Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Consumer-Based Brand Equity of Products and Services: Assessing a Measurement Model with Competing Brands

Objetivo: A identificacao de qual marca na categoria traz mais ou menos valor para o consumidor suscita duvidas sobre a composicao das medidas de valor e as marcas que compoem a categoria. As medidas para identificacao do valor da marca podem abarcar avaliacoes funcionais para a escolha de marcas dos consumidores e para o desempenho da marca das empresas, desde que inclua marcas competidoras. Em vista disso, o estudo mostra a validacao de um modelo de mensuracao de Valor da Marca Baseada no Consumidor (VMBC) para marcas concorrentes de produtos e servicos, testando possivel moderacao (produto / servico e consumidores experientes / nao experientes). Metodo: Com 39 marcas sendo avaliadas, o modelo foi composto por 6 metricas: conscientizacao, qualidade percebida, lealdade, associacao, exclusividade e disposicao a pagar um preco premium . A analise fatorial confirmatoria revelou a estrutura do VMBC e os testes de moderacao multigrupos mostraram as comparacoes entre produtos e servicos e entre consumidores experientes e nao experientes. Principais Resultados: As metricas apresentaram validacao convergente com otimo ajuste do modelo. As metricas sao semelhantes aos produtos / servicos, mas diferentes para os consumidores com / sem experiencia (evidencia de moderacao). Contribuicao: Baseada nessa medida, pesquisadores e gestores de marketing podem identificar se o desempenho de sua marca tem sido percebido como melhor ou pior do que os concorrentes. Relevância/Originalidade: Este artigo e o primeiro a oferecer uma escala mais completa para avaliar o valor de marcas baseada no consumidor de produtos e servicos permitindo o pesquisador comparar a competitividade entre marcas.
A 4.7nW 13ppm/°C Self-Biased Wakeup Timer Using a Switched-Resistor Scheme.

Miniaturized computing platforms typically operate under restricted battery capacity due to their size [1]. Due to low duty cycles in many sensing applications, sleep-mode power can dominate the total energy budget. Wakeup timers are a key always-on component in such sleep modes and must therefore be designed with aggressive power consumption targets (e.g., <10nW). Also, accurate timing generation is critical for peer-to-peer communication between sensor platforms [1]. Although a 32kHz crystal oscillator can provide low power [2] and accurate long-term stability, the requirement of an off-chip component complicates system integration for small wireless sensor nodes (WSNs).
Business and production solutions: closing loops and the circular economy

Traditional production frameworks and business models are now being challenged by alternatives that are informed by biology. The alternative paradigm, based on ecosystem models, argues that shifting from linear modes of production to a circular system can address material and energy efficiency by reducing the total volume of raw materials needed when manufacturing consumer products. This chapter introduces frameworks that apply closed-loop models at the product level namely; the Performance Economy, Cradle-to-CradleTM design, The Blue Economy and the Circular Economy. We discuss the historic development of these ideas and their main contributions. Through the use of examples we explore both practical challenges associated with realising circular strategies as well as their business model implications. We conclude by highlighting some of the theoretical challenges associated with adopting closed-loop models advocating for a critical approach to sustainable resource management which includes circular strategies as part of a toolbox of options.
Why do poor adults rate their oral health poorly?

BACKGROUND The reasons why socioeconomic circumstances are associated with oral health are not well understood. This study investigated whether psychosocial factors might play an explanatory role. METHODS Cross-sectional survey data were used from the 1999 National Dental Telephone Interview Survey together with information from an accompanying questionnaire sent to adult interviewees. Household income and self-rated oral health were assessed with single items and life dissatisfaction, personal constraint and perceived stress were evaluated with standard psychometric scales. Bivariate associations were tested using chi-square and ANOVA and odds ratios estimated for low self-rated oral health using logistic regression. RESULTS Response to the questionnaire was 64.6 per cent and analysis was limited to dentate adults (n = 3678). Low household income was positively associated with low self-rated oral health. Higher dissatisfaction with life, personal constraint and perceived stress scores were associated with low income and with low self-rated oral health. After adjusting for gender, age, income and missing teeth, adults with high personal constraint scores had greater odds of low self-rated oral health (OR 1.26; 1.10-1.43) as had adults with higher perceived stress scores (OR 1.69; 1.34-2.13). CONCLUSION Psychosocial factors are important in understanding pathways between socioeconomic position and oral health status.
Dyadic Analysis of Illness Perceptions Among Persons with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Their Family Members.

PURPOSE OF THIS STUDY To characterize illness perceptions among persons with mild cognitive impairment (PWMCI) and their family care partners, and to examine whether PWMCI's and their family care partners' illness perceptions were associated with their own, as well as the other member of the dyad's, emotional reactions to MCI. DESIGN AND METHODS This cross-sectional study of PWMCI and their family care partners (n = 60 dyads) used patient and relative versions of the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R) to assess metacognitive and emotional features of illness perception in MCI along 5 dimensions of perceived: seriousness of potential consequences, personal controllability, timeline, fluctuation (cycling) of symptoms, and illness coherence (clear vs. confusing). RESULTS As compared to family members, PWMCI perceived MCI to be less potentially serious and to be more within their personal control, but dyads otherwise shared similar perceptions of MCI. Among PWMCI, perceived seriousness of the potential consequences of MCI was the only dimension to be significantly correlated with emotional distress. For family members, increased MCI-related emotional distress was significantly associated with perceptions of MCI as potentially serious, permanent, or confusing. A dyadic analysis using APIM showed that MCI-related emotional distress, in both PWMCI and family members, was linked to the PWMCI's perception of the seriousness of MCI. IMPLICATIONS MCI-related education and support should be tailored for both the PWMCI and family member audiences, while acknowledging interdependence of illness perceptions within family units. Tailored information and support will be critical in managing MCI going forward, as illness perceptions are likely key factors on which individuals will plan for the future or base medical decisions.
An on–off-Keying Optical Receiver With Dual Thresholds and Erasure Zone

An ON-OFF-keying optical receiver with dual thresholds and an erasure zone is proposed. This configuration can be applied to track the optimized decision level adaptively and obtain additional coding gain from forward-error correction without increasing the code rate. Our analysis shows that in both unamplified and optically preamplified receivers, the required Q value for the bit-error rate of 10-12 can be reduced by 1.8 dB, if errors arise in burst nature and the optimized erasure zone width is around 7%-11% of the signal swing.
Using Formative Research to Inform the Design of a Home Fortification with Micronutrient Powders (MNP) Program in Aileu District, Timor-Leste

Background Using formative research to guide the planning and implementation of home fortification programs is critical if they are to achieve the desired level of acceptance and coverage by the target beneficiaries. Objective To explore contextual factors that could influence acceptance, delivery, and use of micronutrient powders (MNP) in Aileu District, Timor-Leste. Methods Two focus group discussions were conducted with mothers of children 6 to 23 months of age, and 56 in-depth interviews were conducted with mothers (n = 18), fathers (n = 14), grandmothers (n = 14), health workers (n = 8), and Catholic catechists (n = 2). These were followed by a 14-day usability trial during which 45 mothers fed their children MNP daily and were interviewed about their experience. Participants were selected from three villages. Results The findings revealed limited exclusive breastfeeding and early introduction of complementary foods due to traditional beliefs and poor knowledge. MNP was generally liked by the respondents. Thirty of the 45 children in the trial consumed all of the 14 MNP sachets provided to them. The majority of mothers (n ≥ 30) split and fed the daily dose of MNP at different times of the day. They gave several reasons for this practice, including changes in the color of food when a whole sachet of MNP was added. Only six mothers shared MNP-fortified food among siblings. The participants suggested contextual attributes that could influence their adoption of MNP, including preferred name, packaging design, and delivery channel. They preferred orange-colored sachets with a picture of a “healthy” Timorese baby, the logo of the Ministry of Health, and instructions on how to use the product. Conclusions The findings offer context-specific knowledge that could guide the success of the MNP program in this district and similar settings.
A Controlled Longitudinal Study of the Social Functioning of Children Who Completed Treatment of Cancer

Background A follow-up assessment of social functioning was performed for children with cancer after completion of treatment. It was hypothesized that children who completed cancer treatment (CCT) would have more social problems than their peers who were not chronically ill (COMP) and that greater treatment intensity would be predictive of increasing social difficulties over time. Patients and Methods Peer, teacher, and self-reports of social functioning were obtained from 69 CCTs and 77 COMPs. Social reputation and social acceptance were evaluated cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Results Relative to COMPs, CCTs described themselves as more prosocial, were perceived by teachers as less aggressive, and were seen by peers as more sick, more tired, and as missing more school. Longitudinal analyses indicated that self-reported prosocial scores were significantly more stable over time for CCTs relative to COMPs. Children who received more intense treatment were perceived by peers as more prosocial and less aggressive, but as having fewer best friends 2 years after treatment ended. Conclusions CCTs had minimal impact on their social functioning as a result of their experience with cancer for those children who have returned to school. These results suggest that routine interventions with regard to social functioning after treatment ends may not be warranted for most CCTs when an integrated program of psychosocial services coordinated by mental health professionals has been provided during treatment. However, children who have undergone especially intense treatment may be at some risk for social problems.
FEATURES OF THE USE OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES IN UKRAINE AND THE WORLD

The purpose of the work is to consider the theoretical applied foundations of the use of alternative sources of energy in Ukraine and the world, the study of the theoretical bases, and specificity of the use of existing alternative energy sources in the context of globalization, the world practice of the use of alternative sources of energy; lighted up the features of the use of alternative energy sources in Ukraine in modern conditions. A special attention is focused on the analysis of energy efficiency of Ukrainian regions and its determinants, and investigated the general trend regarding the situation in the oil market and investment in renewable energy. Methodology The study is based on the indicators of renewable energy and energy efficiency of the regions of Ukraine in 2015 and the inclusion of indicators of the average oil price, investment in renewable energy sources, the rate of growth of prices, growth rates of investments in 2004-2016. In general, in mainland Ukraine, there are several dozens of solar power plants capacity from 1 to 15 MW, and more than a dozen SES have a capacity from 20 to 120 MW (some under construction). Thanks to a special "green tariff", which is valid since 2011, solar energy has become a lucrative business that has attracted foreign investors. According to statistics, the volume of commissioning of new solar power plants in 2013 almost doubled compared to 2012. Results. It is determined that an important element of policy implementation in the field of energy saving and use of alternative sources is the introduction of financial, organizational and economic activities that give the opportunity to implement principles of sustainable development in public administration, and in terms of decentralization - by local governments. In the management, the determining are such policies in the field of energy efficiency as: pricing mechanisms; mechanisms of regulation and control; financial measures and fiscal incentives; mechanisms of development and transformation of the market; technological development; business development and capacity building (creation of energy service companies (ESCOs); the curriculum; the development of industry of energy efficiency); financial recovery.
Real Asset Liquidity and Corporate Innovation

We present a theoretical model and empirical evidences that liquid real asset, which is of high liquidation value, provides an alternative internal channel for supporting corporate innovations. We employ a simple two-period model in which existing assets can be liquidated or placed as collateral to raise funds to invest in innovation. Our model predicts that a firm’s real asset liquidity is positively associated with corporate innovations. Moreover, this positive effect is more profound for firms with fewer financial constraints and in a less competitive product market. We test these predictions by utilizing a novel real asset liquidity index and U.S. patent data from 1986-2006. We find robust evidence supportive of our theoretical predictions. Our results suggest that firms with higher asset liquidity are more likely to pursue technological innovation.
Neuromuscular adaptations associated with knee joint angle-specific force change.

PURPOSE Neuromuscular adaptations to joint angle-specific force increases after isometric training have not yet been fully elucidated. This study examined angle-specific neuromuscular adaptations in response to isometric knee extension training at short (SL, joint angle 38.1° ± 3.7°) versus long (LL, 87.5° ± 6.0°) muscle lengths. METHODS Sixteen men trained three times a week for 6 wk either at SL (n = 8) or LL (n = 8). Voluntary maximal isometric knee extensor (MVC) force, doublet twitch force, EMG amplitudes (EMG/Mmax), and voluntary activation during MVC force (VA%) were measured at eight knee joint angles (30°-100°) at weeks 0, 3, and 6. Muscle volume and cross-sectional area (CSA) were measured from magnetic resonance imaging scans, and fascicle length (Lf) was assessed using ultrasonography before and after training. RESULTS Clear joint angle specificity of force increase was seen in SL but not in LL. The 13.4% ± 9.7% (P = 0.01) force increase around the training angle in SL was related to changes in vastus lateralis and vastus medialis EMG/Mmax around the training angle (r = 0.84-0.88, P < 0.05), without changes in the doublet twitch force-angle relation or muscle size. In LL, muscle volume and CSA increased and the changes in CSA at specific muscle regions were correlated with changes in MVC force. A 5.4% ± 4.9% (P = 0.001) increase in Lf found in both groups was not associated with angle-specific force changes. There were no angle-specific changes in VA%. CONCLUSION The EMG/Mmax, although not VA%, results suggest that neural adaptations underpinned training-related changes at short quadriceps lengths, but hypertrophic changes predominated after training at long lengths. The findings of this study should contribute to the development of more effective and evidence-based rehabilitation and strength training protocols.
p16 Expression as a Surrogate Marker for HPV Infection in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma can Predict Response to Neo-Adjuvant Chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a common cancer in the north east of India. The present study concerned the prevalence of human papilloma virus (HPV) in the ESCC in north eastern India and its impact on response to chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS p16 expression, a surrogate marker for HPV infection was assessed in 101 pre-treatment biopsies of locally advanced ESCC, reported from a comprehensive cancer centre in north east India, using immunohistochemistry. All patients received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. Response was assessed clinically and histopathologically with attention to p16 expression. RESULTS p16 was expressed in 22% of ESCC (22 out of 101) and was more prevalent in patients who were more than 45 years of age (P=0.048). p16 positive tumors appeared more commonly in the upper 2/3 of the thoracic esophagus (18 in 22). Nine of the 22 (41%) p16 positive tumors achieved pathologic complete response following neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (P=0.008). There was a trend towards reduced mortality in this group (P=0.048). Some 9 of the 20 (45%) patients who achieved pathologic complete response were p16 positive. CONCLUSIONS Expression of p16 in ESCC correlates with higher rate of pathologic complete remission in patients undergoing neo adjuvant chemotherapy and could be a predictive marker for response assessment.
Quantiferon TB Gold and tuberculin skin tests for the detection of latent tuberculosis infection in patients treated with tumour necrosis factor alpha blocking agents.

OBJECTIVES The risk of activation of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is increased in patients treated with anti-TNF-α drugs. Tuberculin skin test (TST) and Quantiferon-TB Gold test (QFT) are used to detect LTBI before and during anti-TNF-α treatment. We describe here a relation of these tests at various timepoints and also longitudinal QFT data. METHODS Study group consisted of 305 patients with several rheumatic inflammatory diseases treated and/or scheduled for anti-TNF-α drugs. The QFT was performed in 303 patients during therapy and in 177 patients also during screening. The TST was used in 284 patients. Both tests simultaneously were utilised in 360 instances. RESULTS Twenty-two patients were QFT positive; 3.9% before and 5.9% during anti-TNF-α treatment. Two patients who became QFT positive developed active tuberculosis. The TST was positive in 42% and 38% of patients before and during treatment, respectively. There was poor agreement between the two tests. Patients on glucocorticoids had a negative TST more frequently. The IFN-γ response to mycobacterial antigens significantly increased after application of tuberculin, but never reached the positive threshold. There was a significant increase in mitogen-induced IFN-γ production after initiation of anti-TNF-α therapy. CONCLUSIONS Poor correlation between the QFT and TST renders the TST non-specific for LTBI. QFT is more specific to detect LTBI and conversion to a positive result may predict active TB. An increase in IFN-γ production in response to mycobacterial antigens is seen when the TST is performed before the QFT. Mitogen-induced IFN-γ production increases after initiation of anti-TNF-α therapy.
Formulation and evaluation of a water-in-oil cream containing herbal active ingredients and ferulic acid

BACKGROUND AND AIMS The main aims of the present study were to formulate an anti-age cream based on vegetal ingredients and ferulic acid and to evaluate the physical characteristics and the efficacy of the cream. METHODS The active ingredients were Centella asiatica oil, Spilanthes acmella oil, Zingiber officinale extract and ferulic acid. Formulation 1 (F1) was prepared using glyceryl stearate and Ceteareth-25® as emulsifiers and Formulation 2 (F2) using glyceryl stearate and potassium cetyl phosphate, all other ingredients remaining the same. The physical characterization of the creams was performed and the following parameters were analyzed: viscosity, oil droplet size, polydispersity index; also, texture analysis was performed. The anti-aging effect of the F2 was evaluated by assessing the cutaneous density before and after cream application using DUB-cutis® scanner. RESULTS The mean diameter of oil drops was 10.26±4.72 mm (F1) and 22.72±7.93 mm (F2) and the polydispersity index was 35.4% and 45.7%, respectively. The mean values for consistency were 594.7±10.3 g (F1) and 300.5±14.5 g (F2), the average values for adhesion were 15.61±0.8 mJ (F1) and 22.25±4.3 mJ (F2), for firmness were 51.2±0.8 g (F1) and 30.3±4.3 g (F2) and the spreadability had values between 72.63 mm2 (F1) and 73.3 mm2 (F2). In vivo study revealed that the mean values of the cutaneous density increased from 9.21±1.39 % to 12.50±1.44 % after 8 weeks of cream application. The herbal ingredients incorporated in the O/W cream base for the antioxidant activity and anti-wrinkle effect, induced changes of the cutaneous density, an important parameter which quantifies the regeneration process of the skin. CONCLUSIONS An anti-age cream containing herbal active ingredients and ferulic acid with appropriate physical characteristics was obtained. In vivo study of clinical efficacy revealed a positive effect on skin density, which increased after 8 weeks of cream application.
Réentraînement par écoulement d'air d'une contamination particulaire déposée sur une surface : application au cas d'un "tas" de poudre

Le reentrainement de particules par ecoulement d'air est un sujet complexe qui intervient dans de nombreux domaines lies a des procedes industriels ou bien encore ayant des applications environnementales. L'objectif de notre travail de these est l'amelioration de la connaissance sur une phenomenologie de particules issues d'un "tas" de poudre expose a un ecoulement d'air turbulent. Pour commencer, nous effectuons une etude bibliographique sur le re entrainement de particules par ecoulement d'air. Nous y decrivons les forces et parametres qui interviennent dans le phenomene, ainsi que les etudes theoriques et experimentales existantes sur le sujet. De ce bilan des connaissances, nous retenons, pour nos experiences, huit parametres relatifs au depot de poudre, aux particules, a la surface d'essai, a l'ecoulement d'air et au milieu ambiant. Afin d'etudier les effets de ces facteurs sur le reentrainement d'un "tas" de poudre constituee de particules de diametre median compris entre 5 et 60 um, nous realisons une installation originale qui permet de travailler pour des vitesses d'air comrises entre 0,5 et 10 m/s. Une fois notre methodologie experimentaJe evaluee, nous presentons et discutons nos resultats experimentaux obtenus notamment sur la base de plans d'experiences. Nous proposons un classement relatif des parametres etudies vis a vis de la mise en suspension, et validons notre methodologie sur ensemble de nos donnees. Enfin, nous developpons une correlation semi-empirique qui permet de calculer la fraction reentrainee d'un tas de poudre, en fonction d'un parametre adimensionnel qui integre les deux parametres primaires du reentrainement qui sont la granulometrie de la poudre et la vitesse de frottement de l'air. Ainsi, notre travail apporte des elements utiles pour les specialistes de la surete ces installations nucleaires, et plus globalement pour toux ceux qui sont confrontes a la problematique du reentrainement par ecoulement d'air de particules deposees sur une surface.