Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Firm characteristics and excellence in integrated reporting

Background: Integrated reporting has attracted much attention in the past few years, and South Africa has taken the lead in its development worldwide. An annual survey is published by Ernst & Young regarding the quality of the integrated reports of the top 100 entities listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Aim: The study on which this article is based was aimed at determining whether the assessment of an entity’s characteristics can predetermine the quality of the integrated report generated by that entity. Setting: This article focuses on an analysis of the integrated reporting of the top 100 entities listed on JSE for the financial years ending in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Methods: Comparison of categorical variables, mixed-model repeated measures ANOVA and generalised estimating equations were applied to identify the best classificators to distinguish between excellent integrated reporting and those reports where progress could still be made. Results: The results show that the type of industry the entity finds itself in, the size and profitability of the entity, as well as the composition of the members of the board, have an effect on the quality of the integrated report. Conclusion: Our results indicated that the type of industry, size of an entity, the profitability and composition of the board of directors, all have an effect on the quality of the integrated reporting. Our evidence will assist current and prospective stakeholders in evaluating the expected quality of an entity’s integrated report, through the evaluation of certain firm characteristics.
VEGF-A and VEGFR1 SNPs associate with preeclampsia in a Philippine population

ABSTRACT The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family is important for establishing normal pregnancy, and related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are implicated in abnormal placentation and preeclampsia. We evaluated the association between preeclampsia and several VEGF SNPs among Filipinos, an ethnically distinct group with high prevalence of preeclampsia. The genotypes and allelic variants were determined in a case–control study (191 controls and 165 preeclampsia patients) through SNP analysis of VEGF-A (rs2010963, rs3025039) and VEGF-C (rs7664413) and their corresponding receptors VEGFR1 (rs722503, rs12584067, rs7335588) and VEGFR3 (rs307826) from venous blood DNA. VEGF-A rs3025039 C allele has been shown to associate with preeclampsia (odds ratio of 1.648 (1.03–2.62)), while the T allele bestowed an additive effect for the maintenance of normal, uncomplicated pregnancy and against the development of preeclampsia (odds ratio of 0.62 (0.39–0.98)). VEGFR1 rs722503 is associated with preeclampsia occurring at or after the age of 40 years. The results showed that genetic variability of VEGF-A and VEGFR1 are important in the etiology of preeclampsia among Filipinos.
Synchronous Generator Advanced Control Strategies Simulation

Three different structures for the excitation control of a synchronous generator were simulated in Matlab Simulink: the first structure is a conventional control structure which includes a PI voltage controller, while the second structure includes a fuzzy logic controller, and the third structure includes a neural network- based voltage controller. Performances of the proposed algorithms were tested for step changes in voltage reference in the excitation system of a synchronous generator, which was connected to an AC network through a transformer and a transmission line. For the performance analysis of the proposed control structures two numerical criteria were used: the integral of absolute error and the integral of absolute error derivative. In the comparison with the PI voltage controller neural network-based controller and the fuzzy logic controller show a significant damping of oscillations. It is important to emphasize that the stabilizer was not used in the conventional control structure, which would definitely reduce the difference between the conventional and the proposed control structures. The simulation results show justification for the use of the advanced control structure based on neural networks and fuzzy logic in the excitation control system of a synchronous generator. Also, using the software package Matlab Simulink allows users to easily test the proposed algorithms.
Scatter factor modulates the metastatic phenotype of the EMT6 mouse mammary tumor

EMT6 is a transplantede mouse mammary tumor cell line Chat has been utilized widely as a model system to study the effects of various treatments on local tumor growth and pulmonary metastasis. In this study, we examined the cellular mechanisms by which scatter factor (SF), a fibroblast‐derived cytokine that stimulates epithelial cell motility, may contribute to tumor‐cell dissemination, using the EMT6 model system. In vitro, SF stimulated EMT6 cell motility, invasiveness and cell‐surface expression of urokinase (an enzyme required for cell migration through tissue). SF differentially stimulated EHT6 cell adhesion to and migration onto surfaces coated with collagen I and laminin. EMT6 cells treated in vitro with SF and injected i.v. into isogeneic BALB/c‐Rw mice showed a small but significant increase (1.7‐fold) in lung colony formation as compared with control cells. For EMT6 cells in vitro, SF had no effect on DNA synthesis, cell proliferation, cell size distribution, or in vitro colony‐forming ability. Thus, the increase in lung colonization may be due to enhanced ability of SF‐treated cells to adhere to subendothelial basement membrane or to invade through tissue. Studies of the tissue distribution of SF in BALB/c‐Rw mice demonstrated high levels of active factor in the lung. Thus, the presence of endogenous pulmonary SF may have reduced the degree to which SF treatment stimulated EMT6 lung colonization. Significant SF activity was also found in extracts of EMT6 tumors. Cultured EMT6 cells did not produce SF, but did produce high titers of a soluble low‐molecular‐weight protein activity that is capable of stimulating SF production in human fibroblasts 3‐ to 5‐fold. EMT6 tumor extracts contained high titers of a similar SF‐inducing activity. These observations suggest that SF may contribute to the invasive and metastatic phenotype of EMT6 cells via a paracrine mechanism in which tumor cells induce the production of SF in stromal fibroblasts.
Genetic and Particle Swarm Algorithm-Based Optimization Solution for High-Dimension Complex Functions

A hybrid of genetic and particle swarm algorithms is proposed to solve the high-dimension complex functions optimization. The algorithm is formulated in a form of hierarchical structure. The global search is performed at the master level by genetic algorithm, while the local search is carried out at the slave level by particle swarm optimization. Through the harmonizing mechanism between master and slave level, and special translation function designed for the slave level, the algorithm can execute global exact search without relying on complex coding and complex evolving operators. The simulation and results from comparison with other algorithms demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm for high-dimension complex functions optimization.
Magnetoresistance effects in multilayer graphene as grown on ferromagnetic substrates and implications for spin filtering

Multilayer graphene (MLG) or thin graphitic films as grown on nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co) has been recently proposed as a promising platform for realizing highly efficient spin filters. However, graphene forms chemisorption interface with Ni and Co, which significantly affects the electronic properties of the interfacial layers as well as the growth of the subsequent graphene layers. Such systems can give rise to various types of magnetoresistance (MR) effects that are completely unrelated to spin filtering. It is, therefore, important to understand these MR effects in order to identify the spin filtering related signal. In this work we highlight on the various MR effects that are observed in Ni/MLG systems and that are also unrelated to spin filtering. In particular, an “interlayer magnetoresistance” (ILMR) effect manifests in these systems, which can result in large MR values that are comparable to state-of-the-art magnetic tunnel junctions at similar operating conditions. Preliminary measurements on Co/MLG samples also indicate presence of ILMR effect.
Distance-based Kernels for Dynamical Movement Primitives

In the Anchoring Problem actions and objects must be anchored to symbols; and movement primitives as DMPs seems a good option to describe actions. In the bottom-up approach to anchoring, the recognition of an action is done applying learning techniques as clustering. Although most work done about movement recognition with DMPs is focus on weights, we propose to use the shape-attractor function as feature vector. As several DMPs formulations exist, we have analyzed the two most known to check if using the shape-attractor instead of weights is feasible for both formulations. In addition, we propose to use distance-based kernels, as RBF and TrE, to classify DMPs in some predefined actions. Our experiments based on an existing dataset and using 1-NN and SVM techniques confirm that shape-attractor function is a better choice for movement recognition with DMPs.
Endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness in pre-eclampsia demonstrated by the EndoPAT method

Summary Objectives The EndoPAT method has been used as a noninvasive method for assessing endothelial function in several non-pregnant populations. We investigated its possible use in assessing endothelial dysfunction in pre-eclampsia. Methods Two hundred and fifteen participants were recruited and grouped as pre-eclamptic cases (105) and normotensive controls (110). Endothelial function and arterial stiffness were measured as reactive hyperaemia index and augmentation index, respectively, using the EndoPAT 2000 machine. Results The reactive hyperaemia index was significantly lower in the pre-eclamptic group compared to the normotensive group (p < 0.05). Augmentation index on the other hand was significantly higher in the pre-eclamptic group compared to the normotensive group (p < 0.0001). Conclusion The EndoPAT method demonstrates endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness in pre-eclampsia.
Patient safety in the operating theatre: how A3 thinking can help reduce door movement.

ISSUE Research has often stressed the significance of reducing door movement during surgery for preventing surgical site infections. This study investigated the possible effect of a lean A3 intervention on the reduction of door movement during surgery in a university medical center in the Netherlands. INITIAL ASSESSMENT A digital counter recorded door movement during 8009 surgical procedures during 8 months. The number of door movements per surgical procedure ranged from 0 to 555, with a mean of 24 door movements per hour across 26 specialisms. CHOICE OF SOLUTION We aimed to reduce door movement in one operating room for orthopedic surgery by a lean A3 intervention. This intervention was executed by means of an A3 report that promotes structured problem solving based on a Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle. IMPLEMENTATION The steps of the A3 report was followed and completed one-by-one by a multidisciplinary team. The effect of the changes was monitored over the course of 12 months. EVALUATION The use of a lean A3 intervention resulted in a sustainable decrease of door movements by 78%, from a mean of 24 to a mean of 4 door movements per hour during orthopedic surgery at one OR. LESSONS LEARNED This paper shows the relevance of and the possibility for a reduction of door movement during surgery by lean management methods in general and an A3 intervention in particular. This intervention stimulated dialogue and encouraged knowledge-sharing and collaboration between specialized healthcare professionals and this resulted in a thorough root-cause analysis that provided synergy in the countermeasures-with, according to respondents, a sustainable result.
Trustworthy services diffusion based on optimizational nodes in online social network

Web Service diffusion is becoming an important way of Web information share. Because of the existence of large malicious nodes and Web services in online social network, the service diffusion in social network has got great trust crisis. It hinders the sharing and reusing of services in online social network. In order to improve the credibility and the speed of service diffusion in social network, we divide the nodes into common nodes and optimizational nodes by utilizing the trustworthy relationship among social network nodes. The algorithm is designed to find optimizational trustworthy nodes which have better trust values and better diffusion characteristics. Based on the optimizational trustworthy nodes, in the case of the trust, the diffusion speed and other factors, the trusted service diffusion is achieved by the algorithm. Therefore, the trustworthy services will be quickly diffused. The results of the experiments demonstrate that the diffusion model and our algorithm are correct and effective.
Yeast Ribosomal Protein L40 Assembles Late into Precursor 60 S Ribosomes and Is Required for Their Cytoplasmic Maturation*

Background: The contribution of ribosomal proteins to ribosome assembly and function is often not well understood. Results: L40 assembles within the cytoplasm into pre-60 S subunits and is required for Nmd3 and Rlp24 recycling. Conclusion: L40 contributes to formation of 60 S subunits competent for subunit joining and translation elongation. Significance: Our analysis of L40 function reveals an additional step during cytoplasmic pre-60 S maturation events. Most ribosomal proteins play important roles in ribosome biogenesis and function. Here, we have examined the contribution of the essential ribosomal protein L40 in these processes in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Deletion of either the RPL40A or RPL40B gene and in vivo depletion of L40 impair 60 S ribosomal subunit biogenesis. Polysome profile analyses reveal the accumulation of half-mers and a moderate reduction in free 60 S ribosomal subunits. Pulse-chase, Northern blotting, and primer extension analyses in the L40-depleted strain clearly indicate that L40 is not strictly required for the precursor rRNA (pre-rRNA) processing reactions but contributes to optimal 27 SB pre-rRNA maturation. Moreover, depletion of L40 hinders the nucleo-cytoplasmic export of pre-60 S ribosomal particles. Importantly, all these defects most likely appear as the direct consequence of impaired Nmd3 and Rlp24 release from cytoplasmic pre-60 S ribosomal subunits and their inefficient recycling back into the nucle(ol)us. In agreement, we show that hemagglutinin epitope-tagged L40A assembles in the cytoplasm into almost mature pre-60 S ribosomal particles. Finally, we have identified that the hemagglutinin epitope-tagged L40A confers resistance to sordarin, a translation inhibitor that impairs the function of eukaryotic elongation factor 2, whereas the rpl40a and rpl40b null mutants are hypersensitive to this antibiotic. We conclude that L40 is assembled at a very late stage into pre-60 S ribosomal subunits and that its incorporation into 60 S ribosomal subunits is a prerequisite for subunit joining and may ensure proper functioning of the translocation process.
In vitro assessment of the unloading and perfusion capacities of the PUCA II and the IABP

The PUCA II pump is a minimally invasive intra-arterial left ventricular assist device that can be used as an alternative for the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP). In this study, we assessed the cardiac unloading and organ perfusion capacities of both PUCA II and IABP in an in vitro set up, consisting of a heart simulator and a silicone arterial tree, mimicking anatomical geometry and flow distribution. The IABP was positioned in the descending aorta, while the PUCA II was tested both in ‘trans-aortic’ and ‘abdominal’ positions. All devices were driven by the same Arrow AutoCat IABP driver at different pump rates. Apart from flow, arterial pressure and pulse pressure, we also calculated haemodynamic indices for myocardial oxygen supply and demand. The ‘abdominal’ PUCA II assist and the IABP both provide mild unloading of the heart, and a limited improvement of arterial pressure and flow. The ‘trans-aortic’ PUCA II assist greatly enhances flow and pressure, but does not unload the heart properly in the tested configuration.
Spectroscopic evidence for Fermi liquid-like energy and temperature dependence of the relaxation rate in the pseudogap phase of the cuprates

Cuprate high-Tc superconductors exhibit enigmatic behavior in the nonsuperconducting state. For carrier concentrations near “optimal doping” (with respect to the highest Tcs) the transport and spectroscopic properties are unlike those of a Landau–Fermi liquid. On the Mott-insulating side of the optimal carrier concentration, which corresponds to underdoping, a pseudogap removes quasi-particle spectral weight from parts of the Fermi surface and causes a breakup of the Fermi surface into disconnected nodal and antinodal sectors. Here, we show that the near-nodal excitations of underdoped cuprates obey Fermi liquid behavior. The lifetime τ(ω, T) of a quasi-particle depends on its energy ω as well as on the temperature T. For a Fermi liquid, 1/τ(ω, T) is expected to collapse on a universal function proportional to (ℏω)2 + (pπkBT)2. Magneto-transport experiments, which probe the properties in the limit ω = 0, have provided indications for the presence of a T2 dependence of the dc (ω = 0) resistivity of different cuprate materials. However, Fermi liquid behavior is very much about the energy dependence of the lifetime, and this can only be addressed by spectroscopic techniques. Our optical experiments confirm the aforementioned universal ω- and T dependence of 1/τ(ω, T), with p ∼ 1.5. Our data thus provide a piece of evidence in favor of a Fermi liquid-like scenario of the pseudogap phase of the cuprates.
Reduction of fretting corrosion of Ti‐6Al‐4V by various surface treatments

Titanium and titanium‐6% aluminum‐4% vanadium (Ti‐6Al‐4V) are known to be biocompatible and corrosion resistant. However, there have been numerous reports of elevated tissue levels of titanium due to passive dissolution, wear, or fretting corrosion of implants. Studies were undertaken to determine whether the fretting corrosion of Ti‐6Al‐4V could be reduced by surface treatment of one or both surfaces in a fretting situation. Three different surface treatments were studied: ion implantation, physical vapor deposition nitriding, and plasma ion nitriding. The specimens used were screws fretting against the countersinks of a two‐hole plate. Fretting corrosion was assessed by weight loss, by chemical analysis of test solutions, and by scanning electron microscopy. Surface treatment of one component, the screws, resulted in reduction in the release of titanium to only 18–32% of that seen with the untreated controls. Weight loss of the untreated plates fretted against physical vapor deposition nitrided screws and plasma ion nitrided screws was reduced to 31 and 38% of the control, respectively. The weight loss of plasma nitrided screws was only 30% that of the control. Nitriding of both plates and screws resulted in a further decrease in plate weight loss and metal release. Plasma ion nitriding of both components had the most significant effect, with the weight loss and titanium release being only 11 and 2% of the control values, respectively.
Monitoring of cytomegalovirus infections by the CD8+CD38+ T-cell subset in kidney transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND The CD8+CD38+ T-cell subset can predict progression to acquired immune deficiency syndrome among human immunodeficiency virus-positive subjects. This T-cell subset usually increases during other active viral infections (cytomegalovirus [CMV], Epstein Barr virus). We report on its usefulness in the early detection of CMV infection in kidney transplant recipients. METHODS Quantitation of CD8+CD38+ T cells was monitored by dual-color flow cytometry analysis on 77 patients during the posttransplantation period. Seventeen of the 52 patients at risk for CMV disease (33%) had primary infection or reactivation and three patients had herpes simplex virus infection only. RESULTS In every patient with CMV disease, high values for the CD8+CD38+ subset were detected with a 90% positive predictive value for the primary infections. Elevated values were observed at the very first clinical signs of the viral disease or within the few preceeding days. Acute rejection episodes did not provoke false-positive results. CONCLUSION This immunologic marker is sensitive and easily obtainable on a daily basis. It may help to direct therapy during rejection or serve as a tool for early detection of clinical viral diseases.
Fast Parallel Path Concatenation for Graph Extraction

Heterogeneous graph is a popular data model to represent the real-world relations with abundant semantics. To analyze heterogeneous graphs, an important step is extracting homogeneous graphs from the heterogeneous graphs, called homogeneous graph extraction. In an extracted homogeneous graph, the relation is defined by a line pattern on the heterogeneous graph and the new attribute values of the relation are calculated by user-defined aggregate functions. The key challenges of the extraction problem are how to efficiently enumerate paths matched by the line pattern and aggregate values for each pair of vertices from the matched paths. To address above two challenges, we propose a parallel graph extraction framework, where we use vertex-centric model to enumerate paths and compute aggregate functions in parallel. The framework compiles the line pattern into a path concatenation plan, which determines the order of concatenating paths and generates the final paths in a divide-and-conquer manner. We introduce a cost model to estimate the cost of a plan and discuss three plan selection strategies, among which the best plan can enumerate paths in <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mathcal {O}(log(l))$</tex-math><alternatives> <inline-graphic xlink:href="huang-ieq1-2716939.gif"/></alternatives></inline-formula> iterations, where <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$l$</tex-math><alternatives><inline-graphic xlink:href="huang-ieq2-2716939.gif"/> </alternatives></inline-formula> is the length of a pattern. Furthermore, to improve the performance of evaluating aggregate functions, we classify the aggregate functions into three categories, i.e., distributive aggregation, algebraic aggregation, and holistic aggregation. Since the distributive and algebraic aggregations can be computed from the partial paths, we speed up the aggregation by computing partial aggregate values during the path enumeration.