Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sequential versus Unitary Trials: An Economic Analysis

WHEN Polaroid successfully sued Kodak for infringing its patents on instant photography, the question of damages was litigated in a separate trial before a different judge than the one who found Kodak liable for patent infringement. ' A bifurcated or "sequential" trial on liability and damages, as opposed to a "unitary" trial on both issues, is the exception rather than the norm. A sequential trial is not limited to separating liability and damages. Indeed, the entire structure of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure calls for sequential decision making. The parties first may litigate whether the court has jurisdiction over the matter (Rule 12(b)(1)) or over the defendant (Rule 12(b)(2)) and, if it does, whether each element of the complaint states a claim under which relief can be granted (Rule 12(b)(6)). Next, the parties may litigate summary-judgment motions (Rule 56). Rule 42(b) gives courts wide discretion to separate substantive issues. These include bifurcating liability and damages, separating claims asserted by the plaintiff, separating counterclaims raised by the defendant, deciding whether a contract exists before considering claims based on its existence, and deciding whether a product-liability defendant manufactured the allegedly defective product before considering liability and
Endovascular embolization of 150 basilar tip aneurysms with Guglielmi detachable coils: results of the Food and Drug Administration multicenter clinical trial.

OBJECT To assess the safety and efficacy of aneurysm embolization performed using Guglielmi detachable coils (GDCs), the authors reviewed the results of a cohort of 150 patients with either ruptured (83 patients) or unruptured (67 patients) basilar tip aneurysms treated with these detachable platinum coil devices in the early part of the United States multicenter GDC clinical trial that led to Food and Drug Administration approval for the device. METHODS The most common presentation in this cohort of patients was headache (53%). All patients were entered into the trial after neurosurgical assessment excluded them as candidates for surgical clipping of their aneurysms. Greater than 90% coil packing was achieved in 75% of the patients. For those patients in whom follow-up information was available, the mean angiographic and clinical evaluation follow-up time for 61 patients with ruptured aneurysms was 13.7 months (range 0-43 months) and that for the 49 patients with unruptured aneurysms was 9.8 (range 0-40 months). Conservative mortality rates included up to 23% for the ruptured aneurysm group and up to 12% for the unruptured aneurysm group; the rebleeding rate for treated ruptured aneurysms was up to 3.3% and the bleeding rate for unruptured aneurysms up to 4.1%. Permanent deficits due to stroke in patients with ruptured or unruptured aneurysms occurred in up to 5% and 9%, respectively. Vasospasm occurred in 8% of the patients; it was associated with two deaths. Periprocedural mortality was 2.7% (four patients with ruptured aneurysms). CONCLUSIONS Detachable platinum coil embolization is a promising treatment for ruptured basilar tip aneurysms that are not surgically clippable; in selected patients it offers lower incidences of morbidity and mortality compared with conservative medical management. The role of this procedure in unruptured basilar tip aneurysms is unclear with less supportive results. More long-term follow-up evaluation is necessary and results are expected to improve.
Measurement of serum 3-epi-25-hydroxyvitamin D3, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 in infant, paediatric and adolescent populations of Korea using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Background We evaluated the performance of ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to measure serum 3-epi-25-hydroxyvitamin D3, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 concentrations in 519 infant, paediatric and adolescent serum samples in Korea. Methods We used a Kinetex XB-C18 column and isocratic methanol/water (77.5/22.5, v/v) with 0.025% (v/v) high-performance liquid chromatography solvent additive flowing at 0.25 mL/min, yielding an 11 min/sample run time. A TQD triple quadrupole mass spectrometer in electrospray ionization positive ion mode with multiple reaction monitoring transition via an MSMS vitamin D kit was used to evaluate precision, carryover, ion suppression and linearity. Samples were prepared using the 4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione derivatization method. Results Intra- and inter-run precisions were 1.23–13.28% and 1.02–10.08%, respectively. Group carryovers were −0.27% and 0.10%, respectively. There was no ion suppression. The calibration curve showed good linearity from calibrator Level 1 (11.75 nmol/L) to 6 (375 nmol/L) with R2 > 0.9999. The 3-epi-25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 peaks were clearly separated in the extracted ion chromatogram. Infant serum samples 3-epi-25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations were significantly higher than paediatric and adolescent concentrations. Conclusions The ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay performed acceptably, clearly separating 3-epi-25-hydroxyvitamin D3 from 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. High 3-epi-25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations were observed in infant but not in paediatric and adolescent serum samples.
Clinical Outcome of Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Surgery (PELS) in Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation

Lumbar disc herniation is a spinal problem seen in both young and old people causing pain in the back with pain and numbness in lower extremity leading to disability limiting daily activities. When conservative treatments are ineffective, then it is treated by surgeries, more recently with minimal invasive percutaneous endoscopic lumbar surgery (PELS). One of the mostly accepted PELS by spinal surgeons is percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy, which can be performed for any age. The main aim of this review was to evaluate clinical outcome and safety based on the Oswestry Disable Index (ODI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and MacNab criteria and complications of PELS surgery and its advantages in clinical basis.
Identification of starch grains in microscopic images based on granulometric operations

This study demonstrates the feasibility of feature extraction and similarity measurement for the identification of starch grains, which are often found in microscopic images of Chinese Materia Medica (CMM) and as such is an important feature for use in the authentication of CMM with abundance of starch grains and otherwise without other special microscopic characteristics. Our proposed image signature, namely, the size distribution, indicates that it is effective to characterize starch grains in microscopic images of those CMM. Experimental results in a small scale study show that the recognition rate for the proposed signature using different measures of discrepancy is around 90%, which is considered very good while the benchmark wavelet‐based energy signature has only about 60% recognition. Moreover, the extraction of the size distribution only requires moderate level of computational complexity. In this study, our proposed image signature provides greater accuracy and flexibility in capturing starch grains information for the authentication of CMM, compared with other existing preliminary identification approach in which manual image segmentation is necessary. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Privacy and authentication for wireless local area networks

Wireless networks are being driven by the need for providing network access to mobile or nomadic computing devices. Although the need for wireless access to a network is evident, new problems are inherent in the wireless medium itself. Specifically, the wireless medium introduces new opportunities for eavesdropping on wireless data communications. Anyone with an appropriate wireless receiver can eavesdrop, and this kind of eavesdropping is virtually undetectable. Furthermore, since the wireless medium cannot be contained by the usual physical constraints of walls and doors, active intrusions through the wireless medium are also made easier. In order to prevent this unauthorized access to the network, the authors present the design of a secure communication protocol that provides for both the privacy of wireless data communications and the authenticity of communicating parties. The placement of the protocol in the overall protocol stack and issues relevant to wireless links and mobile computing devices are discussed. They also present proof of the security of the protocol using the logic of authentication formalism developed by Burrows, Abadi, and Needham (1990). <<ETX>>
Osteogenesis of Adipose-Derived and Bone Marrow Stem Cells with Polycaprolactone/Tricalcium Phosphate and Three-Dimensional Printing Technology in a Dog Model of Maxillary Bone Defects

Bone graft material should possess sufficient porosity and permeability to allow integration with native tissue and vascular invasion, and must satisfy oxygen and nutrient transport demands. In this study, we have examined the use of three-dimensional (3D)-printed polycaprolactone/tricalcium phosphate (PCL/TCP) composite material in bone grafting, to estimate the scope of its potential application in bone surgery. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) are known to enhance osteointegration. We hypothesized that a patient-specific 3D-printed solid scaffold could help preserve seeded ADSCs and BMSCs and enhance osteointegration. Diffuse osteogenic tissue formation was observed by micro-computed tomography with both stem cell types, and the ADSC group displayed similar osteogenesis compared to the BMSC group. In histological assessment, the scaffold pores showed abundant ossification in both groups. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed that the BMSC group had higher expression of genes associated with ossification, and this was confirmed by Western blot analysis. The ADSC- and BMSC-seeded 3D-printed PCL/TCP scaffolds displayed promising enhancement of osteogenesis in a dog model of maxillary bone defects.
The Effect of Frame Freezing and Frame Skipping on Video Quality

Apparent motion discontinuities in the videos, such as frame freezing and frame skipping, are a common temporal degradation in the video transmission via Internet and Mobile channels. The end-user perceives a fluidity break of visual information having an impact on his quality assessment of the delivered video sequence. A video subjective test based on SAMVIQ (Subjective Assessment Methodology for VIdeo Quality) [1] has set up to estimate the effect of frame freeze and frame skip on video quality. In this paper, we will present the subjective test which has already set up for the estimation of video quality, then we can deduce the different situations of frame freeze and frame skip distortion has different impairments on video quality.
The preparedness of critical success factors of IT service management and its effect on performance

Recently, information technology service management (ITSM) has emerged as a challenging research area. ITSM implementation often involves huge investment with unexpected risks. Therefore, understanding the preparedness of critical success factors (CSFs) and its effect on the organizational performance can help in not only reducing the risks but in also providing helpful guidance for enterprises. This empirical study explores the preparedness of ITSM-relevant CSFs and its effect on the organizational performance. The findings show that (1) the more important a CSF is, the more prepared the CSF is; (2) the organizational performance is mostly beneficial from customer and internal business process perspectives; and (3) only a few CSFs can significantly affect the organizational performance. Finally, the implications based on the findings are given for the management of ITSM implementation.
Permanent magnet synchronous machine design for hybrid traction applications: Impact of magnetic laminations materials

This paper examines the influence of lamination material on the performance of a flux focusing permanent magnet machine. This machine is designed for the traction of hybrid vehicles. The design optimization is performed by coupling a multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm with the finite element method. The optimization procedure is performed for three different lamination materials. Solutions from optimization procedure are then compared.
AUTOMATED RECOGNITION SYSTEM FOR FACIAL EXPRESSION BASED ON THE FUSION OF SPATIAL AND FREQUENCY DOMAIN FEATURES

The development of facial expression recognition system proliferates now-a-days due to its various fields of application such as Human Computer Interaction (HCI), behavioral studies, facial nerve grading in medicine, automated tutoring system, synthetic face animation, and robotics. Among the various behavioral traits such as voice and gaits, facial expression is the most and effectual communicative way of humans. It is also a natural, non-verbal and non-intrusive communicative source. In this study, multidirectional approach based robust and automated facial expression recognition system is proposed. Contourlet transform is adopted as multi resolution and multi directional approach for feature computation along with Discriminative Robust Local Ternary Pattern (DRLTP) and Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM). On account of classification K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) classifier is used based on city block distance measure. The standard Japanese Female Facial Expression (JAFFE) database is utilized to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm. Experimental result shows that the proposed system achieves satisfactory performance of over 91%.
Real option games with stochastic volatility

This thesis presents several real option models to address investment-timing decision problems in various scenarios. The traditional NPV method only considers the difference between the future cash flow and the cost of a project, but ignores the future risk of the project. The concept of an American call option is used to improve the NPV method, and it is re-named as a real option. Classical real option problems are considered in a framework where the instantaneous volatility of the project value is given by a constant. Ting et al. [43] carried out an asymptotic approach in a single firm model by letting the volatility parameter be a stochastic process. In particular, they assumed that the project value is given by the Heston model. In this thesis, the project value is determined by Heston model, and a similar asymptotic approach is applied to classical real option models with two firms as well as another real option model in which suspending the project is allowed. Several numerical examples and comparisons are provided to show how the additional uncertainty in the volatility affects the investment thresholds and the payoffs of firms in different scenarios. In addition, real option models with two firms can also be considered in competitive situations. Such models are also regarded as strategic real option games. This thesis presents several types of strategic real option games. In a standard framework of strategic real option games, 2-player non-cooperative games under complete information are considered, and both pure strategy equilibria and mixed strategy equilibria are obtained. If both firms agree to cooperate with each other in a game, then the game is called a 2-player cooperative game and the bargaining solution can be obtained. Lastly, we study mixed strategy equilibria of a strategic real option game with asymmetric information which is similar to that in [16]. Our result shows that the firm with complete information will always take the advantage.
Modeling passengers’ future behavioral intentions in airline industry using SEM

Purpose - – The purpose of this paper is to examine the interrelationships among the extracted constructs of airline service quality (SQ), perceived image, perceived value, passenger satisfaction and their influence on passengers’ future behavioral intentions in the domestic aviation sector market in Indian context. Design/methodology/approach - – A conceptual framework is developed based on previous studies. In order to address a lack of comprehensive evaluation of airline SQ, this study extracted the dimensions of airline SQ and used them in the structural model. The conceptual model is tested using structural equation modeling approach using maximum likelihood estimation technique. A sample of 526 domestic full-service passengers was used to test the hypothesized relationships among the constructs. Findings - – Out of the three dimensions of airline SQ extracted, convenience and promptness with reliability dimension of SQ was having a direct influence on perceived image, perceived value and passenger satisfaction which in turn influence BI. The findings of this study indicate the passenger evaluation process flows from perceived image to satisfaction via passenger perceived value and not directly from perceived image to passenger satisfaction. Only passengers’ satisfaction was found to have a direct influence on passengers’ future BI. Originality/value - – This study modified SERVPERF instrument for airline settings and empirically validated the instrument using data from Indian domestic passengers. This research adds to the body of knowledge by providing a conceptual framework which gives an empirical insight into the interrelationship among the constructs of airline SQ, perceived image, perceived value, passenger satisfaction and its effects on passenger’s future BI. The conceptual model developed and tested in this paper will act as a reference in forming suitable marketing strategies for airline’s competitive advantage.
A Secure Time Synchronization Scheme for Heterogeneous Sensor Networks

Time synchronization is critical for many sensor network operations, such as mobile object tracking and sensor node scheduling. Many existing time synchronization schemes for sensor networks do not considering security issue, and they are vulnerable to several attacks. Furthermore, most existing synchronization schemes are designed for homogeneous sensor networks, where all sensors have the same capability. Research has shown that homogeneous ad hoc networks have poor fundamental limits and performance. To improve performance and security of sensor networks, we adopt a Heterogeneous Sensor Network (HSN) model. In this paper, we present a secure and efficient time synchronization scheme for HSN by utilizing powerful high-end sensors. We implement the synchronization scheme in real sensors and our experiments show that the scheme achieves high accuracy. The security analysis demonstrates that our scheme is resilient to various attacks.
A Critical Survey of Subnational Autonomy in African States

This article examines the quiet yet pervasive transfer of power from central governments to subnational units in Africa since the early 1990s. Central governments have justified this trend by arguing it promotes one or more of three goods: democracy, development, and accommodating diversity. The authors survey six selected countries representing federal-unitary and regional differences to evaluate their degree of formal and substantive political, administrative, and financial autonomy. Transfer of powers to subnational units, the authors conclude, is a real and nearly universal trend. However, many central governments have clawed back this grant of power in numerous ways, which led to an informal recentralization of power. Moreover, central governments of federations have deliberately strengthened local government at the expense of regional autonomy.
Regional technical efficiency: a stochastic frontier approach

The aim of this paper is to analyse the (in)efficiency of the Spanish regions over the period 1986-91, using a stochastic frontier approach. Different distributional assumptions are used to estimate each region's (in)efficiency as well as the influence of the inputs on the productivity gains: half-normal, truncated-normal and exponential models. The results show that, on average, the inefficiency varies between the 15% and 19%.
Farmers’ reasons for changing or not changing to more sustainable practices: An exploratory study of arable farming in the Netherlands

Abstract The paper describes the results of an exploratory study of farmers’ reasons for changing or not changing to more sustainable production methods in arable farming in the Netherlands. The background of the research is the disappointing adoption of Integrated Arable Farming Systems (iafs). Perceived production risk was expected to be an important factor constraining adoption. This study suggests, however, that perceived risk is not a satisfactory explanation. One reason is that iafs as it has become in Dutch practice cannot be easily distinguished from conventional arable farming systems. A continuum of gradual adoption of iafs methods, mainly for economic reasons, was observed. A real watershed difference was observed between partial adopters of iafs and organic farmers who used no chemicals at all. Secondly, dealing with production risks, such as weather‐dependent problems with weeds, pests and diseases, is considered part of professionalism of both conventional and iafs farmers and hence not a reason for avoiding a specific crop husbandry technique. However, uncertainties emanating from market conditions and environmental policy were found to be important considerations. JAgr Educ Ext (2001, 7, 3, pp 153–166)
Effects of physical attributes on the wages of males and females

Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (1993), this study analyses the effects of physical attributes, namely, height and weight, on the wages of males and females in professional and blue-collar occupations. A parallel theme of analysis is whether physical attributes have any impact on the wages of workers with high mathematics and computational skills. The results of this study show that among professionals and blue-collar workers, physical attributes significantly affect the wages of women and have no impact on the wages of men. Taller women enjoy wage premiums, while overweight women experience significant wage penalties. Another important finding is that among women with above average quantitative skills, the effects of physical attributes on wages are insignificant.
Adaptive relay selection based on incremental relaying with output threshold

In this paper, we develop an incremental relaying combining scheme over cooperative multiple relay network with a certain output threshold in which the amplify-and-forward (AF) relaying protocol is considered. In the proposed scheme, we apply both incremental relaying and multiple relay selection based on an output threshold in order to achieve a certain performance. We consider an upper bound of the output combined signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and derive its statistic analysis in a closed-form over independent, non-identically distributed Rayleigh fading channels. In addition, we also provide the system performance such as average probability of error, outage probability, average number of active relays.
An impact-based filtering approach for literature searches

This paper aims to present an alternative and simple method to improve the filtering of search results so as to increase the efficiency of literature searches, particularly for individual researchers who have limited logistical resources. The method proposed here is scope restriction using an impact-based filter, made possible by the emergence of freely available citation databases in conjunction with new tools to access and process the data efficiently. Results from a simulated search are compared between a conventional date-ranged filtered search and an impact-based filtered search using Publish or Perish as the citation analysis software. The utility and practical implications of this approach are further discussed.