Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effects of globalization on strategy formulation in the German foundry industry : an empirical study

Strategy fonnulation is most critical in times of change and has long been a topic of great interest in the field of strategic management, because the effectiveness of fonnulating the right strategies detennines whether companies are able to change and adapt to their environment, and therefore whether they are ultimately successful. Within the ongoing process of globalization, SMEs also recognize that the competition for market share is global, and that participating in the global economy is no longer a choice but a necessity. Therefore, globalization exposes SMEs to numerous strategic and organizational challenges emanating from a dramatic increase in diversity, complexity, and uncertainty external as well as internal to the company. The thesis aims to provide an answer to the following research question: "Are there any effects of globalization on strategy fonnulation based on resource-orientation and/or market-orientation in the Gennan foundry industry? " The thesis follows a positivistic approach because in the literature a large quantity of data is available about strategy and globalization, which allows the researcher to generate research questions that are tested mainly by the survey. Therefore, the author has used a deductive and quantitative approach, because the theory of strategy making. such as the RBV and the MBV, is used deductively. We have three significant practical implications of this research. First, strategy fonnulation is a blend of resource-orientation and market-orientation. Second, the MBV elements of strategy are overall more significant than the RBV elements of strategy. Especially the size of the finn seems to be important regarding the strategic orientation. Third, who makes strategy detennines the finns response in times of globalization. Overall, the findings join proposals to combine both the market-based and resource-based view when fonnulating strategies. When employed as blend of these two approaches, it encourages managers to think and act in ways that are more entrepreneurial and creative. Following these suggestions can substantially influence the strategy fonnulation and improve the perfonnance.
A Study on Resource Security under Legal Protection of e-Commerce Data Sovereignty Based on Blockchain Network

With the growing demand for cross-border electronic data forensics, national sovereignty and international network security have ushered in great challenges, and how to achieve dynamic balance in various fields under cross-border electronic data forensics, advance the process of global cyberspace governance, reach international consensus, and achieve win-win cooperation is a question that China needs to solve. Based on the above status quo, a blockchain-based secure e-commerce system is researched and implemented. Using the distributed architecture of the blockchain system and the automatic execution feature of smart contracts, a secure transaction application system is designed to realize decentralization and solve the problem of untrustworthy intermediate parties. Data storage is based on the mechanism of combining blockchain and offchain databases to ensure data security, and the characteristic of blockchain can only be appended and read to prevent the system from being tampered. The database index and the storage structure of smart contract commodity information and transaction information are established to improve the query efficiency. The functional and performance tests of the system show that the transaction processing efficiency is high in the multinode environment, and the response time of order and commodity status query can reach 80 ms. The design and development process of the system is introduced in detail, which is an important reference value for the application of blockchain technology in e-commerce.
An AFM Approach Applied in a Study of α-Crystallin Membrane Association: New Insights into Lens Hardening and Presbyopia Development

The lens of the eye loses elasticity with age, while α-crystallin association with the lens membrane increases with age. It is unclear whether there is any correlation between α-crystallin association with the lens membrane and loss in lens elasticity. This research investigated α-crystallin membrane association using atomic force microscopy (AFM) for the first time to study topographical images and mechanical properties (breakthrough force and membrane area compressibility modulus (KA), as measures of elasticity) of the membrane. α-Crystallin extracted from the bovine lens cortex was incubated with a supported lipid membrane (SLM) prepared on a flat mica surface. The AFM images showed the time-dependent interaction of α-crystallin with the SLM. Force spectroscopy revealed the presence of breakthrough events in the force curves obtained in the membrane regions where no α-crystallin was associated, which suggests that the membrane’s elasticity was maintained. The force curves in the α-crystallin submerged region and the close vicinity of the α-crystallin associated region in the membrane showed no breakthrough event within the defined peak force threshold, indicating loss of membrane elasticity. Our results showed that the association of α-crystallin with the membrane deteriorates membrane elasticity, providing new insights into understanding the molecular basis of lens hardening and presbyopia.
Reduced Environmental Dose Rates Are Responsible for the Increased Susceptibility to Radiation-Induced DNA Damage in Larval Neuroblasts of Drosophila Grown inside the LNGS Underground Laboratory

A large amount of evidence from radiobiology studies carried out in Deep Underground Laboratories support the view that environmental radiation may trigger biological mechanisms that enable both simple and complex organisms to cope with genotoxic stress. In line with this, here we show that the reduced radiation background of the LNGS underground laboratory renders Drosophila neuroblasts more sensitive to ionizing radiation-induced (but not to spontaneous) DNA breaks compared to fruit flies kept at the external reference laboratory. Interestingly, we demonstrate that the ionizing radiation sensitivity of flies kept at the LNGS underground laboratory is rescued by increasing the underground gamma dose rate to levels comparable to the low-LET reference one. This finding provides the first direct evidence that the modulation of the DNA damage response in a complex multicellular organism is indeed dependent on the environmental dose rate.
Current status and future trends of precision agricultural aviation technologies

Abstract: Modern technologies and information tools can be used to maximize agricultural aviation productivity allowing for precision application of agrochemical products. This paper reviews and summarizes the state-of-the-art in precision agricultural aviation technology highlighting remote sensing, aerial spraying and ground verification technologies. Further, the authors forecast the future of precision agricultural aviation technology with key development directions in precision agricultural aviation technologies, such as real-time image processing, variable-rate spraying, multi-sensor data fusion and RTK differential positioning, and other supporting technologies for UAV-based aerial spraying. This review is expected to provide references for peers by summarizing the history and achievements, and encourage further development of precision agricultural aviation technologies. Keywords: precision agricultural aviation technology, remote sensing, aerial spraying, ground verification DOI: 10.3965/j.ijabe. 20171003.3088 Citation: Lan Y B, Chen S D, Fritz B K. Current status and future trends of precision agricultural aviation technologies. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2017; 10(3): 1–17.
Ultrasound-Guided Femoral Nerve Block in Geriatric Patients with Hip Fracture in the Emergency Department

Background and Objectives: Systemic analgesics, including opioids, are commonly used for acute pain control in traumatic hip fracture patients in the emergency department (ED). However, their use is associated with high rates of adverse reactions in the geriatric population. As such, the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of lidocaine-based single-shot ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block (USFNB) on the standard care for acute pain management in geriatric patients with traumatic hip fracture in the ED. Methods: This retrospective, single-center, observational study included adult patients aged ≥60 years presenting with acute traumatic hip fracture in the ED between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2020. The primary outcome measure was the difference in the amount of opioid use, in terms of morphine milligram equivalents (MME), between lidocaine-based single-shot USFNB and standard care groups. The obtained data were evaluated through a time-to-event analysis (time to meaningful pain relief), a time course analysis, and a multivariable analysis. Results: Overall, 607 adult patients (USFNB group, 66; standard care group, 541) were included in the study. The patients in the USFNB group required 80% less MME than those in the standard care group (0.52 ± 1.47 vs. 2.57 ± 2.53, p < 0.001). The multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models showed that patients who received USFNB achieved meaningful pain relief 2.37-fold faster (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.37, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.73–3.24, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In geriatric patients with hip fractures, a lidocaine-based single-shot USFNB can significantly reduce opioid consumption and provide more rapid and effective pain reduction.
A Hybrid Model for Fault Diagnosis of Complex Systems

In order to improve the fault diagnosis efficient of complex systems,a hybrid diagnostic model is put forward based on Genetic Algorithm(GA) and Artificial Neural Network(ANN). The diagnostics model runs through the following two steps: 1) using NN to preprocess the fault diagnosis data;and 2) using GA to diagnose.The model combines Nested Neural Network(NNN) and GA together,where NNN is used as a pre-processor which can reduce the quantity of fault types to be explored by the GA.The model overcomes the shortcoming of GA which can not judge reliabilities and that of NN which is difficult in identifying the most possible fault spot.It improves the accuracy,reliability,and consistency of the diagnosis result,and the total running time is also reduced to some extent.
The Effectiveness of Periodontally Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics (PAOO) in Accelerating Tooth Movement and Supporting Alveolar Bone Thickness During Orthodontic Treatment: A Systematic Review

The current review aimed to critically and systematically evaluate the available evidence regarding the effectiveness of periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics (PAOO) in accelerating orthodontic tooth movement and supporting the alveolar bone. Additionally, this review aimed to analyze the untoward effects of this procedure and the patient-reported outcome measures. A comprehensive electronic search was performed on 10 databases in addition to a manual search to retrieve all relevant studies. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were only included in this review. The interventional group was the PAOO procedure, whereas the control group was either a non-accelerated traditional fixed orthodontic treatment or an accelerated treatment using any other intervention. The Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized controlled trials (RoB 2) was employed to estimate the risk of bias in the included studies. The current review included eight RCTs evaluating 175 participants (63 males and 112 females) with a mean age ranging from 18.8 to 29.6 years. Five of them assessed the effectiveness of PAOO versus traditional orthodontic treatment, i.e. without any adjuvant surgical intervention. At the same time, the remaining three studies evaluated the effectiveness of PAOO versus corticotomy-only as an adjunctive procedure. The PAOO accelerated the leveling and alignment stage from 39% to 47% and accelerated the retraction of the upper anterior teeth from 41% to 61% compared to conventional orthodontic treatment. One study only indicated that PAOO reduced treatment time by 30.3% versus a corticotomy-only as an adjunctive procedure. No significant side effects have been reported with the PAOO procedure. The PAOO procedure was effective in accelerating orthodontic movement and tended to increase the thickness of the alveolar bone. But most periodontal outcome measures regarding PAOO application were not comprehensively covered in the included trials.
A Collaborative Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) for ALS Patients

This study evaluated a SSVEP-based collaborative brain-computer interface (BCI) for people with severe motor disabilities. With ten ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) patients and 10 age-matched able-bodied participants as control group, effects of collaboration and motor disability were investigated. Participants were requested to control a robot in a predefined path with their brain signals. Two collaboration modes were developed in the study: individual mode and simultaneous mode. Results revealed significantly better performance in simultaneous mode than individual mode, but no significant effect of motor disability. The study showed promising preliminary results for supporting collaborative work between BCI users with severe motor disabilities. It should provide great insights for future research and system development.
A New Double-Bridge RF MEMS Switch with Low Actuation Voltage and High Isolation

This paper presents a new dual beam RF MEMS capacitive shunt switch with low voltage, low loss and high isolation for K-band applications. In this design, we have proposed the step structure to reduce the air gap between the bridge and the signal line, thus the actuation voltage is reduced to 2.9V. Furthermore, to reach more isolation, we used Aluminum Nitride (AlN) as a dielectric layer instead of conventional dielectric materials such as and which has more led to increase the down-state capacitance and increase the isolation of switch. The results show that the switch in up position involve less than -10 dB from 1 to 40 GHZ and more than -0.72 dB from 1 to 22 GHZ. In down state, switch has an excellent isolation at the frequency range of K-band. The maximum isolation of -58 dB is obtained at resonance frequency of 27 GHZ. Furthermore, we used the -match circuit to improve the reflection and isolation of switch. In this case, the double-bridge switch has the return loss of around -12 dB at the range of 1-31 GHZ. The insertion loss of switch is less than -0.8 dB at the range of 1-27 GHZ. The isolation around -40 dB is obtained at the range of 15-40 GHZ. The proposed dual beam switch is the wideband and low-loss switch that appropriate for applications of K-band frequencies.
Feeling Black & Blue yet at Work: Physical Job Stressors and Sickness Presenteeism with the Moderation of Organizational Justice

Purpose: Cutthroat competition between the organizations has created tremendous job demands for employees, leading to increased implications for occupational health. This study investigated the impact of physical job stressors, i.e., workplace ergonomics, working conditions, and physical demands, on sickness presenteeism and the moderation of organizational justice (OJ). All the three dimensions of Organizational Justice, namely distributive justice, procedural justice, and interactional justice, were used as a moderator. Design/Methodology/Approach: The current paper follows the positivism approach, and therefore, responses were collected on a structured questionnaire following a quantitative technique. The respondents belonged to the banking industry of Karachi. Using a two-step approach, structural equation modeling on smart PLS was used for analysis. Findings: Findings indicate that physical job stressors, i.e., workplace ergonomics, physical demands, and working conditions, statistically impact sickness presenteeism. Implications/Originality/Value: Furthermore, organizational justice alleviated the impact of physical job stressors on sickness presenteeism. This paper lays down implications for organizations as well as future research.
Influence of Technology Orientation in Performance of Small and Medium Animal Feed Manufacturing Enterprises in Kenya

The objective of this study was to establish the influence of technological orientation on the performance of small and medium animal feed manufacturing enterprises in Kenya. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The target population was 65 small and medium enterprises in animal feed manufacturing in Kenya that were members of Association of Kenya Feed Manufacturing (AKEFEMA) that are based in Kiambu and Nairobi City County in Kenya. The study used a census approach and respondents were 65 managers/owners and 65 directors. Data was collected using an open and ended questionnaire. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics produced frequencies, pie charts mean, standard deviation, and percentages. Inferential statistics produced correlation and PLS Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) results, which showed the causal relationship among the variables. Findings showed that technology orientation had a positive and significant with the small and medium animal feed manufacturing in Kenya. Based on findings, the study concludes that SMEs in animal feed manufacturing in Kenya regularly upgrade technology, inculcate a culture of adopting new technologies and also possess technological skills. Also, the study concludes that SMEs under survey are owned/ managed by individuals who possess knowledge about the firm’s field of operation and also relate well with stakeholders such as customers and suppliers. The study recommends management and entrepreneurs of small and medium animal feed manufacturing enterprises should possess the technical capabilities of the firm and embrace a culture of continuous learning with respect to new knowledge and skill this would lead to better performance.
Measuring plant biomass remotely using drones in arid landscapes

Abstract Measurement of variation in plant biomass is essential for answering many ecological and evolutionary questions. Quantitative estimates require plant destruction for laboratory analyses, while field studies use allometric approaches based on simple measurement of plant dimensions. We estimated the biomass of individual shrub‐sized plants, using a low‐cost unmanned aerial system (drone), enabling rapid data collection and non‐destructive sampling. We compared volume measurement (a surrogate for biomass) and sampling time, from the simple dimension measurements and drone, to accurate laboratory‐derived biomass weights. We focused on three Australian plant species which are ecologically important to their terrestrial and floodplain ecosystems: porcupine grass Triodia scariosa, Queensland bluebush Chenopodium auricomum, and lignum Duma florulenta. Estimated volume from the drone was more accurate than simple dimension measurements for porcupine grass and Queensland bluebush, compared to estimates from laboratory analyses but, not for lignum. The latter had a sparse canopy, with thin branches, few vestigial leaves and a similar color to the ground. Data collection and analysis consistently required more time for the drone method than the simple dimension measurements, but this would improve with automation. The drone method promises considerable potential for some plant species, allowing data to be collected over large spatial scales and, in time series, increasing opportunities to answer complex ecological and evolutionary questions and monitor the state of ecosystems and plant populations.
SITUAÇÕES DE VULNERABILIDADE PERCEBIDAS PELA FAMÍLIA NA INCLUSÃO ESCOLAR DA CRIANÇA COM CONDIÇÃO CRÔNICA

Objetivo: Conhecer as situações de vulnerabilidade percebidas pelo cuidador/familiar na inclusão escolar da criança com condição crônica. Métodos: Estudo qualitativo realizado por meio de entrevista com 10 familiares/cuidadores de crianças com condição crônica, nos meses de junho a agosto de 2018 em um município do sul do Brasil. Para analisar as informações utilizou-se a análise temática. Resultados: Constataram-se diversas situações de vulnerabilidades vivenciadas pelas famílias, ao inserirem a criança na escola, tais como a realização de procedimentos e medicações à criança pelos profissionais da educação, a merenda oferecida na escola, as dificuldades vivenciadas pela criança frente às condições crônicas de saúde. Considerações finais: É necessário que os profissionais de saúde e de educação tenham um olhar atento às famílias/cuidadores e às crianças com condição crônica, visando conhecer as situações de vulnerabilidade vivenciadas e favorecendo a constituição de redes de apoio para suporte na melhoria da qualidade de vida.
A standardized nomenclature and atlas of the female terminalia of Drosophila melanogaster

ABSTRACT The model organism Drosophila melanogaster has become a focal system for investigations of rapidly evolving genital morphology as well as the development and functions of insect reproductive structures. To follow up on a previous paper outlining unifying terminology for the structures of the male terminalia in this species, we offer here a detailed description of the female terminalia of D. melanogaster. Informative diagrams and micrographs are presented to provide a comprehensive overview of the external and internal reproductive structures of females. We propose a collection of terms and definitions to standardize the terminology associated with the female terminalia in D. melanogaster and we provide a correspondence table with the terms previously used. Unifying terminology for both males and females in this species will help to facilitate communication between various disciplines, as well as aid in synthesizing research across publications within a discipline that has historically focused principally on male features. Our efforts to refine and standardize the terminology should expand the utility of this important model system for addressing questions related to the development and evolution of animal genitalia, and morphology in general.
Dimensionless Impedance Method for General Design of Surge Tank in Simple Pipeline Systems

The design of surge protection devices is a practical issue for the management of pressurized pipeline systems. Depending on the flow status, dimension, material, and fluid properties of a particular pipeline, the generation of hydraulic transients and their interactions with surge protection devices have been explored considering different conditions for various pipeline systems. The resonance between the pipeline elements and surge energy absorption function of the hydraulic structure should be adaptively considered for each pipeline system. To comprehensively address surge generation and surge alleviating process, this study introduced dimensionless equations of fluid motion and continuity, and their solutions were developed in the dimensionless frequency domain. The impact of the surge tank, pressure accumulator, and its connector were also developed in terms of dimensionless operators. The impact of distinct flow conditions and pipeline properties was successfully addressed by an integrated parameter, dimensionless resistance, which also provided a unified condition for water hammer similarity in reservoir pipeline surge tank pipeline valve (RPSPV) systems. The development of dimensionless hydraulic impedance expressions along a pipeline system and its conversion into a response function provides a normalized pressure response in the dimensionless time domain. Excellent agreement was found between transient simulations using the developed method and those obtained using existing methods. The integration of a dimensionless approach into a metaheuristic engine provides a general platform for surge tank (ST) design in the comprehensive bounds of flow and pipeline conditions.