Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
System-of-Systems: An architectural framework to support development cost strategies

A System-of-Systems (SoS) architectural framework has been institutionalized within the Systems Engineering (SE) discipline in recent years in many industries. The objective is to combine independent product elements into collaborative solutions that leverage the technical and performance capabilities of the elements. SoS-based solutions can accelerate data transmission, increase data fidelity, result in safer products and provide new ways of doing business. On the other hand, such solutions typically take longer to develop and test; cost more to implement and maintain; and provide unexpected reliability and performance characteristics. In a few instances, they have even introduced flaws in security. Root-cause analysis of SoS-based systems that failed to meet performance, cost or schedule goals reveals that, for those systems, early assessments of both Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and the scope of integration efforts tended toward optimism. While the overly optimistic TRL assessments enabled the systems to proceed the optimism also leads to initial life-cycle cost estimates (LCCE) that have often proven unrealistically optimistic. Those estimates in turn have resulted in cost overruns and, for Federal programs, Nunn - McCurdy (N-M) breaches for both cost and schedule. This paper describes an approach to help decision makers accurately characterize a SoS during program formulation that supports defendable LCCEs and budgeting well into program execution without excessive growth. It builds on recent work by Mankins, Sauser, Marquez-Ramirez, Bilbro, McCabe and others into system and integration readiness levels (SRLs/IRLs); advancement degree of difficulty (AD2); and cyclomatic complexity. Using their research provides methods for determining the technological maturity of complex systems and elements. We show how TRL, IRL, SRL and complexity metrics can be used to adjust cost and schedule estimates early on. We demonstrate how to estimate a SRL using TRLs and IRLs, adjust for integration complexity, and then define the effort to forecast a realistic system readiness level that supports LCCEs that are reasonable and credible. Our approach provides the Program Manager/System Engineering Practitioner a tool suite that supports defendable program estimates during initial planning. We will be evaluating TRL & IRL growth in programs, both those with overruns and others.
EXPLORING THE PRODUCT INNOVATION OUTCOMES OF CORPORATE CULTURE AND EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Corporate culture and top executives’ leadership behaviour both may drive firm innovativeness. However, resource constraints often force firms to specify one source to spread an innovation orientation. Innovation-oriented corporate culture reflects the values, norms, and artifacts shared by a large set of organisational members; conventional wisdom implies that it fosters innovativeness. In contrast, top executives’ leadership behaviour drives innovations from the top; its influence on product innovation outcomes remains uncertain. This study examines the relative impact of innovation-oriented corporate culture and top executives’ transformational leadership on new product frequency. In so doing, it complements the commonly applied resource-based perspective with an upper echelons perspective, emphasizing top executives as the most important predictors of the firm’s strategic actions. Relying on dyadic data from 136 top executives and 414 subordinates, the results show that an innovation-oriented corporate culture is more effective in enhancing the frequency of new product introductions than top executives’ transformational leadership.
Trichloroethylene, Trichloroacetic Acid, and Dichloroacetic Acid: Do They Affect Fetal Rat Heart Development?

Trichloroethylene (TCE), trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and dichloroacetic acid (DCA) are commonly found as groundwater contaminants in many regions of the United States. Cardiac birth defects in children have been associated with TCE, and laboratory studies with rodents report an increased incidence of fetal cardiac malformations resulting from maternal exposures to TCE, TCA, and DCA. The objective of this study was to orally treat pregnant CDR(CD) Sprague-Dawley rats with large bolus doses of either TCE (500 mg/kg), TCA (300 mg/kg), or DCA (300 mg/kg) once per day on days 6 through 15 of gestation to determine the effectiveness of these materials to induce cardiac defects in the fetus. All-trans retinoic acid (RA) dissolved in soybean oil was used as a positive control. Soybean oil is commonly used as a dosing vehicle for RA teratology studies and was also used in this study as a dosing vehicle for TCE. Water was used as the dosing vehicle for TCA and DCA. Fetal hearts were examined on gestation day (GD) 21 by an initial in situ, cardiovascular stereomicroscope examination, and then followed by a microscopic dissection and examination of the formalin-fixed heart. The doses selected for TCA and DCA resulted in a modest decrease in maternal weight gain during gestation (3% to 8%). The fetal weights on GD 21 in the TCA and DCA treatment groups were decreased 8% and 9%, respectively, compared to the water control group and 21% in the RA treatment group compared to soybean oil control group. The heart malformation incidence for fetuses from the TCE-, TCA-, and DCA-treated dams did not differ from control values on a per fetus or per litter basis. The rate of heart malformations, on a per fetus basis, ranged from 3% to 5% for TCE, TCA, and DCA treatment groups compared to 6.5% and 2.9% for soybean oil and water control groups. The RA treatment group was significantly higher with 33% of the fetuses displaying heart defects. For TCE, TCA, and DCA treatment groups 42% to 60% of the litters contained at least one fetus with a heart malformation, compared to 52% and 37% of the Utters in the soybean oil and water control groups. For the RA treatment group, 11 of 12 litters contained at least one fetus with a heart malformation. Further research is needed to quantify the spontaneous rates of heart defects for vehicle control rats and to explain the disparity between findings in the present study and other reported findings on the fetal cardiac teratogenicity of TCE, TCA, and DCA.
Changes in house design reduce exposure to malaria mosquitoes

House design may affect an individual's exposure to malaria parasites, and hence to disease. We conducted a randomized‐controlled study using experimental huts in rural Gambia, to determine whether installing a ceiling or closing the eaves could protect people from malaria mosquitoes. Five treatments were tested against a control hut: plywood ceiling; synthetic‐netting ceiling; insecticide‐treated synthetic‐netting ceiling (deltamethrin 12.5 mg/m2); plastic insect‐screen ceiling; or the eaves closed with mud. The acceptability of such interventions was investigated by discussions with local communities. House entry by Anopheles gambiae, the principal African malaria vector, was reduced by the presence of a ceiling: plywood (59% reduction), synthetic‐netting (79%), insecticide‐treated synthetic‐netting (78%), plastic insect‐screen (80%, P < 0.001 in all cases) and closed eaves (37%, ns). Similar reductions were also seen with Mansonia spp. , vectors of lymphatic filariasis and numerous arboviruses. Netting and insect‐screen ceilings probably work as decoy traps attracting mosquitoes into the roof space, but not the room. Ceilings are likely to be well accepted and may be of greatest benefit in areas of low to moderate transmission and when used in combination with other malaria control strategies.
Air pollution and daily hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases in Windsor, Ontario.

OBJECTIVE To examine the role that ambient air pollution plays in exacerbating cardiovascular disease hospitalization in Windsor, Ontario. METHODS The number of daily cardiac hospital admissions was obtained from all Windsor hospitals from April 1, 1995 to December 31, 2000 and linked to concentrations of ambient air pollutants and weather variables. The logarithm of daily counts of hospitalization was regressed on the levels of pollutants, after adjusting for seasonal, weekly cycles, and weather variables using time series analysis with natural splines as smoothing functions. RESULTS Of all the pollutants considered, sulphur dioxide (SO2) had the strongest effect on cardiac hospitalization among the > or = 65 age group. The percentage increase in daily admission was 2.6% for current day sulphur dioxide level (95% CI: 0.5-6.4), 4.0% for 2-day mean level (95% CI: 0.1-6.9), and 5.6% (95% CI: 1.5-9.9) for 3-day mean level for an increase in interquartile range of 19.3 ppb. When particulate PM10 was included in the model, the contributing effect of sulphur dioxide remained significant for the > or = 65 age group for all three levels. CONCLUSIONS Short-term effects of sulphur dioxide are associated significantly to daily cardiac hospital admissions for people > or = 65 years of age living in Windsor. Since Windsor is a border city, additional monitoring and assessment is recommended to determine if air quality and resultant health effects have deteriorated since traffic congestion at the border has increased following the events of September 11, 2001.
The Cross Section of Expected Stock Returns

This paper studies the cross-sectional properties of return forecasts derived from Fama-MacBeth regressions. These forecasts mimic how an investor could, in real time, combine many firm characteristics to obtain a composite estimate of a stockâ€™s expected return. Empirically, the forecasts vary substantially across stocks and have strong predictive power for actual returns. For example, using ten-year rolling estimates of Fama- MacBeth slopes and a cross-sectional model with 15 firm characteristics (all based on low-frequency data), the expected-return estimates have a cross-sectional standard deviation of 0.87% monthly and a predictive slope for future monthly returns of 0.74, with a standard error of 0.07.
Testin Is Tightly Associated with Testicular Cell Membrane upon Its Secretion by Sertoli Cells whose Steady-state mRNA Level in the Testis Correlates with the Turnover and Integrity of Inter-testicular Cell Junctions*

Testin, a Sertoli cell secretory protein whose mRNA is predominantly expressed in the testis, was shown to become tightly associated with Sertoli cell membrane upon its secretion whose solubilization requires the use of a detergent such as SDS. In the in vitro studies using Sertoli cells cultured at high cell density, where specialized junctions were being formed, the concentration of “soluble” testin in the spent media was greatly reduced versus monolayer cultures at low cell density, where specialized junctions were absent. Conversely, the concentration of “membrane-bound” testin from detergent-solubilized Sertoli cell membrane extract was positively correlated to the existence of specialized junctions in these cultures. In normal rat testes, the level of radioimmunoassayable soluble testin in the cytosol was low. However, when the inter-testicular cell junctions were disrupted either by a drug treatment such as lonidamine in vivo or by a physical treatment in vitro such as exposing Sertoli-germ cell co-cultures where specialized junctions were formed to a hypotonic treatment, a drastic surge in the testin gene expression was noted. Thus, testin can become tightly associated with Sertoli cell membrane upon its secretion when intercellular junctions are formed. It is also a marker to monitor the integrity of inter-testicular cell junctions.
Seizing Opportunities: The Moderating Role of Managerial Characteristics on the Relationship between Opportunity‐Seeking and Innovation Efficacy in Small Businesses

We draw from regulatory focus theory to examine the relationship between a focus on opportunities through strategic orientation and entrepreneurial culture and managerial reports of innovation efficacy in small businesses. We propose that manager goals and behaviors moderate these relationships. Hypotheses were tested on a sample of 352 small employer firms. Findings support that strategic orientation positively associates with innovation efficacy and that this relationship is stronger under low managerial direction behaviors. Entrepreneurial culture positively associates with innovation efficacy when managers focus on profit and growth goals and under high managerial direction behaviors.
Immunoprotective properties of recombinant LigA and LigB in a hamster model of acute leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is the most widespread zoonosis and is considered a major public health problem worldwide. Currently, there is no widely available vaccine against leptospirosis for use in humans. A purified, recombinant subunit vaccine that includes the last six immunoglobulin-like (Ig-like) domains of the leptospiral protein LigA (LigA7’-13) protects against lethal infection but not renal colonization after challenge by Leptospira interrogans. In this study, we examined whether the addition of the first seven Ig-like domains of LigB (LigB0-7) to LigA7’-13, can enhance immune protection and confer sterilizing immunity in the Golden Syrian hamster model of acute leptospirosis. Hamsters were subcutaneously immunized with soluble, recombinant LigA7’-13, LigB0-7, or a combination of LigA7’-13 and LigB0-7 in Freund’s adjuvant. Immunization with Lig proteins generated a strong humoral immune response with high titers of IgG that recognized homologous protein, and cross-reacted with the heterologous protein as assessed by ELISA. LigA7’-13 alone, or in combination with LigB0-7, protected all hamsters from intraperitoneal challenge with a lethal dose of L. interrogans serovar Copenhageni strain Fiocruz L1-130. However, bacteria were recovered from the kidneys of all animals. Of eight animals immunized with LigB0-7, only three survived Leptospira challenge, one of which lacked renal colonization and had antibodies to native LigB by immunoblot. In addition, sera from two of the three LigB0-7 immunized survivors cross-reacted with LigA11-13, a region of LigA that is sufficient for protection. In summary, we confirmed that LigA7’-13 protects hamsters from death but not infection, and immunization with LigB0-7, either alone or in combination with LigA7’-13, did not confer sterilizing immunity.
[Quality of the diet and lifestyles in health sciences students].

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the eating habits of the students of the University of Alicante of the degrees of Human Nutrition and Dietetics and Nursing. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was carried out to 184 students of both sexes (96 of Human Nutrition and Dietetics and Nursing 88) of the University of Alicante. Were weighed and carved to calculate BMI; food consumption was estimated by the reminder of 24 hours; intake of macro and micronutrients were calculated using the program Easydiet. Comparing the results obtained in both qualifications and according to nutritional status by performing the corresponding statistical analysis. RESULTS The majority of the students analyzed are normal weight (80%). There were significant differences in the quality of the diet both degrees, being the same characteristics: low in carbohydrates and high in protein. It also shows an imbalance in the type of fat consumed, with a higher consumption of saturated and less from polyunsaturated than recommended. Likewise, analyzed that nutrition students do more exercise than the nurses, although they sleep fewer hours and spend more time in front of the computer and TV. CONCLUSION While the levels of overweight and obesity among students is less than that of the general population, there are imbalances in your diet, noting that consumption of macronutrients is located away from the recommendations, and that there are deficiencies in the intake of micronutrients. Showing that have knowledge of nutrition, does not affect healthy decision-making to a diet and lifestyle.
Clinical imaging characteristics of the positron emission mammography PEM Flex Solo II

Positron emission mammography (PEM) uses two opposing gamma-ray imagers and limited-angle tomography techniques to image radiotracer distributions within the breast. Due to their smaller size and closer proximity to the source, dedicated PEM cameras can provide better spatial resolution and count sensitivity than whole-body positron emission tomographs. We performed several clinical imaging tests on a commercially available PEM camera, the PEM Flex Solo II. This system is comprised of two opposing 6 cm X 16.4 cm detectors that scan in unison to cover up to a 24 cm X 16.4 cm field of view (FOV). We measured spatial resolution, uniformity, recovery coefficients (RC), and quantification using the system clinical software. Image linearity and coefficient of variation (CV) at the edge of the FOV were also characterized. Anecdotal examples of clinical patient data are presented. Spatial resolution is 2.4 mm FWHM for image planes parallel to the detector faces; background variability is 6%; quantification and RC varied within the FOV; positioning linearity began at ∼ 13 mm from the edge of the detector housing; CV increased rapidly at the edge of the FOV due to limited sampling in these image planes.
The Effect of Consistency on Short-Term Memory for Scenes

Which is more detectable, the change of a consistent or an inconsistent object in a scene? This question has been debated for decades. We noted that the change of objects in scenes might simultaneously be accompanied with gist changes. In the present study we aimed to examine how the alteration of gist, as well as the consistency of the changed objects, modulated change detection. In Experiment 1, we manipulated the semantic content by either keeping or changing the consistency of the scene. Results showed that the changes of consistent and inconsistent scenes were equally detected. More importantly, the changes were more accurately detected when scene consistency changed than when the consistency remained unchanged, regardless of the consistency of the memory scenes. A phase-scrambled version of stimuli was adopted in Experiment 2 to decouple the possible confounding effect of low-level factors. The results of Experiment 2 demonstrated that the effect found in Experiment 1 was indeed due to the change of high-level semantic consistency rather than the change of low-level physical features. Together, the study suggests that the change of consistency plays an important role in scene short-term memory, which might be attributed to the sensitivity to the change of semantic content.
A Wide Locking Range $LC$-Tank Injection-Locked Frequency Divider

This letter proposes a wideband injection-locked frequency divider (ILFD) and describes the operation principle of the ILFD. The circuit is made of a differential CMOS LC-tank oscillator and is based on the direct injection topology. The wideband function is obtained by tuning the switch across the tank inductors. The divide-by-two ILFD can provide wide locking range and the measurement results show that at the supply voltage of 1.8 V, the dual-band divider free-running frequencies are from 1.77 to 2.17 GHz for the low-band mode, and from 2.59 to 3.2 GHz for the high-band mode. At the incident power of 0 dBm, the locking range is about 1.7 GHz from the incident frequency 3.31 to 5.01 GHz at low band and 4.06 GHz from 3.94 to 8.0 GHz at high-band mode. The circuit can be used as a single wideband ILFD.
Traumatic Labyrinthine Concussion in a Patient with Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Blunt head trauma without any temporal bone fracture or longitudinal temporal bone fracture, with an associated fracture of the labyrinth may cause labyrinthine injury with sensor neural hearing loss and vertigo because of a concussive injury to the membranous labyrinth. Sudden sensory neural hearing loss is relatively frequent. In most cases, the etiology is not discovered. One of the possible causes for sudden deafness is inner labyrinth bleeding or concussion, which were difficult to diagnose before the advent of magnetic resonance imaging. Vertigo without a demonstrable fracture may also be the result of labyrinthine concussion, cupololithiasis and perilymphatic fistula. We describe the clinical case of a patient with acute traumatic hearing loss and vertigo, without skull base fracture detected on computed tomography. Magnetic resonance study was also performed. We have integrated the discussion with features that allow the differential diagnosis from other similar conditions.
A randomized study of the safety, absorption and efficacy of pimecrolimus cream 1% applied twice or four times daily in patients with atopic dermatitis

Background: Pimecrolimus cream 1% (Elidel®), a non‐steroid inhibitor of inflammatory cytokines, is effective in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, without corticosteroid‐related side effects such as skin atrophy. It is indicated for twice‐daily application. More frequent applications might be expected either to enhance efficacy or increase toxicity. This study compared the safety, efficacy and systemic absorption of pimecrolimus administered twice daily (recommended dose) and four times daily early in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Methods: Adolescent and adult patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis were randomly assigned to a twice daily (BID) treatment group (n = 24) or a four times daily (QID) group (n = 25). During days 1–7, patients in the QID group applied pimecrolimus four times daily, and patients in the BID group applied pimecrolimus twice daily plus vehicle equivalent twice daily. During days 8–21, all patients were required to use pimecrolimus twice daily and had the option to use up to two further daily treatments (pimecrolimus in the QID group and vehicle equivalent in the BID group). Blood sampling occurred 2, 4, and 6 hours after the first morning application on days 1 and 5 and then prior to the first morning application on days 8 and 15, and any time on day 22. Results: Only 3 (12%) QID patients and 4 (17%) BID patients reported adverse events (primarily mild, transient application‐site burning) with no significant difference between treatment groups in the frequency, type, or severity of adverse events. The median daily number of applications in the QID group during days 8–21 when two additional doses were optional remained at four. Pimecrolimus blood levels from a subgroup of 22 patients showed no difference in systemic exposure between the two dosing regimens. All but three (one in the QID group, two in the BID group) patients had blood levels below the limit of quantification; the highest single blood level of pimecrolimus measured in any patient was 1.37 ng/ml (QID group). Both the QID and BID regimens improved the signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis similarly as measured by improvements in pruritus severity score, Investigator's Global Assessment, Eczema Area and Severity Index, percentage of body surface area affected, and patient's self‐assessment of disease control. Conclusions: The data suggest that increasing pimecrolimus application from twice daily to four times daily to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis for up to 3 weeks does not alter the safety profile nor does it increase the efficacy of treatment. Systemic absorption of pimecrolimus applied BID and QID is minimal and is not different between dosing regimens. Patients and physicians familiar with the potential hazards of overuse of topical corticosteroids should be reassured that if pimecrolimus is applied at twice the recommended BID dose for short periods of time, there is no effect on safety, tolerability, or systemic absorption.