Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trust Establishment and Management in Adhoc Networks

In this work, trust paradigms in vehicular ad hoc networks have been studied and a trust framework has been proposed. In the proposed framework, three new trust models, namely event trust, effective node trust and recommendation trust have been provided. Nodes in vehicular network exchange important information about the events occurring in the network. This information is prone to malicious tampering. Malicious nodes can report false events in order to misguide the receiving node and persuade it to take a wrong action, the results of which may be fatal. Hence it is extremely important to identify true events, accurately. Therefore a weighted voting based event trust model is desirable. True nature of a node, i.e. whether it is honest or malicious, can be determined by observing the number of true events reported by this node. Malicious nodes may hide their true nature by sending fewer false messages followed by a large number of correct messages. Thus a reliable scheme to identify such malicious nodes is necessary. That is why in this work a Logistic Trust model is proposed. This trust model can identify malicious nodes accurately, by using the direct experience of the receiver with the sender, as well as recommendations from the neighbors of this sender. In a hostile environment, malicious nodes may collude with each other in order to defeat the trust mechanism by sending incorrect recommendations. For this reason, estimating trustworthiness of the recommenders is equally important. The proposed recommendation trust model identifies malicious recommenders by estimating the similarity of recommendations between nodes that are geographically closer to each other, as well as consistency of recommendations from a given node with respect to time. The three proposed trust models are combined in the framework and the performance of each model is studied separately. The proposed framework can accommodate new trust models with minimal changes. Although the framework has been developed for vehicular network, it is generic enough
‘Does the use of foreign currency derivative affect firm value? – Evidence from firms across the world’

This paper examined the impact of foreign currency derivatives on firm value using several findings from firms across the world with significant exchange rate exposure. The results show that foreign currency derivatives usage affect firm value positively. The study also revealed that foreign currency derivatives can be used for managers’ self-interest, for hedging or for speculative purposes. Furthermore, the study found strong evidence that the use of foreign currency derivatives for firms that have strong internal firm-level or external country-level corporate governance is associated with a significant value premium. The paper therefore emphasizes that investors can appeal to a firm’s internal (firm-level) and external (country-level) corporate governance to draw inferences on a firm’s motive behind the use of derivatives, since well-governed firms are more likely to use derivatives to hedge rather than to speculate or pursue managers’ self-interest.
Series DC Arc Fault Detection Algorithm for DC Microgrids Using Relative Magnitude Comparison

This paper describes a detection algorithm for series dc arc faults to improve safety issues in dc microgrids. Series arc faults typically occur when gaps form in a current-flowing wire or contactor. Arc faults can create serious fire hazards if not detected and removed in a short time. To identify series arc faults accurately and quickly in dc microgrids, a series dc arc fault detection algorithm using relative magnitude comparison is proposed. The proposed algorithm detects the time of occurrence of an arc fault based on the magnitudes of the load current in both the time and frequency domains simultaneously. The algorithm accurately works in a dc microgrid with multiple switching converters, as it relies only on relative current information. The proposed detection algorithm is experimentally verified on a 5-kW 380 V dc microgrid prototype with an arc fault generation unit.
Enhancing RCIES Model: A Case Study in the Sudanese Electricity Transmission Company

Risk identification and prioritization is very essential activity in any successful strategic risk management process. Developing a plan for dealing with such problems reduces the impact of unexpected risks and failures while prioritizing risks draws attention, efforts and resources to the risks with great impact on projects success. The aim of this paper, is to identify the critical risk factors in an ERP project through a case study of a successful implementation of an ERP system in a Sudanese organization and to understand how the organization implemented the appropriate controls to minimize its business risks impact. To achieve this objective, a number of key articles were reviewed and analyzed to understand the different critical risk factors influence ERP implementation. New risk factors and controls influence ERP implementation have been identified. A new model of ERP implementation critical risk factors was developed. Furthermore, the risk factors were classified into categories, probability, impact and proximity, then using a prioritizing tool, the results of this study contributes to risks identification and prioritization by pointing to the less priority and the most critical risk factors.
Evidence that periodontal treatment improves diabetes outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

CONTEXT The effect of periodontal therapy on diabetes outcomes has not been established. OBJECTIVE This update examines the effect of periodontal treatment on diabetes outcomes. DATA SOURCES Literature since October 2009 using MEDLINE. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Published RCTs including periodontal therapy for diabetic subjects, a metabolic outcome, an untreated control group, and follow-up of 3 months. DATA EXTRACTION Pre-defined data fields, including study quality indicators were used. DATA SYNTHESIS A search revealed 56 publications of which 9 met inclusion criteria. Mean change of HbA1c from baseline was compared across treatment groups. Pooled analysis was based on random effects models. RESULTS A meta-analysis indicated a mean treatment effect of -0.36% HbA1c (CI -0.54, -0.19) compared to no treatment after periodontal therapy (p < 0.0001). Heterogeneity tests revealed only minimal evidence of publication bias (I(2 ) = 9%). LIMITATIONS Small sample size and high risk of bias remain problematic for studies of this type. Periodontal therapy varied considerably. CONCLUSION The modest reduction in HbA1c observed as a result of periodontal therapy in subjects with type 2 diabetes is consistent with previous systematic reviews. Despite this finding, there is limited confidence in the conclusion due to a lack of multi-centre trials of sufficient sample size are lacking.
A millimeter-wave capable SiGe BiCMOS process with 270GHz FMAX HBTs designed for high volume manufacturing

A new SiGe BiCMOS process, SBC18H3 is described which features SiGe HBTs with 240GHz FT and 270 GHz FMAX. The HBT devices are described in detail along with several other mm-wave components included in the process. The process is based on a high-volume manufacturing-proven 0.18um SiGe BiCMOS base platform which has been running at TowerJazz for almost a decade and has been used to produce over 100,000 8″ wafers. Additional mm-wave enablement devices offered in the process include MOS varactors, P-I-N diodes and sub-10fF MIM capacitors. Additional key metrics for the SiGe HBT device include an NFMIN of 2dB at 40GHz, a BVCEO of 1.6V and a DC current gain of 1200.
Board Independence and Corporate Performance:the Moderating Effect of CEO Power

s:Drawing on the perspective of the power circulation,this paper using a sample of Chinese private listed companies in 2005—2006 and empirically studies the moderating effect of CEO power on the relationship between board independence and corporate performance,The results show that(1) CEO duality positively moderates the board independence-corporate performance relationship,which is under duality,there is a positive relationship between board independence and corporate performance;(2) CEO ownership negatively moderates the board independence-corporate performance relationship,which is the less CEO ownership,the more negative the relationship between board independence and corporate performance.
Understanding the Impact of Information Quality on Customer Relationship Management

v TABLE OF CONTENTS vii LIST OF TABLES x LIST OF FIGURES xii CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW 7 2.1 Theoretical foundation 7 2.2 Construct Definitions 10 2.3 Information Quality 12 2.4 Customer Relationship Management 25 2.4. 1 Relationship Investment 26 2.4. 2 Relationship Quality 26 2.5 Hypothesis Development 28 CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY 31 3.1 Design 31
Effect of Interleukin-11 with and without Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor on In Vivo Neonatal Rat Hematopoiesis: Induction of Neonatal Thrombocytosis by Interleukin-11 and Synergistic Enhancement of Neutrophilia by Interleukin-11 + Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor

ABSTRACT: IL-11, a new hematopoietic cytokine isolated from primate stromal cells (PU-34), has been shown to act synergistically with IL-3 to induce proliferation of early hematopoietic stem cells and induce in vitro CFU-MEG proliferation. We hypothesize that recombinant human (rh)IL-11 alone or in combination with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) might modulate newborn in vivo granulopoiesis and thrombopoiesis. Newborn Sprague-Dawley rats were given 14 d of intraperitoneal rhIL-11 (0–250 μg/kg × 14 d), rhIL-11 (250 μg/kg) + rhG-CSF (5 μg/kg simultaneously × 14 d), rhIL-11 ± 7 d followed by G-CSF × 7 d, G-CSF × 14 d, PBS/human serum albumin × 7 d followed by G-CSF × 7 d, or PBS/human serum albumin × 14 d. rhIL-11 alone had no effect on the circulating hematocrit or absolute neutrophil count. There was, however, a significant increase in the circulating platelet count after rhIL-11 (100 and 250 μg/kg) versus PBS/ human serum albumin (d 13:1241 ± 54, 1262 ± 58 versus 939 ± 38 k/mm3; p = 0.01). Sequential and simultaneous IL-11 + G-CSF caused a significant increase in the marrow neutrophil reserve and the circulating absolute neutrophil count above that observed when G-CSF alone was administered. IL-11 ± G-CSF, however, failed to reduce the 96-h mortality rate during experimental group B streptococcal sepsis. These data suggest that IL-11 alone results in a significant elevation in the blood platelet concentration and, in combination with G-CSF, induces an increase in in vivo neonatal rat myelopoiesis. This novel cytokine may have the potential to decrease the morbidity associated with cytopenias in the newborn.
A Role for P-Glycoprotein in Environmental Toxicology

P-Glycoprotein (P-gp) is a transmembrane protein, playing significant roles in the process of drug discovery and development and in pest resistance to pesticides. P-gp affects absorption, disposition, and elimination of different compounds and is mainly expressed in intestines, liver, kidneys, heart, colon, and placenta. The expression of P-gp in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has been associated with the restricted access of many compounds to the central nervous system. Generated knockout mice by disruption of mdr 1a gene, encoding for P-gp, showed that this protein was expressed in the BBB. The absence or the low levels of P-gp elevated drug concentrations in tissues and decreased drug elimination. P-gp is responsible for resistance of cells to agents, particularly the anticancer drugs, by removing these drugs from cells. Increased expression of P-gp is implicated in decreased HIV drug availability at certain intracellular sites. The role of P-gp in affecting efficacy and toxicity of environmental toxicants such as pesticides and heavy metals has not been adequately investigated. Studies showed that P-gp contributes to resistance to pesticides in certain pest species, and to decrease toxicity by removing compounds from cells in mammals. Placental drug-transporting P-gp plays a significant role in limiting the transport of toxicants such as potential teratogens to the fetus. Several in vitro or in vivo assays, including using P-gp knockout or naturally deficient mice, were described for testing P-gp modulators. The role of P-gp following concurrent exposure to more multiple compounds needs further research. P-gp modulators should be carefully used, since some modulators that reverse P-gp efflux action in vitro may lead to alterations of tissue function and increase toxicity of xenobiotics in normal tissues. Recent reports from the pharmaceutical studies on the significance of P-gp as transporters in altering the efficacy and toxicity clearly highlight the need for further research in interaction with environmental toxicants.
Volumetric Assessment of Optic Nerve Sheath and Hypophysis in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a headache syndrome characterized by increased CSF pressure. Compression of the hypophysis and distension of the optic nerve sheath are reliable imaging signs. The purpose of the study was to validate, in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension, MR imaging–based volumetric measurements of the optic nerve sheath and hypophysis as an objective observation method for more accurate diagnosis and posttreatment follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension as well as age-, sex-, and body mass index–matched controls underwent volumetric measurements of the optic nerve, optic nerve sheath, and hypophysis on high-resolution T2-weighted MR images by using a 7-cm surface coil, followed by correlation with CSF opening pressures and clinical symptom scores of visual disturbances and headache. RESULTS: Mean values of optic nerve sheath (341.86 ± 163.69 mm3 versus 127.56 ± 53.17 mm3, P < .001) and hypophysis volumes (554.59 ± 142.82 mm3 versus 686.60 ± 137.84 mm3, P < .05) differed significantly between healthy and diseased subjects. No significant differences between mean optic nerve volumes were observed. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed optic nerve sheath volumes of >201.30 mm3 (sensitivity, 86.96%; specificity, 91.30%) and hypophysis volumes of <611.21 mm3 (sensitivity, 78.26%; specificity, 69.57%) to be indicative of idiopathic intracranial hypertension diagnosis. In patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension, no correlations were found between optic nerve sheath and hypophysis volumes and CSF opening pressures or clinical scores of visual disturbances and headache. CONCLUSIONS: Semiautomated volumetric measurement of optic nerve sheath and hypophysis has the potential to more accurately diagnose and follow patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
The Effectiveness of Governmental Regulatory Control at Firms Level: A Contingency Perspective of Performance Measurement System

This paper explores the consequences of indirect government influences on the decision making of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). This indirect influence occurs through the mechanisms of governmental regulatory control of firms, including performance measures, directors, executives, and incentives, to maintain, increase, and maximize the value of state-owned assets. It has been proposed that firm value can be created by pursuing a customer-focused strategy and using non-financial performance measures. Grounded in contingency theory and using a survey sample of 247 senior managers in the Chinese manufacturing industry at the firm level, this paper examines the association of governmental regulatory control of firms with a customer satisfaction driven strategy, the use of performance measurement system (PMS), and performance in order. The empirical evidence suggests that governmental regulatory control of firms explains the difference in outcome, where SOEs and non-SOEs use PMS to manage the strategic uncertainties of a strategy driven by customer satisfaction.
Noninvasive measurement of shortening in the fiber and cross-fiber directions in the normal human left ventricle and in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND Studies in anesthetized dogs have shown that myocardial fibers shorten approximately 8%. However, in the endocardium, shortening occurs to a much greater extent at 90 degrees to the fiber orientation ("cross-fiber shortening") than it does along the fiber direction. The purpose of this study was to estimate the extent of fiber and cross-fiber shortening in the normal human left ventricle and in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC). METHODS AND RESULTS Ten normal subjects and nine patients with IDC were imaged with magnetic resonance tissue tagging. Finite strain analysis was used to calculate endocardial and epicardial shortening in the fiber and cross-fiber directions using anatomic fiber angles from representative autopsy specimens as references. Anatomic fiber angles were not different between normal subjects and IDC patients. Epicardial fiber strain was -0.14+/-0.01 in normal subjects and -0.08+/-0.01 in IDC patients (P<.0001 versus normal subjects). Epicardial cross-fiber strain was -0.08+/-0.01 in normal subjects and -0.06+/-0.01 in IDC patients (P=NS). Endocardial fiber strain was -0.16+/-0.01 in normal subjects and -0.09+/-0.01 in IDC patients (P<.0001), and endocardial cross-fiber strain was -0.26+/-0.01 in normal subjects and -0.15+/-0.01 in IDC patients (P<.0001). Cross-fiber shortening was greater than fiber shortening at the endocardium in both normal subjects (P<.0001) and IDC patients (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS In normal humans, the direction of maximal deformation aligns with the fiber direction in the epicardium but is perpendicular to the fiber direction in the endocardium. When strain in a coordinate system aligned to the fibers is estimated, cross-fiber shortening is found to be the dominant shortening strain at the endocardium. Normal fiber shortening is 15%, and this is markedly reduced in IDC. The normal transition in fiber orientation through the wall is not altered in IDC, and cross-fiber shortening is still the dominant strain at the endocardium, suggesting that interactions between myocardial layers persist in these patients.
Genotypes and viral load of hepatitis C virus among persons attending a voluntary counseling and testing center in Ethiopia

The prevalence of different genotypes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Ethiopia is not known. HCV genotypes influence the response to therapy with alpha‐interferon alone or in combination with ribavirin. A cross sectional study was conducted on attendees of voluntary counseling and testing center. Serum samples from 1,954 (734 HIV positive and 1,220 HIV negative) individuals were screened for HCV antibody. Active HCV infection was confirmed by quantitative PCR in 18 of the 71 samples with anti‐HCV antibodies. The HCV viral load ranged from 39,650 to 9,878,341 IU/ml (median 1,589,631 IU/ml) with no significant difference [χ2(17) = 18.00, P = 0.389] between persons positive or negative for HIV. The viral load of HCV was, however, higher in older study subjects (r = 0.80, P = 0.000). HCV genotypes were determined using the VERSANT HCV Genotype Assay (LiPA) and sequence analysis of the NS5b region of the HCV genome. Diverse HCV genotypes were found including genotypes 1, 2, 4, and 5. There was no difference in the distribution regarding the HIV status. As in other parts of the world, genotyping of HCV must be considered whenever HCV is incriminated as a cause of hepatitis. J. Med. Virol. 83:776–782, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Towards Headship: Developing Leadership and Management Skills in an Italian University Master Course

This article reports on an exploratory qualitative study undertaken with the students of the tenth edition of the «Leadership and Management in Education Master Course» (LMEMC) held in Italy by the Department of Education of the University Roma Tre and attended by educational professionals from Greece and Italy, in prevalence aspiring to career improvement and new leadership roles. The study is part of an in-depth self-evaluation process aimed at updating the course activities and exploring professional adult learning. Our data consists of 65 written interviews, undertaken with student-teachers and focusing on their motivations and their positive and negative expectations towards leadership roles. After referring to the international debate on leadership preparation and development, we situate the LMEMC looking at: (a) the context of Italian HE postgraduate studies; (b) the context of educational leadership preparation and development in Italy and in Greece; (c) the course design and delivery strategies. We then describe the methodologies and research tools employed and draw from our results some hints for possible new developments in the LMEMC and in leadership preparation activities. Our data also allows us to reflect on the benefits of sustainable self-evaluation processes of adult learning activities.
Stakeholders and Community Development: Engaging Multinational Corporations in Poverty Alleviation in Mekong Countries

This paper explores poverty alleviation actions from multinational corporations (MNCs) in Laos and Thailand, in the form of corporate social responsibility (CSR). The key focus is given to the nature and types of CSR activities. The researchers collected primary data from three MNCs in Laos and Thailand and secondary data from corporate resources. The results identify three emerging themes: (1) economic contribution and community participation, (2) community interactive relation strategy, and (3) capacity building in human rights. Data also supports that there are both similarities and differences in approaches by MNCs, roles they play, and challenges from the host countries in conducting poverty alleviation activities.
Shielding of ELF Magnetic-Dipole Fields by Ferromagnetic Cylindrical Shells

The shielding effectiveness of ferromagnetic cylindrical shells against static and extremely low-frequency ( ELF) magneticdipole fields has been measured and calculated under various conditions. The theory is specifically developed for initially non-uniform electromagnetic fields (no restriction on the dipole-shield separation distance). In addition, the theory takes into account the finite length of the shield where necessary. Satisfactory agreement between theory and experiment is obtained over the range of parameters tested. The results presented here agree in the uniform-electromagnetic-field limit with those derived previously by King for infinite cylinders.
Expression of Smad1 and Smad2 during embryogenesis suggests a role in organ development

Smad proteins are intracellular signalling molecules and putative transcription factors that transduce signals elicited by members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) superfamily. By comparing the expression of Smad1 and Smad2 during embryonic development, we show that mRNAs of both Smad isoforms are present in a variety of tissues. The major sites of expression of both Smads can be correlated with the expression domains of several members of the TGF‐β superfamily. Our expression data suggest that Smad proteins are involved in organ development, particularly that of organs arising from mesenchymal‐epithelial interactions. A second site of strong expression is the central nervous system. Transcriptional control mediated by Smad1 and Smad2, therefore, may exert an important function in differentiation processes of embryonic development that are controlled by ligands of the TGF‐β superfamily. Dev. Dyn. 1998;211:293–305. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.