Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Submarine Seep of Carbon Dioxide in Norton Sound, Alaska

Earlier workers have described a submarine gas seep in Norton Sound having an unusual mixture of petroleum-like, low-molecular-weight hydrocarbons. Actually, only about 0.04 percent of the seeping gas is hydrocarbons and 98 percent is carbon dioxide. The isotopic compositions of carbon dioxide (δ13CPDB = –2.7 per mil) and methane (δ13CPDB = –36 per mil, where PDB is the Peedee belemnite standard) indicate that geothermal processes are active here.
An Analysis of Spiral Hashing

Spiral hashing is an interesting extendible hashing method. Only one approximate analysis of its performance was given, which was based on a heuristic approach and did not specify the error. In this paper, we present a discrete analysis of the expected search cost and the expected amortized rehashing cost in spiral hashing for which a big-O term can be given to describe the error
Assessing tourism market potential in a dynamic emerging economy: Theoretical and empirical insights from Cambodia

Purpose – Cambodia's tourism sector has increasingly been playing a crucial role and is the key to the country's socio‐economic development. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how value changes in Cambodian society affect development of the tourism industry and to evaluate the events having potential impact on tourism market development.Design/methodology/approach – The Delphi qualitative forecasting technique has been utilized in a variety of settings as a powerful market research tool. In this empirical study, the Delphi method is utilized to predict the future tourism and hospitality scenarios for Cambodia from 2005 through 2020, as well as their marketing policy implications at regional and national levels. A representative sample of diverse groups of Cambodia tourism and hospitality industry experts were pooled for data collection.Findings – The study results indicate that experts predict more structural changes will be taking place in the tourism and hospitality industry. An interesting stu.
CEO: 'We would never make it with full-timers. I don't think so' - A narrative study about the underpinning logic of a story behind nonstandard employment in the Swedish clothing retail industry

Title: CEO: ‘We would never make it with full-timers. I don’t think so. ’ – A narrative study about the underpinning logic of a story behind part-time employment in the Swedish clothing retail industry Course: FEA 418, Master Thesis, 15 hp, Management, Spring 2012 Authors: Martina Blomquist and Gustav Bobeck Facilitator: Fredrik Lavén Examiner: Ulla Eriksson-Zetterquist
Governance, Regulation and Performance of Non-listed SmallCorporations in Australia: a Structural Equation Modelling Approach

Small corporations are the backbone of the Australian economy. Various studies have explored corporate governance as it applies to larger organisations. Few studies, however, have examined how corporate governance relates to small corporations. The “one size fits all model” adopted by most of the corporations’ law frameworks and the “comply or explain” mentality places a significant amount of unnecessary and disproportionate compliance burden on small businesses. Worse still, non-listed small corporations are losers of the “corporate governance reform competition”, given their resource constraints. There is a dearth of evidence on the relationship between governance, regulation and performance of non-listed small corporations. Only in recent years have researchers in the field started to explore the governance issues facing small corporations in North America and Europe. Existing empirical studies have mainly focused on isolated governance mechanisms, while the interaction between different governance mechanisms has been ignored. This project intends to address these gaps by applying systematic review, meta-analysis, Path Analysis (PA) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The systematic review identifies relevant theories on the governance and regulation of small corporations. Grounded in these theories, meta-analyses have been applied to synthesize existing empirical evidence in view to developing a conceptual framework. A structured online questionnaire was employed to collect data, yielding 387 responses. Multiple indicators were adopted to measure five latent constructs such as governance, regulation, financial performance, social performance and sustainable performance. PA estimated the direct and indirect effects of governance mechanism on performance. SEM was introduced to confirm the hypothesized relationships, controlling variables such as firm age, size, and development stage. The results revealed (1) the measurement models for four latent constructs including corporate governance, government regulation, financial performance and CSR; (2) the impact of individual governance mechanisms on performance; (3) governance as a bundle has negative impacts on both financial performance and CSR; (4) regulation has a positive impact on financial performance and CSR. Policy recommendations were developed based on the empirical evidence established from this study.
Probing Copy Number Variations Using Bio-Rad ’ s QX 100 TM Droplet Digital TM PCR System

Need for Improved Methods to Validate, Diagnose, and Monitor Copy Number Variations Given the high incidence and clinical impact of CNVs, a precise, rapid, and cost-effective method is needed for high-throughput validation of candidate CNV associations and for subsequent routine deployment in diagnostic settings. The predominant method used to validate CNVs in larger populations is real-time or quantitative PCR (qPCR), which measures the relative rates of fluorescence increases during the exponential amplification of target and singlecopy reference genes. The accuracy and precision of these measurements can be impacted by multiple factors including differences in amplification rates between the target and reference genes, variations in their amplification rates during qPCR, sampling error due to DNA concentration, and analysis errors (Karlen et al. 2007). Weaver et al. (2010) rigorously characterized these factors and found that systemic errors can be addressed by increasing the number of replicates to achieve the desired precision. However, the required number of replicates increases rapidly as finer discrimination is desired, with four replicates required to distinguish a twofold difference (for example, a CNV of 1 vs. 2) and up to 18 replicates to distinguish a 1.25-fold difference (for example, a CNV of 4 vs. 5).
Compressive sensing Petrov-Galerkin approximation of high-dimensional parametric operator equations

We analyze the convergence of compressive sensing based sampling techniques for the ecient evaluation of functionals of solutions for a class of high-dimensional, ane-parametric, linear operator equations which depend on possibly innitely many parameters. The proposed algorithms are based on so-called \non-intrusive" sampling of the high-dimensional parameter space, reminiscent of Monte-Carlo sampling. In contrast to Monte-Carlo, however, the parametric solution is then computed via compressive sensing methods from samples of (a functional of) the solution. A key ingredient in our analysis of independent interest consists in a generalization of recent results on the approximate sparsity of generalized polynomial chaos representations (gpc) of the parametric solution families, in terms of the gpc series with respect to tensorized Chebyshev polynomials. In particular, we establish sucient conditions on the parametric inputs to the parametric operator equation such that the Chebyshev coecients of gpc expansion are contained in certain weighted 'p-spaces for 0 < p 1. Based on this we show that reconstructions of the parametric solutions computed from the sampled problems converge, with high probability, at the L2, resp. L1 convergence rates aorded by best s-term approximations of the parametric solution up to logarithmic factors.
Tutorial on ODP Trading Function

interfaces for grouping of readonly attributes based on the required support for a functional interface. The standard specifies the abstract interfaces of: SupportAttributes, ImportAttributes, LinkAttributes, and TraderComponents. The first three are for clients to obtain values of the corresponding trader attributes. The TraderComponents interface contains five readonly attributes for the five functional interfaces and is inherited by each of the functional interfaces, so that knowledge of any functional interface is sufficient to obtain values for the other interfaces. 6.1 Trader Attributes Trader characteristics, policies for capabilities supported, and policies for scoping the extent of a search are defined as trader attributes. To facilitate interworking and portability of traders, the names, IDL types, and semantics have been standardised for a number of trader attributes. Each trader sets its own values for these attributes, reflecting the trader’s policies and characteristics. The attributes are grouped for convenience into: Support attributes attributes whose values are used to determine support used by a trader. These are: type_repos , supports_modifiable_properties , upports_dynamic_properties , and supports_proxy_offers. The type_repos identifies the type repository interface that the trader uses to obtain information on the service types, interface signature types and service property types. Import attributes attributes whose values are used to determine the scope of a search for an import request. These are: * max_search_card, def_search_card, max_match_card, def_match_card, max_return_card, and def_return_card maximum and default upper bounds of offers to be searched, matched offers to be ordered, and ordered offers to be returned. * max_hop_count and def_hop_count maximum and default upper bound of depth of links to be traversed. * max_list maximum list size of an iterator. The OMG IDL has been adopted as the ODP IDL with OMG architecture specific features ‘removed’ to maintain technology architectural neutrality of ODP. An IDL attribute is a variable associated with the state of an object with implicit functions that allow clients to retrieve and set the value of the attribute.
Engaged Scholarship in IS Research

Engaged scholarship (Van de Ven 2007) offers a grand opportuni- ty to address key challenges within the Information Systems (IS) discipline in a novel and constructive way. To explore this opportunity, we adapt the prin- ciples of engaged scholarship and apply them to analyze Scandinavian IS research through the lens of Scandinavian Journal of Information Systems (SJIS). We consider the Scandinavian tradition based on review papers in SJIS; we review all research papers published in SJIS over the past 20 years; finally, we discuss the possible role of engaged scholarship in shap - ing the future of Scandinavian IS research. We conclude with implications of engaged scholarship for IS research and practice in general.
An evaluation of scheduling algorithms in LTE based 4G networks

The intent of 4G technology is to converge high speed data application requirements and compete with other technologies. Different techniques i.e relaying, carrier aggregation, multiple input multiple output, and heterogeneous networks provide higher throughputs, low latency and enable LTE to become a Standard for Wireless broadband. Due to almost exponential increase in demand for high data rates it is expected that network will be occupied by more resource demanding applications. Therefore efficient scheduling of radio resources is required for better performance of LTE system. Proportional Fair scheduler is adopted to LTE system to achieve Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) potentiality in Time Domain systems (TDS) and Frequency Domain scheduling systems (FDS). This paper aims at enhancing the functionality of Proportional Fair algorithm by making future estimation of the channel quality index (CQI) to offer higher data rate among all users according to their running applications, at high mobility. Performance of proposed algorithm on the downlink is measured in terms of throughput and block error rate using a MATLAB-based system level simulator.
MRI investigation of the threshold for thermally induced blood–brain barrier disruption and brain tissue damage in the rabbit brain

The ability of MRI‐derived thermometry to predict thermally induced tissue changes in the brain was tested, and the thermal thresholds for blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption and brain tissue damage were estimated. In addition, the ability of standard MRI to detect threshold‐level effects was confirmed. These safety thresholds are being investigated to provide guidelines for clinical thermal ablation studies in the brain. MRI‐monitored focused ultrasound heating was delivered to 63 locations in 26 rabbits. Tissue changes were detected in T2‐weighted imaging and T1‐weighted imaging (with and without contrast) and with light microscopy. The probability for tissue damage as a function of the accumulated thermal dose, the peak temperature achieved, the applied acoustic energy, and the peak acoustic power was estimated with probit regression. The discriminative abilities of these parameters were compared using the areas under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves. In MRI, BBB disruption was observed in contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted imaging shortly after the ultrasound exposures, sometimes accompanied by changes in T2‐weighted imaging. Two days later, changes in T2‐weighted imaging were observed, sometimes accompanied by changes in T1‐weighted imaging. In histology, tissue damage was seen at every location where MRI changes were observed, ranging from small (diameter <1.0 mm) areas of tissue necrosis to severe vascular damage and associated hemorrhagic infarct. In one location, small (diameter: 0.8 mm) damage was not detected in MRI. The thermal dose and peak temperature thresholds were between 12.3–40.1 equivalent min at 43°C and 48.0–50.8°C, respectively, and values of 17.5 equivalent min at 43°C and 48.4°C were estimated to result in tissue damage with 50% probability. Thermal dose and peak temperature were significantly better predictors than the applied acoustic energy and peak acoustic power (P < 0.01). BBB disruption was always accompanied by tissue damage. The temperature information was better than the applied acoustic power or energy for predicting the damage than the ultrasound parameters. MRI was sensitive in detecting threshold‐level damage. Magn Reson Med 51:913–923, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
International diversification opportunities for real estate investment portfolios : a fresh look focusing on private real estate after the Great Crash

This thesis explores the topic of diversification opportunities in international real estate, with focus on private real estate markets in developed countries. In examining the characteristics of returns and interrelatedness between international real estate, stocks and bonds markets from the time period spanning 2000 to 2009, we find that 2008 was the only year within the past decade in which several countries saw synchronized negative returns on a calendar year basis in the stocks and real estate markets, and even so the synchronized negative returns was only experienced by half of the countries within the 10-country opportunity set. The amplitude of the peak to trough drop in the cumulative value of the assets was small in real estate on average relative to that of stocks. These findings suggest that investors’ should benefit from holding international real estate within their portfolios, even in an extreme down market. Modern portfolio theory is used to analyze and compare ex-ante diversification opportunities in international real estate, stocks and bonds and domestic diversification opportunities for the three asset classes from the perspectives of U.S. and European investors. We project expected returns for each of the markets and used historical risks (volatility) from the 2000-2009 period as estimates for volatility. When returns are calculated in local currencies, international diversification in the real estate portfolio (diversified within a 10-country opportunity set) should help U.S. investors substantially improve their portfolio risk-return efficiency relative to domestic diversification (within a 6-metropolitan area opportunity set), as the markets within the U.S. domestic opportunity set provide unattractive risk-return efficiency and their movements are highly correlated. By contrast, European investors will benefit less from the same international diversification strategy relative to domestic diversification (within 5 Eurozone countries) as several Eurozone markets are able to provide considerable risk-return efficiency and low correlations can be found in some pairs of markets. Applying home bias and limits on exposure to any single country i.e. country caps to the portfolio allocation helps to balance the allocation weights for the investor’s portfolio but also significantly limits the investor’s ability to take advantage of diversification opportunities provided by the international markets. When returns are calculated in the investors’ domestic currencies, additional currency risk increases the portfolio volatility without providing additional expected return, reducing diversification benefits of international real estate. Even so, international diversification potential to U.S. investors should still be considerable, while that to European investors’ should be minimal. Thesis Supervisor: David Geltner Title: Professor of Real Estate Finance (This Page Intentionally Left Blank)
Tranexamic acid for trauma patients: a critical review of the literature.

BACKGROUND Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic that inhibits both plasminogen activation and plasmin activity, thus preventing clot break-down rather than promoting new clot formation. TXA has been used around the world to safely control bleeding since the 1960s. A large randomized trial recently conducted in >20,000 trauma patients adds to the large body of data documenting the usefulness of TXA in promoting hemostasis. METHODS We reviewed the literature describing use of TXA in a variety of settings including trauma. RESULTS TXA has been safely used across a wide range of clinical settings to control hemorrhage. The results of a large, randomized, placebo-controlled trial support the use of TXA to treat bleeding trauma patients. CONCLUSIONS This inexpensive and safe drug should be incorporated into trauma clinical practice guidelines and treatment protocols. Further research on possible alternate mechanisms of action and dosing regimens for TXA should be undertaken. Concurrent to these endeavors, TXA should be adopted for use in bleeding trauma patients because it is the only drug with prospective clinical evidence to support this application.
Breaking Free of Managed Care: A Step-by-Step Guide to Regaining Control of Your Practice

I. Looking Beyond Managed Care 1. Descent, Recovery, and Our Future 2. Restoring Professional Self-Esteem, Rediscovering Our Value 3. The Business of Practice 4. Conceptual Changes We Must Make II. How to Build a Private Pay Therapy Practice 5. The Fundamental Strategy 6. How to Learn from Your Market and Where That May Lead 7. Planning the Business of Your Practice 8. How to Market Traditional Services III. Diversifying Your Services: Taking Your Skills to the Workplace 9. New Applications for Your Skills: People-Consulting in the Workplace 10. Learning from Those in the Workplace and Where That Can Lead 11. Making a Business Plan for People-Consulting in the Workplace 12. Marketing and Selling to Business Afterword Appendix: Resources
Organizational Culture and Reputation - Vectors in Shaping Successful Retail Brand Value

In order to shape the customers’ image about a retailer, a retail brand or a retail format, the retail company may appeal, in addition to the marketing tools, to the corporate culture (the company’s own perspective) and the company’s reputation (how the company is perceived by the public). Corporate reputation plays an essential role in impressing a retailer’s image on the customers’ mind and provides input into the company’s successful positioning on the market. Using the structural equation modeling, the present paper investigates how reputation contributes to the elucidation of the behavior exhibited by the customers of super- and hypermarkets, specialized and proximity stores, and highlights their potential reaction to the preferred retail brand. The results reveal management implications that are useful to the retail enterprise in understanding its customers and in strengthening its position on the market and in the customers’ mind.
Application of an annular/sphere search algorithm for speaker recognition

An alternative search algorithm for a vector quantization codebook is applied as a way to improve the performance of an automatic speaker recognition system. The search algorithm is based on the geometrical properties of the vector space, defining annular and spherical regions instead of a full search method. The speaker recognition system is intended to identify a suspect, among a small group of persons, using low quality recordings, working as a text independent automatic speaker recognition system. Because the rate of recognition required in forensic applications is extremely important, the use of good discrimination algorithms can reduce the risk of bad decisions. The performance of the system under such conditions is reported. Besides using few speaker samples for training, a high recognition rate was obtained, so an improvement of the recognition rate over the full search method was found.
The Effect of Static Anthropomorphic Imag es on Emotion Perceptions in Mobile-Phone Communication

We describe how static anthropomorphic images of avatars affected users’ emotion perceptions of interactants and medium when they engaged in a conversation on a mobile telephone. We utilized measurements of social presence, specifically interactant satisfaction and social richness of medium. The items of these two measurements were modified to include new items of emotional credibility. The results showed no statistically significant effect of static anthropomorphic images on the perceptions of interactant satisfaction and social richness of medium. However, mobile telephone users who saw no images reported significantly higher interactant satisfaction.
Searching for Ghosts: Business Survival, Unmeasured Entrepreneurial Activity and Private Equity Investment in the Dot-Com Era

A novel database of business planning documents that closely approximates the population of Dot-Com entrepreneurs is introduced and used to compile three estimates: 1) the survival rate of dot-com startups, which we find is 48%; 2) the number of dot-com startups from 1998-2002, which we find to be on the order of 50,000 firms; and 3) the amount of private equity invested in the Dot-Com Era, which we find exceeds reported funding by as much as 18%. The estimates offer the first detailed characterization of the population of firms that supplied the venture capital and IPO markets during the Dot-Com Era. We conclude that the Dot-Com Era, broadly considered, was a legitimate response to a technology shock.
Recent Developments in Affinity Capillary Electrophoresis: A Review

Affinity capillary electrophoresis (ACE) is a versatile analytical technique that has been shown to be an efficient and accurate tool to probe non-covalent interactions and to determine binding and dissociation constants between receptors and ligands. ACE uses as its basis the change in migration time of a receptor upon binding to a ligand generally found in the electrophoresis buffer. Subsequent analysis using non-interacting standards realizes values for the binding constant. The technique has a number of advantages over other binding assay methods in that binding parameters can be obtained expeditiously, reproducibly, and with minimal sample quantity requirements and preparation. This review focuses on the literature describing the use of ACE from January 2003 to July 2004.