Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of laminated composite plate/shell structures using a stabilized nodal- integrated quadrilateral element *

A new simple and accurate four-node quadrilateral element is developed for linear static and dynamic analysis of thin to moderately thick laminated, anisotropic plate/shell structures within the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT). The element is built by incorporating the strain smoothing method of mesh-free conforming nodal integration into the conventional bilinear four-node quadrilateral finite element (Q4). The membrane and bending stiffness matrices are calculated on the boundaries of the smoothing cells while the shear term is evaluated by 2×2 Gaussian quadrature. This boundary integration, which is done on the smoothing element boundaries for the bending and membrane term, contributes to the preservation of high accuracy of the method even when elements are extremely distorted, for example, when two nodes are collapsed so that the quadrilateral becomes a triangle. Through several structural analysis examples, the simplicity, efficiency and reliability of the element are demonstrated. Convergence and comparison studies with the other existing solutions in the literature suggest that the present element is robust, computationally inexpensive, free of locking and could be the simplest displacement type element of its class. Its convergence properties are insensitive to mesh distortion, thickness-to-span ratio, stacking sequence and degree of anisotropy.
Force and EMG signal patterns during repeated bouts of concentric or eccentric muscle actions.

Healthy males (n = 14) performed three bouts of 32 unilateral, maximal voluntary concentric (CON) or eccentric (ECC) quadriceps muscle actions on separate days. Surface electromyography (EMG) of the m. vastus lateralis (VL) and m. rectus femoris (RF) and torque were measured. Integrated EMG (IEMG), mean (MPF) and median power frequencies and torque were averaged for seven separate blocks of four consecutive muscle actions. Torque was greater (P less than 0.05) for ECC than for CON muscle actions at the start of exercise. It did not decline throughout ECC exercise, but decreased (P less than 0.05) markedly for each bout and over bouts of CON exercise. Thus, torque overall was substantially greater (P less than 0.05) for ECC than for CON exercise. At the start of exercise IEMG of VL or RF was greater (P less than 0.05) for CON than for ECC muscle actions. This was also true for overall IEMG activity during exercise. The IEMG increased (P less than 0.05) modestly for both muscles during each bout of CON or ECC muscle actions, but did not change for the VL over bouts. The IEMG of RF decreased (P less than 0.05) modestly over CON but not ECC exercise bouts. At the beginning of the first bout of exercise the IEMG/torque ratio was twofold greater (P less than 0.05) for CON than ECC muscle actions. The ratio of IEMG/torque increased (P less than 0.05) markedly during CON but did not change during ECC exercise. Thus, by the end of the third bout there was a fivefold difference (P less than 0.05). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Biochemistry and the Sciences of Recognition

An account of the slow emergence of scientific insight is not in any straightforward way a reliable reflection of a life course. I do not intend here to be explicitly autobiographical but want nevertheless to reflect on whether there is a pattern that has unconsciously guided my scientific work. I believe there is one, if I neglect some noisy interludes. Like Moliere’s Monsieur Jourdain, who was astonished to realize that he had been speaking prose all his life, I have come to realize that even when my scientific interests turned to very high levels of organization (organismal, even mental) I had been following the rules of biochemistry. These rules are not just those of organic chemistry itself but also of that chemistry as it emerged under the constraints of genetics and evolution. So although the precision is lent by the syntax of organic chemistry, the semantics or significance of biochemical processes is embedded within the astonishingly rich complexity of cells, organs, and organisms interacting across many layers of organization. There is a theme that weaves through these layers, which in retrospect I see has shaped my interest. It is the Darwinian approach of population thinking (1), based on the notion that species, categories, and even molecular interactions in living systems arise by selection acting over time on populations consisting of large numbers of variants. The idea that variation is not noise but is rather the substrate for the emergence of biological form and function provides an underlying theme that is central to and defining of what I have called the sciences of recognition. These include evolution itself, embryology (particularly morphogenesis), immunology, and the neurobiology of complex brains. In all these arenas, recognition at molecular, cellular, and organismal levels occurs through selective processes. In each case, the substrate is biochemical although the higher order rules are governed by variation and selection. I propose to tell a few anecdotes from my early experiences, particularly those that led to molecular immunology. I recount them to point out that scientists can have blind spots and occasionally forget the lesson that one must consider all the levels of organization that emerge from selective events.
Bank Earnings Management Through Loan Loss Provisions: A Double-Edged Sword?

We investigate whether banks use of loan loss provisions (LLPs) to manage the level and volatility of their earnings and examine the implications for bank risk. We find that banks use LLPs to manage the level and volatility of earnings downward when they are abnormally high and when expected dividends are lower than current earnings. Moreover, banks adjust LLPs to avoid fluctuations in their risk-weighted assets. Our findings highlight an important tradeoff in the provisioning for expected and unexpected losses that affects bank risk and profitability.
Determinants of Customer Loyalty among Mobile Telecom Subscribers in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana

The purpose of this study is to investigate the determinants of brand equity among mobile telecom users in Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. Mobile telecommunication providers have a great role in strengthening the economy and encouraging the efficiency among a large number of subscribers across the country. The success of any business depends on the strength of their brands, which attracts new and existing customers for continuous growth. In Ghana, there are six mobile telecom providers operating in the market (Vodafone, Airtel, MTN, Tigo, Glo, & Expresso). Primary data was obtained through a questionnaire and residents of Sunyani Municipality were targeted for the study. 200 questionnaires were self-administered by the researchers to the subscribers of all the mobile telecom providers and 194questionnaires were returned. The questionnaires were analysed using SPSS 16 and pearson correlation was used to establish the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. The results identified call rate/quality, network coverage and sales promotion as having significant positive relationship to customer loyalty. In addition, brand image and prompt customer service were seen to have a less effect on customer loyalty.
Comparison Between Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion and Multiple Injections of Insulin: A One-Year Prospective Study

Twenty insulin-dependent diabetic patients participated in a 1-yr prospective randomized cross-over study comparing multiple subcutaneous injections (MSI) and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) complemented by home blood glucose monitoring. While 4 patients dropped out early, 16 patients completed the study. Patients had severe insulin deficiency documented by absent C-peptide response to glucagon stimulation. A marked improvement in control was observed when mean blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin A1 were compared with conventional therapy. No significant differences in the degree of metabolic control achieved, as measured by mean fasting, preprandial, and postprandial capillary blood glucose (CBG), M values, glycosylated hemoglobin A1 concentration, cholesterol and triglyceride levels were seen between MSI and CSII in the sixteen patients who completed the study. However, individual comparisons showed that fasting CBG and M-values were lower under CSII than MSI in seven patients (P < 0.05). In contrast, two patients exhibited lower M values under MSI than under CSII (P < 0.01), while for the remaining seven patients the results were similar. After completion of the study, two patients went back to conventional insulin therapy, seven patients remained on the pump, and seven patients chose to stay on MSI. In conclusion, on a long-term basis, the two methods can produce comparable levels of blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin in ambulatory insulin-dependent diabetics.
Smoking Profiles in Pre-intervention Ischaemic Heart Disease Patients

Smoking cessation intervention is a cost effective method of preserving life and reducing ill health and is believed to be the most effective lifestyle change after a myocardial event. The pre-operative period is particularly useful time to implement smoking cessation advice and to offer help. Smokers undergoing surgery have an increased risk of both intra and post-operative complications. Nearly a six-fold increase in post-operative pulmonary complications in current smokers was demonstrated in a study. There is much debate over the optimum time to stop smoking to reduce post-operative complications. The effects of smoking cessation prior to surgery may be dependent on the length of time cessation occurred before surgery. Our study investigates the smoking profiles of patients awaiting cardiac intervention for ischaemic heart disease and what advice and help these patients are offered. All patients randomly selected had established diagnosis of ischaemic heart disease needing cardiac intervention; either coronary artery graft bypass or angioplasty. This study shows different trends in methods used to successfully give up smoking in the ex-smoking group compared to the methods used in attempting to give up in the smoking group. Smoking cessation advice and the offer of additional services can never be more important in the time prior to cardiac surgery.
Factors associated with patellofemoral pain syndrome: a systematic review

This review systematically summarises factors associated with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). A systematic literature search was conducted. Studies including ≥20 patients with PFPS that examined ≥1 possible factor associated with PFPS were included. A meta-analysis was performed, clinical heterogeneous data were analysed descriptively. The 47 included studies examined 523 variables, eight were pooled. Pooled data showed a larger Q-angle, sulcus angle and patellar tilt angle (weighted mean differences (WMD) 2.08; 95% CI 0.64, 3.63 and 1.66; 95% CI 0.44, 2.77 and 4.34; 95% CI 1.16 to 7.52, respectively), less hip abduction strength, lower knee extension peak torque and less hip external rotation strength (WMD –3.30; 95% CI –5.60, –1.00 and –37.47; 95% CI –71.75, –3.20 and –1.43; 95% CI –2.71 to –0.16, respectively) in PFPS patients compared to controls. Foot arch height index and congruence angle were not associated with PFPS. Six out of eight pooled variables are associated with PFPS, other factors associated with PFPS were based on single studies. Further research is required.
E-HRM: INNOVATION OR IRRITATION?

Technological optimistic voices assume that, from a technical perspective, the IT possibilities for HRM are endless: in principal all HR processes can be supported by IT. E-HRM is the relatively new term for this IT supported HRM, especially through the use of web technology. This paper aims at demystifying e-HRM by answering the following questions: what actually is e-HRM? , what are the goals of starting with e-HRM? , what types can be distinguished? and what are the outcomes of eHRM? Based upon the literature, an e-HRM research model is developed and, guided by this model, five organizations have been studied that have already been on the ‘e-HR road’ for a number of years. We conclude that the goals of e-HRM are mainly to improve HR’s administrative efficiency/to achieve cost reduction. Next to this goals, international companies seem to use the introduction of e-HRM to standardize/harmonize HR policies and processes. Further, there is a ‘gap’ between e-HRM in a technical sense and e-HRM in a practical sense in the five companies involved in our study. Finally, eHRM hardly helped to improve employee competences, but resulted in cost reduction and a reduction of the administrative burden.
Communicating to prospective students through appropriate sources of information

A proper assessment of the usefulness of the sources of information considered by prospectivestudents could enable higher education institutions (HEIs) to allocate funds, time and resourcesmore efficiently and effectively. The main objective of this study was to determine students’perceptions on the usefulness of sources of information that they used to select a public HEIin South Africa, and further to establish whether differences occur between the perceptions ofstudents from various institutions. A quantitative study with a self-administrated questionnaire was used to obtain information bymeans of a non-probability convenience sample of 1 241 students from six public HEIs in SouthAfrica. The findings indicated that prospective students find sources of information coming directlyfrom a public HEIs - such as campus visits and open days, university publications and websites –to be of most use, while information from mass media, such as radio, television, magazines andnewspaper advertisements are less important. The responses of students from the different institutions varied significantly regarding the usefulness of sources of information in selecting a public HEI. Although university publications,campus visits and open days, and also websites ranked high, the importance ranking betweenrespondents from different institutions varied. The findings can be used to develop student-focused marketing communication that could aid prospective students in making more informed decisions about the public higher educationinstitution they wish to attend.
Voluntary Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure: A Case Study of Saudi Arabia

This study examines the level of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) disclosure in the annual reports of the 134 firms that were listed on the Riyadh Stock Exchange in 2008 and the variables which may determine it. We develop indexes to quantify the disclosure level in the labor, social and Environmental categories and build a General Index. Our results indicate that the level of CSR disclosure is fairly low in Saudi Arabia Firm. Size is the main variable linked to all CSR categories. Economic sector and profitability also show a significant relationship with all these categories. However, type of auditing Firm (international or local) and regulated sector do not affect the level of disclosure
Randomized asynchronous consensus with imperfect communications

We introduce a novel hybrid failure model, which facilitates an accurate and detailed analysis of round-based synchronous, partially synchronous and asynchronous distributed algorithms under both process and link failures. Granting every process in the system up to f/sub /spl lscr// send and receive link failures (with f/sub /spl lscr///sup a/ arbitrary faulty ones among those) in every round, without being considered faulty, we show that the well-known randomized Byzantine agreement algorithm of (Srikanth & Toueg 1987) needs just n /spl ges/ 4f/sub /spl lscr// + 2ff/sub /spl lscr///sup a/+ 3f/sub a/ + 1 processes for coping with f/sub a/ Byzantine faulty processes. The probability of disagreement after R iterations is only 2/sup -R/, which is the same as in the FLP model and thus much smaller than the lower bound 0(1/R) known for synchronous systems with lossy links. Moreover, we show that 2-stubborn links are sufficient for this algorithm. Hence, contrasting widespread belief, a perfect communications subsystem is not required for efficiently solving randomized Byzantine agreement.
The MetaCyc database of metabolic pathways and enzymes and the BioCyc collection of pathway/genome databases

The MetaCyc database (MetaCyc.org) is a freely accessible comprehensive database describing metabolic pathways and enzymes from all domains of life. The majority of MetaCyc pathways are small-molecule metabolic pathways that have been experimentally determined. MetaCyc contains more than 2400 pathways derived from >46 000 publications, and is the largest curated collection of metabolic pathways. BioCyc (BioCyc.org) is a collection of 5700 organism-specific Pathway/Genome Databases (PGDBs), each containing the full genome and predicted metabolic network of one organism, including metabolites, enzymes, reactions, metabolic pathways, predicted operons, transport systems, and pathway-hole fillers. The BioCyc website offers a variety of tools for querying and analyzing PGDBs, including Omics Viewers and tools for comparative analysis. This article provides an update of new developments in MetaCyc and BioCyc during the last two years, including addition of Gibbs free energy values for compounds and reactions; redesign of the primary gene/protein page; addition of a tool for creating diagrams containing multiple linked pathways; several new search capabilities, including searching for genes based on sequence patterns, searching for databases based on an organism's phenotypes, and a cross-organism search; and a metabolite identifier translation service.
Women on Italian Bank Boards: Are They 'Gold Dust'?

Italy ranks among EU countries with the fewest women on bank boards. Using a rich dataset on Italian banks that combines individual data on bank governance with different measures of performance and risk, this paper analyses the determinants of the gender gap in top positions. Econometric results suggest that there is a i? ½second glass ceilingi? ½ as they confirm a significantly lower probability of women holding top decision-making positions (Chairman, CEO, General Manager), other individual characteristics and bank features being equal. Moreover, results show that the number of women at the top is greater a) in banks belonging to the major banking groups, with larger and younger boards; and b) in banks that are more cost efficient or in those with a larger share of risky loans in the past (in need of restructuring). Preliminary evidence from performance equations suggests that the presence of women is negatively correlated with indicators of ex post riskiness, implying that credit policies are more stringent when women are on the board, possibly due to their higher risk aversion.
NURSES' EXPERIENCES OF CARING FOR PATIENTS WITH A DUAL DIAGNOSIS OF DEPRESSION AND ALCOHOL ABUSE IN A GENERAL PSYCHIATRIC SETTING

The aim of this study is to describe mental psychiatric health nurses' experiences of caring for persons with the dual disorders of major depression and alcohol abuse. The study was conducted in 2003 on three psychiatric wards located in two general hospitals in Sweden. The study group comprised 11 registered nurses with experience of caring for patients with dual disorders. The data were analyzed by means of qualitative content analysis. The findings revealed three categories: Enabling a good level of cooperation with patients; Facilitating continued care and treatment; and Understanding barriers to cooperation with patients. Building a trusting relationship in order to enable cooperation with patients was the basis for continued care and treatment. The nurses needed more training and multidisciplinary knowledge in order to meet the particular clinical needs of this patient group. Nurses have an important obligation to utilize the best available evidence, including research findings and other scientific sources.
Vocational Technical Education in Nigeria: Challenges and the Way Forward

There is no gainsaying that education remains the key to sustainable development of any country. It was in realization of this that a National Policy on Education was formulated. The trend now in the society shows that the level of one's education does not have a significant effect on one's growth rather the effect is more pronounced on the level of skills possessed and the ability to apply the skills in the real world of work. Possession of requisite vocational technical education (VTE) skills and its applicability will help to implement complex growth inducing technologies and productivity enhances practices. The VTE systems in most nations have undergone enormous change in recent time. This was as a result of new policies on VTE, which forced most countries of the world including Nigeria to turn around their traditional VTE policies and practices in line with the recent trend. Nigeria formulates viable policies but the implementation of such policies has been the major bane to VTE development. This paper critically reviews the micro and macro VTE policies in Nigeria, their current challenges and the way forward.
Tranexamic acid reduces surgical bleeding: Does one size fit all?

Commentary on: Ker K, Prieto-Merino D, Roberts I. Systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of the effect of tranexamic acid on surgical blood loss. Br J Surg 2013;100:1271–9. [OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3] Tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces the need for blood transfusion in surgery. However, the extent of blood loss reduction associated with TXA when used for different types of surgery is still unclear. Furthermore, there is a lack of consensus regarding the dosing and timing of TXA administration, with previous studies reporting highly variable dosage and timing of administration.1 Ker and colleagues attempt to address these issues. This study uses the same literature search the authors used in a previous systematic review of the effects of TXA on transfusion requirement.2 A total of 8030 patients from 104 randomised … [1]: {openurl}? query=rft.jtitle%253DBr%2BJ%2BSurg%26rft.volume%253D100%26rft.spage%253D1271%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1002%252Fbjs.9193%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F23839785%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref? access_num=10.1002/bjs.9193&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref? access_num=23839785&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmed%2F19%2F2%2Fe12.atom