Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Solute Diffusion within Hydrogels. Mechanisms and Models

Solute diffusion in hydrogels is important in many biotechnology fields. Solute behavior in hydrogels has been explained in terms of reduction in hydrogel free volume, enhanced hydrodynamic drag on the solute, increased path length due to obstruction, and a combination of hydrodynamic drag and obstruction effects. In this article the various mathematical models derived to explain and predict solute diffusion in hydrogels are reviewed and tested against literature data. These models can be divided into those applicable to hydrogels composed of flexible polymer chains (i.e., homogeneous hydrogels) and those composed of rigid polymer chains (i.e., heterogeneous hydrogels). For homogeneous hydrogels it was determined that a scaling hydrodynamic model provided the best explanation for solute diffusion, while for heterogeneous hydrogels obstruction models were more consistent with the experimental data. Both the scaling hydrodynamic model and the most appropriate obstruction model contain undefined parameters w.
Photoconductivity in organic thin films: From picoseconds to seconds after excitation

We present a detailed study, on time scales from picoseconds to seconds, of transient and continuous wave (cw) photoconductivity in solution-grown thin films of functionalized pentacene (Pc), anthradithiophene (ADT), and dicyanomethylenedihydrofuran (DCDHF). In all films, at temperatures of 285–350 K, we observe fast carrier photogeneration and nonthermally activated charge transport on picosecond time scales. At ∼30 ps after photoexcitation at room temperature and at applied electric field of 1.2×104 V/cm, values obtained for the product of mobility and photogeneration efficiency, μη, in ADT-tri-isoproplysilylethynyl-(TIPS)-F, Pc-TIPS, and DCDHF films are ∼0.018–0.025, ∼0.01–0.022, and ∼0.002–0.004 cm2/V s, respectively, depending on the film quality, and are weakly electric field dependent. In functionalized ADT and Pc films, the power-law decay dynamics of the transient photoconductivity is observed, on time scales of up to ∼1 μs after photoexcitation, in the best samples. In contrast, in DCDHF amorpho.
Managing the distribution channels for high‐technology products

The effects of variations in the external environment on channel member behaviour have been widely acknowledged in marketing channel literature. This paper focuses on the behavioural issues associated with the management of distribution channels dealing in high‐technology products in India. The marketing task environment associated with high‐technology products being highly dynamic and unpredictable, the attendant channel management functions become extremely challenging. The paper presents a conceptual model for managing the distribution channels operating in highly dynamic and unpredictable environments. The conceptual model is validated through a sample survey conducted among computer hardware dealers.
Variance and covariance heterogeneity analysis for detection of metabolites associated with cadmium exposure

Abstract In this study, we propose a novel statistical framework for detecting progressive changes in molecular traits as response to a pathogenic stimulus. In particular, we propose to employ Bayesian hierarchical models to analyse changes in mean level, variance and correlation of metabolic traits in relation to covariates. To illustrate our approach we investigate changes in urinary metabolic traits in response to cadmium exposure, a toxic environmental pollutant. With the application of the proposed approach, previously unreported variations in the metabolism of urinary metabolites in relation to urinary cadmium were identified. Our analysis highlights the potential effect of urinary cadmium on the variance and correlation of a number of metabolites involved in the metabolism of choline as well as changes in urinary alanine. The results illustrate the potential of the proposed approach to investigate the gradual effect of pathogenic stimulus in molecular traits.
Anti-inflammatory and healing properties of nerve growth factor in immune corneal ulcers with stromal melting.

Immune corneal ulcers are rare ocular surface diseases with multiple etiologies. Immunosuppressive drugs and systemic or topical steroids may occasionally control the inflammatory process, but in the more severe cases, the ulcer may progress to corneal melting and perforation. No suitable therapy is currently available for these patients. In a recent uncontrolled study, topically applied exogenous nerve growth factor (NGF) restored corneal integrity in patients with corneal neurotrophic ulcers. Nerve growth factor might promote corneal healing and is implicated in functional activity of inflammatory cells on the ocular surface. We evaluated the efficacy of topical murine NGF treatment in 4 patients (Table 1) with severe corneal melting as a consequence of immune-related corneal peripheral ulcers. The patients received 1 drop of NGF solution (10 μg of NGF dissolved in 50 μL of saline solution, 0.9% of sodium chloride) in the conjunctival fornix every 2 hours (from 6 AM to 12 PM), for 2 days, 6 times a day until the ulcer healed. After the ulcer was completely healed, the dose was reduced to 5 μg in 50 μL of solution 4 times daily for 2 weeks. In each case, the corneal ulcer completely healed with NGF treatment. Written informed consent was obtained from the patients, and the study was approved by the local ethics committee.
Transfer of Know-How for Small and Mid-Size Businesses (SMEs) in Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. White Paper: Moldova

The report focuses on the potential of the development of small and mid-size businesses in Moldova. It provides an economic overview of the country, and then analyzes various best practices and lessons learned from the development of SMEs in the Visegrad countries, especially Hungary. The report provides a description of economic developments, main trade figures, relevant labor developments, migration and the role of remittances and defines the bottlenecks for SME development in the country. The authors built their analysis on available literature and statistics as well as their own survey and interview series. The study highlights six case studies relevant for SME development selected for deeper investigation such as simplified tax schemes, online tax reporting, entrepreneurship education, agriculture and producers’ organizations, the wine industry and issues of measurement of the SME sector. Finally the report draws up potential intervention schemes for Moldovan stakeholders and provides further recommendations for longer term initiatives and actions taken for the support of economic and SME development.
Gas and aerosol carbon in California: comparison of measurements and model predictions in Pasadena and Bakersfield

Abstract. Co-located measurements of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon, radiocarbon (14C), speciated volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and OH radicals during the CalNex field campaign provide a unique opportunity to evaluate the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model's representation of organic species from VOCs to particles. Episode average daily 23 h average 14C analysis indicates PM2.5 carbon at Pasadena and Bakersfield during the CalNex field campaign was evenly split between contemporary and fossil origins. CMAQ predicts a higher contemporary carbon fraction than indicated by the 14C analysis at both locations. The model underestimates measured PM2.5 organic carbon at both sites with very little (7% in Pasadena) of the modeled mass represented by secondary production, which contrasts with the ambient-based SOC / OC fraction of 63% at Pasadena. Measurements and predictions of gas-phase anthropogenic species, such as toluene and xylenes, are generally within a factor of 2, but the corresponding SOC tracer (2,3-dihydroxy-4-oxo-pentanoic acid) is systematically underpredicted by more than a factor of 2. Monoterpene VOCs and SOCs are underestimated at both sites. Isoprene is underestimated at Pasadena and overpredicted at Bakersfield and isoprene SOC mass is underestimated at both sites. Systematic model underestimates in SOC mass coupled with reasonable skill (typically within a factor of 2) in predicting hydroxyl radical and VOC gas-phase precursors suggest error(s) in the parameterization of semivolatile gases to form SOC. Yield values (α) applied to semivolatile partitioning species were increased by a factor of 4 in CMAQ for a sensitivity simulation, taking into account recent findings of underestimated yields in chamber experiments due to gas wall losses. This sensitivity resulted in improved model performance for PM2.5 organic carbon at both field study locations and at routine monitor network sites in California. Modeled percent secondary contribution (22% at Pasadena) becomes closer to ambient-based estimates but still contains a higher primary fraction than observed.
Effect of turnover on performance and effectiveness of human resource practices and polices in retention: a case study of hotel industry.

The incidence of high turnover rates in the hotel industry has been the subject of substantial number of studies. Much of the research has been focused on identifying the causes of turnover and formulating strategies. Little attention however, has been given to identify the actual effect of turnover on the performance of the organisation and also the effectiveness of human resource practices and policies in retaining employees. This study attempts to address the deficiency of research in this area by exploring the effect of employee turnover on different aspects of performance of the organisation and also by reviewing, how effective is the employee retention strategies followed in the industry. These aims were met through an extensive study of relevant literature and a case study. Considering the nature of the research a qualitative approach has been employed. The data was collected from both operational employees and managerial employees of a 3 star luxury hotel located in the heart of England. Which was then analysed using coding and context analysis. Finally the findings from the literature review and the case study has been discussed.
Service Expectations and Perceptions of Exhibitors at TUR 2011- An Application of SERVQUAL Model on Service Quality Evaluation

In stressing the imperative role of service quality in obtaining competitive advantage for events industry, this paper, using the SERVQUAL model, measures the service quality of the annual tourism event, TUR, at the Swedish Exhibition and Congress Centre in the city of Gothenburg by ascertaining the gap between exhibitors‟ expectations and perceptions. It identifies the difference in the importance of the RATER dimensions in exhibitors‟ expectation and perception. Moreover, the study demonstrates the influence of cultural background and perceived changes on exhibitors‟ perception. A pre-event and a post-event online survey as well as an onsite interview were conducted to collect data. 2 SERVICE EXPECTATIONS AND PERCEPTIONS Table of
The Long-Term Operating Performance of Reverse Leveraged Buyouts in Germany

This paper investigates the long-term operating performance of reverse leveraged buyouts (i.e. firms that go public after previously being the target of a leveraged buyout). I analyze the accounting performance of a sample of 37 German reverse leveraged buyouts between 1990 and 2007. Before the initial public offering (IPO) performance increases while performance starts to decline two years after the IPO and continues to decline in the following years. The performance is significantly better than their peer group at the time around the IPO but worse than their peers in the subsequent years. Long-term cross-sectional variation in operating performance is related to changes in leverage. Thus, declining leverage after the IPO explains decreasing performance. In general, the leverage levels of buyouts and reverse buyouts in Germany are lower in comparison to US buyouts. This could be one reason why reverse buyouts in Germany underperform their peers in contrast to US buyouts.
The frequency of cognitive dysfunction in elderly Sri Lankans with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus increases risks of dementia (Allen et al ., 2004). This association has not been investigated in the developing world. Morbidity and mortality from complication s of type 2 diabetes are high in elderly Sri Lankan patients (Fernando et al ., 1992). The prevalence of dementia in a semi-urban population was 4% (De Silva et al ., 2003). We studied the frequency of cognitive dysfunction among elderly Sri Lankans with type 2 diabetes by recruiting a random sample of 204 persons from a specialist diabetic clinic database. Their demographic, health and diabetes-related data were obtained from medical records on clinical database software (Electronic Medical Record, Endocrine & Metabolic Disease Trust and SS Technologies, Sri Lanka). The data not available on the database were obtained at screening during a study visit. The development of the database received ethical review committee approval for a larger study of diabetes complications and the dementia screening component of this study was the student elective project of the ﬁrst author. All participants were screened using a Sri Lankan version of Mini Mental State Examination (de Silva and Gunatilake, 2002). Those with a MMSE score of 25 or less and were examined by a psychiatrist using the CAMDEX (Cambridge examination for mental disorders of the elderly) diagnostic interview (Roth et al ., 1986) and a CAMCOG score (Cambridge Cognitive Score) calculated. Previous studies have validated the CAMDEX cross-culturally in Sri Lanka (de Silva et al ., 2003). A CAMCOG score of 80 of a maximum of 107 was used as the cut-off to suggest cognitive impairment, as in previous studies (Roth et al ., 1986; De Silva et al ., 2003). Diagnoses of psychiatric disorders were excluded after evaluation by a psychiatrist blind to cognitive assessment scores. The
Managing growth in a socially responsible way: a case study of Russian companies

The problem of achieving and sustaining growth is vital for companies in any country market, but it is even more crucial for companies in an emerging market, such as Russia. Meanwhile, some companies in the Russian market succeed not only in growing but also in implementing several socially oriented activities and projects in their strategies. Thus, we identify what are the possible obstacles to growth in the industrial and internal firm environment like, and analyze how companies overcome them. Besides that, we aim to study the forms of corporate social responsibility activity, that Russian companies are engaged in, and how consistent this activity is with the companies' strategies and goals.We have conducted a qualitative case study of five Russian companies, which represent different segments of IT industry. The semi-structured interviews with the managers from the company have been the main sources of the empirical data, however some additional secondary data has also been used. Further on, the gathered empirical data served the materiel for the analysis of the dynamic capabilities the companies possess to overcome the growth challenges they encounter, what strategic innovation processes they implement in their strategies and if there are some socially oriented activities, including particular projects, that the companies are engaged in. If a company practices a certain socially oriented activity then the consistency of this activity with the company's strategy and goals has been analyzed. As social activities are seen as a prerequisite for sustainable business we also analyze if the companies bring natural value to the society and the environment.The results show that the companies with rather high growth figures may lack certain dynamic capabilities, which are or will be needed to overcome a particular growth challenge. Four of the five companies prove to act proactively, thus they have the prerequisite for strategic innovations. These companies also implemented different types of strategic innovation, although not the radical one.For those companies, that are engaged in socially oriented activities, these activities are seen as consistent with the companies' strategies.Meanwhile, only one company implements environmental-friendly solutions, thus it comes closest to running sustainable business.The general provided recommendations for the companies are to develop lacking dynamic capabilities to overcome growth challenges, to act proactively in order to be ready to implement strategic innovations and develop and keep their social activities consistent with their strategies.
Event Anaphora Resolution in Natural Language Processing for Hindi text

This paper presents a comprehensive study about the anaphora resolution. Anaphora resolution can be of any type such as Entity Anaphora resolution and Event Anaphora resolution etc. Event Anaphora resolution is the main focus of this review paper. This resolution of Event anaphora can be different for different languages as the structure of the language changes. Here the literature about anaphora resolution and the problems that encountered in resolution of Hindi text are discussed.
Event-Related Potentials in the Frontal Lobe During Performance of a Visual Duration Discrimination Task

Summary An event-related potential (ERP) study was conducted to elucidate the role of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in time estimation. Subjects discriminated between three pairs of visual stimuli lasting from 100 ms and 2 seconds by determining whether the second stimulus was longer or briefer than the first. Event-related potentials were recorded in frontal and prefrontal regions after offset of the second stimulus (S2). The results indicated that the accuracy of the performances depended on stimulus duration and presentation order. In the brief-long order, the number of successful responses was higher as a function of stimulus duration. A time-related late positive component (LPCt) was revealed at prefrontal and frontal electrodes whose latency and amplitude differed depending on stimulus duration and order. The amplitude of this positive wave was higher when performance levels increased in the brief-long but not the reverse order. These results indicate that the LPCt may reflect successful decision-making or retrieval during time estimation as a result of neuronal activity in the PFC.
Erratum : MCColor is not optimal on Meyniel graphs

A Meyniel graph is a graph in which every odd cycle of length at least five has two chords. In the manuscript "Coloring Meyniel graphs in linear time" we claimed that our algorithm MCColor produces an optimal coloring for every Meyniel graph. But later we found a mistake in the proof and a couterexample to the optimality, which we present here. MCColor can still be used to find a stable set that intersects all maximal cliques of a Meyniel graph in linear time. Consequently it can be used to find an optimal coloring in time O(nm), and the same holds for Algorithm MCS+Color. This is explained in the manuscript "A linear algorithm to find a strong stable set in a Meyniel graph" but this is equivalent to Hertz's algorithm. The current best algorithm for coloring Meyniel graphs is the O(n^2) algorithm LexColor due to Roussel and Rusu. The question of finding a linear-time algorithm to color Meyniel graphs is still open.
A fast , large-scale learning method for protein sequence classification

Motivation: Establishing structural and functional relationships between sequences in the presence of only the primary sequence information is a key task in biological sequence analysis. This ability can be critical for tasks such as making inferences of the structural class of unannotated proteins when no secondary or tertiary structure is available. Recent computational methods based on profile and mismatch neighborhood kernels have significantly improved one’s ability to elucidate such relationships. However, the need for additional reduction in computational complexity and improvement in predictive accuracy hinders the widespread use of these powerful computational tools. Results: We present a new general approach for sequence analysis based on a class of efficient string-based kernels, sparse spatial sample kernels (SSSK). The approach offers state-of-the-art accuracy for sequence classification, low computational cost, and scales well with the size of sequence databases, in both supervised and semi-supervised learning settings. Application of the proposed methods to a remote homology detection and a fold recognition problems yields performance equal to or better than existing state-of-the-art algorithms. We also demonstrate the benefit of the spatial information and multi-resolution sampling for achieving this accuracy and for discriminative sequence motif discovery. The proposed methods can be applied to very large partiallylabeled databases of protein sequences because of low computational complexity and show substantial improvements in computing time over the existing methods. Availability: Supplementary data and Matlab/C codes are available at http://seqam.rutgers. edu/spatial-kernels/ Contact: vladimir@cs.rutgers. edu
Investigating the impact of international cosmetics advertising in China

At the crossroads of old customs and modern thinking, Chinese women experience a mixture of traditional culture and modern-world tendencies. On the one hand, they obtain great pleasure from their new power to make decisions regarding their appearance and roles, while at the same time they experience great anxiety and a pressure to maintain the status quo. Research on the subject of Chinese women.s perceptions of international advertising from a Chinese cultural context is somewhat scant . very little has been concluded. This paper reports on a research investigation designed to explore cosmetics advertising from the perspective of Chinese female consumers. Preliminary findings provide some potentially useful insights. These include a willingness among respondents to accept standardised cosmetics brand names, the discovery that television and magazines represent highly influential media channels, the significance of expert opinion in endorsing cosmetics, and the strength of boyfriend/ girlfriend and sister-to-sister relationships for enhancing advertising appeal.
Automatic text categorization: case study

Text categorization is a process of classifying documents with regard to a group of one or more existent categories according to themes or concepts present in their contents. The most common application of it is in information retrieval systems (IRS) to document indexing. A method to transform text categorization into a viable task is to use machine-learning algorithms to automate text classification, allowing it to be carried out fast, into concise manner and in broad range. The objective of this work is to present and compare the results of experiments on text categorization using artificial neural networks of multilayer perceptron and self-organizing map types, and traditional machine-learning algorithms used in this task: C4.5 decision tree, PART decision rules and Naive Bayes classifier.