Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A hybrid genetic algorithm for group formation at workplace

Corporate university (CO) become a trend in organizations. However, functional characteristics are little explored by CO for boosting knowledge creation. One of them is functional diversity that has been pointed as a factor to increase innovation, contributing for the development of clear strategies and quick responses to changes at workplace. On the other hand, an appropriate distribution of roles helps to promote individual responsibility and group cohesion. It also contributes to the strengthening of positive interdependence of group members. These aspects are fundamental to the development of cooperative work. In this work, we propose a model for group formation for learning approaching dichotomous functional roles and preferred roles in order to improve the group performance into the courses offered by CO at Court of Justice of Goiás (CJG). From the proposed model, we constructed three group formation algorithms. The first algorithm forms groups randomly (AA). The second is a canonical genetic algorithm (CGA). The third is a hybrid genetic algorithm (HGA). After, we performed a comparative analysis of the results reached by the three algorithms. We observed that the HGA achieves superior results than the CGA and AA.
Nonmagnetic Ultrawideband Absorber With Optimal Thickness

Design of ultrawideband absorbers with bandwidth ratios larger than 10:1 is investigated. It is explained that if there is no constraint on the total thickness of the absorber, achieving large bandwidths is straightforward. The problem becomes challenging when the minimization of the total thickness is considered. It is shown that for a given frequency response, the total thickness of a nonmagnetic absorber cannot be less than a theoretical limit. If a design method can reduce the total thickness to the theoretical limit level, its superiority over other design methods is doubtless. It is demonstrated that the capacitive circuit absorber approach has this unique feature. In order to clarify the design ideas and techniques, the optimal absorber is developed in different stages. It is shown that unequal periods for the low-pass frequency selective surfaces are essential for attaining the optimal performance.
The Epidermal and Dermal Changes Associated with Microdermabrasion

BACKGROUND Microdermabrasion has become a popular method of skin rejuvenation for treating dyschromia, fine wrinkles, and mild scarring. OBJECTIVE To analyze the onset and extent of the dermatologic changes associated with microdermabrasion. METHODS Ten volunteers, ages 31–62 years, underwent a series of six aluminum oxide microdermabrasion facial treatments 7–10 days apart. Skin biopsy specimens were obtained prior to the study, after three treatments, and after six treatments. RESULTS Compared to the controls, the treated areas demonstrated the following histologic changes: thickening of the epidermis and dermis, flattening of the rete pegs, vascular ectasia and perivascular inflammation, and hyalinization of the papillary dermis with newly deposited collagen and elastic fibers. CONCLUSION This study suggests that microdermabrasion produces clinical improvement by a mechanism resembling a reparative process at the dermal and epidermal levels.
The role of primary caregiver vocabulary knowledge in the development of bilingual children's vocabulary skills.

PURPOSE The present study examined the impact of environmental factors (socioeconomic status [SES], the percent of language exposure to English and to Spanish, and primary caregivers' vocabulary knowledge) on bilingual children's vocabulary skills. METHOD Vocabulary skills were measured in 58 bilingual children between the ages of 5 and 7 who spoke Spanish as their native language and English as their second language. Data related to language environment in the home, specifically, the percent of language exposure to each language and SES, were obtained from primary caregiver interviews. Primary caregivers' vocabulary knowledge was measured directly using expressive and receptive vocabulary assessments in both languages. RESULTS Multiple regression analyses indicated that primary caregivers' vocabulary knowledge, the child's percent exposure to each language, and SES were robust predictors of children's English, but not Spanish, vocabulary skills. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that in the early school ages, primary caregiver vocabulary skills have a stronger impact on bilingual children's second-language than native-language vocabulary.
Influence of the emitter coverage on interdigitated back contact (IBC) silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells

Modelling and experimental results on IBC SHJ solar cells are presented in this paper. Different rear emitter designs are studied by 2D simulation and tested on experimental devices. IBC SHJ cells are fabricated with the SLASH process based on laser patterning steps, and the performance of such devices is shown to be limited by the rear emitter geometry (contacting scheme and total emitter fraction). On one hand IBC SHJ cells have to be carefully designed concerning the contacting scheme due to distributed series resistance effects. On the other hand SHJ technology allows a very high surface passivation level, and this reduces the influence of the emitter fraction on the cells performances.
Transrectal real-time elastography-guided transperineal prostate biopsy as an improved tool for prostate cancer diagnosis.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to determine the utility of transrectal real-time elastography (TRTE)-guided prostate biopsies in patients subjected to transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided transperineal prostate biopsies. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 108 consecutive patients suspicious for prostate cancer (PCa) with elevated serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) level > 4 μg/L or abnormal findings on digital rectal examination (DRE) were enrolled in this study. All patients were sequentially underwent 10-cores systematic biopsy and TRTE-guided targeted biopsy. The detection rate of the TRTE-guided targeted biopsy was compared with that of the TRUS-guided 10-cores systematic biopsy, in combination with prostate biopsy pathology. RESULTS 38 cases among 108 suspicious patients were diagnosed as PCa using the TRUS-guided 10-cores systematic biopsy with a detection rate of 35.2%. Subsequently, a further increase of 13.9% (15/108, P = 0.039) in PCa detection was obtained by the TRTE-guided targeted biopsy. The overall detection rate for PCa was 49.1% (53/108). A total of 1296 cores were sampled among the 108 patients, including 1080 cores for the 10-cores systematic biopsy and 216 cores for the TRTE-guided targeted biopsy cores. The positive rate of the TRTE-guided targeted biopsy was significantly higher than that of the TRUS-guided 10-cores systematic biopsy (50.9% versus 14.1%, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS TRTE-guided targeted biopsy could be used as a complement to significantly improve the detection rate for PCa in clinical setting.
Consumer response to functional foods in the 21st century.

In recent years, “functional foods” have become increasingly popular. Defined as foods or food components that may provide a health benefit beyond basic nutrition, functional foods are widely believed to offer consumers an increased ability to reduce the risk of certain health problems including cancer, osteoporosis, and even childhood blindness. The food industry has produced new products enriched with “functional” compounds such as soy or vitamin E and emphasized the new-found value of old products containing essential nutrients. The news media have contributed to this trend by heralding the health benefits of foods like Vitamin A enriched rice, cranberry juice and tomato sauce naturally containing lycopene. This rapid enthusiasm, however, raises the question: Is this a temporary market trend? Or the signal of a major shift in how consumers relate to food?
The Effect of Biofeedback as a Psychological Intervention in Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND Relaxation, mindfulness, social support, and education (RMSSE) have been shown to improve emotional symptoms, coping, and fatigue in multiple sclerosis (MS). Biofeedback was trialed as a psychological intervention, designed to improve self-control, in two groups of patients with MS. Both groups received RMSSE, and one group additionally received biofeedback. METHODS Forty people with relapsing-remitting MS were recruited from three sites in Sydney, Australia. The mean disability score (Expanded Disability Status Scale; EDSS) was 2.41 ± 1.46 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.46-3.36); the mean age in years was 45.9 ± 12.42 (95% CI, 41.92-49.87). Participants were randomly assigned to two active treatment groups (n = 20 per group). All participants received one 1-hour session per week for 3 weeks of RMSSE, while biofeedback equipment measured breathing rate and muscle tension. Members of one group used biofeedback screens to regulate physiological response. RESULTS Whole-group pre- and post-treatment scores demonstrated a reduction of 38% for anxiety and 39% for depression scores (P = .007 and P = .009, respectively). A post-treatment comparison failed to demonstrate any significant difference between the two active treatment groups in anxiety and depression scores. The biofeedback group showed significant pre- to post-treatment improvement or trends toward improvement in anxiety, fatigue, and stress (P = .05, .02, and .03, respectively). Comparison of pre-post treatment results between groups showed improvements for the biofeedback group in breathing rate and muscle tension (P = .06 and .09). CONCLUSIONS For relapsing-remitting MS patients receiving biofeedback in addition to RMSSE, there was a demonstrable reduction in anxiety, fatigue, and stress. There was also a trend toward significant reduction of breathing rate and muscle tension in favor of biofeedback.
Formulation Study and Evaluation of Matrix and Three-layer Tablet Sustained Drug Delivery Systems Based on Carbopols with Isosorbite Mononitrate

The purpose of this research was to develop and evaluate different preparations of sustained delivery systems, using Carbopols as carriers, in the form of matrices and three-layer tablets with isosorbite mononitrate. Matrix tablets were prepared by direct compression whereas three-layer tablets were prepared by compressing polymer barrier layers on both sides of the core containing the drug. The findings of the study indicated that all systems demonstrated sustained release. The properties of the polymer used and the structure of each formulation appear to considerably affect drug release and its release rate. The three-layer formulations exhibit lower drug release compared to the matrices. This was due to the fact that the barrier-layers hindered the penetration of liquid into the core and modified drug dissolution and release. The geometrical characteristics/structure of the tablets as well as the weight/thickness of the barriers-layers considerably influence the rate of drug release and the release mechanisms. Kinetic analysis of the data indicated that drug release from matrices was mainly attributed to Fickian diffusion while three-layer tablets exhibited either anomalous diffusion or erosion/relaxation mechanisms. The advantage of Carbopol formulations is that a range of release profiles can easily be obtained through variations in tablet structure and thus Carbopols are appropriate carriers of oral sustained drug delivery systems for soluble drugs such as the isosorbite mononitrate.
Benefits of Exercise Training in Spanish Prison Inmates

Prison populations are growing in Western countries. Imprisoned people usually have a poor health status and an increased risk to suffer chronic debilitating conditions as coinfection with the HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and/or opioid dependency. We studied the effects of a 4-month concurrent cardiorespiratory and resistance training program on the cardiorespiratory fitness, lower and upper body dynamic strength endurance (6-RM test for bench press and knee-extensor exercise, respectively), muscle mass and quality of life (QOL) of adult prison inmates who are HIV/HVC co-infected and enrolled in a methadone maintenance program (n = 9; mean [SD] age: 37 [3] yrs). We also evaluated a control group (n = 10; 37 [2] yrs). A significant combined effect of group and time was found for peak completed workload (W) (p < 0.01), peak heart rate (HR (peak)) (p < 0.05) and rate of HR decrease at 1-min postexercise compared to HR (peak) (p < 0.05), respectively, in a gradual cycle ergometer test. A significant combined effect of group and time was also found for both bench press and knee-extensor 6-RM tests, respectively (p < 0.05). Supervised exercise training can improve the overall physical fitness of incarcerated people. Our results suggest that this type of intervention could be applied in prisons of Western societies.
A novel point‐of‐care information system reduces anaesthesiologists' errors while managing case scenarios

Background and objectives: The On‐Line Electronic Help (OLEH) is a point‐of‐care information system for anaesthesia providers prepared by the European Society of Anaesthesiologists. In this preliminary study the effect of the OLEH availability on the incidence of knowledge‐based errors during the management of case scenarios and participants' subjective evaluation of the OLEH were evaluated. Methods: After a short training session, 48 anaesthesiologists (24 junior residents, 12 senior residents and 12 board‐certified) were presented randomly with six computer screen‐based case scenarios with, and six without, the option of using the OLEH. Two reviewers evaluated the answers independently according to preconfigured guidelines. Results: The availability of the OLEH was associated with higher scores in 11 of the 12 scenarios, and with a decrease in the incidence of critical errors in 10 scenarios. Time to task completion was increased in one scenario only when the OLEH was used. The degree of professional experience was associated with better scores in five of the scenarios and with a reduced occurrence of critical errors in three scenarios. Forty‐two out of 48 participants stated that finding information in the OLEH software was easy and that the system was helpful in managing the scenarios. Conclusions: This preliminary study demonstrates the potential value of the OLEH in decreasing the number of knowledge‐based errors made by anaesthesiologists. According to the encouraging results, the OLEH system is currently under evaluation using full‐scale simulation scenarios in an operating room environment.
CREDIBILITY A ND D ISINFLATION I N T HE EUROPEAN M ONETARY S YSTEM

Analysis of interest dierentials in the European Monetary System has suggested a widespread lack of credibility of the Exchange Rate Mechanism in the sense that in most countries the implicit expected rate of devaluation was significant and not far short of inflation dierentials ais-a[ -ais the deutschmark. We present and test a model in which prices reflect expectations of exchange rate behaviour. The results provide mixed evidence that price-setting in countries which participated in the ERM was influenced by the exchange rate discipline. Up until 1992, the European Monetary System (EMS) was characterised by some degree of convergence of inflation rates, but with higher-inflation currencies partially accommodating excess inflation ais-a[ -ais the deutschmark by periodic devaluations (Bleaney, 1992). Giavazzi and Pagano (1988) (hereafter GP) hypothesised that the Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) functioned as a device whereby the monetary authorities in countries with a low reputation for resisting inflationary pressures could reduce domestic inflationary expectations by fixing their exchange rate to the deutschmark. Such a policy could only be successful if governments were not expected to accommodate excess inflation fully through exchange rate realignments. Evidence from interest rates suggests that this policy was at best only partially successful: there was a significant probability of an accommodating realignment for most ERM currencies over most of the period (Svensson, 1993). Indeed Svensson’s results raise doubts as to whether the ERM had any significant impact on inflationary expectations at all, since his estimated 12month expected rates of devaluation are not very dierent from 12-month inflation dierentials relative to the mark. The approach adopted in this paper is to examine price-setting behaviour, since inflationary expectations can aect actual prices, either directly (as in new classical models) or indirectly, by influencing wage contracts which set costs for a significant period of time. If exchange rate realignments were expected to be fully accommodating, the ERM would have no influence on inflationary expectations through the GP mechanism and inflationary expectations would consequently reflect purely domestic factors. If, on the other hand, the ERM did have some influence on inflationary expectations, then expectations of ERM-wide inflation (which we proxy by German inflation) should have had some impact on price-setting in each ERM country. This is the hypothesis which we test, using data from seven countries over the period 1979‐90. The sample consists of six ERM countries plus the United
Study on the relations among the customer knowledge management, learning organization, and organizational performance

This article reports the results of a study of customer knowledge management (CKM) of Taiwanese service businesses in China. Over 600 questionnaires were sent out to the Taiwanese directors and staff in 150 Taiwanese service businesses in Kun-Shan City, China, with 322 valid responses included in the study. Four relationships were examined in the study: the correlation between CKM and organizational performance, between CKM and the learning organization, between organizational performance and the learning organization, and finally the effect of the learning organization on the relationship between CKM and organizational performance. Findings and conclusions are discussed.
Evidence on the Determinants of Credit Terms Used in Interfirm Trade

Trade credit is created whenever a supplier offers terms that allow the buyer to delay payment. In this paper we document the rich variation in interfirm credit terms and credit policies across industries. We examine empirically the firm's basic credit policy choices: whether to extend credit or to require cash payment; and, if credit is extended, whether to adopt simple net terms or terms with discounts for prompt payment. We also examine determinants of variations in two-part terms. Results are supportive primarily of theories that explain credit terms as contractual solutions to information problems concerning product quality and buyer creditworthiness. Copyright The American Finance Association 1999.
The Ups and Downs of State Budget Process Reform: Experience of Three Decades

From zero-base budgeting to the Government Performance and Results Act, state budgeting systems have been synonymous with budgeting reform for over 30 years. This article examines the trends, both long-term and short-term, which have been identified through analysis of state budgeting office practices. Particular emphasis has been placed on understanding the changes in performance measurement over the period of 1970 to 2000. The findings reveal trends such as changes in the makeup of budget office personnel, a lack of budget offices in moving toward cost accounting, and trends in budget preparation and budget documents. Some budget reforms seem to have plateaued, beginning in the mid-1990s, while other reforms have exhibited 'backsliding'. It is clear that the states are not all marching in unison in reforming their budget systems. As with earlier phases of this study, the 2000 data raise many questions that will be explored in future research.
Work for Image and Work for Pay

Standard economic models with complete information predict a positive, monotonic relationship between pay and performance. This prediction does not always hold in experimental tests: offering a small payment may result in lower performance than not offering any pay- ment. We test experimentally two main explanations that have been put forward for this result: the "incomplete contract" hypothesis views the payment rule as a signal given to subjects on purpose of the activity. The "informed principal" hypothesis views it as a signal concerning the characteristics of the agent or of the task. The incomplete contract view appears to offer the best overall explanation for our results. We also find that high-powered monetary incentives do not "crowd out" intrinsic motivation, but may elicit "too much" effort when intrinsic motivation is very high.
Linked energy data: Enabling monitoring and decision support for improved energy management

This paper shows how the European Odysseus project [6] reduces energy/CO2 by improved decision making based on multi-level, semantic, energy configuration/monitoring data fully based on open standards (W3C Linked Data approach / Semantic Web technology) and an open source semantic server (Apache Marmotta) implementing those standards.
Unemployment Insurance and Job Search Activity: Evidence from Random Audits *

Objective: This paper examines the extent to which Unemployment Insurance (UI) recipients are actively searching for work, and how benefit generosity influences search effort. Critics of the UI program focus on the disincentive of providing income support to the jobless. However, many unemployed people become discouraged, give up on the job search, and drop out of the labor market altogether. From this perspective, UI may help sustain search effort in the face of repeated rejection. Method: Drawing on 378,000 administrative audits of UI recipients’ actual work search records, I test the effect of benefit generosity on the probability of actively searching for work. Results: The results show that 1) the great majority of UI recipients maintain an active work search; 2) higher UI benefits incentivize job search, producing a greater likelihood of active search; 3) search activity declines over time, consistent with discouragement; 4) there is no observed spike in search at benefit exhaustion; and 5) the positive effect of UI benefits on search activity is strongest among low-wage workers. Conclusion: UI appears to support and encourage active job search among people who would otherwise drop out of the labor force.
Adjunctive topiramate in the maintenance treatment of bipolar disorders: an open-label study

SUMMARY Objective: A considerable number of patients with bipolar disorder fail to respond completely to mood stabilizers. The anti-epileptic topiramate shares some pharmacological actions with carbamazepine and valproate. We therefore explored the efficacy and tolerability of topiramate in the prophylaxis of bipolar disorder. Methods: Fifty-six patients receiving outpatient treatment for bipolar affective disorder who had been on mood stabilizers, and had relapsed at least once in the past 12 months, were treated with topiramate in an add-on design and were evaluated for 1 year. Patients were assessed biweekly for the first 3 months and every month thereafter. Results: Fifty out of 56 patients completed the 1-year study, which indicated that adjunctive topiramate was associated with a significant reduction of new manic and depressive episodes compared to the past 12 months. The most common adverse effects were reduced appetite, fatigue and somnolence. Conclusions: This was an open-label, uncontrolled study involving retrospective evaluation of episodes prior to the initiation of treatment, and the use of more than one mood stabilizer in a few patients. However, these preliminary observations of adjunctive topiramate as a maintenance treatment encourage further investigations, especially with controlled trials, for its long-term effect.