Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Etude de mecanismes d'interpretation de contraintes et de leur integration dans un systeme a base de connaissances

Le travail propose dans cette these part du constat que les contraintes constituent un type de connaissance important qui intervient dans de nombreux domaines. Il est donc crucial qu'un systeme de raisonnement a base de connaissances puisse les representer aisement et les interpreter efficacement. Cependant, on constate aussi que la plupart de ces systemes developpent leurs propres formalismes et interpretes ad-hoc car l'environnement de representation et d'interpretation des connaissances (eric) qu'ils utilisent n'offrent pas d'outils adequats. Notre but est d'essayer de combler cette lacune en etablissant un schema general d'integration d'outils de manipulation de contraintes aux eric a base d'objets structures. Dans une premiere partie, nous presentons un modele de contraintes abstrait et independant du domaine. A partir de ce modele, nous developpons un ensemble d'outils pour la satisfaction de problemes et le maintien de leur coherence. Le probleme de satisfaction est etudie pour les domaines finis et le maintien de coherence utilise un mecanisme de propagation de valeurs dont l'applicabilite est generale. Dans une seconde partie, nous montrons comment un eric peut s'approprier ces outils par l'instanciation d'une representation par objets du modele des contraintes et d'une interface fonctionnelle reduite. Le resultat est un systeme souple, qui n'est pas alourdi par l'adjonction d'un formalisme supplementaire. Un exemple d'integration dans le noyau de systeme expert smeci montre quels roles peuvent servir les differents types d'interpretation des contraintes. Enfin, nous proposons deux nouvelles formes de contraintes: les contraintes de transition et les metacontraintes. Les premieres permettent d'exercer un controle constant sur l'evolution des objets de l'eric. Les secondes decoulent de la representation homogene des contraintes et des objets contraints. Elles permettent de representer des problemes dont la structure s'ajuste automatiquement en fonction de l'evolution des objets contraints
Virtual Consumer Communities for Innovation: A Cross-Cultural Perspective

Abstract This study investigates the moderating role of culture in the motivation of consumers’ intention to participate in virtual communities for product innovation. Surveys were conducted in Denmark (n = 1045) and Brazil (n = 617). Findings show that relatedness is the strongest driver of consumers’ intended interaction, but the importance of group vs. company relatedness differs between countries. Possible beneficial outcomes drive consumers in both countries. The main implication realized from this study is the cross-country moderation, as to the importance of the two dimensions of relatedness, which is likely to be rooted in the individualism–collectivism dimension of culture.
Observations related to the Salmonella EU layer baseline survey in the United Kingdom: follow-up of positive flocks and sensitivity issues

SUMMARY A follow-on study was carried out on 23 holdings identified as Salmonella positive in the 2004/2005 European Union (EU) baseline survey of Salmonella in laying hens. Eleven of 13 cage and 4/7 floor houses remained positive for Salmonella when the new flock was tested, and from 10/13 cage and 3/7 floor houses a Salmonella of the same serovar/phage type as found in the EU survey was isolated. There was a high correlation between the level of contamination in the houses at the time of the EU survey and in the follow-on flock. On seven occasions the house identified as positive in the EU survey was sampled after cleaning and disinfection but before a new flock was placed, and in all of them Salmonella could be isolated from the houses. The observed number of infected houses in infected holdings suggests that the holding-level prevalence in the United Kingdom would be about 21% higher than the results obtained in the EU survey.
Knowledge management-related training strategies in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia construction industry: an empirical study

Abstract The growing popularity of knowledge management (KM) in the construction industry has, unfortunately, not been matched by parallel empirical research in training and benefits of KM for construction industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This article discusses the KM-related training strategies implemented in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia construction industry. Given the relatively new and unexplored nature of the research problem, qualitative research method was adopted to collect and analyse data. Results are based on the analysis of data from 46 professionals from KSA construction organizations. This article concludes that training interventions are a complex and context-embedded activity. The current study results suggests that for effective implementation of KM strategies, there is an urgent need for KSA construction industry to develop and deploy appropriate KM-related management training programmes. Leadership plays an important role in breaking down barriers in achieving KM strategies. The practical implication of this research is that the KM should not only focus on the specific knowledge to be captured, shared, mapped and transferred between individuals but should also address strategic concerns at group and organizational levels.
Two-Dimensional Versus Three-Dimensional Finite-Element Method Simulations of Cantilever Magnetoelectric Sensors

This paper investigates the suitability of two-dimensional (2D) finite-element method (FEM) simulations to model the quasi-static bending-mode response of cantilever magnetoelectric (ME) sensors. We compute the deformation of the cantilever due to an applied magnetic field across the magnetostrictive (MS) layer as well as the generated voltage across the piezoelectric (PE) layer by solving a system of coupled linear elastostatic/elastodynamic and electrostatic/magnetostatic equations. In the 2D FEM formulation a plane-stress boundary condition is employed. Both 2D and 3D FEM results are compared for varying cantilever length and width. For cantilevers with length >> height >> width good agreement is obtained between 2D and 3D results. For cantilevers obeying the condition length >> width >> height, a systematic deviation occurs between 2D and 3D results as the plane-stress condition does not model the situation in the center of the cantilever. For a length:width:height ratio of 25:5:1, a difference in generated voltage of ~12% is obtained for the Terfenol-D-PZT-Si material system. Especially for cantilevers with high aspect ratios, we show that 2D FEM simulations are sufficient to investigate the ME properties.
Preclinical evaluation of a novel SIRT1 modulator SRT1720 in multiple myeloma cells

SIRT1 belongs to the silent information regulator 2 (Sir2) protein family of enzymes and functions as a NAD+‐dependent class III histone deacetylase. Here, we examined the anti‐multiple myeloma (MM) activity of a novel oral agent, SRT1720, which targets SIRT1. Treatment of MM cells with SRT1720 inhibited growth and induced apoptosis in MM cells resistant to conventional and bortezomib therapies without significantly affecting the viability of normal cells. Mechanistic studies showed that anti‐MM activity of SRT1720 is associated with: (i) activation of caspase‐8, caspase‐9, caspase‐3, poly(ADP) ribose polymerase; (ii) increase in reactive oxygen species; (iii) induction of phosphorylated ataxia telangiectasia mutated/checkpoint kinase 2 signalling; (iv) decrease in vascular endothelial growth factor‐induced migration of MM cells and associated angiogenesis; and (v) inhibition of nuclear factor‐κB. Blockade of ATM attenuated SRT1720‐induced MM cell death. In animal tumour model studies, SRT1720 inhibited MM tumour growth. Finally, SRT1720 enhanced the cytotoxic activity of bortezomib or dexamethasone. Our preclinical studies provide the rationale for novel therapeutics targeting SIRT1 in MM.
A practical methodology using in-depth crash data to support the assessment of new motorcycle safety technologies

Current knowledge on safety technologies developed for passenger cars represents great potential for translatable solutions that may also reduce the number and the severity of casualties among motorcyclists. However, the translation of a safety system conceived for a four-wheeled vehicle to a motorcycle is not straightforward due to the different characteristics in the vehicle dynamics and in common real world crash scenarios. In this paper, we present a methodology to exploit in-depth motorcycle crash data for the purposes of a subsequent assessment of the potential benefits of a promising safety technology for motorcycles: autonomous emergency braking (AEB). The in-depth crash data used in this study involved motorcyclists who were seriously injured following a crash on a public road within 150 km of Melbourne, Victoria. From the subset of cases available for this activity, a set of 20 multi-vehicle crashes in which AEB was considered as “possibly applicable” were identified using a dedicated rating algorithm. For each selected case, the trajectories of the host motorcycle and the other vehicle prior to the crash were estimated using the available in-depth data and reconstructed via 2-dimensional simulations. Finally a panel of investigators reviewed each case until agreement was reached on the accuracy of the reconstruction. In further steps of this research, AEB will also be modelled in the numerical environment. Simulations with and without assistance of AEB will be run to predict the effects that this safety technology may have produced in the reconstructed cases.
Phylogeny of the Coleoptera based on mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I sequence data

A 400 base pair region of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene (COI) was sequenced for thirty‐seven species of beetle, representing fifteen families. The sequence was found to be highly variable, with 12–18% divergence within families, and up to 27% divergence between families. Phylogenetic analysis using the neighbour‐joining method shows the Carabidae (Adephaga) as a distinct clade, but also shows that all other beetles (Polyphaga) diverged soon after the Adephaga/Polyphaga split. Whilst some species are grouped within their respective families, others are too diverged for easy resolution. The main disagreement with trees constructed using comparative morphology and the fossil record is the position of the Coccinelli‐dae. Whilst COI may be an informative gene for molecular systematics at lower taxonomic levels, or in other insects, improved resolution of this particular phylogeny will require a more highly conserved sequence.
IMPACT OF STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP ON STRATEGIC COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE THROUGH STRATEGIC THINKING AND STRATEGIC PLANNING: A BI-MEDITATIONAL RESEARCH

Confusion between strategic planning and strategic thinking in the context of strategic leadership and its effect on competitive advantage was the foremost rationale for this study to come into view. Thereby, the aim of this study was to examine the role of two mediating variables, i.e., strategic planning and strategic thinking in the impact of strategic leadership on competitive advantage. Scoping health care sector in Jordan resulted in three public hospitals agreed to participate in the study. Data were gathered using a questionnaire developed on the basis of literature review. A total of 1000 questionnaires were administered to hospitals. A total 521 questionnaires were returned with a response rate of 52.1%. The results pinpointed that strategic leadership significantly predicted strategic planning, strategic thinking and competitive advantage. the results also revealed that strategic planning and strategic thinking significantly and positively related to competitive advantage. accordingly, it was approved that strategic planning and strategic thinking mediated the effect of strategic leadership on competitive advantage. Despite that the influence of strategic thinking on competitive advantage was greater than the influence of strategic planning on competitive advantage. The study hold the perspective that both strategic planning and strategic thinking were essential in the context of strategic leadership, since strategies are developed by strategic thinking and operationalized via strategic planning.
Open Data Network of Asean Foreign Affairs Ministry Libraries: a feasibility studies

The ASEAN Foreign Affairs Ministry (ASEAN-FAM) as the front guard of ASEAN diplomacy needs to think a new strategy containing a new way of communications among their stake holders. ASEAN-FAM Libraries, the places which provide expansion, creation, and collaboration, have a huge potency to link and collaborate ASEAN Community by creating a networking which could share information and resources to promote strong skills and potential in science and technology and seek to leverage these capacities to increase regional competitiveness, foster innovation and entrepreneurship, improve resources management with implementation of open data. The purpose of this research is to get clear insights about the network collaboration of foreign affairs ministry libraries in ASEAN region and to promote as well as to apply the open government data among ASEAN countries. This research is using survey check on three aspects of open data implementation on ASEAN FAM. There are data transparency, open data policy and technical aspect in data interoperability in 10 ASEAN-FAM. After examining the three aspects, this paper will describe a design system that should be adopted by the ASEAN-FAM Open Data Network. Some findings discovered on this research were: most of ASEAN countries do not have freedom of information act as seen from transparency aspect; only some ASEAN member states’ freedom of information act could influence the information dissemination act in ASEAN-FAM, this situation created various differentiations on disseminating information among ASEAN-FAM; only Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore which are using standard metadata can ensure the data interoperability. The main issue in technical aspect is about collecting the data. ASEAN Secretariat can be used as the center of FAM-Library network on Open Government data initiatives in ASEAN region. The conclusion of this research is the ASEAN-FAM Library Network can be implemented among the countries in the region and it will have a huge implication to create an impact on ASEAN Regional Foreign policies but there are several problems on how to implement FAM-Library Network, there are: differentiation on information policy in each ASEAN country, information technology infrastructure and interoperability data.
?PAY WHAT YOU WANT PRICING STRATEGY? AS A NEW SALES PROMOTION METHOD - AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON FOOD AND BEVERAGE BUSINESSES

In this study, it has been tried to determine whether the ? Pay What You Want (PWYW) Pricing? strategy can be used as a new sales promotion method. In this direction, average payment voluntariness of consumers towards the promotional product sold at PWYW pricing have tried to determine. The study also has been attempted to obtain information about what may be the elements determining the payment voluntariness of the consumers and what will be the consumers? attitude towards the firm that applies the PWYW pricing method and promotion used with PWYW. As a result of the study, it has been determined that consumers may have more payment voluntariness to the promotional product if the company is not aim to make a profit. Additionally, it has been observed that as the level of knowledge about the reference price and as the level of satisfaction, altruism, income and fairness increases, the payment voluntariness of consumers increases. Finally, it has reached that the participants can be in a positive attitude towards the promotion and company applying this method.
Effect of Service Quality on Customer Satisfaction Evidence from Banks in Tangail

This study attempts to determine the effect of service quality on customer satisfaction both from public and private banks in Tangail city. Service quality of different banks is observed that is provided for their customers. An attempt is made to find out which service quality dimensions may enhance customer satisfaction in a better way. To measure the service quality, an extensive survey of bank clients has been performed with a structured questionnaire. Respondents are chosen from different demographic features. The 200 sample clients were selected from the branches of different public and private banks located in Tangail City. The sample clients were selected randomly at the banks while interviewing. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the analysis. To explore the relationship between service quality and overall customer satisfaction, frequency distribution, descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis was performed. From the overall analysis, the most important service quality factor of banks is personal attention to the clients followed by error-free records, safety in transaction, and tangible physical facilities of the bank. A significant correlation between the performance of promises in time and professions of the clients are observed. Perceived service quality factors have significant relationship with the overall service quality of the banks located in Tangail City which indicates that the service quality dimension have strong influence on the overall customer satisfaction. After all, findings indicate that service quality and all its dimensions have significant and positive association with customer satisfaction. Therefore, this study has been specifically conducted to consider this phenomenon and seek empirical justification in this regard by considering service quality as the main contributory factor towards customer satisfaction.
Optimal integral sliding mode guidance law based on generalized model predictive control

This article investigates the problem of designing robust guidance laws for intercepting maneuvering targets with desired terminal line-of-sight angle constraint. Based on generalized model predictive control for the nominal system, the discontinuous and continuous integral sliding mode control laws are, respectively, developed. Stability analysis shows that the proposed guidance law can ensure the optimal tracking characteristic of generalized model predictive control algorithm and the line-of-sight angle tracking error as well as the line-of-sight angular rate can converge to zero asymptotically. The effectiveness of the proposed guidance law is validated by applying it to a surface-to-air missile for intercepting a head-on maneuvering target under different scenarios.
Quantification of biofilm in microtiter plates: overview of testing conditions and practical recommendations for assessment of biofilm production by staphylococci

The details of all steps involved in the quantification of biofilm formation in microtiter plates are described. The presented protocol incorporates information on assessment of biofilm production by staphylococci, gained both by direct experience as well as by analysis of methods for assaying biofilm production. The obtained results should simplify quantification of biofilm formation in microtiter plates, and make it more reliable and comparable among different laboratories.
Empathizers and systemizers process social information differently

ABSTRACT Using the empathizing-systemizing theory as our framework, we investigated how people with high self-reported empathizing (having good social skills and being interested in people) and systemizing (being interested in physical things and processes) differ in the social information processing of emotionally negative photographs of people during “spontaneous watching” and emotional and cognitive empathy tasks. Empathizers evaluated the pictures as more emotionally touching and the reactions in the photographs more understandable than the systemizers. Compared to the empathizers, systemizers had stronger activations in the posterior cingulate cortex, an area related to cognitive empathy, as well as in the left superior temporal gyrus and middle frontal gyrus when watching emotional photographs spontaneously. During guided emotional and cognitive empathy tasks, these differences disappeared. However, during the emotional empathy task, higher systemizing was associated with weaker activation of the right inferior frontal gyrus /insula. Furthermore, during emotional and cognitive empathy tasks, empathizing was related to increased activations of the amygdala which were in turn related to higher behavioral ratings of emotional and cognitive empathy. The results suggest that empathizers and systemizers engage in social information processing differently: systemizers in more cognitive terms and empathizers with stronger automatic emotional reactions.
Quantifying the Safety Bene fi ts of Wedge Resection : A Society of Thoracic Surgery Database Propensity-Matched Analysis

Background. Wedge resection is often used instead of anatomic resection in an attempt to mitigate perioperative risk. In propensity-matched populations, we sought to compare the perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing wedge resection with those undergoing anatomic resection. Methods. The Society of Thoracic Surgery database was reviewed for stage I and II non-small cell lung cancer patients undergoing wedge resection and anatomic resection to analyze postoperative morbidity and mortality. Propensity scores were estimated using a logistic model adjusted for a variety of risk factors. Patients were then matched by propensity score using a greedy 5to 1digit matching algorithm, and compared using McNemar’s test. Results. Between 2009 and 2011, 3,733 wedge resection and 3,733 anatomic resection patients were matched. The operative mortality was 1.21% for wedge resection versus 1.93% for anatomic resection (p [ 0.0118). Major morbidity occurred in 4.53% of wedge resection patients
Antigen therapy eliminates T cell inflammation by apoptosis: effective treatment of experimental autoimmune neuritis with recombinant myelin protein P2.

Exposure of T cells to their specific antigen normally results in proliferation, but in the presence of high and repeatedly administered doses of antigen, T cells may undergo apoptosis. Here we demonstrate that i.v. administration of as little as 100 microg of recombinant P2 protein twice daily completely prevents experimental autoimmune neuritis induced by adoptive transfer of neuritogenic P2-specific T cells or by immunization with the neuritogenic P2-peptide-spanning amino acids 53-78. Antigen treatment started after disease onset markedly ameliorated experimental autoimmune neuritis. The mechanism of action may be through programmed T cell death; a profound increase of the rate of apoptosis was seen in inflammatory foci of peripheral nerves and in the spleen. There was no cytokine switch by our Th1 cells after exposure to their specific antigen, but increased secretion of interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha was demonstrated. High antigen dose therapy using recombinant, pathogen-free protein may prove useful for the treatment of autoimmune inflammatory disorders of the nervous system.