Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SUCCESSION PLANNING IN THE RELIGIOUS NON-PROFIT SECTOR: UNDERSTANDING ASSOCIATE PASTORS’ EXPERIENCES OF SERVING AS INTERNAL INTERIMS

vii Chapter 1 – Introduction.1 Background to the Problem.1 Statement of the Problem.8 Purpose of the Study.9 Theoretical/Conceptual Underpinning of the Study.9 Research Question.10 Overview of and Influence of the Pilot Study on the Main Study Design.11 Overview of the Design of the Study.12 Research Setting.13 Research Participants.15 Data Collection and Analysis Approaches.15 Validity and Reliability in the Qualitative Tradition.16 Significance of the Study.17 Assumptions.18 Definition of Terms. 19 Organization of the Dissertation. 21 Chapter 2 – Review of Literature.22 Introduction.22 Succession Planning.23 Background and Need for Succession Planning.23 Succession Planning – What Is It? 25 The Importance of Succession Planning.28 The Components of Succession Planning.31 Challenges and Impediments Associated with Succession Planning.34 Non-Profit Organizations.37 Succession Planning in Non-Profit Organizations.39 Challenges with Succession Planning in the Non-Profit Sector.42 Role of the Board.45 Lack of Preparation.47 Retention and Recruitment Issues.49 Replacement Planning.55 Determining Internal or External.56
Effect of leptin replacement on intrahepatic and intramyocellular lipid content in patients with generalized lipodystrophy.

OBJECTIVE To investigate whether leptin-induced improvements in glycemic control, hyperlipidemia, and insulin sensitivity in hypoleptinemic patients with generalized lipodystrophies are accompanied by reduction in intrahepatic and intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) accumulation. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We examined the effects 8-10 months of subcutaneous leptin replacement therapy on insulin sensitivity, IMCL, and intrahepatic lipid content in two patients with acquired generalized lipodystrophy and one patient with congenital generalized lipodystrophy. All patients had extreme lack of body fat, low plasma leptin levels, and elevated serum triglycerides, but only two had diabetes. Insulin sensitivity was measured by a high-dose (0.2 IU/kg) insulin tolerance test, as well as by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic glucose clamp studies in two patients. IMCL and intrahepatic lipid content were measured by (1)H magnetic resonance spectroscopy. All measurements were obtained before and during 2-10 months of leptin therapy. RESULTS Glycemic control and lipoprotein levels markedly improved with leptin therapy in the two diabetic patients, and a slight improvement in lipoprotein levels was seen in the nondiabetic patients. Insulin stimulated glucose uptake during 60-120 min of the euglycemic clamp studies, and the rate of glucose disappearance during the insulin tolerance test nearly doubled with leptin therapy. As compared with the baseline period, after 8-10 months of leptin therapy, the mean intrahepatic lipid content was reduced by approximately 80% and the IMCL content was reduced by approximately 42%. CONCLUSIONS Reduction in IMCL and intrahepatic lipid content may partly explain leptin-induced improvement in insulin sensitivity in patients with generalized lipodystrophy.
Query Optimization and Execution Plan Generation in Object-Oriented Data Management Systems

The generation of execution plans for object-oriented database queries is a new and challenging area of study. Unlike relational algebra, a common set of object algebra operators has not been defined. Similarly, a standardized object manager interface analogous to the storage manager interface of relational subsystems does not exist. We define the interface to an object manager whose operations are the executable elements of query execution plans. Parameters to the object manager interface are streams of tuples of object identifiers. The object manager can apply methods and simple predicates to the objects identified in a tuple. Two algorithms for generating such execution plans for queries expressed in an object algebra are presented. The first algorithm runs quickly but may produce inefficient plans. The second algorithm enumerates all possible execution plans and presents them in an efficient, compact representation. >
Organizational Routines and Cognition: Introduction to the Special Issue on Routines

This article introduces this special issue on routines. It offers some suggestions as to why the concept of routines is considered central in methodological considerations of capabilities and organizational evolution. The contributors to this special issue propose various analytical tools, and provide some missing pieces from the puzzle related to the prominent role of routines. Issues discussed in the papers include methodological individualism. Routines lie between the individual and the firm levels of analysis because they are enacted by individuals in a social context. It is also suggested that a multilevel research agenda provides a finer grained analysis because organizational routines are not isolated units but are entangled among the various organizational layers.
Residential Pesticides and Childhood Leukemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of previous observational epidemiologic studies examining the relationship between residential pesticide exposures during critical exposure time windows (preconception, pregnancy, and childhood) and childhood leukemia. Data sources Searches of MEDLINE and other electronic databases were performed (1950–2009). Reports were included if they were original epidemiologic studies of childhood leukemia, followed a case–control or cohort design, and assessed at least one index of residential/household pesticide exposure/use. No language criteria were applied. Data extraction Study selection, data abstraction, and quality assessment were performed by two independent reviewers. Random effects models were used to obtain summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Data synthesis Of the 17 identified studies, 15 were included in the meta-analysis. Exposures during pregnancy to unspecified residential pesticides (summary OR = 1.54; 95% CI, 1.13–2.11; I2 = 66%), insecticides (OR = 2.05; 95% CI, 1.80–2.32; I2 = 0%), and herbicides (OR = 1.61; 95% CI, 1.20–2.16; I2 = 0%) were positively associated with childhood leukemia. Exposures during childhood to unspecified residential pesticides (OR = 1.38; 95% CI, 1.12–1.70; I2 = 4%) and insecticides (OR = 1.61; 95% CI, 1.33–1.95; I2 = 0%) were also positively associated with childhood leukemia, but there was no association with herbicides. Conclusions Positive associations were observed between childhood leukemia and residential pesticide exposures. Further work is needed to confirm previous findings based on self-report, to examine potential exposure–response relationships, and to assess specific pesticides and toxicologically related subgroups of pesticides in more detail.
Robust Visual Servoing based on Novel View Prediction

In this paper we propose a novel technique for robust visual servoing in presence of a large proportion of outliers in image measurements. The method employs robust statistical techniques and novel view prediction for improving the performance. We identify a set of points from initial and reference images and compute the essential matrix relating them. The selected points are predicted from the initial and reference images to the current frame using essential matrices. A function of the difference between the observed and predicted image point measurements is used to identify outliers. This technique is validated with many experiments and compared with other robust methods in a simulation framework.
Initial appearance and regional distribution of the neuron-glia cell adhesion molecule in the chick embryo

This study represents a global survey of the times of the first appearance of the neuron-glia cell adhesion molecule (Ng-CAM) in various regions and on particular cells of the chick embryonic nervous system. Ng-CAM, originally characterized by means of an in vitro binding assay between glial cells and brain membrane vesicles, first appears in development at the surface of early postmitotic neurons. By 3 d in the chick embryo, the first neurons detected by antibodies to Ng- CAM are located in the ventral neural tube; these precursors of motor neurons emit well-stained fibers to the periphery. To identify locations of appearance of Ng-CAM in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), we used a monoclonal antibody called NC-1 that is specific for neural crest cells in early embryos to show the presence of numerous crest cells in the neuritic outgrowth from the neural tube; neither these crest cells nor those in ganglion rudiments bound anti-Ng-CAM antibodies. The earliest neurons in the PNS stained by anti-Ng-CAM appeared by 4 d of development in the cranial ganglia. At later stages and progressively, all the neurons and neurities of the PNS were found to contain Ng-CAM both in vitro and in vivo. Many central nervous system (CNS) neurons also showed Ng-CAM at these later stages, but in the CNS, the molecule was mostly associated with neuronal processes (mainly axons) rather than with cell bodies; this regional distribution at the neuronal cell surface is an example of polarity modulation. In contrast to the neural cell adhesion molecule and the liver cell adhesion molecule, both of which are found very early in derivatives of more than one germ layer, Ng-CAM is expressed only on neurons of the CNS and the PNS during the later epoch of development concerned with neural histogenesis. Ng-CAM is thus a specific differentiation product of neuroectoderm. Ng-CAM was found on developing neurons at approximately the same time that neurofilaments first appear, times at which glial cells are still undergoing differentiation from neuroepithelial precursors. The present findings and those of previous studies suggest that together the neural cell adhesion molecule and Ng- CAM mediate specific cellular interactions during the formation of neuronal networks by means of modulation events that govern their prevalence and polarity on neuronal cell surfaces.
Aspidoras mephisto, new species: The first troglobitic Callichthyidae (Teleostei: Siluriformes) from South America

Aspidoras mephisto n. sp. is described from the Anésio-Russão cave system, upper Tocantins River basin, Goiás, Brazil. The species can be readily distinguished from its congeners by troglomorphic features and also by presenting the following combination of features: infraorbital 1 generally with well-developed ventral laminar; or moderately developed; poorly-developed serrations on posterior margin of pectoral spine; nuchal plate not externally visible; dorsal fin, even in conspicuously colored specimens, with only dark brown or black chromatophores concentrated on rays, forming spots in some specimens; membranes hyaline; or sparse dark brown or black chromatophores on membranes, not forming any conspicuous pattern; and inner laminar expansion of infraorbital 1 moderately developed. Information about its habitat, ecology, behaviour and conservation status are provided and also a brief description of the juvenile stage.
VIEWS OF ICT TEACHERS ABOUT THE INTRODUCTION OF ICT IN PRIMARY EDUCATION IN GREECE

The difficulties in the effective integration of ICT in the classroom make the subject a constant challenge for modern educational systems. The "New School", an innovative new curriculum applied experimentally in Greek schools, introduces the full and effective use of ICT in all aspects of school reality. Prominent in this effort is the role of ICT teachers. Given the vague framework which describes the integration of ICT in primary schools with reformed curriculum, it is important to investigate the views of ICT teachers in relation to the aims of the Ministry of Education and the obstacles they encounter in their teaching process. The research results reveal that on one hand, there is a considerable confusion among teachers with regard to their role and on the other hand, there are several external and internal barriers to effective teaching.
Development of a Dry-Reagent-Based qPCR to Facilitate the Diagnosis of Mycobacterium ulcerans Infection in Endemic Countries

Background Buruli ulcer is a neglected tropical disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. This skin disease is the third most common mycobacterial disease and its rapid diagnosis and treatment are necessary. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is considered to be the most sensitive method for the laboratory confirmation of Buruli ulcer. However, PCR remains expensive and involves reagents unsuitable for use in tropical countries with poor storage conditions, hindering the development of reliable quantitative PCR (qPCR) diagnosis. We aimed to overcome this problem by developing a ready-to-use dry qPCR mix for the diagnosis of M. ulcerans infection. Methodology/Principal Findings We compared the efficiency of three different dry qPCR mixes, lyophilized with various concentrations of cryoprotectants, with that of a freshly prepared mixture, for the detection of a standard range of M. ulcerans DNA concentrations. We evaluated the heat resistance of the dry mixes, comparing them with the fresh mix after heating. We also evaluated one of the dry mixes in field conditions, by analyzing 93 specimens from patients with suspected Buruli ulcers. The dry mix was (i) highly resistant to heat; (ii) of similar sensitivity and efficiency to the fresh mix and (iii) easier to use than the fresh mix. Conclusions Dry qPCR mixes are suitable for use in the diagnosis of M. ulcerans infection in endemic countries. The user-friendly format of this mix makes it possible for untrained staff to perform diagnostic tests with a limited risk of contamination. The possibility of using this mix in either vial or strip form provides considerable flexibility for the management of small or large amounts of sample. Thus, dry-mix qPCR could be used as a reliable tool for the diagnosis of Buruli ulcer in the field.
Coordinated DVS for QoS Control in Energy-efficient Web Clusters ∗

The design of energy-efficient computing systems involves s eeking any slack that the system can offer. With real-time modeling, on e avenue is to design the system’s resource management to control the quality of s ervice (QoS) at the lowest level that still meets the real-time specification, a voiding overprovisioning of the system, and thus saving energy. To achieve QoS control , we btain dynamically a QoS metric and then actuate in the speed of the server nodes capable of dynamic voltage scaling(DVS). Because clusters are often heterogeneous, using different DVS settings in each server produces better energ y savings. In this paper we investigate local nodes adjusting their DVS settings bas ed on a global off-line optimization, achieving extra power reduction up to 10%. Our testbed is a Web cluster composed only of commodity servers, and the workloa d is from a standardized e-commerce application modeled with real-time pr ope ties, the TPC-W.
The nestling diet of fairy pitta pitta nympha on Jeju Island, Korea

The nestling diet of the Fairy Pitta (Pitta nympha) was studied by videotaping during breeding period in Jeju Island, 2009. Earthworms of several species were the most common food resources for nestlings, averaging 82% of all items, followed by 4% of Homoptera larvae. The remaining was only rarely recorded, including Lepidopteran larvae and adults, slugs, spiders, beetle adults and larvae (Coleoptera) and grasshoppers. Adults provided the number of preys ranging from 1 to 7 items to chicks per one visit. The average value of prey number per visit was 3.0 (SD = 1.38). The estimated average length of prey was 5.7 cm (SD = 2.85), and 96% of the food items were smaller than 10 cm. The staying time for feeding in an early stage was longer than other stages. Provision rate at a forenoon (mean ± SD, 14.7 ± 4.92) and an afternoon time (15.8 ± 5.30) was not significantly higher than that of noon time (11.7 ± 4.49). These results provide basic information for conservation action of international endangered species of this species.
Distinct Synaptic and Extrasynaptic NMDA Receptors in Developing Cerebellar Granule Neurons

In rat cerebellar granule neurons, mRNA and protein levels of the NR2A and NR2C subunits of the NMDA receptor increase during the second postnatal week. At this time, mRNA and protein levels of the NR2B subunit begin to fall. To investigate targeting of NMDA receptor subunits, we performed whole-cell recordings from rat cerebellar granule neurons at different times during development and investigated the pharmacological and biophysical properties of mossy fiber-evoked NMDA EPSCs. Isolated NMDA EPSCs from newly formed synapses in the first postnatal week exhibited partial block by the NR2B subunit-specific antagonist (1S,2S)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxy-4-phenylpiperidino)-1-propanol (CP 101,606). By the end of the second postnatal week, NMDA EPSCs were virtually unaffected by the NR2B antagonist. In parallel, NMDA EPSC decay times decreased over a similar developmental time course. We compared properties of synaptic NMDA receptors with extrasynaptic receptors that are present on the cell body with rapid application of glutamate to excised nucleated patches. Deactivation of patch responses accelerated with development and closely resembled evoked NMDA EPSCs in rats of the same age. However, patch responses were highly sensitive to CP 101,606 through the second postnatal week, and sensitivity was seen in some neurons up to the fourth postnatal week. Spermine potentiated peak NMDA patch responses from postnatal days 10–14 rats but had little effect on evoked NMDA EPSCs. Our data suggest selective targeting of a distinct NMDA receptor subtype to synaptic receptor populations in cerebellar granule neurons. Later in development, similar changes occur in the extrasynaptic receptor population.
Dopaminergic Modulation of Lateral Amygdala Neuronal Activity: Differential D1 and D2 Receptor Effects on Thalamic and Cortical Afferent Inputs

Background: In auditory fear conditioning, the lateral nucleus of the amygdala (LA) integrates a conditioned stimulus (CS) from the auditory thalamus (MGN) and the auditory association cortex (Te3) with an aversive unconditioned stimulus. The thalamic input provides a basic version of the CS, while the cortical input provides a processed representation of the stimulus. Dopamine (DA) is released in the LA under heightened arousal during the presentation of the CS. Methods: In this study we examined how D1 or D2 receptor activation affects LA afferent-driven neuronal firing using in vivo extracellular single-unit recordings with local micro-iontophoretic drug application in anesthetized rats. LA neurons that were responsive (~50%) to electrical stimulation in either the MGN or the Te3 were tested by iontophoresis of either the D1 agonist, SKF38393, or the D2 agonist, quinpirole. Results: We found that most of the LA projection neurons exhibited either facilitatory or attenuating effects (changes in evoked probability >15% relative to baseline) on afferent input by activation of D1 or D2 receptors. In general, it required significantly higher stimulation current to evoke ~50% baseline responses to the cortical input. Activation of the D1 receptor showed no difference in modulation between the thalamic or cortical pathways. On the other hand, activation of the D2 receptor had a stronger inhibitory modulation of the cortical pathway, but a stronger excitatory modulation of the thalamic pathway. Conclusions: Our results suggest that there is a shift in balance favoring the thalamic pathway in response to DA acting via the D2 receptor.
A General Framework for Building Applications with Short and Sparse Documents

with the explosion of e-commerce and online communication and publishing, texts become available in a variety of genres like Web search snippets, forum and chat messages, blogs, book and movie summaries, product descriptions, and customer reviews. Successfully processing them, therefore, becomes increasingly important in many Web applications. However, matching, classifying, and clustering these sorts of text and Web data pose new challenges. Unlike normal documents, these text and Web segments are usually noisier, less topic-focused, and much shorter, that is, they consist of from a dozen words to a few sentences. Because of the short length, they do not provide enough word co- occurrence or shared context for a good similarity measure. Therefore, normal machine learning methods usually fail to achieve the desire accuracy due to the data sparseness. To deal with these problems, we present a general framework that can discover the semantic relatedness between Web pages and ads by analyzing implicit or hidden topics for them.
Computational topology for reconstruction of surfaces with boundary: integrating experiments and theory

We report new techniques and theory in computational topology for reconstructing surfaces with boundary. This complements and extends known techniques for surfaces without boundary. Our approach is motivated by differential geometry and differential topology. We have also conducted significant experimental work to test our resultant implementations. We discuss some problematic issues that can arise regarding the roles of the medial axis and sampling density. The crucial topics for C2 manifolds are (1) important defining properties of C2 manifolds with boundary, (2) creation of auxiliary surfaces, with emphasis near the boundary,(3) sampling density, and (4) successful practical algorithms and examples.
Fitness inheritance in multi-objective particle swarm optimization

In this paper, we propose to incorporate the concept of fitness inheritance into a multi-objective particle swarm optimizer previously proposed by us, in order to reduce the number of function evaluations performed. Four well-known test functions taken from the multi-objective optimization literature are used to evaluate the performance of the proposed approach. The results indicate a very good performance of the fitness inheritance technique, mainly when it is applied with a low probability, in which case the quality of the obtained results is even improved.
Distributed intelligent navigation architecture for robots

This thesis presents a basic architecture named DLA (Distributed and Layered Architecture) to support navigation in unstructured dynamic environments for any autonomous mobile robot. DLA supports intuitive adaptation to physically different agents and simple expansion of their capacities via addition of new modules. DLA works by combining the responses of different deliberative and reactive algorithms through the interaction of freely distributed processes in an asynchronous way. This architecture provides transparency to the user through a high simplicity and portability.
Automatic video annotation by motion recognition

Video annotation plays an important role in content based video retrieval. In this paper, we propose an automatic method to find out person identity in live video from a fixed camera by making use of a novel contextual information, motion pattern. When subjects move around in the Field Of View (FOV) of a camera, motion measurements of human body are simultaneously captured by two different sensing techniques, including camera and smart phones equipped with inertial sensors. Then classification models are trained to recognize motion pattern from raw motion data. To identify the subject that appeared in video from the camera, a metric of distance is defined to quantitatively measure the similarity between motion sequence recognized from video and each of those from smart phones. When a most similar sequence is detected, identity information related to the corresponding phone is used to annotate video frames, together with time and camera location. To test the feasibility and performance of the proposed method, extensive experiments are conducted, which achieved impressive results.