Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Scanning electron microscopy imaging of dislocations in bulk materials, using electron channeling contrast

The imaging and characterization of dislocations is commonly carried out by thin foil transmission electron microscopy (TEM) using diffraction contrast imaging. However, the thin foil approach is limited by difficult sample preparation, thin foil artifacts, relatively small viewable areas, and constraints on carrying out in situ studies. Electron channeling imaging of electron channeling contrast imaging (ECCI) offers an alternative approach for imaging crystalline defects, including dislocations. Because ECCI is carried out with field emission gun scanning electron microscope (FEG‐SEM) using bulk specimens, many of the limitations of TEM thin foil analysis are overcome. This paper outlines the development of electron channeling patterns and channeling imaging to the current state of the art. The experimental parameters and set up necessary to carry out routine channeling imaging are reviewed. A number of examples that illustrate some of the advantages of ECCI over thin foil TEM are presented along with a discussion of some of the limitations on carrying out channeling contrast analysis of defect structures. Microsc. Res. Tech. 69:374–381, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Emergency Crisis Knowledge Management to Affect Customer Service Response

This qualitative case study focused on developing a better understanding of Consolidated Edison’s knowledge management/customer service information and communications, as well as practices that were implemented during Hurricane Sandy. The data collection and analysis procedure formed a gap analysis that resulted from a comparison of the actual knowledge management practices that were used and not used in Consolidated Edison’s customer response during the catastrophic event. Organizational practices of high-performing knowledge management companies were used to analyze and compare their practices to Consolidated Edison’s. Findings from the analysis resulted in the establishment of a Balanced Scorecard framework for recommended best practices and action steps with the potential to set new strategies and trajectories for the organization. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Education (EdD) Department Executive Leadership First Supervisor Jerry Willis Second Supervisor Cassandra H. Hyacinthe Subject Categories Education This dissertation is available at Fisher Digital Publications: http://fisherpub.sjfc. edu/education_etd/183 Emergency Crisis Knowledge Management to Affect Customer Service Response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REFORMS AROUND THE WORLD

Contemporary contributions to the comparative corporate governance literature are often couched in simple, dichotomous terms. Corporate governance systems are typically described as “insider” versus “outsider” systems, as “shareholder” versus “stakeholder” capitalism, or as involving “equity-financed” versus “debt-financed” firms. We are suspicious of greater variety than allowed by these dichotomous models, and report an explorative study on corporate governance reforms around the world in search of heterogeneity. The study involves a 38-country comparative study of corporate governance reform codes, and uses contentand exploratory factor analyses to demonstrate that they reference not two but no less than five independent but mutually complementary corporate governance mechanisms (CGMs).
Nursing Self-efficacy of an Integrated Clinical and Administrative Information System

Self-efficacy is a user’s confidence that he or she has the ability to use an information system. A survey gathered demographics, self-assessed computer skills, attitude and self-efficacy before installation of an integrated clinical and administrative information system. Results showed that higher levels of nursing education, home computer use, and average levels of self-assessed e-mail, Internet search, word processing, and general computer expertise predicted self-efficacy of the system. In addition, previous use of home and office electronics equipment, such as an answering machine, predicted self-efficacy. Implications for training and future adoption of clinical information systems are presented.
Integration of relative and global orientation methods using a moving ToF camera

The aim of this work is the estimation and enhancement of a trajectory formed by a moving ToF camera. The camera pose has to be known for each image in order to reconstruct the object in a common reference frame, recorded from multiple views. The quality of the model certainly depends on the quality of the orientation. This work deals with the reachable precision of the camera trajectory and with its improvement potential. The camera poses are estimated by means of the global orientation method the bundle adjustment on the one hand and by the relative orientation method, which bases on the range and optical flow in the image, on the other hand. The bundle adjustment produces unbiased, but noisy estimates. In contrast, the relative orientation shows a smooth trajectory with a large accumulated error. Those deficiencies of each method led to the formulation of the hypothesis, that the integration of those methods results in a smooth unbiased estimate of the trajectory. The bundle adjustment is an easily adaptable method, which simultaneously estimates all unknown parameters. Therefore, the relative orientation is integrated in the bundle adjustment. The relative orientation result, consisting of the difference translation and the difference rotation between two subsequent frames, is expressed as a function of the parameters of the bundle adjustment. The stochastic model is extended by the covariance matrix of the relative orientation. The range measurements, performed by the ToF camera, are introduced into the model as well. The weighting of the different observation types is accomplished by the variance component estimation (VCE). The approach is verified on two data sets. Saturation and motion blur mainly influenced the data acquisitions. The imperfections of the data recorded by a ToF camera are discussed as well. Data set one delivers precise bundle adjustment results, but low quality relative orientations because of noise and less contrast in the texture. The integration of the relative orientation does not show much improvement because of already precise bundle adjustment results. The bundle adjustment results of data set two are of lower precision, which is likely caused by motion blur. However, due to less noise and a higher contrast in the images, better results of the relative orientation are achieved. The integration of both methods decreases the trajectory error by a factor of 14 and the precision of the parameters improved by a factor of 3. However, the relative orientation results are not Gaussian distributed, thus the preconditions for an optimal estimate and the application of the VCE are not given. Hence the results, may not be adopted uncritically. Although gross errors have been eliminated and systematic errors have been regarded, the distribution of the range residuals does not correspond to a normal distribution. The trajectory, derived by integrating the relative orientation and the ranges, has an offset. Due to not considered systematic range errors the observations got deformed and the camera trajectory is moved towards the object.
Pay-performance sensitivity during financial distress : Did the financial crisis change payperformance sensitivity?

This study examines the existence of pay-performance sensitivity in total compensation and bonusduring the financial crisis, using data between 2007-2010 from Swedish 196 listed firms. Weperform panel data regression analysis of CEO compensation on financial performance measuredas stock returns. Our results indicate that there is, although not significant, a weak positiverelationship between CEO compensation and firm performance during 2007-2010. Howeverduring 2009-2010 in a market state defined as post-crisis we find weak negative pay-performancesensitivity at a significance level of 10 %. Nevertheless, as regards to the bonus paid to executivesthere was a significantly positive relationship relative bonus % and firm performance. Theseresults contribute to our understanding of the pay-performance sensitivity in times of financialdisturbance, highly relevant to the existing debate considering CEO compensation.
Prediction of new etch fronts in black silicon produced by cryogenic deep reactive ion etching

This paper presents an explanation of the dynamic formation of black silicon (BSi) during deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) processes which has been confirmed by both experimental data with cryogenic DRIE and computational modeling. The model described the strong dependence of the substrate topography on the etching parameters and its evolution with process time. It shows the importance of the self-shadowing effect on the final structures and allows predicting the most important aspects of the BSi phenomenology such as the new etching fronts appearing at topographical saddle points during the incipient stages of BSi development.
The diagnostic and therapeutic applications of flow cytometry in male infertility

Although in recent years flow cytometry (FCM) has become common place in clinical haemotopathology laboratories, application of this technology in the andrology laboratory remains largely unrealized. Flow cytometry is the semiautomated study of the antigen profile of cells using the Scatchard principle of antigen-antibody binding and fluorochrome-based detection systems. Recent technical advances in lasers, monoclonal antibodies, fluorochromes, and computer-based color compensation algorithms have expanded the usefulness of FCM. This overview presents the background of FCM, discusses various applications, and speculates on the directions of future developments with special relevance to the field of andrology. The availability of high-quality methods should be a prime factor in convincing andrologists and infertility clinics that FCM may have certain advantages over traditional methods and that it does indeed have much to contribute to the andrology laboratory and male infertility clinic.
Performance Prediction of Rolling Coil Based on Data Warehouse

the inspection process of rolling coil wastes time and increases cost of enterprise. The enterprise is eager to find a prediction analysis method which can predict performance of rolling coil by some of relative data. Data Warehouse provide plenty of data for performance prediction . Because productive process is complicated ,the statistical analysis method and the traditional machine learning method have some limitations in the application in this field. This paper reviews the construction of data warehouse and use support vector machine to solve the prediction problem. It is proved that by using the support vector machine, the enterprise’s requirement can be met, and it can improve efficiency of production.
Power to Localize the Major Gene for Disease Liability Is Increased After Accounting for the Effects of Related Quantitative Phenotypes

We used the simulated general population data for Genetic Analysis Workshop 12 to test whether power to localize the major gene for liability to disease is increased after accounting for the effects of correlated quantitative phenotypes. We performed the multipoint variance‐component linkage analyses for the discrete trait twice: first analysis with age, sex, and EF1 as covariates, and the second analysis with age, sex, EF1, and Q1–Q5 as covariates. Major locus heritability (h2q,) (0.80 ± 0.06) and lod score (6.4) averaged over the number of replicates used are significantly higher in the second analysis compared with the first analysis (h2q= 0.39 ± 0.12, lod = 2.6). Thus, in the present analysis, power to detect linkage and localize the genes for liability to disease appears to be increased after accounting for the effects of five quantitative traits that are correlated with the liability. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electric vehicle charging profile prediction for efficient energy management in buildings

Predicting the charging profiles of electric vehicles (EVs) connected to a building incorporated with a Building Energy Management System (BEMS) will improve the energy efficiency of the building. The predicted charging profiles along with the forecasted load data can be utilized for calculating vehicle to grid (V2G) capacity and for performing load/source scheduling. In this paper, an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) based model is proposed for predicting the charging profiles of EVs connected to a building. The ANN model considers the previous charging profiles, initial State of Charge (SOC) and final SOC for predicting the charging profile of the EV. A BEMS simulation tool is developed using National Instruments LabVIEW to analyze the functionality of the model. Using the predicted charging profiles and forecasted building load, EV scheduling is demonstrated for a typical day. The V2G capacity available for peak saving is also computed and load/source scheduling is performed accordingly.
A study of the effects of indometacin on liver mitochondria from rats, mice and humans

A part of the mechanism of the gastrointestinal toxicity exhibited by non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs is believed to involve the uncoupling of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Most previous uncoupling studies have used rat liver mitochondria. There is little information on the effects of the drugs on mitochondria from other species.
Accounting in transition in the transitional economy: The case of Cambodia

This paper explores the historical development of accounting in the transitional economy of Cambodia, with particular focus on the post-1953 period. Despite the Communist Khmer Rough (KR) disruptions in mid 1970s the accounting transition is characterized by an emerging equity market and setting up of a local accounting body under the sponsorship of the state. Using interviews, the accounting transition in Cambodia is examined by the changing balance, overtime, between state, market and community as guiding principles for the accounting profession. The analysis indicates that the relationships and interactions between the state and the accounting profession have had remarkable changes to accounting regulation and practice during the last half a century. It is argued that in the transition, from French colonialism to socialist setting and then to open market economy resulted in the construction of an accounting community with common identity, has created a momentum into the growth of capitalist accounting and new orientation in the accountancy and auditing profession.
The Effects of R&D Investment and Firm Size on Growth Opportunities of Newly Listed Firms: European Evidence

Using data for 831 IPO firms listed from 1986 to 1998 in the UK, France, Germany and Italy, this paper investigates the inter-relationships between R&D and growth opportunities in different national systems of corporate governance. Results indicate that growth opportunities are positively related to R&D investments, and negatively related to financial leverage and firm size. Growth opportunities are also negatively related to the interaction between financial leverage and R&D investments, particularly countries with weak minority shareholder protection, such as Germany, Italy and France. Further, a positive effect of the interaction between leverage and R&D activities is greater in larger UK firms, but negative in smaller UK firms. The interaction of leverage and R&D has a negative effect on growth in small firms and this is stronger in continental Europe than in the UK.
$L/S$ -Band Frequency Reconfigurable Multiscale Phased Array Antenna With Wide Angle Scanning

A frequency reconfigurable phased array element is presented. The operational band of the single port L/S-band antenna can be selected by modifying the element apertures with p-i-n diode switches. The antenna element satisfies strict requirements on its frequency band separation (2.2:1), size, feeding structure, and control lines to be integrated into a phased array system. A multiscale array topology is proposed to achieve wide angle scanning (±60°) in both operational bands of the array.
Sequence and characterization of pvuIIR, the PvuII endonuclease gene, and of pvuIIC, its regulatory gene

An open reading frame partially overlaps pvuIIR, and genetic evidence implies that this open reading frame, named pvuIIC, specifies a positive regulator of pvuIIR (T. Tao, J. C. Bourne, and R. M. Blumenthal, J. Bacteriol. 173:1367-1375, 1991). Inducible constructs of pvuIIC produced a protein of the expected size. The site of C.PvuII action appears to lie within pvuIIC itself; thus, pvuIIC may be a self-contained regulatory cassette.
Entrepreneurial support for black (Afro-Caribbean) and Asian construction businesses : can it enhance their growth?

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Complementarity Between Process and Organizational Innovation of Polish Exporters

Many studies recognize importance of innovations for the international competitiveness of firms. This applies to both innovations introduced internally and those introduced in cooperation. The paper is based on a survey of 209 Polish manufacturing firms. It focuses on an analysis of the influence of process and organizational innovation on the firms’ export intensity and on new product sales intensity. The study reveals that process innovation (undertaken both internally and in cooperation with business partners) is positively related to the firms’ export intensity, while rejective the hypothesis that organizational innovation has an impact on export intensity. Moreover, the analysis provides evidence that both process and organizational innovations (introduced either internally or in cooperation) have no statistically significant influence on new product sales intensity of Polish exporters. These findings reflect the traditional competitive strategies based on the cost advantage rather than the differentiation-based advantage. The analysis of the relationships between process and organizational innovation reveals that these two types of innovation are positively related only in the high-export-intensity/high-new-product-sales-intensity cluster of firms. This correlation appears both in the case of internal and collaborative innovation. The authors argue that Polish exporters do not take full advantage of the opportunity to simultaneously implement complementary types of innovation and do not gain potential synergies from innovation.
Retargeting of Human T Cells to Tumor-Associated MUC1: The Evolution of a Chimeric Antigen Receptor1

MUC1 is a highly attractive immunotherapeutic target owing to increased expression, altered glycosylation, and loss of polarity in >80% of human cancers. To exploit this, we have constructed a panel of chimeric Ag receptors (CAR) that bind selectively to tumor-associated MUC1. Two parameters proved crucial in optimizing the CAR ectodomain. First, we observed that the binding of CAR-grafted T cells to anchored MUC1 is subject to steric hindrance, independent of glycosylation status. This was overcome by insertion of the flexible and elongated hinge found in immunoglobulins of the IgD isotype. Second, CAR function was highly dependent upon strong binding capacity across a broad range of tumor-associated MUC1 glycoforms. This was realized by using an Ab-derived single-chain variable fragment (scFv) cloned from the HMFG2 hybridoma. To optimize CAR signaling, tripartite endodomains were constructed. Ultimately, this iterative design process yielded a potent receptor termed HOX that contains a fused CD28/OX40/CD3ζ endodomain. HOX-expressing T cells proliferate vigorously upon repeated encounter with soluble or membrane-associated MUC1, mediate production of proinflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-17), and elicit brisk killing of MUC1+ tumor cells. To test function in vivo, a tumor xenograft model was derived using MDA-MB-435 cells engineered to coexpress MUC1 and luciferase. Mice bearing an established tumor were treated i.p. with a single dose of engineered T cells. Compared with control mice, this treatment resulted in a significant delay in tumor growth as measured by serial bioluminescence imaging. Together, these data demonstrate for the first time that the near-ubiquitous MUC1 tumor Ag can be targeted using CAR-grafted T cells.
A single pacemaker can produce different rates of reentrainment in different overt rhythms

SUMMARY Using a simple Van der Pol oscillator, we show that periodic events triggered by different states of the oscillator can reentrain at different rates following a phase shift of the Zeitgeber. Such differences can emerge due to waveform distortion during reentrainment, due to masking and due to fitting procedures (e.g. acrophase determination). Therefore, different rates of reentrainment are consistent with single pacemaker models of circadian systems. Likewise, “Fractional Desynchron‐ization” can yield different “ranges of entrainment” in different overt rhythms generated by the same pacemaker.
Development of computerized guidelines for the management of chronic diseases allowing to position any patient within recommended therapeutic strategies

Chronic diseases are complex to manage. One reason comes from the difficulty to synchronize a patient's therapeutic history with the guideline-based sequence of treatments. We propose to represent guideline knowledge as a two-level decision tree, a clinical level describing theoretical clinical situations and a therapeutic level formalizing the different steps of corresponding recommended therapeutic strategies. Guideline-based strategies are first represented as bidimensional matrices structured in lines of therapy and levels of therapeutic intention. A revised version introducing levels of therapeutic combination is then developed. The therapeutic level is operationalized for any patient therapeutic history to provide the next best step of treatment. Evaluated on actual patient records, our system proved to impact physicians' decisions in 78% of the cases and led to a significant improvement of their compliance with recommendations.
A novel two-dimensional scan-control scheme for test-cost reduction

This paper proposes a two-dimensional scan shift control concept for multiple scan chain design. Multiple scan chain test scheme provides very low scan power by skipping many long scan chain switching activities. Based on two-dimensional scan shift control, we can achieve low test power with simple and small overhead structure. The proposed scheme skips many unnecessary don't care (X) patterns to reduce the test data volume and test time. The experimental results of the proposed scheme illustrate the significant improvement in shift power reduction, test volume and test time reduction. Compared with traditional single scan chain design, the large benchmark b17 of ITC'99 has over 50% reduction in test data volume and over 40% reduction in test time with little area overhead and very few extra pins, and the power reduction is over 97%.