Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Experiences with adaptive QOS mapping scheme

In multimedia computing, guaranteeing Quality of Service (QOS) is one of the most important topics. If QOS values specified by users are not ensured, the users may not put up with the degraded quality of media streams. However, operating systems cannot understand QOS values specified by users directly, then the QOS values should be mapped to the CPU capacity that is required for guaranteeing the QOS values. There are two approaches for realizing the mapping. In the first approach called static mapping, the mapping is calculated before applications are started. In the second approach called dynamic mapping, the mapping is calculated at run-time. The system monitors the actual CPU utilization of continuous media applications, and adjusts their reserved CPU resources at run-time. The advantage of the approach is that it does not require to estimate the CPU utilization that each application requires. In this paper, we propose an adaptive QOS mapping scheme using a feedback control. Also, we show that high level QOS values can be adjusted according to the reserved CPU capacity by using our algorithm.
An Innovative Model of Service Development: A process guide for service managers

This paper presents the results of research into the early stages of developing new services for a local government body. It also presents an empirical evaluation of a process model for new service development (NSD), tested in four case studies with the local council in a city in New Zealand. One of the first of its kind in the public domain in New Zealand, the purpose of this research was to develop a framework for the process of NSD and test it out empirically in order to create a new model for the first stage of service development, which incorporates the participation of users and service staff. Since the extent of involvement of service staff in service delivery varies, a range of services was selected within the local government, where a real opportunity or need for service improvement existed. A key message that emerged from the research was that service development benefits from the participation of both users and service staff. Service managers and developers should adopt a more participatory process of development, as per the model. The model serves as a new tool to emphasize the involvement of service users and staff in new service development.
Biochemical characterization a digestive trypsin in the midgut of large cabbage white butterfly, Pieris brassicae L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae)

Abstract A comprehensive study on digestive trypsin was undertaken in the larval midgut of Pieris brassicae L. Results of enzymatic compartmentalization showed a significantly higher activity of crude trypsin in the anterior larval midgut rather than posterior-midgut. Using Diethylaminoethyl cellulose fast flow column chromatography a purified trypsin was obtained by specific activity of 21 U mg−1 protein, recovery of 22%, purification fold of 28-fold and molecular weight of 25 kDa. This purified enzyme showed the highest activity at pH 8 and the corresponding temperature of 40°C. However, the specific inhibitors used including 4-(2-Aminoethyl) benzenesulfonyl fluroride hydrochloride, N-p-Tosyl-L-lysine methyl ester hydrochloride and Soybean Trypsin Inhibitor significantly lowered the activity of the purified enzyme in vitro. Moreover, the activity of trypsin and likewise the nutritional indices were significantly altered in the larval midgut feeding upon the leaves treated by 1 mM concentration of each inhibitor in comparison with control. Determination of enzymatic characteristics of insect trypsins is crucial in paving the path for controlling pests by potential natural compounds via transgenic plants.
Moenomycin‐Resistance Is Associated with Vancomycin‐Intermediate Susceptibility in Staphylococcus aureus

We have previously isolated a vancomycin‐intermediate susceptibility mutant from methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain COL, and demonstrated the increased glycan‐chain length and the decreased moenomycin‐susceptibility. To further investigate the relationship between the resistance to vancomycin and to moenomycin, we isolated moenomycin‐resistant mutants (4–16 fold higher compared to the parent) from 5 MRSA and 2 methicillin‐sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) strains. The MRSA mutants showed a decreased susceptibility to vancomycin (2–4 fold), teicoplanin (2–4 fold) and an increased susceptibility to methicillin (2–8 fold). MSSA strains also showed similar results with those of MRSA strains except that there was no alteration of methicillin susceptibility. Among the mutants, three mutants including two MRSA mutants and one MSSA mutant were analyzed by electron microscopy, and they showed thickened cell walls compared to those of the parents. The glycan‐chain length of the peptidoglycan of the mutant was shown to be slightly longer than that of the parent, but the muropeptide profile was very similar. The expression levels of all PBPs were similar to those of the parent. Furthermore, the nucleotide sequences of sgtA, sgtB and pbp2 in the mutant were identical to those of the parent. These results indicate that the moenomycin‐resistance is closely associated with vancomycin‐intermediate susceptibility in S. aureus.
Alliance Entrepreneurship and Supply Chain Performance in Iran’s Automobile Manufacturing Industry: Proposing and Testing a Model

One of the solutions to improve auto manufacturers’ performance is forming alliances with their competitors. Recent researches imply that if these alliances follow entrepreneurial activities it will lead to the creation of a new construct: “alliance entrepreneurship”. Carrying out this phenomenon in internal mechanisms of manufacturers leads to higher supply chain performance for them. In the present study we aimed to propose and test a comprehensive model for alliance entrepreneurship. We reviewed recent proposed models relating alliances to propose a new model. Our conceptual model consists of alliance entrepreneurship as the main exogenous construct, supply chain performance as the main endogenous variable, and three mediator constructs: degree of integration, success of alliance, and corporate strategy. Structural equation modeling using partial least squares (PLS) is applied to comprehensively test the research model. Our findings indicate the significant impacts of alliance entrepreneurship on supply chain performance through three path-mediated.
Interactive Social Selling and Relationship Management on WeChat

The thesis examined the phenomenon of micro-entrepreneurship, social selling and relationship management on WeChat. I used autoethnography as my research methodology, and the findings contribute to academic area on social selling, micro-entrepreneurship, social marketing, relationship management, and strategic communication. This paper also explored how WeChat users conduct their management strategies and relationship marketing in the common Chinese culture background. Findings revealed that WeChat is an ideal social selling and marketing approach for Chinese individual sellers to accomplish their business goal. INDEX WORDS: WeChat, Social Selling, Micro-Entrepreneurship, Social Media, Strategic, Communication, Public Relations, Marketing, Relationship Management, China INTERACTIVE SOCIAL SELLING AND RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT ON WECHAT
Is quantitative diffusion-weighted MRI a reliable method in the assessment of the inflammatory activity in ulcerative colitis?

PURPOSE We investigated the relationship between the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the colonic wall and the pathologic pericolonic lymph nodes (PCLNs) and inflammatory activity in ulcerative colitis patients by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 28 ulcerative colitis patients (9 endoscopically active, 10 subacute and 9 in remission) were evaluated by DW-MRI with 0, 500 and 1000 s/mm² b-values. The ADC values of the rectum and sigmoid colon walls and the adjacent PCLNs were obtained for quantitative analysis. The DW-MRI findings were compared to the disease activity. RESULTS The ADC values of the sigmoid colon were similar in patients with active, subacute and remissive ulcerative colitis (P = 0.472). The ADC values of the rectum were different (P = 0.009) between patients in the active (1.08 ± 0.14×10⁻³ mm²/s) and subacute phases (1.13 ± 0.23×10⁻³ mm²/s) of disease and those in remission (1.29 ± 0.17×10⁻³ mm²/s). The ADC values of the PCLNs (P = 0.899) did not differ with respect to disease activity. CONCLUSION DW-MRI is useful in identifying disease activity in ulcerative colitis patients, especially with respect to the rectum. The ADC values of the rectum increase during remission and decrease in patients with active distal colitis. The ADC values of the PCLNs were not useful in determining disease activity.
Assessment of left ventricular systolic function in fetuses without myocardial hypertrophy of gestational diabetes mellitus mothers using velocity vector imaging

The aim of this study was to quantifiably assess left ventricular systolic function by velocity vector imaging (VVI) in fetuses without myocardial hypertrophy born to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) mothers. Ventricular images (4-chamber) from 60 normal fetuses and 32 GDM fetuses were selected. Myocardial global and segmental peak strain and systolic strain rates were obtained from VVI offline software. Ejection fraction (EF) was also measured to assess fetal cardiac function. EF of normal fetuses and GDM group were 65.55 ± 4.64% and 65.72 ± 4.92%. No difference was found in EF between the control group and GDM group. Global strain and strain rate of GDM groups were –13.74 ± 3.19% and –1.41 ± 0.54 s−1, respectively and were found to be lower than the normal group (p < 0.05). Six different segmental peak strains and peak systolic strain rates had identical adjacent segments not only in the control group, but also in GDM fetuses. It was concluded that VVI could reflect fetal cardiac function sensitivity. Global strain and strain rate may be useful parameters for assessing the fetal myocardial systolic function in diabetic mothers.
Modern retailing: Theory and practice

more competent public officials or doing better analysis of public programs" (p. 5). In contrast, he urges the more consistent use of market and market-like incentives and notes, "Quite apart from the maximizing characteristics elaborated in formal economic theory, the buyer-seller relationships of the marketplace have substantial advantage as a form of social organization" (p. 16). He does not have in mind a universal application of market incentives and organization but is greatly concerned about (I) the lack of such application when it would clearly be preferable, and (2) the consequences of the ever-
A universal GNSS (GPS/Galileo/Glonass/Beidou) SoC with a 0.25mm2 radio in 40nm CMOS

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) have a spectrum allocation shown in Fig. 19.4. 1. The time-to-first-lock and location accuracy can be improved through simultaneous reception of two different satellite signals. This usually necessitates the use of two dedicated receivers [1] driven by a single and sometimes two separate synthesizers, which increases complexity, die area, and most importantly current consumption. To solve this problem, the architecture shown in Fig. 19.4. 1 is proposed. The SoC consists of one single reconfigurable low-IF receiver, a single fractional-N frequency synthesizer, and a digital baseband processor. Since different satellite signals are uncorrelated and are buried well below the noise floor, they can be amplified and downconverted by the same RF/analog chain as an image of one another, and then separated in the digital domain by the corresponding correlator and signal processor. In the case of simultaneous GPS/Galileo and Glonass dual reception, the LO (fLO_GG) is set to 1588.608MHz. As a result, the GPS/Galileo signal becomes the image of the Glonass satellite signal with an IF frequency of 13.1MHz. Similarly, when the LO (fLO_GB) is set to 1568.256MHz, the resulting IF frequency is about 7.1MHz for GPS/Galileo and Beidou dual reception. For GPS/Galileo-only reception, the LO (fLO_GPS) is set to 1571.328MHz resulting in an IF frequency of 4.092MHz.
Dimensions of Foreign Subsidiary's Absorptive Capacity in the Context of Knowledge Transfer through Expatriation

The absorptive capacity is one of the dynamic capabilities determining organizational development, including international expansion. This also refers to foreign subsidiar‐ ies, which receive significant portion of knowledge from headquarters and other units through expatriation. However, effects of such knowledge transfers are affected by absorptive capacity of a subsidiary. While considering the issue of the transfer, it is recommended to assess the readiness and willingness of subsidiary employees to learn from expatriates and change. These qualities are, undoubtedly, an essential component of organizational absorptive capacity, however its content seems to be more complex, due to its multidimensional and contextual nature. Therefore, the author attempts to apply this concept in the context of expatriate knowledge transfer*.
An Extension of Evolutionary Ciphering System

The ciphering system presented in this paper is an extension of our ciphering system, which is already published (F. Omary, et al., 2005). Indeed, being given a plaintext, coded into binary and cut out in blocks of fixed size, we determine the lists of the positions of the various blocks constituting this plaintext and instead of applying the evolutionary ciphering algorithm to the lists of the positions of the characters of the plaintext, we apply it to the lists of the positions of the various blocks of the plaintext (coded in binary). This technique bars the way in front of all the attacks, which try to find the plaintext while being based on the study of the apparition frequencies of the characters in cipher text
Left Atrial Myxoma—A Case Report

Atrial myxomas are the most common primary cardiac tumors. More than 90% are solitary. A large myxoma occupying in the left atrium producing mitral stenosis and regurgitation was demonstrated by 2D echocardiographic images in this case. It remained asymptomatic for a long period with a survival up to the age of 75 years in an elderly female.
Transcriptional Profiling of PRKG 2-Null Growth Plate Identifies Putative DownStream Targets of PRKG 2

Background: Kinase activity of cGMP-dependent, type II, protein kinase (PRKG2) is required for the proliferative to hypertrophic transition of growth plate chondrocytes during endochondral ossification. Loss of PRKG2 function in rodent and bovine models results in dwarfism. The objective of this study was to identify pathways regulated or impacted by PRKG2 loss of function that may be responsible for disproportionate dwarfism at the molecular level. Methods: Microarray technology was used to compare growth plate cartilage gene expression in dwarf versus unaffected Angus cattle to identify putative downstream targets of PRGK2. Results: Pathway enrichment of 1284 transcripts (nominal p < 0.05) was used to identify candidate pathways consistent with the molecular phenotype of disproportionate dwarfism. Analysis with the DAVID pathway suite identified differentially expressed genes that clustered in the MHC, cytochrome B, WNT, and Muc1 pathways. A second analysis with pathway studio software identified differentially expressed genes in a host of pathways (e.g. CREB1, P21, CTNNB1, EGFR, EP300, JUN, P53, RHOA, and SRC). As a proof of concept, we validated the differential expression of five genes regulated by P53, including CEBPA, BRCA1, BUB1, CD58, and VDR by real-time PCR (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Known and novel targets of PRKG2 were identified as enriched pathways in this study. This study indicates that loss of PRKG2 function results in differential expression of P53 regulated genes as well as additional pathways consistent with increased proliferation and apoptosis in the growth plate due to achondroplastic dwarfism.
EXPLAINING CREDIT PROBLEMS IN THE U.S. CONSUMER DURABLE GOODS INDUSTRY IN THE 1930’S CREDIT CHANNEL OR BANK LIQUIDITY PREFERENCE?

Argument is made, contra Temin, that the recovery of the consumer durable goods industry in the 1930’s was stalled by a breakdown in markets for dealers’ inventory financing and consumer installment credit. The Friedman-Schwartz-Hamilton-Bernanke view holds that durable goods sector credit problems in the Depression were linked to Federal Reserve tightening measures via the “credit” channel of the transmission mechanism. The view is expressed that , though the FED could have done more to ease conditions, congestion in markets for wholesale and retail finance developed for reasons largely unrelated to the prevailing course of monetary policy. A shift, beginning in late 1930, in the average preference of banks for liquid and/or re-discountable portfolio assets, or a change in bank liquidity preference, is interpreted to be a primary cause of diminished credit available to durable goods retailers and buyers during the 1931-33 period. The bank liquidity preference hypothesis is supported by data on the shifting composition of bank assets in favor of investment grade securities, a fall in the ratio of loans to deposits, a steepening of the Treasury yield curve, as well as the time path of high-powered money after 1930.
The NREL Biochemical and Thermochemical Ethanol Conversion Processes: Financial and Environmental Analysis Comparison

The financial and environmental performance of the National Renewable Energy Lab’s (NREL) thermochemical and biochemical biofuel conversion processes are examined herein with pine, eucalyptus, unmanaged hardwood, switchgrass, and sweet sorghum. The environmental impacts of the process scenarios were determined by quantifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and TRACI impacts. Integrated financial and environmental performance metrics were introduced and used to examine the biofuel production scenarios. The thermochemical and biochemical conversion processes produced the highest financial performance and lowest environmental impacts when paired with pine and sweet sorghum, respectively. The high ash content of switchgrass and high lignin content of loblolly pine lowered conversion yields, resulting in the highest environmental impacts and lowest financial performance for the thermochemical and biochemical conversion processes, respectively. Biofuel produced using the thermochemical conversion process resulted in lower TRACI single score impacts and somewhat lower GHG emissions per megajoule (MJ) of fuel than using the biochemical conversion pathway. The cost of carbon mitigation resulting from biofuel production and corresponding government subsidies was determined to be higher than the expected market carbon price. In some scenarios, the cost of carbon mitigation was several times higher than the market carbon price, indicating that there may be other more cost-effective methods of reducing carbon emissions.
Understanding illegal music downloading in the UK: a multi‐attribute model

Purpose – This study aims to examine the role of product attributes, applying the multi‐attribute model, on consumers' decisions to download digital music via unauthorised sources in the UK.Design/methodology/approach – The data were collected through an online survey. Consumer choice was measured through three sets of questions built on Likert scales to identify individuals' evaluation of importance placed on the eight attributes, when making a choice, and level of satisfaction with those, both for purchasing and downloading. Two logistic regression models are developed using background characteristics and responses to these three sets of questions. The consumer choice between purchasing digital music and downloading through unauthorised channels was analysed in regards to eight product‐specific attributes.Findings – The results show that illegal downloaders expect a similar utility from both channels, while others tend to have a more positive attitude towards their chosen channel (i.e. purchasing). Back.
Trisomy 17 p 10p 12 Due to Mosaic Supernumerary Marker Chromosome : Delineation of Molecular Breakpoints and Clinical Phenotype , and Comparison to Other Proximal 17 p Segmental Duplications

Clinical Report Trisomy 17p10-p12 Due to Mosaic Supernumerary Marker Chromosome: Delineation of Molecular Breakpoints and Clinical Phenotype, and Comparison to Other Proximal 17p Segmental Duplications Svetlana A. Yatsenko, Diane Treadwell-Deering, Kevin Krull, Richard Alan Lewis, Daniel Glaze, Pawel Stankiewicz, James R. Lupski, and Lorraine Potocki* Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas
Exchange Rate Changes and Stock Returns: The Recent Cases of the Japanese Electric Appliances Industry Firms

This study explores the time-series dynamics of the sensitivities of stock returns to the US-yen exchange rates. We also investigate whether the US-yen exchange rates are priced in recent periods in the Japanese electric appliances industry. Our investigations firstly indicate that recently, the sensitivities of the Japanese electric appliances industry stocks to exchange rates increased. Further, our standard regressions clearly show that as to the Japanese electric appliances industry firms, in the recent periods, exchange rate changes are priced in the Japanese equity markets.
Miniature Multiaxial Optoelectronic Shear Stress Sensing System Based on a Segmented Photodiode

Recording shear stresses is becoming relevant in an increasing number of applications, e.g., in rehabilitation sciences, where detecting foot-sole interaction is very important. This paper describes a portable and complete system to record multiaxial shear stresses. The sensing operation itself is based on the changing coupling of light between a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) and a segmented photodiode. Applying shear stress causes lateral displacement of both optoelectronic components leading to variation in the photocurrent. By combining signals from different photodiode segments, multiaxial shear stresses can be detected. A standalone system was designed to drive the VCSEL and to readout the signals from the different photodiode segments in order to measure shear stress as well as to evaluate the sensing system performance. Furthermore, the sensor signals can be efficiently monitored and visualized on a tablet or PC in real-time using dedicated software. The design presented in this article is optimized to measure shear forces with a magnitude up to 2 N and arbitrary direction. Yet, by changing the transducer material this range can be tuned for a specific application.