Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alterations in peak ground-reaction force during 60-cm drop landings caused by a single session of repeated Wingate anaerobic tests.

CONTEXT Lower extremity injury is prevalent among individuals participating in sports. Numerous variables have been reported as predisposing risk factors to injury; however, the effects of muscle fatigue on landing kinetics are unclear. OBJECTIVES To investigate the effects of a single session of repeated muscle fatigue on peak vertical ground-reaction force (GRF) during drop landings. DESIGN Mixed factorial with repeated measures. SETTING Controlled laboratory. PARTICIPANTS 10 female and 10 male healthy recreational athletes. INTERVENTION Subjects performed 3 fatigued drop landings (60 cm) after four 20-s Wingate anaerobic tests (WATs) with 5 min of active recovery between fatigued conditions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Kinetic data of peak forefoot (F1) force, peak rear-foot (F2) force, and anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) forces at both F1 and F2. RESULTS A significant main effect was observed in the nonfatigued and fatigued drop landings in respect to peak F2 force. The greatest significant difference was shown between the first fatigued drop-landing condition and the last fatigued drop-landing condition. No significant difference was observed between genders for all GRF variables across fatigue conditions. CONCLUSION A single session of repeated conditions of anaerobic muscle fatigue induced by WATs caused an initial reduction in peak F2 force followed by an increase in peak F2 force across conditions. Muscle fatigue consequently alters landing kinetics, potentially increasing the risk of injury.
Importance of the internet to human resource practitioners in Hong Kong

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the perceptions of the importance of the internet to human resource management (HRM) and to understand the existing human resource (HR) practices and needs of the internet to support HRM functions.Design/methodology/approach – A structured questionnaire survey was used to collect data from selected public companies quoted on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Questionnaires were returned by 147 respondents and used for the analysis. The overall response rate was 29 percent, which was higher than expected.Findings – The findings indicated that the most frequently cited internet‐supported HRM function in the existing literature is recruitment and selection. The results showed that there are no significant organization size differences or significant differences in internet connectivity as far as the perceived importance of the internet to HR practitioners is concerned. Specifically, helping managers to stay informed is the most important reason for ad.
Two-dimensional radar imaging with scattered PSK-modulated communication signals

This paper presents an investigation on the applicability of array signal processing techniques on PSK-modulated data signals. A system design approach is presented and investigated that allows for two-dimensional radar imaging with scattered communication signals. The proposed system concept has been implemented in a simulation model. The applicability of different array processing techniques and their performance regarding resolution and dynamic range has been investigated.
The oil price exposure of global oil companies

This study investigates the impact that global oil market risk factors have on the oil price risk of oil company stock prices. Results indicate that oil prices and market risk are both positive and statistically significant priced risk factors. Oil price risk is negatively impacted by increases in oil reserves. Oil price risk is positively impacted by increases in oil production. Oil price risk is more sensitive to changes in production rates than to changes in reserve additions rates.
Streptocollin, a Type IV Lanthipeptide Produced by Streptomyces collinus Tü 365

Lanthipeptides are ribosomally synthesized and post‐translationally modified microbial secondary metabolites. Here, we report the identification and isolation of streptocollin from Streptomyces collinus Tü 365, a new member of class IV lanthipeptides. Insertion of the constitutive ermE* promoter upstream of the lanthipeptide synthetase gene stcL resulted in peptide production. The streptocollin gene cluster was heterologously expressed in S. coelicolor M1146 and M1152 with 3.5‐ and 5.5‐fold increased yields, respectively. The structure and ring topology of streptocollin were determined by high resolution MS/MS analysis. Streptocollin contains four macrocyclic rings, with one lanthionine and three methyllanthionine residues. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the isolation of a class IV lanthipeptide in preparative amounts, and on the successful heterologous expression of a class IV lanthipeptide gene cluster.
International Conference on Agricultural Risk and Food Security 2010 Uncertainty , Risk Aversion and Risk Management in Agriculture

Uncertainty and risk are quintessential features in agriculture. After an overview of the main sources of agricultural risk, this paper tries to reveal whether farmer’s decision is risk averse or not through census data , and then the elements which affect farmer’ s decision under risk so as to produce the efficiency o f crop planting,. This is followed by a basic analysis of farmer’s decision on the selection of agricultural products under risk, including some comparative static results from stylized models. Selected empirical topics are surveyed, with emphasis on risk analyses as they pertain to production decisions at the farm level. We draw conclusion as follows: farmer’s decision under risk can cause the increase of intercropping of the farm products and reduce the quantity of agricultural product the price of which fluctuates greatly, and farmer’s decision under risk can also hinder the adoption of new agricultural technology. Finally, risk management is then discussed; we put forward some countermeasure of risk management and government interference which can help farmers to reduce the negative effects of farmer’s decision under risk. © 2010 Published by Elsevier B.V.
Anatomy of the brain neurogenic zones revisited: Fractones and the fibroblast/macrophage network

Cytogenesis in adult peripheral organs, and in all organs during development, occurs nearby basal laminae (BL) overlying connective tissue. Paradoxically, cytogenesis in the adult brain occurs primarily in the subependymal layer (SEL), a zone where no particular organization of BL and connective tissue has been described. We have reinvestigated the anatomy of the area considered the most neurogenic in the adult brain, the SEL of the lateral ventricle, in zones adjacent to the caudate putamen, corpus callosum, and lateral septal nucleus. Here, we report structural (confocal microscopy using laminin as a marker) and ultrastructural evidence for highly organized extravascular BL, unique to the SEL. The extravascular BL, termed fractones because of their fractal organization, were regularly arranged along the SEL and consisted of stems terminating in bulbs immediately underneath the ependyma. Fractones contacted local blood vessels by means of their stems. An individual fractone engulfed in its folds numerous processes of astrocytes, ependymocytes, microglial cells, and precursor cell types. The attachment site (base) of stems to blood vessels was extensively folded, overlying large perivascular macrophages that belong to a fibroblast/macrophage network coursing in the perivascular layer and through the meninges. In addition, collagen‐1, which is associated with BL and growth factors during developmental morphogenetic inductions, was immunodetected in the SEL and particularly regionalized within fractones. Because macrophages and fibroblasts produce cytokines and growth factors that may concentrate in and exert their effect from the BL, we suggest that the structure described is implicated in adult neurogenesis, gliogenesis, and angiogenesis. J. Comp. Neurol. 451:170–188, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimating the cost of capital: considerations for small business

Purpose – For publicly traded firms, calculating the cost of capital is predicated typically on information from the financial markets. Small businesses do not have the necessary market-based information. As an alternative to traditional proxy approaches, this paper argues for a multi-criteria model to determine an appropriate equity risk premium, and thereby, a cost of capital. Design/methodology/approach – The study proposes a multi-criteria model – an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) – to determine the cost of capital for small businesses. Findings – Since the three proxy methods are shown to have numerous shortcomings, the use of the AHP model is clearly a method to determine the equity risk premium and the cost of capital for small businesses. Research limitations/implications – The model requires small business managers to identify all information sources for the required input data. Originality/value – The article offers practical help to lenders and small businesses wishing to invest in new capital projects.
Automatic Extending HowNet's Attribute Lexicon on the Web

It is well known that lexical knowledge sources as WordNet, HowNet are very important to natural language processing applications in artificial intelligence. This paper proposes a new Web-mining algorithm to automatically extend HowNetpsilas attribute set. Seeded by the original attribute set in HowNet, the algorithm uses a conjunctive lexical pattern plus a validation mechanism called PES (position exchanging search) to extend the lexicon iteratively on the Web. Also, a Web-based attribute classifier is constructed which behaves as a filter to control the level of false positives during each iteration. The algorithm is evaluated using both standard human judgements and HowNet based evaluation. Some experimental results about the performance of the method are provided.
The Value of Risk Reporting: A Critical Analysis of Value at Risk Disclosures in the Banking Sector

This paper critically reviews the evolution of financial reporting in the banking sector with specific reference to the reporting of market risk and the growing use of the measure known as Value at Risk (VaR). The paper investigates the process by which VaR became 'institutionalised'. The analysis highlights a number of inherent limitations of VaR as a risk measure and questions the usefulness of published VaR disclosures, concluding that risk 'disclosure' might be more apparent than real. It also looks at some of the implications for risk reporting practice and the accounting profession more generally.
Marketing Department Chairpersons, Market Orientation, and Organizational Performance: A Pilot Study of AACSB International Private Business Schools

The manuscript reports the results of a national survey examining the levels of reported market orientation toward students and its impact on business school performance for private university business schools belonging to AACSB International. The research seeks to determine if private business schools exhibit levels of market orientation similar to for-profit businesses and if levels of reported market orientation affect reported levels of organizational performance. The private universities studied were all members of AACSB and all were located in the United States. The marketing department chairpersons were asked to respond to a mailed survey. The survey questions used came from a reworded Narver and Slater (1990) “market orientation” scale and the Jaworski and Kohli’s (1993) “overall performance” scale. Thirty-one (31) marketing department chairs responded to the survey.
Employer Size and the Wage Structure in U.S. Manufacturing

We study how the hourly wage structure varies with establishment size and how wage dispersion breaks down into between-plant and within-plant components Our study combines household and establishment data for the U.S. manufacturing sector in 1982. 1) Wage dispersion falls sharply with establishment size for nonproduction workers and mildly for production workers. 2) Size-class differences in wage dispersion often mask even sharper differences in the dispersion of wages generated by observable worker characteristics and in the 'skill prices' on those characteristics. 3) In terms of dispersion in predicted log wages worker heterogeneity tends to rise with establishment size production workers are much more homogenous in the union sector, but only at plants with 1,000 or more workers. 4) Unobserved factors generate sharply greater wage dispersion at smaller establishments. 5) The variance in mean wages across establishments accounts for 59% of total variance. Within-plant wage variance among production workers accounts for a mere 2%. 6) Mean wage differences by size of establishment account for about one-fourth of the total between-plant variance of wages. 7) Between-plant wage dispersion falls sharply with establishment size, entirely accounting for the negative relationship of establishment size to overall wage dispersion. Guided by these and other empirical findings, we assess several hypotheses about the determination of the wage structure.
A New Look at Exchange Rate Volatility and Trade Flows

The effect of exchange rate volatility on trade flows was examined by a 1984 IMF study on G-7 countries. Over the past two decades, many developments in the world economy, such as the currency crises in the 1990s and increasing cross-border capital flows, may have exacerbated exchange rate volatility, while others, such as a deepening of the market in foreign exchange hedging instruments, may have reduced the impact of volatility on trade flows. Using recent advances in the economic theories on trade and in statistical methodologies, this paper revisits this important issue by taking into account these new developments and examining their effects on developing and transition economies, as well as on developed countries.
Overground and walkway ambulation with unilateral hip osteoarthritis: comparison of step length asymmetries and reproducibility of treadmill mounted force plate readings

The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the degree of step length asymmetry of patients with hip osteoarthritis during free walking and treadmill ambulation and to determine the reproducibility of treadmill based vertical ground reaction force parameters. Twelve subjects with monoarticular hip osteoarthritis undergoing total hip replacement surgery were assessed preoperatively. The assessed parameters were step length, maximal forces at heel strike and push off, minimum force, force inclining and declining rate and relative stance time. The results indicated significant step length differences when comparing overground and treadmill ambulation. The extent of step length asymmetry did not have a consistent expression in different gait conditions. The study demonstrated sufficient intraday reliability for mean GRF measurements. While comparing data from treadmill and walkway locomotion of patients with osteoarthritis it should be taken into account that the amount of step length asymmetry is not identical. Patients with gait disabilities seem to have a somewhat lower level of repeatability and it appears that an increased number of practice or acclimatization trials are necessary.
Dividend policy determinants: An investigation of the influences of stakeholder theory

This paper investigates the relationship between the dividend-policy decisions and investment decisions of a firm. Recent literature proposes a theory that links the two decisions. This link is stakeholder theory, which views the firm as a nexus of contracts and includes both investors and non-investors as stakeholders of the firm. By using a proxy for the level of non-investor stakeholder influences, our research finds that a relationship does exist. This is indicated by the firm having a lower dividend-payout ratio, which indicates its ability to make good on the implicit claims of non-investor stakeholders.
Sonographic features in hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies

Introduction: Diagnostic nerve ultrasound is becoming more commonly used by both radiologists and clinicians. The features of different neuromuscular conditions must be described to broaden our understanding and ability to interpret findings. Methods: Our study examines the sonographic features of 7 subjects with hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) in comparison to 32 controls by measuring the nerve cross‐sectional area (CSA) of the median, ulnar and tibial nerves. Results: Significant differences (P < 0.05) in nerve size were found. The HNPP group had a larger CSA for the median nerve at the wrist and ulnar nerve at the elbow (entrapment sites), but not the forearms. The tibial nerve at the ankle was also larger in the HNPP group, suggesting possible concomitant tibial neuropathy at the ankle. Conclusion: These results will help shape imaging protocols to better detect conditions with non‐uniform nerve enlargements. Muscle Nerve 2011
Latent superior canal dehiscence syndrome unmasked by stapedotomy for otosclerosis

Abstract Objective: This report describes a novel case in which superior canal dehiscence syndrome was unmasked by successful stapes surgery for otosclerosis. Methods: Case report and literature review regarding superior canal dehiscence syndrome. Introduction: Superior canal dehiscence syndrome is a rare but well described condition in which audiovestibular symptoms are caused by noise or straining. A dehiscence of the superior semicircular canal in the floor of the middle cranial fossa is responsible, and acts as a ‘third window’ into the inner ear. Case history: A patient with confirmed otosclerosis underwent second-side stapedotomy, with good audiometric outcomes. Unfortunately, surgery was complicated by immediate post-operative vertigo and persistent auditory symptoms. A diagnosis of superior canal dehiscence syndrome was eventually made, on the basis of low threshold vestibular evoked myogenic potentials and characteristic computed tomography findings. Superior canal resurfacing resulted in complete resolution of symptoms. Discussion: The otosclerotic focus in the oval window prevented the development of symptoms from this patient's superior canal dehiscence syndrome. Surgical stapedotomy created a third window and resulted in immediate post-operative imbalance and auditory symptoms. Conclusion: The diagnosis of superior canal dehiscence syndrome should be considered in patients with persistent audiovestibular symptoms after stapes surgery. High resolution computed tomography of the temporal bone and vestibular evoked myogenic potential testing, if available, are the investigations of choice in confirming the diagnosis.
Effect of wearing hearing protectors on the audibility of railway warning signals – an experimental study

The effect of wearing hearing protectors on the audibility of warning signals has been evaluated for three specific railway-related jobs: track workers, train drivers and platform agents. Masked thresholds were measured in the laboratory, on railway agents with normal hearing, using warning signals and background noises typical of each job. Out of the 36 situations tested in total, statistical analyses showed that wearing earplugs improves the perception in 11 situations, deteriorates the perception in 10 situations and has no significant effect in 15 situations (as compared to no hearing protector). The deteriorations essentially concern signals which have no (or not enough) energy in the low-frequency range (f< 1500 Hz) when they have to be heard in background noises which dominate in the low-frequency range. To prevent the deteriorations, these signals could be modified by adding some energy in the low-frequency range (f< 1500 Hz).
The politics of governance architectures: creation, change and effects of the EU Lisbon Strategy

Governance architectures are strategic and long-term institutional arrangements of international organizations exhibiting three features; namely, they address strategic and long-term problems in a holistic manner, they set substantive output-oriented goals, and they are implemented through combinations of old and new organizational structures within the international organization in question. The Lisbon Strategy is the most high-profile initiative of the European Union for economic governance of the last decade. Yet it is also one of the most neglected subjects of EU studies, probably because not being identified as an object of study on its own right. We define the Lisbon Strategy as a case of governance architecture, raising questions about its creation, evolution and impact at the national level. We tackle these questions by drawing on institutional theories about emergence and change of institutional arrangements and on the multiple streams model. We formulate a set of propositions and hypotheses to make sense of the creation, evolution and national impact of the Lisbon Strategy. We argue that institutional ambiguity is used strategically by coalitions at the EU and national level in (re-)defining its ideational and organizational elements.
Harnessing steering singularities in passive path following for robotic walkers

Assistive passive robotic walkers are naturally modelled as rear-driven bicycle with control on the front steering wheels. Standard path following algorithms used for unicycle-like robots can then be readily available, e.g. using backstepping techniques, to control the walker on desired paths. However, such an approach is usually singular in the very common situation of zero velocity, e.g. whenever the vehicle starts its motion or the user stops for any reason. The paper proposes a non-singular passive path following algorithm for an assistive robotic walker equipped with front steering wheels. The control law avoids the singularities, since it is velocity-independent, and allows the designer to specify saturation limits on the steering angles. The converging properties of the non-singular velocity-independent controller in the presence of saturation constraints are firstly formally proved and tested in simulations. Then extensive experiments performed on 14 testers are presented. These tests underline the promising performance of the proposed controller and the importance of singularities-avoidance in real-world scenarios to increase human comfort along the planned trajectory.
Structure of Revealed Preference: Some Preliminary Evidence

Two salient features emerged from our analysis of the food-purchase data of sixty-four families for a four-year period. One is the nonvarability over time of the number of acyclically ordered bundles for each family, and the other is the pattern of seasonal stability within each year. Our finding that consistent (or inconsistent) behavior in accordance with the axioms of revealed preference is an observable family characteristic is corroborated by a separate study on demand functions using the same data. To facilitate data processing, the revealed preference relations were expressed and sorted out in Boolean matrices.
NGOs, Civil Society and Social Reconstruction in Contemporary India

The decline or retreat of the state as well as the triumph of the market today is accompanied by increasing attention to Civil Society Organizations. There is a newfound expectation that NGOs or the ‘third’ sector is better placed as compared to the other stakeholders to provide leadership for social reconstruction in the developing world in particular. This article seeks to critically review the role of the NGO sector in India using empirical evidences collected from secondary sources. It argues that NGOs are not an alternative to the state and the public sector. NGO-ization is also neither a means to correct market failures. In spite of the relevance of this sector, we need to look for other viable alternatives.