Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Implementing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Assessing Current CSR Status at Haldex

The rise and dominance of the corporate form of business organization and its impacts on society and the environment, has lead the concept and practice of Social Responsibility (SR) or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to grow, flourish and spread. This thesis focuses on the assessment of the current CSR status of Swedish commercial vehicle component manufacturer Haldex. The company is going through business re-structuring and CSR is in the agenda, as there is understanding from the management that social and environmental initiatives can result into financial benefits. The research was conducted on global level by investigating documented policies and standards, and site specific, through the application of a questionnaire in 12 Haldex units in 10 different countries. Prior to establishing a CSR programme, Haldex aims to identify existing CSR related elements and have a diagnosis of its current CSR status. The International Standard for Social Responsibility ISO 26000 served as the main structuring framework of the thesis and related GRI G4 aspects were used as complimentary elements adding materiality and tangibility. The assessment shows that Haldex counts with global policies that well support CSR subjects. Despite differences in the level of the implementation of CSR related elements from unit to unit, Haldex has a good base for the continued implementation of CSR on Global level.
Measuring Factors Determining Private Label Purchase

Indian retail sector has become competitive with the emergence of organized retail players. Currently retailers are focusing on developing their own brands or private labels to enhance customer loyalty, to add diversity and for better margins. The study primarily looks into understanding the consumer preference for private labels or store brands in breakfast cereals, snacks category (biscuits and traditional snacks) and to measure the factors that determine the store brand purchase in these categories. Consumer responses are collected from the city of Mysore (India) using structured questionnaire. Five point Likert scale is used to measure the factors that determine private label purchase. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) is done for developing a measurement model for factors that determine private label purchase in breakfast cereals and snacks category. Private label brand price (PLB) and perceived quality have significant relationship between them. Price consciousness, private label brand price is found to have considerable influence on value consciousness. Product familiarity has substantial impact on value consciousness and perceived quality. Store image is shaped in consumer minds on the basis of private label brand price, price consciousness and perceived quality of private labels.
ISO 9000 and Organizational Effectiveness: A Systematic Review

Despite the many studies on the ISO 9000 standard and the growing number of certified organizations around the world, the impacts of this quality management system remain controversial. The objective of this paper is to conduct a systematic review of the best available empirical studies on the impacts of the ISO 9000 standard published between 1994 and 2008 in peer-reviewed journals. The systematic review of the 111 empirical papers selected was based on a categorization framework comprising 46 variables. Most of these papers were focused on potential benefits rather than problems, and shed light on positive impacts. Nevertheless, similarities in terms of objectives, approaches, and methods tended to produce quite predictable, homogeneous, and optimistic results. Through the overall mapping of the literature on ISO 9000 effectiveness, this systematic review highlights the need for more critical and diversified approaches likely to challenge dominant and optimistic discourses on the standard impacts. This systematic review also sheds light on the practical implications of ISO 9000 for managers based on a large array of empirical studies.
A Context-Aware Trust Framework for Resilient Distributed Cooperative Spectrum Sensing in Dynamic Settings

Cognitive radios enable dynamic spectrum access where secondary users (SUs) are allowed to operate on the licensed spectrum bands on an opportunistic noninterference basis. Cooperation among the SUs for spectrum sensing is essential for environments with deep shadows. In this paper, we study the adverse effect of insistent spectrum sensing data falsification (ISSDF) attack on iterative distributed cooperative spectrum sensing. We show that the existing trust management schemes are not adequate in mitigating ISSDF attacks in dynamic settings where the primary user (PU) of the band frequently transitions between active and inactive states. We propose a novel context-aware distributed trust framework for cooperative spectrum sensing in mobile cognitive radio ad hoc networks (CRAHN) that effectively alleviates different types of ISSDF attacks (Always-Yes, Always-No, and fabricating) in dynamic scenarios. In the proposed framework, the SU nodes evaluate the trustworthiness of one another based on the two possible contexts in which they make observations from each other: PU absent context and PU present context. We evaluate the proposed context-aware scheme and compare it against the existing context-oblivious trust schemes using theoretical analysis and extensive simulations of realistic scenarios of mobile CRAHNs operating in TV white space. We show that in the presence of a large set of attackers (as high as 60% of the network), the proposed context-aware trust scheme successfully mitigates the attacks and satisfy the false alarm and missed-detection rates of $10^{-2}$ and lower. Moreover, we show that the proposed scheme is scalable in terms of attack severity, SU network density, and the distance of the SU network to the PU transmitter.
Statistics for Medical Students

The widespread need for more and improved techniques among medical investigators scarcely needs mentioning. This small book offers the essen-tials of commonly used statistical methods with a minimum of verbiage. The emphasis is placed on understanding the logical basis rather than the mere setting down of formulae and tests. The development is straightforward and economical; it is more rigorous than some elementary texts for biologists, but no effort is made to demonstrate the fundamental derivations. Most of the work deals with normal distributions, criteria for normalcy, and tests of significance. One chapter deals with non-normal distributions, and there is a short discussion of design of experiments and presentation of results. The book is valuable for one who wants some insight into the underlying philosophy of statistics, its possibilities and limitations. The investigator who wants ready-made formulae and tables for rote use will find this presentation too general. This book begins appropriately with the embryological development of the ureter and renal pelvis, followed by a discussion of anomalous and malformative accidents that may occur in the upper urinary tract. The thoroughness with which this part of the discussion is developed may be inferred from the fact that it comprises nearly one third of the entire book. Next is described the normal anatomy and histology of this region. The second half of the volume contains a discussion of such intriguing subjects as dynamics and tonus of the upper urinary tract and resorption and absorption from the renal pelvis and ureter. There follows a fine treatment of these physiological problems covering both theoretical and experimental material. The closing chapters describe the historical development and modern technique of diagnostic procedures used to explore the upper uri-nary tract, including a comparison between retrograde and intravenous urography. The author has put into this book much that is original with him. Some of the descriptive terminology is new, but logical, and therefore easily adapted to. A unique contribution is made by this volume through its remarkable illustrations and x-ray reproductions. Beside each roentgeno-graph there is a miniature outline of the renal pelvis sketched clearly in black and white so that no point is lost through inexperience in reading x-rays. The text has been lucidly written and well edited. This book describes and illustrates all of the known fresh water algae of Michigan and Wisconsin except for the diatoms (a class of yellow-green
Effect of Vitamin C on Epididymal Sperm Quality in the Rat Experimentally Induced Unilateral Cryptorchidism

Objective- Release of free radicals and oxidants following increased temperature of testis in cryptorchidism, play an important role in the producing testicular damage. The present study investigated the role of vitamin C as an antioxidant in protecting the testis against damage in experimental unilateral cryptorchidism. Design- Experimental study Animals- Forty five male adult Wistar–Albino rats Procedures- Animals were divided into three groups. The control group had intact rats, the cryptorchid group had unilateral cryptorchid rats in left testis and the treatment group had unilateral cryptorchid rats in left testis that it received vitamin C at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneal, every other day, during experimental period. Epididymis samples were obtained from both testes of five cases of 15 animals of each group at 15, 30 and 60 days after induction of cryptorchidism and testicular weight/body weight ratio and epididymal sperm characteristics (sperm concentration, sperm motility and sperm viability) were evaluated. Results- Testicular weight/body weight ratio and sperm quality of the cryptorchid (left) testes in cryptorchid group significantly decreased compared to the control group (p 0.05). In addition, the left testes on unilateral cryptorchid rats had noticeable adverse effects on the sperm quality parameters
Visualization of the Glottis Through a Laryngeal Mask During Medialization Laryngoplasty

INTRODUCTION Laryngeal framework surgery involves the surgical alteration of the glottic configuration, changing the position of the vocal folds, laryngeal cartilages, or both (e.g., medialization laryngoplasty, arytenoid adduction, or both). Laryngeal framework surgery is typically done under local anesthesia and intravenous sedation, which allows the surgeon to monitor the quality of the voice and to visualize the pattern of vocal fold closure during the operation. Some patients, however, are unable to tolerate this anesthetic approach, requiring general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation, which eliminates the ability to listen to the patient’s voice and visualize the larynx during surgery. The laryngeal mask airway (The Laryngeal Mask Co. Ltd., distributed by Gensia Inc., San Diego, CA) is an alternative to endotracheal intubation to ventilate patients undergoing general anesthesia.13 The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) provides a relatively air-tight, low-pressure seal around the perimeter of the endolarynx using an inflated silicone ring that conforms to the shape of the hypopharynx. The diameter of the laryngeal mask tube allows the concomitant ventilation of the patient and passage of a flexible endosc0pe.e We have utilized the LMA, in combination with a flexible fiberoptic video laryngoscopy, to monitor the medialization of the vocal cords during laryngeal framework surgery.
Potential Impact of Vancomycin Pulmonary Distribution on Treatment Outcomes in Patients with Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Pneumonia

Vancomycin as the drug of choice for treatment of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia has been called into question on the basis of therapeutic failures. In patients with MRSA pneumonia, treatment failures are probably due to the complex interplay of variables affecting the host‐antimicrobial‐pathogen interrelationship. However, it has been suggested that decreased penetration of vancomycin into the lungs may contribute. This review explores physiochemical and physiologic variables that affect pulmonary penetration and describes methods used in quantifying pulmonary vancomycin concentrations. Most important, findings are evaluated in the clinical context of the chemotherapeutic options available for treatment of MRSA pneumonia. The possibility of increased serum vancomycin concentrations as a method to optimize current treatment outcomes is also explored.
Acoustic relations of the human vertex potential.

The average amplitude of the slow, diffuse, nonspecific electrical response of the human cortex, called the V potential, evoked by tone pips or by tactile stimuli to thumb and forefinger, follows a power law with exponent about 0.24 (re sound pressure). The variability of the responses is great, across both trials and subjects. If auditory or tactile stimuli are judged equally strong, across frequency or modality, the V potentials tend to be equal. Both the latency and the amplitude of the V potential are independent of the rise time of a tone burst, at least up to 100 msec. The amplitude also remains nearly constant as the duration of the plateau of a burst, with rise and fall times of 5 msec, is varied from 2 to 320 msec. An off response that closely resembles the on response in waveform, latency, and amplitude appears at the end of any burst that is long enough, but an off response that follows an on response by 1 sec or less is much reduced in amplitude, and so is an on response that too closely follo.
First Assessment of the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) Soil Moisture Contents in Northeast Asia

The Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) onboard the Global Change Observation Mission 1–Water (GCOM-W1) was launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in May 2012. The AMSR2 is the follow-on model of the AMSR-Earth Observing System (AMSR-E) onboard the Aqua satellite. An assessment of the reliability of the soil moisture estimations from the newly launched passive sensor, the AMSR2, was carried out in this study, by using in situ soil moisture data from nine locations on the Korean peninsula during the period from July to October, 2012. The temporal patterns of the AMSR2 had a rough association with the in situ soil moisture measurements. However, there was intermittent striking of the AMSR2 data, in comparison to the in situ time series. For a clearer comparison between the variables, normalizing and filtering methods were applied to the AMSR2 soil moisture data with less systematic differences. The error estimation was based on triple collocation, and the AMSR2 data showed a larger error than the in situ and Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) soil moisture values. The spatial distributions of the monthly AMSR2 soil moisture were analyzed from the perspective of the corresponding reaction of the soil moisture to the spatial distributions of precipitation. The results provided an overview of the AMSR2 soil moisture product that is useful, despite being somewhat limited over the regions in northeast Asia. This study offers an insight into the applicability of the soil moisture products derived from the AMSR2 sensor. However, further studies are required for better understanding of the AMSR2 products for other areas of the validation task.
Training for Life: Designing a Game to Engage Younger People in a Psychological Counselling Program

In this paper we review the general use of games in the domain of psychological counselling. We introduce a particular online program called SHADE that is designed to assist younger people with comorbid depression and alcohol or drug issues. We also discuss the design features of SHADOW, a game version of the SHADE program that is being designed to better engage participants so they complete this psychological counselling program.
Sustaining safety and soundness : supervision, regulation, and financial reform

January 1996 Papers in this series are not formal publications of the World Bank. They present preliminary and unpolished results of country analysis or research that is circulated to encourage discussion and comment; any citation and the use of this paper should take account of its provisional character. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this paper are entirely those of the author(s) and should not be attributed in any manner to the World Bank, its affiliated organizations, members of its Board of Executive Directors or the countries they represent. P ub lic D is cl os ur e A ut ho riz ed
The significance of early alpha-fetoprotein level changes in predicting clinical and survival benefits in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients receiving sorafenib.

BACKGROUND he role of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) changes in predicting the treatment outcomes of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients to sorafenib remains unknown. METHODS Serum AFP was collected prospectively at baseline and subsequent follow-up visits in parallel with clinical and survival outcomes. AFP response was defined as a relative drop of AFP >20% of the baseline level after 6 weeks of sorafenib. The relationship between AFP response and the treatment outcomes was first explored in patients who received sorafenib in a phase II study. Subsequently, an independent validation set of patients were obtained to validate the association of AFP response to clinical outcomes. RESULTS Included in the exploration and validation sets for analysis were 41 and 53 patients, respectively, with baseline AFP level >20 μg/L. In the exploration cohort, AFP response was significantly associated with clinical benefit (CB) rate (relative chance 3.4, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-11.1), and multivariate analysis indicated that AFP response was associated with significantly better progression-free survival (PFS) (hazard ratio [HR], 0.31; 95% CI, 0.13-0.76) and marginally better overall survival (OS) (HR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.09-1.02). When applying AFP changes in the validation set, significant associations were again found between AFP response with CB rate (relative chance, 5.5; 95% CI, 2.3-13.6) and PFS (HR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.04-0.30) but not OS (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.27-1.26). CONCLUSION Drop in AFP level at 6 weeks is an exploratory early surrogate for both CB and PFS in advanced HCC patients receiving sorafenib.
Biomass or Biomess?: Examining sustainability schemes as way to address stakeholder concerns over the use of forest biomass

Stakeholders are voicing concerns over the social and environmental impacts of components of Europe’s renewable energy strategy that will significantly increase the region’s demand for forest biomass. Energy companies must address these concerns if they are to manage financial, reputational, regulatory and competitive risks. Sustainability schemes may help reduce such risks by increasing the social trust and legitimacy in both the company and its supply chains. This paper examines how the application of sustainability schemes can help European utility companies address stakeholder concerns over the use of solid biomass in large scale energy generation. Both primary and secondary research techniques are applied for data collection and elements of stakeholder theory are used to set out (i) who the most relevant stakeholders are; (ii) what their principal concerns are; and (iii) how these concerns may best be addressed through sustainability schemes. The research involved an in-depth review of eleven sustainability schemes and a survey with responses from 140 biomass experts. The sustainability schemes were benchmarked against the EU’s legislative requirements and against stakeholder ratings in order to show which sustainability criteria are covered by which scheme, and to what extent each scheme satisfies legal and stakeholder requirements. The research results indicate that government representatives and NGOs are the most significant stakeholders. They also showed that, while no scheme currently addresses all concerns highlighted by these stakeholders, the criteria of the FSC, the PEFC, the ISCC and the IWPB are comparatively comprehensive. Further, results indicate that, in practice, the actual sustainability criteria may be less important for a scheme’s trustworthiness than the name of the organisation leading the scheme. The work finds that NGO-led schemes engender the highest level of trust by stakeholders and are thus most likely to satisfy their demands. This comes despite equal or greater levels of stringency in a number of industry-led schemes. Despite the current legitimacy concerns with their efforts, this research indicates that utilities should continue their efforts; in particular under the IWPB certification system, as the scheme provides a valuable opportunity to consolidate the proliferation of existing standards. Regardless of which sustainability scheme is chosen, energy providers will benefit if they clearly recognise the significant limitations of sustainability schemes. When devising mediumto long-term strategies, they must proactively account for the risks that stem from a highly volatile policy environment created by increasingly vehement stakeholder opposition to the large-scale utilisation of biomass before locking themselves into substantive infrastructure investments.
To Cluster, or Not to Cluster: How to Answer the Question

Clustering is an essential data mining tool that aims to discover inherent cluster structure in data. For most applications, applying clustering is only appropriate when cluster structure is present. As such, the study of clusterability, which evaluates whether data possesses such structure, is an integral part of cluster analysis. However, methods for evaluating clusterabil-ity vary radically, making it challenging to select a suitable measure. In this paper, we perform an extensive comparison of measures of clusterability and provide guidelines that clustering users can utilize to select suitable measures for their applications
A meta-analysis of the relationship between postpartum depression and infant temperament.

A meta-analysis of 17 studies was conducted to determine the magnitude of the relationship between postpartum depression and infant temperament during the infant's first year. Interrater reliabilities for coding of substantive and methodological characteristics for each study ranged from 87% to 100%. The meta-analytic combinations were calculated in three different ways: unweighted, weighted by sample size, and weighted by a quality index score. A significant, moderate correlation between postpartum depression and infant temperament was found. The mean r index of effect size was . 31 when the studies were weighted by sample size; . 36 when the studies were unweighted; and . 35 when they were weighted by the quality score. All three r indexes were in Cohen's range of moderate effect sizes. The calculated 95% confidence interval ranged from . 261 to . 369, indicating a significant relationship between postpartum depression and infant temperament. Sample size and year of publication were significantly correlated with the effect size of temperament in infants of postpartum depressed mothers.
A sero-epidemiologic study of a water-borne epidemic of viral hepatitis in Kolhapur City, India

SUMMARY Between February and March 1981 an epidemic of hepatitis occurred in Kolhapur City, Maharashtra State, India. Approximately 1200 cases of jaundice were reported; more than 300 patients were hospitalized and three died. The epidemiological investigations showed a distinct concentration of cases in municipal ward E of the city. Investigations of the ward E water supply system disclosed gross contamination of raw water with sewage at source. The serological studies revealed that the aetiological agent responsible for this epidemic was neither hepatitis A virus nor hepatitis B virus but was likely to have been due to a non-A, non-B hepatitis virus.