Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT AND CIVIL SERVICES REFORMS IN PAKISTAN: A STUDY OF PUBLIC SECTOR ORGANIZATIONS

Research interest in the area of performance measurement (PM) in public sector organizations is increasing. The main purpose of the paper is to explore the research interest in the area of performance measurement (PM) in the public sector organizations. Recently, literature on this topic recognized the relevant critique of public sector organizations pivoting around its view of managers and organizations as primarily passive adaptors to change. This paper also explores how the public sector organizations associated with recent reforms in the Civil services sector impinge on the extent of pro-active choice exercised by senior management in the development of multidimensional Performance Measurement reflecting the interests of a wider range of the organizations. The sample for this research was drawn from the public sector organizations regulating telecommunication, power, oil & gas, media and corporate, capital and banking sectors of Pakistan and some of the organizations being controlled by these regulators. Fifteen (15) organizations were selected for the research. The platform which helped to choose the sectors and the organizations was the data taken from Pakistan Public Administration Research Centre, Establishment Division, Annual Statistical Bulletin of Autonomous Bodies Employees and website of these organizations. The public sector organizations in Pakistan are considered as one of the inefficient institutes of the country where poor governance, delayed processes, corruption, political and individual influences, lack of resources, low protection and salaries of public employees are prevailing causes. Due to these.
A novel energy-aware priority transmission scheme based on context-metric queuing for delay tolerant networks

Context information utilization for routing in Delay Tolerant Networks (DTN) has received great research attention in recent years. Context information is inherent and dynamic in mobile nodes and its application improves message delivery in DTN. This paper presents a context-metric queuing method, called CEAMS for DTN that aims to optimize the delivery of message with HIGH priority by exploiting time-variant context information of a node in the network. Our approach introduces a Node Delivery Capability (NDC) metric using node's remaining energy, estimated distance to the destination and speed as metric in queuing and sorting messages in a buffer. We also design and implement the use of an energy-aware message priority transmission scheme with the proposed buffering model with admission and transmission control unit components. Our experimental results show the increase in delivery rate of HIGH priority messages and decrease in message redundancy compare to other DTN routing protocols using other queuing schemes.
Property and Values : alternatives to public and private ownership

This analysis is based on a Harvard Law School conference and was produced in co-operation with the American Bar Association's Commission on Homelessness and Poverty. It: challenges conventional public-private ownership categories; surveys studies on the implications of policy on property values; offers examples from other cultures of systems of ownership; and compares experiments in ownership/equity allocation affecting social welfare and environmental conservation. The book brings together scholars, attorneys, government officials, community development practitioners and environmental advocates to consider socially equitable forms of property rights and ownership.
Design methodologies of LTCC bandpass filters, diplexer, and triplexer with transmission zeros

A new method for designing the multilayered filter, diplexer, and triplexer is proposed in this paper. The main structure of the multilayered filter is a parallel-coupled line connected with a capacitor. By properly controlling the coupling coefficient between the parallel-coupled line and the capacitor, the transmission zero will appear at the lower or higher passband's skirt. Moreover, such characteristics can be employed to design the diplexer as well for dual- or quad-band portable telephones. In order to miniaturize the size of the circuit and to improve its performance, multilayered structure and the low-temperature co-fired ceramic technology are employed to design and fabricate the filter. Theoretical analysis and design procedures are also provided. Measurement results of fabricated examples are shown to match well with the electromagnetic simulation, which validate the proposed structure.
LED's optimum duty cycle in heart rate and oxygen saturation level combinedly measurement device for low power consumption

Heart rate and oxygen saturation level measurement device needs to flash two LEDs alternatively at working mode. These flashing LEDs dominate the power requirement of the whole system. To save power dissipation in the LEDs, the LED drive signals are chopped with a small duty cycle along with high switching frequency. But this small duty cycle lowers the signal SNR and leads to an inaccurate result. So we need to find out an optimum duty cycle which can satisfy both criterions while the device works. This paper made an investigation to find out an optimum duty cycle of LED drive signals which can fulfil not only the low power consumption criterion but also ensures the data accuracy of the device. At first, theoretical design has been given. Then a prototype has been constructed and implemented by which the data accuracy variation at different duty cycle has been checked out. Finally we got the promising result at 5% duty cycle.
PUBLIC HEALTH GOALS FOR CHEMICALS IN DRINKING WATER TRICHLOROETHYLENE July 2009

This Public Health Goal (PHG) technical support document provides information on health effects from contaminants in drinking water. PHGs are developed for chemical contaminants based on the best available toxicological data in the scientific literature. These documents and the analyses contained in them provide estimates of the levels of contaminants in drinking water that would pose no significant health risk to individuals consuming the water on a daily basis over a lifetime. to perform risk assessments and adopt PHGs for contaminants in drinking water based exclusively on public health considerations. The Act requires that PHGs be set in accordance with the following criteria: 1. PHGs for acutely toxic substances shall be set at levels at which no known or anticipated adverse effects on health will occur, with an adequate margin of safety. 2. PHGs for carcinogens or other substances that may cause chronic disease shall be based solely on health effects and shall be set at levels that OEHHA has determined do not pose any significant risk to health. 3. To the extent the information is available, OEHHA shall consider possible synergistic effects resulting from exposure to two or more contaminants. 4. OEHHA shall consider potential adverse effects on members of subgroups that comprise a meaningful proportion of the population, including but not limited to infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with a history of serious illness. 5. OEHHA shall consider the contaminant exposure and body burden levels that alter physiological function or structure in a manner that may significantly increase the risk of illness. 6. OEHHA shall consider additive effects of exposure to contaminants in media other than drinking water, including food and air, and the resulting body burden. 7. In risk assessments that involve infants and children, OEHHA shall specifically assess exposure patterns, special susceptibility, multiple contaminants with toxic mechanisms in common, and the interactions of such contaminants. 8. In cases of insufficient data for OEHHA to determine a level that creates no significant risk, OEHHA shall set the PHG at a level that is protective of public health with an adequate margin of safety. 9. In cases where scientific evidence demonstrates that a safe dose response threshold for a contaminant exists, then the PHG should be set at that threshold. 10. The PHG may be set at zero if necessary to satisfy the requirements listed above in items seven and eight. 11. PHGs adopted by …
Advertising Budgeting Methods in Canada, the UK and the USA

This article reviews the extent to which advertising budgeting methods can be related to company size, company performance and nationality. New findings are presented from a survey of the top 100 advertisers in Canada, the UK and the USA. The conclusion is that being large has a greater impact on budgeting sophistication than performance. Furthermore, there is significant harmonization of budgeting practice amongst top advertisers operating within these similar socio-economic and political systems.
Health-Related Quality of Life in Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome: A Decade of Research

Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by multiple motor and phonic tics and associated behavioural problems, carrying a significant burden on patients' lives. Although the term health related-quality of life (HR-QOL) has only been used in recent years, several studies have long addressed the impact of GTS on physical, psychological and social aspects of wellbeing of both children and adults with GTS. We set out to answer the question "Is HR-QOL affected by GTS and, if so, in what domains? " by conducting a systematic literature review of published original studies addressing HR-QOL in both children and adult patients with GTS. This review focuses on the current evidence on the impact of GTS on patients' lives, mainly informed by studies using generic functional impairment and HR-QOL measures from the last decade, and expands on the new opportunities introduced by the recently developed GTS-specific HR-QOL scales (GTS-QOL and GTS-QOL-C&A). Analysis of the first decade of studies specifically addressing HR-QOL in GTS suggests that co-morbid conditions are key factors in determining HR-QOL in young patients, whilst the picture is more complex in adults with GTS. These findings offer some general directions for both current clinical practice and future research.
Direct observation of shear-induced structures in wormlike micellar solutions by freeze-fracture electron microscopy

We report the first direct observation of shear-induced structures in low concentration wormlike micellar solutions. The structures consist of micron-sized patches which are much larger than individual equilibrium micelles and occupy 5%–10% of the fracture area. Such morphologies are consistent with recent reports of increased light scattering under shear flow. The structures have a stippled or spongelike texture and contain more surfactant than the background micellar solution. These patches form aggregates spanning hundreds of microns and are consistent with the shear thickening observed in these systems. [S0031-9007(98)05452-0]
The application of adaptive enhancement algorithm based on gray entropy in mammary gland CR image

Mammary gland is composed entirely of soft tissue with approximate density, therefore mammary gland CR medicine radiation image presents a low contrast, and slight difference changes may be a manifestation of tumor, so it is necessary to enhance mammary gland CR image to improve its visual quality in order to meet the demands of doctor's clinical diagnosis. However the general enhancement algorithms over enhance the contrast and noise, due to image details lost, aiming at the defects, a mammary gland CR medicine image adaptive enhancement arithmetic based on image gray entropy is put forward. The arithmetic adapts dizzy image to magnify selected spatial frequency response in order to enhance the edge details of mammary gland CR images. It can adjust weighted factor K according to image gray characteristics namely pixel gray entropy. Experiments results demonstrate that mammary gland CR image enhanced by the algorithm has abundant details and high signal-to-noise ratio, moreover, CR image enhanced has good visual effect. So the method is effective and fit for enhancing CR medical radiation image edge details.
Use of SSU/MSU Satellite Observations to Validate Upper Atmospheric Temperature Trends in CMIP5 Simulations

The tropospheric and stratospheric temperature trends and uncertainties in the fifth Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) model simulations in the period of 1979–2005 have been compared with satellite observations. The satellite data include those from the Stratospheric Sounding Units (SSU), Microwave Sounding Units (MSU), and the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A (AMSU). The results show that the CMIP5 model simulations reproduced the common stratospheric cooling (−0.46–−0.95 K/decade) and tropospheric warming (0.05–0.19 K/decade) features although a significant discrepancy was found among the individual models being selected. The changes of global mean temperature in CMIP5 simulations are highly consistent with the SSU measurements in the stratosphere, and the temporal correlation coefficients between observation and model simulations vary from 0.6–0.99 at the 99% confidence level. At the same time, the spread of temperature mean in CMIP5 simulations increased from stratosphere to troposphere. Multiple linear regression analysis indicates that the temperature variability in the stratosphere is dominated by radioactive gases, volcanic events and solar forcing. Generally, the high-top models show better agreement with observations than the low-top model, especially in the lower stratosphere. The CMIP5 simulations underestimated the stratospheric cooling in the tropics and overestimated the cooling over the Antarctic compared to the satellite observations. The largest spread of temperature trends in CMIP5 simulations is seen in both the Arctic and Antarctic areas, especially in the stratospheric Antarctic.
A Randomized 2×2 Factorial Trial, Part 1: Single-Dose Rabbit Antithymocyte Globulin Induction May Improve Renal Transplantation Outcomes

Background We conducted a randomized and unblinded 2×2 sequential-factorial trial, composed of an induction arm (part 1) comparing single-dose (SD) versus divided-dose rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG), and a maintenance arm (part 2) comparing tacrolimus minimization versus withdrawal. We report the long-term safety and efficacy of SD-rATG induction in the context of early steroid withdrawal and tacrolimus minimization or withdrawal. Methods Patients (n=180) received 6 mg/kg rATG, SD or four alternate-day doses (1.5 mg/kg/dose), with early steroid withdrawal and tacrolimus or sirolimus maintenance. After 6 months targeted maintenance levels were tacrolimus, 2 to 4 ng/mL and sirolimus, 4 to 6 ng/mL or, if calcineurin inhibitor–withdrawn, sirolimus 8 to 12 ng/mL with mycophenolate mofetil 2 g two times per day. Primary endpoints were renal function (abbreviated modification of diet in renal disease) and chronic graft histopathology (Banff). Secondary endpoints included patient survival, graft survival, biopsy-proven rejection, and infectious or noninfectious complications. Results Follow-up averaged longer than 4 years. Tacrolimus or sirolimus and mycophenolate mofetil exposure was identical between groups. The SD-rATG associated with improved renal function (2-36 months; P<0.001) in deceased donor recipients. The SD-rATG associated with quicker lymphocyte, CD4 T cell, and CD4-CD8 recovery and fewer infections. Cox multivariate hazard modeling showed divided-dose–rATG (P=0.019), deceased donor (P=0.003), serious infection (P=0.0.018), and lower lymphocyte count (P=0.001) associated with increased mortality. Patients with all four covariates showed a 27-fold increased likelihood of death (P=0.00002). Chronic graft histopathology, rejection rates, and death-censored graft survival were not significantly different between groups. Conclusion The SD-rATG induction improves the 3-year renal function in recipients of deceased donor kidneys. This benefit, along with possibly improved patient survival and fewer infections suggest that how rATG is administered may impact its efficacy and safety.
Efficient importance-based MAC scheduling for video streaming in Bluetooth Piconet

In order to provide the high quality service for transporting video streaming in the Bluetooth Piconet, in which the bandwidth is limited and the structure is heterogeneous, a MAC scheduling algorithm for video streaming in the Bluetooth Piconet is proposed. The main idea of the algorithm is to model the video streaming and calculate the importance of the packet relative to the video quality before transporting. The packet on the transportation is scheduled by the importance in the MAC layer to attain the maximum perceived quality of the overall Slaves in the Piconet. The simulation shows that the proposed algorithm can assign the network resource more efficiently, and improve the perceived video quality of the Slaves in the Piconet more significantly in contrast with the other algorithms.
A hybrid GA and SA algorithms for feature selection in recognition of hand-printed Farsi characters

In this research a hybrid feature selection technique based on genetic and simulated annealing algorithms is proposed. this approach is evaluated by using Bayesian classifier on a dataset of hand-printed Farsi characters which includes 100 samples for each 33 hand-printed characters. The acquired results have been improved by correction of Simulated Annealing through considering two minimum and maximum thresholds.
An industrial case study of implementing and validating defect classification for process improvement and quality management

Defect measurement plays a crucial role when assessing quality assurance processes such as inspections and testing. To systematically combine these processes in the context of an integrated quality assurance strategy, measurement must provide empirical evidence on how effective these processes are and which types of defects are detected by which quality assurance process. Typically, defect classification schemes, such as ODC or the Hewlett-Packard scheme, are used to measure defects for this purpose. However, we found it difficult to transfer existing schemes to an embedded software context, where specific document- and defect types have to be considered. This paper presents an approach to define, introduce, and validate a customized defect classification scheme that considers the specifics of an industrial environment. The core of the approach is to combine the software engineering know-how of measurement experts and the domain know-how of developers. In addition to the approach, we present the results and experiences of using the approach in an industrial setting. The results indicate that our approach results in a defect classification scheme that allows classifying defects with good reliability, that allows identifying process improvement actions, and that can serve as a baseline for evaluating the impact of process improvements
A high voltage pulsed power supply with magnetic switch for ESP

This paper describes a developed repetitive high-voltage pulsed power supply. To satisfy the stringent requirements, such as the sharp rise-time, high output voltage, and low switching losses, the proposed generator is designed with an LCC resonance circuit with the multiple-voltage rectifying circuit and the magnetic switch circuit. The switches of the proposed converter have ZCS performances to reduce both the switching losses and the switch voltage stress. A pulsed power supply with the magnetic switch is proposed in this paper to compress the voltage and current waveforms with sharp and narrow performances to satisfy the requirements of the electrostatic precipitator (ESP). The experimental results of a pulsed power rated at 4 kV, operating at 10 kHz is implemented and tested to verify the effectiveness of the proposed converter.
Dissertationes Forestales 22 Radiative transfer , interception and scattering in coniferous forests : models and applications for production ecology and remote sensing

This work develops methods to account for shoot structure in models of coniferous canopy radiative transfer. Shoot structure, as it varies along the light gradient inside canopy, affects the efficiency of light interception per unit needle area, foliage biomass, or foliage nitrogen. The clumping of needles in the shoot volume also causes a notable amount of multiple scattering of light within coniferous shoots. The effect of shoot structure on light interception is treated in the context of canopy level photosynthesis and resource use models, and the phenomenon of within-shoot multiple scattering in the context of physical canopy reflectance models for remote sensing purposes. Light interception. A method for estimating the amount of PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) intercepted by a conifer shoot is presented. The method combines modelling of the directional distribution of radiation above canopy, fish-eye photographs taken at shoot locations to measure canopy gap fraction, and geometrical measurements of shoot orientation and structure. Data on light availability, shoot and needle structure and nitrogen content has been collected from canopies of Pacific silver fir (Abies amabilis (Dougl.) Forbes) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst. ). Shoot structure acclimated to light gradient inside canopy so that more shaded shoots have better light interception efficiency. Light interception efficiency of shoots varied about two-fold per needle area, about four-fold per needle dry mass, and about five-fold per nitrogen content. Comparison of fertilized and control stands of Norway spruce indicated that light interception efficiency is not greatly affected by fertilization. Light scattering. Structure of coniferous shoots gives rise to multiple scattering of light between the needles of the shoot. Using geometric models of shoots, multiple scattering was studied by photon tracing simulations. Based on simulation results, the dependence of the scattering coefficient of shoot from the scattering coefficient of needles is shown to follow a simple one-parameter model. The single parameter, termed the recollision probability, describes the level of clumping of the needles in the shoot, is wavelength independent, and can be connected to previously used clumping indices. By using the recollision probability to correct for the within-shoot multiple scattering, canopy radiative transfer models which have used leaves as basic elements can use shoots as basic elements, and thus be applied for coniferous forests. Preliminary testing of this approach seems to explain, at least partially, why coniferous forests appear darker than broadleaved forests in satellite data.