Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mixing of components from different manufacturers in total hip arthroplasty: prevalence and comparative outcomes

Background and purpose — There have recently been highly publicized examples of suboptimal outcomes with some newer implant designs used for total hip replacement. This has led to calls for tighter regulation. However, surgeons do not always adhere to the regulations already in place and often use implants from different manufacturers together to replace a hip, which is against the recommendations of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the directions of the manufacturers. Patients and methods — We used data from the National Joint Registry of England and Wales (NJR) to investigate this practice. Results — Mixing of components was common, and we identified over 90,000 cases recorded between 2003 and 2013. In the majority of these cases (48,156), stems and heads from one manufacturer were mixed with polyethylene cemented cups from another manufacturer. When using a cemented stem and a polyethylene cup, mixing of stems from one manufacturer with cups from another was associated with a lower revision rate. At 8 years, the cumulative percentage of revisions was 1.9% (95% CI: 1.7–2.1) in the mixed group as compared to 2.4% (2.3–2.5) in the matched group (p = 0.001). Mixing of heads from one manufacturer with stems from another was associated with a higher revision rate (p < 0.001). In hip replacements with ceramic-on-ceramic or metal-on-metal bearings, mixing of stems, heads, and cups from different manufacturers was associated with similar revision rates (p > 0.05). Interpretation — Mixing of components from different manufacturers is a common practice, despite the fact that it goes against regulatory guidance. However, it is not associated with increased revision rates unless heads and stems from different manufacturers are used together.
Bridging the Financing Gap for Pro-Poor Innovation: Towards a Framework

In many developing countries, pro-poor entrepreneurship and innovation is facing a financing gap. Such innovation suffers from a lack of finance especially from the mainstream (or core) of the financial system. Instead, the little support that exists comes from alternative sources at the periphery of the financial system. This substantial gap in finance for rural PEBI, which remains unexplored, is the focus of this paper. To start, a number of barriers to access to finance are considered, from which a conceptual framework is constructed. The framework considers the financial system as made up of a core (the banks) and a periphery, where the way knowledge flows within the system, the type of knowledge that can be accessed and accumulated, and the kind of relationships that exists matter. It is suggested that at the core, path dependence and institutional lock-in together with a closed network of similar knowledge types and a dependence on collateral rather than relationships, result in a rigid and a closed system. The periphery organisations are better able to obtain and act on new knowledge (and provide finance) for a number of reasons which form the basis for a set of insufficient but necessary (INUS) condition. Accordingly, the organisations may posit the following characteristics: a dynamic and flexible approach to finance; a wide network of actors with varied knowledge; relationship focused; an emphasis on tacit knowledge, feedback loops and learning; ability to innovate close to users; and a systemic and integrated approach to finance.
Investigating players' responses to wayfinding cues in 3D video games

Wayfinding (or navigation) is one of the most basic interactions within 3D video games since players need to navigate the environment before performing any other task in the game. Even so, there is little research on the difficulties, needs and preferences of players regarding wayfinding in 3D game worlds. To tackle this issue, we conducted a study to investigate how gamers respond to different visual wayfinding cues depending on the game context. Participants played a 3D game and then reported on their experience and expectations through interviews. This initial work aims to inform designers of factors influencing players' wayfinding decisions and the gaming experience.
Multi-models-based engineering of collaborative systems: application to collision avoidance operations for spacecraft

The work presented in this paper is based on a synergistic approach [1] integrating models of operators' tasks (described using the HAMSTERS notation) with models of the interactive system (described using the ICO notation) they are using. This synergistic approach makes it possible to bring together two usually independent (but complementary) representations of the same world. Even though supported by modeling and simulation tools, previous work in this area was rather theoretic focusing on concepts and principles in order to articulate this synergistic use of the models. The current article extends this line of research to address groupware applications. These extensions are performed on HAMSTERS notation in order to describe activities involving multiple users dealing with information flow, knowledge they are required to master and communication protocol (synchronous or asynchronous). Other extensions are performed on PetShop tool (supporting the ICO notation) in order to model and execute local and distant groupware applications. These extensions have been brought together by a more complex synergistic module bringing the two views together. Lastly, these extensions have been used for the modelling, design, and construction of a groupware system dedicated to collision avoidance of spacecraft with space debris. This case study is used to assess the applicability of the contributions and to identify paths for future work.
Corruption and government : causes, consequences, and reform

ROSE-ACKERMAN Susan, PALIFKA Bonnie J. Corruption and government : causes, consequences, and reform Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2016, XXIII-618 p. ISBN 978-1-107-44109-5 MOND 723 Resume editeur : The second edition of Corruption and Government updates Susan Rose-Ackerman's 1999 book to address emerging issues and to rethink old questions in light of new data. The book analyzes the research explosion that accompanied the fall of the Berlin Wall, the founding of Transparency Intern.
The Association Between Interpersonal Relationships and the Mental and Physical Health of Postpartum Active Duty Military Women

Abstract : Over 15% of the U.S. military is comprised of women and 8%-9% of servicewomen are pregnant at any given time. Military womens health impacts readiness. Past research has highlighted the importance of supportive interpersonal relationships in mitigating postpartum distress, but little research has examined active duty women, who may face challenges obtaining support. There is limited knowledge about the course or impact of various types of support. This study was meant to determine if there were critical periods when relationships or specific kinds of support were especially important for mental and physical well-being. The current study assessed 123 active duty Navy (n = 117) and Marine Corps (n = 6) women at five postpartum time points (2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months) and used mixed model regression to determine: (1) The course of relationships; (2) The association between relationships and postpartum mental health (DVs: anxiety, depression); and (3) Postpartum physical health and functioning (DVs: fatigue, functional health/well-being, BMI, physical fitness testing). The relationship between the quality/quantity of interpersonal relationships and health outcomes was hypothesized to be strongest initially and diminish over time. Levels of postpartum depression exceeded estimates from civilian studies with 56% of participants displaying significant symptoms of depression at two months postpartum and 22% at 12 months postpartum. While no critical time periods for relationships were identified, emotional and instrumental support were found to have a greater impact on outcomes than the quantitative properties of social networks. All relationship variables significantly decreased over time. Socioeconomic factors, including education and pay grade status, predicted psychosocial outcomes, with junior enlisted women and women with some college education or an associates degree generally displaying poorer outcomes than other groups.
Graph regularized non-negative matrix factorization with sparse coding

Matrix factorization techniques have been frequently utilized in pattern recognition and machine learning. Among them, Non-negative Matrix Factorization (NMF) has received considerable attention because it represents the naturally occurring data by parts of it. On the other hand, from the geometric perspective, the data is usually sampled from a low dimensional manifold embedded in a high dimensional ambient space. One hopes then to find a compact representation which uncovers the intrinsic geometric structure. In this paper, we propose a novel method, called Graph Regularized Non-negative Matrix Factorization with Sparse Coding (GRNMF_SC), the new model can learn much sparser representation and more discriminating power via imposing sparse constraint and Laplacian regularization explicitly. Experimental results on the ORL and Yale databases demonstrate encouraging performance of the proposed algorithm when compared with the state-of-the-art algorithms.
Renewable energy in IP over WDM networks

Recent studies have shown that the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry is responsible for about 2% of the global emission of CO2 and this percentage is expected to increase as the Internet expands in bandwidth and reach. In this paper, we propose the use of renewable energy in IP over WDM networks to minimize CO2 emissions. A Linear Programming (LP) model is proposed to optimize the use of renewable energy. A novel heuristic is developed for improving renewable energy utilization based on Multi-hop-bypass. Compared with the Non-bypass heuristic, simulation results indicate that the CO2 emissions of the hybrid power IP over WDM network are reduced significantly, by 45% ∼ 55%, and the new heuristic has little impact on the QoS. In order to identify the impact of the number and the location of nodes that employ renewable energy on the non-renewable energy consumption of the network, we also develop another LP model. Simulation results show that using renewable energy at nodes at the centre of the network maximizes the benefit.
Geometric analysis of root canals prepared by single twisted file in three different operation modes

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of a single twisted file (TF) instrument in three different operation modes on the preparation of curved root canals in human molars and to explore a new possible method in canal shaping in the clinic setting. Materials and Methods: A total of 105 selected root canals with an angle of curvature ranging from 20° to 35° were divided into the following three groups with 35 samples each according to the different operation mode in canal preparation: "continuous rotation-500" (CR, 500 rpm), reciprocating movement-300 (RM-300 rpm) and CR-300 rpm. Root canals were prepared by single file (a size 25/0.06 TF). The pre- and post-instrumented images of the sections were scanned using a cone-beam computed tomography scanner to measure the root transportation and centering ratio. The data were evaluated at 1.5 mm, 3.0 mm and 6.0 mm positions from the apex. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. Results: The results showed a statistically significant difference in root transportation that was only found in cross-sections 3.0 mm from the anatomic apex between group "CR-500" and group "CR-300. " In addition, a significant difference in centering ratio was found between group "RM-300" and group "CR-300. " There was no significant difference in the two indices among the three groups at cross-sections 1.5 mm and 6 mm from the apex. Conclusions: Under the three conditions of this study, the continuous rotation mode has better shaping ability in root canal preparation than the RM mode when used with a TF single file (size 25/0.06).
Detection of Fault-Prone Classes Using Logistic Regression Based Object-Oriented Metrics Thresholds

Background: In the plethora of studies, the object-orientedmetrics have been empirically validated to assess the design properties and quantify the high-level quality attributes such as fault-proneness, either at the method or class granularity levels of software. Motivation: A more precise value of an object-oriented metric can be used as an indicator for the developers tomake the informed decisions regarding the detection of design flaws and classify the fault-proneness classes. Method: Bender used an approach in the domain of epidemiology studies to derivethe threshold values for the risk factors. In our study, we follow the Bender's approach and propose a model to derive the thresholds for a set of software design metrics via non-linearfunctions, which are described through logistic regressioncoefficients. Subsequently, we perform four types of analysis and three experiments in order to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of derived thresholds in the domain of classificationof fault proneness classes. We use the Precision, Recall, Fmeasureand classification accuracy performance measures toassess the effectiveness of derived metrics thresholds. Results: We compare the derive threshold values of DIT, CA, LCOM andNPM metrics with their existing data distribution basedthreshold values, and observed the significant increase in the classification accuracy of fault-prone classes. For example, DIT(27%), Ca (2%), NPM (2%) and LCOM (15%) for the Ant-1.5project. Conclusion: The analysis results suggest that the proposed model can be applied to derive the thresholds of otherobject-oriented metrics which present either with or withoutheavy-tailed distribution, however, the proposed model to derivethresholds cannot generalize for all the systems due to variationin data characteristics.
MicroRNA Deregulation in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Biology

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is among the most lethal types of cancers, characterized as a fast-growing and highly invasive thyroid tumor that is unresponsive to surgery and radioiodine, blunting therapeutic efficacy. Classically, genetic alterations in tumor suppressor TP53 are frequent, and cumulative alterations in different signaling pathways, such as MAPK and PI3K, are detected in ATC. Recently, deregulation in microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small endogenous RNAs that regulate protein expression, has been implicated in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Deregulation of miRNA expression is detected in thyroid cancer. Upregulation of miRNAs, such as miR-146b, miR-221, and miR-222, is observed in ATC and also in differentiated thyroid cancer (papillary and follicular), indicating that these miRNAs' overexpression is essential in maintaining tumorigenesis. However, specific miRNAs are downregulated in ATC, such as those of the miR-200 and miR-30 families, which are important negative regulators of cell migration, invasion, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), processes that are overactivated in ATC. Therefore, molecular interference to restore the expression of tumor suppressor miRNAs, or to blunt overexpressed oncogenic miRNAs, is a promising therapeutic approach to ameliorate the treatment of ATC. In this review, we will explore the importance of miRNA deregulation for ATC cell biology.
Analysis of pulse signaling for low-power on-chip global bus design

Pulse signaling is proposed for on-chip global bus design to reduce dynamic power consumption. To maximize power saving, shorter pulse width and longer propagation length are preferred. In this work, a complete set of analytical models are developed for pulse propagation along RLC lines. These models connect line geometries and electrical properties of an input pulse with several important design metrics, such as delay, pulse width, maximum propagation length, and power saving. Excellent model accuracy is achieved as compared to SPICE simulations. These models can be easily implemented into design tools to facilitate the optimization of pulse signaling on lossy on-chip global buses. Furthermore, pulse signaling can be integrated with a time-division scheme to further reduce power consumption. Using the newly developed models, it is demonstrated that more than 70% dynamic power can be saved in this scheme in on-chip bus design
3D Reconstruction with Sparse Image Sets

3D reconstruction with sparse image sets requires more accurate view geometry estimation than a large number of images based 3D reconstruction. In this paper, we have proposed an automatic 3D reconstruction system based on a small set of images which can estimate the view transformation between different views accurately. The proposed system can build a more complete 3D result when only part of the scene has been initially reconstructed (which often appears in sparse image sets).
Instruction Selection and Scheduling for DSP Kernels on Custom Architectures

As custom architectures become more and more common for DSP applications, instruction selection and scheduling for such applications and architectures become important topics. In this paper, we explore the effects of defining the problem of finding an optimal instruction selection and scheduling as a constraint satisfaction problem (CSP). We incorporate methods based on sub-graph isomorphism and global constraints designed for scheduling. We experiment using several media applications on a custom architecture, a generic VLIW architecture and a RISC architecture, all three with several cores. Our results show that defining the problem with constraints gives flexibility in modeling, while state-of-the-art constraint solvers enable optimal solutions for large problems, hinting a new method for code generation.
How unique is the service leadership model? A comparison with contemporary leadership approaches

Abstract The growth of the service economy in the contemporary world has resulted in a different set of requirements for effective leadership as compared with the industrial era, which focused primarily on manufacturing industries. To nurture “service leaders” in the service economy, the Hong Kong Institute of Service Leadership and Management proposed the service leadership model. The key characteristics of the service leadership model are outlined in this paper. A systematic comparison was also conducted to identify the common and unique features of the service leadership model with reference to the existing leadership theories, including the trait, servant, spiritual, authentic, ethical, transformational, charismatic, and top-down leadership approaches. The limitations and future directions for research in service leadership are also presented.
Improving the Perceptual Model of Intergroup Relations With an Evolutionary Framework

Improving the Perceptual Model of Intergroup Relations With an Evolutionary Framework Victor N. Keller & Joseph Cesario To cite this article: Victor N. Keller & Joseph Cesario (2016) Improving the Perceptual Model of Intergroup Relations With an Evolutionary Framework, Psychological Inquiry, 27:4, 324-326, DOI: 10.1080/1047840X.2016. 1215214 To link to this article: http://dx.doi. org/10.1080/1047840X.2016. 1215214
Regulating cell migration: calpains make the cut

The calpain family of proteases has been implicated in cellular processes such as apoptosis, proliferation and cell migration. Calpains are involved in several key aspects of migration, including: adhesion and spreading; detachment of the rear; integrin- and growth-factor-mediated signaling; and membrane protrusion. Our understanding of how calpains are activated and regulated during cell migration has increased as studies have identified roles for calcium and phospholipid binding, autolysis, phosphorylation and inhibition by calpastatin in the modulation of calpain activity. Knockout and knockdown approaches have also contributed significantly to our knowledge of calpain biology, particularly with respect to the specific functions of different calpain isoforms. The mechanisms by which calpain-mediated proteolysis of individual substrates contributes to cell motility have begun to be addressed, and these efforts have revealed roles for proteolysis of specific substrates in integrin activation, adhesion complex turnover and membrane protrusion dynamics. Understanding these mechanisms should provide avenues for novel therapeutic strategies to treat pathological processes such as tumor metastasis and chronic inflammatory disease.
Local Urban Restructuring as a Mirror of Globalisation Processes: Prague in the 1990s

This paper argues that Prague is rapidly becoming a standard Western city considerably shaped by forces of contemporary global capitalism. The impact of global forces on local urban restructuring in Prague is enabled by system transformations, which form the backbone of a government-directed transition to market economy. The system transformations, such as public management deregulation, privatisation processes and liberalisation of prices, have already set 'new rules of the game', have reallocated resources and power, and thus have created the necessary pre-conditions for the next phase of transition. Secondary transformations in the urban environment, such as the struggle for command over space, local labour market restructuring and the emergence of new consumption landscapes, have serious implications for geographically uneven development and the recomposition of urban form. Consequently, the time-space compression, which links Czechs with the Western world, has had highly differentiated impacts on various social groups. In conclusion it is argued that the contemporary transition should be viewed as internal transformations within the project of modernity, and the regulation theory approach is employed to shed light on links between transition in the Czech Republic and contemporary restructuring in the Western world.
L-Asparaginase Activity of Fungal Endophytes from Tabernaemontana heyneana Wall. (Apocynaceae), Endemic to the Western Ghats (India)

“Endophytes,” the microbes residing within the plant tissues, are important sources of secondary metabolites. Tabernaemontana heyneana Wall. , a medicinal tree, endemic to the Western Ghats with rich ethnobotanical history and unique chemical diversity, was selected to study fungal endophytes and evaluate them for L-asparaginase activity. Healthy plant parts were selected for the isolation of endophytes following standard isolation protocols. A total of 727 isolates belonging to 20 taxa were obtained. The isolates comprised of bark (11%), twig (22%), leaf (43%), fruit (12.0%), and seeds (12%). Endophytes such as Colletotrichum, Curvularia, Fusarium, Phomopsis, Verticillium, and Volutella colonized T. heyneana plant parts. Fusarium sp. , Phomopsis spp. , isolate Thlf01, and Fusarium solani were the dominant genera of bark, twig, leaf, fruits, and seed samples, respectively. The endophytes were screened for their ability to utilize L-asparagine by plate assay method. Fusarium spp. exhibited a high level of activity among the nine endophytes tested positive for L-asparaginase activity. Studies underline the potentials of endophyte-derived fungal L-asparaginases as sources of chemotherapeutic agents.