Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
IT Savvy: What Top Executives Must Know to Go from Pain to Gain

Digitization of business interactions and processes is advancing full bore. But in many organizations, returns from IT investments are flatlining, even as technology spending has skyrocketed. These challenges call for new levels of IT savvy: the ability of all managers-IT or non-IT-to transform their company's technology assets into operational efficiencies that boost margins. Companies with IT-savvy managers are 20 percent more profitable than their competitors.In IT Savvy, Peter Weill and Jeanne Ross-two of the world's foremost authorities on using IT in business-explain how non-IT executives can acquire this savvy. Concise and practical, the book describes the practices, competencies, and leadership skills non-IT managers need to succeed in the digital economy. You'll discover how to:-Define your firm's operating model-how IT can help you do business -Revamp your IT funding model to support your operating model -Build a digitized platform of business processes, IT systems, and data to execute on the model -Determine IT decision rights -Extract more business value from your IT assetsPacked with examples and based on research into eighteen hundred organizations in more than sixty countries, IT Savvy is required reading for non-IT managers seeking to push their company's performance to new heights.
Prevalence of Blood Pressure among Green Coffee Users of Young and Middle Age Saudis

This is an analytical descriptive cross-section study. It was conducted among youth Saudis coffee consumers. It aimed at detecting the coffee consumption patterns (coffee type, concentration, volume/day, time length, site, water drink after coffee intake) concerning the onset of high BP, and signs and symptoms suggesting its presence. The hypothesis is the presence of significant inter-relation between them.Non-probability convenient sampling was applied; a self-administered questionnaire was developed, tested and filled by 340 males and females students, their relatives, besides the Faculty of Public and Tropical Medicine administrative staff. Findings showed that a total of 50 (14.7%) respondents reported having high BP. Of them, 29 (58%) were users of Arabica coffee (only), while 49 (98%) used the Arabica coffee along with other coffee types. The OR showed that the consumers of Arabica coffee (only) were at 1.79 risks of contracting high BP, while the favorites of each of the concentrated, and the homemade coffee were at 1.5 and 2.1 risks respectively. The homemade predictor value was significantly (P<0.05) related to high BP. Apart from the intake of Arabica coffee (only), the OR of all coffee consumption patterns were seen to be prognosis factors of contracting 4+signs and symptoms suggesting high blood pressure. But, no significant (P>0.05) relation was there. Familial history of high BP, and below university OR were at 1.7 and 1.9 risks of contracting high BP respectively. However, no significant (P>0.05) relation was there.The conclusion is that the consumers of Arabica coffee (only) were almost 2 times the risk of contracting high BP. Each of the homemade and strong coffee was seen to be prognosis factors of both contracting high BP and of having 4+ signs and symptoms suggesting its presence.
Impact of High Fidelity Simulation Training on the Quality of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Performance among Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Professionals in Pune, India

Introduction: The provision of high quality cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a key modifiable factor associated with survival in cardiac arrest. Management of a patient with cardiac arrest is a dynamic and high-pressure challenge requiring critical decision making in a short period of time. Numerous studies emphasize that quality of chest compressions directly influences survival rate from cardiac arrest. Hence, improving CPR quality is of paramount importance. This can be achieved by accurate measurement of various CPR metrics and provision of real time feedback to the rescuer. Objective: The study aims to assess impact of high fidelity simulation training on quality of CPR performance of EMS Professionals. Methods: A high fidelity manikin was utilized to create four unique healthcare simulation scenarios based on cardiac arrest. The manikin software was capable of capturing real-time CPR data and measured parameters like chest compression depth (CCD), chest compression rate (CCR), chest recoil (CR) and chest compression fraction (CCF). The participants were initially taught the assessment and management of cardiac arrest. The participants underwent a pre-intervention test conducted on high fidelity manikin. The CPR metrics were recorded during the session. The participants were then imparted training with real time CPR feedback for a period of two months. This was followed by a post-intervention test and the CPR metrics of both tests were compared. Discussion: The participants showed improvement in chest compression depth and chest compression rate but the chest recoil frequency and chest compression fraction decreased after the two-month intervention period. The overemphasis on achieving target depth and rate led to ignorance of the other two parameters affecting overall quality of CPR. Conclusion: Maintaining adequate attention on all aspects of CPR metrics is a complex challenge even for trained professionals. Utilizing technology for real-time feedback is a reliable method to gauge improvement in quality of CPR during training sessions of EMS professionals.
Evaluation of Alternatives For Hydraulic Design of Bridges With HEC-RAS

On average, flooding causes over five billion dollars of damage and 99 fatalities per year in the United States alone. These ever-increasing numbers indicate a need for rigorous design procedures for any structures which exacerbate flood risk. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Hydraulic Engineering Center (HEC) has developed a computer program called River Analysis System, and more commonly referred to as HEC-RAS or RAS. HEC-RAS is the best and most recent method for hydraulic design of bridges, and available documentation provides guidance for its use. The author is experienced in hydraulic design of bridges and.has developed this thesis in order to address certain generalities and gaps in the HEC-RAS documentation. Factors examined included: location of the transition and approach sections, effects of choice of bridge calculation methods for low flow events, effects of bridge calculation methods for high flow events, effects of interpolated cross-sections, and effects of choice of inappropriate boundary conditions. It was found that transition reach lengths recommended by HEC-RAS documentation were the most accurate, and recommendations made as part of the HEC-2 program result in over calculation of water surface elevations. It was also found that use of the energy method for bridge calculations during high flow events which experience only pressure flow results in calculated water surface elevations that are much higher than observed data indicates.
Implications of resource-efficient technology on peak water demand and water-related energy demand

This paper uses a detailed water end use data registry generated from the South East Queensland Residential End Use Study (SEQREUS) to examine (a) peak hourly and daily demand, and (b) water-related energy demand. The impact of water-efficient fixtures and appliances, as required by current building codes in Queensland, is also explored. The four peak demand days selected had increasing peak day factors of 1.3, 1.5, 1.6 and 1.7. The range of these values is slightly lower than those used in the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) guidelines where the peak day factors range from 1.5 to 2.3, suggesting that the frequency and volume of peaking factors may be lower than those that are currently being used for network distribution design; due likely to the high penetration of water-efficient technology and growing water conservation awareness by consumers. This type of knowledge can facilitate the optimisation of infrastructure design and sizing and inform the subsequent deferral of such assets. In terms of water-related energy demand, it was found that the hot water components of showers, and to a lesser extent, taps and clothes washers were the most influential. Shower energy consumption for electric cylinder hot water systems (HWS) and solar electric-boosted HWS was 810 and 351 kWh/p/year, respectively. The type of hot water system was significant in dictating the volume of energy-related carbon emissions, with the results confirming the significant impact that electric storage water heating has on total household energy consumption and related carbon emissions. Substantial savings can be achieved by substituting water (eg, high star rating clothes washers and shower heads) and energy (eg, solar hot water system) efficient appliances in the home. Knowledge on the end uses that are influencing peak water and energy demand can: 1) facilitate the optimisation of infrastructure design and sizing and inform the decision process regarding subsequent deferral of these expensive assets; and 2) underpin future sustainability codes for new buildings.
Protocol for field testing of tall buildings to determine envelope air leakage rate

The objective of this project was to develop a relatively simple, accurate method for testing the overall envelope leakage rate of tall buildings. Two fan pressurization test techniques, the floor-by-floor blower door method and the air-handler method, were developed and tested on two buildings. Criteria for conducting accurate tests were developed, including limitations on outdoor air temperature and wind speed. The floor-by-floor blower door method permits isolation and measurement of the leakage flow rate of a single floor, but it is difficult and time-consuming to apply. The air-handler method uses building air distribution fans for pressurization. It is most easily applied on a system-by-system level rather than floor-by-floor. fan airflow techniques including orifice plate, pitot traverse, and tracer gas dilution were considered. The tracer gas method was found to be relatively easy to apply and highly accurate. Fan airflow rate measurement uncertainty by tracer gas was estimated to be 5.4% to 8.8% for the cases considered, assuming a 5% uncertainty in interzonal leakage.
Setting the Outsourcing Research Agenda

Purpose – To close the inaugural volume of Strategic Outsourcing, an International Journal (SOIJ), this paper aims to suggest a research agenda for outsourcing related studies for the year to come. The limited 1 year-time horizon to 2009 reflects our objective to identify a limited number of key and most urgent research areas in need of scientifically valid researchDesign/methodology/approach – The authors draw on their personal experience and knowledge as well as the content of the first volume of SOIJ, to identify key seminal studies in the field, observe gaps in current knowledge, and provide suggestions for future research.Findings – The major outcome of the paper is the list of 10 key research areas we suggest for 2009. Also interesting are the other three top-10s we propose: the top-10 theories underpinning current outsourcing research; the top-10 research areas investigated by past research on outsourcing; and the top-10 research questions that have emerged this year.Research limitations/implications – Considering the methodology we chose for this article, we are aware, and indeed so should you, that this research is biased and subjective by our own admission. Hence its categorisation as a Viewpoint. Nonetheless, considering the large amount of information we have used and the very narrow focus we have kept in defining our objectives, we believe the article has relevant implications in terms of clarifying a short-term roadmap for research in the field.Practical implications – From a practical perspective, as with all research agendas, the longer-term implications are much more important and visible than the shorter-term ones. The extremely fast pace at which outsourcing practice develops, coupled with the slower pace at which theoretical formulation and education move, are leaving outsourcing practitioners short of the proper “tools of trade”. A clear and focused research agenda can help generate knowledge supporting a drastic reduction in the confusion surrounding this practice and hence increase practitioners’ ability to develop the proper skills, learn from and apply validated theories and, in turn, more successfully manage their outsourced operations or contracts.Originality/value – That outsourcing related research is going to increase over the next few years, is undisputed. The key question is how we can maximise current and future efforts to shorten the development time. Being part of the editorial team of SOIJ puts us in the privileged position to have visibility over most current research being undertaken in the field of outsourcing. Complementing this with our own experience as researchers and practitioners in the field, we can provide relevant suggestions to those researchers who share an interest in developing this field into a fully-fledged scientific discipline.
Gender Differences in Psychosocial, Religious, and Spiritual Aspects in Coping: A Cross-Sectional Study with Cancer Patients

Background: There is a growing awareness of religiosity and/or spirituality (R/S) as a possible resource in coping with cancer. Gender differences in religious coping have not yet been thoroughly examined. This study aimed to analyze differences in religious coping between men and women with cancer and compare the impact of R/S on anxiety and depression symptoms. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Divisions of Hematology and Oncology of the Medical University of Vienna. In total, 352 patients with a cancer diagnosis, who regarded themselves as religious and/or spiritual, were interviewed at Vienna's university hospital with standardized questionnaires. To answer our research questions, we used the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Benefit Through Spirituality/Religiosity (Benefit) questionnaire, and collected demographic characteristics. Results: Of 689 cancer patients, 51% (352) regard themselves as religious and/or spiritual. Women with cancer tend toward R/S more significantly (57%) than men (45%). In patients with an R/S belief, women scored higher in almost all items of the Benefit questionnaire and showed higher prevalence of anxiety (p < 0.001) and depression than men. Regarding the socioeconomic characteristics, more women were widowed, and had significantly lower income than men. Conclusions: The results show a significant gender gap concerning the importance of R/S for cancer patients and the effect on psychological well-being. Women in this study were more religious/spiritual than men and scored higher on anxiety and depression. We support the notion that the gender perspective is essential and can contribute to better patient care in identifying gender-specific concerns.
Secondary School Learners Conceptions of the Structure and Function of the Human Circulatory System

In the process of teaching learning science students‟ understanding of scientific concepts and phenomena is a vital component in any science curriculum. A large number of researches have been conducted over the years to find out students‟ conceptions related to different science concepts. Many researchers agree that students bring with them their own conceptions to the science classroom which are inconsistent with the views of scientists [1, 2]. These conceptions have been defined in the literature by number of terms such as, „alternative conceptions‟, conceptual difficulties, misconceptions, informal ideas, naïve beliefs, erroneous ideas, alternative framework and naïve conceptions. The most commonly used terminology, misconception is used throughout in this article. Misconceptions are students‟ ideas from life experience or informal education, which are not structured well and resulting in the incorrect meaning according to scientific concepts‟ (248) [3]. Children understand the world through their everyday experiences which gain through number of sources including teachers [4, 5], textbooks [6], family members ([5], student personal experiences, cultural beliefs and media [7].
Success Factors in Managing Six Sigma Projects

Six Sigma is a project-driven business systems improvement method. Successful implementation and growing organizational interest in the Six Sigma method have been exploding in recent years. It is rapidly becoming a major force driving the strategy of numerous successful organizations. Involvement in Six Sigma projects is becoming an important career path requirement in many organizations. Understanding the main concepts of the Six Sigma method provides important opportunities to project professionals to lead Six Sigma projects, and allows them to better support their organizations’ strategic direction, and increasing needs for coaching, mentoring, and training. It has been reported widely that Six Sigma projects are very successful, compared to the reports of dismal success rates in traditional projects and business process reengineering projects. This paper provides a brief overview of the Six Sigma management method and its use of project management. The paper examines the main factors driving the success of Six Sigma projects. It addresses the elements of strategic selection and effective management of Six Sigma projects. It considers the organizational structure used and the roles of various participants in achieving technical, financial and customer satisfaction objectives of each Six Sigma project. It presents the methodologies used in managing Six Sigma projects for both process improvement and new development projects. It reviews the approach used for evaluating the success of these projects. The paper summarizes extensive literature reviews and discussions with Six Sigma leaders at several organizations. It analyzes and synthesizes the lessons learned from successful management of Six Sigma projects and their potential applications in managing traditional projects. It considers further improvements to the methodologies used for managing Six Sigma projects, and addresses wider applications of promising practices to organizational change management. The paper also discusses challenges and obstacles in the application of the Six Sigma method. The promising practices learned from the successful management of Six Sigma projects could have important applications in managing traditional projects and wider applications in managing organizational change.
A critical literature review on the concept of team integration in Industrialised Building System (IBS) project

Due to the combination of problems and issues that arose in the current construction industry such as fragmentation, less of productivity and quality, lack of sustainability etc, the Malaysian Government proposed a new solution through industrialisation technology called lndustrialised Building System (IBS). Although IBS was introduced over 40 years ago, with well-documented benefits and strong support from the government, the pace of implementation and usage of IBS is still slow and below the government targets. Investigation by some researchers identified that one of the main barriers of IBS implementation in the Malaysian construction industry is related to poor integration and communication among stakeholders involved during the design stage.A number of reports challenged the construction industry to create a fully integrated process capable of delivering predictable results to clients through processes and team integration. Responding to the challenge, this research hopes to respond this problem and help towards the betterment of the IBS Malaysian construction industry using an integrated design team delivery approach.Therefore,this paper will review and define the concepts of team, teamwork and integration within scope of construction project.In the second part, this paper will discuss the main dimensions that describe a team that has been fully integrated, followed by discussion on how the delivery team a responsible for the design and construction of a project can be integrated to work together.
The use of autologous epidermal grafts for diabetic foot ulcer emergencies: A clinical study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: There are various surgical and invasive treatment systems such as conservative skin grafts and autologous epidermal grafting (AEG) for diabetic foot ulcers. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using a novel epidermal graft harvesting system in diabetic foot ulcer emergencies. METHODS: A retrospective clinical study was conducted with 15 diabetic foot ulcer patients, and after written and signed consent forms were taken, AEG system was applied to all patients. All of the clinical data of the patients such as their American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status Classification System scores, size of pre-application wound area (cm2), time to complete re-epithelization of the wound, pain scores using the visual analog scale (VAS) for both donor and recipient sites, changes in size of wound, complete dermal response time, and patients’ demographics, comorbidities were recorded. The age, gender, pre-post application wound area (cm2), time of healing, ASA, and VAS variables were compared each other and analyzed statistically. P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean of time for complete wound healing was 5.9 (range 4–8) weeks. There was no statistically difference between recipient wound size and patient’s age; size of both types of wounds (cm2) and time (weeks) for complete reduction for both types of wounds; and time to complete both types of wound healing and gender (p=0.509, 0.788, and 0.233, respectively). ASA scores did not impact the time required for complete healing of the wound (p=0.749). CONCLUSION: The current study has tried to evaluate the efficacy of the AEG system in a homogenous population with diabetic foot ulcers. An epidermal harvesting system may be used effectively and safely in patients with diabetic foot ulcer emergencies.
Implications of Social Practice Theory for Sustainable Design

Sustainable design faces challenges at a scale and level of complexity that are ill at ease with design’s mainstream focus on products and users. Recently, social practice theory has been suggested as a promising theoretical framework to inform new ways of designing. In social practice theory, practices – socially shared entities such as cleaning, cooking and playing – are taken as the fundamental unit of analysis. So far, however, design research in this area has been scattered and varying strongly in its interpretations of the implications of a ‘practice-orientation’. This thesis explores these implications through a series of empirical projects on the topics of bathing and staying warm at home and proposes a coherent practice-oriented approach to sustainable design.
The Decibel Report: Acoustic Sound Measurement Modeling and the Effects of Sonar on Marine Mammals

Abstract : This report is an authoritative and comprehensive explanation of sound-level quantities, metrics, and sonar models; its purpose is to provide best available science to acoustics and marine biology subject matter experts, sonar and environmental planners, and policy decision-makers so they can be better informed of the terminology, usage, and practices undertaken for modeling underwater sound energy effects pertinent to U.S. Naval sonar operations and the marine habitat.