Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The mediating role of place attachment on the relationship between service quality and loyalty in the context of skiing

The present study examined the relationship between service quality, place attachment, and customer loyalty in the context of recreational skiing. Specifically, it was hypothesised that place attachment would mediate the relationship between service quality and skiers' loyalty. Service quality was measured with an adjusted version of Brady and Cronin's (2001) three-dimensional model (interaction, physical environment, and outcome quality), while place attachment was measured with Kyle et al.'s (2004a, b) two-dimensional model (place identify and place dependence). A sample of 288 skiers participated in the study. Men were 57.6% of the sample. The mean age of the sample was 32.4 years, ranging from 14 to 56 years old. The data were collected from two skiing resorts in North Greece. Using structural equation modelling, the results provided support of the proposed model. Place attachment had a mediation effect on the relationship between service quality and customer loyalty. These results improve our theoretical understanding of the factors that contribute to the development of skiers' loyalty with skiing resorts. Marketing implications, in terms of developing strategies to increase consumer loyalty, are discussed.
A new framework for performance evaluation system using strategy map: A case study of Islamic Azad University of Semnan

Article history: Received October 20, 2012 Received in revised format 28 January 2013 Accepted 26 March 2013 Available online March 26 2013 During the past few years, there have been extensive developments on Islamic Azad University, which has led on reduction of managerial flexibility. Therefore, these organizations concentrate on their strategic management via usage of the Balanced Model such as Balanced Score Card (BSC) to consider different organizational perspectives and it is important to have good description of organizational strategies and goals. The strategy map is a primary factor to assess the performance in different organizational activities. In this paper, the performance evaluation system of Islamic Azad University of Semnan is designed by the utilization of strategy map as a prominent part of BSC. © 2013 Growing Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Strategic Value of Employee Relationships and Communicative Actions: Overcoming Corporate Crisis with Quality Internal Communication

A case study was conducted to understand how continuous managerial efforts and internal communication to secure employee safety would cultivate quality of relationships between company and employee publics and further influence employee communicative actions in crisis situations. This case study shows that positive employee communicative behaviors and decreased negative communicative actions would be likely during a crisis resulted from good quality relationships. This showed the value of good relationships to corporate strategic management and enhanced adaptability to organizational turbulence.
Treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head with implantation of autologous bone-marrow cells. A pilot study.

BACKGROUND Aseptic nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head is a disorder that can lead to femoral head collapse and the need for total hip replacement. Since osteonecrosis may be a disease of mesenchymal cells or bone cells, the possibility has been raised that bone marrow containing osteogenic precursors implanted into a necrotic lesion of the femoral head may be of benefit in the treatment of this condition. For this reason, we studied the implantation of autologous bone-marrow mononuclear cells in a necrotic lesion of the femoral head to determine the effect on the clinical symptoms and the stage and volume of osteonecrosis. METHODS We studied thirteen patients (eighteen hips) with stage-I or II osteonecrosis of the femoral head, according to the system of the Association Research Circulation Osseous. The hips were allocated to a program of either core decompression (the control group) or core decompression and implantation of autologous bone-marrow mononuclear cells (the bone-marrow-graft group). Both patients and assessors were blind with respect to treatment-group assignment. The primary outcomes studied were safety, clinical symptoms, and disease progression. RESULTS After twenty-four months, there was a significant reduction in pain (p = 0.021) and in joint symptoms measured with the Lequesne index (p = 0.001) and the WOMAC index (p = 0.013) within the bone-marrow-graft group. At twenty-four months, five of the eight hips in the control group had deteriorated to stage III, whereas only one of the ten hips in the bone-marrow-graft group had progressed to this stage. Survival analysis showed a significant difference in the time to collapse between the two groups (p = 0.016). Implantation of bone-marrow mononuclear cells was associated with only minor side effects. CONCLUSIONS Implantation of autologous bone-marrow mononuclear cells appears to be a safe and effective treatment for early stages of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Although the findings of this study are promising, their interpretation is limited because of the small number of patients and the short duration of follow-up. Further study is needed to confirm the results.
Exercise, energy expenditure and energy balance, as measured with doubly labelled water

The doubly labelled water method for the measurement of total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) over 1–3 weeks under daily living conditions is the indicated method to study effects of exercise and extreme environments on energy balance. Subjects consume a measured amount of doubly labelled water (2H2 18O) to increase background enrichment of body water for 18O and 2H, and the subsequent difference in elimination rate between 18O and 2H, as measured in urine, saliva or blood samples, is a measure for carbon dioxide production and thus allows calculation of TDEE. The present review describes research showing that physical activity level (PAL), calculated as TDEE (assessed with doubly labelled water) divided by resting energy expenditure (REE, PAL = TDEE/REE), reaches a maximum value of 2·00–2·40 in subjects with a vigorously active lifestyle. Higher PAL values, while maintaining energy balance, are observed in professional athletes consuming additional energy dense foods to compete at top level. Exercise training can increase TDEE/REE in young adults to a value of 2·00–2·40, when energy intake is unrestricted. Furthermore, the review shows an exercise induced increase in activity energy expenditure can be compensated by a reduction in REE and by a reduction in non-exercise physical activity, especially at a negative energy balance. Additionally, in untrained subjects, an exercise-induced increase in activity energy expenditure is compensated by a training-induced increase in exercise efficiency.
DPA-714, a New Translocator Protein–Specific Ligand: Synthesis, Radiofluorination, and Pharmacologic Characterization

The translocator protein (18 kDa) (TSPO), formerly known as the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, is dramatically upregulated under pathologic conditions. Activated microglia are the main cell type expressing the TSPO at sites of central nervous system pathology. Radioligands for the TSPO can therefore measure active disease in the brain. This article details the synthesis, radiofluorination, and pharmacologic evaluation of a new TSPO-specific pyrazolopyrimidine, DPA-714. Methods: The affinity of DPA-714 for the TSPO was measured in rat kidney membranes with 3H-PK11195. The in vitro functional activity of DPA-714 was measured in a steroidogenic assay in which the ability of DPA-714 to increase pregnenolone synthesis was measured with rat C6 glioma cells. The radiofluorination of DPA-714 was achieved by nucleophilic 18F-fluoride displacement of the tosylate precursor. 18F-DPA-714 was assessed in rats harboring unilateral quinolinic acid (QA) lesions. In addition, pretreatment experiments were performed with PK11195 (5 mg/kg), DPA-714 (1 mg/kg), and DPA-713 (1 mg/kg). The in vivo binding and biodistribution of 18F-DPA-714 were determined in a baboon with PET. Experiments involving presaturation with PK11195 (1.5 mg/kg) and displacement with DPA-714 (1 mg/kg) were conducted to evaluate the specificity of radioligand binding. Results: In vitro binding studies revealed that DPA-714 displayed a high affinity for the TSPO (dissociation constant, 7.0 nM). DPA-714 stimulated pregnenolone synthesis at levels 80% above the baseline. 18F-DPA-714 was prepared at a 16% radiochemical yield and a specific activity of 270 GBq/μmol. In rats harboring unilateral QA lesions, an 8-fold-higher level of uptake of 18F-DPA-714 was observed in the ipsilateral striatum than in the contralateral striatum. Uptake in the ipsilateral striatum was shown to be selective because it was inhibited to the level in the contralateral striatum in the presence of PK11195, nonlabeled DPA-714, or DPA-713. PET studies demonstrated rapid penetration and good retention of 18F-DPA-714 in the baboon brain. Pretreatment with PK11195 effectively inhibited the uptake of 18F-DPA-714 in the whole brain, indicating its selective binding to the TSPO. The injection of nonlabeled DPA-714 20 min after the injection of 18F-DPA-714 resulted in radioligand washout, demonstrating the reversibility of 18F-DPA-714 binding. Conclusion: 18F-DPA-714 is a specific radioligand for the TSPO, displaying promising in vivo properties and thus warranting further investigation.
Digital bus faults measuring techniques

This paper describes techniques available today to detect digital bus faults on electronic PCB's using in-circuit testers. The paper will also suggest a new test technique called "CLIPS" developed using a Teradyne Z1890 ICT tester. The CLIPS uses a vector technique in which dynamic pulses are applied to the bus lines at high speed. The current pulse responses are picked up by specially designed current sensors, which are amplified and dynamically compared to pre-determined threshold levels. This technique is very fast and back-drive is very short. This makes it much safer to the board and components under test. The tests are run with different bus devices which enabled, at different threshold levels and different "expect" values, to find and diagnose the respective fault. The CLIPS uses specially designed current sensors and amplifier circuits, which perform a differentiation followed by an integration function. This makes the measurements much less sensitive to noise, voltage polarity, and current drift and temperature changes. In concept this technique can be applied to any make of Digital In-Circuit tester.
The antitumor function of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), I. Therapeutic action of TNF against an established murine sarcoma is indirect, immunologically dependent, and limited by severe toxicity

The ability of murine recombinant tumor necrosis factor (rTNF) and natural TNF in tumor-necrotizing serum (TNS) to cause regression of the SA1 sarcoma was investigated. We found that to cause regression of a 9- d SA1 sarcoma, near lethal quantities of rTNF and TNS had to be given to the host. However, even at these highly toxic doses, rTNF was not reliable at causing complete tumor regression. On the other hand, both types of TNF were reliable at causing a tumor hemorrhagic reaction that resulted in the destruction of greater than 75% of the tumor's center in 24 h. The TNF-induced hemorrhagic reaction involved the development of numerous petechial hemorrhages in the tumor's vascular bed, which apparently resulted from destruction of the tumor's blood vessels. It was possible to follow the development of the hemorrhagic reaction against time after giving rTNF or TNS by measuring the intratumor extravasation of 51Cr-labeled syngeneic red cells. According to this method, TNF-induced intratumor hemorrhaging was in progress within 1 h of giving TNF and continued for about a 6-h period. However, the hemorrhagic reaction was greatly reduced and complete regression of the rim of the living tumor tissue that survived hemorrhagic necrosis failed to occur, if SA1 sarcoma was growing in T cell-deficient (TXB) mice. This indicates that the TNF-induced hemorrhagic reaction is partly dependent, and the tumor regression that follows is completely dependent on host immunocompetence. This suggests in turn, that rTNF does not directly destroy SA1 tumor cells in vivo, even though it was shown that it can destroy SA1 tumor cells in vitro. This interpretation is supported by the additional findings that rTNF was no more therapeutic against a 3-d (3-mm) SA1 than against a 9-d (8-mm) SA1, and was no more therapeutic when injected directly into the tumor than when injected intravenously. Lastly it was possible to completely inhibit the ability of rTNF and TNS to cause tumor hemorrhagic necrosis and regression by infusing the host with a monospecific, polyvalent anti- rTNF antibody that neutralized the cytotoxic action of rTNF in vitro.
Pulling Out Threads from the Cosmic Tapestry: Defining Filaments of Galaxies

Abstract Filaments of galaxies are the dominant feature of modern large-scale redshift surveys. They can account for up to perhaps half of the baryonic mass budget of the Universe and their distribution and abundance can help constrain cosmological models. However, there remains no single, definitive way in which to detect, describe, and define what filaments are and their extent. This work examines a number of physically motivated, as well as statistical, methods that can be used to define filaments and examines their relative merits.
Addictive Online Games: Examining the Relationship Between Game Genres and Internet Gaming Disorder

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is the most recent term used to describe problematic or pathological involvement with computer or video games. This study examined whether this disorder is more likely to involve pathological involvement with online (i.e., Internet) games as opposed to offline games. We also explored the addictive potential of nine video game genres by examining the relationship between IGD and 2,720 games played by a sample of 13- to 40-year olds (N = 2,442). Although time spent playing both online and offline games was related to IGD, online games showed much stronger correlations. This tendency is also reflected within various genres. Disordered gamers spent more than four times as much time playing online role-playing games than nondisordered gamers and more than thrice as much time playing online shooters, whereas no significant differences for offline games from these genres were found. Results are discussed within the frame of social interaction and competition provided by online games.
Finding approximate head orientation in non-intrusive environment with single camera

Finding head orientation is an important issue in Human Computer Interaction (HCI) for disabled people. It also has applications ranging from drivers attention estimation to monitoring vigilance level of the audience. Head pose detection in non-intrusive or in non-highly specialized environments is, most of the times, difficult to achieve. Most of the work in this domain needs prior knowledge regarding the equipment setup or specialized hardware. We present here an appearance based technique for finding head orientation where environment consist of single camera only. No prior knowledge about environment, like distance between camera and person sitting in front of the camera, is required. Orientations are found in terms of Yaw, Pitch and Roll angles. Our method finds approximate head orientation as we have not calibrated the camera, but it still suits various applications like vigilance monitoring or HCI systems as these applications require general head rotation patterns rather than exact orientation angles.
On the Interpretation of Health From Skeletal Remains

basis for the study of the thickening observed in certain Pleistocene crania. " XVIIth International Congress of Medicine, London, July 1913, section 7, pp. 3-46. SMITH, F. H. AND F. SPENCER. I984. The origins of modern humans: A world survey of the fossil evidence. New York: Alan R. Liss. STEWART, T. D. I95 I. The problem of the earliest claimed representatives of Homo sapiens. Cold Spring Harbor Symposia on Quantitative Biology. I5:97-Io6.
Objective and subjective whitening response of two self-directed bleaching systems.

PURPOSE To evaluate objective and subjective whitening responses of two marketed vital bleaching systems under intended use conditions. MATERIALSA ND METHODS: The randomized clinical trial evaluated 50 adults who received either a combination system with a 3% hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel, pre-formed dual arch tray, dentifrice and oral rinse (Rapid White), or 6% hydrogen peroxide whitening strips (Crest Whitestrips). Efficacy was assessed objectively from L*a*b* tooth color at Days 7 & 14, while subjective, first-person whitening perception was measured by questionnaire. A cumulative multinomial probability model was generated to predict subjective responses from objectively measured tooth color. RESULTS At end-of-treatment, adjusted mean deltab* was -2.05 +/- 0.158 for the whitening strip group compared to -0.69 +/- 0.141 for the combination group, with these groups differing significantly (P < 0.0001). This response held across every color parameter and time point in this study. Relative to the combination system, subjects in the whitening strip group rated that product significantly (P < 0.01) more favorably with respect to the amount of whiteness improvement, as well as whitening satisfaction and overall impression. These subjective responses were correlated with objective changes in tooth color measured during treatment. When the deltab* effect was included in a cumulative multinomial probability model, deltaL*, deltaa*, and treatment were non-significant predictors. Odds ratios demonstrate that a subject had 3.3 times (1/0.3003 = 3.33) greater odds of selecting a higher whiteness rating when the value of deltab* was decreased by 1.0 unit (less yellowness). Similar results were noted for whitening satisfaction and overall impression of treatment.
Ole1, fatty acid desaturase, is required for Atg9 delivery and isolation membrane expansion during autophagy in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

ABSTRACT Macroautophagy, a major degradation pathway of cytoplasmic components, is carried out through formation of a double-membrane structure, the autophagosome. Although the involvement of specific lipid species in the formation process remains largely obscure, we recently showed that mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) generated by stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) are required for autophagosome formation in mammalian cells. To obtain further insight into the role of MUFA in autophagy, in this study we analyzed the autophagic phenotypes of the yeast mutant of OLE1, an orthologue of SCD1. Δole1 cells were defective in nitrogen starvation-induced autophagy, and the Cvt pathway, when oleic acid was not supplied. Defects in elongation of the isolation membrane led to a defect in autophagosome formation. In the absence of Ole1, the transmembrane protein Atg9 was not able to reach the pre-autophagosomal structure (PAS), the site of autophagosome formation. Thus, autophagosome formation requires Ole1 during the delivery of Atg9 to the PAS/autophagosome from its cellular reservoir. Summary: Isolation membrane expansion in yeast autophagy requires mono-unsaturated fatty acids generated by Ole1, fatty acid desaturase during delivery of Atg9 to the PAS/autophagosome from its cellular reservoir.
Autonomous navigation for low-altitude UAVs in urban areas

In recent years, consumer Unmanned Aerial Vehicles have become very popular, everyone can buy and fly a drone without previous experience, which raises concern in regards to regulations and public safety. In this paper, we present a novel approach towards enabling safe operation of such vehicles in urban areas. Our method uses geodetically accurate dataset images with Geographical Information System (GIS) data of road networks and buildings provided by Google Maps, to compute a weighted A* shortest path from start to end locations of a mission. Weights represent the potential risk of injuries for individuals in all categories of land-use, i.e. flying over buildings is considered safer than above roads. We enable safe UAV operation in regards to 1- land-use by computing a static global path dependent on environmental structures, and 2- avoiding flying over moving objects such as cars and pedestrians by dynamically optimizing the path locally during the flight. As all input sources are first geo-registered, pixels and GPS coordinates are equivalent, it therefore allows us to generate an automated and user-friendly mission with GPS waypoints readable by consumer drones' autopilots. We simulated 54 missions and show significant improvement in maximizing UAV's standoff distance to moving objects with a quantified safety parameter over 40 times better than the naive straight line navigation.
Validation of the NAFLD Fibrosis Score in a Chinese Population With Low Prevalence of Advanced Fibrosis

OBJECTIVES:Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing in prevalence worldwide. This study aimed to validate the NAFLD fibrosis score in the Chinese population.METHODS:NAFLD patients were prospectively recruited for liver biopsy and blood tests. The NAFLD fibrosis score was calculated as −1.675 + 0.037 × age (yr) + 0.094 × BMI (kg/m2) + 1.13 × impaired fasting glucose/diabetes (yes = 1, no = 0) + 0.99 × AST/ALT ratio–0.013 × platelet (×109/L)−0.66 × albumin (g/dL). Advanced fibrosis was defined as stage 3 to 4 fibrosis.RESULTS:One hundred sixty-two patients (age 46 ± 10 yr, male 59%) were included in the study. Advanced fibrosis was found in 18 (11%) patients. Only 11 of 128 patients with the NAFLD fibrosis score below the proposed low cutoff point (<−1.455) were under-staged, resulting in a high negative predictive value of 91%. Only two patients exceeded the proposed high cutoff point (>0.676), but neither had advanced fibrosis. If the NAFLD fibrosis score was implemented in the Chinese population, 79% of liver biopsies could be avoided.CONCLUSIONS:The NAFLD fibrosis score has high negative predictive value in excluding advanced fibrosis in the Chinese population, and can reduce the burden of liver biopsy in the vast majority of cases. Since there were few cases of advanced fibrosis in this cohort, this study had limited power in validating the high cutoff point.
GPU-based Streaming for Parallel Level of Detail on Massive Model Rendering

Rendering massive 3D models in real-time has long been recognized as a very challenging problem because of the limited computational power and memory space available in a workstation. Most existing rendering techniques, especially level of detail (LOD) processing, have suffered from their sequential execution natures, and does not scale well with the size of the models. We present a GPU-based progressive mesh simplification approach which enables the interactive rendering of large 3D models with hundreds of millions of triangles. Our work contributes to the massive rendering research in two ways. First, we develop a novel data structure to represent the progressive LOD mesh, and design a parallel mesh simplification algorithm towards GPU architecture. Second, we propose a GPU-based streaming approach which adopt a frame-to-frame coherence scheme in order to minimize the high communication cost between CPU and GPU. Our results show that the parallel mesh simplification algorithm and GPU-based streaming approach significantly improve the overall rendering performance.