Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How important are the regulation and supervision authorities in economic society? The new Ethics Chain of Value

The bankruptcy of the fourth biggest investment bank of the United States which invested on the so called market of sub-prime loan, was provoked by bank assets sustained on mortgage title values of a much lower real market value than the originally estimated, what undermined investors confidence and the institution saw its shares value fell more than 95% over the last year. The serious problems of spreading seen in other financial institutions around the world and in economical and social structure of several countries, for instance, in Iceland, are the factual example that in a society each time more world spreaded, the lack of ethical and conduct principles and the absence of a strong social responsibilization of individual and corporational, public and private entities can cause the fall of the entire social and economical structure of corporations, regions, countries and continents. Portugal, in particular, has not been immune from all these questions. This article intends to analyze the role and importance that some Portuguese official entities of regulation and supervision of economic and financial activities give with regard to ethical, deontological and social responsibility issues, regarding principles and rules which they seek to ensure the effective achievement of the diverse entities under their jurisdiction, authority and regulation.
Active Image Forgery Detection: State of the Art and Possible Enhancements

Tens of thousands of digital images are produced, stored, and distributed in every minute worldwide through various digital cameras, social media, and image sharing platforms. While most of images could be real and they indicate a certain source of evidence, some others could be easily tampered and cause several detriments to us. This begs the question: How we can tackle the problem of digital image forgery detection? Detection of tampering with digital images is still an active research for the image processing and computer vision community. Over the past decade, there have been vast expansions in the designing and developing of image forgery detection algorithms. All these algorithms are divided into two categories: (1) Active
Putting sense of place at the centre of place brand development

ABSTRACT Developing a place brand involves highlighting the distinctive attributes of a place that could be used to enhance its attractiveness. This study is in line with recent literature where the concept of place identity is being replaced by sense of place, which provides an holistic view of a place by integrating all users’ experiences and feelings. Through a qualitative study involving 31 individual interviews with users and meetings with managers of a French coastal area, this paper proposes a five-dimensional definition of sense of place and its use as a tool for developing a place brand in 3 ways: defining the place brand concept, bringing together the internal stakeholders and invoving users in brand building.
Short-Term and Long-Term Intra-Individual Variations and Critical Differences of Clinical Chemical Laboratory Parameters

Twenty eight clinical chemical blood parameters were studied with respect to intra-individual variations. Both short term variations, within one day and during one week, and long term variations, during a six months period, were investigated in groups of 62, 16 and 274 individuals. Moreover, critical differences were calculated from the total variations, i.e. physiological (personal) and analytical variations. The influences of external factors (sex, smoking, and oral contraceptives) were being studied. It was concluded that the use of laboratory data in clinical diagnosis is considerably improved when intra-individual variations and critical differences are used.
Are there distinct cognitive and motivational sub-groups of children with ADHD?

Abstract Background Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is proposed to be a neuropsychologically heterogeneous disorder that encompasses two distinct sub-groups, one with executive function (EF) deficits and one with delay aversion (DA). However, such claims have often been based on studies that have operationalized neuropsychological deficits using a categorical approach – using intuitive but rather arbitrary, clinical cut-offs. The current study applied an alternative empirical approach to sub-grouping in ADHD, latent profile analysis (LPA), and attempted to validate emerging subgroups through clinically relevant correlates. Methods One-hundred medication-naïve children with ADHD and 96 typically developing children (6–14 years) completed nine EF and three DA tasks as well as an odor identification test. Parents and teachers provided reports of the children's behavior (ADHD and EF). Models of the latent structure of scores on EF and DA tests were contrasted using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). LPA was carried out based on factor scores from the CFA and sub-groups were compared in terms of odor identification and behavior. Results A model with one DA and two EF factors best fit the data. LPA resulted in four sub-groups that differed in terms of general level of neuropsychological performance (ranging from high to very low), odor identification, and behavior. The sub-groups did not differ in terms of the relative EF and DA performance. Results in the ADHD group were replicated in the control group. Conclusions While EF and DA appear to be dissociable constructs; they do not yield distinct sub-groups when sub-grouping is based on a statistical approach such as LPA.
The rate of spontaneous epistaxis is not linked to the lunar cycle but shows seasonal variations

Since 50–60% of the human body consists of water, the physiology of blood circulation might be affected by a full moon differently than during other days of the month. This study analyzed a potential association among lunar phases, seasonal variations, and the rate of spontaneous epistaxis. Consecutive admissions solely for spontaneous epistaxis to an otolaryngology emergency room of a single medical center during 1 year were evaluated. The applied tests failed to show changes of admissions during different lunar phases. According to multiple comparisons, admissions were significantly less frequent during the summer months, similar to findings from other countries of the northern hemisphere with varying climates, suggesting an influence of circannual rhythms rather than of environmental conditions.
Optimal Allocation of Distributed Generation in Distributed Network

The paper proposes a multi-objective optimization model of distributed generation optimal allocation in distributed network, comprehensively considering system operating cost and environmental benefit. The active network loss sensitivity analysis and voltage analysis is adopted to determine the location of distributed generation. A multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm is presented to obtain the capacity of distributed generation. The algorithm incorporates non-dominated sorting and crowding distance to improve the diversity of the Pareto solutions The results in the IEEE-33 bus system application show that the method proposed can get reasonable site and size of distributed generation, greatly improving the economics and environmental protection of the power system.
Managing the benefits of executive information systems in the public service.

Although investment in IT is growing rapidly, a number of studies have shown that the full benefits of this technology are not realised. One explanation is that these benefits exist, but have not been correctly measured. The other explanation is that they have not been achieved because of lack of management attention. Experience and common sense supports the latter assumption. Hence, the aim of this research is to develop and to trial a method which assists in the realisation of the benefits of a particularly problematic technology, executive information systems (EIS). The proposed method introduces the concept of generic benefits models into previous research on IT benefits management. This construct improves existing methods of benefits management in three respects. First, it employs reuse of benefits models in order to speed their development. Secondly, it allows these methods to be employed at any stage of a project, not just at the outset, in order to extract benefits. Thirdly, it provides a conceptual object which serves as the focus of organisational learning. The major focus of the research is on the development of generic benefits models of EIS. This requires an understanding of the role which information plays in executive work and how EIS technology may affect the manner in which executives use information. Unfortunately, the literature on executive work does not make this clear. Moreover, it seems that there is no agreed definition of EIS. As a result, it is necessary to create different generic models for different theories of executive work and different forms of EIS. The methodological approach adopted is pragmatism, in particular the experimentalism proposed by John Dewey and implemented by Donald Schon. The justification for this is that the primary objective of the study is to demonstrate the utility of the proposed method rather than its ability to explain, predict, or provide insight. The study includes six experiments conducted within the office of the Malaysian Prime Minister. Different types of EIS, with different degrees of benefits already realised, and at different stages of development are the subjects of these experiments. The results largely affirm the proposed method, but they do suggest some refinement of the original benefits models. They also indicate simplification of the models is possible. In addition the executives who participated in these experiments favour the proposed method. However, the IS practitioners in the organisation are less enthusiastic. The study proposes a solution to this problem which includes both changes to organisational structure and to the education of IS practitioners. The research also produced a number of supplementary findings. It reaffirmed the findings of Mintzberg's study of executive work. It demonstrated once again that executives rarely use EIS directly and that they mostly depended on subordinates to access information. When executives do employ EIS themselves, they are more likely to use it to enhance their learning than to support decision-making.
Survey on Physical Resource Management in Clouds

The very important advantage of cloud computing is the ability to provision resources on demand. This avoids the problems of over-provisioning and under-provisioning which are commonly seen with organizations that have widely variable requirements due to increase/decrease, seasonal high and low workload etc. Resource allocation policies decide the amount of resource to be allocated to a particular or set of virtual machines (VMs). This resource allotment policy can also update the dynamically. For implementing prioritization, it requires to provide more resource to a specific virtual machine, compared to another virtual machine The resources offered may include memory consumption, storage, CPU processing power, IT services, and so on. Many of the touted gain in cloud computing that comes from resource multiplexing through virtualization technology.
Overexpressing the Sedum alfredii Cu/Zn Superoxide Dismutase Increased Resistance to Oxidative Stress in Transgenic Arabidopsis

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a very important reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging enzyme. In this study, the functions of a Cu/Zn SOD gene (SaCu/Zn SOD), from Sedum alfredii, a cadmium (Cd)/zinc/lead co-hyperaccumulator of the Crassulaceae, was characterized. The expression of SaCu/Zn SOD was induced by Cd stress. Compared with wild-type (WT) plants, overexpression of SaCu/Zn SOD gene in transgenic Arabidopsis plants enhanced the antioxidative defense capacity, including SOD and peroxidase activities. Additionally, it reduced the damage associated with the overproduction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide radicals (O2•-). The influence of Cd stress on ion flux across the root surface showed that overexpressing SaCu/Zn SOD in transgenic Arabidopsis plants has greater Cd uptake capacity existed in roots. A co-expression network based on microarray data showed possible oxidative regulation in Arabidopsis after Cd-induced oxidative stress, suggesting that SaCu/Zn SOD may participate in this network and enhance ROS-scavenging capability under Cd stress. Taken together, these results suggest that overexpressing SaCu/Zn SOD increased oxidative stress resistance in transgenic Arabidopsis and provide useful information for understanding the role of SaCu/Zn SOD in response to abiotic stress.
A Novel Anti-sTn Monoclonal Antibody 3P9 Inhibits Human Xenografted Colorectal Carcinomas

The aim of this study is to raise tumor-suppressing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against colorectal carcinomas. Here, we generated a novel mAb 3P9, targeted a cancer-associated carbohydrate antigen sialyl-Tn (sTn), which showed significant inhibitory effect on proliferation and migration of sTn+ cells and tumor growth by inducing apoptosis. We also demonstrated that mAb 3P9 showed higher sensitivity and specificity in immunohistochemistry assay on colonic adenocarcinoma than the broadly used commercial anti-sTn antibody B72.3. These results provide the first evidence that mAb 3P9 has potential applications, not only for diagnosis but also for antibody-based tumor therapy.
Perceptions of the availability and effectiveness of HIV/AIDS awareness and intervention programmes by people with disabilities in Uganda

The study investigated perceptions of the availability and effectiveness of HIV/AIDS awareness and intervention programmes by people with disabilities in Uganda. Participants (N=95) were made up of 15 leaders of disabled people's organisations (DPOs) and 80 people with disabilities (PWDs). A survey design which used both quantitative and qualitative research methods was adopted. A questionnaire was used for leaders of DPOs while focus group discussions (FGDs) were held with the rest of the participants. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the quantitative data. The qualitative data were analysed by means of a content analysis. The study found that although PWDs were aware of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, they felt discriminated against on HIV/AIDS issues. The PWDs had difficulties in accessing HIV/AIDS services because of mainly communication problems. Results further revealed that the HIV/AIDS policy on disability was not very clear. The PWDs requested for full involvement in HIV/AIDS advocacy and training programmes. Recommendations were made.
The Impact of Audit Quality in Rights Offerings

Using audit quality as our core focus, we take a fresh look at the tradability and standby status in rights offerings, and the market reaction during the subscription period in the US market. We find that firms with high audit quality are more likely to choose tradable or full standby rights issues. We also find that the subscription period price reaction is positively related to audit quality and negatively related to issue price discount. These results demonstrate an important role played by the choice of auditors in the design of rights offerings, particularly in mitigating the negative price reaction during the subscription period.
Analysis of media agenda-setting effect on consumer confidence in the safety of the U.S. food system across consumer segments

x CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 Food Safety Agencies . 1 1.2 Major Food Recalls . 4 1.3 Media Coverage and Effect . 6 1.4 Problem Statement . 9 1.4.1 Specific Objectives . 10 1.5 Organization of Study. 10 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW . 12 CHAPTER 3: DATA AND METHODOLOGY . 23 3.1 Consumer Survey Design . 23 3.2 Media Tracking . 23 3.3 Factor Analysis . 25 3.4 Segmentation. 26 3.4.1 Cluster Analysis . 27 3.5 Model and Analysis Procedure . 29 3.6 Ordered Probit Analysis . 31 CHAPTER 4: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION . 34 4.1 Consumer Demographics . 34 4.2 Factor Analysis Results . 36 4.3 Segmentation. 37 4.3.1 Factor Analysis for Characteristic Statements . 37 4.3.2 Cluster Analysis . 38 4.3.3 Comparison of Segments . 39 4.4 Ordered Probit Results . 42 4.4.1 Consumer Confidence in Food System . 42 4.4.1.1 General/Overall Model . 46 4.4.1.2 Non-Differentiators . 50 4.4.1.3 Predestinarians/Disciplined . 52 4.4.1.4 Afraid . 54 iv 4.4.1.5 Trendy and Adventurists . 57 4.4.1.6 Freedom Seeker . 59 4.4.1.7 Life Planner/Freedom Seeker . 62 4.4.1.8 Life Planner . 64 4.4.1.9 Predestinarians/Optimists . 66 4.4.1.10 Marginal Effects. 68 4.4.2 Consumers Attitude towards Preparedness of Food System . 75 4.4.2.1 General/Overall Model . 78 4.4.2.2 Non-Differentiators . 81 4.4.2.3 Predestinarians/Disciplined . 84 4.4.2.4 Afraid . 86 4.4.2.5 Trendy and Adventurists . 88 4.4.2.6 Freedom Seeker . 91 4.4.2.7 Life Planner/Freedom Seeker . 93 4.4.2.8 Life Planner . 95 4.4.2.9 Predestinarians/Optimists . 97 4.4.2.10 Marginal Effects . 97 CHAPTER 5: SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION . 104 5.
Serogroup identification of Neisseria meningitidis: comparison of an antiserum agar method with bacterial slide agglutination

A serum agar method for serogrouping Neisseria meningitidis is described and compared with conventional bacterial slide agglutination. There was 93% agreement for 300 strains examined individually by each method. Among strains from serogroups A, B, C, Y, and W135, there was 100% correlation, whereas strains from serogroup 29E (Z') had only 67% correlation. The serum agar method was rapid, as well as easy to perform and interpret. The potential benefits of this method for epidemiological studies and reference laboratories processing large numbers of meningococcal isolates are emphasized.
Multi-scale analysis of human behavior patterns of communication based on large scale mobile data

The studies of traditional human behavior dynamics and complex network of human communication are usually based on individuals or the groups. However, urban residents who are separated by urban road network and divided into different parts by spatial distance and geographical constraints, show different characteristics from the individuals and groups. In this paper, we study the dynamical characteristics of human behavior and the features of communication network of residents on different land parcels, with a real large-scale mobile phone data. We find that Functional Urban Areas with different attributes have some influence on behavior patterns of residents. Especially, most of residents are located in the educational land. Furthermore, by contrasting variations of the same indicator in diffrent months. we also find that the number of permanent residents changes the greatest in August in all land parcels. In addition, the dynamical indicators of human behavior and the features of communication networks correspondingly have dramatically changed.
Operational surface soil moisture retrieval by c-band SAR imagery in a semi-arid environment

The work focuses on a development of a fully operational approach for surface soil moisture (SSM) monitoring and mapping in the semi-arid environment. A brief background of the work is described in the Section 1. The paper then carefully describes the rationale and the working procedures of the approach in Section 2 and Section 3 respectively. Model performance is demonstrated in Section 4 for both bare soil fields and crop fields. Promising results are noticed (RMSE= 5.76 vol. %) for bare fields for a large range of in situ SSM condition and (RMSE= 4.51 vol. %) crop fields for in situ SSM lower than 20 vol. %. A further application is also added to show the model's capability in regional SSM mapping.
Progress towards gene therapy for HIV infection.

The retroviral life cycle and genetic plasticity of human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) present unprecedented therapeutic challenges. Twelve years into the HIV epidemic, satisfactory treatment remains elusive. Our current understanding of AIDS pathogenesis calls for early intervention with antiviral agents. Although still in its infancy, human gene therapy holds considerable potential for the long-term treatment of genetic disorders, cancer and chronic infectious diseases. Gene therapy for HIV infection is receiving particularly intensive study: approaches that are in development include both immunotherapy (e.g. therapeutic vaccines and adoptive transfer of CD8+ T-cell clones) and direct antiviral therapy (intracellular immunization). The latter strategies include transdominant modifications of HIV proteins, RNA decoys, antisense RNA, ribozymes and modifications of cellular proteins (e.g. intracellular antibodies, soluble CD4). Several of these strategies are now entering clinical trials. While significant conceptual and technical hurdles remain to be overcome before the promise of gene therapy for HIV infection can be fully realized, progress in this field is likely to be rapid and to contribute to the broader applicability of human gene therapy to the treatment of other disorders.
Proposal of Coil Structure for Air-Core Induction Magnetometer

Proposal of coil structure for air-core induction magnetometer is presented. The key point is the lamination factor which refers to the ratio of winding number compared with an ideal Brooks-coil. A decrease in lamination factor produces an increase in flux-to-voltage transfer ratio, and a decrease in noise floor level of the magnetometer. The size of coil defines the 20 dB/decade slope in frequency response of the magnetometer. While a magnetometer consisting of a coil with low lamination factor has high cutoff frequency, the sensitivity is better than of a coil with high lamination factor even if the frequency is lower than the cutoff frequency. Some magnetometers having few hundred ft/Hz1/2 are fabricated, and demonstrate the validity of the idea. This design method may allow us to develop an ultra-sensitive, high-spatial-resolution induction magnetometer comparable to SQUID sensor.
The Relationship of Membership in Research Networks to Compliance With Treatment Guidelines for Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Background:Research has shown that older women with breast cancer are less likely than younger women to receive treatment in accordance with accepted guidelines. Cancer-related research networks (eg, Comprehensive Cancer Centers) have been funded by the National Cancer Institute to increase the dissemination of new treatment strategies, but little is known about their relationship to cancer treatment patterns. Objectives:We used a 3-level hierarchical regression model to examine the relationship of treating facilities’ memberships in cancer research networks to compliance with guidelines for primary treatment of early stage breast cancer, controlling for patient and facility factors. Research Design:We analyzed data from a database linking SEER registry data and Medicare claims in patients aged 65 years of age or older with early-stage breast cancer to data on the treating facility, including variables that indicate membership(s) in cancer research networks. Subjects:A total of 16,600 women with stage I or stage II breast cancer, diagnosed between 1990 and 1994, and who received treatment in one of 423 facilities were studied. Measures:The key independent variable in this analysis was membership in NCI-funded cancer research networks. The outcome measure is a 3-category variable defined as (1) mastectomy (MAST), (2) breast-conserving surgery plus radiation therapy (BCS+RT), or (3) BCS alone. Results:Patients treated at facilities that were members of 2 or more cancer research networks were more likely to receive guideline-concordant treatment (ie, MAST or BCS+RT) than similar patients treated at nonmember facilities. Conclusions:Organizational factors may influence compliance with treatment guidelines and be useful in improving the quality of care.