Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NuSTAR AND XMM-NEWTON OBSERVATIONS OF THE HARD X-RAY SPECTRUM OF CENTAURUS A

We present simultaneous XMM-Newton and Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) observations spanning 3–78 keV of the nearest radio galaxy, Centaurus A (Cen A). The accretion geometry around the central engine in Cen A is still debated, and we investigate possible configurations using detailed X-ray spectral modeling. NuSTAR imaged the central region of Cen A with subarcminute resolution at X-ray energies above 10 keV for the first time, but found no evidence for an extended source or other off-nuclear point sources. The XMM-Newton and NuSTAR spectra agree well and can be described with an absorbed power law with a photon index Γ = 1.815 ± 0.005 and a fluorescent Fe K &agr; ? > line in good agreement with literature values. The spectrum does not require a high-energy exponential rollover, with a constraint of Efold > 1 MeV. A thermal Comptonization continuum describes the data well, with parameters that agree with values measured by INTEGRAL, in particular an electron temperature kTe between ≈100–300 keV and seed photon input temperatures between 5 and 50 eV. We do not find evidence for reflection or a broad iron line and put stringent upper limits of R < 0.01 on the reflection fraction and accretion disk illumination. We use archival Chandra data to estimate the contribution from diffuse emission, extra-nuclear point sources, and the outer X-ray jet to the observed NuSTAR and XMM-Newton X-ray spectra and find the contribution to be negligible. We discuss different scenarios for the physical origin of the observed hard X-ray spectrum and conclude that the inner disk is replaced by an advection-dominated accretion flow or that the X-rays are dominated by synchrotron self-Compton emission from the inner regions of the radio jet or a combination thereof.
Crowdsourcing without profit: The role of seeker motivation and strategies

While crowdsourcing is an important form of open innovation (OI), research has largely been limited to profit-seeking firms. Here we study how crowdsourcing is implemented by non-profit seeking organizations, and how it is different from the more familiar corporate context . Using data from local governments that use the same intermediary, we study how the variation of seeker motivation and strategies influences their online engagement behaviour, thereby making their crowdsourcing efforts more or less likely to succeed. Our findings suggest government agencies that adopt a strategic approach to crowdsourcing show a greater potential to produce successful outcomes, which in turn is underpinned by an overarching motivation to achieve transformative change. Based on this, we develop a three-phase model of crowdsourcing implementation. We also reveal how the non- pecuniary orientation of both seekers and solvers makes the motives, goals and processes of such crowdsourcing fundamentally different to corporate c.
Validation of a Clinical Assessment of Spectral-Ripple Resolution for Cochlear Implant Users

Objectives: Nonspeech psychophysical tests of spectral resolution, such as the spectral-ripple discrimination task, have been shown to correlate with speech-recognition performance in cochlear implant (CI) users. However, these tests are best suited for use in the research laboratory setting and are impractical for clinical use. A test of spectral resolution that is quicker and could more easily be implemented in the clinical setting has been developed. The objectives of this study were (1) To determine whether this new clinical ripple test would yield individual results equivalent to the longer, adaptive version of the ripple-discrimination test; (2) To evaluate test–retest reliability for the clinical ripple measure; and (3) To examine the relationship between clinical ripple performance and monosyllabic word recognition in quiet for a group of CI listeners. Design: Twenty-eight CI recipients participated in the study. Each subject was tested on both the adaptive and the clinical versions of spectral ripple discrimination, as well as consonant–nucleus–consonant word recognition in quiet. The adaptive version of spectral ripple used a two-up, one-down procedure for determining spectral ripple discrimination threshold. The clinical ripple test used a method of constant stimuli, with trials for each of 12 fixed ripple densities occurring six times in random order. Results from the clinical ripple test (proportion correct) were then compared with ripple-discrimination thresholds (in ripples per octave) from the adaptive test. Results: The clinical ripple test showed strong concurrent validity, evidenced by a good correlation between clinical ripple and adaptive ripple results (r = 0.79), as well as a correlation with word recognition (r = 0.7). Excellent test–retest reliability was also demonstrated with a high test–retest correlation (r = 0.9). Conclusions: The clinical ripple test is a reliable nonlinguistic measure of spectral resolution, optimized for use with CI users in a clinical setting. The test might be useful as a diagnostic tool or as a possible surrogate outcome measure for evaluating treatment effects in hearing.
Perseverance Practices in Small and Medium Enterprises: An Entrepreneurial Perspective for Business Growth and Internationalization

Through a qualitative case study approach, this study describes the dynamics between perseverance strategies and entrepreneurial traits in SMEs that have been leaders in their markets since their foundation. The selected sample is among the iconic well-known businesses of their respective countries. For this study we reframed the perseverance strategies of Van Gelderen (2012). The enterprise perseverance practices served as a mechanism for strategic entrepreneurial reorientation and constant renewal of the enterprise. These perseverance practices are triggered by the entrepreneurial attitudes of the owners, whose knowledge acquisition and commitment to the market facilitate innovation, creativity, and the identification of networks encouraging business growth and internationalization of the firm.
An Empirical Investigation of Performance Measurement System Use and Organizational Performance

This study contributes to the performance measurement (PM) literature by providing validated measures of PM system use and increased understanding of the impact of PM use on organizational outcomes. The purpose of this study was to articulate and test the relationships between PM system use, organizational learning, and organizational performance by taking into account the effects of PM-related technical factors (namely, PM system maturity and review process (RP) maturity). The concept of PM use was explored through the examination of its underlying processes, as reflected in the literature and two case studies, and a set of practices delineating PM use processes were proposed. Following a scale development approach, a measurement instrument of PM use was developed and validated with empirical data collected through a web-based questionnaire. The results from factor analysis showed the need to revise the initial set of PM use practices into five dimensions: monitoring, problem-finding, problemsolving, validating causal relationships, and validating improvement actions. Additionally, new measures were developed to assess PM and RP maturity factors. The factor analysis results identified four maturity variables: managed RP, optimized RP, PM design and PM implementation. Data from 216 managers participating in RP meetings were used to test the hypothesized relationships via partial least square (PLS). The results provide varying support for the hypotheses defined. First, the results show that monitoring directly impacts organizational performance while problem-finding, problem-solving and validating causal relationships indirectly impact organizational performance through shared vision and team learning. These indirect effects were positive in some cases and negative in others, depending on the direction of the relationship between the use variable and the organizational learning variable. Second, validating improvement actions did not influence organizational outcomes. Finally, the only moderating effect found was managed RP on the relationship between validating causal relationships and financial performance. Because of the weak support for moderating effects, an alternative model was proposed, exploring these maturity variables as antecedents of PM use. The results provided substantial support for this alternate model. Practical implications and areas for future research are also identified and discussed.
The Prevalence of Autonomic Symptoms in Dementia and Their Association with Physical Activity, Activities of Daily Living and Quality of Life

Background/Aims: There is little published data regarding autonomic symptoms in dementia. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and severity of autonomic symptoms in patients with different subtypes of dementia in comparison with healthy controls, and their association with levels of physical activity, depression, quality of life and ability to carry out activities of daily living. Methods: Prevalence and severity of autonomic symptoms in Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD, n = 46), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB, n = 32), vascular dementia (VAD, n = 38), Alzheimer’s disease (AD, n = 40) and healthy controls (n = 42) were assessed using a structured symptom scale. The associations between autonomic symptoms and physical activity, Bristol Activities of Daily Living Score, Geriatric and Cornell Depression Scores and quality of life (Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, SF-36) were examined by multiple linear regressions. Results: Total autonomic symptom scores, urinary symptoms, constipation and postural dizziness were significantly higher in PDD, DLB and VAD patients than either controls or AD patients (all p < 0.05). Higher autonomic symptom scores were associated with poorer outcomes in all measures of physical activity, activities of daily living, depression and quality of life. Conclusion: The burden of autonomic symptoms is high in non-Alzheimer’s dementias. The identification of such symptoms is of importance because of the detrimental effect of these symptoms upon physical activity, depression, activities of daily living and quality of life.
Do buyers express their true assessment? Antecedents and consequences of customer praise feedback behaviour on Taobao

The purpose of this paper is to empirically test a research model that incorporated antecedents of praise feedback behaviour (fear of confrontation and incentive for reducing nuisance costs), praise feedback behaviour (deliberatively praise feedback, casual praise feedback, and true compliment feedback) and consequences (trust and repurchase intention). ,A structural equation model was employed to test the relationships of the research model using survey data collected from 398 Taobao consumers. ,The results showed that fear of confrontation and incentive for reducing nuisance costs had a significant positive influence on deliberatively praise feedback and true compliment feedback, respectively, and both antecedents had a significant positive influence on casual praise feedback of consumers. It also showed that trust was influenced negatively by deliberatively praise feedback, and positively by casual praise feedback and true compliment feedback. Meanwhile, deliberatively praise feedback and true compliment feedback were found to have negative and positive influences on repurchase intention, respectively. ,This research was a pilot study to identify a three-dimension conceptualization of praise feedback behaviour from the perspective of customer satisfaction, and to understand positive review bias from the perspective of input processes.
Investigational approaches to therapies for restless legs syndrome

Introduction: Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological disorder that impairs nocturnal rest, causing decreased alertness, depressed mood, reduced job performance and poor quality of life. In patients affected by severe RLS, pharmacological treatment is mandatory. Areas covered: The present review is based on an extensive Internet and PubMed search from 1994 – 2014. It focuses on drugs currently in development for the treatment of RLS. Expert opinion: The drugs currently available for treating RLS do not always allow the patient to obtain a dose capable of controlling the symptoms, particularly in the long term. There is still the need for effective and well-tolerated new drugs. Monoamine oxidase B inhibitors could be good candidates for the initial treatment of RLS, sparing stronger dopaminergic agents for later stages of the disease. Oxycodone-naloxone has demonstrated a significant and sustained effect on patients with severe RLS inadequately controlled with first-line drugs; it could be used as a long-term treatment option in severe cases of RLS for which alternative satisfactory drug regimens are unavailable. There is a paucity of data comparing medications in head-to-head trials to determine their relative effectiveness and adverse event profiles. Furthermore, there is also a need for further studies that evaluate nondopaminergic agonists and combination therapies for treating RLS.
Brexit: Estimating Tariff Costs for EU Countries in a New Trade Regime with the UK

This study estimates the average tariffs that the producers of each of the 27 EU countries could face when exporting to the UK in the event that a new Free Trade Agreement is not reached as part of the Brexit negotiation and that trade between the EU and the UK is conducted under WTO most-favoured-nation terms. The analysis is based on information from the WTO-IDB database and on bilateral trade flows at the product level published by UN Comtrade. The results show that average tariff costs would be different across EU countries, depending on the initial level of commercial relationships with the UK and on the sectoral composition of trade flows. Different tariff costs may potentially create a strong heterogeneity in the EU economies with regard to their stakes in the negotiations with the UK, and have an impact on the establishment of the EU position, to which each Member State contributes equally.
Connections between constitutional mismatch repair deficiency syndrome and neurofibromatosis type 1

Constitutional mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency (CMMRD) is a rare childhood cancer susceptibility syndrome resulting from biallelic germline loss‐of‐function mutations in one of the MMR genes. Individuals with CMMRD have high risk to develop a broad spectrum of malignancies and frequently display features reminiscent of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Evaluation of the clinical findings of genetically proven CMMRD patients shows that not only multiple café‐au‐lait macules but also any of the diagnostic features of NF1 may be present in a CMMRD patient. This phenotypic overlap may lead to misdiagnosis of CMMRD patients as having NF1, which impedes adequate management of the patients and their families. The spectrum of CMMRD‐associated childhood malignancies includes high‐grade glioma, acute myeloid leukaemia or rhabdomyosarcoma, also reported as associated with NF1. Reported associations between NF1 and these malignancies are to a large extent based on studies that neither proved the presence of an NF1 germline mutation nor ruled‐out CMMRD in the affected. Hence, these associations are challenged by our current knowledge of the phenotypic overlap between NF1 and CMMRD and should be re‐evaluated in future studies. Recent advances in the diagnostics of CMMRD should render it possible to definitely state or refute this diagnosis in these individuals.
Evaluation of healthcare service quality via Servqual scale: An application on a hospital

ABSTRACT Measuring and evaluating the satisfaction level of the individuals who benefit from healthcare services is very important and may assist improving healthcare service quality. Managers and researchers must know the details of healthcare service quality dimensions weak points, and to which degree the weaknesses extend for that institution. The Servqual scale is commonly used in the healthcare service quality assessment. This study aims to measure/evaluate ongoing healthcare service quality and patients satisfaction via Servqual scale with respect to outpatients’ view. In this study, a survey based on the Servqual scale is implemented on a hospital in Zonguldak/Turkey, for evaluating perceived and expected healthcare service quality. According to the results, healthcare service quality of the Servqual scale dimension grades differs from each other in at least two dimensions out of five. Tangibles, one of the Servqual dimension is measured as the highest. Results suggest that patients demographically differentiate healthcare service quality in terms of age, income, and service type, but not for gender, marital status, educational level, and profession. Moreover, reliability is observed as the most determinant dimension for outpatients’ satisfaction.
Elder Abuse Research: A Systematic Review

The purpose of this research was to provide a systematic review of, and assign an evidence grade to, the research articles on elder abuse. Sixteen health care and criminal justice literature databases were searched. Publications were reviewed by at least two independent readers who graded each from A (evidence of well-designed meta-analysis) to D (evidence from expert opinion or multiple case reports) on the quality of the evidence gained from the research. Of 6,676 titles identified in the search, 1,700 publications met inclusion criteria; omitting duplicates, 590 publications were annotated and graded.
Influence of Customer Satisfaction, Service Quality, and Trust on Customer Loyalty in Malaysian Islamic Banking

Banks are economically significant. Malaysian Islamic banks operate in a competitive environment, creating the perception that a bank’s sustainability and effectiveness can only be guaranteed by “customer loyalty”. This study aims to investigate the influence of customer satisfaction, service quality, and trust on customer loyalty in Malaysian Islamic banking and determine the relationship among satisfaction, service quality, and trust on customer loyalty. A survey method was used to obtain data on Islamic bank customers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Principle component analysis was employed in the exploratory data analysis of 100 customer surveys. The Cronbach’s alphas of the parameters that were generated exceed the minimum acceptability threshold. The hypotheses were tested by performing regression analyses. Result shows that only one variable satisfaction significantly influences customer loyalty. This study provides a guide for Malaysian Islamic bank management groups toward building satisfaction by focusing on customers as the prime consideration. In addition, banks should focus in enhancing customer loyalty by revising bank strategies to retain existing customers and attract new customers who have the potential for loyalty.
Efficacy of combination of chlorhexidine and protamine sulphate against device-associated pathogens.

OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to examine: (i) the potential in vitro synergy of combining protamine sulphate (PS) with chlorhexidine (CHX); (ii) the in vitro spectrum and durability of antimicrobial activity of CHX + PS-coated catheters; and (iii) the in vivo efficacy of CHX + PS-coated catheters in comparison with silver-hydrogel-coated and uncoated catheters. METHODS The potential synergistic antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of CHX and PS were investigated in vitro by the MIC and biofilm assays. The spectrum and durability of antimicrobial activity of CHX + PS-coated catheters were studied in vitro by using a serial plate transfer method. The in vivo efficacy of CHX + PS-coated catheters was assessed in a rabbit model against Escherichia coli. RESULTS In vitro studies showed that the combination of CHX + PS has a synergistic inhibitory effect on E. coli and provides a significant synergistic antibiofilm and antimicrobial activity against E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Furthermore, catheters coated with CHX + PS provided a broad-spectrum and enduring in vitro antimicrobial activity over a 10 day period. The in vivo efficacy study demonstrated that subcutaneously implanted CHX + PS-coated catheters in rabbits are significantly less likely to become colonized (2/28 = 7%) than either silver-hydrogel-coated (25/28 = 89%; P < 0.001) or uncoated catheters (18/28 = 64%; P < 0.001) by E. coli. CONCLUSIONS The synergistic, broad-spectrum and durable in vitro activity of the CHX + PS combination and the robust in vivo efficacy of catheters coated with this unique composition encourage clinical evaluation of this innovative approach.
Evidence that the branched‐chain α‐keto acids accumulating in maple syrup urine disease induce morphological alterations and death in cultured astrocytes from rat cerebral cortex

Severe neurological symptoms, cerebral edema, and atrophy are common features of the inherited metabolic disorder maple syrup urine disease (MSUD). However, the pathomechanisms involved in the neuropathology of this disease are not well established. In this study, we investigated the effects of the branched‐chain keto acids (BCKA) α‐ketoisocaproic (KIC), α‐ketoisovaleric (KIV), and α‐keto–β–methylvaleric (KMV), which accumulate in MSUD, on astrocyte morphology and cytoskeleton reorganization. Cultured astrocytes from cerebral cortex of neonatal rats were exposed to various concentrations of the BCKA and cell morphology was studied. We observed that these cells changed their usual polygonal morphology when exposed to BCKA, leading to the appearance of fusiform or process‐bearing cells. Furthermore, longer exposures to the BCKA elicited cell death at all concentrations studied, attaining massive death at the highest concentrations. Immunocytochemistry with anti‐actin or anti‐GFAP antibodies revealed that the BCKA induced reorganization of actin and GFAP cytoskeleton. In addition, astrocytes treated with lysophosphatidic acid, an upstream activator of the RhoA GTPase pathway, totally prevented the morphological alterations and cytoskeletal reorganization induced by KIV, indicating that this effect could be mediated by the RhoA signaling pathway. Furthermore, the effects of BCKA on astrocyte morphology were prevented by creatine. In addition, creatine kinase activity was inhibited by KIC and KIV; this inhibition was prevented by creatine, indicating that these keto acids compromise brain energy metabolism. Considering that astroglial cells are critical to brain development and functioning, it is conceivable that alterations of the actin network by BCKA may have important implications in astrocytic function and possibly in the pathogenesis of the neurological dysfunction and brain damage of MSUD patients. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Bayesian Real Options Model for Adaptation to Catastrophic Risk under Climate Change Uncertainty

We present a novel framework for the valuation of investments to mitigate catastrophic risk of climate impacted hazards. Our model incorporates the impact of uncertainty and continuous Bayesian information updating on investment decisions. We show that the model is relevant even when the time required to resolve uncertainty is indefinite. The model is applied to bushfire risk management in a local area. Our findings suggest that investment based on the net present value (NPV) rule that ignores the value of the investment option results in significant losses. Sensitivity analysis results suggest that the loss is large when the investment cost is high, when the uncertainty resolution is slow, or when the probability belief in climate change is low.