Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Weighing it up ‐ a literature review for the balanced scorecard

The balanced scorecard (BSC) has received much literary acclaim in the USA where it was conceived, employed and developed. In Britain this has not yet been the case. This paper seeks to offer a brief explanation of the concept, provide an insight into why it has been so successful in the USA and to question why it has not been adopted in the UK. The available literature is reviewed to guide further investigation into the application of the BSC and identifies specific business examples and where appropriate the specific management discipline.
Site-specific propagation prediction for wireless in-building personal communication system design

The paper describes a geometrical optics based model to predict propagation within buildings for personal communication system (PCS) design. A ray tracing model for predicting propagation based on a building blueprint representation is presented for a transmitter and receiver located on the same floor inside a building. Measured and predicted propagation data are presented as power delay profiles that contain the amplitude and arrival time of individual multipath components. Measured and predicted power delay profiles are compared on a location-by-location basis to provide both a qualitative and a quantitative measure of the model accuracy. The concept of effective building material properties is developed, and the effective building material properties are derived for two dissimilar buildings based upon comparison of measured and predicted power delay profiles. Time delay comparison shows that the amplitudes of many significant multipath components are accurately predicted by this model. Path loss between a transmitter and receiver is predicted with a standard deviation of less than 5 dB over 45 locations in two different buildings. >
A new perspective on the PM vernier machine mechanism

Permanent magnet Vernier (PMV) machines have attracted more and more attention for their merits of high torque density and simple structure. And principle of electromechanical energy conversion is the most common way to investigate the PMV machine by calculating back EMF and electromagnetic torque. In this paper, a new perspective on the mechanism of PMV machines based on the Maxwell stress tensor method is presented to deepen the insight into the reason why the force on the rotor of a PMV machine is larger than that of a SPM machine. Based on the FEA method, three machines with exactly the same rotor are analyzed and compared, namely, 24-slot/20-pole SPM, 12-slot/20-pole surface PMV and 6-slot/20-pole split-tooth PMV machines. The radial and tangential flux density and force distributions along the airgap are illustrated. It is shown that the improvement of tangential flux density in the PMV machine plays a primary role in the higher torque density, which shows a promising way to improve the torque density of machines.
Simulation Training Improves Surgical Proficiency and Safety During Diagnostic Shoulder Arthroscopy Performed by Residents.

Although virtual reality simulators have established construct validity, no studies have proven transfer of skills from a simulator to improved in vivo surgical skill. The current authors hypothesized that simulation training would improve residents' basic arthroscopic performance and safety. Twenty-two orthopedic surgery trainees were randomized into simulation or standard practice groups. At baseline testing, all of the participants performed simulator-based testing and a supervised, in vivo diagnostic shoulder arthroscopy with video recording. The simulation group subsequently received 1 hour of total instruction during a 3-month period, and the standard practice group received no simulator training. After intervention, both groups were reevaluated with simulator testing and a second recorded diagnostic shoulder arthroscopy. Two blinded, independent experts evaluated arthroscopic performance using the anatomic checklist, Arthroscopic Surgery Skill Evaluation Tool (ASSET) score, and total elapsed time. All outcome measures were compared within and between groups. After intervention, mean time required by the simulation group to complete the simulator task (30.64 seconds) was 8±1.2 seconds faster than the time required by the control group (38.64 seconds; P=.001). Probe distance (51.65 mm) was improved by 41.2±6.08 mm compared with the control (92.83 mm; P=.001). When comparing ASSET safety scores, the simulation group was competent (3.29) and significantly better than the control group (3.00; P=.005) during final arthroscopic testing. This study establishes transfer validity for an arthroscopic shoulder simulator model. Simulator training for residents in training can decrease surgical times, improve basic surgical skills, and confer greater patient safety during shoulder arthroscopy. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(3):e479-e485. ].
Ionomycin-induced calcium influx induces neurite degeneration in mouse neuroblastoma cells: analysis of a time-lapse live cell imaging system

Abstract Reactive oxygen species induce neuronal cell death. However, the detailed mechanisms of cell death have not yet been elucidated. Previously, we reported neurite degeneration before the induction of cell death. Here, we attempted to elucidate the mechanisms of neurite degeneration before the induction of cell death using the neuroblastoma N1E-115 cell line and a time-lapse live cell imaging system. Treatment with the calcium ionophore ionomycin induced cell death and neurite degeneration in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Treatment with a low concentration of ionomycin immediately produced a significant calcium influx into the intracellular region in N1E-115 cells. After 1-h incubation with ionomycin, the fluorescence emission of MitoSOXTM increased significantly compared to the control. Finally, analysis using a new mitochondrial specific fluorescence dye, MitoPeDPP, indicated that treatment with ionomycin significantly increased the mitochondrial lipid hydroperoxide production in N1E-115 cells. The fluorescence emissions of Fluo-4 AM and MitoPeDPP were detected in the cell soma and neurite regions in ionomycin-treated N1E-115 cells. However, the emissions of neurites were much lower than those of the cell soma. TBARS values of ionomycin-treated cells significantly increased compared to the control. These results indicate that ionomycin induces calcium influx into the intracellular region and reactive oxygen species production in N1E-115 cells. Lipid hydroperoxide production was induced in ionomycin-treated N1E-115 cells. Calcium influx into the intracellular region is a possible activator of neurite degeneration.
Asset price and wealth dynamics under heterogeneous expectations

In order to characterize asset price and wealth dynamics arising from the interaction of heterogeneous agents with CRRA utility, a discrete-time stationary model in terms of return and wealth proportions (among different types of agents) is established. When fundamentalists and chartists are the main heterogeneous agents in the model, it is found that in the presence of heterogeneous agents the stationary model can have multiple steady states. The steady state is unstable when the chartists extrapolate strongly and (locally) stable when they extrapolate weakly. The convergence to the steady state follows an optimal selection principle - the return and wealth proportions tend to the steady state which has relatively higher return. More importantly, heterogeneity can generate instability which, under the stochastic processes of the dividend yield and extrapolation rates, results in switching of the return among different states, such as steady-state, periodic and aperiodic cycles from time to time. The model that is finally developed displays the essential characteristics of the standard asset price dynamics model assumed in continuous-time finance, in that the asset price is fluctuating around a geometrically growing trend. The model also displays the volatility clustering that is an essential feature of empirically observed asset returns.
Exploring the Ups and Downs of Mathematics Engagement in the Middle Years of School

This study of 1,601 students in the middle years of schooling (Grades 5-8, each student measured twice, 1 year apart) from 200 classrooms in 44 schools sought to identify factors explaining gains and declines in mathematics engagement at key transition points. In multilevel regression modeling, findings showed that compared with Grade 6 students (upper elementary; the reference category), students in Grades 7 (typically the first secondary school year) and 8 have significantly declined in mathematics engagement from their previous year. Notably, in further analyses, these declines were found to be related to student (particularly mathematics self-efficacy and valuing), home (parent valuing of mathematics and availability of a computer for mathematics), classroom (class-average achievement and perceived climate), and school (socio-economic status and ethnic composition) factors. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Comments on Time-Varying Harmonic and Interharmonic Estimation Methods

Frequency is one of the most important factors for power system harmonic and interharmonic estimation. Accurate spectral analysis relies much on the correct identification of frequencies of the measured signals. In this paper, several commonly used methods for power system stationary and time-varying harmonic and interharmonic estimation are reviewed and compared according to the viewpoint of the frequency identification. It is expected to provide suitable guidelines for the future studies.
Role of cytochromes P450 and peroxidases in metabolism of the anticancer drug ellipticine: additional evidence of their contribution to ellipticine activation in rat liver, lung and kidney.

OBJECTIVE Ellipticine is a potent antineoplastic agent exhibiting multiple mechanisms of action. This anticancer agent should be considered a pro-drug, whose pharmacological efficiency and/or genotoxic side effects are dependent on its cytochrome P450 (CYP)- and/or peroxidase-mediated activation to species forming covalent DNA adducts. The target of this study was to investigate a role of CYP and peroxidase enzymes in ellipticine oxidative activation in rats, a suitable model mimicking the fate of ellipticine in humans, in details. The contribution of pulmonary and renal CYP- and peroxidase enzymes to ellipticine metabolic activation is investigated and compared with that found in the liver. METHODS Ellipticine oxidation and DNA adduct formation in vitro were investigated using microsomes isolated from liver, lung and kidney of rats, either control (untreated) or treated i.p. with a single dose of 40 mg of ellipticine per kg of body weight. HPLC with UV detection was employed for the separation and characterization of ellipticine metabolites. Inhibitors of CYPs and cyclooxygenase (prostaglandin H synthase, COX) were used to characterize the enzymes participating in ellipticine oxidative activation in rat liver, lung and kidney. Ellipticine-derived DNA adducts were detected by 32P-postlabeling. RESULTS Using α-naphthoflavone, furafylline and ketoconazole, inhibitors of CYP1A, 1A2 and 3A, respectively, we found that the CYP1A and 3A enzymes play a major role in ellipticine activation to species forming DNA adducts in liver microsomes. Because of lower expression of these enzymes in lungs and kidneys, even after their induction by ellipticine, they play a minor role in ellipticine activation in these extrahepatic tissues. Arachidonic acid, a cofactor of COX, increased ellipticine activation in the microsomes of extrahepatic tissues. In addition, indomethacin, an inhibitor of COX, efficiently inhibited formation of ellipticine-derived DNA adduct in these microsomes. Based on these results, we attribute the higher activation of ellipticine in lung and kidney microsomes to COX than to CYP enzymes. CONCLUSION The results demonstrate that whereas CYP enzymes of 1A and 3A subfamilies are the major enzymes activating ellipticine in rat livers, peroxidase COX plays a significant role in this process in lungs and kidneys.
MicroRNA-124 Suppresses the Transactivation of Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cells by Targeting Multiple Genes and Inhibits the Proliferation of Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells*

Background: The NFAT signaling pathway is linked to pulmonary arterial hypertension. Results: MicroRNA screening revealed that miR-124 robustly inhibits NFAT activity, dephosphorylation, and nuclear translocation of NFAT by targeting multiple genes, NFATc1, CAMTA1, and PTBP1. Conclusion: miR-124 is an effective and multipronged inhibitor of NFAT signaling. Significance: miR-124 might be a potential immunosuppressant that may have biological effects linked to pulmonary arterial hypertension. Abnormal proliferation and phenotypic modulation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC) contributes to the pathogenesis of numerous cardiovascular disorders, including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) signaling pathway is linked to PASMC proliferation and PAH. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that function in diverse biological processes. To systemically identify the specific miRNAs that regulate the NFAT pathway, a human primary miRNA library was applied for cell-based high throughput screening with the NFAT luciferase reporter system. Eight miRNAs were found to modulate NFAT activity efficiently. Of them, miR-124 robustly inhibited NFAT reporter activity and decreased both the dephosphorylation and the nuclear translocation of NFAT. miR-124 also inhibited NFAT-dependent transcription of IL-2 in Jurkat T cells. miR-124 exerted its effects by targeting multiple genes, including a known component of the NFAT pathway, NFATc1, and two new regulators of NFAT signaling, CAMTA1 (calmodulin-binding transcription activator 1) and PTBP1 (polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1). Physiologically, miR-124 was down-regulated by hypoxia in human PASMC, consistent with the activation of NFAT during this process. Down-regulation of miR-124 was also observed in 3-week hypoxia-treated mouse lungs. Furthermore, the overexpression of miR-124 not only inhibited human PASMC proliferation but also maintained its differentiated phenotype by repressing the NFAT pathway. Taken together, our data provide the first evidence that miR-124 acts as an inhibitor of the NFAT pathway. Down-regulation of miR-124 in hypoxia-treated PASMC and its antiproliferative and prodifferentiation effects imply a potential value for miR-124 in the treatment of PAH.
Exploring the brains of Baduk (Go) experts: gray matter morphometry, resting-state functional connectivity, and graph theoretical analysis

One major characteristic of experts is intuitive judgment, which is an automatic process whereby patterns stored in memory through long-term training are recognized. Indeed, long-term training may influence brain structure and function. A recent study revealed that chess experts at rest showed differences in structure and functional connectivity (FC) in the head of caudate, which is associated with rapid best next-move generation. However, less is known about the structure and function of the brains of Baduk experts (BEs) compared with those of experts in other strategy games. Therefore, we performed voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and FC analyses in BEs to investigate structural brain differences and to clarify the influence of these differences on functional interactions. We also conducted graph theoretical analysis (GTA) to explore the topological organization of whole-brain functional networks. Compared to novices, BEs exhibited decreased and increased gray matter volume (GMV) in the amygdala and nucleus accumbens (NA), respectively. We also found increased FC between the amygdala and medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC) and decreased FC between the NA and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Further GTA revealed differences in measures of the integration of the network and in the regional nodal characteristics of various brain regions activated during Baduk. This study provides evidence for structural and functional differences as well as altered topological organization of the whole-brain functional networks in BEs. Our findings also offer novel suggestions about the cognitive mechanisms behind Baduk expertise, which involves intuitive decision-making mediated by somatic marker circuitry and visuospatial processing.
Modal Analysis of Curved Waveguides

A rigorous modal analysis of continuously curved waveguides both below and above cutoff is given. This analysis is a basic tool for modelling discontinuities involving curved waveguides and promises to be particularly valuable in the design of BFNs (Beam Forming Networks). As a typical application the modal scattering matrix of the junction between a straight and a curved guide is derived. Computed results compare favourably with experiment.
An algorithm for comparing multiple RNA secondary structures

A new distributed computational procedure is presented for rapidly determining the similarity of multiple conformations of RNA secondary structures. A data abstraction scheme is utilized to reduce the quantity of data that must be handled to determine the degree of similarity among multiple structures. The method has been used to compare 200 structures with easy visualization of both those structures and substructures that are similar and those that are vastly different. It has the capability of processing many more conformations as a function of research requirements. The algorithm is described as well as some suggestions for future uses and extensions.
The Role of the Baserate Frequency of Correspondent Behavior and Trait Stereotypes in Attribution: Building on Rothbart and Park (1986)

Research was conducted to understand and extend Rothbart and Park's (1986) innovative study of trait attribution. Participants estimated the baserate frequency of correspondent behaviors and the behavioral expectations of trait stereotypes. The frequency of correspondent behavior appears to determine the evidence needed to confirm and disconfirm traits observed by Rothbart and Park by shaping the behavior expected of persons with a trait. When the baserate of correspondent behavior is high, it is generally expected of everyone, and less likely to impact trait attributions. In contrast, when correspondent behavior is uncommon, it is expected primarily of persons with a trait, and weighted more heavily in the inference process. The findings help to explain why traits that are “hard to acquire are easy to lose” and why positive trait attributions are harder to acquire but easier to lose than negative trait attributions.
The Civic Educational (PKn) Learning through Thematic Principle in an Effort Developing Moral Intelligence (Study of Qualitative in SD Laboratorium PGSD FIP UNJ 2010)

The objective of this research is to find out the implementation of PKn learning through thematic principle in an effort to develop moral intelligence, especially about feeling of respect toward others and empathy for students at first grade of SD Laboratorium PGSD FIP UNJ. This research is using qualitative method. The process of accumulation data is done through triangulation which consisted of (1) observation, (2) interview, and (3) document analysis. The data is being analyzed with focused observation, taxonomy analysis, chosen observation, component analysis, and theme analysis. The data’s validity is done by extension of participation, tenuously observation and triangulation. This research finding shows that: (1) moral intelligence of the first grade elementary school student had abled to develop moral intelligence, especially feeling of respect towards others and empathy, but there are some students still have difficulties in developing respect; (2) factors that are influencing feeling of respect toward others and empathy consist of supporting factor such as curriculum; teacher; book; and student. Where the factors that become obstacles consist of curriculum; book; student; media; (3) the strategy which is used by the teacher in developing feeling of respect toward others and empathy is consist of introduction, main activity and closing. With this thematic learning that is implemented through PKn (civil education) in SD Laboratorium PGSD FIP UNJ absolutely can develop the moral intelligence of student especially feeling of respect toward others and empathy.
An Overview of Heart Rate Variability Metrics and Norms

Healthy biological systems exhibit complex patterns of variability that can be described by mathematical chaos. Heart rate variability (HRV) consists of changes in the time intervals between consecutive heartbeats called interbeat intervals (IBIs). A healthy heart is not a metronome. The oscillations of a healthy heart are complex and constantly changing, which allow the cardiovascular system to rapidly adjust to sudden physical and psychological challenges to homeostasis. This article briefly reviews current perspectives on the mechanisms that generate 24 h, short-term (~5 min), and ultra-short-term (<5 min) HRV, the importance of HRV, and its implications for health and performance. The authors provide an overview of widely-used HRV time-domain, frequency-domain, and non-linear metrics. Time-domain indices quantify the amount of HRV observed during monitoring periods that may range from ~2 min to 24 h. Frequency-domain values calculate the absolute or relative amount of signal energy within component bands. Non-linear measurements quantify the unpredictability and complexity of a series of IBIs. The authors survey published normative values for clinical, healthy, and optimal performance populations. They stress the importance of measurement context, including recording period length, subject age, and sex, on baseline HRV values. They caution that 24 h, short-term, and ultra-short-term normative values are not interchangeable. They encourage professionals to supplement published norms with findings from their own specialized populations. Finally, the authors provide an overview of HRV assessment strategies for clinical and optimal performance interventions.
The performance of neurologically normal bilingual speakers of Spanish and English on the short version of the Bilingual Aphasia Test

Background: The assessment of aphasia in bilingual speakers is complicated by the need to measure language impairment in each language, as well as defining how one language recovers in relation to another. The Bilingual Aphasia Test (BAT) is a criterion‐referenced measure designed to provide the requisite data needed to measure the impairment of bilingual speakers with aphasia while minimising the effects of pre‐morbid differences in language skill. Aims: The purpose of this study was to examine the performance of neurologically normal adult bilingual speakers on the short version of the BAT (English and American Spanish). Methods & Procedures: A total of 22 adults ranging in age from 51 to 77 completed the BAT as well as a series of measures of language history, proficiency, and use. Outcomes & Results: Results indicated that the group scored higher in English than in Spanish on the BAT. BAT performance was consistent with higher proficiency in English than Spanish, as indicated by responses to language background measures. An item analysis identified 54 items with a correct response rate less than 70%; the majority of these items were from the Spanish version and the translation subtest of the BAT. Conclusions: Performance on the Spanish BAT was influenced by academic experience in Spanish, and the influence of English on Spanish. Interpretation of BAT results for bilingual speakers with aphasia requires accounting for pre‐morbid differences in language skill.