Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
No . 18 / 2010 An Efficient Asymptotically Correct Error Estimator for Collocation Solutions to Singular Index-1 DAEs

A computationally efficient a posteriori error estimator is introduced and analyzed for collocation solutions to linear index-1 differential-algebraic equations with properly stated leading term exhibiting a singularity of the first kind. The procedure is based on a modified defect correction principle, extending an established technique from the context of ordinary differential equations to the differential-algebraic case. Using recent convergence results for collocation methods, we prove that the resulting error estimate is asymptotically correct. Numerical examples demonstrate the performance of this approach. To keep the presentation reasonably selfcontained, some arguments from the literature on differential-algebraic equations concerning the decoupling of the problem and its discretization, which is essential for our analysis, are also briefly reviewed. The appendix contains a remark about the interrelation between collocation and implicit Runge-Kutta methods for differential-algebraic equations.
Research on Dynamic Evaluation on the Independent Innovation Capacity of High-tech Industries in China

Through adding time dimension in the improved TOPSIS method based on connection degree,a new dynamic comprehensive evaluation model is constructed in this paper.Using this model,the independent innovation capacity of high-tech industries in China is evaluated dynamically.Through the comparative analysis of the evaluation results,the present situation of the independent innovation capacity of high-tech industries and the main indicators urgent to be improved is defined.As a result,the decision basis for promoting the independent innovation capacity of high-tech industry in China comprehensively is offered by this paper.
Efficient high radix modular multiplication for high-speed computing in re-configurable hardware [cryptographic applications]

RSA is one of the most widely used public key cryptosystems, where modular multiplications constitute the computing intensive kernel of modular exponentiations. An efficient fast modular multiplication algorithm is proposed to notably reduce the overall computation time of the modified Montgomery's algorithm. Simulation results show consistent improvements for a wide range of bit widths and radix k values with approximately 50% reduction in the computation time when compared to existing method. The proposed algorithm was ported to FPGA for bit widths ranging from 128 to 2048. Our results shows, for a bit width of 2048 with k=1 significant speed-up in the computation can be realized when the proposed technique is ported to FPGA.
MARKET REACTIONS TO ANNOUNCEMENTS OF CORPORATE DOWNSIZING ACTIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES

This study examines the effects of downsizing actions and implementation strategies on market performance. While downsizing actions reduce costs, they also produce a loss of valuable human capital that can exceed the benefits resulting from the lay-offs. In support of this argument, the results showed that downsizing had a negative effect on market returns and the effects grow increasingly negative with larger downsizing actions. However, the market reacts more positively to downsizing actions when reallocation strategies are used and to large downsizing actions when disengagement incentives are applied. The results of this research suggest the importance of carefully managing valuable resources to create positive returns. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a fuzzy rule-based system using Genetic Programming for Forecasting problems

This work presents a novel genetic fuzzy system for forecasting, called Genetic Programming Fuzzy Inference System for Forecasting problems (GPFIS-Forecast), which generates an interpretable fuzzy rule base by using Multi-Gene Genetic Programming to define the premises terms of fuzzy rules. The main differences between GPFIS-Forecast and other genetic fuzzy systems lie in its fuzzy inference process, because it: (i) enables premises to be include negation, t-conorm and linguistic hedge operators; (ii) applies methods to define a consequent term more compatible with a given premise; and (iii) makes use of aggregation operators to weigh fuzzy rules in accordance with their influence on the problem. GPFIS-Forecast has been tested in the NN3 Competition, in order to evaluate its performance in a benchmark problem. In this case, it has produced competitive results when compared to other forecasting approaches.
The human immunodeficiency virus type 1-specific protein vpu is required for efficient virus maturation and release

A deletion mutation affecting vpu was introduced into an infectious molecular clone of human immunodeficiency virus type 1, and the resultant phenotype was examined after infection of human T lymphocytes. The absence of vpu resulted in an accumulation of cell-associated viral proteins and impaired the release of progeny virions. Both electron microscopic and biochemical analyses indicated that a large proportion of the mutant particles was attached to the surface of infected cells. Significant variation in the size and shape of these progeny virions was observed. In addition, intracytoplasmic particles, some of which formed aberrant budding structures, were visualized in T cells infected with the vpu mutant. Indirect immunofluorescence analyses of cultures inoculated with wild-type virus with use of a vpu-specific antiserum demonstrated that vpu is mainly localized to a perinuclear region in the cytoplasm of virus-producing cells.
It Takes Two to Tango: Coupling of Angiogenesis and Osteogenesis for Bone Regeneration

Bone regeneration is a complex process requiring highly orchestrated interactions between different cells and signals to form new mineralized tissue. Blood vessels serve as a structural template, around which bone development takes place, and also bring together the key elements for bone homeostasis into the osteogenic microenvironment, including minerals, growth factors and osteogenic progenitor cells. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the master regulator of vascular growth and it is required for effective coupling of angiogenesis and osteogenesis during both skeletal development and postnatal bone repair. Here, we will review the current state of knowledge on the molecular cross-talk between angiogenesis and osteogenesis. In particular, we will focus on the role of VEGF in coupling these two processes and how VEGF dose can control the outcome, addressing in particular: (1) the direct influence of VEGF on osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal progenitors; (2) the angiocrine functions of endothelium to regulate osteoprogenitors; (3) the role of immune cells, e.g., myeloid cells and osteoclast precursors, recruited by VEGF to the osteogenic microenvironment. Finally, we will discuss emerging strategies, based on the current biological understanding, to ensure rapid vascularization and efficient bone formation in regenerative medicine.
Quality of Life and Urinary Disorders in Metabolic Syndrome

Introduction: Risk factors of urinary disorders in metabolic syndrome are known. Effect of their association is poorly documented. Objectives: Determine the types of metabolic syndrome as a largest provider of urinary disorders and impact of these on the quality of life. Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive, analytical multicenter study from january to May 2013. It was done in three centers: the departments of Physical Medicine and endocrinology of university hospital Ibn Rochd of Casablanca and the Lions Club’s "Insulin bank" of Cotonou, Benin. All patients with metabolic syndrome were included. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed for NCEP ATP III criteria. Variables such as demographic characteristics, metabolic syndrome, glycemia, triglyceridemia and HDL cholestrolemia were noted. Evaluation of Urinary disorder was conducted by Urinary Symptoms Profile scale (USP). Urinary Symptoms Profile scale has ten items. It accesses urinary incontinence, urge incontinence and dysuria. Evaluation of quality of life was conducted by SF Qualiveen Scale. SF Qualiveen evaluates bother with limitations, fears, feeling and frequency of limitations. Results: we included 68 patients. Women represented 82.2%. The mean of age was 54.43 years. Patients with diabetes represented 98.5%. The main types of metabolic syndrome were the following associations: diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity (19.1%); diabetes, high blood pressure and dyslipidemia (16.2%); diabetes, obesity and dyslipidemia (8.8%). Urinary disorders are reported in 51.5% of cases. The main urinary symptoms were overactive bladder (58.8%), urinary incontinence (32.4%) and dysuria (16.2%). Overactive bladder was found in 64.28% of women and in 50% of men. Forty seven point thirty six percent (47.36%) of patients with diabetic neuropathy have manifested dysuria. The average score of USP was 8+/- 8.8. The average score of Qualiveen was 1.25. Metabolic syndrome is significantly associated to urinary disorders, especially the types diabetes-obesity-dyslipidemia (p=0.004) and diabetes-obesity- high blood pressure (HBP) p=0.001). Discussion: Urinary disorders in metabolic syndrome are dominated for overactive bladder. Overactive bladder is more frequent in women and patients aged less than 40 years. Risk factors of urinary disorder are diabetes and obesity. In metabolic syndrome, quality of life is impaired in patients with urinary disorders. Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome, especially the associations diabetes-obesity and diabetes- high body circumference (HBC) to others items, increased risk of urinary disorders. Urinary symptoms in metabolic syndrome are dominated by overactive bladder. Overactive bladder is more frequent in women and patients aged less than 40 years. Dysuria is unusual in metabolic syndrome and it’s not always correlated to diabetic neuropathy. Quality of life is impaired in patients with urinary disorder.
Endotoxic shock model with fluid resuscitation in Macaca mulatta

Use of primates The sensitivity to endotoxin varies widely between species and even strains. Yin et al. give inadequate justification for the use of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) for this model. While the fact that M. mulatta are genetically defined is stated, the definition of the animals used in this study is not given. In terms of external validity and reproducibility of results, two central tenets of biomedical research, this is no more helpful than stating that the study was performed on rats without mentioning strain details. Furthermore although it is true that M. mulatta are ‘yphysically suitable in procedures with Swan-Ganz cathetersy’ this is not exclusively the case, and therefore is a poor justification for the use of animals with such recognizably high neurophysiological sensitivity. Some aspects of this work in relation to the choice of potential fluid therapies may have been achievable from clinical trials.
Chemical Modifications of Antisense Morpholino Oligomers Enhance Their Efficacy against Ebola Virus Infection

ABSTRACT Phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs) are uncharged nucleic acid-like molecules designed to inactivate the expression of specific genes via the antisense-based steric hindrance of mRNA translation. PMOs have been successful at knocking out viral gene expression and replication in the case of acute viral infections in animal models and have been well tolerated in human clinical trials. We propose that antisense PMOs represent a promising class of therapeutic agents that may be useful for combating filoviral infections. We have previously shown that mice treated with a PMO whose sequence is complementary to a region spanning the start codon of VP24 mRNA were protected against lethal Ebola virus challenge. In the present study, we report on the abilities of two additional VP24-specific PMOs to reduce the cell-free translation of a VP24 reporter, to inhibit the in vitro replication of Ebola virus, and to protect mice against lethal challenge when the PMOs are delivered prior to infection. Additionally, structure-activity relationship evaluations were conducted to assess the enhancement of antiviral efficacy associated with PMO chemical modifications that included conjugation with peptides of various lengths and compositions, positioning of conjugated peptides to either the 5′ or the 3′ terminus, and the conferring of charge modifications by the addition of piperazine moieties. Conjugation with arginine-rich peptides greatly enhanced the antiviral efficacy of VP24-specific PMOs in infected cells and mice during lethal Ebola virus challenge.
The role of branded retail in manufacturers' international strategy

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to clarify the different roles and implications of a manufacturer's branded retail operations on its international strategy. The roles are analyzed through two dimensions, brand strength and the role of branded retail as a sales channel.Design/methodology/approach – A multiple case study approach is used to look at the international development of branded retail in four companies, LEGO, Nokia, Iittala and H & M.Findings – This study finds that there are at least two approaches to implementing branded retail strategy internationally that can be and often are overlapping. Emphasis on branding appears to be important in both approaches. However, the role of the branded retail as a direct sales channel differs between the case companies. The paper discusses and demonstrates the importance and role of branded retail for companies not generally seen as retailers, from both sales and brand management perspectives.Originality/value – The paper contributes by narrowing the ev.
Thermoelectric energy harvesting with 1mV low input voltage and 390nA quiescent current for 99.6% maximum power point tracking

In this paper, the proposed voltage trend detection (VTD) circuit effectively achieves high tracking efficiency in mixed-signal maximum power point tracking (MPPT) for the thermoelectric energy harvesting. The input power ranges from 42nW to 1.67mW and the input voltage can be lower to 1mV with a low quiescent current of 390nA when circuit is designed to operate in weak-inversion region. Consequently, the exponential relationship of the characteristic in the weak-inversion region can ensure that the tracking efficiency is higher than 99.6% and the tracking response time is less than 34ms.
Evaluation of Electricity Customers' Credit Risk based on Entropy Method and MADM

The degree of power customers' credit can affect power supply enterprises' normal operation directly,it is also a premise to ensure the healthy development of China's power industry.Therefore,it has important theoretical and practical significance to evaluate power customer's credit by using a scientific method.The evaluation of electricity customers' credit risk is a typical multi-attribute decision-making problem,it is difficult for decision-makers to give a determinate value for each evaluation index,but they can give a approximate range by their experience.In view of this,this paper uses interval numbers to describe electricity customers' attribute values,then change the interval numbers into point mumbers based on 3σ principle.It uses entropy method to determine the weights of evaluation indexs,arrays the order and chooses the excellent finally.The study results show that this method is a scientific and practical one for electricity customers' credit risk evaluation,it provides an important reference for power supply enterprises to avoid the risk of customer credit.
Dutch MNE Foreign Expansion into Developed and Developing Economies

We investigate the differences in entry mode strategy for MNEs from a highly developed country (The Netherlands) when expanding abroad into locations in developed and developing economies. Our analysis is based on 544 foreign expansion decisions by MNEs listed on the Amsterdam Exchange Index (AEX) over the five-year period 2004-2008 inclusive. We find that when expanding into other developed countries, cultural distance plays a key role in MNE location strategy; institutional quality of the location is not relevant. When expanding into less developed economies, however, cultural distance becomes irrelevant and the effects of institutional quality become stronger.
Need for TolC, an Escherichia coli outer membrane protein, in the secretion of heat-stable enterotoxin I across the outer membrane.

Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin Ip (STIp) is a typical extracellular toxin consisting of 18 amino acid residues synthesized as a precursor of pre (amino acid residues 1 to 19), pro (amino acid residues 20 to 54), and mature (amino acid residues 55 to 72) regions. STIp synthesized in the cytoplasm must cross the inner and outer membranes to migrate into the extracellular environment. Previous studies showed that the precursor translocates across the inner membrane utilizing the general export pathway consisting of Sec proteins. However, it remains unclear how it crosses the outer membrane. In this study, we examined the effects of mutation of the tolC gene which encodes an E. coli outer membrane protein, TolC, on the release of STIp into the extracellular environment. The mutation reduced the amount of STIp released into culture supernatant and increased the amount of STIp accumulated in the periplasm. This indicates that TolC mediates the translocation of STIp across the outer membrane. The inability to transfer STIp in the periplasm into the culture supernatant was restored by introduction of the tolC gene into the mutant cells. In the mouse intestinal loop assay, living cells of the mutants did not show a positive response, but wild-type cells did. These results showed that TolC is involved in the translocation of STIp across the outer membrane.
Job shop scheduling using Estimation of Distribution Algorithms

This paper presents an application of Estimation of Distributed Algorithms to the job shop scheduling with the objective to minimize tardiness of jobs. The priority values for job selection are coded as genes and estimated by EDAs. Three kinds of methods for estimating the priorities are tested. In addition, the optimization method using the mixture of EDA and an effective priority rule for job selection is examined. Numerical experiments show that the performance of EDAs is comparable to that of a genetic algorithm using a random key coding.
A review of non local continuum damage: Modelling of failure?

Failure of quasi-brittle materials such as concrete needs a proper description of strain softening due to progressive micro-cracking and the introduction of an internal length in the constitutive model in order to achieve non zero energy dissipation. This paper reviews the main results obtained with the non local damage model, which has been among the precursors of such models. In most cases up to now, the internal length has been considered as a constant. There is today a consensus that it should not be the case as models possess severe shortcomings such as incorrect averaging near the boundaries of the solid considered and non local transmission across non convex boundaries. An interaction-based model in which the weight function is constructed from the analysis of interaction has been proposed. It avoids empirical descriptions of the evolution of the internal length. This model is also recalled and further documented. Additional results dealing with spalling failure are discussed. Finally, it is pointed out that this model provides an asymptotic description of complete failure, which is consistent with fracture mechanics.
Advancing Leadership Pipeline Through the Development of High-Potential Employees

Abstract Per latest research of Corporate Executive Board - Corporate Leadership Council organization (CLC) in HiPo Program Operations and Outcomes Survey, highpotential employees are defined as twice as valuable to an organization and three times more likely to succeed as future leaders. However, the number of high potentials has declined 48% over last 5-10 years. Talent management (TM) represents organization’s effort to attract, develop and retain skilled and valuable employees. Its goal is to make sure that organization has all capabilities and commitment needed for current and future organization success. An organization’s talent pool, specifically management talent, is often referred to as leadership pipeline. Leadership pipeline is managed with a help of various systems, processes and organization structure. The pipeline changes as the organization needs change and is influenced by many inside and outside influencers. The goal overall is to make sure that organization can identify who “is ready now” and who is “on track” for larger leaderships roles. Managing this identification and making sure talent pool is aligned with organization needs is in today’s economy the greatest challenge for talent management. Employees within the leadership pipe - mangers and leaders need to be managed with strategy that measures employees’ performance and ability along with aspiration and engagement. TM needs to ensure that the criteria used to identify pipeline members are consistently applied across the workforce and clearly communicated with them about their status and associated responsibilities, as they are the pool of future organizational leaders. Talent management strategy for high potentials often fails as organizations select the wrong criteria to identify leadership pipeline members. Confusing performance with potential, lack of due diligence, vague criteria and questionable accuracy are among many challenges that are present while building organization talent pool.
THE EFFECTS OF CONTEXT ON THE VISUAL DURATION THRESHOLD FOR WORDS.

Visual duration thresholds for words were measured under three conditions: (i) with a highly predictive context; (ii) with a lesser predictive context; (iii) a control condition with no context. The results show that the visual duration threshold for a word is reduced in the presence of a context by an amount depending on the probability of the word given the context. This result agrees with previous related findings. The errors made by the subjects could be classified into three main groups. The first of these groups showed the effect of expectancy, or response bias. Further errors showed the influence of previous stimuli or responses and the third group indicated the role of the stimulus in determining the response. A model for the recognition of words is outlined which accounts for these results and attempts to define what is meant by ‘the effects of response bias in the perception of words’.