rise to a large number of orthogonality and closure relations and is fundamental to the success of the Stroh formalism in solving a large variety of problems in general anisotropic elasticity. First, we show that the matrix N is guaranteed to have the above property by the fact that the Stroh formulation is in fact a Hamiltonian formulation with one of the spatial variables acting as the time-like variable. This interpretation provides a much desired guide in dealing with other problems for which the governing equations are different, such as incompressible elasticity and problems associated with anisotropic elastic plates as described by the Kirchhoff plate theory. We show that for the last two problems the Hamiltonian interpretation simplifies the derivations significantly, leading to a Stroh formulation in each case which is equivalent to, but much simpler than, what is available in the existing literature.
Foreign direct investment and economic growth nexus in Zimbabwe: A cointegration approach

This paper seeks to examine the relationship between foreign direct investment and economic growth in Zimbabwe by applying an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) cointegration approach on time series data stretching from 1975 to 2007. The short-and long-run relationship results show that foreign direct investment has a positive effect on economic growth and this confirms the proposition of economic theory and the result findings of the previous studies in this area. According to the study, the results imply that economic and investment policies which can attract more foreign investments be effectively drafted so as to stimulate economic growth. This also involves creating a stable economic and investment environment, improving infrastructure, and ensuring clarity and consistency of investment policies.
Development and test of an integrative model of job search behaviour

Research on job search and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) has identified job search attitude, subjective norm, and job search self-efficacy as the most proximal determinants of job seekers’ search intentions and subsequently job search behaviours. However, we do not yet know how more distal individual differences (e.g., personality) and situational factors (e.g., social context) might help to predict these key TPB determinants of job search behaviour. In an integrative model of job search behaviour, we propose specific relationships between these distal variables and the TPB determinants, which in turn are expected to mediate the effects of individual differences and situational factors on job search behaviour. The hypothesized model is tested in a large representative sample of 1,177 unemployed Flemish job seekers using a two-wave design and provides a satisfactory fit to the data. Extraversion, conscientiousness, core self-evaluations, employment commitment, financial need, and social support are found to differentially relate to instrumental job search attitude, affective job search attitude, subjective norm, and job search self-efficacy. In addition, all distal variables are indirectly related to job search behaviour through their effects on the TPB variables. These results support our expanded and integrative model of job search behaviour.