Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The increased role of foreign bank entry in emerging markets

The past decade has seen a transformation of the role of foreign banks in emerging markets. It has been a process that has often aroused considerable controversy, and featured prominently in two earlier meetings of Deputy Governors (1998 and 2000). The benefits foreign banks can offer are now much more widely recognised. But it would be naive to pretend that there are no drawbacks or no difficult choices for local supervisory authorities. The supervisory response to the rapid rise of foreign banks is still being refined and, in some countries, remains an important task.
Posterior sagittal approach in complicated Swenson's pull-through

Context: Swenson's pull-through is one of the standard operations for the treatment of children with Hirschsprung's disease. Complications arising from the operation are difficult to treat because of fibrosis in the pelvis. The posterior sagittal approach may be a safer alternative. Aims: The aim of this paper is to highlight our experience with the use of the posterior sagittal trans-sphincteric approach to treat unusual complications of Swenson's pull-through. Settings and Design: A retrospective study of four patients who had posterior sagittal repair of their complications of Swenson pull-through at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile Ife, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Four cases of Hirschsprung's disease that developed post-Swenson pull-through complications are presented. There were three males and one female. Their age ranged between 10 months and 15 years. The patients had rectovaginal fistula, rectourethral fistula, high trans-sphincteric fistula-in-ano and complete anastomotic disruption. Result: All the patients were successfully treated using the posterior sagittal approach. The approach was used twice in one patient without significant sequelae. The three patients were old enough to be assessed and had a Kelly score of 4-6 at follow-up. Conclusion: The posterior sagittal technique offers a safe approach to treat the complications of Swenson pull-through.
A Comparison of Automatic Search Query Enhancement Algorithms That Utilise Wikipedia as a Source of A Priori Knowledge

This paper describes the benchmarking and analysis of five Automatic Search Query Enhancement (ASQE) algorithms that utilise Wikipedia as the sole source for a priori knowledge. The contributions of this paper include: 1) A comprehensive review into current ASQE algorithms that utilise Wikipedia as the sole source for a priori knowledge; 2) benchmarking of five existing ASQE algorithms using the TREC-9 Web Topics on the ClueWeb12 data set and 3) analysis of the results from the benchmarking process to identify the strengths and weaknesses each algorithm. During the benchmarking process, 2,500 relevance assessments were performed. Results of these tests are analysed using the Average Precision @10 per query and Mean Average Precision @10 per algorithm. From this analysis we show that the scope of a priori knowledge utilised during enhancement and the available term weighting methods available from Wikipedia can further aid the ASQE process. Although approaches taken by the algorithms are still relevant, an over dependence on weighting schemes and data sources used can easily impact results of an ASQE algorithm.
Robustness analysis of the FlexRay system through fault tree analysis

The increasing importance of FlexRay systems in automotive domain inspires unceasing relative researches. One primary issue among researches is to verify the robustness of FlexRay systems either from protocol aspect or from system design aspect. However, research rarely addresses the issue that network topology selection will also cause difference in robustness. In this paper, we will illustrate how to model the robustness under various network topology adoptions by a well-known technology, fault tree analysis (FTA). Quantitative and qualitative analysis results can show the potential and suitability of FTA for modeling FlexRay systems' robustness.
Fast tracking electrosurgical generator using GaN switches

Electrosurgery involves the use of high-frequency (typically 100-500 kHz) alternating current (AC) to elicit a clinical response in tissue (e.g., cutting or cauterization) using a plasma arc. Standard electrosurgical generators (ESGs) are based on resonant inverters, which constrain the output frequency and waveshape. This paper describes a fast tracking ESG capable of shaping the output AC waveform over a range of frequencies, thus providing improved flexibility and control in electrosurgery applications. The proposed fast tracking ESG is based on a two-rail multi-phase buck topology using GaN switches. Experimental results are given for a 4-phase ESG prototype operating from ±250 V with 2 MHz per-phase switching frequency, capable of providing up to 50 W to an arc modeled as a 180 Ω to 3600 Ω load.
Improving physical function during and after critical care

Purpose of reviewAlthough it has been demonstrated that physical functional impairments are common among survivors of critical illness, few studies have proven benefits of intervention. This review will discuss assessment of physical functional impairment, recent and ongoing interventional studies, and implementation of rehabilitation beginning in the ICU, hospital ward, and after hospital discharge. Recent findingsNew studies confirm challenges around measurement of physical function both during and after critical illness, and offer potential new modalities that could inform mechanism and treatment. Longitudinal cohort studies emphasize the importance of recognition and measurement of premorbid status. Although no recent studies have proven new approaches to improving physical function in survivors of critical illness, emerging data support the safety, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness of providing physical rehabilitation early in the course of critical illness. Pilot and ongoing studies hold promise for improving physical function and quality of life for future survivors of critical illness. SummaryImproving physical function for survivors of critical illness will require careful application of current knowledge, as well as rigorous investigation into causes, research methodologies, and implementation of results of future interventional studies.
Towards an Infrastructure Procurement Framework: An Initial Conceptualisation

This paper is an initial conceptualisation of a PhD project which would seek to develop a infrastructure procurement framework – a policy document which would detail how, and under what conditions, infrastructure procurement contractual arrangements are successful. As it is an initial conceptualisation, the paper will focus on the research problem, theoretical and methodological issues involved in operationalising the framework. In particular it will outline the phases of such a study, together with the methodology necessary for the project to be a success.
Geometric phases and competing orders in two dimensions

We discuss the problem of characterizing "quantum disordered" ground states, obtained upon loss of antiferromagnetic order on general lattices in two spatial dimensions, with arbitrary electronic band structure. A key result is the response in electron bilinears to the skyrmion density in the local antiferromagnetic order, induced by geometric phases. We also discuss the connection to topological terms obtained under situations where the electronic spectrum has a Dirac form.
Intergenerational Mobility and Gender in Mexico Intergenerational Mobility and Gender in Mexico

fielded by the Centro de Estudios Espinosa Yglesias CEEY. The author thanks the CEEY for making the data available. Those interested in the microdata can request it at http://www.ceey. org.mx/site/movilidadsocial/presentacion-encuesta-esru-movilidad-social-mexico-2011. The author is grateful to Jere Behrman, Raymundo Campos, Enrique Cardenas, Enrique Huerta, Roberto Velez, and three anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments and suggestions. Direct correspondence to Florencia Torche, New York University, Department of Sociology, 295 Lafayette St. #4141, New York, NY 10012. E-mail: florencia.torche@nyu.edu. Intergenerational Mobility and Gender in Mexico
Clinicopathological Characteristics and Prognostic Factors of Asymptomatic IgA Nephropathy

Aims Many patients with immunoglobulin class A (IgA) nephropathy (IgAN) present with asymptomatic urinary abnormalities. The purpose of this study was to observe the clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors in asymptomatic IgAN. Methods Eighty-six asymptomatic IgAN patients (49 males and 37 females) were investigated; 82 of them were followed up during a mean ± SD period of 66.7 ± 19.7 months. Results At biopsy, 18 patients (21%) presented with pure hematuria (HU), 29 patients (34%) presented with proteinuria alone (PU), and 39 patients (45%) presented concomitant hematuria and proteinuria with severe pathological lesions. Meanwhile, 16% and 26% had renal insufficiency and hypertension, respectively. Finally, urinary abnormalities of 15% of the patients disappeared, 25% of HU developed proteinuria, 47% of concomitant hematuria and proteinuria, and 32% of PU appeared to have increase of proteinuria, and 14% of PU developed hematuria. Fifteen (24%) of the patients with normal blood pressure initially became hypertensive and 18 (22%) of the patients with normal renal function initially developed renal insufficiency. Twenty-four patients (29%) had doubling of serum creatinine level, and 13 patients (16%) progressed to end-stage renal disease. Prednisone therapy and antihypertensive treatment significantly improved proteinuria and renal function deterioration. Hematuria, hypertension during follow-up, and tubulointerstitial lesions were independent risk factors predictive of the ultimate development of renal progression. Conclusions The renal outcome of asymptomatic IgAN is guarded. Hematuria, hypertension during follow-up, and tubulointerstitial lesions may be important markers to monitor renal progression in the course.
Correlation of wbiI Genotype, Serotype, and Isolate Source within Species of the Burkholderia cepacia Complex

ABSTRACT Gram-negative bacteria of the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) are opportunistic pathogens that can infect the lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and can be transmitted among these patients, causing epidemics in the CF community. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an important virulence factor of many gram-negative bacteria, with the O antigen component of LPS being responsible for serotype specificity. The goal of this work was to develop a genetic method of determining the serotype of Bcc isolates based on the conserved gene wbiI. Homologues of wbiI are found in polysaccharide biosynthesis gene clusters in other bacteria. Primers to a conserved region of the Bcc wbiI gene were able to amplify by PCR a single product in 67 of 80 Bcc isolates tested. Sequencing and restriction enzyme digestion of this wbiI PCR product revealed sufficient DNA polymorphisms to distinguish and group various isolates. In five of nine instances, Bcc isolates of a single serotype had a single wbiI restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) pattern, while isolates of the other four serotypes could have multiple wbiI RFLP types. Species determination of the Bcc isolates revealed no obvious correlation between wbiI RFLP type and species. There was also no apparent correlation between wbiI RFLP type and the ability of a single Bcc isolate to infect an individual with CF. However three of five Bcc outbreaks involved isolates with the same wbiI RFLP type, indicating that wbiI RFLP typing may be a useful tool to help track Bcc outbreaks.
N 1,N 4-Diphenyl-3,6-bis(phenylimino)cyclohexa-1,4-diene-1,4-diamine

In the title compound, C30H24N4, the central benzoquinonediimine moiety is approximately planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.044 (14) Å. The four terminal phenyl rings are twisted by 44.95 (11), 54.90 (10), 44.98 (10) and 50.68 (11)° with respect to the mean plane the benzoquinonediimine unit. In the crystal, molecules are linked by weak C—H⋯π interactions into supramolecular chains running along the b-axis direction.
Suppression of Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase-2 (DGAT2), but Not DGAT1, with Antisense Oligonucleotides Reverses Diet-induced Hepatic Steatosis and Insulin Resistance*

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major contributing factor to hepatic insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes. Diacylglycerol acyltransferase (Dgat), of which there are two isoforms (Dgat1 and Dgat2), catalyzes the final step in triglyceride synthesis. We evaluated the metabolic impact of pharmacological reduction of DGAT1 and -2 expression in liver and fat using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) in rats with diet-induced NAFLD. Dgat1 and Dgat2 ASO treatment selectively reduced DGAT1 and DGAT2 mRNA levels in liver and fat, but only Dgat2 ASO treatment significantly reduced hepatic lipids (diacylglycerol and triglyceride but not long chain acyl CoAs) and improved hepatic insulin sensitivity. Because Dgat catalyzes triglyceride synthesis from diacylglycerol, and because we have hypothesized that diacylglycerol accumulation triggers fat-induced hepatic insulin resistance through protein kinase Cϵ activation, we next sought to understand the paradoxical reduction in diacylglycerol in Dgat2 ASO-treated rats. Within 3 days of starting Dgat2 ASO therapy in high fat-fed rats, plasma fatty acids increased, whereas hepatic lysophosphatidic acid and diacylglycerol levels were similar to those of control rats. These changes were associated with reduced expression of lipogenic genes (SREBP1c, ACC1, SCD1, and mtGPAT) and increased expression of oxidative/thermogenic genes (CPT1 and UCP2). Taken together, these data suggest that knocking down Dgat2 protects against fat-induced hepatic insulin resistance by paradoxically lowering hepatic diacylglycerol content and protein kinase Cϵ activation through decreased SREBP1c-mediated lipogenesis and increased hepatic fatty acid oxidation.
Adoption of quality management practices An investigation of its relationship with labor productivity for labor-intensive manufacturing companies

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between quality management practice and labor productivity in labor-intensive manufacturing companies in a developing nation and benchmark with the world average. Design/methodology/approach – Primary and secondary data were collected from 34 selected companies. The primary data were obtained using a questionnaire survey to determine the quality management adoption level of each company using the European Business Excellence Model. Secondary data also collected in order to compute labor productivity of each organization and benchmark with international norms. Findings – In this research, labor productivity is measured by revenues per employee and total assets per employee and found that adopting quality management has strong relationships with revenue per employee unlike total asset per employee that is weakly related. Originality/value – Several authors suggest a positive relationship between adoption quality management principles and.
The Earnings Quality Consequences of Announcements to Voluntarily Adopt the Fair Value Method of Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation*

We identify 133 firms that between July and December 2002, announced plans to voluntarily adopt the fair value method of accounting for stock-based compensation. We investigate whether such announcements increased the quality of these firms’ earnings as perceived by market participants. Answering this research question not only provides evidence relevant to the debate surrounding the expensing of employee stock options, but doing so provides evidence that conservative accounting choices in general lead to higher perceived earnings quality. Using two measures of earnings quality, the price-earnings relation and the earnings response coefficient, we find evidence consistent with an increase in perceived earnings quality for these firms relative to a control set of firms that in 2002 did not announce plans to adopt the SFAS 123 stock-based compensation recognition provisions.
Automated Vertebra Detection and Segmentation from the Whole Spine MR Images

Our algorithm contains two major steps: the intervertebral disk localization step, and the vertebra detection and segmentation step. In the first step, we apply a model-based searching method to approximately locate all the intervertebral disk clues between adjacent vertebrae of the whole spine and the best slice selection. A new approach using an intensity profile on a polynomial function for fitting all these disk clues on the best slice is then used to refine the disk search process. Vertebra centers are detected, and initial boundaries are extracted in the second step. The initial test of the algorithm on the five sets of 7 sagittal slices locates all 23 intervertebral disk centers for the best slice of all five sets. For the evaluation of the boundary extraction of 22 vertebrae, our algorithm successfully locates 100%, 96.6%, 93.2%, 95.5%, 87.5% vertebra corners in image set No.1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively
An epigenetic mouse model for molecular and behavioral neuropathologies related to schizophrenia vulnerability

Reelin and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)67 expressed by cortical γ-aminobutyric acid-ergic interneurons are down-regulated in schizophrenia. Because epidemiological studies of schizophrenia fail to support candidate gene haploinsufficiency of Mendelian origin, we hypothesize that epigenetic mechanisms (i.e., cytosine hypermethylation of CpG islands present in the promoter of these genes) may be responsible for this down-regulation. Protracted l-methionine (6.6 mmol/kg for 15 days, twice a day) treatment in mice elicited in brain an increase of S-adenosyl-homocysteine, the processing product of the methyl donor S-adenosyl-methionine, and a marked decrease of reelin and GAD67 mRNAs in both WT and heterozygous reeler mice. This effect of l-methionine was associated with an increase in the number of methylated cytosines in the CpG island of the reelin promoter region. This effect was not observed for GAD65 or neuronal-specific enolase and was not replicated by glycine doses 2-fold greater than those of l-methionine. Prepulse inhibition of startle declined at a faster rate as the prepulse/startle interval increased in mice receiving l-methionine. Valproic acid (2 mmol/kg for 15 days, twice a day) reverted l-methionine-induced down-regulation of reelin and GAD67 in both WT and heterozygous reeler mice, suggesting an epigenetic action through the inhibition of histone deacetylases. The same dose of valproate increased acetylation of histone H3 in mouse brain nearly 4-fold. This epigenetic mouse model may be useful in evaluating drug efficacy on schizophrenia vulnerability. Hence the inhibition of histone deacetylases could represent a pharmacological intervention mitigating epigenetically induced vulnerability to schizophrenia in individuals at risk.
An eficient technique to estimate object speed

An individual may be interested in inquiring the speed of different objects commonly shown in our daily lives. Human mind can detect moving objects easily and same can be done with computer using single camera. There are devices which can measure speed mostly these uses frequency transmit and receive to estimate speed. Cameras also can be used to measure speed of objects by using image processing. Hawk eye implemented this technique in cricket and tennis to measure speed of ball. But it uses more than one camera and also requires specific angle position. This paper explores the method to measure speed using single camera. It uses Background Subtraction technique and can measure speed horizontally and vertically both according to fixed camera. The experimental results prove that this method is effective for speed calculation of moving objects. At the end its accuracy is tested and results are tabulated with self-designed experiments and results are within acceptable range.
Advertising or Price? The Efficacy of Quality Informational Cues in Online Sponsored Search Markets

The digitization of commerce has caused fundamental changes in consumer information search and use. With an increasing number of consumers using search engines as an integral component of their online purchase process, online sponsored search markets, such as those provided by Google and Yahoo! , have emerged as a dominant customer acquisition mechanism for sellers. Given the extent of information asymmetry in online markets, consumers rely on a number of informational cues or signals to infer the quality of sellers - advertising and price being the two most important among them. While the importance of advertising and price as signals of quality has been well established in traditional markets, online sponsored search markets have a number of unique characteristics that differentiate them from traditional settings and raise unanswered questions about the efficacy of different informational cues for consumers' search and transaction behaviors. Using a lab experiment, we examine how the knowledge of firms' relative advertising expenditures and prices affect consumers' search and purchase decisions. Contrary to earlier findings of the dominance of price signals in traditional markets, we find that firms' relative advertising expenditures serve as a stronger signal of quality in online sponsored search markets - a result attributable to the directional nature of these markets. We also find that the risk attitude of consumers has a significant impact on consumer beliefs and market outcomes. We discuss the implications of our findings for sellers and consumers using sponsored search markets, as well as for search intermediaries.
Infrared thermography in the diagnosis of Raynaud's phenomenon in vibration-induced white finger.

BACKGROUND Frequent use of vibrating tools over several years may lead to a neurovascular disturbance of finger circulation with the development of typical Raynaud's phenomenon, attacks being triggered by vibration and/or cold exposure. The condition is recognized as an occupational disease and known as vibration-induced white finger (VWF). Aim of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of infrared thermography (IRT) with a cold provocation test in the diagnosis of Raynaud's phenomenon in VWF. PATIENTS AND METHODS 24 patients with the diagnosis of VWF, previously established by other methods, were compared with 12 matched control subjects. We carried out IRT-measurements simultaneously on both hands before, directly after and 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 mins following a 3 min exposure of both hands to a waterbath of 12 degrees C. The results of temperature measurements of all fingers were analyzed and the time to complete rewarming of all fingers was recorded. RESULTS The basal thermograms did not differ between both groups, whereas the mean finger temperatures after cold exposure were significantly lower in VWF-patients compared to controls, with a considerable individual overlap between both groups. Therefore, determination of absolute finger temperature reveals not to be a useful diagnostic tool in individual cases, but might be helpful for pharmacological studies (group-analysis). In contrast to absolute finger temperatures, the parameter of rewarming time after cold exposure revealed to be diagnostic on an individual basis: a complete rewarming after 15 min indicates a normal vascular reactivity and an incomplete rewarming 30 min following the cold provocation points to an impaired vascular reactivity due to VWF. CONCLUSIONS IRT revealed to be a useful tool in the diagnosis of Raynaud's phenomenon in VWF, and provides a sufficient documentation suitable for further follow-up examination.