Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Early and midterm results of repair of Ebstein's anomaly with autologous pericardium.

BACKGROUND The surgical management of Ebstein's anomaly represents a major challenge. METHODS Thirty consecutive patients with Ebstein's anomaly received surgical treatment in the period from April 2002 to October 2009. Operations included annuloplasty, repair of the tricuspid valve using autologous pericardium and tricuspid valve replacement. In most cases, repair of the tricuspid valve was done using autologous pericardium instead of an annuloplasty with the anterior leaflet alone. Associated congenital malformations were also repaired during the operation. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 82 months. RESULTS Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography revealed no or only minimal tricuspid incompetence after cardiopulmonary bypass in 25 patients. Mild or moderate incompetence was observed in 3 and 2 patients, respectively. At the last follow-up echocardiography, 5 patients with mild and 2 patients with moderate tricuspid incompetence were detected. There was no sign of pericardial degeneration, tricuspid valve stenosis, or calcification of the pericardial patch in any patient during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Although further study is required to assess the long-term function of the reconstructed tricuspid valve, our early and midterm results from this current study indicate that repairing the tricuspid valve with autologous pericardium achieves reasonable outcomes in the majority of patients with Ebstein's anomaly, including pediatric and adult patients.
The Persistency and The Sustainability of The Indonesia's Current Account Deficit

Asian and European crises were witnesses of banks’ vulnerable due to market risks. The Basel Committee requires an internal risk assessment applying Value at Risk (VaR). However, a replacement of VaR with Expected Shortfall (ES) has been suggested recently due to an excessive losses produced by banks which are beyond VaR estimations. This paper studied the risk of Indonesian banks applying a historical expected shortfall. We used JIBOR (overnight) from 2009 – 2012 as a proxy of market risk. The assessment of a historical expected shortfall of the net position of 27 banks accounts for October 2012 showed that state owned banks placed among the five highest value of each component (net position) in the balance sheet, namely placement to Bank Indonesia, interbank placement, spot and derivatives claims, securities, and loans. It means that the state owned banks had the highest risk and were the most aggressive among Indonesian banks. It might be due to carrying some of the government’s program, such as small enterprise loans. Keywords : expected shortfall, value at risk, banks, risk. JEL Classification : D81, G210
Stockholders in Cyberspace: Weick’s Sensemaking Online

The growth of individuals investing in the stock of publicly traded companies in the late 1990s coincided with the development of new media outlets for equivocal financial data. Discussion board participants enact an assortment of messages, experience a number of texts simultaneously and therefore are always immersed within a multiplicity of discourses. One such cyberspace was examined to investigate participants’ sensemaking related to their financial holdings. Through the use of Weick’s double interact, discussion board participants make sense of and organize equivocal messages. For business communication practitioners, these sensemaking processes call for the creation of dialogic texts that engage readers on multiple levels. Limitations and future possibilities for research are surveyed.
Counseling Management's Ethical Imperative: Responsible Quality Service

Counseling Association by Dr. Garry R. Walz and Dr. Jeanne C. Bleuer of Counseling Outfitters, LLC. Its purpose is to provide a means of capturing the ideas, information and experiences generated by the annual ACA Conference and selected ACA Division Conferences. Papers on a program or practice that has been validated through research or experience may also be submitted. This digital collection of peer-reviewed articles is authored by counselors, for counselors. VISTAS Online contains the full text of over 500 proprietary counseling articles published from 2004 to present.
Evaluation of an advanced-practice physical therapist in a specialty shoulder clinic: diagnostic agreement and effect on wait times.

PURPOSE To examine the role of an advanced-practice physiotherapist (APP) with respect to (1) agreement with an orthopaedic surgeon on diagnosis and management of patients with shoulder problems; (2) wait times; and (3) satisfaction with care. METHODS This prospective study involved patients with shoulder complaints who were referred to a shoulder specialist in a tertiary care centre. Agreement was examined on seven major diagnostic categories, need for further examination and surgery, and type of surgical procedure. Wait times were compared between the APP- and surgeon-led clinics from referral date to date of initial consultation, date of final diagnostic test, and date of confirmed diagnosis and planned treatment. A modified and validated version of the Visit-Specific Satisfaction Instrument assessed satisfaction in seven domains. Kappa (κ) coefficients and bias- and prevalence-adjusted kappa (PABAK) values were calculated, and strength of agreement was categorized. Wait time and satisfaction data were examined using non-parametric statistics. RESULTS Agreement on major diagnostic categories varied from 0.68 (good) to 0.96 (excellent). Agreement with respect to indication for surgery was κ=0.75, p<0.001; 95% CI, 0.62-0.88 (good). Wait time for APP assessment was significantly shorter than wait time for surgeon consultation at all time points (p<0.001); the surgeon's wait time was significantly reduced over 3 years. High satisfaction was reported in all components of care received from both health care providers. CONCLUSIONS Using experienced physiotherapists in an extended role reduces wait times without compromising patient clinical management and overall satisfaction.
Enhanced sludge dewatering and drying comparison of two linear polyelectrolytes co-conditioning with polyaluminum chloride

AbstractThis paper investigated the influence of polyaluminum chloride (PAX-14) co-conditioning with two linear polyelectrolytes on the dewatering and drying performances of urban residual sludge. Experiments were carried out on activated sludge samples collected after thickening from the Grosses Battes wastewater treatment plant. Dual conditioning implying PAX-14 coagulant and two cationic polymers, only differing by their molecular weight, were tested. The first part of the study was an experimental study of sludge dewatering improvement in terms of dry solids content of the dewatered cake and the evaluation of specific resistance to filtration (SRF) determined using a filtration–compression cell. The results showed that dual conditioning including PAX-14 addition has a positive impact on the dewatering process, based on the increase of cake dryness limit after PAX-14 addition. It was also found that the use of filtration theory based on Carman’s equation to determine the SRF parameter presents some lim.
Intravoxel incoherent motion in body diffusion-weighted MRI: reality and challenges.

OBJECTIVE Diffusion-weighted MRI is increasingly applied in the body. It has been recognized for some time, on the basis of scientific experiments and studies in the brain, that the calculation of apparent diffusion coefficient by simple monoexponential relationship between MRI signal and b value does not fully account for tissue behavior. However, appreciation of this fact in body diffusion MRI is relatively new, because technologic advancements have only recently enabled high-quality body diffusion-weighted images to be acquired using multiple b values. There is now increasing interest in the radiologic community to apply more sophisticated analytic approaches, such as those based on the principles of intravoxel incoherent motion, which allows quantitative parameters that reflect tissue microcapillary perfusion and tissue diffusivity to be derived. CONCLUSION In this review, we discuss the principles of intravoxel incoherent motion as applied to body diffusion-weighted MRI. The evidence for the technique in measuring tissue perfusion is presented and the emerging clinical utility surveyed. The requisites and challenges of quantitative evaluation beyond simple monoexponential relationships are highlighted.
Validation Framework for RDF-based Constraint Languages

In this thesis, a validation framework is introduced that enables to consistently execute RDF-based constraint languages on RDF data and to formulate constraints of any type. The framework reduces the representation of constraints to the absolute minimum, is based on formal logics, consists of a small lightweight vocabulary, and ensures consistency regarding validation results and enables constraint transformations for each constraint type across RDF-based constraint languages.
Intrusion Detection Using Self-Training Support Vector Machines

Intrusion is broadly defined as a successful attack on a network. Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is a software tool used to detect unauthorized access to a computer system or network. It is a dynamic monitoring entity that complements the static monitoring abilities of a firewall. Data Mining techniques provide efficient methods for the development of IDS. The idea behind using data mining techniques is that they can automate the process of creating traffic models from some reference data and thereby eliminate the need of laborious manual intervention. Such systems are capable of detecting not only known attacks but also their variations.Existing IDS technologies, on the basis of detection methodology are broadly classified as Misuse or Signature Based Detection and Anomaly Detection Based System. The idea behind misuse detection consists of comparing network traffic against a Model describing known intrusion. The anomaly detection method is based on the analysis of the profiles that represent normal traffic behavior. Semi-Supervised systems for anomaly detection would reduce the demands of the training process by reducing the requirement of training labeled data. A Self Training Support Vector Machine based detection algorithm is presented in this thesis. In the past, Self-Training of SVM has been successfully used for reducing the size of labeled training set in other domains. A similar method was implemented and results of the simulation performed on the KDD Cup 99 dataset for intrusion detection show a reduction of upto 90% in the size of labeled training set required as compared to the supervised learning techniques.
Assessing Technical and Functional Features of Office Buildings and Their Effects on Satisfaction and Loyalty

This study assesses the service performance of commercial office buildings in the Golden Triangle Kuala Lumpur (GTKL) and understands how they influence tenant satisfaction and loyalty. Literature suggests that the commercial office building leasing context provides more service components compared to goods, hence, the service performance (SERVPERF) framework was used in this study. Data was collected from 250 tenants of 48 buildings using questionnaires. The Structural Equation Model (SEM) technique was used to test the hypothesis and three significant relationships were found. The result indicated that Building Features, Services and Management performance (BFSM), agglomeration performance and Responsive Customer Orientation (RCO) significantly influenced tenant satisfaction, and subsequently resulted in loyalty. The implications for managers and the theories in this regard are then discussed.
PUC converter review: Topology, control and applications

Packed U-Cell (PUC) converter has been introduced as a 7-level converter in early 2008. Since then, different analysis and projects have been performed on, including various applications such as inverter and rectifier, linear and nonlinear voltage controllers. In this paper, authors try to do a detail review on this topology covering all aspects like topology design in single and three-phase, operation concepts, switching sequences for different multilevel voltage waveform generation, modelling and etc. It is shown that this topology can be comparable to popular multilevel converters (CHB and NPC) in terms of device counts and applications. Moreover, some performed and published works about the PUC are mentioned to show its different industrial applications and some other converter topologies derived based on the PUC. Experimental results are provided to show the good performance of PUC converter in several applications.
Impact of Supply Chain Management practices on the competitive advantage of Indian retail supermarkets

Indian retail industries are increasingly facing intensifying global competition, rapid technology advances, and increasingly more demanding customer expectations. The right choice, implementation and evolution of an operations strategy can provide considerable competitive advantage. Firms are found successful in accomplishing this competition through supply chain initiatives. This research work provides a framework for a sustainable improvement by which supply chain practices can build the competitive advantage of Indian retail supermarkets. From the survey conducted on 198 retail supermarkets, the research investigates the dimensions of Supply Chain Management (SCM) practices and tests their relationships with competitive advantage. Data are analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) aimed to test the model fit.
USER PERCEPTION OF DEMAND SIDE MANAGEMENT

Demand Side Management (DSM) is about participation of electricity users in the management of electricity networks. Econnect’s experience in demand side management is obtained through the application of Distributed Int elligent Load Controllers (DILCs) to off-grid networks where the benefits are obtained by users through higher syste m reliability. On grid networks the benefits are incr easing efficiency, opportunity for greater renewable energ y and (on some grids) improved reliability. If demand sid e management is to be applied on grid networks users must accept the potential for load disconnection. The re asons for non-acceptance and proposals to increase acceptance are discussed. Comparisons are drawn between off-grid a on-grid scenarios.
High Step-Up DC–AC Inverter Suitable for AC Module Applications

In this paper, a novel grid-connected high step-up inverter is proposed. The topology is composed of two stages. The first stage is a single-switch high step-up dc-dc converter with bipolar outputs, and the second stage is a conventional half-bridge dc-ac grid-connected inverter. Negative grounding of the photovoltaic (PV) module has resulted in elimination of unwanted ground leakage currents in the PV system. Simple structure, employing few semiconductor switches, simple control, and high efficiency are the features of the proposed topology. Theoretical analysis and principal operation of the circuit are discussed. An experimental prototype is implemented to verify the performance of the proposed inverter. The experimental results confirm the aforementioned features and the theoretical analysis of the converter operation.
Performance Effects of the Transition from Family Managed Firms to Professionally Managed Firms

This study explores whether, when, and how the transition from family to professional management leads to better performance in the context of Japanese firms from 1962 to 2004. In order to avoid endogeneity, we employ the propensity score matching and difference-in-difference technique and find evidence that family firms that transition from family to professional CEOs outperform firms that maintain family leadership. This performance improvement is more pronounced when families maintain strong control but leave no legacy behind and when firms are in highly competitive and high growth industries. We also find evidence that improvement under professional CEOs is mainly attributable to cost saving measures.
Reconstitution and function of membrane proteins into asymmetric giant liposomes by using a pulsed jet flow

This report describes preliminary results of a reconstitution and function of membrane proteins (flippases) into asymmetric lipid giant liposomes (GLs) that were prepared by deforming a planar asymmetric bilayer using a pulsed jet flow. Frist, we confirmed the expression of flippases on the baculovirus membrane by a western blot analysis. Next, we successfully reconstituted flippases into the asymmetric GL of phosphatidylserine by a baculovirus-liposome fusion method. Finally, we observed the translocation of phosphatidylserine from the extracellular leaflet to the cytoplasmic leaflet which was catalyzed by flippases. The flippase-reconstituted asymmetric liposomes that emulate the function of cell membranes will be useful for the study of elementary lipid-lipid or lipid-protein interactions.
Why strategic factor markets matter: : “New” multinationals' geographic diversification and firm profitability

This study examines firm profitability differences among “new” multinational enterprises (NMNEs) pursuing geographic diversification into two distinct types of geographic locations based on the development of strategic factor markets. Building on strategic factor markets theory, we propose that firm-specific advantages of NMNEs contribute differentially to firm profitability because they evolve differently given strategic factor market differences in host compared to home countries. Using a sample of Korean manufacturing MNEs during the 1993–2003 period, we find that geographic diversification into resource-poorer host countries has a positive relationship with firm profitability, whereas geographic diversification into resource-richer host countries has a U-shaped relationship with firm profitability. Our study demonstrates why strategic factor markets—an important and often overlooked contextual factor—matter in exploring rationales for geographic diversification
Comparison of Traditional and Modern Performance Instruments on Selected Companies from Pakistan

The objective of this study is to examine the performance of listed companies in Karachi Stock Exchange by using economic value added (EVA) and market value added (MVA). To estimate performance of seven industrial sectors in Pakistan EVA is used along with operating cash flow, net operating profit after tax, net income and return on equity. Multiple regression models are applied on cross sectional data of 35 firms from seven sectors of Pakistan for year 2012 and 2013. Results and their analysis are portraying the actual picture for EVA in Pakistan indicating that ability of EVA to explain MVA is not significant.
Water in oil-filled high-voltage equipment part II: water content as physicochemical tools for insulation condition diagnostic

In the first part of this investigations, we examined the current state of knowledge of the effect of water on paper and liquid-insulating materials. Demonstrated that the scientific representation of the states of water in insulating liquids has a direct practical application as a diagnostic tool for electrical equipment, at least for the dielectric properties of the insulation. The work presented in this second part of these investigations is divided into four sections. The first section deals with the influence of water on the electrical characteristics of the oil/paper insulating materials, followed by a critical review of up-to-date water quantification methods. Based on the physicochemical criteria of the limiting state discussed in the third section, this article proposes some analytical expressions that can help electrical engineers monitor and/or diagnose oil-filled, high-voltage equipment. Our investigations show the advantage of diverse methods for measuring humidity in insulating liquids, and a variety of analytical expressions for calculating the condition of liquid/ solid insulation systems.
The Effect Of Promotion Type And Benefit Congruency On Brand Image

Sales promotion is a communication device increasingly used by companies due to its capacity to produce an immediate sales increase. However, although these activities generate good short- term results, they may also have side effects on the customers’ assessment of the promoted brands. The purpose of this paper is to delve into the effects of promotions on the expected product price and brand image. The results of the study reveal that the frequent use of promotions affect consumers’ evaluations of brand image, but the effect depends on the type of promotional tool and the product category. The frequent use of price promotions will lower brand image assessments whereas non-monetary promotions lead to higher brand evaluations. These results are moderated by the product category. Moreover, the expected price of a product is lower after frequent monetary promotions.
Ultra-low-voltage power management unit for thermal energy harvesting applications

In this paper, an efficient ultra-low-voltage PMU working for TEG input voltages as low as 200mV is proposed. The PMU core, charging an energy buffer, employs a main DC/DC converter. It consists of a cascade of two Dickson-based charge pumps with a variable conversion factor and switching frequency. Feedback is provided from the load buffer by means of a current sensor to a control unit that maximizes the overall power transfer efficiency at low input voltages. System simulation results demonstrate a peak efficiency greater than 70% with a controller current consumption less than 2μA. The PMU core was simulated in Cadence environment using a UMC CMOS 180nm process and the layout of the basic core building blocks is presented. The fully-integreable design consumes an area of approximately 30mm2.
A Pragmatic Approach to Dry Eye Diagnosis: Evidence into Practice

ABSTRACT Dry eye disease (DED) is a common, multifactorial disease of the tears and anterior ocular surface. The clinical diagnosis of DED is complex, requiring the consideration of both patient symptoms and signs, which can be apparently contradictory. Misdiagnosis can lead to suboptimal clinical management. Studies of the practice behaviors of optometrists suggest that there is the potential to improve the translation of research evidence relating to the diagnosis of DED into primary ophthalmic care. This review describes an evidence-based, pragmatic approach to the contemporary clinical diagnosis of DED, as a means for guiding best practice for the care of dry eye patients.