Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MATCHING COMPETITIVE STRATEGY TO PERFORMANCE: AN EXPLORATORY INVESTIGATION IN THE EMERGING ECONOMY OF BAHRAIN 1

The purpose of this article is to explore the exist ence of a strategy‐performance link in the emerging economy of Bahrain. Cluster analysis is used in an exploratory research design to examine how these practices can be classified according to Port er's generic strategies . A random sample was selected among manufacturing, services, and governm ental organizations. The final sample used for analysis was 60 firms. Four clusters related to differentiation, low cost, focused differentiation, and a hybrid strategy were identified. Significant differ ences were reported among the four clusters with respect to three performance indicators: total asse ts growth, market share growth, and overall performance.
Biomass and Productivity of 4.5 Year-Old Acacia mangiumin Sarawak

Acacia mangium, one of the main species used for forest plantations as well as reforestation in Malaysia, has been selected on account of its rapid growth and ability to overcome competition from weeds. A 4.5 year-old plantation stand in Sarawak had a density of 1084 trees/ha and a top height of over 20 m. The dbh of the trees ranged from 4.3 cm to 24.2 cm and averaged 14.3 cm. Regression of branchy stem and total above-ground biomass on dbh produced equations with correlation coefficients, r, of over 0.95. The biomass of the stand was estimated at 82.1 tonnes/ha. The mean annual increment of 18.2 t/ha is comparable to those of intensively managed crops such as Eucalyptus nitens and rubber. Several sample trees had stained heartwood and soft pulpy cores and further studies are recommended.
Genetic algorithm for disassembly process planning

When a product reaches its end of life, there are several options available for processing it including reuse, remanufacturing, recycling, and disposing (the least desirable option). In almost all cases, a certain level of disassembly may be necessary. Thus, finding an optimal (or near optimal) disassembly sequence is crucial to increasing the efficiency of the process. Disassembly operations are labor intensive, can be costly, have unique characteristics and cannot be considered as reverse of assembly operations. Since the complexity of determining the best disassembly sequence increases with the increase in the number of parts of the product, it is extremely crucial that an efficient methodology for disassembly process planning be developed. In this paper, we present a genetic algorithm for disassembly process planning. A case example is considered to demonstrate the functionality of the algorithm.
Role of Trust in Mediating the Effects of Satisfaction and Commitment on Employee Performance

This investigation was designed to study the relationships between the variables of satisfaction with extrinsic rewards, organizational commitment and trust perceptions of employees, and these variables’ impacts on an organizationally important outcome, that is, performance. The data for this investigation comes from 230 service employees of 34 randomly selected quality restaurants in Istanbul. The analyses revealed that for service recovery performance prediction, the affective facet of commitment and the extrinsic reward facet of satisfaction have sizable influences as expected. However, the present results indicated that the determining factor of these variables relative to service recovery performance was the frontline employees’ trust in their supervisor. Taken as a whole, the findings provided support for the proposition that employees’ affective commitment and extrinsic reward satisfaction are necessary, but not sufficient by themselves without the mediating role of trust in the supervisor for predicting the frontline staff’s service recovery performance. Finally, implications of the reported findings for the investigated quality restaurant businesses as well as other service sector firms are discussed, along with suggestions regarding the human resource practices offered to boost trust among employees.
Incidence and risk factors for thrombocytopenia in the intensive care units of a tertiary hospital in northern India

Background. In Western countries, incidence of thrombocytopenia in intensive care units (ICUs) has been found to be 13 - 44%. We chose to study the incidence, risk factors and transfusion requirements of thrombocytopenia in tertiary care ICUs in northern India. Objective. To study the incidence and risk factors of thrombocytopenia in a mixed ICU. Methods. This prospective observational 6-month cohort study was conducted in two 22-bedded medical-surgical ICUs. Patients aged 18 years or older with an ICU stay of at least 2 days were included. Results. Thrombocytopenia (<150 000/dL) occurred in 190 (38%) of the 500 patients studied. Thrombocytopenia was present on admission in 41 (8%) patients. Of the remaining patients, 149 (32%) developed new-onset thrombocytopenia (NOT) – thrombocytopenia developing in patients with platelet count more than 150 000/U on admission – during ICU stay. Incidence and prevalence were 30% and 38%, respectively. ICU mortality was 13%. Thrombocytopenia was commonly associated with sepsis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, heparin and certain antibiotics. Cause could not be established in 10 patients. Underlying coronary artery disease and sepsis correlated with thrombocytopenia. Mortality was higher in patients with NOT (15.4 v. 8.7%, p=0.003). Compared with non-thrombocytopenic patients, patients with NOT required more blood product transfusions (57.7 v. 38.4%, p=0.000) and mechanical ventilation (23.5 v. 13.5%, p=0.008). No difference was observed in length of hospital stay and bleeding risk between the two groups. Conclusion. We found incidence and prevalence of thrombocytopenia in the ICU comparable with internationally reported figures. NOT was associated with higher mortality and morbidity and may be considered as a marker of disease severity.
RECOUP Working Paper No. 34. Testing youth transitions in Kenya: are young people with disabilities falling through the cracks?

The number of young people living in Africa is expected to be at its peak over the next few decades. This may either climax into a dramatic social transformation or explode into a disaster; depending on how well (or badly) the society prepares itself and its young people. This paper focuses on the situation of young people with disabilities and examines the transitional opportunities available to them in Kenyan society, considering three principal areas: education, employment and social participation. The paper utilises the findings of a systematic analysis of relevant government reports and documents. Some of the issues raised are contextualised using data collected from one secondary school for the blind in Nairobi. Our analysis indicates that, although their numbers are significant, young people with disabilities face difficult obstacles in progressing to higher levels of education. They are faced with limited employment opportunities and are at a greater risk of being exploited in the social sphere. Some policy options to tackle this situation are indicated. This Report forms part of the Research Consortium on Educational Outcomes and Poverty (RECOUP), funded by DFID, 2005-10. Views expressed here are those of the authors and are not necessarily shared by DFID or any of the partner institutions. For details of the objectives, composition and work of the consortium see: www.educ. cam.ac. uk/RECOUP
Impact of current-wave interaction on storm surge simulation: A case study for Hurricane Bob

[1] Hurricane Bob moved up the U.S. east coast and crossed over southern New England and the Gulf of Maine [with peak marine winds up to 54 m/s (100 mph)] on 19–20 August 1991, causing significant damage along the coast and shelf. A 3-D fully wave-current-coupled finite-volume community ocean model system was developed and applied to simulate and examine the coastal ocean responses to Hurricane Bob. Results from process study-oriented experiments showed that the impact of wave-current interaction on surge elevation varied in space and time, more significant over the shelf than inside the inner bays. While sea level change along the coast was mainly driven by the water flux controlled by barotropic dynamics and the vertically integrated highest water transports were essentially the same for cases with and without water stratification, the hurricane-induced wave-current interaction could generate strong vertical current shear in the stratified areas, leading to a strong offshore transport near the bottom and vertical turbulent mixing over the continental shelf. Stratification could also result in a significant difference of water currents around islands where the water is not vertically well mixed.
A modified Ekman layer model

A modification of the Ekman layer that is able to systematically account for the effects of curvature of the velocity fluctuation streamlines is developed, using the description of turbulent motions. These effects are accounted for through the average vector product of the velocity fluctuations and the local curvature vector of their streamlines at each flow field point. It is shown that this approach enables quantifying the impact of several phenomena (such as the Stokes drift or the incessant generation of vortices with a prevailing orientation of rotation, intrinsic to surface-driven geophysical flows) on the formation of the Ekman layer. The outcome of the suggested modification is compared with the relevant data measured in the Drake Passage.
Bureaucracy and the flypaper effect : Evidence from intercommunal fiscal equalisation in the canton of Vaud

Unlike classical theoretical expectations, our empirical study shows that financial transfers to decentralised governments increase local public expenditures much more than would be triggered by an equivalent rise in local income. This empirical evidence of the presence of a flypaper effect is achieved using panel data from 375 municipalities located in the Swiss canton of Vaud covering the period 1994 to 2005. During that time there was a major change in the financial equalisation scheme. Furthermore, our study confirms the analysis of the public choice theory: the effect depends partly on the degree of complexity of the municipal bureaucracy. These results show that local bureaucratic behaviour may impede the effectiveness of a financial equalisation scheme that aims to reduce disparities in local tax.
The Argument-Based Approach to Validation

Abstract. Under the argument-based approach to validity, test-score interpretations and uses that are clearly stated and are supported by appropriate evidence are considered to be valid. Conversely, interpretations or uses that are not well defined or that involve doubtful inferences or assumptions are not considered valid. The proposed interpretation and use of test scores are specified in terms of a network of inferences and assumptions (or an argument) leading from a test taker's observed performances to score-based conclusions and decisions for the test taker. The validity of the proposed interpretation and use can then be evaluated in terms of the completeness and coherence of the network and the plausibility of its inferences and assumptions.
Simultaneous radio and X-ray observations of PSR B0611+22

We report results from simultaneous radio and X-ray observations of PSR B0611+22 which is known to exhibit bursting in its single-pulse emission. The pulse phase of the bursts vary with radio frequency. The bursts are correlated in 327/150 MHz data sets while they are anti-correlated, with bursts at one frequency associated with normal emission at the other, in 820/150 MHz data sets. Also, the flux density of this pulsar is lower than expected at 327 MHz assuming a power law. We attribute this unusual behaviour to the pulsar itself rather than absorption by external astrophysical sources. Using this data set over an extensive frequency range, we show that the bursting phenomenon in this pulsar exhibits temporal variance over a span of few hours. We also show that the bursting is quasi-periodic over the observed band. The anti-correlation in the phase offset of the burst mode at different frequencies suggests that the mechanisms responsible for phase offset and flux enhancement have different dependencies on the frequency. We did not detect the pulsar with XMM–Newton and place a 99 per cent confidence upper limit on the X-ray efficiency of 10 −5 .
Biomarkers Derived from Nicotine and its Metabolites: A Review

Abstract Nicotine is the major alkaloid present in tobacco and the most frequently determined compound as a biomarker of tobacco exposure in both smokers and non-smokers exposed to environmental tobacco smoke. Current knowledge on the human metabolism and disposition kinetics of nicotine is reviewed, together with methods for the determination of nicotine and various metabolites in different human biological fluids and matrices. Only short-term biomarkers of nicotine exposure exist and long-term biomarkers of exposure such as the incorporation of nicotine and cotinine into human hair, toenails and deciduous teeth require further investigation. Determination of ‘nicotine boost’, the difference in blood nicotine concentrations that occur after smoking a single cigarette, provides an experimental indication of individual smoking behaviour, but is unsuitable for population studies. The determination of nicotine plus multiple phase I and phase II metabolites in 24-hour urine, often expressed as ‘nicotine equivalents’, provides the most accurate way to determine exposure to nicotine in smokers; however, few laboratories are equipped to perform the complex analysis required for this purpose. Nicotine equivalents can be used to estimate the uptake of nicotine from a cigarette in both individuals and in population studies. Despite recent advancements in analytical methodology and the possibility of determining multiple nicotine metabolites in various biological fluids, determination of cotinine, the major metabolite of nicotine, is likely to remain the most commonly used approach to assess exposure to tobacco smoke in both smokers and non-smokers. Representative data for cotinine in blood, saliva and urine of smokers and non-smokers are presented.
The Effects of Chronic Illness on Aspirations and Subjective Wellbeing

Many studies across disciplines assert that chronic illness and emotional wellbeing are closely related. Yet, studies in the literature rarely examined the mediators of the relationship from a socioeconomic perspective. In particular, despite its significance in the welfare of people in developing countries, studies have rarely investigated the effects of chronic illness on, among others, aspirations, the failure of which may be linked to a self-sustaining trap of poverty in developing countries. Using two waves of Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS 2007, 2014), this paper examines the effect of chronic illness on aspirations and the channel through which the duration of chronic illness affects aspirations and emotional wellbeing. To this end, this paper uses a variable measuring an aspirations gap, constructed by a difference between an individual’s current level of life evaluation and his/her future aspired level of wealth. Overall, results of this study suggest that chronic illness brings about a vicious cycle in which a deterioration in an individual’s current life evaluation, compared to the person’s cognitive neighborhood, leads to a greater aspirations gap, which, in turn, reinforces feelings of unhappiness and dissatisfaction with life. Furthermore, the effects of chronic illness are found to be greater on the poor in the bottom 25% of household income.
Characterization of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum races in Paraná state, Brazil

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum is one of the most important diseases in common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). This research aimed at studying the Colletotrichum lindemuthianum in Parana state region, Brazil, using race identification through differential cultivars. Nine races were identified from the eighteen isolates assessed: 7, 31, 65, 69, 73, 81, 87, 89 and 95. It was further observed that the Dark Red Kidney, Cornell 49242 and Mexico 222 cultivars were susceptible to races 7, 31, 87 and 95, races 31, 73, 89 and 95 and races 65, 69, 73, 81, 87 89 and 95, respectively. Cultivars AB 136, carrier of the Co-6 gene and cultivar G 2333, carrier of the Co-4 2 , Co-5 and Co-7 genes, were resistant to the identified races. These results showed the pathogenic variability and the importance of monitoring Colletotrichum lindemuthianum and resistant bean plant cultivars.
Current indications for balloon sinuplasty

Purpose of review The purpose of the review is to evaluate the current indications and contraindications for balloon sinuplasty and review the clinical trials performed in this area. Recent findings The indications for balloon sinus dilatation are somewhat similar to those for endoscopic sinus surgery. Balloon sinus ostial dilation (BSD) has been found to be most effective in the treatment of recurrent acute sinusitis (RARS) and chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP) that has been refractory to medical therapy. Multiple randomized clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of BSD in improving quality-of-life outcomes in patients with limited CRSsNP in both the clinic and operating room settings. However, because BSD merely dilates blocked sinusal ostia without removing tissue, it is typically restricted to addressing disorder involving the frontal, sphenoid, and maxillary sinuses. Individuals who have significant disease of the ethmoid sinus may have BSD adjunctively with endoscopic sinus surgery. BSD is unsuitable as a primary treatment modality in pansinus polyposis, widespread fungal sinusitis, connective tissue disorders at an advanced stage, or potential malignancy. A recent expert clinical consensus statement also concluded that BSD is not appropriate for treatment of patients with headache that do not meet the diagnostic criteria for CRS or RARS or patients who do not have both positive findings of sinus disease on computed tomography and sinonasal symptoms. Summary Balloon sinuplasty is an option in the treatment of sinusitis that has failed appropriate medical therapy. Evidence is best for limited disease in patients with CRSsNP affecting the frontal, sphenoid, and maxillary sinuses. Because BSD can be performed in the office setting, it can be a viable therapeutic alternative in patients with comorbidities who are unable to tolerate general anesthesia.
Sound Transmission Loss of Double Layer Impervious Membranes with an Internal Microperforated Membrane

Double layer impervious membranes are commonly used as building materials. This paper provides results of experiments that show the effect on sound transmission loss associated with the incorporation of a microperforated membrane (MPM) layer. Four types of MPMs with different perforation ratios are considered inserted between the two impervious membranes and the effects of the perforation ratio on the sound transmission loss of the combined system are investigated. The measurements employ two reverberation chambers and are conducted in accordance with the AS/NZS ISO 717.1 standard (2004). The test results show that an internal MPM is able to significantly increase the sound insulation of double layer impervious membranes. This double layer structure with an internal MPM is suitable for lightweight sound barriers and is promising and worthy of further study.
The challenge and promise of Autism spectrum Disorders in Adulthood and Aging: A systematic Review of the Literature (1990-2013)

In the past five years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of publications addressing the issues of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in the domain of adulthood and aging. However this increase still represents an extremely small proportion of the overall literature which is predominantly focused on autism in the childhood and adolescence stages of development. The pur- pose of this paper is to present results from a systematic literature review covering the timeframe of 1990 to 2013 (including advance online publications). Five data bases were queried at the intersection of ASD in the domain of adulthood and aging. Using "ASD" and "adulthood and aging" as the two primary foci, we had several objectives: (1) to conduct an exhaustive and comprehensive review of the
Increased overwinter mortalities of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawns during a drought year

Mortality rates of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmerman, 1780)) fawns have been quantified throughout North America. Few studies, however, have assessed cause-specific mortality of fawns after the first 3 months of life or during a severe weather event. During 2010-2014, we captured and radiotracked 93 fawns in southern and central Illinois and recorded 18 mortality events. In order of importance, survival rates were affected by days since capture, year of drought, age at capture, week post-capture (1/0 indicator), and region. Estimated overwinter (fall through spring) survival rate (± SE) of fawns in both regions during 2010-14 was 0.83 ± 0.04. However, estimated overwinter survival rates were depressed during 2012-13, following the severe drought of 2012 (0.63 ± 0.11 or 0.66 ± 0.11 depending on model). Main causes of mortality were capture-related and predation, though some dead deer also showed signs of hemorrhagic disease. We suspect that the extreme drought of 2012 created favorable c.
Music Therapists’ Self-Compassion, Compassion for Others, and Professional Quality of Life

OF THESIS MUSIC THERAPISTS’ SELF-COMPASSION, COMPASSION FOR OTHERS, AND PROFESSIONAL QUALITY OF LIFE As helping professionals, music therapists show compassion to their clients but may lack necessary self-care skills to prevent burnout and promote well-being. Due to a lack of research in this area, this study investigated reported levels of compassion for others, self-compassion, burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and compassion satisfaction among music therapists in relation to age, gender, and years of professional experience. A survey of 575 board certified music therapists in the USA revealed higher levels of compassion for others than self-compassion, low levels of burnout and secondary traumatic stress, and high levels of compassion satisfaction. Burnout strongly negatively correlated with both self-compassion and compassion satisfaction and strongly positively correlated with secondary traumatic stress. A MANCOVA revealed significant differences in compassion for others and compassion satisfaction based on gender, with female participants reporting significantly higher scores for both constructs. Additionally, there was a trend related to self-compassion and compassion levels increasing over time. There were strong associations between compassion and self-compassion with burnout and secondary traumatic stress; therefore, it would benefit music therapists to cultivate compassion practices to lower burnout risk.