Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A TQM Implementation Model for Enhancing Competitiveness of Indian Manufacturing Firms

Many firms have arrived at the conclusion that effective TQM implementation can improve their competitive abilities and provide strategic advantages in the marketplace. There are many approaches used for the implementation of TQM in the industry. These approaches are either based on number of National Quality Awards (NQA’s) as developed by the governments of various countries or on the basis of frameworks as provided by various researchers. This paper tries to develop a comprehensive list of Critical Success Factors for TQM implementation in Indian industries by doing a comparative study of 21 major ‘National Quality Awards’ and 14 frameworks as developed by various researchers. Then, using Principal Component Analysis, the paper proposes a new model for TQM implementation, which can be significantly useful for achieving manufacturing excellence and thus adding to the competitive abilities of the organizations.
Modelling and analysing interoperability in service compositions using COSMO

A service composition process typically involves multiple service models. These models may represent the composite and composed services from distinct perspectives, e.g. to model the role of some system that is involved in a service, and at distinct abstraction levels, e.g. to model the goal, interface or orchestration of some service. The consistency among these models needs to be maintained in order to guarantee the correctness of the composition process. Two types of consistency relations are distinguished: interoperability, which concerns the ability of different roles to interoperate, and conformance, which concerns the correct implementation of an abstract model by a more concrete model. This paper gives an overview of the various types of models that may be used in service composition, and explains when interoperability and conformance need to be assessed during the composition process. The paper further focuses on techniques to describe and analyse the interoperability relation using concepts from the COSMO framework. The choice of COSMO allows one to address both interoperability and conformance within a single conceptual framework. For techniques to describe and analyse the conformance relation reference is made to earlier work. Examples are presented to illustrate how different types of models can be used during the service composition process and how interoperability and conformance among these models can be assessed.
Psychiatric morbidity and illness experience of primary care patients with chronic fatigue in Hong Kong.

OBJECTIVE The authors' goal was to examine the prevalence and experience of psychiatric morbidity among primary care patients with chronic fatigue in Hong Kong. METHOD One hundred adult patients with medically unexplained fatigue for 6 or more months were assessed with the Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue, psychopathological rating scales, and an enhanced version of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R. RESULTS The lifetime prevalence of DSM-III-R depressive and anxiety disorders was 54%. Current depressive and anxiety disorders were identified in 28 patients, who exhibited more psychopathology and functional impairment than other patients. Thirty-three patients had somatoform pain disorder, and 30 had undifferentiated somatoform disorder, but most of them could also be diagnosed as having shenjing shuairuo (weakness of nerves) and, to a lesser extent, ICD-10 neurasthenia. Chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosed according to the 1988 Centers for Disease Control criteria was rare (3%) and atypical. Generally, patients mentioned fatigue if asked, but pains (36%), insomnia (20%), and worries (13%) were the most troublesome symptoms. Most patients attributed illness onset to psychosocial sources. CONCLUSIONS Psychiatric morbidity was common among primary care patients with chronic fatigue. Subthreshold psychiatric morbidity was very common and was more validly represented by the disease construct of shenjing shuairuo or neurasthenia than somatoform disorder.
Experimental characterization and finite element analysis of thermo-mechanical stress in flip-chip- and wirebond-assemblies on flexible and injection molded thermoplastic substrates

In this paper, research activities on the reliability for bare die connections on molded interconnected devices (MID) and flexible substrates are presented. The results were achieved by experimental, thermo-mechanical stress characterization combined with finite element analysis (FEA) of the assembly during application specific environmental conditions. Aim of the work is to determine the influence of thermo-mechanical stress on different assembly variants. Therefore, four different assemblies are examined each on four different substrates: Aluminum wire bonded chip, flip-chip with 200 μm SAC305 solder balls for reflow soldering, flip-chip with gold stud bumps for an isotropic conductive adhesive configuration and flip-chip with gold stud bumps for a non-conductive adhesive configuration. For flip-chip assemblies an additional underfill was used to mechanically strengthen the connection between chip and substrate. To gain data from the real assemblies, aspecial stress detection chip with boron doped solid state resistors has been adapted for the requirements of the research project. The matching of numerical analysis and real assembly was done by measuring the mechanical stress in the chip during thermal cycling of the assemblies. The real time stress data of the piezo resistive resistors were recorded and compared to the thermo-mechanical FEA results.
Acute Stress Affects Heart Rate Variability During Sleep

Objective Although stress can elicit profound and lasting effects on sleep, the pathways whereby stress affects sleep are not well understood. In this study, we used autoregressive spectral analysis of the electrocardiogram (EKG) interbeat interval sequence to characterize stress-related changes in heart rate variability during sleep in 59 healthy men and women. Methods Participants (N = 59) were randomly assigned to a control or stress condition, in which a standard speech task paradigm was used to elicit acute stress in the immediate presleep period. EKG was collected throughout the night. The high frequency component (0.15–0.4 Hz Eq) was used to index parasympathetic modulation, and the ratio of low to high frequency power (0.04–0.15 Hz Eq/0.15–0.4 Hz Eq) of heart rate variability was used to index sympathovagal balance. Results Acute psychophysiological stress was associated with decreased levels of parasympathetic modulation during nonrapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement sleep and increased levels of sympathovagal balance during NREM sleep. Parasympathetic modulation increased across successive NREM cycles in the control group; these increases were blunted in the stress group and remained essentially unchanged across successive NREM periods. Higher levels of sympathovagal balance during NREM sleep were associated with poorer sleep maintenance and lower delta activity. Conclusions Changes in heart rate variability associated with acute stress may represent one pathway to disturbed sleep. Stress-related changes in heart rate variability during sleep may also be important in association with chronic stressors, which are associated with significant morbidity and increased risk for mortality.
Performance Study of a UCRN Over Nakagami- ${m}$ Fading Channels in the Presence of CCI

In this paper, the impact of co-channel interference (CCI) on the performance of an underlay cognitive radio network over Nakagami- ${m}$ fading channels is thoroughly presented and analysed. More precisely, a decode-and-forward relay protocol for a cognitive cooperative network is considered. In this study, the impact of both the primary transmitter interference and CCI on the secondary system performance are considered. First, an exact expression for the equivalent signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of the secondary system is obtained. Then, the corresponding exact and asymptotic cumulative distribution functions are derived. From this, the exact outage performance for the secondary network is investigated. Furthermore, the equivalent probability density function is obtained and discussed. In addition, approximate expressions for the average error probability and the system ergodic capacity performances are derived. From the results, it can be inferred that the presence of the CCI and primary network interference severely degrades the system performance. Moreover, a higher value of the shape parameter of the desired fading channel gives better performance and diversity gain. In addition, despite the impact of interferences, the secondary network performance gives better results in comparison to the Rayleigh fading channels scenario.
The Effects of Demographic Factors on Market Orientation

This study aims to examine the effects of demographic factors on market orientation culture among the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. SMEs contribute greatly to an economy but SMEs in Malaysia were found to be lacked of competency. Market orientation culture was found to be an important strategic capability that enables firms to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. Thus, it is important to study the practices of market orientation culture among SMEs. This study adapted the MKTOR scale of market orientation. The original items of market orientation was validated through a content validity and pilot study. The data collection for the actual study was done through email. 517 usable responds were collected. The factor analysis confirmed that items of market orientation were segregated according to customer orientation, competitor orientation and interfunctional coordination. The findings of data analysis also concluded the impact of core industry, number of employees, main customer group, information and communication (ICT)-related operation and family ownership on market orientation culture.
The IAU 2000 Resolutions for Astrometry, Celestial Mechanics, and Metrology in the Relativistic Framework: Explanatory Supplement

We discuss the IAU resolutions B1.3, B1.4, B1.5, and B1.9 that were adopted during the 24th General Assembly in Manchester, 2000, and provides details on and explanations for these resolutions. It is explained why they present significant progress over the corresponding IAU 1991 resolutions and why they are necessary in the light of present accuracies in astrometry, celestial mechanics, and metrology. In fact, most of these resolutions are consistent with astronomical models and software already in use. The metric tensors and gravitational potentials of both the Barycentric Celestial Reference System and the Geocentric Celestial Reference System are defined and discussed. The necessity and relevance of the two celestial reference systems are explained. The transformations of coordinates and gravitational potentials are discussed. Potential coefficients parameterizing the post-Newtonian gravitational potentials are expounded. Simplified versions of the time transformations suitable for modern clock accuracies are elucidated. Various approximations used in the resolutions are explicated and justified. Some models (e.g., for higher spin moments) that serve the purpose of estimating orders of magnitude have actually never been published before.
Human Herpesvirus 8 Viral Interleukin-6 Interacts with Splice Variant 2 of Vitamin K Epoxide Reductase Complex Subunit 1

ABSTRACT Viral interleukin-6 (vIL-6) specified by human herpesvirus 8 is, unlike its cellular counterpart, secreted very inefficiently and can signal via vIL-62:gp1302 signaling complexes from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) compartment. Intracellular, autocrine activities of vIL-6 are important for proproliferative and prosurvival activities of the viral cytokine in latently infected primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) cells. However, the molecular determinants of vIL-6 ER localization and function are unclear. Using yeast two-hybrid analysis, we identified the database-documented but uncharacterized splice variant of vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 (VKORC1), termed VKORC1 variant 2 (VKORC1v2), as a potential interaction partner of vIL-6. In transfected cells, epitope-tagged VKORC1v2 was found to localize to the ER, to adopt a single-transmembrane (TM) topology placing the C tail in the ER lumen, and to bind vIL-6 via these sequences. Deletion mutagenesis and coprecipitation assays mapped the vIL-6-binding domain (vBD) of VKORC1v2 to TM-proximal residues 31 to 39. However, while sufficient to confer vIL-6 binding to a heterologous protein, vBD was unable to induce vIL-6 secretion when fused to (secreted) hIL-6, suggesting a VKORC1v2-independent mechanism of vIL-6 ER retention. In functional assays, overexpression of ER-directed vBD led to suppression of PEL cell proliferation and viability, effects also mediated by VKORC1v2 depletion and, as reported previously, by vIL-6 suppression. The growth-inhibitory and proapoptotic effects of VKORC1v2 depletion could be rescued by transduced wild-type VKORC1v2 but not by a vIL-6-refractory vBD-altered variant, indicating the functional relevance of the vIL-6–VKORC1v2 interaction. Notably, gp130 signaling was unaffected by VKORC1v2 or vBD overexpression or by VKORC1v2 depletion, suggesting an alternative pathway of vIL-6 activity via VKORC1v2. Combined, our data identify a novel and functionally significant interaction partner of vIL-6 that could potentially be targeted for therapeutic benefit.
SysML contracts for systems of systems

This paper proposes and demonstrates an architectural pattern for the contractual specification of interfaces between constituent systems within a System of Systems (SoS). We take a structured approach to the development of the pattern, which we call the Contract Pattern. It is developed and demonstrated in SysML using a case study from the Audio/Video domain. We also identify some of the obstacles in the way of checking the conformance of a constituent system to a contract, and discuss how these may be overcome.
Measuring vibration threshold with a graduated tuning fork in normal aging and in patients with polyneuropathy

OBJECTIVE To provide clinically useful vibration threshold normal values. METHODS The graduated Rydel-Seiffer tuning fork was evaluated in 198 healthy controls and 59 patients with a polyneuropathy. The measures were done in triplicate at four locations: the distal interphalangeal joint of the index finger, ulnar styloid process, interphalangeal joint of the hallux, and internal malleolus. The values obtained with this tuning fork in healthy controls and patients with polyneuropathy were compared with the values of an electronic device, the Vibrameter. RESULTS Vibration sense was better perceived in the arms compared with the legs. There was a significant age related decline of vibration sense at all locations. The values from the Rydel-Seiffer tuning fork and the Vibrameter were significantly correlated in both groups. The sensitivity of these two instruments for the four sites examined in the polyneuropathy group ranged from 29–76% and 31–73%, respectively and was the highest at the hallux for both instruments. CONCLUSION This study provides clinical useful normal values of vibration threshold for the Rydel-Seiffer tuning fork. This is a simple and easily applicable instrument that assesses vibration sense semiquantitatively and should therefore have a place in routine neurological examination.
Free Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Heavy Chain Is Preferentially Targeted for Degradation by Human T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 p12I Protein

ABSTRACT Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) establishes a persistent infection in the host despite a vigorous virus-specific immune response. Here we demonstrate that an HTLV-1-encoded protein, p12I, resides in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi and physically binds to the free human major histocompatibility complex class I heavy chains (MHC-I-Hc) encoded by the HLA-A2, -B7, and -Cw4 alleles. As a result of this interaction, the newly synthesized MHC-I-Hc fails to associate with β2-microglobulin and is retrotranslocated to the cytosol, where it is degraded by the proteasome complex. Targeting of the free MHC-I-Hc, and not the MHC-I-Hc–β2-microglobulin complex, by p12Irepresents a novel mechanism of viral interference and disrupts the intracellular trafficking of MHC-I, which results in a significant decrease in surface levels of MHC-I on human T-cells. These findings suggest that the interaction of p12I with MHC-1-Hc may interfere with antigen presentation in vivo and facilitate escape of HTLV-1-infected cells from immune recognition.
Industry perspective on breeding goal and selection strategy

The selection and mating of elite animals to breed the next generation of young bulls is an important part of commercial breeding programmes. This needs to be done with the right breeding goal to maximise the output of marketable proven bulls. A breeding goal is usually derived from different economic factors. In an industry perspective however not only economic factors are important. Sale of semen is also influenced by non-economic and possibly nonrational factors. Therefore the use of semen by farmers was analysed to sort out which extra factors are important. A breeding goal was defined based on both economic and non-economic factors. Selection of parents is performed using a linear combination of production traits, conformation traits and functional traits according to the breeding goal. Sires and dams are selected maximising this linear combination across age groups while restricting the rate of inbreeding. Mating of the selected parents will be done by using a non-linear combination of traits to avoid weaknesses in the inheritance of future progeny.
Formulation of curcumin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles produced by fatty acids coacervation technique

Curcumin (CU) loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) of fatty acids (FA) were prepared with a coacervation technique based on FA precipitation from their sodium salt micelles in the presence of polymeric non-ionic surfactants. Myristic, palmitic, stearic, and behenic acids, and different polymers with various molecular weights and hydrolysis grades were employed as lipid matrixes and stabilisers, respectively. Generally, spherical-shaped nanoparticles with mean diameters below 500 nm were obtained, and using only middle-high hydrolysis, grade-polymer SLNs with diameters lower than 300 nm were produced. CU encapsulation efficiency was in the range 28–81% and highly influenced by both FA and polymer type. Chitosan hydrochloride was added to FA SLN formulations to produce bioadhesive, positively charged nanoparticles. A CU-chitosan complex formation could be hypothesised by DSC analysis, UV–vis spectra and chitosan surface tension determination. A preliminary study on HCT-116 colon cancer cells was developed to evaluate the influence of CU-loaded FA SLNs on cell viability.
Information technology support system of supply chain management

Effective supply chain management is built on the basis of the high quality of information transmission and sharing, This will rely heavily on information technology to provide reliable support. In this paper, against the characteristics of the supply chain information flow, discuss the impact of information technology on supply chain management and support system which information technology form in the supply chain management.
Informative sequential selection of variable-sized patches for image retrieval

To quickly and efficiently analyze a large-scale environment by the camera with limited field-of-view, intelligent systems should sequentially select the optimal field-of-view to observe an important and informative patch of area. Especially in the image retrieval task, small observations should be sequentially selected to increase the performance of image retrieval and the updated performance can be used to select the next best view again in a cyclic process. In this paper, we have investigated the role of selected image patches, which can be either overlapped or non-overlapped with previous observations, in this cyclic process. To evaluate the different patch selection strategies, the adaptive observation selection method is also described as follows: (1) robots select adaptive observations sequentially based on its prior knowledge from the training dataset. (2) After each selection, the prior knowledge will be updated by discarding the target-irrelevant data for the next observation selection. During this process, we have shown that an informative patch, even though a part of selected patch is already observed at previous steps, can enhance the retrieval accuracy and it has better performance than an independent observation method.
Comment on "Multinational Firms and Backward Linkages" by Ping Lin and Kamal Saggi

I highlight some of the key econometric problems facing the literature on FDI spillovers. For the most part, the existing literature takes the approach of estimating production functions in which the total factor productivity (TFP) of the domestic firms in a particular industry/country is allowed to be a function of some measure of the FDI directed by multinational corporations (MNCs) into that industry. One major problem with this general approach is the failure to deal seriously with heterogeneity in firms' production processes. It seems unlikely that we can make sense of FDI spillovers in a modeling framework where all they do is shift TFP. If knowledge spillovers occur, it seems likely that FDI will alter the production functions of domestic firms in much more subtle and extensive ways. For example, perhaps a knowledge spillover will lead to a more capital-intensive production process or enable a reorganization of the domestic firm so that it can take advantage of economies of scale. These complex aspects of spillovers will need to be modeled explicitly if we are to make progress.
Evaluating the Stability of the Financial Ratios of Jordanian Industrial Companies

The purpose of the study was to identify if the financial ratios of Jordanian industrial companies remained stable across sector and over time. The study used six financial ratios from fifty-six companies across six sectors with financial information from 2010 to 2014. A two way multivariate analysis of variance was performed to identify the stability of the ratios across the sectors and over the time. The results of the study showed that the financial ratios which showed some difference across sector were EBITTA (Earnings before Interest and Tax), CAT (Current Assets Turnover) and CFTA (Cash Flow to Total Assets). There were no differences observed between the financial ratios over time. The interaction of Time and Sector revealed no significant interaction effects. This suggests that as a whole, the financial ratios remained stable over time and sectors over the sectors and period chosen for the study.
Design of a 0.18μm Low-Voltage Switched-Current ΣΔ Modulator for Multistandard Communication Systems

This paper presents a 1.8-V, 0.18 μm CMOS reconfigurable switched-current ΣΔ modulator for multistandard (GSM, Bluetooth, WCDMA) telecom systems. The modulator topology is an expandable cascade architecture which can be reconfigured both at the architecture level and at the circuit level in order to adapt the modulator performance to the different standards with adjustable power consumption. For this purpose, programmable Class AB memory-cell arrays are used to implement the modulator loop filter. Transistor- level simulations are shown that demonstrate correct operation for all standards, featuring 12-bit, 11-bit and 7.8-bit dynamic range within 200-kHz, 1-MHz and 3.8-MHz bandwidth, respectively.