Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Critical success factors of supply chain integration in container shipping: an application of resource-based view theory

ABSTRACT The container shipping industry is receiving growing attention in driving the performance of global supply chains. This phenomenon has accelerated supply chain integration (SCI) within the industry. Although SCI could offer numerous benefits, it is often quoted to be implemented easier in theory than in practice. The high failure rate that is associated with SCI is often not addressed in the literature. Grounded on resource-based view (RBV) theory, this paper is aimed at identifying the critical success factors (CSFs) and examining their influence on SCI and supply chain performance (SCP). Survey questionnaires were administered on 164 container shipping firms. The constructs were validated empirically using confirmatory factor analysis and were subsequently analysed using structural equation modelling. The proposed CSFs in this study are found to be positively corelated with SCI, which, in turn, is positively correlated with SCP. This paper has contributed to both theory and practice by applying RBV theory to identify the key resources and capabilities that are necessary for SCI in the container shipping industry.
Hyperforin modulates dendritic spine morphology in hippocampal pyramidal neurons by activating Ca2+‐permeable TRPC6 channels

The standardized extract of the St. John's wort plant (Hypericum perforatum) is commonly used to treat mild to moderate depression. Its active constituent is hyperforin, a phloroglucinol derivative that reduces the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine by increasing intracellular Na+ concentration through the activation of nonselective cationic TRPC6 channels. TRPC6 channels are also Ca2+‐permeable, resulting in intracellular Ca2+ elevations. Indeed, hyperforin activates TRPC6‐mediated currents and Ca2+ transients in rat PC12 cells, which induce their differentiation, mimicking the neurotrophic effect of nerve growth factor. Here, we show that hyperforin modulates dendritic spine morphology in CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons of hippocampal slice cultures through the activation of TRPC6 channels. Hyperforin also evoked intracellular Ca2+ transients and depolarizing inward currents sensitive to the TRPC channel blocker La3+, thus resembling the actions of the neurotrophin brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in hippocampal pyramidal neurons. These results suggest that the antidepressant actions of St. John's wort are mediated by a mechanism similar to that engaged by BDNF. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Effect of SME Productivity Increases on Large Firm Productivity in the EU

We examine the impact of labour productivity growth of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) on labour productivity growth of large firms in a 19‐year panel of 26 European countries. We apply a dynamic panel data model that allows for macro‐level interdependencies in productivity between small and large firms. Our main finding concerns a sizable positive effect of labour productivity increases of SMEs on the productivity of large firms. This positive effect is especially evident for medium‐sized and small firms (rather than micro firms). Furthermore, the impact of SME productivity on large‐firm productivity is increasing with the size of the SME sector. Our analysis indicates that scale effects play a role in the transmission of productivity effects from SMEs to large firms, both in terms of the size of individual SMEs (medium‐sized and small versus micro) and in terms of the share of the SME sector in the economy.
A systematic review of the public administration literature to identify how to increase public engagement and participation with local governance

Department of Political Science, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas Correspondence Josephine Gatti Schafer, Department of Political Science, Kansas State University, 802 Mid Campus Dr. South, 115 Calvin Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506. Email: jgschafer@ksu.edu Present Address Josephine Gatti Schafer, Center for Public Affairs Research, University of Nebraska at Omaha Omaha, Nebraska 108 CPACS 6001 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68182 402.554. 2133 Email: jgschafer@unomaha.edu
Bankruptcy Prediction Using Memetic Algorithm with Fuzzy Approach: Empirical Evidence from Iran

Several corporate failures have recently occurred, many have suffered from serious losses and most notably public confidence has deteriorated. In order to facilitate investor’s decision making regarding potential investment opportunities, this paper seeks to demonstrate that it is model specific constraints that limits the usefulness of accounting information, not the nature of variables per se. Thus we develop a Hybrid model which is an adaptive Memetic Algorithm combined with fuzzy approach that generates and optimizes a set of if-then rules for bankruptcy prediction. Data are derived from Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE) data bank, adopting 18 variables all of which are accounting ones, between 2001 and 2009. Four out of five models used in this survey have either accomplished high degree of accuracy or low level of type I error; however experimental results show that in terms of both average accuracy in prediction and occurrence of type I and II errors, fuzzy memetic performs better than GA, MLP, C4.5 and LDA in comparison.
In-Season Effect of Short-Term Sprint and Power Training Programs on Elite Junior Soccer Players

Mujika, I, Santisteban, J, and Castagna, C. In-season effect of short-term sprint and power training programs on elite junior soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 23(9): 2581-2587, 2009-The aim of this study was to examine the effects of 2 in-season short-term sprint and power training protocols on vertical countermovement jump height (with or without arms), sprint (Sprint-15m) speed, and agility (Agility-15m) speed in male elite junior soccer players. Twenty highly trained soccer players (age 18.3 ± 0.6 years, height 177 ± 4 cm, body mass 71.4 ± 6.9 kg, sum skinfolds 48.1 ± 11.4 mm), members of a professional soccer academy, were randomly allocated to either a CONTRAST (n = 10) or SPRINT (n = 10) group. The training intervention consisted of 6 supervised training sessions over 7 weeks, targeting the improvement of the players' speed and power. CONTRAST protocol consisted of alternating heavy-light resistance (15-50% body mass) with soccer-specific drills (small-sided games or technical skills). SPRINT training protocol used line 30-m sprints (2-4 sets of 4 × 30 m with 180 and 90 seconds of recovery, respectively). At baseline no difference between physical test performance was evident between the 2 groups (p > 0.05). No time × training group effect was found for any of the vertical jump and Agility-15m variables (p > 0.05). A time × training group effect was found for Sprint-15m performance with the CONTRAST group showing significantly better scores than the SPRINT group (7.23 ± 0.18 vs. 7.09 ± 0.20 m·s−1, p < 0.01). In light of these findings CONTRAST training should be preferred to line sprint training in the short term in young elite soccer players when the aim is to improve soccer-specific sprint performance (15 m) during the competitive season.
Present and future applications of switched-capacitor circuits

An overview of switched-capacitor (SC) circuit applications is presented. SC functional blocks, which play an important role in many systems, are discussed. Several large-scale integrated circuits, which are mainly for commercial use, are outlined, placing stress on why SC circuits are used. These include codecs, modems, and speech analysis and synthesis circuitry. Projected future SC circuit performance is discussed in comparison with digital signal processing technology. Promising application fields are identified.
Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins in systemic lupus erythematosus: a series of 52 patients from a single centre.

OBJECTIVES Some studies have shown efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) but its use still lacks of confirmation in large cohorts. METHODS This observational, retrospective, single-centre clinical study included 52 SLE patients who received at least one cycle of IVIG (400 mg/kg/day for 5 days) from January 2001 to February 2011. Twenty-seven SLE patients were treated with IVIG for active disease and concomitant infection, while 26 received the IVIG as resistant to standard therapy. The indications for IVIG in the SLE patients were mainly cutaneous, haematological, neuropsychiatric and heart involvements. RESULTS In patients with active disease and concomitant infections, the response to IVIG treatment was a complete remission (n=9), partial remission (n=8), and no response (n=8). We recorded any response (total or partial) in 17 out of 27 patients (62.96%). In patients with active disease refractory to standard therapy, the response to IVIG treatment was a complete remission (n=6), partial remission (n=12), and no response (n=8). We recorded any response (total or partial) in 18 out of 26 patients (69.23%). Seven of these patients relapsed after a mean time of 8.9 months (3-23 months). CONCLUSIONS In a long-term study in the largest published cohort of SLE patients, IVIG was found to be effective in selected manifestations such as haematological and cardiac involvement or when other therapeutic approaches are not available, such as in patients with active disease and concomitant infection.
The Sufficiency Economy Philosophy and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Thailand

Business owners are facing with many challenges in an ever changing and more complex business environment. In today competitive business environment is characterized by change and innovation. Moreover, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a significant role in the Thai economy. This research aims to investigate conditions in which Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) will become significant when apply to SMEs business operations. The qualitative methodology was utilized in order to answer the research question. It was found that many SMEs applied SEP as a risk management procedure where there is a high intensity of competition and during rather stable to low economic growth. Moreover, the level of changes in social condition and political tension can also cause the likelihood for many SMEs to apply SEP in the business operation.
Alone? Percieved social support and chronic interpersonal difficulties in suicidal elders

ABSTRACT Background: Social networks may protect depressed elders against suicidal behavior. However, conflict in important relationships may undermine the sense of social support, potentially negating the protective effects. Thus, we investigated the role of chronic interpersonal difficulties and perceived social support in depressed elders with and without suicidal thoughts and attempts. Methods: 106 individuals aged 60 years and older participated in this cross-sectional, case-control study. They were placed in three groups: suicidal depressed, non-suicidal depressed and non-depressed. Following a detailed clinical characterization, we assessed perceived social support (Interpersonal Support Evaluation List), and chronic interpersonal difficulties (Inventory of Interpersonal Problems). Using general linear models, we explored the relationship between suicidal thoughts/attempts, social support, and chronic interpersonal difficulties. We also examined whether lower perceived social support explained the relationship between chronic interpersonal difficulties and suicidal thoughts/attempts. Results: Suicidal depressed elders reported the lowest levels of perceived social support (belonging, tangible support, and self-esteem) and higher levels of chronic interpersonal difficulties (struggle against others and interpersonal hostility), compared to both non-suicidal depressed and non-depressed elders. The relationship between chronic interpersonal difficulties and suicidal behavior was partially explained by low perceived social support. Conclusions: The experience of strong affects, interpersonal struggle, and hostility in relationships may undermine the sense of social support in depressed elders, possibly leading them to contemplate or attempt suicide. Depressed elders with a history of interpersonal difficulties need to be carefully monitored for suicidal behavior.
Clinical characteristics of early cutaneous melanoma

Clinical characteristics of the primary tumor in 786 patients with superficial spreading melanoma were studied in a prospective sequential series of patients from the Melanoma Clinical Cooperative Group. The most useful features for early diagnosis were change in size and change in color, present in 71% and 55% respectively of patients with level II lesions. Increase in height of lesion correlated with more advanced disease. Ulceration and bleeding were predominantly found in advanced primary lesions and are consequently of limited use in early recognition. Awareness of the historical and clinical features of the primary tumor should result in early recognition and cure of most primary superficial spreading melanomas.
Monopoly in a Competitive Setting

A production market with given preferences, technology and compe tition technology is vulnerable if it admits both perfect competition and monopoly or oligopoly. Under decreasing returns, sunk costs combined with a potential for monopoly profits provide a sufficient basis for vulnerability. A large agent can establish monopoly by installing enough productive capacity. The monopolist deters entry by threatening to oversupply the market. The threat is credible if the future discount rate is low enough and if enough small players enter the market in the absence of punishment. Financial institutions can capture vulnerable markets for profit, reducing competition, efficiency and equity.
LiDAR Based 3D Object Detection Using CCD Information

Collecting and analyzing information about the environment around a vehicle is essential in an autonomous driving environment. In order to do this, it is necessary to analyze real-time information, such as location, orientation, and size of objects. In particular, the ability to handle occlusion or truncation helps to ensure safe driving, by providing accurate information about the vehicle surroundings. In this paper, we propose a new method for generating object proposals around a vehicle, using projected LiDAR information, and performing object detection more accurately by exploiting a 2D imagebased classifier: Region-based Fully Convolutional Networks (RFCN). In other words, our method generates object proposals by filtering the LiDAR information into 2D edges having strong affinity. The object proposal is classified by R-FCN, and the resulting label is mapped to the edge points. This class label combines with orientation information of the edge in 3D space, in order to complete the 3D box of the object. This compensates the disadvantage of the charge-coupled device (CCD)-based R-FCN classifier, which demonstrates limitations in obtaining spatial information and in solving problems, such as occlusion. We compared our method with state-of-the-art results on the KITTI Dataset, and obtained good results in terms of speed and accuracy, especially in intersection-over-union (IOU) with ground truth.
Subchondral Bone and Cartilage Disease: A Rediscovered Functional Unit

Imhof H, Sulzbacher I, Grampp S, Czerny C, Youssefzadeh S, Kainberger F. Subchondral bone and cartilage disease: A rediscovered functional unit. Invest Radiol 2000;35:581–588. ABSTRACT.The role of subchondral bone in the pathogenesis of cartilage damage has likely been underestimated. Subchondral bone is not only an important shock absorber, but it may also be important for cartilage metabolism. Contrary to many drawings and published reports, the subchondral region is highly vascularized and vulnerable. Its terminal vessels have, in part, direct contact with the deepest hyaline cartilage layer. The perfusion of these vessels accounts for more than 50% of the glucose, oxygen, and water requirements of cartilage. Bony structure, local metabolism, hemodynamics, and vascularization of the subchondral region differ within a single joint and from one joint to another. Owing to these differences, repetitive, chronic overloading or perfusion abnormalities may result in no pathological reaction at all in one joint, while in another joint, these same conditions may lead to osteonecrosis, osteochondritis dissecans, or degenerative changes. According to this common etiological root, similar pathological reactions beginning with marrow edema and necrosis and followed by bone and cartilage fractures, joint deformity, and insufficient healing processes are found in osteonecrosis, osteochondritis dissecans, and degenerative disease as well.
The Spatial Deployment of Renewable Energy Based on China’s Coal-heavy Generation Mix and Inter-regional Transmission Grid

China has set a goal of 20% non-fossil energy in total primary energy consumption by 2030. The decision of where to invest in renewable energy, and to what extent, needs to be considered from a forward-looking perspective. This article presents a power sector optimization model that integrates unit commitment with long-term generation expansion planning framework. Power dispatches at an hourly level are combined with yearly investment decisions. Based on the model, this article analyzes the optimal spatial deployment of renewable energy. The results show that regional differences in non-hydro renewable energy are significant. Approximately 75% should be deployed in the north of China. With the increase of combined heat and power, more renewable energy facilities, especially solar photovoltaic, should be located in the south of China. Inter-regional power transmission is beneficial to onshore wind in resource-rich areas, and could mitigate the conflict between coal-heavy generation mix and renewable energy.
Fast Determination of the Planar Body Segment Inertial Parameters Using Affordable Sensors

This study aimed at developing and evaluating a new method for the fast and reliable identification of body segment inertial parameters with a planar model using affordable sensors. A Kinect sensor, with a new marker-based tracking system, and a Wii balance board were used as an affordable and portable motion capture system. A set of optimal exciting motions was used in a biofeedback interface to identify the body segment parameters. The method was validated with 12 subjects performing various standardized motions. The same dynamometric quantities estimated both with the proposed system and, as a reference, with a laboratory grade force-plate were compared. The results showed that the proposed method could successfully estimate the resultant moment and the vertical ground reaction force (rms errors less than 8 Nm and 12 N, respectively). Finally, when local segment values were artificially varied, the proposed method was able to detect and estimate the additional masses accurately and with an error of less than 0.5 Kg, contrary to values generated with commonly used anthropometric tables.
Direct evidence for a sugar transport mechanism in isolated vacuoles.

Sugar transport has been directly observed in isolated higher plant vacuoles for the first time. The latter were released from protoplasts isolated from the mesophyll of Pisum sativum L.Uptake of l-glucose by the vacuoles was very slight in comparison with that of the d-glucose analog 3-O-methyl glucose (MeG), indicating, first, that a highly selective sugar uptake mechanism is seated in the tonoplast; and, second, that the mechanism was functioning in the isolated vacuoles.MeG uptake was markedly sensitive to the pH of the medium, falling as the external pH rose. Addition of MgATP to buffered medium strongly promoted MeG uptake by vacuoles, but not by the protoplasts from which they were released. Treatment with the proton ionophore SF(6847) drastically reduced uptake by the vacuoles, but had a lesser effect on uptake by the protoplasts. The inhibitory effect of SF(6847) on uptake by the vacuoles was countered to a substantial degree by the addition of MgATP.The influence of pH, the stimulatory effect of ATP, and the ATP-reversible inhibition by SF(6847) all strengthen the conclusion that the observed sugar uptake reflected membrane function and was not due to a diffusional inward leak through damaged membranes.The results are discussed in the light of currently held concepts regarding the driving force for sugar transport.
"I've been manipulated!": Designing Second Screen Experiences for Critical Viewing of Reality TV

The recent proliferation of a reality TV genre that focusses on welfare recipients has led to concerns that prime-time media experiences are exacerbating misconceptions, and stifling critical debate, around major societal issues such as welfare reform and poverty. Motivated by arguments that 'second screening' practices offer opportunities to engage viewers with issues of political concern, we describe the design and evaluation of two smartphone apps that facilitate and promote more critical live-viewing of reality TV. Our apps, Spotting Guide and Moral Compass, encourage users to identify, categorise, tag and filter patterns and tropes within reality TV, as well as reinterpret social media posts associated with their broadcast. We show that such interactions encourage critical thinking around typical editing and production techniques and foster co-discussion and reflection amongst viewers. We discuss, more broadly, how these interactions encourage users to identify the wider consequences and framings of reality TV, and offer implications and considerations for design that provokes criticality and reflection in second screening contexts.
Inward current generated by Na‒Ca exchange during the action potential in single atrial cells of the rabbit

To investigate the underlying ionic mechanism of the late plateau phase of the action potential in rabbit atrium the whole-cell patch-clamp technique with intracellular perfusion was used. We recorded the inward current during repolarizations following a brief 2 ms depolarizing pulse to +40 mV from a holding potential of between —70 and —80 mV. The development of this current coincides with the onset of the late plateau phase of the action potential. Peak activation of the current occurs about 10 ms from the beginning of the depolarizing pulse, and it decays spontaneously with a slow timecourse. Its voltage dependency from —40 mV to +40 mV shows very steep activation ( — 40 to —20 mV) and shows almost the same maximum magnitude between —10 mV and +40 mV. This behaviour is quite different from that of the calcium current. The inward current and the late plateau phase of the action potential were both abolished by the application of 5 mM EGTA, 1 μM ryanodine and by reducing the Na+ gradient. The fully activated current-voltage relation of the inward current was plotted as the difference current before and after treatment with Ryanodine, Diltiazem, 20 mM Na+ inside or 30 % Na+ outside and shows an exponential voltage dependence with the largest magnitude of the current occurring at negative potentials. The current-voltage (I-V) curve was well fitted by the Na-Ca exchange equation, i = A exp (— (1 — r) EF/RT). The results suggest that the inward current contributes to the generation of the late plateau phase of the rabbit atrial action potential, and is activated by intracellular calcium released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release appears to be triggered both by the membrane voltage and by the calcium current. It is concluded that the inward current is generated by Na-Ca exchange.