Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Empirical evidence how social capital effects the internationalisation process of SME in Zhejiang

Abstract SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) are taking the similar way towards internationalisation as large MNCs (multinational corporations). The two participants have similar problems in the internationalisation process, but the conditions for SMEs are completely different due to their limited resources. Social capital is influencing the process and can be a compensation for the disadvantages SMEs are confronted with. This study shows how social capital affects the internationalisation speed and performance of SMEs in China. Using the existing research as a framework, this paper proposes hypotheses concerning various aspects of social capital in terms of networks or ties to key institutions and discusses their effects on the SME’s internationalisation. The hypotheses are tested on a representative sample of 99 SMEs located in Zhejiang (China) with the help of a regression analysis. The findings indicate that some aspects of social capital contribute to a superior performance and a faster internationalisation speed. The results of this study can help managers and founders choose proper business strategies or representatives of political institutions setting policies.
High-order sliding mode and high-gain observers for state estimation and fault reconstruction for a nonlinear CSTR

The aim of this paper is to design a high-gain with a higher order sliding mode (super-twisting) observer-based outputs and faults estimations for a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR). The high-gain observer is used in nominal plant for observing the system states. Whereas the adaptive-gain super-twisting is proposed to tackle system faults and therefore can be reconstructed from the equivalent output error injection signal. The designed observer thanks to the higher order sliding mode allows reconstructing faults without chattering effect caused by traditional sliding mode. The global observer convergence is proved using the Lyapunov theory. Simulations results show the effeteness of the observer adopted in this paper
New insights on frequency combinations and ‘forbidden frequencies’ in the de Haas–van Alphen spectrum of κ-(ET)2Cu(SCN)2

de Haas–van Alphen oscillations of the organic metal κ-(ET)2Cu(SCN)2 have been measured up to 55 T at liquid helium temperatures. The Fermi surface of this charge transfer salt is a textbook example of a linear chain of orbits coupled by magnetic breakdown. Accordingly, the oscillation spectrum is composed of linear combinations of the frequencies linked to the α and magnetic breakdown-induced β orbits. The field and temperature dependence of all the observed Fourier components, in particular the ‘forbidden frequency’ β−α which cannot correspond to a classical orbit, are quantitatively accounted for by analytical calculations based on a second order development of the free energy, i.e. beyond the first order Lifshitz–Kosevich formula.
An aggressive distributed admission control policy for streaming media

Prefix caching has significant benefits in media delivery systems in terms of reduced startup latency and network traffic. However, with the conventional admission control model, prefix caching may incur some performance penalty. When the media server is heavily loaded and has to deny the client request finally, forwarding a large number of initial frames from proxy to clients can result in dramatic waste of critical network resource. An ideal solution to this problem is to let proxy servers perform the admission control on behalf of the media servers. In this paper, we present a distributed admission control policy. We consider an aggressive disk bandwidth allocation scheme where an agent may, with a certain probability, admit a new request when the current bandwidth used at the agent has reached its limit. We formulate the problem as a min-max optimization problem and provide a MINMAX algorithm to find the solutions. The effectiveness of our algorithm is demonstrated through simulation studies.
On the Convergence of the Multidimensional Albus Perceptron

The Associative memory system developed for robotic control by J. S. Albus is described. This is an analog extension, based on the physiologic knowledge of the cer ebellum, of the classical perceptron and possessing desir able generalization and classification properties. Only small amounts of storage are required, and adjustment of weights in learning is extremely efficient. Convergence of the one-dimensional Albus perceptron is already estab lished.
Multi-objective regression test suite optimization with Fuzzy logic

Regression Testing is performed on already tested programs to ensure that modifications have not revealed defects into the unmodified portions of programs. Regression Test Suites are always growing due to addition of Test Cases. Many broken and redundant test cases are also part of regression test suites. Running the all regression test suite is always not feasible; therefore optimization of regression test suites is required to meet the constraints. In this work we proposed multi-objective optimization of regression test suites with Fuzzy Logic (Sugeno Model) for Black Box based testing methods. Proposed approach was implemented on two published case studies. Results indicates that optimization can be achieved by using Fuzzy Logic that is a safe technique for optimization and we can reduce the execution time and size of regression test suites up to 50%.
Iterative Predistortion of the Nonlinear Satellite Channel

Digital Video Broadcasting-Satellite-Second Generation (DVB-S2) is the current European standard for satellite broadcast and broadband communications. It relies on high-order modulations up to 32 amplitude/phase-shift keying (APSK) in order to increase the system spectral efficiency. Unfortunately, as the modulation order increases, the receiver becomes more sensitive to physical-layer impairments and, notably, to the distortions induced by the power amplifier and the channelizing filters aboard the satellite. The predistortion of a nonlinear satellite channel has been studied for many years. However, the performance of existing predistortion algorithms generally becomes poor when high-order modulations are used on a nonlinear channel with long memory. In this paper, we investigate a new iterative method that predis-torts the blocks of transmitted symbols to minimize the Euclidian distance between the transmitted and received symbols. We also propose approximations to relax the predistorter complexity while keeping its performance acceptable.
Multiclass MSPD method for pesticide determination in dehydrated Hyptis pectinata (sambacaitá) medicinal plant by GC-MS

A method was developed using matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD), together with gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for determination of ametryn, tetraconazole, flumetralin, tebuconazole, pyrimethanil, dichlofluanid and kresoxim-methyl in dehydrated Hyptis pectinata (sambacaita) medicinal plant material. The evaluated parameters included the type and amount of sorbent (C18, neutral alumina, silica gel and Florisil) and the nature of the eluent (dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and dichloromethane:ethyl acetate (1:1, v/v)). The best results were obtained using 0.5 g of plant material, 0.5 g of C18 as sorbent and dichloromethane (20 mL) as the eluting solvent. The method was validated using plant samples spiked with pesticides at different concentration levels (0.05-1.0 µg g-1). Average recoveries (using four replicates) ranged from 83 to 127%, with relative standard deviations between 4 and 15%. Limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were in the ranges 0.02-0.07 µg g-1 and 0.05-0.1 µg g-1, respectively.
An XML repository for molecular sequence data

The emergence of the Extensible Markup Language (XML) as a new standard for data representation and exchange on the World Wide Web has created a new information revolution. Several proposals have been made to formulate molecular sequences in XML, however none of them mentioned the efficient storage and management of the resultant XML sequence data. This paper addresses some implementation issues of an XML repository for molecular sequence data.
Hospital facilities and resource management: economic impact of a high-volume regional anesthesia program for outpatients.

The constant quest to reduce healthcare costs has led to more procedures being performed on an outpatient basis. Outpatient orthopedic procedures are commonly followed by acute pain and postoperative nausea and/or vomiting (PONV), and when these symptoms are refractory, and/or are accompanied by somnolence resulting from high doses of general anesthetic agents, opioids, and sedating antiemetics, prolonged recovery room stays and unplanned hospital admissions can become very common. Anesthesia techniques for outpatient orthopedic surgery incorporating regional anesthesia (RA) techniques (especially nerve blocks), accompanied (if necessary) by propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia, can reduce or even eliminate postoperative pain, PONV, mandatory phase 1 recovery room stays, and unplanned admissions. In addition, RA techniques providing definitive surgical anesthesia and performed in an induction room can significantly reduce anesthesiacontrolled time in the operating room. Thus, the most positive immediate postoperative outcomes with the use of RA provide a ‘‘win–win’’ situation for patients, families, hospital staff, and administrators. This chapter specifically reviews resource management and economic issues related to the use of a high-volume RA program at the University of Pittsburgh from 1996 through 1999, with a particular focus on operating room time savings, reductions in recovery room use, and reduction of hospital admissions. We also quantify the hospital cost savings generated by the combination of postanesthesia care unit (PACU) bypass and avoidance of hospital admissions. Specifically, our report summarizes our work with the patient
Challenges in power-imbalanced food supply: the UK case of small, specialist, and niche fresh produce relationships

This chapter seeks to identify and clarify successful business developments by specialist and niche businesses in the UK fresh produce market, related to the management of supplier–buyer relationships, and then relate the findings to the study of power-based supply chain relationships and networks. The focus is on the issues and challenges that face specialist suppliers when they work to improve their relationships with buyers. Serving a pivotal function in the link between primary producers and dominant retailers, channel intermediary organizations source from suppliers and then deal directly with supermarket retailers. This chapter will detail an enquiry, based on personal, in-depth interviews with the commercial directors of typical fresh produce intermediary businesses, into the best routes to market for small, specialist, and niche suppliers, as well as their best methods for managing channel and network relationships. Specifically: 1. Can satellite specialist suppliers manage channel power issues and business relationships despite their distance from the market? 2. What can specialist and niche suppliers offer, compared with large or generic suppliers? 3. How might small specialist suppliers benefit from learning about the mechanisms of business relationships? The following discussion thus features implications for relevant academic theory, as well as practice pertaining to small business development, in relation to the management of supplier–buyer relationships.
A bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) genomic approach reveals partial clustering of the furanocoumarin pathway genes in parsnip

Furanocoumarins are specialized metabolites that are involved in the defense of plants against phytophagous insects. The molecular and functional characterization of the genes involved in their biosynthetic pathway is only partially complete. Many recent reports have described gene clusters responsible for the biosynthesis of specialized metabolites in plants. To investigate possible co-localization of the genes involved in the furanocoumarin pathway, we sequenced parsnip BAC clones spanning two different gene loci. We found that two genes previously identified in this pathway, CYP71AJ3 and CYP71AJ4, were located on the same BAC, whereas a third gene, PsPT1, belonged to a different BAC clone. Chromosome mapping using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) indicated that PsPT1 and the CYP71AJ3-CYP71AJ4 clusters are located on two different chromosomes. Sequencing the BAC clone harboring PsPT1 led to the identification of a gene encoding an Fe(II) α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase (PsDIOX) situated in the neighborhood of PsPT1 and confirmed the occurrence of a second gene cluster involved in the furanocoumarin pathway. This enzyme metabolizes p-coumaroyl CoA, leading exclusively to the synthesis of umbelliferone, an important intermediate compound in furanocoumarin synthesis. This work provides an insight into the genomic organization of genes from the furanocoumarin biosynthesis pathway organized in more than one gene cluster. It also confirms that the screening of a genomic library and the sequencing of BAC clones represent a valuable tool to identify genes involved in biosynthetic pathways dedicated to specialized metabolite synthesis.
The effect of increased photovoltaic energy generation on electricity price and capacity in South Africa

Solar energy is a much discussed renewable resource in South Africa. Possible reasons are on-going energy crisis as well as very high solar radiation intensities in the country. Among numerous technical challenges with increase of solar energy capacity, countries like South Africa must also be very concerned with the cost issues related to renewable energy. In the last decade the cost of photovoltaic (PV) systems has been reduced significantly and the prices are still dropping. Although South Africa can benefit from high solar intensities which can reduce levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of the solar PV, for the costs involved it is very difficult to compete with coal which is abundant and very cheap in the country. This study shows the influence of penetrating solar PV to the average system LCOE. Optimization programming techniques were employed and a model of South African electricity generation was developed.
Analysis of residents' locational preferences in the peri-urban residential neighbourhoods of Minna, Nigeria

Households make decision on their residential location after sorting out all issues relating to their demographic characteristics. This study therefore aimed at assessing the core and auxiliary factors influencing residents’ choice of peri-urban residential neighbourhoods of Minna in Niger State, Nigeria . Six peri-urban neighbourhoods were selected for the study from which 600 households were sampled. Results of analysis revealed that household’s income, house rents, proximity to places of work and security are core factors influencing resident’s decision in the choice of residential location while land rents, presence of infrastructure and ethnic/religious factors are auxiliary factors. Friedman’s test revealed more favo u rable rankings of land value factor over the other six factors. However, results of analysis (chi-square = 25.43; df=6; p=0.000 is < 0.01), indicated that there was a differential rank ordered preference for the seven (7) factors across the selected neighbourhoods. Economic empowerment, investment in residential housing, infrastructure refurbishing and provision were recommended for the attainment of optimum satisfactions in individual household’s choice of residential location and for the achievement of sustainable development in the peripherals. Key Words : Peri-Urban, Residential, core and Auxiliary factors
Egg Shell Collagen Formation in Caenorhabditis elegans Involves a Novel Prolyl 4-Hydroxylase Expressed in Spermatheca and Embryos and Possessing Many Unique Properties*

The collagen prolyl 4-hydroxylases (EC 1.14.11.2) play a critical role in the synthesis of all collagens. The enzymes from all vertebrate species studied are α2β2 tetramers, in which the β subunit is identical to protein disulfide isomerase (PDI). Two isoforms of the catalytic α subunit, PHY-1 and PHY-2, have previously been characterized from Caenorhabditis elegans. We report here on the cloning and characterization of a third C. elegansα subunit isoform, PHY-3. It is much shorter than the previously characterized vertebrate and C. elegans α subunits and shows 23–30% amino acid sequence identity to PHY-1 and PHY-2 within the catalytic C-terminal region. Recombinant PHY-3 coexpressed in insect cells with a C. elegans PDI isoform that does not associate with PHY-1 was found to be an active prolyl 4-hydroxylase. The phy-3 gene consists of five exons, and its expression pattern differs distinctly from the hypodermally expressedphy-1 and phy-2 in that it is expressed in embryos, late larval stages, and adult nematodes, expression in the latter being restricted to the spermatheca. Nematodes homozygous for aphy-3 deletion are phenotypically of the wild type and fertile, but the 4-hydroxyproline content ofphy-3−/− early embryos was reduced by about 90%. PHY-3 is thus likely to be involved in the synthesis of collagens in early embryos, probably of those in the egg shell.
Financial Education and Savings Behavior: Evidence from a Randomized Experiment among Low-Income Clients of Branchless Banking in India

Financial literacy programs are popular, despite limited evidence that they lead to significant changes in savings behavior. We experimentally test the impact of financial literacy training on clients of a branchless banking program that offers doorstep access to banking to low-income households. The intervention had significant impacts: total savings in the treatment group increased by 49% ($39) within a period of 1 year. The increase in savings is due in part to decreases in expenditures on temptation goods. These results suggest that financial education interventions can be successful in changing savings outcomes, although results may be very context specific.
Real-time rendering

From the Publisher: The second edition of "Real-Time Rendering" comes three years after the release of the first. In that time computer graphics hardware has evolved at a rapid rate: it is more than ten times faster (outstripping Moore's Law) and the functionality has increased significantly in a wide range of areas. Reflecting these changes, this second edition is almost 900 pages long, 75% larger than the 512 pages of the first edition. All chapters have been updated, and new chapters added on spline and subdivision surfaces, advanced shading theory and techniques, and non-photorealistic and image-based rendering. As with the first edition, this new book is a blend of solid theory and practical advice, useful for students, professionals, and hobbyists alike.
A Framework Based on Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS) for the Evaluation of Users Satisfaction

In today’s knowledge based economy, organizational success depends tremendously on the performance of human resource management (HRM). Furthermore, Human Resource Management (HRM) has recently turned its concentration on knowledge sharing and strategic workforce analysis and has been increasingly evolving into a significant contributor on the organizational strategic management. The aim of this paper is to evaluate previous model on HRM in order to propose a framework based on Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS) to evaluate users satisfaction. The contribution of this paper is to identify the level of user satisfaction of using HRMIS and whether there is any relationship between information quality, system quality and service quality with user satisfaction of using HRMIS.
Noninvasive mapping of spontaneous fluctuations in tumor oxygenation using F19 MRI.

PURPOSE Acute hypoxia (transient cycles of hypoxia-reoxygenation) is known to occur in solid tumors and may be a poorly appreciated therapeutic problem as it can be associated with resistance to radiation therapy, impaired delivery of chemotherapeutic agents, or metastasis development. The objective of the present study was to use MRF19 relaxometry maps to analyze the spontaneous fluctuations of partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) over time in experimental tumors. METHODS ThepO2 maps were generated after direct intratumoral administration of a fluorine compound (hexafluorobenzene) whose relaxation rate (1/T1) is proportional to the % O2. The authors used a SNAP inversion-recovery sequence at 4.7 T to acquire parametric images of the T1 relaxation time with a high spatial and temporal resolution. Homemade routines were developed to perform regions of interest analysis, as well as pixel by pixel analysis of pO2 over time. RESULTS The authors were able to quantify and probe the heterogeneity of spontaneous fluctuations in tumorpO2: (i) Spontaneous fluctuations in pO2 occurred regardless of the basal oxygenation state (i.e., both in oxygenated and in hypoxic regions) and (ii) spontaneous fluctuations occurred at a rate of 1 cycle/12-47 min. For validation, the analysis was performed in dead mice for which acute changes did not occur. The authors thereby demonstrated that F19 MRI technique is sensitive to acute change in pO2 in tumors. CONCLUSIONS This is the first approach that allows quantitative minimally invasive measurement of the spontaneous fluctuations of tumor oxygenation using a look-locker approach (e.g., SNAP IR). This approach could be an important tool to characterize the phenomenon of tumor acute hypoxia, to understand its physiopathology, and to improve therapies.
Segmentation of Medical Images Using Directional Force Active Contour Models

A new technique for automatic extraction of object region and boundary from the background for cell nucleus segmentation of cervical cancer images is proposed in this work. Gradient magnitude and directional information are employed to extract the exact boundary of the object under consideration. Segmentation process begins with preprocess as computation of optimum threshold based on the clusters automatically from K-means clustering algorithm. The cluster center of this threshold region, act as a seed for further processing. The problem of extracting the gradient information from concave boundaries is addressed by the use of gradient vector flow snake. The active contour has been found using convergence Index filter to find the exact boundary using directional information if the magnitude differentiation is less in the low intensity image like cell medical images. Then the object region is extracted from the object boundary and gray scale cluster. The advantage of this method is that it does not require any initial approximate contour or any seed point like parametric active contour model or any priori knowledge about the image characteristics. Further the segmentation speed of this algorithm also empowers real time execution possible for any generalize image applications .