Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does high-speed rail stimulate shareholder activism by small investors in China?

ABSTRACT This study investigates the effects of high-speed rail (HSR) introduction in China on small investors’ on-site participation in shareholders’ general meetings, which is used to measure the ‘inverse distance–participation syndrome’. We find that HSR introductionhas a significantly positive effect on small investors’ on-site attendance. The poorer the transportation infrastructure connecting other cities before HSR introduction, the shorter the distance between HSR station and the firm’s headquarters after HSR introduction, and the more nonlocal investors the firm has, the higher the attendance rate. Small shareholder activism that arises with HSR introduction results in a higher likelihood of proposal rejection, fewer tunnelling by large shareholders, and less earnings manipulation. Overall, our results show that HSR introduction reduces monitoring costs for small shareholders and increases their on-site participation. Our findings provide important implications for policymakers on encouraging small shareholder activism.
MIDET: A Method for Indexing Traffic Events

Traffic events announcements such as jams and road closures are continuously reported by mobile and Web applications. This collection of spatio-temporal data is an important source of information for urban planning, and can be used to orchestrate a number of actions to mprove the mobility, such as traffic control, traffic lights synchronization and preventive maintenance. Such analysis usually involves computation of spatial relationships among data, and may involve location of landmarks, roads and different types of events. In this paper, we propose a Method for Indexing Traffic Events (MIDET) for querying spatio-temporal data, whose location can be represented as a point or collection of points. MIDET is based on a fixed-grid space-oriented partitioning. In order to tackle the data skew, each grid cell is associated with a set of blocks containing event records. Moreover, a bitmap index is used for filtering out blocks without retrieving the actual data. MIDET provides the following benefits: adoption of a simple bulk loading process to manage dynamic insertion streams, and in-memory spatial joins. We conducted an experimental study using real data obtained from Waze. MIDET’s query performance was compared with Postgis, which adopts an R-tree index structure.
Multi-reservoir real-time operation rules: a new genetic programming approach

This paper employs non-linear programming, genetic algorithms and fixed-length gene genetic programming (FLGGP) for the real-time operation of a three-reservoir system (Karoon4, Khersan1 and Karoon3) in which dependent and independent approaches are used to forecast the hydroelectric energy generated by the system. A total deficiency function as well as efficiency criteria are used to investigate the results obtained. The latter indicate that the more flexible FLGGP gives the most efficient function for the extraction of reservoir operation rules in both dependent and independent approaches. By comparing the two approaches, no significant difference was observed. Consequently, due to the simplicity of the application of the forecast-independent approach, it is suggested for application in the extraction of reservoir operation decision rules. Moreover, the advantages of a three-reservoir system operation over a single-reservoir system operation reflect the efficiency of the integrated management of water r.
On Calculating the Phase-to-Phase CFO of Overhead Transmission Lines Based on the Spatial Minimum Electric Field

A spatial approach for calculating phase-to-phase switching impulse critical flashover voltage of overhead transmission lines is implemented using the Fourier enhanced charge simulation method (FEnCSM). Cathode-directed leader and streamer characteristics are used in an engineering model of pre-breakdown conditions. Rather than identifying breakdown based on complete bridging of the air gap, the proposed method identifies breakdown based on the ability of the leader-streamer system to survive the region of minimum electric field between phase conductors. Use of the minimum field as a basis for identifying breakdown allows anode-directed negative streamers to be reasonably neglected. Combined with FEnCSM, the proposed approach enables explicit representation of phase bundle subconductors and avoids the electrode-specific geometric constants or gap factors common in existing methods. Results obtained with the method compare well to four independent sets of experimental data for phase-to-phase flashover from the literature. The method was developed to facilitate ongoing research into practical use of the electric field as a basis for unifying electrical studies in the design of overhead transmission lines, including HSIL and other novel configurations.
Evaluation of Safety Performance of Passing Relief Lanes

This paper documents the evaluation of the safety performance of passing relief lanes. A passing relief lane is an intermittently spaced additional lane on a two-lane road that provides drivers the opportunity to pass without having to cross into opposing traffic. The operational benefits are well known, but there is limited substantive evidence on the safety of these lanes. The study was based on data from Michigan, specifically traffic volume and crash history data for seven sites at which passing lanes were implemented within the study period, and for 100 reference sites (without passing lanes) and 231 passing lanes sites that existed throughout the study period. The analysis involved an empirical Bayes before–after evaluation and a comparative, cross-sectional evaluation of safety performance of locations with and without passing lanes. The methodologies were also applied to adjacent nontreated sites 1 mi upstream and downstream of the passing relief lane segment to examine possible spillover effects. From the results, crash modification factors (CMFs) were established for passing lanes in Michigan. These CMFs, which indicated significant safety benefits from passing relief lanes, may be considered for use in locations in other jurisdictions. The results from the cross-sectional and before–after evaluations were generally consistent.
Common mode current attenuation techniques for use with PWM drives

The most common modulation strategy adopted for motor control in adjustable speed drives (ASDs) is pulse width modulation (PWM). In general, the output is modulated at a carrier frequency ranging from 1.0 kHz to 20.0 kHz. Experiences with PWM drives have shown that there exist two important concerns: (1) common mode current; and (2) over-voltage at the motor when the distance between motor and the inverter is larger than the critical distance. The high carrier frequency along with fast rise and fall time of the insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) employed results in nontrivial common-mode or ground currents. The high dv/dt causes shaft voltage, which leads to bearing currents. This phenomenon has been identified as one of the reasons for premature bearing failure in PWM driven motors. A new scheme to attenuate the common mode noise and hence reduce shaft voltage is proposed. Experimental results showing the effectiveness of the proposed solution is also presented.
New registrations in Swedish beef cattle breeding - with focus on temperament and cow weight

In today’s genetic evaluation of Swedish beef cattle, mainly traits that are directly related to productivity are measured. However, other traits, such as temperament and mature cow weight affect the economy of the farmer, as well as the welfare of the animals. This thesis evaluates possible ways of measuring new traits, with focus on temperament and mature weight of suckler cows. The goal is to examine the possible benefits of including these traits in the Swedish breeding scheme. To achieve this, studies of literature, analyses of data and qualitative interviews with farmers have been conducted. Analyses of literature and data showed that recordings of temperament and mature weight can be performed during Swedish conditions. Data of Swedish farms showed that temperament scores were affected by breed, year and season, with the highest number of inferior temperament scores recorded around calving. Mature cow weights for Angus, Simmental and crossbreds were 700 to 820 kg, which is higher than figures stated in international literature. Effects of breed could not be observed for cow weight, which is contrary to findings in literature. To achieve a higher interest for breeding values, it is suggested to include new recordings, such as temperament, longevity and fertility, since it would capture the interests of the farmers and their breeding goals better. By including temperament during handling and aggressive behaviour around calving in the genetic evaluation, the safety for workers, animal welfare, productivity and economics at the Swedish farms could be improved. It is however not recommended to include mature cow weight in the genetic evaluation at present, due to lack of interest and thereof given benefits by inclusion of the trait. Although, the knowledge of the cows’ weights amongst farmers needs to be improved. In the future, this new information could be used to improve the Swedish beef recording scheme for a more efficient production.
An undergraduate microcontroller systems laboratory

This paper discusses a course in microcontroller system design which was revised to facilitate improved student learning outcomes. The course aimed to develop design and technical skills, as well as communication and team management skills. A problem based learning (PBL) approach was taken, and the focus of the course was on the laboratory where the students worked on a major design project. Hardware was developed for the laboratory using the Motorola 68HC11 microcontroller which enabled the students to undertake a range of design activities. The students formed groups and were assigned a realistic design project to undertake over a semester. Evaluation of this course was obtained from students, staff and an external reviewer, and the results show that the revised course achieved its educational objectives.
Design and Build Project Success Factors: Multivariate Analysis

This study aimed to identify a set of project success factors for design and build (D&B) projects and examine the relative importance of these factors on project outcome. Six project success factors (project team commitment, contractor's competencies, risk and liability assessment, client's competencies, end-users' needs, and constraints imposed by end-users) were extracted from factor analysis of data provided by 53 participants of public-sector D&B projects through a questionnaire survey. Project team commitment, client's competencies, and contractor's competencies were found to be important to bring successful project outcome from the multiple regression findings. Contractor's competencies also contributed to project time performance. Project team members should also recognize that time and cost performance as well as quality of design and workmanship represent the key elements of overall success of D&B projects. Practitioners are advised to focus on teamwork and partnering for successful project compl.
MRI Radiomic Features: A Potential Biomarker for Progression-Free Survival Prediction of Patients With Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer Undergoing Surgery

Objectives To investigate the prognostic role of radiomic features based on pretreatment MRI in predicting progression-free survival (PFS) of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). Methods All 181 women with histologically confirmed LACC were randomly divided into the training cohort (n = 126) and the validation cohort (n = 55). For each patient, we extracted radiomic features from whole tumors on sagittal T2WI and axial DWI. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm combined with the Cox survival analysis was applied to select features and construct a radiomic score (Rad-score) model. The cutoff value of the Rad-score was used to divide the patients into high- and low-risk groups by the X-tile. Kaplan–Meier analysis and log-rank test were used to assess the prognostic value of the Rad-score. In addition, we totally developed three models, the clinical model, the Rad-score, and the combined nomogram. Results The Rad-score demonstrated good performance in stratifying patients into high- and low-risk groups of progression in the training (HR = 3.279, 95% CI: 2.865–3.693, p < 0.0001) and validation cohorts (HR = 2.247, 95% CI: 1.735–2.759, p < 0.0001). Otherwise, the combined nomogram, integrating the Rad-score and patient’s age, hemoglobin, white blood cell, and lymph vascular space invasion, demonstrated prominent discrimination, yielding an AUC of 0.879 (95% CI, 0.811–0.947) in the training cohort and 0.820 (95% CI, 0.668–0.971) in the validation cohort. The Delong test verified that the combined nomogram showed better performance in estimating PFS than the clinical model and Rad-score in the training cohort (p = 0.038, p = 0.043). Conclusion The radiomics nomogram performed well in individualized PFS estimation for the patients with LACC, which might guide individual treatment decisions.
Robust electromechanical finite element updating for piezoelectric structures effective coupling prediction

A robust electromechanical updating methodology for piezoelectric structures effective coupling prediction is first presented. It combines a finite element design experiment–based a priori sensitivity analysis, a response surface method–based meta-modelling and a genetic algorithm–based multi-objective optimization procedure. Then, this methodology is applied to cantilever aluminium thick plate and thin beam structures that are bonded, respectively, with two oppositely poled large and oppositely and same poled small piezoceramic patches on their upper and lower surfaces. In order to correlate corresponding first few effective modal electromechanical coupling coefficients, a mechanical updating is first considered; it consists of identifying the stiffness parameters of linear springs, modelling the clamp, so that relative deviations between the first few experimental and finite element short-circuit frequencies are minimized; then, an electric updating is considered; it consists of finding the patches’ relative transverse blocked dielectric constants that minimize the first few experimental and finite element open-circuit frequencies relative deviations. Free vibrations are simulated using ANSYS®-coupled piezoelectric three-dimensional finite element. The obtained results have partially confirmed those from a former ad hoc updating method since the sensitivity analyses led to same stiffness parameters’ irreducible number and only some effective modal electromechanical coupling coefficient test–model correlations were enhanced.
APPLICABILITY OF FETAL DOPPLER ULTRASOUND TO IDENTIFY ALTERATIONS SUGGESTIVE OF EXTRA-CARDIAC ANOMALIES (FIRST PART)

Introduction: Fetal Doppler ultrasound is the method of choice to identify alterations that put the fetus at risk;this tool has revolutionized the traditional conception of Perinatology as it gives the opportunity to understand that the pathophysiological process of the sick fetus presents a hemodynamic deterioration. Objective: To describe the applicability of fetal Doppler ultrasound in the main extra cardiac anomalies. Methods: Bibliographic review of scientific articles published in Spanish and English and their corresponding validation under CASPe and PRISMA tools. Results: A bibliographic analysis of 92 citations was carried out under the aforementioned systematic search in which the main fetal anomalies were separated under the supradiaphragmatic, infradiaphragmatic and cerebral concept. Conclusion: There are a limited literature regarding Doppler ultrasound evaluation in relation to extra-cardiac anomalies,and among them there are discrepancies in the findings found between various authors.
Determinants of Hesitancy Towards COVID-19 Vaccines in State of Kuwait: An Exploratory Internet-Based Survey

Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has wrought havoc upon healthcare and economic systems worldwide. COVID-19 vaccines considered a beacon of hope for normal life to return. We wished to understand the willingness of people in Kuwait to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Methods An online, exploratory, cross-sectional study was conducted on 16–18 January 2021 using a validated structured questionnaire to collect data from adults aged 18 years or older living in Kuwait by applying a “snowball sampling” method. Results A total of 7274 people received an online link of the survey on their smartphone or computer, and 6943 people enrolled in this study (95.4%). Kuwaiti nationals represented 79.7% of the study cohort, 54.8% were aged ≥40 years, and 66.7% were females. Hesitancy against a COVID-19 vaccine was remarkably high (74.3%), with 50.8% not planning to take it and 23.5% not sure about taking it. The overall mean perception score was 3.4 ± 2.8, with 66.8% having a negative attitude towards a COVID-19 vaccine. Multiple logistic regression analysis of the factors affecting the decision to take a COVID-19 vaccine was done. The decision to take a COVID-19 vaccine was significantly positively associated with younger age (OR = 1.219), being male (2.169), having a higher education level (1.362), vaccinated against seasonal influenza previously (2.706), being a non-Kuwaiti (1.329), being a healthcare worker (1.366), and working in the private sector (1.228). Options to encourage future COVID-19 vaccination were more studies showing the vaccine to be safe and efficacious (68.6%), physician recommendation (41.8%), mandatory travel requirements (39.8%), if a family or friend vaccinated (34.9%) and compulsory by government (33.1%) or for employment (29.8%). Conclusion Our data suggest that considerable vaccine hesitancy persists despite the widespread availability of highly efficacious and safe COVID-19 vaccines.
Influence of Biofertilizers and Weed Control Treatments on Weeds and Soybean Productivity تأثير الأسمدة الحيوية ومعاملات مکافحة الحشائش على الحشائش وانتاجيه فول الصويا

This work was conducted during the 2019 and 2020 seasons at the Agricultural Research Station in Sakha, Egypt to study the effect of various biofertilizers (Rhizobacterin and non-fertilized) and weed control treatments (pendimethalin 1.7 L/acre, Prometric n 1.25 L/acre, Pendimethalin). 1.7 L/acre + 1.5 L/acre, Prometrine 1.25 L/acre + Fluazifob-p-butyl 1.5 L/acre, scrabble 15 days after sowing (DAS) + Fluazifob-p-butyl 1.5 L/acre wice manual hoeing and control (untreated assay) on soybean nodules, weeds and yield. The results indicated that biofertilization (Rhizobacterin) and weed control treatments increased the nodule number, weight, plant height, number of branches, number and weight of pods, seed yield and seed yield/acre. of soybeans in the two years compared with un-Rhizobacterin plants. Moreover, the content of protein, oil, nitrogen and protein in soybean seeds increased in the two seasons. From the results obtained, bendemethalin 1.7 L/acre + fluazifob-p-butyl 1.5 L/acre, manual hoeing twice at 21, 35 days post-seeding (DAS) and cribbing 15 days after sowing + fluazifob-p-butyl 1.5 L / Feeding was the best treatment which gave the best weed control. Therefore, it is recommended to search using the Rhizobacterin in vivo fertilization, soybean plants were treated with pendimethalin 1.7 L/acre + fluazifop-p-butyl 1.5 L/acre, manual hoeing twice at 21, 35 days after sowing (DAS) and scribbling 15 days after Sowing + fluazifob-p-butyl 1.5 L/acre gave the highest soybean seed yield and the best weeding control under experimental conditions
Diversification of business and technical efficiency of companies in Vietnam

This study focuses on assessing the technical efficiency of enterprises across 63 provinces of Vietnam from 2015 to 2018 and the factors affecting their technical efficiency, in which we focus on two factors: business diversification and ICT index. In this research, we use the DEA method to group effective and ineffective enterprises, then use the GMM method to estimate the factors affecting to the firm’s performance. The research results show that the technical efficiency of enterprises in the provinces is quite small (about 10%), most of the enterprises have not achieved the technical efficiency due to the wasteful use of input factors. Research shows that business diversification and ICT both have a positive impact on efficiency, from which to increase technical efficiency, enterprises in provinces need to pay attention to business diversification and improve ICT index. in terms of the local government
EVALUATION OF WILLINGNESS TO BUY A LOW-POLLUTION CAR IN JAPAN

In recent years, Japan has recognized a need to actively take measures to reduce CO2 emissions that will bring about the green house effects. Thus, the Japanese central and local governments are rapidly promoting prevalence of low-pollution private cars. This study clarifies awareness of people toward purchase of a low-pollution car to propose measures to improve introduction of low-pollution cars. We made surveys in Tokyo and Sapporo to identify the status of people's willingness to buy a low-pollution car. Citizens of Sapporo are concerned about the environment; however, it does not actually lead to purchase of low-pollution cars. Next, we evaluated low-pollution car prices by applying Kishi's Logit PSM (KLP). KLP that is developed from Price Sensitivity Measurement (PSM) enables the analysis to clarify affordable low-pollution car prices for purchasers. The analysis results have found that there are few hybrid cars that people think their prices are reasonable.
Exercise-Induced Cardiac Troponin Elevations: From Underlying Mechanisms to Clinical Relevance

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Serological assessment of cardiac troponins (cTn) is the gold standard to assess myocardial injury in clinical practice. A greater magnitude of acutely or chronically elevated cTn concentrations is associated with lower event-free survival in patients and the general population. Exercise training is known to improve cardiovascular function and promote longevity, but exercise can produce an acute rise in cTn concentrations, which may exceed the upper reference limit in a substantial number of individuals. Whether exercise-induced cTn elevations are attributable to a physiological or pathological response and if they are clinically relevant has been debated for decades. Thus far, exercise-induced cTn elevations have been viewed as the only benign form of cTn elevations. However, recent studies report intriguing findings that shed new light on the underlying mechanisms and clinical relevance of exercise-induced cTn elevations. We will review the biochemical characteristics of cTn assays, key factors determining the magnitude of postexercise cTn concentrations, the release kinetics, underlying mechanisms causing and contributing to exercise-induced cTn release, and the clinical relevance of exercise-induced cTn elevations. We will also explain the association with cardiac function, correlates with (subclinical) cardiovascular diseases and exercise-induced cTn elevations predictive value for future cardiovascular events. Last, we will provide recommendations for interpretation of these findings and provide direction for future research in this field.