Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Accuracy and Precision of an Accelerometer-Based Smartphone App Designed to Monitor and Record Angular Movement over Time.

BACKGROUND Therapeutic exercise is a central component in the management of many common conditions. It is imperative, therefore, that clinicians monitor and correct patient performance to facilitate the use of proper form both in the clinic and during home exercise programs. Although clinicians are trained to prescribe exercise and analyze form, there are many subtleties that may be missed by relying on visual assessment. This study investigated the accuracy and precision of a novel, exercise-training smartphone application (app), running on an iPhone(®) (Apple, Cupertino, CA) 4 and using its LIS331DLH accelerometer to dynamically measure and record movement during exercise. MATERIALS AND METHODS The iPhone, running the app, was mounted to the movement arm of a Biodex™ isokinetic dynamometer System 4 (Biodex Corp., Shirley, NY). Angle and time measurements taken by the app were compared with the dynamometer (gold standard) while rotating at 30°/s, 60°/s, 90°/s, 120°/s, and 150°/s. Accuracy was assessed using limits of agreement and fast Fourier transform analyses. Precision was assessed using the coefficient of variation. RESULTS The mean difference between the app and the Biodex recordings was less than 1°/s for all test velocities. The coefficient of variation was less than 3% at velocities from 30°/s to 120°/s and less than 7% at 150°/s. CONCLUSIONS The app was highly accurate and precise. The validation of apps designed for motion tracking is a vital prerequisite to clinical implementation. The app described in this article is clinically identical to the Biodex dynamometer in its ability to accurately and precisely read angular movement over time.
Investigations of modified nonlinear electrical materials for end corona protection in large rotating machines

Materials with nonlinear dielectric behavior are applied in rotating electrical machines for a defined control of the electrical field strength in the insulation system of stator end windings. To achieve better control of the electrical parameters a new filler material has been developed. Due to platelet shapes and coating with oxide layers the electrical behavior indicates a minimized spreading. The electrical resistance could be adjusted by different doping conditions of the oxide layers. Nevertheless, operational and environmental influences are not sufficiently investigated for operational application. In this paper the combined electrical, thermal and chemical properties under direct voltage stresses are worked out.
Controlling a FES-EXOSKELETON rehabilitation system by means of brain-computer interface

This paper presents the analysis and the implementation of a robotic rehabilitation device which couples a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) and a robotic FES (Functional Electrical Stimulation)-exoskeleton system for upper limb rehabilitation of persons with neuromotor disabilities. This system combines two types of therapies used in neurorehabilitation: one using functional electrical stimulation and one using movements driven by an electrically powered exoskeleton. FES can coordinate the activation of certain muscle groups having as result movements which are similar to the normal ones. The main goal of this system is to allow people with disabilities to reach and maintain an optimal physical function. The FES-exoskeleton device is controlled by a BCI system. The control strategy of the entire system was implemented in MATLAB&Simulink environment. BCI technology involves monitoring the brain electrical activity and detecting special characteristics of EEG (electroencephalogram) using advanced signal processing algorithms. The BCI principle used for controlling the developed system is the Motor Imagery (MI). By imagining the left or right arm movement, the user can control the FES-exoskeleton system to perform forearm flexion and extension and hand opening.
The Communicative Power of Product Packaging: Creating Brand Identity via Lived and Mediated Experience

Building on existing frameworks (customer-based brand equity, consumer-brand relationships, product symbolism/self concept), this paper forwards packaging as a product-related attribute critical to the creation and communication of brand identity. Packaging is posited to influence brand and self-identity via a dual resource base (mediated and lived experience); a conceptual positioning variant from the traditional single symbolic resource base (mediated experience) provided by advertising. This conceptual distinction is examined and data from an exploratory qualitative study are provided to illustrate the powerful role of packaging in communicating brand meaning and strengthening the consumer-brand relationship, especially for low involvement consumer nondurable products.
Corporate Governance and Corporate Social Responsibility in Family Owned Firms: A Case Study of a Greek Shipping Company

Family firms are playing an important role in the world economy. In some countries, especially in Asia and continental Europe, the family firm is the main form of corporation.Although corporate governance is usually addressed to corporations with high dispersion, corporate governance and corporate social responsibility issues are also present in family firms. The purpose of this dissertation is to examine the special issues related to these notions in family firms and the drivers that lead family firms to adopt such policies. For this purpose I used a case study research on a Greek shipping company, owned and controlled by a family. My findings indicate that the drivers for corporate governance and CSR originate mainly in personal values and personal ethics. Personal experiences and respect for the people and the environment lead to good practices and engagement of the stakeholders to the prosperity of the firm. Further studies are required in order to draw generalizations from the findings of this research.
Progesterone and progesterone receptors in experimental breast cancer.

Summary The synthetic progestin, R5020, has been used to demonstrate a progesterone receptor (PGR) in 7,12-dimethylbenz(α)anthracene-induced rat mammary tumors which binds hormone with high affinity (Kd ∼ 1 nm) and migrates at 7S and 4S on sucrose density gradients. Rats bearing growing tumors were ovariectomized-adrenalectomized at proestrus, tumors were biopsied 24 hr later, and estrogen receptor and PGR were determined by a single, saturating-dose dextran-coated charcoal assay. PGR values averaged 247 ± 27 fmoles/mg cytosol protein. When rats received injections of progesterone plus estradiol, biopsied tumors resumed growth and PGR levels were maintained. PGR was also unchanged in tumors growing on estradiol alone. Tumors regressed after withdrawal of progesterone + estradiol or of estradiol alone, and PGR uniformly fell to basal levels ( In sum, castration with adrenalectomy induced rapid tumor regression and loss of PGR. Estradiol administration prevented tumor regression and PGR loss or restored PGR in regressed tumors. Progesterone alone failed to sustain tumor growth despite the initial presence of PGR.
A conceptual framework for assessing the role that corporate hospitality plays on customer loyalty and purchase intentions

This thesis examines the use of corporate hospitality (CH) at special events and draws upon relationship marketing theory to test the impact of the practice on brand equity, specifically customer loyalty and purchase intention. The research sought not only to explain the phenomena and the constituent parts of a CH experience but to also understand how it affects attitudes and behaviour within an organisational marketing communications context. To better understand the discipline it was important in the first instance to test a range of elements that contributed to a guest’s corporate hospitality experience. Knowing the constituent parts and how those elements may influence the experience was the first question asked of the study. At the core of this research though, was the examination of whether CH used as a marketing tool could improve elements of brand equity for the host organisations that employed it. Principally this could be answered by the second of the research questions that asked does CH have a positive effect on elements of brand equity. In conclusion, the research sought to investigate whether relationships existed between demographic elements of guests attending corporate hospitality at special events and their loyalty or purchase intentions towards a host organisation?
Perturbation alternating projections method for pattern synthesis of phased array antenna

Pattern synthesis algorithms for phased array antenna beam shaping are mostly optimization algorithms, and the convergence speed of the algorithms has much influence on their characteristic. Aiming at this problem, this paper proposes an improved perturbation alternating projection method, which is not much affected by optimization algorithm convergence degree constraints. By setting the shaped region of the threshold value, the desired current incentive coefficient and power pattern are iteratively calculated by use of alternating projection method. The coefficients are perturbed constraint in the iterative process, and is made to reach the convergence precision as soon as possible. The simulation results show that the algorithm converges faster and has high precision, which has good application value in practical engineering.
Consumer Experiences of Accommodation Deals Purchased via Social Coupon Promotions: An Australian Perspective

The growing popularity of social coupons presents new marketing opportunities for the travel industry, with accommodation properties promoting deals to entice new visitors through the promise of a highly discounted stay. While their popularity has been well determined, little is known about the experience of guests who have purchased via these deals. This article explores guests’ evaluations of Australian accommodation properties by travelers who purchased their accommodation through daily deals, otherwise known as “social coupons. ” A qualitative analysis of approximately 500 online reviews from travelers who had purchased an accommodation “daily deal” reveals 11 key themes in their poststay evaluations. Key issues integral to the success of social coupon promotions are delivering on the value adds promised, providing deal guests with an equitable level of service compared to nondeal guests, and ensuring that consumers are fully aware of the conditions associated with the deal.
EFFECT OF USING FACEBOOK TO ASSIST ENGLISH FOR BUSINESS COMMUNICATION COURSE INSTRUCTION

This paper aimed to explore the effect of incorporating blended learning with Facebook and peer assessment for English for Business Communication course for college students. A total of 111 students from a public technological university participated in this study. The participants were divided into three Facebook site groups. A mixed method consisting qualitative and quantitative approaches was employed to analyze the collected data, including the pre- and post-tests, qualitative data of peer assessment on Facebook sites, interview, a student self-efficacy scale, and a self-developed satisfaction survey questionnaire. The findings of this study indicate that incorporating Facebook in the English for Specific Purposes (ESP) course can effectively assist college students in learning business communication English. Students can improve their professional knowledge not only from the in-class instruction but also through peer assessing on Facebook. Additionally, the blended learning approach can significantly enhance the students’ learning motivation and interest. Finally, some useful instructional strategies are provided to educators and practitioners in the English education field.
The predictive value of diagnostic sonography for the effectiveness of conservative treatment of tennis elbow.

OBJECTIVE Tennis elbow is a common complaint. Several treatment strategies have been described, but an optimal strategy has not been identified. Sonographic imaging as a predictive factor has never been studied. The aim of our study was to determine the value of sonographic findings in predicting response to conservative therapy for tennis elbow. This was done in a randomized controlled trial in which the effectiveness of a brace only, physical therapy only, and a combination of both were compared. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Patients with tennis elbow complaints were randomized. Sonography was performed before randomization in 57 patients. Outcome measures at 6 weeks' follow-up were success rate and decrease in pain (scale, 0-100). Data were analyzed using an intention-to-treat analysis. RESULTS In only 75% of the imaged patients, sonographic abnormalities were identified and the clinical diagnosis could thus be confirmed. The following entities were identified: hypo- and hyperechogenicity, swelling, calcification, bursitis, enthesopathy, and tendinosis. The positive predictive value of sonography for the different entities varied between 0.78 and 0.82, and the negative predictive value ranged between 0.23 and 0.71. Predictive value was studied by subgroups of sonographic findings: hypoechoic, swelling present, enthesopathy, any entity present, and no entity present. We found no significant differences among the subgroups for either success rate (range, 40-54%) or mean decrease in pain (range, 16-28 percentage points). CONCLUSION No predictive value of sonography for the detection of abnormalities was identified in this study. Its diagnostic capability showed limited value. However, limitations in this study necessitate drawing definitive conclusions with care.
Outcome‐based service contracts in the defence industry – mitigating the challenges

Purpose – This case study aims to explore the risks and challenges associated with the implementation of outcome‐based contracts (OBCs) in maintenance, repair and overhaul services in the defence industry. It also aims to identify ways to address and reduce them.Design/methodology/approach – The case study approach was used to capture the dynamics of OBCs in B2B service delivery. The challenges and risks were explored using qualitative approaches such as in‐depth interviews, and findings were abstracted through grounded theory. The factors identified from the above findings were structured in a survey and validated using simple descriptive statistics.Findings – This study identified the challenges and risks of implementing OBCs, which include complexity and unpredictability of costs, dependability on customer in delivering the service and cultural change from traditional setting. Although the survey results revealed 11 factors that could mitigate these challenges and risks, the most important factors are .
Molecular detection of feline arthropod-borne pathogens in cats in Cuiabá, state of Mato Grosso, central-western region of Brazil.

Hemotrophic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas), Bartonella sp. , Hepatozoon sp. and Cytauxzoon felis are prominent pathogens that circulate between cats and invertebrate hosts. The present study aimed to detect the presence of DNA from hemoplasmas, Bartonella sp. , Hepatozoon sp. and Cytauxzoon felis, and then confirm it by means of sequencing, in blood samples from cats in Cuiabá, MT, Brazil. From February 2009 to February 2011, blood samples with added EDTA were collected from 163 cats that were being housed in four different animal shelters in the city of Cuiabá, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil and from 15 cats that were admitted to the veterinary hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT). Out of the 178 cats sampled, 15 (8.4%) were positive for hemoplasmas: four (2.2%) for Mycoplasma haemofelis, 12 (6.7%) for 'Candidatus M. haemominutum' and one (0.5%) for 'Candidatus M. turicensis'. One cat (0.5%), a patient that was attended at the veterinary hospital, was coinfected with M. haemofelis, 'Candidatus M. haemominutum' and 'Candidatus M. turicensis', based on sequencing confirmation. Four cats were positive for Bartonella spp. : three (1.7%) for B. henselae and one (0.5%) for B. clarridgeiae. None of the animals showed Cytauxzoon sp. or Hepatozoon sp. DNA in their blood samples. This study showed that cats housed in animal shelters in the city of Cuiabá, state of Mato Grosso, are exposed to hemoplasmas and Bartonella species.
Does CEO Duality Really Affect Corporate Performance

Does CEO duality - the practice of one person serving both as a firm's CEOand board chair - contribute to or inhibit firm performance? Agency theory suggests that CEO duality is bad for performance because it compromises the monitoring and control of the CEO.Using data of listed Romanian firms from the Bucharest Stock Exchange we analyze the relationship between CEO duality and performance (ROA or ROE). Empirical findings indicate that CEO duality is positively / negatively related with performance. In the last years many firms converted from dual CEO leadership structure to nondual structure, while a much smaller number of firms converted in the opposite direction. This recent trend is partly due to several high-profile cases where powerful dual CEOs were found to abuse their tremendous power, affecting expenses of the company and shareholders. However, empirical evidence is scant and inconclusive on whether non-dual, as versus dual, CEO leadership structure is associated with better firm performance. Theoretical studies provide no consensus as to whether firms with split titles (CEO and Chairman of the Board) outperform firms with combined titles. Fama and Jensen (1983) and Jensen (1976) suggest that CEO duality may hinder board's ability to monitor management and thereby increase the agency cost. As a result, splitting the titles of CEO and Chairman of the Board will improve firm performance. A first objective of the research is constituted by the determination of shareholding's structure and implicative of the companies managed by a CEO - Chairman or not, for companies listed in Bucharest Stock Exchange, overall and on activity sectors. The second objective of this study is to examine the relationship between CEO duality and the company's performance. Therefore linkages between performance of the listed companies and several key features will be tested, that are of interest in this study related to CEO duality, Chairman of the Board of Directors, ownership's structure, management - shareholder in the company, institutional investors - shareholders, company size and debt-to-equity ratio or the relationship between CEO duality - Chairman of Board of Directors and shareholder's structure.
Customer relationship investment and relationship strength: evidence from insurance industry in China

Purpose This study aims to elucidate how different relationship investment efforts by a service firm affect its customers’ perceived relationship investment; to determine how perceived relationship investment influences various dimensions of relationship strength; and to explore the moderating effects of customer innovativeness and complaint propensity on the relationship between the perceived relationship investment and relationship strength. Design/methodology/approach To minimize common method variance, data were collected from pairs of life insurance agents in China and their clients using self-report questionnaires. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling. Findings The results indicate that customers value financial effort most followed by social effort and structural effort. Perceived relationship investment influences the affective strength most strongly, followed by cognitive strength and conative strength. Customer innovativeness and complaint propensity both moderate the effectiveness of perceived relationship investment in influencing two of the three dimensions of relationship strength. Originality/value This study is among the first to specify how service employees can guide consumer perceptions of relationship investment by applying three types of relationship investment effort. The impact of perceived relationship investment on different dimensions of relationship strength was assessed to demonstrate how service providers can benefit from investing in building consumer relationships. The moderating impact of consumer innovativeness and of complaint propensity was quantified. The research findings have important implications for managing different relationship investment as well as recruiting and training service employees.
Steel supply chain management by simulation modelling

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to propose a simulation study of the “steel supply chain” to demonstrate the effect of inventory management and demand variety on the bullwhip effect mitigation.Design/methodology/approach – The relevant literature is reviewed, and then the simulation model proposed.Findings – This study identifies reasons for sharing information under varying levels of demand and some variants, and demonstrates the benefits of mitigating the bullwhip effect by applying a design of experiment. It is shown that the information sharing is able to mitigate the bullwhip effect in the steel supply chain by extending the order interval and minimising the order batch size.Research limitations/implications – This study explores the factors associated with the bullwhip effect. This research is focused on built‐to‐order simulation, so the results are only oriented on the basis of orders; hence a simultaneous order‐ and forecast‐based steel supply chain should be carried out in the future.Practical.
Resource Contributions from Entrepreneurial Firms in Strategic SME Networks

This research uses social exchange theory to explore direct and contingent relationships between a firm's degree of entrepreneurship and its resource contributions to the strategic network in which it operates. The empirical study is based on two strategic multi-partner SME networks in which all 54 firms participated. The results show a higher level of entrepreneurship to be associated with a higher degree of resource contributions to other firms in the strategic SME network, regardless of firm size. However, higher resource contributions to the strategic SME network entity were only supplied when the entrepreneurial firm was large. Suggestions for further research are developed in detail.
Modelling of a non-isotropic indoor MIMO channel

A promising way of achieving very high data rates is to use multiple antennas at both the transmitter and the receiver (MIMO). In this paper, we aim to develop a new indoor MIMO model that combines the accuracy of wave propagation analysis with the efficiency of a statistical description of the multipath. We propose here a two-ring indoor MIMO channel representation, based on single bounce scattering that provides a tractable channel characterization. This model takes into account most characteristics of the indoor scattering environment, and offers a transparent interpretation of the effects of indoor scattering and array characteristics on channel capacity and diversity.