Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bacterial contamination of stethoscopes on the intensive care unit

We assessed how often bedside stethoscopes in our intensive care unit were cleaned and whether they became colonised with potentially pathogenic bacteria. On two separate days the 12 nurses attending the bedspaces were questioned about frequency of stethoscope cleaning on the unit and the bedside stethoscopes were swabbed before and after cleaning to identify colonising organisms. Twenty‐two health care providers entering the unit were asked the same questions and had their personal stethoscopes swabbed. All 32 non‐medical staff cleaned their stethoscopes at least every day; however only three out of the 12 medical staff cleaned this often. Out of 24 intensive care unit bedside stethoscopes tested, two diaphragms and five earpieces were colonised with pathogenic bacteria. MRSA cultured from one earpiece persisted after cleaning. Three out of the 22 personal stethoscope diaphragms and five earpieces were colonised with pathogens. After cleaning, two diaphragms and two earpieces were still colonised, demonstrating the importance of regular cleaning.
A single session of 1 mA anodal tDCS-supported motor training does not improve motor performance in patients with multiple sclerosis.

PURPOSE To assess the effects of atDCS on motor performance in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Previously, anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (atDCS) has been shown to improve motor performance in healthy subjects and neurodegenerative populations. However, the effect of atDCS on motor performance is not examined in MS. METHODS In the current study, a sham controlled double-blind crossover design was used to evaluate the effect of 20 minutes of 1 mA atDCS or sham tDCS (stDCS) on a unimanual motor sequence-training task, consisting of sequential finger presses on a computer keyboard with the most impaired hand. Patients received stimulation (atDCS or stDCS) during motor training. tDCS was applied over the primary motor cortex contralateral to the most impaired hand. Motor performance was assessed immediately before, during and 30 minutes after stimulation. RESULTS Although we need to be careful with the interpretation of the data due to lack of power, our results showed no significant effect of atDCS on motor performance. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that atDCS-supported motor training was not able to improve motor performance more than sham-supported motor training. Possibly, the effects of atDCS are mediated by specific MS-related characteristics. Furthermore, increasing atDCS intensity and offering multiple stimulation sessions might be necessary to optimize motor performance resulting from atDCS-supported motor training.
The small enterprise in the training market

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present empirical evidence outlining the ways in which small businesses orientate themselves towards the training market. The primary aim is to illuminate the factors influencing small firms' (non‐) participation in formal, externally‐provided training.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected via semi‐structured interviews with senior managers, observation and documentary analysis in 25 small firms in South Wales. Follow‐up interviews with employees were conducted in nine of these firms.Findings – The findings suggest that the small firm's behaviour in relation to the training market is embedded in a complex web of social relations and subjective orientations.Research limitations/implications – The research focuses upon one specific regional area. In addition, retail organisations were not represented in the sample.Practical implications – The findings have implications for policy and also for providers of training in terms of the way in which formal trai.
Transcriptional responses to polypeptide ligands: the JAK-STAT pathway.

Cytokines and growth factors regulate multiple aspects of cell growth through their interactions with specific receptors. These receptors initiate signals directed at both the cytoplasmic and the nuclear compartments. Many of the nuclear signals culminate in the induction of new genes. Characterization of the ability of IFN-alpha to rapidly induce new genes has led to the identification of a new signaling paradigm, the JAK-STAT (Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription) pathway. In the IFN-alpha pathway, two receptor associated tyrosine kinases from the JAK family, Jak1 and Tyk2, mediate the activation of two latent cytoplasmic transcription factors, Stat1 and Stat2. More recent studies have not only determined that this pathway is used extensively, but have led to the identification of additional components (e.g., Jak2, Jak3, Stat3, Stat4, Stat5, and Stat6). This review will examine how these components mediate the transduction of signal directly from receptor to nucleus.
Employee Branding Model Based on Individual and Organizational Values in the Iranian Banking Industry

In the competitive world of today, every company knows that their main asset is human resources, since employees have a crucial role in building strong a brand. But researches show that more managers do not pay attention to it. Employee branding is a new theory that helps the manager realize the role of employees in building a brand. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify employee branding theory in organization, specifically to explore the role of individual and organizational values in employee branding. In the present study, employee branding model was based on individual and organizational values used in banking industry. Research statistical population consisted of employees of Mellat Bank in Qom and Arak cities. Sampling method for Mellat Bank was cluster method. Data collection instrument was questionnaire. Partial Least Square (PLS) was used to analyze the data. The results of Partial Least Square confirmed model fitness in studied population. Likewise, the results from path analysis showed that organization and individual values had significant influences on employee branding.
Spaceborne Antenna RF Radiation Protection Methods

Applications of the method in optimizing arrangement of antennas in small satellite platforms are investigated. Satellite antenna layout EMC simulation modeling, analysis and design optimization has been described in the article. Taking a LEO satellite prototype, we have established a satellite simulation model simulation model and the respective antennas, and calculate the degree of coupling between the antennas, and finally optimize the design of poor antenna placement. The pre-layout of the antenna system is arranged according to the engineering requirements and the design principle for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of antennas. After modeling optimization, several more serious mutual interference significantly improved antenna isolation. Simulation results show that, after a spaceborne antenna optimized layout, the original mutual interference serious antenna isolation performance improves. Spaceborne Antenna compatibility analysis simulation model to accurately establish can help RF radiation protection solutions to meet the design expectations.
Visual Deprivation Modifies Both Presynaptic Glutamate Release and the Composition of Perisynaptic/Extrasynaptic NMDA Receptors in Adult Visual Cortex

Use-dependent modifications of synapses have been well described in the developing visual cortex, but the ability for experience to modify synapses in the adult visual cortex is poorly understood. We found that 10 d of late-onset visual deprivation modifies both presynaptic and postsynaptic elements at the layer 4→2/3 connection in the visual cortex of adult mice, and these changes differ from those observed in juveniles. Although visual deprivation in juvenile mice modifies the subunit composition and increases the current duration of synaptic NMDA receptors (NMDARs), no such effect is observed at synapses between layer 4 and layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons in adult mice. Surprisingly, visual deprivation in adult mice enhances the temporal summation of NMDAR-mediated currents induced by bursts of high-frequency stimulation. The enhanced temporal summation of NMDAR-mediated currents in deprived cortex could not be explained by a reduction in the rate of synaptic depression, because our data indicate that late-onset visual deprivation actually increases the rate of synaptic depression. Biochemical and electrophysiological evidence instead suggest that the enhanced temporal summation in adult mice could be accounted for by a change in the molecular composition of NMDARs at perisynaptic/extrasynaptic sites. Our data demonstrate that the experience-dependent modifications observed in the adult visual cortex are different from those observed during development. These differences may help to explain the unique consequences of sensory deprivation on plasticity in the developing versus mature cortex.
CAPM with Sentiment

We analyse the relationship between large cap returns and sentiment indexes, using a Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) framework. We try to provide a better explanation of asset prices and their deviations from standard theories by means of sentiment indicators, assuming the latter being measures of the very inclination to speculate. Therefore, when sentiment is high, investor demand for speculative investment is high; conversely when it is low, investor demand for speculative investments is low. Unlike other studies, based on proxies, we use the European Sentiment Indicator and its constituents, based on direct surveys, to assess business and consumer confidence.
Enabling extremely high dynamic range measurements using a simple correlator

In order to achieve high accuracy in measuring sidelobes and/or nulls in antenna patterns, it is necessary to use a test system with very high dynamic range. This is particularly important when the antenna has extremely high gain such as those used for certain satellite communications or radio astronomy applications or when transmit power is limited relative to range loss as is often the case in millimeter wave applications. For several years, commercially available antenna measurement receivers have offered a dynamic range as high as 135dB for such applications. This dynamic range has been made possible, in part, by a simple correlator in the receiver's DSP chain. In this paper, we model the various sources of error in a test signal due to imperfections and uncertainties of the test equipment and the physical environment and analyze these models as they propagate through the receive chain. The results of that analysis demonstrate the correlator's ability to reduce carrier frequency offset (CFO) and local oscillator (LO) phase noise to offer the fidelity of test signal necessary to achieve extremely high dynamic ranges of up to 135dB.
Dispersion of dielectric composites : quasi-dynamic characterizations and applications

Aalto University, P.O. Box 11000, FI-00076 Aalto www.aalto. fi Author Jiaran Qi Name of the doctoral dissertation Dispersion of dielectric composites: quasi-dynamic characterizations and applications Publisher School of Electrical Engineering Unit Department of Radio Science and Engineering Series Aalto University publication series DOCTORAL DISSERTATIONS 61/2011 Field of research Electromagnetics Manuscript submitted 7 April 2011 Manuscript revised 13 June 2011 Date of the defence 14 September 2011 Language English Monograph Article dissertation (summary + original articles) Abstract Characterization of the dispersion of macroscopic electromagnetic properties of composite materials is a challenging task, but it offers an efficient and effective path to interpret features or phenomena, and to design artificial structures with desired properties. In this thesis, the quasi-dynamic homogenization is performed to characterize the dispersive electric properties of a class of dielectric composites. Although their geometry configurations are very simple, many fundamental yet significant features as well as problems appear during the quasidynamic homogenization process, and are thus studied in detail. The quasi-dynamic region is defined to include the quasi-static one and the frequency range close to the quasi-static limit. This thesis focuses on various homogenization models and techniques. In addition, the homogenization results by the proposed techniques are applied to explore several significant homogenization-related problems, such as quantification of the quasi-static limit, evaluation of a homogenization model, as well as the temporal pulse dynamics in dielectric (composite) materials.Characterization of the dispersion of macroscopic electromagnetic properties of composite materials is a challenging task, but it offers an efficient and effective path to interpret features or phenomena, and to design artificial structures with desired properties. In this thesis, the quasi-dynamic homogenization is performed to characterize the dispersive electric properties of a class of dielectric composites. Although their geometry configurations are very simple, many fundamental yet significant features as well as problems appear during the quasidynamic homogenization process, and are thus studied in detail. The quasi-dynamic region is defined to include the quasi-static one and the frequency range close to the quasi-static limit. This thesis focuses on various homogenization models and techniques. In addition, the homogenization results by the proposed techniques are applied to explore several significant homogenization-related problems, such as quantification of the quasi-static limit, evaluation of a homogenization model, as well as the temporal pulse dynamics in dielectric (composite) materials.
Adaptation in a Mouse Colony Monoassociated with Escherichia coli K-12 for More than 1,000 Days

ABSTRACT Although mice associated with a single bacterial species have been used to provide a simple model for analysis of host-bacteria relationships, bacteria have been shown to display adaptability when grown in a variety of novel environments. In this study, changes associated with the host-bacterium relationship in mice monoassociated with Escherichia coli K-12 over a period of 1,031 days were evaluated. After 80 days, phenotypic diversification of E. coli was observed, with the colonizing bacteria having a broader distribution of growth rates in the laboratory than the parent E. coli. After 1,031 days, which included three generations of mice and an estimated 20,000 generations of E. coli, the initially homogeneous bacteria colonizing the mice had evolved to have widely different growth rates on agar, a potential decrease in tendency for spontaneous lysis in vivo, and an increased tendency for spontaneous lysis in vitro. Importantly, mice at the end of the experiment were colonized at an average density of bacteria that was more than 3-fold greater than mice colonized on day 80. Evaluation of selected isolates on day 1,031 revealed unique restriction endonuclease patterns and differences between isolates in expression of more than 10% of the proteins identified by two-dimensional electrophoresis, suggesting complex changes underlying the evolution of diversity during the experiment. These results suggest that monoassociated mice might be used as a tool for characterizing niches occupied by the intestinal flora and potentially as a method of targeting the evolution of bacteria for applications in biotechnology.
Altered renal lipid metabolism and renal lipid accumulation in human diabetic nephropathy

Animal models link ectopic lipid accumulation to renal dysfunction, but whether this process occurs in the human kidney is uncertain. To this end, we investigated whether altered renal TG and cholesterol metabolism results in lipid accumulation in human diabetic nephropathy (DN). Lipid staining and the expression of lipid metabolism genes were studied in kidney biopsies of patients with diagnosed DN (n = 34), and compared with normal kidneys (n = 12). We observed heavy lipid deposition and increased intracellular lipid droplets. Lipid deposition was associated with dysregulation of lipid metabolism genes. Fatty acid β-oxidation pathways including PPAR-α, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1, acyl-CoA oxidase, and L-FABP were downregulated. Downregulation of renal lipoprotein lipase, which hydrolyzes circulating TGs, was associated with increased expression of angiopoietin-like protein 4. Cholesterol uptake receptor expression, including LDL receptors, oxidized LDL receptors, and acetylated LDL receptors, was significantly increased, while there was downregulation of genes effecting cholesterol efflux, including ABCA1, ABCG1, and apoE. There was a highly significant correlation between glomerular filtration rate, inflammation, and lipid metabolism genes, supporting a possible role of abnormal lipid metabolism in the pathogenesis of DN. These data suggest that renal lipid metabolism may serve as a target for specific therapies aimed at slowing the progression of glomerulosclerosis.
Asset Price Inflation in the 1980s: A Flow of Funds Perspective

This paper examines how and why financial resources were channeled almost exclusively to specific asset markets in Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States in the late 1980s. A decline in demand for funds by traditional borrowers, and a shift by savers from banks toward indirect securities investments were critical factors in all three cases. Until intermediaries and investors learned to evaluate new opportunities, funds were recycled in certain asset markets. The pressures on Japanese asset markets were particularly intense because of the size of Japan`s domestic saving relative to traditional domestic investment opportunities.
A performance analysis of dense stereo correspondence algorithms and error reduction techniques

Dense stereo correspondence has been intensely studied and there exists a wide variety of proposed solutions in the literature. Different datasets have been constructed to test stereo algorithms, however, their ground truth formation and scene types vary. In this paper, state-of-the-art algorithms are compared using a number of datasets captured under varied conditions, with accuracy and density metrics forming the basis of a performance evaluation. Pre- and post-processing disparity map error reduction techniques are quantified.
A simple DC bus voltage balancing control algorithm utilized in Vienna rectifiers

Vienna rectifiers are widely utilized in various industry applications due to low cost, high reliability and better EMI performance. However, the DC bus voltage balancing is always an issue to be considered due to the 3-level structure. Several DC bus balancing control methods are proposed during last decade. But these methods either require a large amount of calculations or cause inaccuracy at voltage zero crossing points. To avoid the aforementioned drawbacks, a simple DC bus voltage balancing method is proposed. The proposed method can balance the DC bus voltage effectively and requires very few calculation. The proposed method is validated by simulation and experiment.
The data acquisition of the Micromegas detector for the CAST experiment

The Micromegas (/spl mu/M) detector is one of the three types of detectors (CCD, /spl mu/M and TPC) that are used for solar axion detection at the CAST experiment. The /spl mu/M detector is sensitive to X-rays, originating from a conversion of axion to photon in a strong magnetic field (9T), in the range of a few hundred eV to 10 keV. Good detection efficiency, energy resolution, spatial resolution and extremely low background are the characteristics of this type of detector. The Data Acquisition of the Micromegas detector is presented here. The Front End cards are using multiplexed analog integrated circuits. A set of VME modules performs the readout that is expandable to read up to 2 /spl times/ 19 /spl times/ 2048 (77824) channels. The system has the capability to apply online, per individual channel, a threshold and a subsequent pedestal subtraction. At the CAST experiment rates the dead time is negligible. A PCI-MXI2-VME interface is used to read out the data to a PC, to perform monitoring and to Display Events. The system is based on the National Instruments' LabView software and is running both in Windows 2000 and Linux operating systems. The data are automatically archived on storage media at the central CERN computing facilities and the PC clock is synchronized periodically with the GPS time using the CERN time servers. This allows the precise event time stamping for the possibility to correlate them to astrophysical phenomena. The precision of the clock update is of the order of 50 /spl mu/s. The same system has been used for Medical Imaging R&D programs and Dark Matter searches.
Academic Preparation, Gender, and Student Performance in Operations Management

This paper uses an ordered probit model on a sample of 427 students enrolled in operations management; a required course in the curriculum of many business colleges. Analysis on the estimated model and further study into the marginal impact of each explanatory variable displays the expected result that student grade point average and general choice of academic major are both good predictors of academic performance in operations management. Interestingly, when prior grade point average and academic major chosen are controlled, academic performance in prerequisite courses and gender were not found to be significant predictors of student performance in operations management. While lack of sensitivity to differences in gender represents a positive attribute for this course, the inability to link academic performance in prerequisite courses to the final grade in operations management raises some important questions on the business curriculum.
Credit Evaluation of Accepted Companies in Tehran Stock Exchange Using Topsis-Fuzzy Technique

The lack of having a proper tool for evaluating companies’ ability in paying debts is a reason which creates problem for managing credit risk. This study introduces Topsis technique for evaluating the risk of not paying debts and credit ranking of manufacturing companies in Tehran Stock Exchange. Results showed that using Topsis technique can remove extant shortcomings in ranking industry of Iran which has fallen behind its counterparts such as Malaysia, India, and Pakistan. One advantage of this technique for increasing information asymmetry of investors, creditors and efficiency level of capital market of Iran is an important part of economic sections. Performing Topsis technique assisted determining companies with the highest scores in paying debts in due time, identifying the rank of each company regarding calculated score and their ranking.