Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Proposing an innovation-based view of the firm

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the literature on theories of the firm and argues for the importance of an innovation-based view (IBV). In doing so, it examines the incumbent management theories of the firm, resource-based view (RBV), knowledge-based view (KBV) and dynamic capabilities, considering the recent developments in the academic literature and in the nature of the firm. The research approach of abduction (conceiving of theory) proposed by Peirce and described by Van de Ven is used. A conceptual framework that incorporates the growing influence of information and communications technology and open innovation on the characteristics of the firm is developed. The managerial tradition that originated in the scholarship of Edith Penrose is used to develop the framework, as opposed to the lens of economic ‘black box’ theories.
Introduction to the special issue on joint modelling techniques

Joint modelling techniques have seen great advances in the recent years, with several types of joint models having been developed in literature that can handle a wide range of applications. This special issue of Statistical Methods in Medical Research presents some recent developments from this field. This introductory article contains some background material and highlights the contents of the contributions.
Classical Collapse to Black Holes and Quantum Bounces: A Review

In the last four decades, different programs have been carried out aiming at understanding the final fate of gravitational collapse of massive bodies once some prescriptions for the behaviour of gravity in the strong field regime are provided. The general picture arising from most of these scenarios is that the classical singularity at the end of collapse is replaced by a bounce. The most striking consequence of the bounce is that the black hole horizon may live for only a finite time. The possible implications for astrophysics are important since, if these models capture the essence of the collapse of a massive star, an observable signature of quantum gravity may be hiding in astrophysical phenomena. One intriguing idea that is implied by these models is the possible existence of exotic compact objects, of high density and finite size, that may not be covered by an horizon. The present article outlines the main features of these collapse models and some of the most relevant open problems. The aim is to provide a comprehensive (as much as possible) overview of the current status of the field from the point of view of astrophysics. As a little extra, a new toy model for collapse leading to the formation of a quasi static compact object is presented.
From Social Communication to Mathematical Discourse in Social Networking: The Case of Facebook

Though some studies describe attempts to integrate Facebook in education, little is known how to use it in mathematics education. This article describes an attempt to populate Facebook with mathematicians from the past, as well as strategies to involve friends with the mathematics of the mathematicians. The experiment shows that Facebook can attract friends to content knowledge, beginning with social talk, and transiting gradually and smoothly to mathematics content knowledge through cultural discourse. The experiment implies that Facebook, representing social networks not intended from the beginning for education, can be adopted successfully for mathematics education.
Violaxanthin de-epoxidase and its closest relative : identification and characterization

Light is essential for plants and algae to process photosynthesis. However, excess of light will cause damage to the organism. A process called non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) is an important way for these organisms to protect themselves from photo oxidative damage. The NPQ process is depend on the xanthophyll cycle in thylakoids, which is controlled by the Violaxanthin de-epoxidase (VDE) and zeaxanthin epoxidase (ZE). VDE converts Violaxanthin to to Zeaxanthin on the lumen side of the thylakoid membrane under acid pH conditions caused by photosynthesis. The mature VDE sequence can be divided into three domains, an N-terminal domain with conserved cysteine pattern, a lipocalin-like domain which expected to carry the substrate binding site, and a C-terminal domain rich in glutamic acids. In this work, we have constructed cysteine mutants that revealed that 12 of the 13 cysteines in VDE are essential for the activity; instead of directly contribute to catalytic function, these 12 cysteines formed disultphide bonds for VDE structural folding. The catalytic center of VDE does not appear to be only located in the cysteine-rich N-terminal domain. The expressed N-terminal domain did not show activity and the N-terminal truncation of VDE also loss catalytic ability. When mixing these two separately expressed peptides together, the activity was regained. This shows that these two domains could fold independently to their active folding, and also indicates that the active site may be located in the interface of the two domains. The closest relative of VDE has been found through bioinformatics analysis, the protein has a conserved cysteine pattern as VDE, and named as VDE related protein (VDR). From bioinformatics analysis, some characterization of VDR has been developed; VDR and VDE could be found in same organisms in tree of life, and they are suggested to have the same ancestor; cysteine-rich domain between the two protein are expected to have similar spatial structure, while the corresponding domain of lipocalin-like domain in VDR could have different structure as VDE. With 5’ RACE method and western blot, mRNA and protein level evidence of VDR expression is confirmed, together with differential centrifugation, the localization of VDR in leaf would be suggested to follow chlorophyll.
VHDL-AMS modeling of self-organizing neural systems

This paper presents VHDL-AMS models and simulation results for a complex, self-organizing neural system based on the adaptive resonance theory. Such neural systems exhibit both discrete and continuous dynamic behavior and consist of a large number of analog equations, a digital controller with analog and digital feedback paths resulting in the complexity that would prohibit analysis with conventional mixed-signal simulation tools.
A segmental DNN/i-vector approach for digit-prompted speaker verification

DNN/i-vectors have achieved state-of-the-art performance in text-independent speaker verification systems. For such systems, the UBM posteriors are replaced with the DNN posteriors when training the i-vector extractor to better model the phonetic space. However, the DNN/i-vector systems have limited success on text-dependent speaker verification systems as the lexical variabilities, which are important for such applications, are suppressed in the utterance-level i-vectors. In this paper, we propose a segmental DNN/i-vector approach for the digit-prompted speaker verification task. Specifically, we segment the utterance into digits and model each digit using an individual DNN/i-vector system. By modeling the variability for each digit independently, we can focus more on the speaker characteristics for each digit. To take into consideration the uncertainties in the DNN posteriors, we propose a confidence measure based weighting method. On the RSR2015 dataset, the proposed approach yields an equal error rate of 3.44%, compared to 5.76% of the baseline utterance-level DNN/i-vector system and 4.54% of the joint factor analysis (JFA) system.
Optical Larmor beat detection of high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance in a semiconductor heterostructure.

A new method of optical nuclear magnetic resonance, Larmor beat detection, is described and demonstrated on a III-V semiconductor heterostructure. Modulation of the circular polarization of luminescence at the difference between two nuclear spin precession frequencies is induced by rf pulses. One isotope provides a spin-locked reference field, while NMR transients of a second isotope are observed optically in real time. Order-of-magnitude improvement in resolution and sensitivity over previous techniques is obtained, revealing weak electric field gradients in single epitaxial structures.
Population-based assessment of prevalence and risk factors for pterygium in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh: the Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study.

PURPOSE To describe the prevalence and risk factors for pterygium in a population-based sample of individuals aged 30 years and older in South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in one urban and three rural locations in which 10,293 subjects were examined. All the subjects underwent comprehensive eye examination and a detailed interview by trained professionals. Pterygium was defined as fleshy fibro vascular growth, crossing the limbus, and typically seen on the nasal conjunctiva in either eye. RESULTS Data were analyzed for 5586 subjects who were aged 30 years and older at the time of participation. The mean age of the participants was 47.5 years (SD 13 years; range 30-102 years). In total, 46.4% were male, 56.7% had no education, 52.2% of them were involved in outdoor occupations, and 25% belonged to urban area. The prevalence of pterygium was 11.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.9-12.6). The multiple logistic regression analysis revealed significantly higher odds of pterygium among older age groups, rural residents (odds ratio [OR]: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.4-2.4; P > 0.01), and those involved in outdoor occupations (OR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.5-2.2, P < 0.001). Education had a protective effect (OR: 0.6; 95% CI: 0.5-0.7; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Pterygium is common in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Exposure to sunlight is a significant modifiable risk factor. Protecting the eyes from sunlight may decrease the risk of pterygium. However, the important public health challenge is to encourage the use of this protection as a routine in developing countries such as India.
Impact of short-term practice of yoga on heart rate variability

Background: Yoga is a science that facilitates homeostasis, an ancient way of life intended to improve the quality of life of an individual. Practice of yoga is proposed to alter the autonomic nervous system and affect the cardiovascular functioning. This study was intended to assess the influence of short-term practice of yoga for a month on heart rate variability (HRV). Materials and Methods: Totally, 40 healthy male volunteers in the age group of 30–60 years willing to practice yoga for a month were included in the study. HRV was assessed using HRV device (RMS Vagus, India). Preinterventional assessment of HRV was done in these subjects. Practice of yoga that included a set of physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation (dhyana) were performed for an hour daily for 1 month under the guidance of a certified yoga instructor. Postinterventional assessment of HRV was done. The values were expressed in median and their interquartile range, and statistical analysis was done to compare the changes using Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. Results: Thirty-two of 40 subjects recruited for yoga practice completed the study protocol. Analysis of HRV revealed that in time domain parameters, SDNN increased from 33.60 (31.41–44.82) to 42.11 (34.43–57.51), RMSSD increased from 22.00 (16.00–33.80) to 25.6 (17.0–34.8), and PNN50 increased from 2.45 (0.80–15.38) to 7.35 (1.40–18.57) after intervention. In the frequency domain parameters, the low-frequency (LF) power spectrum reduced from 39.30 (25.1–46.25) to 30.40 (22.75–40.62) and LF/high-frequency ratio was reduced from 2.62 (1.91–4.07) to 2.28 (1.4–3.07) after 1 month practice of yoga. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Conclusion: Autonomic balance tilts toward parasympathetic predominance after 1 month practice of yoga.
Financial Innovation Adoption andTurnaround Time

The challenges associated with the use of manual banking and the dynamic nature of the environment that the industry operates in the country, necessitated the adoption of modern technologies, especially ICT – financial innovation by the Nigerian banking sector. This was aimed at improving service delivery and internal operation. Liberalised domestic regulations, intensified competition and the massive growth in information technology have also fueled the growing desire for innovation in the banking industry (Frei et al., 1998). Innovations provide an impetus for banks to improve their market performance by recovering from palpable inefficiencies prevalent in the banking industry (Frimpong, 2010). Financial innovative products and services have been found to be fast, cheap, reliable and efficient to prosecute banking transactions on either side, emphasizing time and cost advantages. But there is no commensurate evidence in the level of patronage and customer’s adoption. Though it is undeniable that innovation is important in expanding financial inclusion and deepening (Bamidele, 2006), the level and rate of financial innovation adoption has not been encouraging in Nigeria, very low (Agboola, 2006), causing concern in academic, finance, commerce and economic circles. The main objective of this study was therefore to determine how turnaround time affects the adoption of financial innovation products and services in Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria. Based on this objective it was hypothesized that: Turnaround time has no significant influence on the adoption of financial innovation. This study used mixed method design, relying on primary data collected through structured questionnaire and secondary data from authentic sources Descriptive and inferential analyses were used to display and relate data e. g. mean, frequency tables and multinomial regression was used to test the hypothesis. The sample size was 536, and 392 respondents returned the questionnaire duly filled. Evidence from the study showed that majority of the respondents opined that modern banking is faster than traditional banking. Findings on the study further showed that as far as turnaround time is concerned ATM is the most preferred, followed by POS and MB. This preference may have to do with what the customers are used to. As the products get more popular and recognized, there might be improvement. The import of this is that the banks have more works to do on public enlightenment and product awareness. Customers enjoy self-service, freedom from time and place constraint, and reduced stress of queuing in banking hall. Therefore, time, cost savings and freedom from place confinement have been found to be major factors underlying banking financial innovation adoption.
Aristotle's De partibus animalium I, and, De generatione animalium I (with passages from II. 1-3)

In De Partibus Animalium I Aristotle sets out his philosophy of biology, discussing cause, necessity, soul, genus and species, definition by logical division, and general methodology. In De Generatione Animalium I he applies his hylomorphic philosophy to the problem of animal reproduction. This accurate translation includes passages from De Generatione Animalium II that complete Aristotle's theory of reproduction and notes that interpret his arguments and discuss his views on such major issues as natural teleology.
Three-Dimensional Analytical Modeling of a Permanent-Magnet Linear Actuator With Circular Magnets

We describe a 3-D analytical model based on formal resolution of Maxwell's equations of a permanent-magnet linear actuator, with circular-shaped magnets. We present all details of the 3-D analytical calculation for the no-load flux and then compare results obtained by this model to those obtained by 3-D finite-element analysis. The comparisons show a good agreement between the two models and so validate our analytical model. Unlike 3-D finite-element analyses, which are time consuming, the analytical models that we present in this paper are suitable for an optimization process of such a structure.
Inter-Operator Base Station Coordination in Spectrum-Shared Millimeter Wave Cellular Networks

We characterize the rate complementary cumulative distribution function (CCDF) for a spectrum-shared millimeter wave downlink cellular network. Each of the multiple cellular operators owns separate mmWave bandwidth, but shares the spectrum amongst each other while using dynamic inter-operator base station (BS) coordination to suppress the resulting cross-operator interference. We model the BS locations of each operator as mutually independent Poisson point processes, and derive the probability density function (PDF) of the ${K}$ -th strongest link power, incorporating both line-of-sight and non line-of-sight states. Leveraging the obtained PDF, we derive the rate CCDF expression as a function of system parameters such as the BS density, transmit power, bandwidth, and coordination set size. We verify the analysis with extensive simulation results. A major finding is that inter-operator BS coordination is useful in spectrum sharing: 1) with dense and high power operators and 2) with fairly wide beams, e.g., 30° or higher.
Exercise reverses OVA‐induced inhibition of glucocorticoid receptor and increases anti‐inflammatory cytokines in asthma

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of aerobic exercise training (AT) on the expression of glucocorticoid receptors (GR) and anti‐inflammatory cytokines in an asthma model. BALB/c mice were divided into groups control (CT; nonsensitized/nontrained), aerobic training (AT; nonsensitized/trained), ovalbumin (OVA; sensitized/not trained), and OVA+AT (sensitized/trained). OVA groups received OVA by inhalation, and the AT groups completed 1, 3, or 7 days of exercise (60 min/session). Expression of GR, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10, IL‐1ra, NF‐κB, TGF‐β, VEGF, ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1; eosinophils counting; and airway remodeling (AR) features [airway smooth muscle (ASM) and epithelial thickness and collagen fiber deposition] were quantified. OVA sensitization induced a decrease in the expression of GR and increases in the eosinophil, IL‐4, IL‐5, NF‐κB, TGF‐β, VEGF, ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1, and AR features (P < 0.05). After 3 days, AT reversed the OVA‐induced reduction in the expression of GR, and subsequently induced increases in the expression of IL‐10 and IL‐1ra (seventh day). In contrast, the eosinophil migration, the expression of NF‐κB, IL‐4, IL‐5, TGF‐β, RANTES, VEGF, ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1, and the AR features (P < 0.05) were reduced. AT increases the expression of GR and anti‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐10 and IL‐1ra) and reduces the expression of inflammatory mediators and airway inflammation in an animal model of asthma.
FRACTURE DISPERSION EFFECTS IN TRACER ANALYSIS

Hydraulic dispersion in porous media and in fracture networks results in the spreading of the timedependent tracer signal. In geothermal reservoirs the wellbore often intersects fractures that are separated by tens or even hundreds of meters. The mixing in the wellbore at those separated fractures is also a source of dispersion, since tracer signals sampled at the wellhead are a mixture of the individual tracer signals arriving from all fractures intersected by the production wellbore. The dispersion in reservoir fractures is most heavily dependent upon mixing and spreading at fracture joints. In this paper we discuss the relevant reservoir and wellbore dispersion phenomena and compare calculated tracer signals with measured tracer data for a case of low flow rates and widely spaced fractures.
Ontological user profiling for adaptive re-ranking in mobile web search

Due to the explosion of digital information on the web, web search has become common activity for everyone. Search engine is the most widely used online application for this purpose. With the advancement of mobile technology and networking, mobile web search has gained its own importance in a short span of time. Mobile being a portable, but also a constrained device, it has its own characteristics and limitations in addition to the web search. This paper discusses the issues of personalization in mobile search. A study of different user profiling techniques has been presented, and an ontological approach is proposed. The paper also suggests how the proposed approach can be incorporated in re-ranking process to provide personalized results to each user.
Handoff processes, information quality and patient safety: A trans-disciplinary literature review

Purpose – Key findings from recent and relevant studies on patient safety and clinical handoffs are summarized and analyzed. After briefly reviewing process management and accounting control theory, the aim of this paper is to discuss how these latter two disciplines can be combined to further improve patient safety in handoffs.Design/methodology/approach – A literature review on studies of patient safety, clinical processes and clinical handoffs was conducted in leading medical, quality, and information systems journals.Findings – This paper issues a call for research using a trans‐disciplinary methodology to shed new light on information quality issues in clinical handoff processes, which in turn should improve patient safety.Research limitations/implications – The literature review employed systematic, heuristic, iterative and practical criteria for identifying and selecting papers, trading off completeness for multi‐disciplinarity. No prior empirical patient safety studies combined process management .
Race and the spatial segregation of jobless men in urban America

Changes in U.S. metropolitan areas over the past 30 years are thought to have concentrated jobless men in low-income, predominantly minority neighborhoods clustered near the center of the city. Using tract-level data from the Neighborhood Change Database for 1970–2000, I examine how the residential segregation of jobless from employed men has changed over the past three decades. I find that jobless men in U.S. metropolitan areas have become less uniformly distributed throughout the metropolis and more isolated, concentrated, and clustered since 1970; but they have also become less centralized. Racial and ethnic group differences in the spatial segregation of jobless men are large. Jobless black men occupy a uniquely disadvantaged ecological position in the metropolis: in comparison with other jobless men, they are much less uniformly distributed throughout the metropolis and much more isolated from employed men, they are concentrated in a smaller amount of physical space, and their neighborhoods are more clustered and are located closer to the center of the city. The dimensions of segregation strongly overlap for black jobless men, producing a multidimensional layering of segregation not encountered by other jobless men. Multivariate models reveal that the uniquely disadvantaged ecological position of jobless black men is less a reflection of different patterns of regional concentration and metropolitan settlement or of differences in group-status characteristics than it is an inevitable consequence of extreme levels of racial residential segregation in the United States.