Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A measurement methodology to calibrate analytical models including operating system overhead

The paper focuses on reducing completion time in large simulation models by replacing some of their elements with analytically determined solutions. In particular, we study realistic analytical server models that include operating system overhead. This overhead will be determined by measuring the behaviour of a representative workload. We propose a methodology to reduce the number of measurements based on information provided by an analytical workload model. The calibration of the model is also presented. As workload, the TPC-C benchmark was chosen due to our interest in transactional systems.
Modeling and Analysis of Complex Technology Adoption Decisions: An Investigation in the Domain of Mobile ICT

Scope. Over the past few years, mobile information and communication technologies (ICT) have generated a significant amount of hype and interest. Recent advances in mobile ICT have led to the emergence of new types of enterprise applications and information systems. These emerging solutions leverage the unique characteristics of mobile ICT to provide end-users anywhere and anytime access to context-critical enterprise applications and data. Experts have argued that mobile enterprise solutions have an enormous potential to transform enterprises, business processes, and services, improve employee productivity, effectiveness, and efficiency, and confer competitive advantage and business agility. Despite its value and many potential benefits, however, widespread enterprise adoption of mobile solutions has not been as extensive as anticipated. While mobile ICT promise to fundamentally change the “way” business and commerce will be done, the “way” is still emerging, and the path and contextual conditions to get there have not been addressed. Hence, the following two questions are of critical importance:
3D Recognition Using Neural Networks

With the advent of the Internet, exchanges and the acquisition of information, description and recognition of 3D objects have been as extensive and have become very important in several domains, which require the establishment of methods to develop description and recognition techniques to access intelligently to the contents of these objects. This paper deals for 3D models recognition. Thus under general affine transform we propose an approach based on neural network. The recognition is done by measuring the similarity between a sample of object and its transformed obtained by parameters extracted from neural networks using the euclidean distance.
Public Corruption and Public Debt: Some Empirical Evidence

Recent theoretical literature related high public debt to the presence of rent-seeking activities by the government (Bataglini and Coate, 2008, Yared, 2010). This paper tests the hypothesis that higher public corruption leads to higher public debt using a panel of OECD countries. The estimates, controlled for the countries' and time fixed effects, support the importance of public corruption in determining country's public debt.
ELECTROCARDIOGRAM ABNORMALITY DETECTION BASED ON MULTIPLE MODELS

This paper introduces a study of applying three independent machine learning approaches to detect abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) beats from the MIT-BIH arrhythmia database [1]. The ECG signals are classified into two different classes normal and abnormal based on the statistical analysis of the features extracted by discrete wavelet transform (DWT). The models we utilize are Support Vector Machine (SVM), Feedforward Neural Network (FNN) and Elman Recurrent Neural Network (Elman RNN). In this paper, we explain the frameworks of these three models and test their performance on our DWT features.
Do Corporate Spinoffs Lower Cost of Equity?

We empirically examine whether the elimination of negative synergies, the reduction of internal capital market inefficiencies, and the mitigation of information problems following spinoffs lower cost of equity. The results indicate that there is no decrease in the cost of equity in the full sample, which suggests that the gains around spinoffs are primarily a consequence of improvements in cash flow and operating performance rather than a decline in systematic risk or the cost of equity. However, we find a positive relation between the spinoff gains and a decrease in the cost of equity for the subsample of firms with high information asymmetry, and for the subsample of non-focus-increasing spinoffs shown in prior studies to have no improvements in future cash flow or operating performance. For firms with high information asymmetry, the relation between the spinoff gains and the decline in cost of equity is attributable to a decline in the cost of equity of the post-spinoff parent entity. The results indicate that spinoffs facilitate a decrease in adverse selection costs, and this is especially value enhancing for the parent firms, which are higher growth and more reliant on external capital.
Experience Pays Heavily in a PPP Environment, but Government Has the Power to Increase Competition

Public-private partnerships are cutting edge long-term contractual arrangements between a private contractor and the government. The contractual complexity and the high pre-tender research cost are open sesames for inexperienced contractors to refrain from the opportunity. This study encompasses the bidding framework in a game-theoretical fashion while taking the bidders’ heterogeneity into account. A simulation captures the heterogeneous uncertainty of the project outcome. A Nash equilibrium method is proposed to arrive at an equilibrium strategy profile, while a strategy game serves as a competition context in order to find the best response in a particular environment. The dynamics reveal the importance of the controllable and uncontrollable project risk that could result in a reluctance for the inexperienced player and a constriction of the market. This occurrence of an oligopolistic situation might be overcome through the introduction of government compensation policies despite the fact that these could come at a fair price.
Optimal selection strategy for multi-agent system with single leader

In this paper, we consider a class of controlled consensus problem, where a subset of agents called informed agents can receive the information from a leader with constant state. First, we derive sufficient conditions for guaranteeing all the agents reach consensus on the leader state under fixed and switched topology, respectively. Second, we investigate the problem of selecting informed agents for yielding minimal time controlled consensus using optimization tool. Using YALMIP toolbox, we also find that the optimality of the agents could be characterized by some important index in complex network. Finally, we offer some numerical examples to illustrate the results.
Epitope mapping of the human biliary amphipathic, anionic polypeptide: similarity with a calcium-binding protein isolated from gallstones and bile, and immunologic cross-reactivity with apolipoprotein A-I.

Biliary amphipathic anionic polypeptide (APF) the major protein of the pigment-lipoprotein complex in bile, and calcium-binding protein (CBP) from gallstones are both small (less than 10 kDa), highly acidic, amphipathic proteins present in bile and closely associated also with pigmented areas in human gallstones. Polyclonal antibodies against APF have shown cross-reactivity with plasma high density lipoproteins (HDL). This study examines the hypothesis that APF and CBP might be closely related or even identical, and might also share common epitopes with the larger apoA-I (23 kDa). To assess this, immunoreactivity of the three delipidated, highly purified proteins was determined against a panel of 12 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) prepared against APF and a panel of 4 MAbs against apoA-I. APF was isolated from bile by zonal ultracentrifugation. CBP was isolated from proteins precipitated from bile by CaCl2, as well as from the calcium bilirubinate shells of cholesterol gallstones, by extraction successively with methyl-t-butyl ether, methanol, and Na2EDTA, followed by Sephadex G-25 chromatography and two-stage preparative SDS-PAGE. ApoA-I was prepared by two types of chromatography: Sephacryl S200 chromatography and heparin-chromatographic immunoaffinity. Specific polyclonal antibodies to APF and apoA-I were prepared from immunized rabbits. MAbs to APF and apoA-I were prepared by immunization of mice, using standard hybridoma technique. Western blotting of APF and CBP in 15% SDS-PAGE yielded one band with an apparent molecular weight of 6.5 kDa, which, along with apoA-I, was immunostained by polyclonal antibodies to APF and apoA-I. Using 12 MAbs against APF with three types of ELISA (direct antigen binding, competitive antigen displacement, and epitope competition between antibodies), it was shown that APF and delipidated apoA-I shared six epitopes, three of which were detected also on the surface of intact HDL particles. Six other epitopes were present in APF but not apoA-I, four of which were exposed on the surface of HDL. Four MAbs against apoA-I reacted with APF and CBP. Amino acid analyses of APF and CBP were similar with 20-23% acidic and 7-11% basic amino acids and low contents of cysteine, methionine, and tyrosine; both differed from apoA-I in containing isoleucine and cysteine. Using ELISA and one MAb (no. 32) against APF, this polypeptide was detected in human plasma HDL, the pigment-lipoprotein complex in the bile of humans, dogs, and rats, and in both pigment and cholesterol gallstones. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The Exit Choices of European Private Firms: A Dynamic Empirical Analysis

Using a dataset of European private firms, we undertake a dynamic empirical analysis of a private firm’s exit decision, previously modeled in the literature as a dichotomous, one-time choice between IPOs and acquisitions. We study how post-IPO considerations, such as the benefits arising from a potential post-IPO acquisition at a higher valuation, and the costs arising from a potential post-IPO delisting at a lower valuation, alter the initial exit trade-off between IPOs and acquisitions. Using a sequential logit model, we show that firms that are more viable against product market competition, characterized by larger private benefits of control, or lower information asymmetry, are more likely to choose an IPO over a direct acquisition as their initial exit mechanism. Post-IPO, firms that are more viable in the product market and are able to reduce information asymmetry to a greater extent using the IPO process are more likely to be acquired, while firms characterized by lower product market viability and higher residual information asymmetry are more likely to be delisted. We also quantify the valuation benefits and costs accruing to firms under alternative post-IPO scenarios. Overall, the results of our empirical analysis show how private firms may be able to incorporate the benefits and costs arising from post-IPO considerations into their initial exit decisions, and suggests how such incorporation may alter their initial exit choices.
A novel boosting-based anomaly detection scheme

As a crucial issue in computer network security, anomaly detection is receiving more and more attention from both application and theoretical point of view. In this paper, by introducing boosting technique, a novel anomaly detection scheme is proposed. On the whole, the proposed scheme is based on Ada-Boost and can be viewed as an extension of Ada-Boost in terms of both probability density estimation (PDE) and confidence area estimation (CAE). Different kinds of base learners are adopted and investigated in the proposed scheme. Systematic experimental results on DARPA 1999 dataset validate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
BRIDGING SOCIAL CAPITAL IN THE FOREIGN MARKET ENTRY AND ENTRY MODE CHANGE OF FAMILY SMES

Family business studies have focused on the importance of bonding social capital whereas, despite its importance, bridging social capital has not been the focus of much research to date. In the internationalization process of a firm, it has been argued that bridging social capital plays an important role. The purpose of this article is to examine the role of bridging social capital in the initial entry and operation mode change of eight family SMEs. We found that in foreign market entry social capital had generally the serendipity role based on weak and intermediary relationships. In the entry mode change, the role of strong and formal ties was obvious and the roles of social capital were most generally the efficacy and liability roles. Thus, it seems that the social capital of family entrepreneurs is limited to their strong bonding social capital and, perhaps, to their strong national social capital. However, when they start to internationalize their operations, they have to find new networks to gain bridging social capital which enable foreign operations. It seems that a limited amount of international ties drives family SMEs to search for relevant contacts from international exhibitions and trade shows.
Technology-Driven Interventions for Caregivers of Persons With Dementia

Caregiving for a person with dementia can lead to physical and psychological morbidity. Technology-driven interventions hold the promise of convenient, low-cost methods of delivering psychosocial interventions. This systematic review examined the efficacy of technology-driven interventions for caregivers of persons with dementia. A search of Ovid Medline, PsychInfo, and EBSCO from 1990 to May 2012 resulted in the identification of 295 articles. After removal of duplicates, 271 articles were reviewed, based on the abstract and title alone; 32 were relevant or could not be fully assessed without assessing the entire article. Eight fully satisfied the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Each of these had some positive findings. However, there was large variability in the content and delivery of the interventions and inconsistency in measurement and variability of outcomes. Future studies should employ randomized control trial methodology and measure outcomes with commonly used measures to ensure feasibility of comparisons across the studies.
Molecular assembly on two-dimensional materials

Molecular self-assembly is a well-known technique to create highly functional nanostructures on surfaces. Self-assembly on two-dimensional (2D) materials is a developing field driven by the interest in functionalization of 2D materials in order to tune their electronic properties. This has resulted in the discovery of several rich and interesting phenomena. Here, we review this progress with an emphasis on the electronic properties of the adsorbates and the substrate in well-defined systems, as unveiled by scanning tunneling microscopy. The review covers three aspects of the self-assembly. The first one focuses on non-covalent self-assembly dealing with site-selectivity due to inherent moiré pattern present on 2D materials grown on substrates. We also see that modification of intermolecular interactions and molecule–substrate interactions influences the assembly drastically and that 2D materials can also be used as a platform to carry out covalent and metal-coordinated assembly. The second part deals with the electronic properties of molecules adsorbed on 2D materials. By virtue of being inert and possessing low density of states near the Fermi level, 2D materials decouple molecules electronically from the underlying metal substrate and allow high-resolution spectroscopy and imaging of molecular orbitals. The moiré pattern on the 2D materials causes site-selective gating and charging of molecules in some cases. The last section covers the effects of self-assembled, acceptor and donor type, organic molecules on the electronic properties of graphene as revealed by spectroscopy and electrical transport measurements. Non-covalent functionalization of 2D materials has already been applied for their application as catalysts and sensors. With the current surge of activity on building van der Waals heterostructures from atomically thin crystals, molecular self-assembly has the potential to add an extra level of flexibility and functionality for applications ranging from flexible electronics and OLEDs to novel electronic devices and spintronics.
Caregiver responses to early cleft palate care: A mixed method approach.

OBJECTIVE This study sought to understand caregivers' (CGs') responses to early cleft lip/palate care for their infants. METHOD A prospective, mixed methods multicenter longitudinal study was conducted among CGs (N = 118) seeking treatment for their infants' cleft lip and palate or cleft lip only at 1 of 6 cleft treatment centers in the United States. Participants were in 1 of 2 treatment groups: traditional care only or nasoalveolar molding (NAM) plus traditional care. The CGs completed semistructured interviews and standardized questionnaires assessing psychosocial well-being and family impact at 3 time points: the beginning of treatment (∼1 month of age), prelip surgery (∼3-5 months of age), and postpalate surgery (∼12-13 months of age). Multilevel modeling was used to longitudinally assess CGs' psychosocial outcomes. RESULTS Although the first year was demanding for all CGs, NAM onset and the child's lip surgery were particularly stressful times. CGs used optimism, problem-solving behavior, and social support to cope with this stress. Qualitatively, CGs' ability to balance cleft treatment demands with their psychosocial resources and coping strategies influenced family adaptation. Qualitative and quantitative results indicated CGs of NAM-treated infants experienced more rapid declines in anxiety and depressive symptoms and better coping skills over time than CGs whose infants had traditional care. CONCLUSION CGs of NAM-treated infants experienced more positive psychosocial outcomes than CGs whose infants had traditional care. Results from the mixed model support the family adjustment and adaptation response model as used in pediatric chronic condition research.
UPAYA MENINGKATKAN KEBERHASILAN IMPLEMENTASI ERP UNTUK MEMBANGUN KEUNGGULAN BERSAING UKM DI JAWA TENGAH

Enterprise Resource Planning is an integrated software applied in the organization. This study aimed to determine the factors that influence the successful implementation of ERP in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Central Java to build competitive advantage. The hypothesis were tested by SEM to 107 respondents. Results of data analysis proved that the variable Business Process Reengineering was the most impact. It recommended that small and medium entrepreneurs to learn and consolidate prior efforts to reengineer its business before applying ERP.
Contrast‐enhanced sonography for screening of vascular complication in recipients following living donor liver transplantation

The purpose of this article is to discuss the role of CEUS for screening of vascular complication in recipients admitted to ICU following LDLT, effect of microbubble contrast agent on Doppler phenomenon, CEUS technique, and illustrate CEUS findings in recipients with complication following LDLT. CEUS can enhance the role of US in the diagnosis of postoperative vascular complication in recipients following living donor liver transplantation at the bedside. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 41:305–312, 2013
A Novel Efficient Algorithm for Voice Gender Conversion

Realistic Voice Gender Conversion (VGC) requires independent scaling of the glottal (pitch) and vocal tract (formant) related features of the input speech signal. We present a VGC algorithm which has two novel features. Firstly, an efficient frequency scaling algorithm is presented. Secondly, we use this to scale all frequencies in the input signal by the desired formant scaling factor. We then deconvolve the glottal contribution using a standard linear predictive analysis and frequency scale it further such that the desired pitch scaling factor is equal to the product of the two frequency scaling factors. Finally, we resynthesize the converted speech. The female-to-male results were excellent while the male-to-female results sounded synthetic.
Consumer Promotions in the Indian Market

ABSTRACT In this article, we perform a content analysis of 3,770 promotional ads (all print) in India. We found that in line with our expectation, a greater number of non-CFB promotional ads (e.g., discounts/freebies) were used vis-à-vis CFB promotional ads (e.g., contests). We also found a greater incidence of utilitarian promotional ads for utilitarian products and that these tended to use message arguments (versus peripheral cues). Results revealed that hedonic promotions used more print area and were in color. Contrary to expectations, we found that hedonic promotions used as many peripheral cues as message arguments and utilitarian products used as much color as black-and-white.
Reading Braille on mobile phones: A fast method with low battery power consumption

This paper develops a method for presenting the standard six-point Braille characters on mobile devices that feature a tactile feedback. The proposed method views each Braille character as a two-column code, each column consisting of three points. The eight different combinations of raised and lowered points of the three-point column are encoded with a single pattern of vibration, with the two columns of a Braille character are separated by a period of silence. The encoding scheme for the different point-combinations in a column is inspired by Morse code (a series of dots and dashes). The encoding scheme is optimized to reduce the average reading time per character and to reduce the average vibration time per character. These optimizations target increasing the speed of reading and increase the mobile device's battery life.
Clinical significance of lymph node micrometastasis in stage I and II colon cancer.

PURPOSE A 25% rate of recurrence after performing complete resection in node-negative colon cancer patients suggests that their nodal staging is frequently suboptimal. Moreover, the value of occult cancer cells in tumor-free lymph nodes still remains uncertain. The authors evaluated the prognostic significance of the pathologic parameters, including the lymph node occult disease (micrometastases) detected by immunohistochemistry, in patients with node-negative colon cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 160 patients with curatively resected stage I or II colon cancer and they were without rectal cancer. 2852 lymph nodes were re-examined by re-do hematoxylin and eosin (H-E) staining and immunohistochemical staining. The detection rates were compared with the clinicopathologic characteristics and with the cancer-specific survival. RESULTS Occult metastases were detected in 8 patients (5%). However, no clinicopathologic parameter was found to be correlated with the presence of micrometastasis. Twenty patients developed recurrence at a median follow-up of 45.7 months: 14 died of colon cancer and 9 died from noncancer-related causes. Univariate analysis showed that lymphatic invasion and the number of retrieved lymph nodes significantly influenced survival, and multivariate analysis revealed that the stage, the number of retrieved lymph nodes and lymphatic invasion were independently related to the prognosis. CONCLUSIONS Inadequate lymph node retrieval and lymphatic invasion were found to be associated with a poorer outcome for node-negative colon cancer patients. The presence of immunostained tumors cells in pN0 lymph nodes was found to have no significant effect on survival, but these tumor were identified by re-do H-E staining. Maximal attention should be paid to the total number of lymph nodes that are retrieved during surgery for colon cancer patients.