Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for severe respiratory syncytial virus infection among Alaska native children.

OBJECTIVE The incidence of hospitalization for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection among Alaska Native children is much higher than among non-Native populations in the United States. We conducted this study to better understand factors associated with hospitalization attributable to RSV infection in this high-risk population. DESIGN Case-control study, including collection of cord blood for RSV-neutralizing antibody measurement. SETTING Remote region of southwest Alaska served by 1 regional hospital and 2 referral hospitals. SUBJECTS Case-patients identified through surveillance for RSV infection and matched control subjects without acute respiratory infection hospitalization. RESULTS Breastfeeding was associated with a lower risk of RSV hospitalization (odds ratio: 0.34), whereas underlying medical conditions (primarily prematurity) were associated with increased risk (odds ratio: 6.25). Environmental factors associated with a higher risk of hospitalization included household crowding (4 or more children in the household and crowding index > or =2). The level of maternal RSV-neutralizing antibody was not associated with the risk of hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS In this region with extremely high risk of RSV hospitalization, several measures, such as encouraging breastfeeding and reducing household crowding, could reduce the risk of hospitalization attributable to RSV.
CNTFET-based design of dynamic ternary full adder cell

This paper proposes a novel CNTFET-based design of ternary full adder (TFA) cell using dynamic logic style. The proposed TFA is designed based on the conventional CMOS architecture with utilization of inherent binary nature (0, 1) of input carry signal. Since voltage at the output of the dynamic circuit is stored on a parasitic capacitance, a ternary keeper is used in order to alleviate charge sharing problems. The proposed TFA cell is evaluated using HSPICE simulator with 32nm Stanford CNTFET model in various test conditions and at different power supply voltages. The proposed design with output buffer achieves significant improvements in terms of speed, power dissipation and driving capability with respect to other state-of-the-art TFA cells. At 0.9 V, the proposed TFA cell shows 78% reduction in power delay product in comparison to a CNTFET based TFA cell, recently proposed in the literature.
The Relationship Between Trading Volume and Stock Returns

This study examines the relationship between trading volume and stock returns. The sample of the study consists of 266 stocks traded at the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) from 2000-2008. This study follows the conventional methodology used by Jagadeesh and Titman ( Jagadeesh and Titman, 1993). The study revealed that stock returns are positively related to the contemporary change in trading volume. Further, it was found that past trading volume change is negatively related to stock returns. Investor misspecification about future earnings or illiquidity of low volume stocks can be the reason for the negative relationship between trading volume and stock returns.
An integrative framework capturing experiential and utilitarian shopping experience

Purpose – In line with changes in consumer demand, models used in empirical study of the shopping experience have expanded. Reflecting the integrative (experiential and utilitarian) nature of shopping experience, the paper aims to propose an overarching stimulus‐organism‐response based shopping experience framework.Design/methodology/approach – This conceptual paper offers a framework that integrates components of both the hedonic experience related consciousness‐emotion‐value model and the utilitarian experience‐related cognition‐affect‐behavior model. In this paper, articles crossing hedonic and utilitarian boundaries are briefly presented, and the array of variables used in empirical studies of shopping experience, with an emphasis on brick‐and‐mortar shopping experiences, are synthesized for each component of the framework.Findings – The resulting framework is an inclusive overarching structure that explains the consumer shopping experience. This framework is useful for both academia and industry. It .
Market orientation development: a comparison of industrial vs consumer goods companies

While significant empirical work exists around the conceptualization of the notion of market orientation (MO), as well as its relation to company performance, little empirical work has attempted to depict the actual steps a company has to take in order to increase its adaptability to market situation and, thus become market oriented. Furthermore, no empirical work has attempted so far to investigate the degree of MO between companies producing consumer goods vs companies producing industrial goods. By examining a number of research propositions, this paper attempts to investigate the marketing practices of consumer goods producers vis‐a‐vis the practices of companies that participate in industrial markets and to discriminate industrial from consumer goods companies based on their marketing practices and MO adoption profile.
GRA Method of Multiple Attribute Decision Making with Single Valued Neutrosophic Hesitant Fuzzy Set Information

Single valued neutrosophic hesitant fuzzy set has three independent parts, namely the truth membership hesitancy function, indeterminacy membership hesitancy function, and falsity membership hesitancy function, which are in the form of sets that assume values in the unit interval [0, 1]. Single valued neutrosophic hesitant fuzzy set is considered as a powerful tool to express uncertain, incomplete, indeterminate and inconsistent information in the process of multi attribute decision making problems. In this paper we study multi attribute decision making problems in which the rating values are expressed with single valued neutrosophic hesitant fuzzy set information. Firstly, we define score value and accuracy value to compare single valued neutrosophic hesitant fuzzy sets and then define normalised Hamming distance between the single valued neutrosophic hesitant fuzzy sets. Secondly, we propose the grey relational analysis method for multi attribute decision making under single valued neutrosophic hesitant fuzzy set environment. Finally, we provide an illustrative example to demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Action learning : co-creating value from collaborative sustainable projects

This article reports on the specific role that action learning plays in the promotion of sustainability and innovation in the Local Government sector. The study focuses on one organisation and the efforts of a senior manager to enact change. The senior manager utilized his participation in an MBA programme to bring the classroom learning into his business. As a consequence of the requirements of the programme and also the desire of the senior manager, he was able to instigate a change programme, which delivered measurable outcomes and had financial and cultural impact. This case study illustrates the favourable advantages of using action learning as an intervention approach by HEI’s in driving sustainable innovation in the Local Government sector.
The Financial Risk Tolerance of Blacks, Hispanics and Whites

This article focuses on the effect of race and ethnicity on financial risk tolerance. Blacks and Hispanics are less likely to be willing to take some financial risk but more likely to be willing to take substantial financial risk than Whites, after controlling for the effects of other variables. Risk attitudes may affect investment behavior, so having an appropriate willingness to take financial risk is important in achieving investment goals. Government agencies and financial educators should target investor education on investments and financial risk to racial and ethnic groups in order to promote better choices for investing for financial goals.
Orthoreovirus Infection and Concurrent Cryptosporidiosis in Rough Green Snakes (Opheodrys Aestivus): Pathology and Identification of a Novel Orthoreovirus Strain via Polymerase Chain Reaction and Sequencing

Reoviruses are nonenveloped, segmented, double-stranded RNA viruses capable of infecting a wide range of invertebrate, vertebrate, fungus, and plant hosts. Though sporadic infection has been reported in a variety of reptilian species, infection of rough green snakes (Opheodrys aestivus) has not been previously described. Five wild-caught, adult rough green snakes were obtained by a zoological institution. Clinical deterioration was first noted in all snakes after 3 weeks in quarantine. Despite treatment, clinical decline progressed, and all 5 snakes died or were euthanized by 48 days post-arrival. Moderate, multifocal, acute, necrotizing hepatitis with hepatocellular syncytia was diagnosed in 1 snake. Two additional snakes had severe, diffuse, subacute to chronic pancreatitis. All 5 snakes had gastroenteric cryptosporidiosis. Electron microscopic examination of liver from the snake with hepatic lesions revealed scattered hepatocytes containing 1 or more intranuclear clusters of approximately 90 nm in diameter viral particles arranged in loose arrays. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of a segment of the reovirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene was performed on RNA extracted from tissues of all 5 snakes. PCR amplification of samples extracted from the snake with hepatic lesions resulted in a 109–base pair (bp) product. Phylogenetic analyses indicated the virus was a novel strain distinct from other reoviruses at a level consistent with species difference. The source of infection was unknown. PCR amplification of samples extracted from the other 4 snakes was negative.
PAY EQUITY AND SATISFACTION: THE EFFECTS OF UNDERPAYMENT AND ASPIRATIONS WITH A REVIEW AND IMPLICATIONS FOR MANAGERS

The highest level of satisfaction is thought to be associated with pay equity, while pay inequity, specifically underpayment, results in lower levels of satisfaction and negative outcomes such as increased absences and turnover. Determining whether an employee’s pay is equitable is difficulty for both managers and researchers. This paper will investigate one method of making this determination and whether pay equity is represented by a pay range. Also investigated is whether an equitably paid employee and an underpaid employee differ as to their satisfaction and aspirations for changes in pay. The results of this study should be of interest to both the manager and researcher.
Succession in the Family Business: Challenges for Successors from an Entrepreneurial Perspective

Kronmann Wholesale and Retail is an outstanding family business with more than 300 years of history. This teaching case tells the story of two cousins who follow their fathers into a business full of tradition. The case gives students the opportunity to gain insights into the complex succession process of family businesses, as well as the challenges with which successors are confronted in the course of family business succession.
Dilemma of diagnosing thoracic sarcoidosis in tuberculosis endemic regions: An imaging-based approach. Part 1

Abstract Sarcoidosis is a multi-systemic disorder of unknown etiology, although commonly believed to be immune-mediated. Histologically, it is characterized by noncaseating granuloma which contrasts against the caseating granuloma seen in tuberculosis (TB), an infectious disease that closely mimics sarcoidosis, both clinically as well as radiologically. In TB-endemic regions, the overlapping clinico-radiological manifestations create significant diagnostic dilemma, especially since the management options are markedly different in the two entities. Part 1 of this review aims to summarize the clinical, laboratory, and imaging features of sarcoidosis, encompassing both typical and atypical manifestations, in an attempt to distinguish between the two disease entities.
To sit or not to sit?

STUDY OBJECTIVE We prospectively examine whether provider posture (seated versus standing) influences patient and provider estimates of time spent at the bedside relative to actual time and patient perceptions of the provider-patient interaction. METHODS A convenience sample of consenting adult patients presenting to an academic tertiary care emergency department between September 7, 2005, and September 25, 2005, were eligible for inclusion in this randomized, controlled trial. Providers (emergency medicine attending physicians, residents, physician assistants, and medical students) were randomly assigned to sit or stand during the initial encounter, after which, participants completed questionnaires about their perceptions of provider-patient interactions and time spent therein. Actual encounter length was measured. Data were analyzed to determine whether patient and provider perception differences existed, using a multilevel regression model that was adjusted for patient-level and provider-level covariates. RESULTS Two hundred twenty-four consenting patients met inclusion criteria (239 approached; 15 excluded). Data from 36 providers were collected. The mean length of encounters in both study arms was 8.6 minutes (SD 4.8; range 1.5 to 34.1). Patients involved in seated interactions overestimated time providers spent performing initial encounters by an average of 1.3 minutes (SD 4.3 minutes), whereas patients involved in the standing interactions underestimated time by an average of 0.6 minutes (SD 4.3 minutes) (P=.001). Conversely, providers overestimated time spent with patients in both study arms (P=.85; mean [SD] 0.5 [3.6] versus 0.3 [3.2] minutes). Patient perceptions of the quality of patient-provider interactions were not affected by provider posture. CONCLUSION Although provider posture during the initial interaction affects patient perceptions of time spent at the bedside, it does not influence patient perception of the provider's bedside manner, sense of caring, or understanding of the patient's problem.
Gestational weight loss has adverse effects on placental development

Objective: To clarify whether mothers with gestational weight loss (GWL) were likely to have adverse effects on the placenta. Study design: Subjects who delivered viable singleton infants after 24 weeks of gestation were enrolled. A retrospective analysis to evaluate cases of GWL in association with the findings of the placenta and amniotic membrane after delivery was conducted. After consideration of confounders, a case–control study with matched pairs (1:2) was performed. Results: Of all subjects (5551 cases), 83 cases (1.5%) with GWL were found. Since the pre-pregnancy maternal body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in cases, 166 controls with a matched BMI were selected. The neonatal birth weights, placental weights and the umbilical cord length in cases were significantly smaller than in controls (p < 0.05). Preterm delivery and small for gestational age (SGA) infants were more frequently observed in cases compared with controls [odds ratio (OR) 6.3; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.3, 12.1, OR 4.3; 95% CI 1.9, 9.9]. pPROM were observed in 10.8% of the cases and 1.8% of the control (OR 6.6; 95% CI 1.7, 25.1). However, the frequencies of chorioamnionitis and the cervical length at second trimester were not different between the two groups. Conclusion: GWL is associated with SGA, small placenta, short umbilical cord length, preterm delivery and pPROM.
Multi-stage bidding for construction contracts : a game theory approach

In the construction industry, auctions have long been used as a method for allocating contracts. Not addressed in the literature (engineering or economics) is the fact that most, if not all, large jobs are awarded to a general contractor who in turn sub-contracts most, if not all, actual engineering services. Optimal bidding strategies in this setting require the general contractor to not only account for the optimal bidding strategies of rivals, but sub-contractors as well. Because the true cost of construction is not known until after the completion of the contract, adverse selection occurs when the winner of the contract is the one that most has under estimated the true cost. Due to the multi-stage bidding environment, adverse selection may be compounded. Therefore, not accounting for the potential for adverse selection by bidders may result in requested change orders by the general and sub-contractors or lower quality services. Either state ultimately results in an adversarial relationship between the subcontractor and general contractor, and the client as well. This paper uses game theory to determine to what extent the multi-stage aspects of large construction contract bidding may contribute to inefficient allocation of contracts. This should better help in creating an efficient and effective contracting environment that result in less conflicts, claims and disputes for all the associated stakeholders.
Economical Scheme for the Vertical Integral of Atmospheric Emission in Longwave Radiative Transfer

A computationally fast scheme has been developed which accurately evaluates the vertical integral of the transmission function for longwave radiative transfer, incorporating with the multi-parameter random model. In this scheme transmittances are calculated only between the half-levels of the vertical coordinate, while the Planck fluxes are evaluated at both the halfand full-levels. The vertical integral in one layer can be represented with two terms; one is for a temperature profile with no inversion and the other for a profile with inversion. The validity of this scheme has been investigated by calculating temperature profiles in radiative and radiative-convective equilibria. It has been found that this scheme can accurately evaluate the cooling rates at levels with extreme temperatures near the tropopause and stratopause, and that the temperature profiles contain no fluctuation due to two-grid noise.
Revisiting Idiosyncratic Volatility and Stock Returns

This paper’s aim is to revisit the relation between idiosyncratic volatility and future stock returns. There are three key findings: First, we confirm earlier studies which show a negative relation. Further we show that it is the month to month changes in idiosyncratic volatility that produce this observed relation. More specifically, a portfolio of stocks that move from a lower (higher) idiosyncratic volatility quintile to higher (lower) one earns positive (negative) abnormal returns. Eliminating all firm-month observations with idiosyncratic volatility quintile changes, we find a positive relation. Second, we link our findings with corporate related events. Third, we find that after 2000, the idiosyncratic volatility effect disappears.
Optical and Electrical Diagnostics of Cold Ar Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet Generated With a Simple DBD Configuration

A cold Ar atmospheric pressure plasma jet generated using a DBD configuration device equipped with two powered electrodes as well as a grounded ring electrode driven by a sinusoidal excitation voltage at 38 kHz is presented in this paper. In this paper, properties of the jet discharge are studied by electrical diagnostics, including applied voltage, conducting current, and average absorbed power. Moreover, the optical emission spectroscopy is used to measure the plasma parameters, of which the electronic excitation temperature is determined by the Boltzmann's plot method using ten characteristic lines of Ar from 3p54p → 3p54s and 3p55p → 3p54s transitions whereas the gas temperature is obtained by using a fiber thermometer (FISO FOT-L-SD). It has been found that the conducting current, average absorbed power, the excitation temperature, and gas temperature increase with the applied voltage. On the other hand, these parameters are inversely proportional to the argon gas flow rate. What is more is that the production of oxygen radical (produced by the collisions between oxygen molecule from atmosphere and high-energy particles in plasma effluent) at a gas flow rate of 2 slm is investigated by means of optical actinometry, which is found to increase with the applied voltage.
A Parsimonious Instrument for Predicting Students’ Intent to Pursue a Sales Career

Students’ desire and intention to pursue a career in sales continue to lag behind industry demand for sales professionals. This article develops and validates a reliable and parsimonious scale for measuring and predicting student intention to pursue a selling career. The instrument advances previous scales in three ways. The instrument is generalizable across academic settings and is shown to be sensitive to differences across varied course coverage and learning activities. The instrument is parsimonious and offers a high reliability coefficient. Finally, the instrument is validated both before and after exposure to a sales module, thus capturing perceptual and attitudinal changes as students become more familiar with this career option.
The Threats to Marketing Research

Several recent articles and comments [9, 22, 23] in this journal have drawn attention to the ethical problems confronting marketing researchers. There is mounting evidence that these ethical problems, while significant, are being overshadowed by a variety of environmental trends and questionable practices whose extent is only imperfectly understood [11, 15, 16]. However, their unwelcome presence is being increasingly felt through higher costs (via reduced response rates, more difficult interviewer recruiting, higher wages, and greater interviewer turnover rates) and problems with data quality, sample representativeness, declining public acceptance of surveys, and new demands for government restrictions. The seriousness of these problems is reflected in the recent establishment of the Committee on Public Attitudes Toward Survey Research by the American Marketing Association and the organization of the Council of American Survey Research Organizations [24]. The American Association of Public Opinion Research's Standards Committee is undertaking a study to document the experience of its members, particularly with respect to completion rates. The American Statistical Association has recommended the establishment of a small, full-time research staff dedicated to studying the problems [16]. The purpose of this article is to complement these activities by first putting the various uncontrollable and controllable threats into perspective, and then proposing a specific program of "research on research" designed to clarify the changing environment of marketing research and provide a basis for industry-wide corrective action.
Strategies for managing a portfolio of alliances

Interorganizational relationships are recognized as an increasingly important source of competitive advantage. Hence, goal‐oriented management of the alliance portfolio—all the alliances of the focal firm—plays a decisive role in company performance. Consequently, the configuration and development of the alliance portfolio become important strategic issues. In light of that, this article develops theoretical propositions that seek to clarify what determines the configuration and evolution of an alliance portfolio, and then presents the results of a longitudinal study to illustrate the developed theoretical framework. Building on contingency theory and a coevolutionary framework, we were able to identify three distinctive types of portfolio strategies at business level and to illustrate how they interact with the development of the business strategy and the business environment. Encompassing all this, the study illustrates and explains developmental paths and patterns in the evolution of an alliance portfolio. The developmental course typically evolves from adapting to shaping and to exploiting (stabilizing), according to the state of strategic uncertainty and the firm's resource endowment. A sudden increase in exogenous strategic uncertainty, however, can lead to a strategic shift back to an exploration or hybrid strategy. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.