Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The applicability and scientific rigor of case studies in Information Systems 1

The aim of this work is to explore the knowledge about case study as a research technique in the IS field. Among qualitative methods, it has proven to be valuable for exploring the relationship between information systems and users’ perceptions and behaviors, the theme of many current investigations. From the analysis of major works conducted in the area using case study, we intend to work out a series of steps, a guide, to conduct a research project. We believe the lessons compiled in this work, though still in a learning stage, are a contribution to research work involved with the use of case studies. The search for a more rigorous scientific application of qualitative methods in research – such as case study – is a way to bring more powerful results.
Scale dependent relationships between native plant diversity and the invasion of croftonweed (Eupatorium adenophorum) in southwest China

Abstract Croftonweed is an invasive plant in southwest China. We examined the relationships between its invasion patterns and native plant diversity at different spatio-temporal scales. At the 25 m2 scale, invasion success was negatively correlated with native plant diversity, indicating that resource availability might be the dominant factor regulating community invasibility. At the 400-m2 scale, both negative and positive relationships were detected, possibly identifying a spatial scale threshold where extrinsic environmental factors became more important to community invasibility. At the vegetation province scale, variations in physical environment outweighed the importance of intrinsic biotic factors and positive relationships between diversity and invader success were found. Native plant diversity also inhibited croftonweed over the course of community succession and at the early stages of invasion at local spatial scales. However, the changing relationship might be an artifact of sampling at different spatial scales. Nomenclature: Croftonweed, Eupatorium adenophorum Sprengel EUPAD.
Six-Month Outcomes for Patients Attending a Substance Abuse Clinic in Hong Kong: A Retrospective Study

The aim of this retrospective study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of the services offered in the two Substance Abuse Clinics (SACs) in the New Territories East Cluster (NTEC) of Hong Kong. The case notes of 99 patients were reviewed. The Christo Inventory for Substance-Misuse Services (CISS) at intake and six months later were recorded. The CISS total scores were 5.9 ± 2.6 and 4.4 ± 2.3 (t=6.345, p<0.001) at intake and at the six-month follow-up, respectively. The majority of the subjects (64.6%) showed improvement at the six-month followup. They demonstrated significant improvement in psychological status (t=0.5202, p<0.001), drug/alcohol use (t=4.589, p<0.001), general health (t=4.500, p<0.001), degree of criminal activity (t=2.803, p = 0.006) and high-risk behaviour (risky sexual behaviour and/or the use of injectable substances; t=2.755, p=0.007), whereas there was no statistically significant improvement in the areas of social functioning, occupation, working relationships, ongoing support and treatment adherence. The current services provided by the SACs are effective and lead to a better overall outcome, although further improvement is needed in relation to the specific areas of occupation, ongoing support and treatment adherence.
Simulation guided value stream mapping and lean improvement: A case study of a tubular machining facility

Purpose: This paper describes a typical Value stream mapping (VSM) application enhanced by the discrete event simulation (DES) to a dedicated tubular manufacturing process. Design/Methodology/Approach: VSM is prescribed as part of lean production portfolio of tools, not only highlights process inefficiencies, transactional and communication mismatches, but also guides improvement areas. Meanwhile, DES is used to reduce uncertainty and create consensus by visualizing dynamic process views. It is served as a complementary tool for the traditional VSM to provide sufficient justification and quantifiable evidence needed to convince the lean approaches. A simulation model is developed to replicate the operation of an existing system, and that of a proposed system that modifies the existing design to incorporate lean manufacturing shop floor principles. Findings: A comprehensive model for the tubular manufacturing process is constructed, and distinctive scenarios are derived to uncover an optimal future state of the process. Various simulation scenarios are developed. The simulated results are acquired and investigated, and they are well matched with the real production data. Originality/Value: DES is demonstrated as a guided tool to assist organizations with the decision to implement lean approaches by quantifying benefits from applying the VSM. A roadmap is provided to illustrate how the VSM is used to design a desired future state. The developed simulation scenarios mimic the behavior of the actual manufacturing process in an intuitive manner.
Development of Adaptive Model for Recognition of Text Inquiries

The paper is devoted to development of adaptive model to recognize the text inquiries using nomenclature reference book. The main calculations on resolution of conflicts which occur at recognition of text inquiries are submitted. Algorithms for solving conflicts use nomenclature reference book and parameters of association rules. Using such method, we take into consideration the previous experience of recognition and adapt the model in accordance with the new results of recognition. Adaptive model to recognize the text inquiries can be applied to different areas. For example, pharmaceutical features and drugs can be recognized in medicine in such a way.
Optimal solution of a diffusive-reactive system with a control discrete source term

In this paper we study the numerical behavior of a diffusive-reactive system with a control source point. The idea was to first consider the problem with a fixed source point and then, according to the numerical results obtained, estimate the objective function adjusting a special class of functions using least squares. With this procedure, we study the behavior of a nonlinear system in a easy way.
Oral candidal carriage and species identification among betel quid chewers and oral submucous fibrosis patients

Background: The Candida species are saprophytic component of the normal oral microbiota. The disequilibrium in the homeostasis between Candida, host immune system and normal oral bacterial flora promotes a Candida carriage. Aim of the Study: The present study was done to assess oral candidal carriage and species identification among healthy subjects, betel quid chewing (BQC), and oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) patients using CHROMagar® media. Materials and Methods: Oral swabs collected from the reservoirs of Candida species (buccal mucosa and tongue) in study groups using sterile cotton swabs were inoculated on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar candidal medium and CHROMagar® Candida agar medium consecutively. Determination of Candida species was done based on morphology characteristics and pigment produced. The results were statistically analyzed using Chi-square test. Results: Candida carriage was more in samples of buccal mucosa followed by the tongue. Candida albicans was the major isolate in both healthy subjects and BQC but with greater frequency in BQC. Candida tropicalis was the major isolate in OSF patients predominantly in buccal mucosa followed by the tongue. Conclusion: C. tropicalis, a non-C. albicans species, was the major isolate in OSF. This unique finding implicates an immunological change of oral environment brought about by BQC and OSF.
OF ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPLEX SCATTERING FOR CONDUCTOR TARGET BASED ON ELECTROMAGNETIC IMAGES METHOD

The general image relations of electromagnetic sources are presented around a conductor sphere. The general transformations of trigonometric functions and the unit vectors between two coordinates depart from a distance are obtained. The second scattering field for a target is derived in detail. The complex scattering field and the complex RCS are gained respectively. Results show that the electromagnetic interaction of the targets must be calculated as the distance between two targets is small. The second scattering field is small to three order in magnitude to its first scattering field as the distance becomes large. The phase shift of the second field is mainly determined by the target size and the observing position and not affected greatly by its surrounding target and the distance apart. The distortion of a pulse wave is mainly induced by the phase shift of the second scattering field from the particles as the wave propagating through the random discrete medium. 344 Li, Huang, and Wang
Stimulated Growth of Green Algae Haematococcus Pluvialis Under Different Environmental Conditions

Abstract Haematococcus pluvialis is a genus of green algae that keeps the high interest of the scientists for decades due to its capacity to synthesize astaxanthin. Among many others, astaxanthin is one of the most demanded natural anti-oxidant and the product of the future. It has the widest usage as source of nutrient rich food and health promoting compounds. Astaxanthin has got various applications in the nutraceuticals as immune system enhancer and anti-cancer agent, in the cosmetics as anti-aging component, as additive to food, as well as in the aquaculture industries. As a key requirement for the research in this field is to find out the better conditions and media to stimulate the H.pluvialis higher growth rate to reach in the field of microalgae economically sustainable cultivation and processing. The effect of WC versus BG-11 media to enhance growth rate of Haematococcus pluvialis has been examined. This study employed a parallel testing of stimulating effect of extra vitamins versus phosphorus. Combination of mentioned parameters with gentle shacking have been determined as multiple effectors that contribute to green algae cultures to grow to high density. Importantly, this study demonstrates that extra phosphorus contribute to growth rate of H.pluvilais positively, meanwhile addition of extra vitamins in combination with extra phosphorus impact both positively and negatively to promote cells division. Shacking influences the culture growth as either stimulator or repressor.
Multimod Mark III: The Core Dynamic and Steady-State Models

This study describes the Mark III version of MULTIMOD, the IMF's multi region macroeconomic model. Mark III version of MULTIMOD differs from its predecessor in several important respects. New features include a core steady-state analogue model, a new model of teh inflation-unemployment nexus, and extended non-Ricardian specification of consumption-saving behavior, and improved specifications and estimates of investment behavior and international trade equations. In addition, the introduction of a new solution algorithm has greatly increased the robustness, speed of convergence, and accuracy of the simulations.
Accuracies and Training Times of Data Mining Classification Algorithms: An Empirical Comparative Study

Two important performance indicators for data mining algorithms are accuracy of classification/ prediction and time taken for training. These indicators are useful for selecting best algorithms for classification/prediction tasks in data mining. Empirical studies on these performance indicators in data mining are few. Therefore, this study was designed to determine how data mining classification algorithm perform with increase in input data sizes. Three data mining classification algorithms—Decision Tree, Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) Neural Network and Naive Bayes— were subjected to varying simulated data sizes. The time taken by the algorithms for trainings and accuracies of their classifications were analyzed for the different data sizes. Results show that Naive Bayes takes least time to train data but with least accuracy as compared to MLP and Decision Tree algorithms.
Magnetic field observation of a single flux quantum by electron-holographic interferometry.

The magneitc lines of force of a single flux quantum (fluxon) penetrating a superconducting film (Pb) were observed directly and individually by the electron holography technique using the Aharonov-Bohm effect. The phase contours of the electron wave not only confirm the quantized flux value /ital h//2/ital e/ but also reveal, by phase amplification, internal structure of a single fluxon. With the film thickness /approx lt/0.5 . mu.m, each fluxon, after penetrating the film, fans out or makes a /ital ssU/ shape returning to another point on the film surface. With thicker films, fluxons form a bundle with a flux amounting to several times /ital h//2/ital e/.
Emerging applications of label-free optical biosensors

Abstract Innovative technical solutions to realize optical biosensors with improved performance are continuously proposed. Progress in material fabrication enables developing novel substrates with enhanced optical responses. At the same time, the increased spectrum of available biomolecular tools, ranging from highly specific receptors to engineered bioconjugated polymers, facilitates the preparation of sensing surfaces with controlled functionality. What remains often unclear is to which extent this continuous innovation provides effective breakthroughs for specific applications. In this review, we address this challenging question for the class of label-free optical biosensors, which can provide a direct signal upon molecular binding without using secondary probes. Label-free biosensors have become a consolidated approach for the characterization and screening of molecular interactions in research laboratories. However, in the last decade, several examples of other applications with high potential impact have been proposed. We review the recent advances in label-free optical biosensing technology by focusing on the potential competitive advantage provided in selected emerging applications, grouped on the basis of the target type. In particular, direct and real-time detection allows the development of simpler, compact, and rapid analytical methods for different kinds of targets, from proteins to DNA and viruses. The lack of secondary interactions facilitates the binding of small-molecule targets and minimizes the perturbation in single-molecule detection. Moreover, the intrinsic versatility of label-free sensing makes it an ideal platform to be integrated with biomolecular machinery with innovative functionality, as in case of the molecular tools provided by DNA nanotechnology.
Grey literature in Australian education

The prevalence of informal publishing or grey literature in education appears to have increased as digital technologies have become main-stream, educators have become more proficient and policies have moved increasingly towards supporting its use. In addition, the take up of social networking technologies and innovative methods of digital publishing have encouraged educators to produce, distribute and share content and commentary. Grey literature may make a substantial contribution to education even though issues such as credibility, access and a lack of standards can pose problems for producers and users. This paper begins by providing a context for the discussion of grey literature within the broader policy and education environment in Australia. An overview of grey literature as it appears in education in Australia introducing evidence of its usage, dissemination and application in Australian education then follows. Evidence about the access, dissemination and use of grey literature is drawn from an examination of the characteristics of a leading social networking and digital publishing service that was used by educators in schools, training institutes and teacher education faculties. This evidence is discussed in the context of influential national, state and institutional policies that address the use of digital technologies in education. As the take up of digital technologies in education increases, there is an expectation that the access to, dissemination of and use of digital publishing by and for educators will increase and have an impact on online professional learning and awareness of education research and practices. Authored by Gerald White, Julian Thomas, Paul Weldon, Amanda Lawrence, Helen Galatis and Jess Tyndall.
High-frequency seafloor acoustic backscatter from coastal marine habitats of Australia

Backscatter strength versus incidence angle has been measured from a variety of seafloor types from Australian coastal waters using a Reson Seabat 8125 multibeam echo-sounder (MBES) operating at 455 kHz. MBES surveys were carried out at six sites around Australia (between 2004 and 2006). Seafloor habitats surveyed in this study included: seagrass meadows, rhodolith beds, coral reef, rock, gravel, sand, muddy sand, and mixtures of those habitats. The highest backscatter strength was observed not only for the hard and rough substrate, but also for marine flora, such as rhodolith and seagrass. The main difference in acoustic backscatter from the different habitats was the mean level, or angle-average backscatter strength. However, additional information was also obtained from the rate of change (or slope) of backscatter strength with incidence angle. Overall, analysis of MBES backscatter data found at least six different seafloor habitats could be identified, in descending order of their average backscatter strength: 1) Rhodolith, 2) Coral, 3) Rock, 4) Seagrass, 5) sand-dominated bare (i.e. no epibenthic cover) sediment, 6) muddominated bare (i.e. no epibenthic cover) sediment.
From spectacle to spectacular: How physical space, social media and mainstream broadcast amplified the public sphere in Egypt's ‘Revolution’

This study examines the impact of the media during the Egyptian uprising of 2011 and the extent that amplification occurred between the inter-related spaces of the physical (protests), the analogue (satellite television and other mainstream media) and the digital (internet and social media). Specifically, it analyses the intersection of these three spaces in what we label the ‘amplified public sphere’ and define as the information environment created when each space informs the other. Analysis begins by drawing on Bruce D'Arcus' notion of ‘spectacles of dissent’, in which activists renegotiate the visibility of the public sphere through protest and media networking. It then expands the concept, arguing that the Egyptian uprisings took it to the next level, transforming the ‘spectacle’ into a ‘media spectacular’, which globalised the public sphere through 24/7 coverage of what became an ‘internationalised’ physical space of Tahrir amplified by social media into mainstream blanket coverage. In analysis of a database of YouTube videos, the move from spectacle to spectacular was identified as coincident with a move from social media dominance to mainstream media amplification, even as the latter itself shifted how media was produced and consumed.
The relevance of the information about intangibles: Some determinants

This study treats the issue of the relevance of the accounting information about intangibles (assets and expenditures). Our findings show that the relevance is found and determined by the introduction of other information. This information represents the financial constraints as motivation of manipulation and the implication degree of managers due to granted stocks options. Under low level of financial constraints, the investor judges that the value of intangibles assets recognized in the balance sheet is reliable but this information remains widely insufficient to modify its valuation. However, this low level transmit to the market a signal of the failure of the R&D projects because it is predicted that these projects will be unable to realize sufficient future cash flows to honor the financial commitments of the company. Besides, we found that the information about recognized intangible assets and R&D expenditures is well appreciated by the market for the firms which grant more stocks options. So, the granting of stocks options represents a signal to the market on the efficiency of the managers and their implication in the risk of the committed investments.
Simultaneous Spectophotometric Estimation of Moxifloxacin Hydrochloride and Vinblastin Sulphate

Moxifloxacin is used as prophylactic antibiotics for the cancer patients undergoing therapy with anticancer drug like vinblastin sulfate. There is a need for development of a simple, accurate, and precise method for the simultaneous estimation of moxifloxacin hydrochloride (MOX) and vinblastin sulfate (VIN). MOX and VIN solution were simultaneously determined in 0.1M HCl at their respective λmax. The absorbance λmax of MOX and VIN were 295nm and 214nm, respectively. The developed method was validated according to ICH guidelines for parameters like linearity, accuracy, precision, ruggedness and robustness. Molar absorptivities of MOX and VIN were found to be more in 0.1M HCl with compared to water, methanol and 0.1M NaOH. Linearity was obtained over the range 0.5 – 20.0 μg/ml and 1-32 μg/ml with a lower limit of quantitation of 0.25 μg/ml and 1.5 μg/ml for MOX and VIN, respectively. For each level of samples, inter- and intra-day precision (% RSD) was <1% and <2%for MOX and < 3.2 and <4 % for VIN, respectively. The mean recovery of MOX and VIN were in the range 95%-100%and 95%101%, respectively. The method developed was validated as per ICH guidelines for parameters like linearity, accuracy, method precision, robustness and ruggedness. The results obtained were well within the acceptable criteria. The method can be used for routine analysis of MOX and VIN.
AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT BASED APPROACH FOR THE DETECTION OF ROUTING MISBEHAVIOR IN MANETS

In the modernization world the usage of wireless network is more because of their scalability and mobility. MANET is most preferred by many applications because of its infra-structure less network model. The nodes in the network are self configurable. When two nodes come in a range they communicate each other otherwise the communication is established through the neighbor nodes. This type of open medium of communication has high level of threats and attacks. To avoid this, the intrusion-detection-system mechanism has to be introduced to protect MANET from attackers. To improve the security, use MANET system into various industrial applications and in emergency situations. This approach mainly focuses on the Intrusion Detection System. Keywords—MANET,ACK,S-ACK,MRA,AACK,EAACK.
Developing a Model for Agile Pharmaceutical Distribution: Evidence from Iran

Agility is the fundamental characteristic of a supply chain needed for survival in turbulent markets, where environmental forces create additional uncertainty resulting in higher risk in the supply chain management. Agility further helps providing the right product, at the right time to the consumer. As pharmaceutical distributors play a vital role in health continuum. The purpose of this research is developing a model for distributors companies to be agile according to determining basic factors. The present study analyzes the distribution part of pharmaceutical supply chain based on SCOR model, used to assess agile supply chains by highlighting their specific characteristics and applicability in distribution of products. In addition, for making priority of critical factors, TOPSIS algorithm as a common technique of MADM model has been used. In result, several factors are identified as critical factors to being agile in distributing. The paper adds insights into the pharmaceutical supply chain, examining this from multiple perspectives.