Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Addressing Prehospital Patient Safety Using the Science of Injury Prevention andControl

There is inadequate information about the scope andcharacter of adverse events in prehospital care. However, there is ample evidence to suggest that prehospital patient safety hazards are often unique andunderrecognized. We first summarize what is currently understood about prehospital patient safety andidentify the specific aspects of emergency medical services (EMS) care that may make conventional approaches to the evaluation andimprovement of patient safety more difficult. Next we introduce the concept of using injury prevention andcontrol science to analyze prehospital adverse events andto help develop EMS patient safety solutions. Injury prevention andcontrol is a proven public health approach for the study andreduction of both intentional andunintentional injuries. It includes the use of a Haddon phase–factor matrix to identify possible interventions, especially environmental modifications that provide automatic protection. We demonstrate how this method can be used as a complementary approach in efforts to prevent injuries caused by prehospital adverse medical events.
Identification and Characterization of MFA1, the Gene Encoding Candida albicansa-Factor Pheromone

ABSTRACT In the opaque state, MTLa and MTLα strains of Candida albicans are able to mate, and this mating is directed by a pheromone-mediated signaling process. We have used comparisons of genome sequences to identify a C. albicans gene encoding a candidate a-specific mating factor. This gene is conserved in Candida dubliniensis and is similar to a three-gene family in the related fungus Candida parapsilosis but has extremely limited similarity to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae MFA1 (ScMFA1) and ScMFA2 genes. All these genes encode C-terminal CAAX box motifs characteristic of prenylated proteins. The C. albicans gene, designated CaMFA1, is found on chromosome 2 between ORF19.2165 and ORF19.2219. MFA1 encodes an open reading frame of 42 amino acids that is predicted to be processed to a 14-amino-acid prenylated mature pheromone. Microarray analysis shows that MFA1 is poorly expressed in opaque MTLa cells but is induced when the cells are treated with α-factor. Disruption of this C. albicans gene blocks the mating of MTLa cells but not MTLα cells, while the reintegration of the gene suppresses this cell-type-specific mating defect.
Quantitative, rapid europium(III) nanoparticle-label-based all-in-one dry-reagent immunoassay for thyroid-stimulating hormone.

Long-lifetime fluorescent europium(III) chelate nanoparticles have been shown to be applicable as labels in various heterogeneous and homogeneous immunoassays. Assay performance can be improved when these intrinsically labeled nanoparticles are used in combination with time-resolved fluorescence detection. In several previous publications, we have shown the potential of nanoparticle labels in different assay applications. In heterogeneous assays, the dynamic range of assays at low concentrations can be extended (1)(2)(3). Furthermore, the kinetic characteristics of assays can be improved by use of detection antibody-coated high-specific-activity nanoparticle labels instead of conventionally labeled detection antibodies (4). In homogeneous assays, europium(III) nanoparticles have been shown to be efficient donors in fluorescence resonance energy transfer, enabling simple and rapid high-throughput screening (5). Heterogeneous and homogeneous nanoparticle-label-based assays can be run with various sample matrixes, e.g., serum (3), heparin plasma (3), and mucus (S. Huopalahti, A. Valanne, T. Soukka, R. Vainionpaa, T. Lovgren, and H. Harma, University of Turku, unpublished data). In the present work we describe a kinetic, heterogeneous, one-step immunoassay application in which europium(III) nanoparticle labels are used in an all-in-one dry-reagent format (Aio! ™) (6) to produce a simple, rapid, and sensitive sandwich-type assay for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Conventionally, the Aio! technology is based on the europium(III) chelate label, but in the present …
Integration of distributed generation on Nigerian transmission network

This paper presents integration of distributed generation (DG) on Nigerian transmission network. The DG technologies used are wind and solid-oxide fuel cell. They are sited on major transmission section of the network which will adversely affect the stability of the transmission network Hence, the focus of this study. The analyses therefore, cover the transient as well as dynamic behaviour of the network when a three-phase fault was introduced in the presence of DGs. The analyses show an increase in the peak-to-peak terminal voltage when DGs were connected. This study is essential for planning and operation of the system with DGs.
Public and Private Agricultural RD Investment and Research Productivity of in China

Employing the count data analysis based on survey data of 1355 firms in China’s 29 provinces collected in 2007, this study analyzes the impact of public and private agricultural R&D investments on research productivity measured by the number of patents granted to agricultural firms. We find that private R&D investments and having an own R&D research center increase the number of patents granted. However, the public R&D investments do not have a statistically significant effects on the number of patents granted. We also find that the number of research staff, especially of doctoral research staff, has a positive and statistically significant effect on the number of patents granted. Multi-national firms and firms located in central China have fewer patents than their counterparts. The main findings suggest that it is more efficient for Chinese government to improve research productivity if it encourages private agricultural R&D investments and helps agricultural firms to build their own R&D centers. Chinese government may also need to strengthen the legal framework and institutional resources for the protection and enforcement of intellectual properties to encourage domestic and international firms patent their new technologies.
Model prihvaćanja tehnologije i putevi do online lojalnosti potrošača na tržištima u razvoju

Takahashi Yoshi, Ph. D. Lecturer Graduate School for International Development and Cooperation, Hiroshima University 1-5-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8529, JAPAN E-mail: yoshit@hiroshima-u.ac. jp Nham Phong Tuan, Ph. D. Lecturer, Vice Head of Research and Partnership Development Department Faculty of Business Administration, University of Economics and Business, Vietnam National University E4, 144 Xuan Thuy Road, Cau Giay District, Hanoi, VIETNAM E-mail: tuannp@vnu.edu. vn
Preventive effect of 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg3 against lipopolysaccharide-induced hepatic and renal injury in rats

The preventive effect of 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg3 (20(S)-Rg3) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced oxidative tissue injury in rats was investigated in this study. The elevated serum nitrite/nitrate, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase and creatinine levels in LPS-treated control rats were significantly decreased following 15 consecutive days of 20(S)-Rg3 administration. In addition, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance levels in the serum, liver and kidney were dose-dependently lower in 20(S)-Rg3-treated groups than in the LPS-treated control group. The nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein expressions in the liver and kidney were significantly increased by LPS treatment. However, the 20(S)-Rg3 administrations significantly decreased these protein expressions except for HO-1 in the liver. On the other hand, in the kidney, oral administration of 20(S)-Rg3 showed a tendency to reduce NF-κB and iNOS protein expressions and also significantly reduced the elevated COX-2 and HO-1 protein expressions at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight/day. All these results suggest the preventive effect of 20(S)-Rg3 against LPS-induced acute oxidative damage in the liver and kidney and the preventive effect of 20(S)-Rg3 administration against LPS toxicity was thought to be more predominant in the liver than kidney.
Enterprise Resource Planning Acceptance Model (ERPAM): Extended TAM for ERP Systems in Operational Phase of ERP Lifecycle

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems have been implemented in most organizations for few years. But most of the organizations cannot really expose promised benefits of ERP systems. One of the reasons might be ERP users who do not accepted and use ERP system properly. In IT/IS literature organizational users have been exposed as important factor, which has influence on IT/IS acceptance and usage. Technology acceptance model (TAM) proposed by Davis (1989) has been most widely used model for researching user acceptance and usage of IT/IS. While this research is not the first attempt to apply TAM to ERP context, the authors of this chapter aim to make more contributions to the topic. First, they focus on the ERP system use in routine (mature) stage, and because of that, they use construct extended use instead of actual use. In the latest research of ERP system usage, the relationship between work compatibility and usefulness has been examined. New relationships between work compatibility and attitude toward using ERP system have been added. In all TAM studies regarding ERP context, a small number of external factors have been researched. The groups of external factors that have influence on ERP extended usage have been researched. The proposed model has been empirically tested using data collected from a survey of 293 ERP users in 44 organizations across country.
Joint Econometric Analysis of Temporal and Spatial Flexibility of Activities, Vehicle Type Choice, and Primary Driver Selection

This study examined the relationship between four individual-level travel choice processes of daily activity: spatial flexibility of the activity, temporal flexibility of the activity, vehicle choice for the activity, and primary driver (for auto users). Activity flexibility (spatial and temporal) has been suggested as a precursor to the travel pattern observed for an activity. This study examined the impact of activity flexibility through unique data drawn from Quebec City, Quebec, Canada from 2003 to 2006. In traditional literature on travel behavior, vehicle fleet decisions have been examined as a long-term choice with annual usage metrics. However, the long-term vehicle usage observed (as studied in the literature) is an aggregation of the household's yearly vehicle type and usage behavior. Only recently have researchers begun to consider decisions about vehicle usage (type and mileage) as a short-term decision in travel behavior models. By examining short-term vehicle usage, this study explored, at a disaggregate level, the interaction of activity behavior (defined as flexibility) and vehicle type choice. A panel mixed multinomial logit model was applied to analyze the four choices within the decision process to account for the intrinsic unobserved taste preferences across individuals. The analysis results revealed that several individual and household sociodemographic characteristics, residential location, and activity attributes, as well as contextual variables, influenced the packaged choice of temporal flexibility, spatial flexibility, vehicle type choice, and primary driver selection. The presence of common unobserved correlation across various alternatives was also incorporated.
Significance of circumferential resection margin involvement after oesophagectomy for cancer

This study examined the influence of tumour involvement of the circumferential resection margin on subsequent local recurrence after oesophagectomy. Fifty patients were studied: 36 men and 14 women of median age 62 (range 44–83) years. Each patient had undergone oesophagectomy at which all macroscopic disease had been removed. Pathological specimens were sectioned tangentially at 0·5–1·0‐cm intervals to permit microscopic examination of the circumferential resection margin. Patients were followed and investigated by endoscopy with biopsy and imaging techniques only if symptomatic. Twenty of the 50 specimens demonstrated involvement of the circumferential resection margin. At median follow‐up of 36 (range 24–52) months, eleven of these 20 patients had developed histologically proven local recurrence compared with only four of the remaining 30 in whom the resection margin was clear of tumour (P < 0·01). Circumferential spread of oesophageal cancer appears to be a significant cause of local tumour recurrence.
Putting consumers' IT adoption in context : failed link between attitudes and behavior

New information technologies, such as electronic invoicing, have a potential to contribute to cost savings for organizations, if fully adopted by consumers. Due to resistance to new technological services, adoption rates remain smaller than expected. Understanding the underlying reasons for resistance is essential for being able to improve adoption rates. Within this dissertation I look into the underlying reasons and symptoms of consumer resistance to new technological services. Thus, I offer insights into the consumer adoption context that is characterized by it being voluntary, I look into contextual factors that are out of the scope of attitudes alone, and finally, look into the actual adoption or resistance process – instead of only intentions. The dissertation consists of four individual essays. The first two essays concentrate on adoption in two different contexts (mobile ticket and electronic invoice). More specifically the emphasis is on the failed adoption intention despite positive attitudes. The third essay looks into the symptoms of resistance, more specifically on the little investigated phenomenon of partial adoption. The fourth and final essay elaborates on the underlying reasons behind consumer resistance. The findings highlight the importance of factors related to the adoption context, rather than only those related to technology. It is found that even if the attitude towards the technology itself is positive, the adoption intention is often incompatible with actual adoption behavior. The behavior, rather than being a result of intentions or habit, adapts to the environment. While the companies provide information detailing the benefits and use of the service, consumers mostly wait passively for detailed plans of action rather than actively search for information about technologies that might help them in chores, such as paying the bills. This suggests that the issuer bears the responsibility for actual adoption. The findings also suggest that after the initial adoption of a technology, the positive experience is not automatically generalized to other potential use situations. Adoption may remain partial, both old and new technologies being used for similar tasks, as a symptom of consumer resistance. The situation is analogous to that of initial adoption. When investigating the underlying reasons behind consumer resistance, I found two paths: internal and external. The internal pattern refers to the internal drive for consistency that overcomes the perceived appeal of the new technology. The external pattern refers to contextual factors being emphasized within the adoption situation. Practitioners could take this into account when designing the offering for consumers by creating clearer steps for adoption that could increase the convenience of the adoption situation and adoption. Future research could build on these findings by shifting the emphasis more towards the adoption context, the adaptive nature of behavior and the importance of specific implementation plans for actual adoption to…
Long‐term evolution of fibrosis from chronic hepatitis to cirrhosis in patients with hepatitis C: Morphometric analysis of repeated biopsies

To clarify the characteristics of fibrosis developed in the process from chronic hepatitis C to cirrhosis, a morphometric analysis of liver biopsy samples was conducted on 25 chronic hepatitis C patients and 20 chronic hepatitis B patients (controls). Hepatitis C patients were followed up for 3 to 23 years. The mean number of liver biopsies performed on these patients was 3.8. Each biopsy was evaluated for the degree of fibrosis by using two methods: a semiquantitative method with a staging scoring system, and morphometry using a computed image analysis system. A significant correlation was observed between the Stage and the area of fibrosis (AF = the ratio of the area of fibrosis to that of the entire tissue specimen). The AF in cirrhosis was significantly higher in hepatitis C patients than in hepatitis B patients. The ratio of AF in the last biopsy sample to AF in the initial biopsy sample was significantly higher in hepatitis C patients than in hepatitis B patients. Evolution from chronic hepatitis C to cirrhosis occurred more frequently in patients aged ≥ 50 years, and this time period was 1.8 times shorter than that in patients aged < 50 years. AF in the initial biopsy related significantly to the period of evolution from chronic hepatitis C to cirrhosis. AF in the initial biopsy might be a predictive factor for prognosis.
The discovery challenge

Good times may be here for the oil and gas industry. At around $50 a barrel, oil prices are high and some analysts say they could rise much further. The International Energy Agency predicts that fossil fuel resources are more than adequate to meet demand until 2030 and beyond. To profit from that environment, firms must apply innovative technologies.
A unified CMOS inverter model for planar and FinFET nanoscale technologies

In this paper, a new analytical model for describing the output waveform of the CMOS inverter for planar and FinFET nanoscale technologies, is introduced. A modified expression for the transistor current is adopted taken into account nano-scale effects like DIBL, CLM and NWE. The sub-threshold current of both transistors as well as their drain-to-bulk capacitances, which influence significantly the accuracy, are also considered. Results for 32nm planar and 20nm FinFET technologies validate the proposed model.
Meat industry in Serbia: performance analysis of meat-processing and livestock companies

The paper presents results on analysis of the performance of companies in meat industry in Serbia in period 2010-2012. In examination of interactions among participants in the meat industry, companies are divided into two groups, companies in livestock production, which includes farming and breeding of domestic animals, and companies in the meat-processing industry. Research results indicate the low return on investment, profitability, liquidity and high debt of the companies in the meat industry in Serbia. Further analysis evidence that companies in the meat-processing industry have better performances than livestock producers and that this difference is mostly statistically significant.
Credit Scoring in the Age of Big Data

Credit scoring is a method of modeling potential risk of credit applicants. It involves using different statistical techniques and past historical data to create a credit score that financial institutions use to assess credit applicants in terms of risk. Credit scoring is essentially a type of classification problem: which credit applicants should be considered good risks and which applicants should be considered bad risks. A scorecard model is built from a number of characteristic inputs. Each characteristic is comprised of a number of attributes. In the example scorecard shown in Figure 1, age is a characteristic and “25–33” is an attribute. Each attribute is associated with a number of scorecard points. These scorecard points are statistically assigned to differentiate risk, based on the predictive power of the variables, correlation between the variables, and business considerations. For example, in Figure 1, the credit application of a 32 year old person, who owns his own home and makes $30,000, would be accepted for credit by this institution. The total score of an applicant is the sum of the scores for each attribute present in the scorecard. Lower scores imply a higher risk of default, and higher scores imply lower risk. Within the past few years, the development of an accurate credit scoring model has become a priority for several reasons: growth in competition among credit card companies, a rising number of bad loans as a result of a weak United States economy, and the need for more stringent government regulations. The recent Congressional DoddFrank Act added an additional 250 regulations that will involve 11 governmental bodies. These challenges have prompted the financial industry to explore and use non-traditional data sources as part of the loan granting decision. For years the financial industry has managed large volumes of data generated by customer, operational, and regulatory sources. Thus, banks are thoroughly familiar with big data – massive amounts of unstructured data. Financial service lenders are the most data intensive economic sector (Rubin, 2011). There is a shift taking place as to how individuals interact with their bank. Many customers are turning to digital channels to conduct transactions rather than use the traditional face-to-face branch relationship. Banks must now respond and use the data collected from digital sources to make real-time loan offers with the highest acceptance rate possible. Banks are learning how to use big data sources to monitor changes in customer behavior and to improve the banking experience instantaneously. More data is now available than ever before; the challenge for Billie Anderson Bryant University, USA
Insulin Stimulation of the Fatty Acid Synthase Promoter Is Mediated by the Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Pathway

Fatty acid synthase (FAS) is a critical enzyme inde novo lipogenesis. It catalyzes the seven steps in the conversion of malonyl-CoA and acetyl-CoA to palmitate. We have shown that the rate of FAS transcription is induced dramatically when fasted animals are refed with a high carbohydrate, fat-free diet or when streptozotocin-diabetic mice are given insulin. The FAS promoter was up-regulated by insulin through the proximal insulin response sequence containing an E-box motif at the −65-base pair position. Binding of upstream stimulatory factors to the −65 E-box is functionally required for insulin regulation of the FAS promoter. In the present study, we characterized signaling pathways in the insulin stimulation of FAS transcription using specific inhibitors for various signaling molecules and transfecting engineered phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase subunits and protein kinase B (PKB)/Akt. PD98059 and rapamycin, which inhibit MAP kinase and P70 S6 kinase, respectively, had little effect on the insulin-stimulated FAS promoter activity in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. On the other hand, wortmannin and LY294002, which specifically inactivate PI 3-kinase, strongly inhibited the insulin-stimulated FAS promoter activity. As shown in RNase protection assays, LY294002 also inhibited insulin stimulation of the endogenous FAS mRNA levels in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Cotransfection of expression vectors for the constitutively active P110 subunit of PI 3-kinase resulted in an elevated FAS promoter activity in the absence of insulin and a loss of further insulin stimulation. Transfecting a dominant negative P85 subunit of PI 3-kinase decreased FAS promoter activity and blocked insulin stimulation. Furthermore, cotransfected wild-type PKB/Akt increased FAS promoter activity in the absence of insulin and a loss of insulin responsiveness of the FAS promoter. On the other hand, kinase-dead PKB/Akt acted in a dominant negative manner to decrease the FAS promoter activity and abolished its insulin responsiveness. These results demonstrate that insulin stimulation of fatty acid synthase promoter is mediated by the PI 3-kinase pathway and that PKB/Akt is involved as a downstream effector.