Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Government Wage Review Policy and Public-Private Sector Wage Differential in Nigeria

The study investigated the impact Nigeria’s government wage review of 1998 had on the differential in pay for public and private sector workers of the same educational qualifications and ages. Empirical analysis based on the Mincerian human capital model was carried out for urban male employees only (as they constitute a homogeneous group) in the public and private sectors. The results obtained show that before the wage review of 1998, public sector workers suffered a pay disadvantage of 6.78% while about one year after the review, public sector workers enjoyed a premium of 35.07%. In the absence of any wage reduction in the private sector, this result suggests that the implementation of the 1998 wage review succeeded in making public sector workers better remunerated than their private sector counterparts and it can be concluded that the wage increase in the public sector achieved its disguised goal of redressing the age-long poor pay in the sector.
Web phenomenon applied as ICT platform in support of business model innovation

Toffler described the characteristics of the 21st century society with the words 'rapid change, the accelerated pace of life, temporariness, instability, variation' and 'novelty' as far back as in 1971, in his book Future Shock. He foresaw a total new society, activated and controlled by technology. Some of his predictions have already come true – the rapid change in individual needs, the accelerated pace of change, the consequential demise of bureaucracy in organizations and the 'near-instantaneous communication across the globe' (Matthee 1998; Toffler 1971), as provided by the Internet.
Cardiac troponin T release in acute myocardial infarction is associated with scintigraphic estimates of myocardial scar

BackgroundThis study compared clinical-chemical estimates of infarct size with scintigraphic estimates of myocardial scar in patients with first-time acute myocardial infarction (AMI). MethodsLevels of the cardiac isoform of the contractile protein troponin T (TnT), of creatine kinase (CK), and of the isoenzyme MB of CK (CK MB) were tested in serially drawn blood samples from 21 patients (two females and 19 males; median age, 55 years). Of these 21 patients, five had anterior- and 16 had inferior-wall AMI; all patients received intravenous thrombolytic therapy. Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with technetium-99m-isonitrile (Tc-sestamibi) was performed at rest after the onset of AMI (median time, 5 weeks). Scintigraphic defects were calculated using “bull's-eye” polar coordinate maps. All patients had an uncomplicated course between discharge and myocardial scintigraphy. ResultsScintigraphic defect sizes ranged from 3.2% to 47.8% of the left ventricle (median, 27.3%). Cardiac TnT and CK MB release correlated closely with each other and with scintigraphic estimates of myocardial scar. Significant correlates were found between cardiac TnT and CK MB peak values (r = 0.87, P = 0.0001), CK MB peaks and Tc-sestamibi defect sizes (r = 0.73, P = 0.0014), and TnT peaks and scintigraphic defect sizes (r = 0.73, P = 0.0011). ConclusionsBecause animal studies have already shown a very close correlation between histologic infarct size and SPECT Tc-sestamibi defect size, our results indicate that cardiac TnT is a useful marker to assess infarct size noninvasively in man.
SAR ADC with a body effect reduction T/H circuit for wireless power transfer applications

A successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter (ADC) design in 0.18-um CMOS process is presented for wireless power transfer applications. By applying body effect reduction T/H circuit that improved ENOB of the ADC. This proposed ADC uses asynchronous control logic without off-chip frequency clock. The measured consumption of 1.53 mW at input voltage of 1.8 V, sampling rate of 40 MS/s, the proposed design realizes a spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) of 62.16 dB, an effective number of bits (ENOB) of 8.93 bits, a signal-to-noise and distortion ratio (SNDR) of 55.52 dB, integral nonlinearity (INL) of 1.12 LSB and differential nonlinearity (DNL) of 0.63 LSB. The proposed SAR ADC is build-in internet of thing (IoT) system to meet low power requirement for wireless power receiver applications.
Objective Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of Fractional Radiofrequency Treatment for Acne Scars and Enlarged Pores in Asian Skin

BACKGROUND Ablative fractional lasers can effectively treat acne scars and enlarged pores, but cause considerable pain and downtime for patients, as well as potentially causing postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), especially in Asian skin. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of a novel bipolar radiofrequency (RF)–based fractional device to treat acne scars and enlarged pores in Asians with objective measurements and histologic assessments. METHODS Thirty-one Korean patients with acne scars and enlarged pores received 4 consecutive fractional RF treatments at 3-week intervals. Outcome assessments included photography, global evaluation by investigators in a blind manner, patient assessment, objective biophysical measurements of elasticity and color, and histological changes compared with untreated lesions. RESULTS Follow-up assessments by physicians 3 months after the last treatment revealed that patients showed clinical improvement. Patient self-assessments paralleled physicians' assessments. Objective biophysical measurements showed significant improvements in elasticity (R2, R5, and R7) and the melanin/erythema index, together with increases in the levels of procollagen Types I and III, as well as elastin. There were no cases of PIH, and adverse events were limited to mild ones. CONCLUSION Fractional bipolar RF provides clinical efficacy with safety in acne scars and enlarged pores through dermal matrix remodeling combined with tolerable epidermal ablation.
Bexarotene is effective and safe for treatment of refractory advanced-stage cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: multinational phase II-III trial results.

PURPOSE Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) are malignancies of T cells appearing as skin lesions and are responsive to retinoid therapy. Safety and efficacy of a novel RXR-selective retinoid (rexinoid) bexarotene (Targretin, LGD1069; Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc, San Diego, CA) was evaluated as a single-agent oral therapy administered once daily in an open-label study in patients with refractory advanced-stage CTCL. PATIENTS AND METHODS Ninety-four patients with biopsy-confirmed CTCL in advanced stages (IIB-IVB) were enrolled at 26 centers. Fifty-six patients received an initial dose of 300 mg/m2/d oral bexarotene and 38 started at more than 300 mg/m2/d. RESULTS Clinical complete and partial responses were reported by Primary End point Classification for the study in 45% (25 of 56) of patients enrolled at 300 mg/m2/d dosing. At more than 300 mg/m2/d, 55% (21 of 38) of patients responded, including 13% (five of 38) clinical complete. For the 300 mg/m2/d initial dose group, the rate of relapse after response was 36% and the projected median duration of response was 299 days. Improvements were also seen in overall body-surface area involvement, median index lesion surface area, adenopathy, cutaneous tumors, pruritus, and CTCL-specific quality of life. The most frequent drug-related adverse events included hypertriglyceridemia (associated rarely with pancreatitis), hypercholesterolemia, hypothyroidism, and headache. CONCLUSION Bexarotene is the first in a novel class of pharmacologic agents, the RXR-selective retinoids, or rexinoids. Bexarotene is orally administered, safe, and generally well tolerated with reversible side effects, and is effective for the treatment of advanced, refractory CTCL.
Automatic front-crawl temporal phase detection using adaptive filtering of inertial signals

Abstract This study introduces a novel approach for automatic temporal phase detection and inter-arm coordination estimation in front-crawl swimming using inertial measurement units (IMUs). We examined the validity of our method by comparison against a video-based system. Three waterproofed IMUs (composed of 3D accelerometer, 3D gyroscope) were placed on both forearms and the sacrum of the swimmer. We used two underwater video cameras in side and frontal views as our reference system. Two independent operators performed the video analysis. To test our methodology, seven well-trained swimmers performed three 300 m trials in a 50 m indoor pool. Each trial was in a different coordination mode quantified by the index of coordination. We detected different phases of the arm stroke by employing orientation estimation techniques and a new adaptive change detection algorithm on inertial signals. The difference of 0.2 ± 3.9% between our estimation and video-based system in assessment of the index of coordination was comparable to experienced operators’ difference (1.1 ± 3.6%). The 95% limits of agreement of the difference between the two systems in estimation of the temporal phases were always less than 7.9% of the cycle duration. The inertial system offers an automatic easy-to-use system with timely feedback for the study of swimming.
Interaction: Full and Partial Immersive Virtual Reality Displays

Full and partial immersion in virtual reality are fundamental different user experiences: partial immersion supports the feeling of “looking at” a virtual environment while full immersion supports the feeling of “being in” that environment (Shneiderman 1998:221-222). Working with a range of different interactive virtual reality applications using different display systems we have found that the use of six-sided caves and panoramic displays result in different requirements to the design of interaction techniques and use of interaction devices. These requirements can be closely related to specific categories of interaction: orientating, moving and acting . We also found, that existing virtual reality applications often have very little in common when it comes to interaction techniques and does not take into consideration the implications of the display type used. In this paper I present a conceptual framework for the design of interaction techniques for virtual reality focusing on the relations between interaction techniques and display types.
The impact of mode of operation on sales performance in international services

Purpose – To investigate the impact of current mode of operation on service firms’ sales performance in international markets, and to examine the role of managerial control as a mediator of the mode of operation‐sales performance relationship.Design/methodology/approach – A conceptual framework and a set of hypotheses were developed to posit that managerial control on marketing activities act as a process variable between the level of vertical integration of the mode of operation and firm success in international markets. The proposed hypotheses were tested using regression analysis with data from a sample of tour operators from Turkey.Findings – The choice of mode of operation is a critical decision that impacts the performance of service firms in international markets, such that firms which use more vertically integrated modes of operation obtain higher sales performance as a result of their high levels of control on marketing activities.Research limitations/implications – Although the present findings .
Growth in Firms in Canada, 1985–1999

Abstract Industry Canada has recently completed the first phase of an analysis of Canadian growth firms using a new longitudinal database over the period 1985 to 1999. Of the nearly 1.8 million net jobs created over this period, continuing hyper and strong growth firms, almost 7% of private sector firms in 1985, were responsible for creating nearly one million net jobs. Continuing small businesses were the principal engine of growth, more than offsetting the job losses among continuing large firms over this period.
A comparison among nalbuphine, meperidine, and placebo for treating postanesthetic shivering.

UNLABELLED Postanesthetic shivering (PS) is distressing for patients and may induce a variety of complications. In this prospective, double-blinded, randomized study, we evaluated the value of nalbuphine, compared with meperidine and saline, for treating PS. Ninety adult patients were included in the study. Group 1 (n = 30) received i.v. nalbuphine 0.08 mg/kg, Group 2 (n = 30) received i.v. meperidine 0.4 mg/kg, and Group 3 (n = 30) received i.v. saline. Treatment that stopped shivering was considered to have been successful. The results demonstrated that, 5 min after treatment, both nalbuphine and meperidine provided a rapid and potent anti-shivering effect on PS, with high response rates of 80% and 83%, compared with those of saline (0%) (P < 0.01). Thirty minutes after injection, the response rates of nalbuphine and meperidine were 90% and 93%, respectively, compared with 17% in the saline group (P < 0.01). The differences between nalbuphine and meperidine were not significant. We conclude that nalbuphine may be an alternative to meperidine for treating PS. IMPLICATIONS We evaluated nalbuphine versus meperidine and saline for treating postanesthetic shivering. Our results demonstrate that both nalbuphine and meperidine provide a similar rapid and potent anti-shivering effect. Nalbuphine may be an alternative to meperidine for treating postanesthetic shivering.
Potentialities of Web 2.0 and new challenges for destinations: insights from Italy

Web 2.0 influences the relationship between supply and demand even in the tourism sector, forcing those who manage destinations (destination management organizations, DMOs) to review the ways in which they enhance a territory's assets. As an exploratory contribution, this paper aims to answer two research questions: are the daily activities on social networks able to influence the marketing approach of DMOs, and in what ways and to what extent can the daily activities on social networks enhance the brand equity of destinations? This study aims to achieve this goal by analysing the digital marketing activities of one of the top Italian destinations (case study method). This paper shows that Web 2.0 offers many opportunities for value creation and promotion, but it also presents important challenges.
Crystalline lens parameters in infancy

Despite the importance of lens power to ocular development, few data are available regarding infant crystalline lens parameters. Lens and corneal curvatures were measured using a video‐based keratophakometer, and refractive error was measured by cycloplegic retinoscopy in 19 out of 27 infants ranging in age from 3 to 18 months. The median spherical equivalent refractive error was +1.00 D, and the median corneal power was 43.3 D. Using previously reported values for axial ocular dimensions, the median anterior and posterior lens radii of curvature were 8.8 mm and 5.7 mm, respectively, both substantially flatter than infant schematic eye values. The median equivalent refractive index of the lens was 1.50. There were no age‐related trends in lens radii, refractive error, or corneal radius, suggesting that calculated values for lens power and equivalent index may undergo substantial decline with age. Most of the decrease in lens power (79%) appeared to be due to decreases in equivalent index rather than to flattening of the surface curvatures. Phakometry appears to be a feasible and useful technique for documenting the role of the crystalline lens in infant ocular development.
Netropsin interactions in the minor groove of d(GGCCAATTGG) studied by a combination of resolution enhancement and ab initio calculations

The structure of the complex between the minor groove binder netropsin and d(GGCCAATTGG) was determined via single‐crystal X‐ray techniques. The structure was refined to completion using refmac5.1. 24, resulting in a residual R‐factor of 20.0% (including 68 water molecules). Using crystal engineering and cryocooling techniques, the resolution could be enhanced to 1.75 Å, resulting in an unambiguous determination of the drug conformation and orientation. As previously noticed, bifurcated hydrogen bonds are formed between the amide nitrogen atoms of the drug and the N3 and O2 atoms of A and T base pairs, respectively, clearly cataloging the structure to class I. As the bulky NH2 group on guanine was believed to prevent binding of the drug in the minor groove, the detailed nature of several of the amidinium and guanidinium end contacts were further investigated by ab initio quantum chemical methods.
Online codebook modeling based background subtraction with a moving camera

This paper proposes a new background subtraction method by a moving camera for the object detection. Key points are firstly extracted and tracked. From the tracking results, spatial transformation relationships for the background scenes in consecutive frames are obtained while the current frame is warped to the previous image plane for the camera movement compensation. A codebook background model is constructed and updated in an online way by exploiting the full RGB color information, which is used to distinguish the foreground/background regions. Both qualitative and quantitative experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms its counterparts with a better performance.
Aligning Communicated and Conceived Brand Promise in Professional Services Firms

Professional services advertising plays an important role in signally service quality. Prior research has focused on the expectations of clients in the decision to engage a professional services provider. Yet, little is known about how professional services providers incorporate this information and craft advertising messages that address these expectations such that they are aligned with client needs. This research examines the advertisements of corporate law firms (n = 140) and finds that while most firms are prioritizing the importance of legal expertise, they are failing to recognize the importance of relationships in making connections with prospects and customers.
Increased Effect of Obesity on Asthma in Adults with Low Household Income

Background. Both obesity and low income are risk factors of asthma and their joint effect on the disease has not been studied previously. Objective. To examine the influence of obesity and household income and their joint effect on asthma. Methods. The authors conducted an analysis based on data from 115,722 subjects 18+ years of age who participated in a national survey in 2005. Logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for covariates. The joint effect of household income and body mass index (BMI) on asthma was assessed on an additive scale. Results. Obesity associated with an increased risk of asthma was significant in all income categories in women but was only significant in the low-income group in men. A stronger association between obesity and asthma was observed in low- than in high-income families. For men and women combined, the adjusted odds ratio for those with a BMI value of 35 kg/m2 or more versus those with a BMI less than 25 kg/m2 was 2.01 in the low–household income group compared with only 1.47 in the high-income group. The corresponding adjusted relative excess risk of interaction was 1.50 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.88, 1.65) for men and women combined and was 2.73 (95% CI: 1.50, 5.39) for women. Conclusion. These data suggested an interactive effect of obesity and low-household income on the prevalence of asthma.
THE APPLICABILITY OF MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS IN TAXONOMY OF ARTEMISIA (ASTERACEAE)

SUMMARY Many different morphological characteristics were widely used by several Flora in preparing keys for taxonomic identification of the taxa in the genus Artemisia (Asteraceae). In the current work an intensive review was carried out on different Flora and published papers and literatures on applications of morphological qualitative characteristics in taxonomy of Artemisia, of which 17 widely used characters were investigated for their importance in taxonomy of the genus. Multivariate analyses were performed using several statistical package i.e. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for detecting the most important characters differentiating the species, Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) for cluster analysis, Canonical Discriminant Function Analysis (CDFA) in order for confirmation of the clustering results. All these analyses showed that out of 17 morphological characters investigated; only 7 were useful for identification of the species and grouping the subgenera, and clearly separated homogamous species from heterogamous ones, indicating the importance of capitulum morphology in taxonomy of Artemisia at subgenera level. Our data showed that the four characters of cauline leaf type, leaf colour adaxial, leaf colour abaxial and capitalism attachment accounted for majority of variability. Phylogenetic analysis based on morphology indicated that the subgenera Artemisia and Dracunculus were more closely related to each other than either to the subgenus Serphidium. This work highlights the morphology importance in the taxonomic application and taxa identification.
Fourier Magnitude-Based Privacy-Preserving Clustering on Time-Series Data

Privacy-preserving clustering (PPC in short) is important in publishing sensitive time-series data. Previous PPC solutions, however, have a problem of not preserving distance orders or incurring privacy breach. To solve this problem, we propose a new PPC approach that exploits Fourier magnitudes of time-series. Our magnitude-based method does not cause privacy breach even though its techniques or related parameters are publicly revealed. Using magnitudes only, however, incurs the distance order problem, and we thus present magnitude selection strategies to preserve as many Euclidean distance orders as possible. Through extensive experiments, we showcase the superiority of our magnitude-based approach.
Combined dynamic predictions using joint models of two longitudinal outcomes and competing risk data

Nowadays there is an increased medical interest in personalized medicine and tailoring decision making to the needs of individual patients. Within this context our developments are motivated from a Dutch study at the Cardio-Thoracic Surgery Department of the Erasmus Medical Center, consisting of patients who received a human tissue valve in aortic position and who were thereafter monitored echocardiographically. Our aim is to utilize the available follow-up measurements of the current patients to produce dynamically updated predictions of both survival and freedom from re-intervention for future patients. In this paper, we propose to jointly model multiple longitudinal measurements combined with competing risk survival outcomes and derive the dynamically updated cumulative incidence functions. Moreover, we investigate whether different features of the longitudinal processes would change significantly the prediction for the events of interest by considering different types of association structures, such as time-dependent trajectory slopes and time-dependent cumulative effects. Our final contribution focuses on optimizing the quality of the derived predictions. In particular, instead of choosing one final model over a list of candidate models which ignores model uncertainty, we propose to suitably combine predictions from all considered models using Bayesian model averaging.