Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Study of Multitrack Joint 2-D Signal Detection Performance and Implementation Cost for Shingled Magnetic Recording

Shingled magnetic recording is a promising option to sustain the historical areal density growth of hard disk drives while retaining conventional heads and media. Nevertheless, highly scaled shingled magnetic recording is subject to severe intertrack interference (ITI), fewer grains per channel bit and therefore lower signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). This naturally demands 2-D read channel signal processing, which has an inherently large spectrum of detection performance versus computational complexity tradeoff. By concurrently detecting multitrack readback signals from a read head array, joint 2-D signal detection can fully utilize the 2-D interference to maximize the detection performance at the penalty of the highest computational complexity. Multitrack joint 2-D detection has not been thoroughly studied from either the detection performance or silicon implementation perspective because of the justifiable concern on its practical feasibility. To fill this missing link, this paper presents a comprehensive study of multitrack joint 2-D signal detection performance and silicon implementation cost. We further present an interleaved pipelining strategy to reduce joint 2-D signal detector silicon consumption. By carrying out comprehensive simulations and application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) design, this paper shows that multitrack joint 2-D signal detection is a practically attractive option with superior detection performance and affordable silicon cost, especially when considering projected CMOS technology scaling toward 16 nm and below.
The effect of zinc deficiency on wool growth and skin and wool follicle histology of male Merino lambs

The aims of this work were to quantify the requirements of Zn for wool growth in growing male Merino lambs, and to describe the histological lesions of Zn deficiency in skin and wool follicles. Four groups of male Merino lambs (n 4) weighing 22 kg were fed ad lib. for 96 d on diets that contained 4 (basal diet), 10, 17 or 27 mg Zn/kg. Sheep in a fifth group were fed on the diet containing 27 mg Zn/kg, but were pair-fed to sheep on the 4 mg Zn/kg diet. Zn was added to the basal diet as ZnSO4 to give the respective treatment concentrations. Sheep fed on the diet containing 4 mg Zn/kg showed clinical signs of Zn deficiency and lower feed intakes and wool growth than sheep in the other groups. Their wool fibres were improperly keratinized and the wool follicles contained a higher proportion of apoptotic bodies than other groups. There was no evidence of parakeratosis and the rate of bulb-cell production was not affected. Sheep from other groups showed no clinical signs of Zn deficiency, and mean feed intakes and growth rates did not differ significantly between sheep fed on diets containing 10, 17 or 27 mg Zn/kg. However, wool growth was reduced in sheep fed on the diet containing 10 mg Zn/kg compared with those fed on diets containing 17 or 27 mg/kg. The mean concentration of Zn in the plasma at which wool growth was 90 % of maximum was 0.5 mg/l. The equivalent value for the diet was 12 mg/kg, with 95 % confidence intervals of 8 to 16 mg/kg. The results suggest that Zn deficiency reduces wool growth through a specific mechanism, perhaps involving impaired protein synthesis.
Infrequent mutations of the TP53 gene and no amplification of the MDM2 gene in hepatoblastomas

We have investigated the mutation of the TP53 gene in hepatoblastomas (HBLs) by using polymerase chain reaction‐single strand conformation polymorphism and direct sequencing in 38 HBL tumor samples and in two HBL cell lines. We detected the TP53 gene mutation in an anaplastic hepatoblastoma cell line, but no aberration of the TP53 gene (exons 5–9) was found in tumor samples and in the other HBL cell line. The mutation of the cell line was a missense mutation from GAC (asparagine) to CAC (histidine) at codon 281, which was different from the G‐to‐T transversion of codon 249 that is frequently found in adult hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). In addition, we performed Southern blot analysis of the MDM2 gene, but we did not find MDM2 gene amplification in 19 cases tested. Our results suggest that, in contrast to the findings in HCCs in adults, TP53 gene aberrations are not involved in the development or progression of HBLs in children. Genes Chromosom Cancer 15:187–190 (1996). © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Horizontal-Vertical Illusion in Photographs of Concrete Scenes with and without Depth Information

On the basis of the hypothesis of misapplied constancy scaling, the perception of an abstract horizontal-vertical illusion figure embedded in photographs of natural scenes with depth cues is investigated. The effect is compared with that of a figure on photographs containing no depth information and with a figure on a neutral surface It is shown that the magnitude of the illusion in the perspective scenes is greater than in the other two conditions. The results are considered compatible with a constancy theory of the illusion. Finally, the evidence for misapplied constancy scaling in the horizontal-vertical illusion in relation to a retinal theory is discussed.
Attitudes to internet advertising: a cross cultural comparison

This research examines attitudes towards TV and Internet advertising. It is based on two studies previously carried out in the US by Schlosser, Shavitt and Kanfer (1999) and Shavitt, Lowrey and Haefner (1998). In a quantitative survey of 200 undergraduates, our respondents were significantly more negative towards Internet advertising than TV advertising, liking it less and finding it more irritating and annoying. The attitudes of UK respondents were also significantly more negative than US respondents. The model of overall attitude to advertising devised by Schlosser, Shavitt and Kanfer (1999) was less satisfactory in explaining UK attitudes; the addition of a new factor ‘irritation-annoyance’ significantly improved this model.
Measuring the Shielding Effectiveness of Small Enclosures/Cavities with a Reverberation Chamber

For various applications, there is a growing need to determine the shielding effectiveness (SE) of physically small (but electrically large) enclosures or cavities. In this paper, we present a reverberation chamber technique for measuring the SE of such enclosures. We present data from four different reverberation chamber approaches obtained from various enclosure configurations. These four different sets of measurements are used to validate the proposed approach.
A prospective randomized study to determine the optimal dose of intravenous vitamin K in reversal of over‐warfarinization

The optimal management of asymptomatic overanticoagulated patients remains unknown. We measured international normalized ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (F1 + 2) over 7 d in 24 asymptomatic or mildly haemorrhagic patients on warfarin with prolonged INR of > 7·0 who were randomized to receive 0·5 mg, 1 mg or 2 mg intravenous vitamin K. Of six severely overanticoagulated patients (INR > 9·5 with APTT ratio > 2), five failed to achieve an INR ≤ 4·0 on day 1, irrespective of vitamin K dose given. In the remaining 18 cases, an optimal response (INR 2–4 at day 1) was observed in 67% of those receiving 0·5 mg vitamin K, but only in 33% of those receiving 1 or 2 mg, the majority of whom developed an INR < 2·0. Our results support an optimal dose of 0·5 mg i.v. vitamin K for most overanticoagulated patients, with possibly a repeat dose in the small group of severely overanticoagulated patients.
An Empirical Investigation of Short Interest Changes around Private Placements of Common Stocks

Using sample data gathered directly from private placement contracts and SEC filings, this paper shows that short interest increases are significantly larger for placements sold to dominant institutional investors than for placements sold to dominant individual investors. Issuing firms that grant registration rights to investors experience significantly larger short interest increases than firms that do not grant these rights to investors. Firms with exchange-traded stock options experience significantly larger short interest increases than firms without exchange-traded stock options. This paper shows that short interest increases are positively related to past returns and negatively related to the book-to-market ratio.
In vivo type II T-helper cells shift in schizophrenia compared to sex- and age-matched healthy controls

Background and Objectives: Over-production of the type II T-helper cells (Th2-shfit) has been suggested as a candidate mechanism for the etiology in at least one sub- group of schizophrenia. Hitherto, empirical evidence is derived mostly from in vitro cy- tokine production. Due to frequently undetectable serum levels of the major Th2 cytokine Interleukin-4 (IL-4), direct evidence, measured as a ratio between Th1/Th2 (type I/type II T- helper cells) characteristic cytokines, is rare. This study aimed at examining whether a serum Th2-shift occurs in schizophrenia. Th2-shift was defined as markedly decreased serum IFN- γ/IL-4 and/or IFN-γ/IL-10 and/or IL-2/IL-4 ratios, compared with healthy subjects. Methods: Totally 74 subjects were recruited: 37 drug-free subjects with schizophrenia according to ICD-10 and DSM-IV as well as 37 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Cytometric Bead Array, which enables a simultaneous measurement of 6 cytokines with the same volume of test sample, was used to assess serum Th1/Th2 ratios and cytokine levels. Non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test was utilized to detect the diversities in serum Th1/Th2 ratios and cytokine levels between both diagnostic groups. Results: Subjects with schizophrenia showed significantly reduced serum IFN-γ/IL-4 and IFN-γ/IL-10 ratios if compared to healthy controls. If both sexes analyzed separately, males with schizophrenia had significantly reduced serum IFN-γ/IL-10 ratios, while fe- male patients showed markedly decreased serum IFN-γ/IL-4 ratios. Conclusions: A clear Th2-shift was observed in schizophrenia. Males and females with schizophrenia seemed to have different profiles of Th2-shift. Th1/Th2 ratios appeared to play different roles in the pathology of males and females with schizophrenia.
Trade and Technology Progress: An Analysis for Uruguay

We examine technology spillovers to Uruguayan manufacturing firms through imports, foreign direct investment (FDI) and learning by exporting, for the period 1997-2001. This work provides evidence of the dynamic gains from trade openness for a small developing country, analysing simultaneously the various possible channels of international technology diffusion at the firm level. We find evidence of positive effects on production of imported intermediates and backward linkages with foreign firms. On the other hand there is evidence of negative effects of multinational presence at the industry level, while results for exporting are mixed. Finally, the results would indicate that absorptive capacity matters to take advantage of increased openness and FDI, so policies aimed to improve absorptive capacity such as investing in R&D and improving the skills of workers through training are likely to play a role in facilitating knowledge spillovers.
THE EFFECT OF BOARD CHARACTERISTICS ON CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) DISCLOSURE

CSR disclosure has become an important idiom in the corporate world. This paper examines the effect of corporate governance characteristics, specifically the board composition and ownership structure, on the extent of CSR disclosure. The sample consists of 74 companies in the Top 100 largest companies by market capitalization, listed on Bursa Malaysia. The results reveal that board size, board independence; board qualification, family ownership and Malay director ownership positively influencing CSR disclosure. However, board cross directorship, CEO ownership and non-executive ownership show negative link to CSR disclosure.
Acute effects on systemic circulation after intratracheal instillation of Curosurf or Survanta in surfactant‐depleted newborn piglets

Systemic vasodilatation in surfactant‐depleted newborn piglets is induced by 200 mg/kg of modified porcine lung surfactant (Curosurf™). The aim of this investigation was to study whether this effect is dependent on dose and could further be induced by instillation of a bovine surfactant preparation (Survanta™). Twenty‐two 3–5‐d old piglets were subjected to repeated saline lung lavage and then randomized to one of three groups. Instillation of either Curosurf 100 mg/kg (n= 8), Survanta 100 mg/kg (n= 7) or Curosurf 200 mg/kg (n= 7) was performed through the endotracheal tube. Systemic vascular resistance decreased 7 (± 4)%, 15 (± 12)% and 18 (± 6)% in the three groups, respectively (p < 0:05 in all three groups). A significant difference between the high and low dose Curosurf groups was found (p < 0:05), whereas no significant difference was seen between the Curosurf 100 mg group and the Survanta group. The decrease in vascular resistance was compensated by an increase in cardiac output, resulting in a stable mean arterial blood pressure. In conclusion, both Curosurf and Survanta induce a significant decrease in systemic vascular resistance in surfactant‐depleted newborn piglets. A more pronounced effect was observed after 200 mg/kg than after 100 mg/kg of Curosurf.
Positive Solutions for Second-order Differential Equations with Integral Boundary Conditions

This paper studies the existence of positive solutions for a class of second-order semipositone differential equations with a negatively perturbed term and integral boundary conditions. By using a well-known fixed-point index theorem, some new existence results are derived for the case where nonlinearity is allowed to be sign changing. Several examples are presented to demonstrate the application of our main 2010 Mathematics Subject Classification: 34B15, 34B18
The Capsule Quality of Saline‐Filled Smooth Silicone, Textured Silicone, and Polyurethane Implants in Rabbits: A Long‐Term Study

Recently, there have been many new designs in both the surface texture and chemical composition of breast implants that claim reduced constructive capsular formation. The purpose of this study was to utilize a quantitative method to determine the firmness of capsules formed around saline-filled smooth silicone, textured silicone, and polyurethane implants in an experimental rabbit model 1 year after implantation. Our objective was to analyze the histologic, biologic, and biochemical content of the respective capsules to account for any differences in physical behavior. Forty-five smooth silicone, textured silicone, and polyurethane implants were placed in one of three positions beneath the panniculus carnosus muscle of New Zealand White rabbits. After 1 year, all capsules were palpated and classified according to firmness. Intracapsular static and dynamic pressure measurements were obtained by placing a pressure monitor (Stryker) in an injector port attached to the individual implants. Capsular firmness was significantly greater in the textured silicone implants than in the smooth silicone or polyurethane implants after 1 year. The dynamic qualities of the periprosthetic soft tissues were measured while saline was injected into the implants. The capsules around the textured silicone implants generated significantly higher pressures than the smooth silicone or polyurethane counterparts. The capsules around the polyurethane implants were the softest and most compliant in all categories. Histologically, there is a significant inflammatory response surrounding the textured silicone implants that does not exist in the capsules around the smooth silicone implants. The capsules around the polyurethane implants have the least fibrous tissue deposition. There is a decrease in the proportion of type III collagen in the capsules around the textured silicone implants versus smooth silicone or polyurethane implants. The in vitro contraction patterns of the fibroblast-populated collagen lattices do not reveal the contraction differences observed in vivo in rabbits. However, there are many components that determine contractility. This area deserves further investigation. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 93:1123, 1994.)
HR INVOLVEMENT IN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

This study examined the relationship between the involvement of the human resource management function in formulating corporate governance mechanisms and the quality of their implementation. It also looked at the relationship between the quality of implementation of corporate governance mechanisms and performance. Of interest were two governance mechanisms: strategic plan elements and behavioral control practices. This study was based agency theory, institutional theory, and the resource-based view of the firm. The results revealed that quality of implementation resulted in higher performance. Specifically, quality of implementation of strategic plan elements not only explained performance but also served as an important enabler of quality of implementation of behavioral control policies. The importance of HR involvement, however, was realized in its impact on quality of implementation.
Strategic management of IT in construction

Part A Strategic Management and Business Process Analysis.1. The importance of new approaches to management 2 Strategic management - definitions and techniques 3 Strategic management in construction 4 The significance of IT 5 The scope for IT in construction 6 Strategic information systems planning techniques 7 Implementing an IT strategy in practice 8 The way forward. Part B Current It Practice in Construction Businesses.9 Current strategic practice 10 Benchmarking as a methodology 11 Benchmarking IT use in construction 12 Benchmarking project information integration. Part C Improving the Strategic Use of IT in Construction.13 A strategic health check 14 Measuring the benefits of IT innovation 15 Priorities for IT innovation 16 Long-term IT research priorities 17 an IT-supported new process 18 Capability and maturity in process management References and Bibliography Index.
Financing the health sector in Ghana: A review of the budgetary process

In the last couple of years, the quest for aid alignment and harmonisation is increasingly putting pressure on development partners to change funding modalities from sectoral pool funding and programme or project support to some form of budget support modality. In Ghana, where donor funds constituted about 13.8% and 14.33% of the health sector budget in 2006 and 2008 respectively (Ministry of Health, 2006, 2008), such changes could result in difficulties with respect to funds flow to the sector. The aim of this paper is to review the budget planning, execution and disbursement processes of the Ministry of Health in Ghana to draw some conclusions on whether a move from pool funding to a form of budget support modality will affect the flow of funds, especially to service providers. The findings of this study exhibit improved national and sectoral level procedures as well as some weaknesses in the budgeting process of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, and cashflow difficulties which can be traced to both ministries. The study also identifies opportunities to improve the levels of dialogue between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning. It is believed that the current state of the budget planning, execution and disbursement process in the health sector is unlikely to have an adverse effect on the flow of funds to service providers irrespective of the funding modality used.
Outcome of Asunaprevir/Daclatasvir Combination Therapy for Chronic Liver Disease Type C

Objective: Treatment for chronic hepatitis C has recently developed in a very rapid manner. In Japan, in September 2014, IFN-free asunaprevir (ASV) and daclatasvir (DCV) became available for combination therapy. We report the treatment outcomes achieved at our hospital using this combination therapy. Methods: Sustained virological response (SVR) 24 could be evaluated in 120 of 125 patients with chronic liver disease type C who visited our hospital and were treated with ASV/DCV after September 2014, and these patients were analyzed. Results: SVR24 was achieved in 106 patients (88%). End-of-treatment response was not achieved in 10 patients (8.3%). Five of them carried multiple-resistant NS3/4A or NS5A region, and administration was discontinued early in 4 patients due to adverse effects. After ASV/DCV treatment, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) developed in 2 patients (1.7%) and recurred in 5 (4.2%). Conclusions: ASV/DCV treatment achieved favorable SVR in elderly and hepatic cirrhosis patients and patients in whom HCC was cured. However, an increase in the incidence of HCC development in patients who markedly respond to direct-acting antivirals treatment is expected and surveillance of HCC becomes more important.
The Horizontal and Vertical Attributes of Individualism and Collectivism in a Spanish Population

Abstract The authors examined the dimensionality and factorial structure of individualism and collectivism in Spanish participants (N = 526). A series of confirmatory factor analyses were performed on responses to the 32-item individualism-collectivism measure reported by T. M. Singelis, H. C. Triandis, D. S. Bhawuk, and M. Gelfand (1995). Consistent with earlier data, the best fitting model was multidimensional: a vertical versus a horizontal attribute crossed with individualism and collectivism dimensions. Whereas the overall fit of the data to a LISREL model was moderate, additional self-report data on respondents' interpersonal experiences supported the construct validity of the 4 factors. The authors suggest that the additional complexity is useful in explaining Spanish social behavior.
The effect of self-efficacy on Internet usage in the organization

The rapid growth of Internet usage in organizations has become a common phenomenon in today's business world. The boom of Internet usage in organizations as a new means of performing common tasks such as communicating, finding information, disseminating information and doing marketing research, can be attributed to the benefits brought about by the Internet technology and its wide usage. In order to understand what drives an individual to use the Internet in the organizations, this study examines the impact of self-efficacy of an individual on Internet use. Self-efficacy is the belief in one's capabilities of using Internet in accomplishing specific tasks such as sending emails, searching product information and checking stock quotes. This study uses the extended technology acceptance model (TAM) proposed by Venkatesh (1999) that explicitly incorporates self-efficacy and its determinants (experience and organizational support) as factors that affect perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and the use of Internet. A total of 104 usable responses were received from the questionnaires distributed to those who work in the organizations that provide employees with Internet access. The findings indicate that perceived usefulness has direct effect on Internet usage. Computer experience and organizational support have direct impact on self- efficacy and Internet usage. Organizational support has direct impact on perceived usefulness. Self- efficacy has direct impact on perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of Internet usage, demonstrating its importance in the decision to use Internet and it has indirect effect on Internet usage. Perceived usefulness was found to partially mediate the relationship between computer experience and organizational support with Internet usage. It is also interesting to note that ease of use was not significant in determining Internet usage whereas perceived usefulness was, thus indicating the utility is much more important than ease of use. The implications of these findings and the limitations of this study are further discussed for the benefit of researchers and practitioners.