Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Incentivizing ICT in healthcare: A comparative analysis of incentive schemes in Italian Regions

Abstract Background: The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in healthcare has been presented as a potential solution to the current challenges that healthcare systems have to face. The introduction of ICTs may need initial investments and, moreover, may produce changes in the routine practice of the healthcare system. Financial incentives are expected to be an effective managerial tool to communicate a strategic vision and a mandate, to improve the adherence to the strategy and to promote a consistent individual behaviour. In this perspective, financial incentives are assumed to accelerate the ICTs adoption and use in healthcare. The aim of this study was to investigate whether and how Italian Regional healthcare systems use the Chief Executive Officers' (CEOs) reward scheme to stimuli the implementation of ICT in healthcare. Materials and methods: A content analysis was conducted on the Italian Regional acts on healthcare CEOs incentive schemes, that were approved in the period 2010–2012 and with a legal validity that ranged from 1 to 4 years (until 2014). The acts cover around 60% of the Italian Regions. ICT goals were identified, categorized, and compared using descriptive statistics. Results: This study identified two areas on which financial incentives related to ICTs were mainly focused: (i) ICT infrastructure and architecture; (ii) flows and processing of economic and financial data. The use of technology to better store and process medical data (i.e. EHR-like systems) were only marginally present. Use of e-Health and m-Health solutions for providing healthcare services, valorization of ‘health big data’ in a community care perspective, more advanced applications of technology for monitoring or preventing diseases were not incentivized for CEOs in Italy. Conclusion: The use of ICTs in healthcare appears to be of general interest in Italy: a great number of Italian Regions introduced specific goals into CEOs financial schemes. Efforts in this field seem to be not linked to the objectives of better care at sustainable cost, while it appears important to ensure a better and wider presence of enabling environments and to implement ICT-based control systems.
Sustainability science and the management of renewable energy technologies

The emerging field of sustainability science recognises the important role of technologies in reaching the conditional goals of sustainable development. Research in sustainable technologies requires transdisciplinarity to determine the resilience, adaptive capacity, and complexity of social-ecological systems to assess the potential of such technologies for increasing the carrying capacity and improve the resilience of social-ecological systems. The paper provides an overview of the field of technology management as it relates to sustainability science in general and then addresses the primary objective of the conducted research, which was to introduce a model for prioritisation of assessable sustainability performance indicators to manage renewable energy technologies. The model is based on the Kolb learning cycle, and thereby acknowledges the vital need for continual interaction between different entities and components of typical social-ecological systems, where specific technologies are to be introduced, to understand the key interactions within the subsystems, also termed holons, that need to be assessed. The model is demonstrated with a case study in a rural village of South Africa, where an integrated renewable energy technological system was implemented. The application of the prioritised indicators is compared with the perceived overall performance of the technological system. The study confirms that much research is still required to assess the true sustainability of introduced technological systems. Recommendations are made accordingly.
Wikidata As a Community Curation Platform for Ontology Development

Significant resources are required to maintain and keep up-to-date scientific resources such as ontologies. One way to prioritize the work of curators is to harness the contributions of the crowd. Wikidata is an openly-accessible knowledge base that is editable by anyone and has a large, active community of users. Here, we describe a new system to monitor, filter, and prioritize changes made by Wikidata contributors to items, for review by biomedical curators, and eventual update in primary sources. We seeded Wikidata with a semantic network linking several types of biomedical items, and then retrospectively examined and cataloged Wikidata community edits with particular emphasis on disease items. This effort led to thousands of proposed changes to the Disease Ontology, the primary source for the initial creation of the disease items in Wikidata.
A Forward Calibration Method for New Quantitative Trade Models

This article introduces an innovative and exible dynamic forward calibration method for disaggregated new quantitative trade models, particularly the Eaton and Kortum model, within a computable general equilibrium framework. The model is parameterized based on distinct, consistent future development scenario assumptions about EU climate policy, economic growth, energy efficiency, the electricity mix and structural change (sectoral shifts) derived through a complex scenario-creation process. The model equations and the scenario assumptions are implemented as side constraints of an optimization problem minimizing the difference between historical and targeted technology levels (sectoral productivities). This method is combined with input-output data disaggregation methods to separate Northwest Germany from the rest of Germany and to represent different power generation technologies. This setup enables the comparison of alternative regional sustainability-oriented long-term policy pathways. Despite the importance of the policy pathways envisaged by Northwest Germany's governments to society, they have limited macroeconomic effects in the simulations. In contrast, the future development scenario assumptions significantly affect European economies, particularly via the EU climate policy costs that drastically increase towards 2050. If Northwest Germany's energy transition fails, then its climate policy costs will increase extraordinarily.
CAPE Times P Explains Lightning Over Land But Not the Land‐Ocean Contrast

The contemporaneous pointwise product of convective available potential energy (CAPE) and precipitation is shown to be a good proxy for lightning. In particular, the CAPE × P proxy for lightning faithfully replicates seasonal maps of lightning over the contiguous United States, as well as the shape, amplitude, and timing of the diurnal cycle in lightning. Globally, CAPE × P correctly predicts the distribution of flash rate densities over land, but it does not predict the pronounced land‐ocean contrast in flash rate density; some factor other than CAPE or P is responsible for that land‐ocean contrast.
Logistics Integration Processes in the Food Industry

This paper analyses the integration process that firms follow to implement Supply Chain Management (SCM). This study has been inspired in the integration model proposed by Stevens (1989). He suggests that companies internally integrate first and then extend integration to other supply chain members, such as customers and suppliers. To analyse the integration process a survey was conducted among Spanish food manufacturers. The results show that there are companies in three different integration stages. In stage I, companies are not integrated. In stage II, companies have a medium-high level of internal integration in the Logistics-Production interface, a low level of internal integration in the Logistics-Marketing interface, and a medium level of external integration. And, in stage III, companies have high levels of integration in both internal interfaces and in some of their supply chain relationships.
Antioxidant properties of Brassica vegetables

Brassica vegetables include some economically interesting crops such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale and turnip, which are consumed all over the world. A high intake of Brassica vegetables reduces the risk of age-related chronic illness such as cardiovascular health and other degenerative diseases and reduces the risk of several types of cancer, thanks in part to the antioxidant properties of different compounds. Compared to other vegetables, Brassica vegetables have higher antioxidant potential which makes them very interesting crops from the consumer’s point of view. This review focuses on the composition and antioxidant capacity of both lipidand water-soluble extracts of Brassica vegetables. Here, we will provide an overview of the role of phenolic compounds, vitamins and carotenoids present in Brassica vegetable crops in relation to antioxidant properties and human health. Both climatic conditions and agronomic practices influence the phytochemical content of the plant. The effects of genotype and plant organ on the stability of bioactive components and antioxidant activity are discussed, as well as post-harvest storage, processing and different cooking methods. Furthermore, we summarize in this review the current knowledge on the role of the antioxidant compounds present in Brassica vegetables in relation to human health. As conclusion, Brassica vegetables contain bioactive substances with a potential for reducing the physiological as well as oxidative stress and this could explain the suggested cancer preventive effect of these plants as well as their protective role on other major diseases. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Improved Subsurface Imaging and Interpretability through Broadband Reprocessing of Legacy Seismic Data. Examples from North West Shelf Australia

The reprocessing of legacy seismic data can be a time and cost effective means of obtaining an improved image of the subsurface, particularly when compared to the acquisition of new seismic data. The investment that has been made over the years in acquiring the many thousands of kilometres of seismic data offshore Australia has been preserved by Geoscience Australia, which houses an extensive collection of petroleum data including seismic survey data. Much of this data is available to the petroleum industry for reprocessing, facilitating the potential to enhance the data’s value for regional reconnaissance and interpretation. Two marine examples are shown from North West Shelf Australia where reprocessing was performed on seismic data from two different surveys acquired in 1993. The first example is from the Northern Carnarvon Basin, and the second example is from the Browse Basin. These two examples demonstrate how the uplift attained from a modern broadband processing flow can yield a vastly improved subsurface image, which in turn can assist with interpretation. The reprocessing workflow (which was similar for both surveys) is discussed, as well as some insights into how the improved data benefit the interpretation and understanding of subsurface geology.
On Schmidt Decomposition: Approach Based on Correlation Operator as Bipartite Entanglement Entity

An elaborated review with proofs of Schmidt canonical decomposition of any bipartite state vector is approached through general subsystem basis expansion. The upgraded forms of Schmidt decomposition in terms of correlation operator and twin observables are presented in detail. The discussion is extended to distant measurement, Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen states and Schrodinger's steering. All claims and proofs are given in standard form unlike in the previous articles of the author where all results were obtained utilizing the very rarely used antilinear Hilbert–Schmidt maps of one subsystem state space into the other. For practical reasons the formalism of partial traces with their rules and reduced density operators together with correlation operator are used. Quanta 2018; 7: 19–39.
Nontraditional Use of Biomass at Certified Forest Management Units: Forest Biomass for Energy Production and Carbon Emissions Reduction in Indonesia

Biomass conversion technologies that produce energy and reduce carbon emissions have become more feasible to develop. This paper analyzes the potential of converting biomass into biomethanol at forest management units experiencing three forest management practices (community-based forest management (CBFM), plantation forest (PF), and natural production forest (NPF)). Dry aboveground biomass collected varied considerably: 0.26–2.16 Mg/ha/year (CBFM), 8.08–8.35 Mg/ha/year (NPF), and 36.48–63.55 Mg/ha/year (PF). If 5% of the biomass was shifted to produce biomethanol for electricity production, the NPF and PF could provide continuous power to 138 and 2,762 households, respectively. Dedicating 5% of the biomass was not a viable option from one CBFM unit. However, if all biomasses were converted, the CBFM could provide electricity to 19–27 households. If 100% biomass from two selected PF was dedicated to biomethanol production: (1) 52,200–72,600 households could be provided electricity for one year; (2) 142–285% of the electricity demand in Jambi province could be satisfied; (3) all gasoline consumed in Jambi, in 2009, would be replaced. The net carbon emissions avoided could vary from 323 to 8,503 Mg when biomethanol was substituted for the natural gas methanol in fuel cells and from 294 to 7,730 Mg when it was used as a gasoline substitute.
ACCUMULATION OF POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS (PCBS) IN NAVIGATION CHANNELS, HARBORS AND INDUSTRIAL AREAS OF THE BAHIA BLANCA ESTUARY, ARGENTINA

The usage and production of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) was banned in Argentina in2002, approximately twenty to thirty years later than in other countries. A total of 29 sediment samples (upto 14 m deep) were analyzed for a mix of seven individual PCBs in a time series for over more than one year in twelve selected locations, including harbors, recreational docks and several industrialized coastal locations in Bahia Blanca Estuary, Argentina, South America. The GC/ECD results showed the dominance of three chlorinated compounds: CB180, CB52 and CB101, which showed a strong reduction with distance from the urban area. The principal components analysis differentiates light and heavy congeners variation, settling several hypotheses and the classification of sampling sites to determine the PCB burden. Considering literature reports, the present results were evaluated in the international PCB context, diminishing the scarcity of PCB data from the Southern Hemisphere and prompting the need of future monitoring approaches.
Modeling the Mitogen Activated Protein (MAP)-Kinase Pathway Using Ordinary Differential Equations

Mitogen Activated Protein (MAP) Kinase pathway is central to comprehend the key cellular signal transduction mechanisms in animal physiology, including human beings. Modeling MAP Kinase pathway has two main applications: deciphering a transient response of three main components (MAPKKK, MAPKK and MAPK) to regulate signaling and utilizing the models to make it behave as a potential drug target. The current study develops a mathematical representation for this transient cell-signaling pathway, based on a simple modular approach to structure and model a three-tier cascade. Based on assumptions from existing literature, ordinary differential equations have been formulated to express the concentrations of MAPKKK, MAPKK and MAPK as a function of time. Finally, the transient responses of the deduced concentrations of these components are analyzed to understand the pathway behavior and some interesting results are obtained by analyzing the temporal evolutions of the concentrations of the six components involved in the pathway. We conclude that the transient behaviour of MAPKKK can be captured with first order ordinary differential equations. Some anomalous behavior is observed in case of MAPKK and MAPK. In this perspective, future work can be designed to regulate the MAP Kinase signaling by taking Michaeli-Menten kinetics into consideration and make complex models to get more accurate results.
Gamma Rays and the Evolving, Compact Structures of the 2003 October 28 X17 Flare

The X17 flare on 2003 October 28 was observed by high-resolution imaging or spectroscopic instruments on CORONAS, GOES, INTEGRAL, RHESSI, SOHO, and TRACE. These spacecraft observed the temporal evolution of the γ-ray positron-annihilation and nuclear de-excitation line spectra, imaged the hard X-ray bremsstrahlung and EUV and UV emission, and measured the surface magnetic field and subphotospheric pressure perturbations. In the usual pattern, the onset of the flare is dominated by particle acceleration and interaction, and by the filling of coronal magnetic structures with hot plasma. The associated positron-annihilation signatures early in the impulsive phase from 11:06 to 11:16 UT have a line-broadening temperature characteristic of a few hundred thousand kelvins. The most intense precipitation sites within the extended flare ribbons are very compact, with diameters of less than 1400 km, and a 195 Å TRACE intensity that can exceed 7500 times the quiescent active-region value. These regions appear to move at speeds of up to 60 km s-1. The associated rapidly evolving, compact perturbations of the photosphere below these sites excite acoustic pulses that propagate into the solar interior. Less intense precipitation sites typically persist for several minutes behind the advancing flare ribbons. After ~1 ks, the flare enters a second phase, dominated by coronal plasma cooling and downflows and by annihilation-line radiation characteristic of a photospheric environment. We point out (1) that these detailed observations underscore that flare models need to explicitly incorporate the multitude of successively excited environments whose evolving signals differ at least in their temporal offsets and energy budgets, if not also in the exciting particle populations and penetration depths, and (2) that the spectral signatures of the positron annihilation do not fit conventional model assumptions.
The Effect of Direct Instruction and Writer's Workshop on the Early Writing Skills of Children Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication

A single subject multiple probe across subjects research design was used to evaluate a writing instructional program for children who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Specifically, the effect of instruction on the selection of initial letters of words by 3 children with developmental disabilities who used AAC was evaluated. The writing instructional program comprised direct instruction in letter-sound correspondence and selection of initial letters of words, and a writing workshop-type task to provide instruction in literacy activities. Two of the 3 children were successful in the acquisition of the target skill, maintained use of the skill at least 1 month following instruction, and demonstrated some generalization of the skill to less structured tasks. The third child required a simplified instructional program to accommodate transient episodes of hemiplegia and to increase his time on task. The results of the study suggest that an instructional program that combines a direct instruction approach and a writing workshop-type activity may facilitate the development and application of phonemic awareness skills with children who use AAC.
On the moduli space of nonnegatively curved metrics on Milnor spheres

Let $M$ be a Milnor sphere or, more generally, the total space of a linear $S^3$-bundle over $S^4$ with $H^4(M;\mathbb{Q})=0$. We show that the moduli space of metrics of nonnegative sectional curvature on $M$ has infinitely many path components. The same holds true for the moduli space of metrics of positive Ricci curvature on $M$.
2 6-6-2009 CORPORATE VENTURING GOVERNANCE , KNOWLEDGE FLOWS AND PERFORMANCE

This study investigated how governance structure in corporate venturing (CV) impacts knowledge flows between a parent company and its new ventures. Based on agency theory, we proposed that autonomy and incentive scheme may stimulate or eliminate agency behaviors of CV programs in the knowledge transfer process, and ultimately influence the performance of new ventures. Using a sample of 61 companies in Japan and the United States, we found that autonomy may stimulate agency behaviors of CV programs by discouraging them to participate in the knowledge transfer process. On the contrary, the strategic-based incentive scheme may mitigate such agency behavior and encourage knowledge flows in CV activity. In addition, we also found the moderator effects of CV objectives on these relationships.
Simplifications in the x‐ray line‐shape analysis

It is shown that a Fourier series associated with the Warren‐Averbach line‐shape analysis can be fitted with only five parameters to a pair of peaks. These interrelate the Fourier coefficients and thereby provide a simplified series which has been applied to the study of a Mo film on a Si crystal. The parameters include the average particle size, the first neighbor rms strain, a term which gives the variation in rms strain with cell separation, and two instrumental broadening coefficients. Although considerable simplification is possible, equivalent information can be obtained as compared with the original analysis and the ’’hook effect’’ is eliminated in the fitted coefficients.
The use of ethnography to explore tourist satisfaction antecedents

The purpose of this paper is to provide insights concerning the use of ethnographic techniques to explore the antecedents of tourist satisfaction; otherwise referred to as the needs and expectations which precede tourist satisfaction. By revealing the relevance of both needs and expectations in the tourist satisfaction process, the authors proceed in justifying the use of this approach for such exploration. This is based on a thorough review of the global literature as well as on a prolonged ethnographic study undertaken in Cyprus which aimed to investigate holistically the rural tourist satisfaction process. Based on the results of the study, the authors encourage future researchers in the respective tourism field to adopt and make use of the aforementioned approach for similar investigations.
Oral Administration Recombinant Bifidobacterium-LTB (B Subunit of Heat-Labile Enterotoxin) Enhances the OVA (Ovalbumin)-Specific sIgA in Jejunal Mucosa of Sprague-Dawley (SD) Rat

The LTB of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) expressed in Bifidobacterium infantis (BI) has been testified as mucosal adjuvant with co-vaccination BI-CfaB (the major fimbrial subunit) together in vivo in our previous study. In order to investigate the mucosal adjuvant effect of BI-LTB to purified antigens, we oral vaccinated SD rats with recombinant BI-LTB plus OVA (rBI-LTB + OVA), and wild type BI plus OVA (wBI + OVA), OVA and PBS (Phosphate buffered saline) were vaccinated as controls, respectively. The OVA-specific sIgA in jejunal mucosa and specific IgG in serium were measured with ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and the sIgA producing cells were detected with immunohistochemistry technology (IHC) and Qwin image manipulation tools subsequently. The results shown rBI-LTB could stimulate SD rats produce high titer OVA-specific sIgA in rBI-LTB + OVA group and the OVA-specific sIgA titer in rBI-LTB + OVA group was found significant greater than that of the wBI + OVA group or OVA single group (p < 0.05). However no such significant difference was detected between the group wBI + OVA and OVA. IHC results suggested that intestinal mucosa and submucosa was the main field of sIgA secretion. These results suggested that recombinant LTB expression in BI could be used as a wide range mucosal adjuvant with different form antigens.