Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Observability-based path-planning and flow-relative control of a bioinspired sensor array in a Karman vortex street

This paper describes the use of a bioinspired array of pressure sensors to estimate and control flow-relative position using potential flow theory and a recursive Bayesian filter. Inspired by the lateral-line neuromasts found in fish, the sensing scheme is validated using off-the-shelf pressure sensors. First, the strength and location of a stationary spiral vortex are estimated and closed-loop control of relative position is demonstrated experimentally. Second, we identify an optimal path through a Karman vortex street using empirical observability. Finally, the vorticity and location of the Karman vortex street is estimated and closed-loop control to the optimal path is demonstrated experimentally. This work is a precursor to an autonomous robotic fish sensing the wake of another fish and/or performing pursuit and schooling behavior.
The quality of life in end stage renal disease care

Abstract The improved prognosis and survival statistics of both renal transplantation and dialysis have focused attention on the quality of life offered by these treatments. Using a standardized questionnaire, we assessed the quality of life of 612 patients undergoing renal replacement therapy at our center. Of these patients, 359 had been transplanted and 253 patients were on dialysis. Concerning the sociodemographic data, only the time on specific treatment was longer in dialysis patients than in transplanted patients (49.2 versus 55.6 months, P < 0.05). Most complaints were more common in dialysis patients than in transplanted patients. Only the side effects of medication were seen more in transplanted patients (P < 0.005). Life satisfaction was higher in transplanted patients than in dialysis patients. Dialysis patients were more anxious (P < 0.05) and more depressed (P < 0.001) than transplanted patients. Transplanted patients also felt that they had more social support than did dialysis patients. Overall life quality was almost equal between patients on hemodialysis and patients on peritoneal dialysis, and between patients on the waiting list for transplantation and those not on the waiting list. Despite a significantly better quality of life after renal transplantation, the percentage of patients working remained unchanged. (57.5 % versus 57.8 %, P = n.s.). We conclude that despite an improved quality of life after renal transplantation, these patients are economically not more productive than patients on dialysis.
Concomitant vaginal surgery did not affect outcome of the tension-free vaginal tape operation during a prospective 3-year followup study.

PURPOSE We compare outcomes when vaginal surgery and a tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) operation were done concomitantly and when only a TVT operation was done in patients with stress or mixed urinary incontinence. MATERIALS AND METHODS Outcomes in 75 consecutive patients who underwent a TVT operation concomitantly with vaginal surgery (group 1) were compared with outcomes in 75 who underwent only a TVT operation (group 2) between August 1998 and June 2000. Group 2 patients were matched for age and incontinence type with group 1 patients. All study subjects had a followup visit to the study hospital 2 months after the operation. Questionnaire based assessments were done 2 and 3 years after the operation. RESULTS Ten group 1 (13%) and 6 group 2 (8%) patients had a lower urinary tract infection. Other infections occurred after operation in 10 group 1 (13%) and 1 group 2 (1.3%) patients. Four cases (5.3%) of intraoperative bladder perforation occurred in group 1. A total of 15 group 1 (20%) and 7 group 2 (9.3%) patients were treated for transient urinary retention. Two months after the operation 93% of group 1 and 97% of group 2 were free of stress urinary incontinence. The corresponding percents 2 years after operation were 88% and 93%, and at 3 years they were 87% and 92%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Complications and transient urinary retention occurred more often after TVT operations and concomitant vaginal surgery than after the TVT operation alone. There were no statistically significant differences in regard to the cure of stress urinary incontinence and incidence of urge symptoms during the 3-year followup.
Convergent Validity of Four Accelerometer Cutpoints With Direct Observation of Preschool Children's Outdoor Physical Activity

Purpose: More than one fifth of American preschool-aged children are classified as overweight/obese. Increasing physical activity is one means of slowing/reversing progression to overweight or obesity. Measurement of physical activity in this age group relies heavily on motion sensors such as accelerometers. Output is typically interpreted through application of one of several cutpoints to quantify the amount of time spent at various physical activity levels. Cutpoint nonequivalence has resulted in widely varying estimates of physical activity. Thus, we sought to ascertain the convergent validity of four ActiGraph accelerometer cutpoints with the Observation System for Recording Activity in Children–Preschool (OSRAC–P). Method: Two studies were conducted with sixty-nine 4- and 5-year-olds during unstructured outdoor free play at a single university campus preschool in Southern California. In Study 1 (N = 57), percentages of time spent in sedentary behavior (SED) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were compared at the aggregate level using the two-proportion z-test and Bland Altman plots. In Study 2 (N = 12), time-matched 5-s intervals between accelerometery and the OSRAC–P were compared using percent agreement, kappa, and classification functions. Results: In Study 1, cutpoints by Sirard, Trost, Pfeiffer, Dowda, and Pate (2005) best converged with the OSRAC–P estimates of SED and MVPA. In Study 2, Sirard et al. cutpoints and those by Pate, Almeida, McIver, Pfeiffer, and Dowda (2006) were more sensitive in detecting SED and MVPA, respectively. Conclusions: Choosing a cutpoint in this age group should be based on the exposure of interest, epoch/observation interval duration, and required degree of stringency for classifying physical activity level.
Government Spending Composition, Technical Change and Wage Inequality

In this paper we argue that government spending played a significant role in stimulating the wave of innovation that hit the U.S. economy in the late 1970s and in the 1980s, as well as the simultaneous increase in inequality and in education attainment. Since the late 1970’s U.S. policy makers began targeting commercial innovations more directly and explicitly. We focus on the shift in the composition of public demand towards high-tech goods which, by increasing the market-size of innovative firms, functions as a de-facto innovation policy tool. We build a quality-ladder non- scale growth model with heterogeneous industries and endogenous supply of skills, and show that increases in the technological content of public spending stimulates R&D, raise the wage of skilled workers and, at the same time, stimulate human capital accumulation. A calibrated version of the model suggests that government policy explains between 12 and 15 percent of the observed increase in wage inequality in the period 1976-91.
The Analysis of PPG Morphology: Investigating the Effects of Aging on Arterial Compliance

This study presents the variations of photoplethysmogram (PPG) morphology with age. PPG measurement is done noninvasively at the index finger on both right and left hands for a sample of erectile dysfunction (ED) subjects. Some parameters are derived from the analysis of PPG contour showed in association with age. The age is found to be an important factor that affects the contour of PPG signals which accelerates the disappearance of PPG’s dicrotic notch and PPG’s inflection point as well. Arterial compliance is found to be degraded with age due to the fall of arterial elasticity. This study approaches the establishment of usefulness of PPG’s contour analysis as an investigator to the changes in the elastic properties of the vascular system, and as a detector of early sub-clinical atherosclerosis.
Antecedents of consumers’ reliance on online product reviews

PurposeThis paper examines the role that attitudes toward online product reviews (OPRs), perceived credibility of OPRs and perceived benefit of OPRs play as antecedents of consumers’ reliance on OPRs in purchase decisions. A conceptual model of relationships investigated posits that attitudes drive reliance and are in turn driven by perceived benefit and credibility of OPRs. The study also examines gender differences in the constructs and their inter-relationships.Design/methodology/approachData from a structured self-administered survey of US consumers are used to estimate parameters of a structural equation model (SEM) of the relationships. Gender differences in the structural relationships are tested using multi-group SEM, while gender differences in reliance, attitudes, benefit and credibility are tested using independent-samplest-tests.FindingsResults show a strong positive effect of attitudes toward OPRs on reliance on OPRs. In turn, perceived benefit and credibility of OPRs are strong positive drivers of attitudes toward OPRs, with benefit having a greater impact. Structural relationships among the constructs are invariant across the two gender groups. However, there is a statistically significant difference between males and females in reliance on OPRs, with males exhibiting a tendency to rely more on OPRs than females.Originality/valueThe study introduces two new constructs to the literature – reliance on OPRs and global attitudes toward OPRs – and provides initial conceptualizations and operationalizations. The specific results underscore the relevance and importance of further research on these constructs and their relationships with other OPR-relevant constructs. They also provide initial indications of gender differences in consumers’ perceptions of OPRs and relationships among these and reliance on OPRs that are worthy of additional research attention.
Health-seeking behaviour and rural/urban variation in Kazakhstan.

This paper seeks to analyse the findings of an extensive household survey, uncovering interesting evidence of variation in health-seeking behaviour across rural and urban areas due, it is suggested, to differences in real costs, quality of care, and perceptions of the value of health and health care. It is shown that, ceteris paribus, urban households in Kazakhstan are more likely to consult, to be admitted to hospital, to report illness, and will spend relatively more on health care. The data suggest the need for further qualitative study into the factors underlying these patterns leading to strategies to increase the quality, acceptability and affordability of rural health services. This is important given the decline in health indicators such as life expectancy in Kazakhstan and the increased burden on households of funding health care in a time of economic insecurity and deterioration of public services.
Exploiting Firm Capabilities by Sensing, Seizing and Reconfiguring Capabilities: An Empirical Investigation

The aim of this paper is to study the exploitation of firm capabilities as dynamic capabilities through sensing, seizing and reconfiguring capabilities. Such a perspective enables us to better understand the logic behind the exploitation of dynamic capabilities. This study proposes that firms need to exploit all relevant firm capabilities according to the dynamic capabilities view. We also provide insights into positive practices that underpin dynamic capabilities as well as negative practices that cause rigidity in their deployment. Our paper highlights the importance of ensuring a continuous commitment to the sensing, seizing and reconfiguring capabilities. DOI: 10.15458/85451.72
Glutamate and Amyloid β-Protein Rapidly Inhibit Fast Axonal Transport in Cultured Rat Hippocampal Neurons by Different Mechanisms

Impairment of axonal transport leads to neurodegeneration and synapse loss. Glutamate and amyloid β-protein (Aβ) have critical roles in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here we show that both agents rapidly inhibit fast axonal transport in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. The effect of glutamate (100 μm), but not of Aβ25-35 (20 μm), was reversible, was mimicked by NMDA or AMPA, and was blocked by NMDA and AMPA antagonists and by removal of extracellular Ca2+. The effect of Aβ25-35 was progressive and irreversible, was prevented by the actin-depolymerizing agent latrunculin B, and was mimicked by the actin-polymerizing agent jasplakinolide. Aβ25-35 induced intracellular actin aggregation, which was prevented by latrunculin B. Aβ31-35 but not Aβ15-20 exerted effects similar to those of Aβ25-35. Full-length Aβ1-42 incubated for 7 d, which specifically contained 30-100 kDa molecular weight assemblies, also caused an inhibition of axonal transport associated with intracellular actin aggregation, whereas freshly dissolved Aβ1-40, incubated Aβ1-40, and fresh Aβ1-42 had no effect. These results suggest that glutamate inhibits axonal transport via activation of NMDA and AMPA receptors and Ca2+ influx, whereas Aβ exerts its inhibitory effect via actin polymerization and aggregation. The ability of Aβ to inhibit axonal transport seems to require active amino acid residues, which is probably present in the 31-35 sequence. Full-length Aβ may be effective when it represents a structure in which these active residues can access the cell membrane. Our results may provide insight into the early pathogenetic mechanisms of AD.
Corporate voluntary disclosures and board independence of Indian companies

Annual reports apart from being a means of communication are used as a vehicle of building and improving corporate image. Even the government and its institutions presiding over the corporate sector emphasize on additional disclosures related to corporate governance, corporate social responsibility, corporate sustainability etc. apart from more voluntary financial disclosures to enhance the investor confidence at large. There are a number of studies which argue, corporate governance and its mechanisms or proxies act as catalyst for increased voluntary disclosures while there are a few studies which negate or nullify its role in enhancing voluntary disclosures. Hence it is important at this juncture to find how it is currently placed in Indian context. The findings of this study suggest the lowering importance of proportion of independent directors in the boards of the companies. The variation in the extent of corporate disclosures over a longer period of time is not caused much due to board independence. However the role of board independence and its consistently positive association with voluntary financial and voluntary non-financial disclosures is an encouraging precursor for corporate firms and their varied stakeholders.
Effects of Organizational Learning Culture and Developmental Feedback on Engineers Career Satisfaction in the Manufacturing Organizations in Malaysia

The purpose of this paper is to test the hypotheses that relations between organizational learning culture, developmental feedback and career satisfaction in the manufacturing organizations. A sample of 155 engineers was drawn from two major manufacturing organizations located in the Northern Malaysia. Participation in the research was voluntary and data were gathered by means of a survey questionnaire. Multiple regression results provided support for the direct impact of organizational learning culture and developmental feedback on the engineer’s career satisfaction. Key implications of the survey findings both of the theory and practice are discussed, potential limitations are specified, and directions for future research are suggested. Keywords— organizational learning culture, developmental feedback, career satisfaction, engineers, manufacturing
Competition and Pricing Behavior in Long-Term Care Markets: Evidence from the Market for Assistance in Daily Housekeeping Activities

Exploiting a rich data set on the Dutch market for assistance in daily housekeeping activities (ADHA), we find that larger providers obtain a higher price than do small providers. However, compared to other studies on market power in care markets this price difference is considered small to moderate. Our identification strategy relies on the exogenous variation in market shares in January ’07, the very first month after ADHA was decentralized to municipalities. Zooming in on our main outcome, we obtain that the small but significant effect of market size on price is merely driven by the pricing behavior of for-profit providers.
Effects of Mutation in Hepatitis C Virus Nonstructural Protein 5A on Interferon Resistance Mediated by Inhibition of PKR Kinase Activity in Mammalian Cells

The IFN‐induced double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA)‐activated protein kinase PKR is one of the key molecules in the antiviral effects of IFN. To clarify the effects of hepatitis C virus nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) on antiviral activity of IFN, in particular on PKR kinase activity, in mammalian cells, we established inducible NS5A‐expressing cell lines derived from human osteosarcoma (Saos‐2). The cells expressing NS5A derived from an IFN‐resistant clone (NS5A‐1b) that interacted with endogenous PKR in vitro, showed a suppressive effect on IFN function as determined by interference with vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) infection, whereas NS5A (NS5A‐2a) from an IFN‐sensitive clone did not block the antiviral effect of IFN. A mutant with deletion of the IFN sensitivity determining region (ISDR) in NS5A‐1b (NS5A‐ΔISDR) also interacted with PKR and suppressed its activity in vitro. However, neither NS5A‐2a nor the C‐terminal truncated mutant of NS5A‐1b (NS5A‐ΔC) blocked PKR activity. These observations confirmed the previous report that the inhibitory effect of NS5A on IFN activity is mediated at least in part by the repression of PKR. In addition, we showed that IFN sensitivity was determined not only by the ISDR but that the involvement of the C‐terminal region of NS5A‐1b is important for the suppression of PKR activity.
Functional Analysis of Sox10 Mutations Found in Human Waardenburg-Hirschsprung Patients*

The Sry-related protein Sox10 is selectively expressed in neural crest cells during early stages of development and in glial cells of the peripheral and central nervous systems during late development and in the adult. Mutation of the Sox10 gene leads to neural crest defects in the Dominant megacolon mouse mutant and to combined Waardenburg-Hirschsprung syndrome in humans. Here, we have studied the four Sox10 mutations found to date in Waardenburg-Hirschsprung patients both in the context of the rat and the human cDNA. Unlike the rat Sox10 protein, which failed to show transcriptional activity on its own, human Sox10 displayed a weak, but reproducible, activity as a transcriptional activator. All mutant Sox10 proteins, including the one that only lacked the 106 last amino acids were deficient in this capacity, indicating that the carboxyl terminus of human Sox10 carries a transactivation domain. Whereas all four mutants failed to transactivate, only two failed to synergistically enhance the activity of other transcription factors. Synergy required both the ability to bind to DNA and a region in the amino-terminal part of Sox10. Those mutants that failed to synergize were unable to bind to DNA. Analysis of the naturally occurring Sox10 mutations not only helps to dissect Sox10 structure, but also allows limited predictions on the severity of the disease.
Surgical Supervisor Feedback Affects Performance: A Blinded Randomized Study

While performing a simple task of following: a suture while closing a surgical wound in a simulated environment, we hypothesized that negative reinforcement results in increased procedural errors, longer operating time and poorer trainee satisfaction. We aimed to measure the effect on participant performance and the perception of the instructor, following positive or negative supervisor feedback during the task. A blinded randomized study was conducted assessing positive and negative supervisor feedback styles on participant performance in a simulated operation room. Students performed the task twice, with a reflection in between the repeated task. We found that the change in procedure time between the two tasks was adversely affected by feedback style. Participants receiving negative feedback sought cues to improve. From this study, it was found that negative supervisor feedback has the potential to adversely affect elements of performance. Despite this, participants receiving negative feedback express a willingness to improve their performance by seeking cues from the supervisor.
USAGE PATTERNS AND CHALLENGES OF MULTIPURPOSE COMMUNITY TELECENTRES IN MALAWI

Domestic digital divide denotes the divisions between the haves and the have-nots of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) within a country. To bridge the domestic digital divide, the government of Malawi has been establishing telecentres since the early 2000s. It is now two decades since the first telecentre was opened. However, three important questions persist: Who uses the telecentres in Malawi? How are the telecentre used? What are the challenges in the use of telecentres? Using data from users, telecentre management and within telecentres, the study shows that there is uneven access for multipurpose telecentres in the country, as users are predominantly male, young, relatively educated and belonging to low-income levels; that users mostly used photocopying, printing and library services; and that, at one telecentre, a good number of users accessed the internet and computer services. The main challenges that users experienced included inadequate books and computers, the high cost of some services, lack of information in local languages and lack of internet-searching skills. The multipurpose community telecentres experienced poor infrastructure, lack of technical expertise, bureaucratic delays and demand that the telecentres should be free to the communities they serve. The study shows that telecentres are failing to achieve the objective of bridging the digital divide.
Employment Interview Screening: Time to Face the Ink

This article focuses on the impact that face and/or neck tattoos may have on the employment screening process. With some estimates placing the number of possible candidates with tattoos as high as 28%, and the increase in social acceptance of tattoos, reveals that this research may play a significant role for the employer and the candidate during the employment screening process. Tattoos today can be found on men and women, with no limits on professional status and the tattoo designs can hold profound meaning to the wearer. This qualitative study analyzed data from 243 participants. The data was broken down into gender responses when it comes to assessing a candidate with a face/neck tattoo during the employment screening process. One significant theme that emerged is that 50% of the participants reported that they would hire a candidate with a visible face/neck tattoo depending on the position, revealing that employment screeners still feel that a visible tattoo may be acceptable for some positions and not acceptable for other positions.
Firm Employment, Exit, and Growth in the Food Processing Sector: Evidence from Ghana

This paper uses data from a sample of 679 food processing firms in Ghana to estimate changes in employment by the food processing sector from 2014 to 2017, to analyze the determinants of firm exit during the same period, and to analyze the determinants of firm growth from the firmâ€™s establishment up to 2017. In modeling the determinants of firm growth, the focus is on the effects of formal status as a food processing firm, which is defined in this paper as registration as a business for tax purposes and registration with the national food regulator, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).