Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Directors' Duties in Australia: Recent Developments and Enforcement Issues

This article is a revised version of a paper presented at a conference at the University of Cambridge. The theme of the conference was Developing Directors' Duties. The article commences by placing directors' duties in the broader context of corporate governance. It then addresses two issues that form part of the English Law Commission's consultation paper on directors' duties. The first is the possible introduction in England of a statutory formulation of the duty of care. This part of the article reviews the Australian experience with such a statutory formulation. The second issue is the possible decriminalisation of some aspects of directors' duties. This occurred in Australia in 1993 with the introduction of civil penalties. This part of the article outlines the preliminary results of a study of the use of civil penalties by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission since their introduction in 1993. There has been little use of civil penalties by the Securities Commission and possible reasons for this are identified.
Efficient generation of all minimal inductive validity cores

Symbolic model checkers can construct proofs of safety properties over complex models, but when a proof succeeds, the results do not generally provide much insight to the user. Recently, proof cores (alternately, for inductive model checkers, Inductive Validity Cores (IVCs)) were introduced to trace a property to a minimal set of model elements necessary for proof. Minimal IVCs facilitate several engineering tasks, including performing traceability and analyzing requirements completeness, that usually rely on the minimality of IVCs. However, existing algorithms for generating an IVC are either expensive or only able to find an approximately minimal IVC. Besides minimality, computing all minimal IVCs of a given property is an interesting problem that provides several useful analyses, including regression analysis for testing/proof, determination of the minimum (as opposed to minimal) number of model elements necessary for proof, the diversity examination of model elements leading to proof, and analyzing fault tolerance. This paper proposes an efficient method for finding all minimal IVCs of a given property proving its correctness and completeness. We benchmark our algorithm against existing IVC-generating algorithms and show, in many cases, the cost of finding all minimal IVCs by our technique is similar to finding a single minimal IVC using existing algorithms.
A topological-directional model for the spatio-temporal composition of video objects

A key characteristic of video data is their associated spatial and temporal semantics. It is therefore important that a video model, does not only model the characteristics of objects but also their relationships in time and space. In view of this, the purpose of our work is to design a model for the specification of the spatio-temporal relationships among objects in video sequences. The model does not only describe the spatial relationships among objects for each frame in a given video scene, but also the temporal relations of the spatial relationships for each frame in terms of the relations between two temporal intervals. Subsequently it models the temporal composition of an object, which reflects the evolution of object spatial relationships over the subsequent frames in the video segment, as well as in the whole video sequence. In addition to the spatio-temporal relationships our model also provides an effective and expressive way for the complete and precise representation of distances among objects in digital video. This model is a basis for the annotation of raw video.
Return to Play in National Football League Players After Operative Jones Fracture Treatment

Background: Jones fractures commonly occur in professional athletes and operative treatment remains the standard of care in this patient population. In our clinical experience, an aggressive postoperative rehabilitation protocol for National Football League (NFL) players with an average return to play (RTP) between 8 and 10 weeks can have successful outcomes with few complications. The purpose of this study was to quantify RTP and rate of complications, including nonunion, refracture, and reoperation among a cohort of NFL players with operatively treated Jones fractures. Methods: Between 2004 and 2014, 25 consecutive NFL players who underwent acute Jones fracture fixation by a single surgeon were reviewed. Operative treatment for the majority of patients involved fixation with a Jones-specific intramedullary screw and iliac crest bone marrow aspirate with demineralized bone matrix injected at the fracture site. Additionally, our protocol involved the use of noninvasive bone stimulators, application of customized orthoses, and an aggressive patient-specific rehabilitation protocol. Patient demographics were recorded along with position played, seasons played after surgery, RTP, and complications. RTP was defined as the ability to play in a single regular-season NFL game after surgery. At the time of surgery, average age for all patients was 24.0 years and BMI 31.0. Results: Player positions included 8 wide receivers, 4 linebackers, 4 tight ends, 2 defensive tackles, 2 cornerbacks, 1 offensive tackle, 1 center, 1 tackle, 1 defensive end, and 1 quarterback. Seventy-six percent of players underwent operative fixation during their first 3 seasons. Forty-eight percent were diagnosed before or during their rookie (first) season. RTP was 100% for all players and 80% were still playing at time of publication. Three patients (12.0%) refractured and required revision surgery. Time until RTP was influenced by other variables and difficult to measure because many surgeries were performed early in the offseason. All 9 players who underwent surgery between July and October, and were therefore eligible to return to play in the same season, had an average RTP of 8.7 weeks (range 5.9-13.6). Conclusion: With an appropriately placed intramedullary screw and an aggressive rehabilitation protocol, early RTP was achievable with a low refracture rate in professional athletes. All NFL players in this series were able to return to play after surgery. We observed that these injuries were more likely to occur in the first 3 seasons of play and in wide receivers, linebackers, and tight ends. This at-risk subset of players may benefit from improved preventative measures. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
Integrated Identification of Disease-Gene Links and their Utility in Next-Generation Sequencing Interpretation

The study of human diseases is at the core of present-day biological research. It is an interdisciplinary effort encompassing genomics, bioinformatics, systems biology, and systems medicine. Currently, many efforts are being made to elucidate the genetic underpinnings of human diseases. A consequence thereof is that many different sources use different nomenclatures, definitions, and classifications. Furthermore, the identification of gene-disease links, in addition to being challenging in its own right, is also affected by this lack of convention. We addressed both of these issues when creating MalaCards (www.malacards.org), an integrated and unified database of human diseases and their annotations, which capitalizes on information from the GeneCards database (www.genecards.org) [1-2]. GeneCards has annotations relevant to various characteristics of genes, which can be used as a discovery platform for identifying gene-disease links [3-4]. At the heart of MalaCards is a consolidated gene-disease matrix based on nine sources, some manually curated and others text-mined. A scoring algorithm prioritizes the list of disease-associated genes based on the strength of the evidence from each source. Figure 1 shows the frequencies of gene-disease links across the GeneCards gene categories. The gene-disease matrix can be used in the interpretation of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) data, whereby identified filtered variant-harboring genes are associated with a patient's disease keywords. VarElect (varelect.genecards.org) [5], the GeneCards suite's NGS interpretation tool, leverages MalaCards and GeneCards to infer direct and/or indirect keyword-gene links. Our tools can thus facilitate biomedical research of both basic-scientific and clinical relevance.
ILASH - Software tool for the design of integrated lens antennas

This paper presents the new software tool - ILASH - that was developed at IT under contract for ESA-ESTEC. The set of powerful tools for double-shell lens design, analysis, optimization and diagnosis along with its Windows-based user-friendly interface make the ILASH tool unique. ILASH software tool proved to be reliable, accurate and very versatile. It not only enables the lens design, but the wide range of possible analysis and diagnosis tools allows a complete insight on the lens properties and limitations.
The Identification of Long Memory Process in the Asean-4 Stock Markets by Fractional and Multifractional Brownian Motion

This research identifies the presence of long memory given return series of the stock markets in the ASEAN-4 countries, namely, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand. Daily stock prices from 1994 to 2004, which were neither adjusted for dividends nor inflation, were employed in the study. The Global Hurst Parameter is estimated to provide an indication of long memory. The sliding window method, quarterly, and annual estimations of the Hurst parameter were also undertaken to explore further on the behavior of the financial time series in question. The computed Hurst parameters across the windowed data, quarterly, and annual data has been shown to be time-varying. Stock prices behavior in this region is mildly persistent indicated by the following Global Hurst Parameters: Indonesia, 0.61, Malaysia, 0.58, the Philippines, 0.59, Thailand, 0.59.
Prolonged Endothelin B Receptor Blockade Causes Pulmonary Hypertension in the Ovine Fetus

Endothelin (ET)-1 contributes to regulation of pulmonary vascular tone and structure in the normal ovine fetus and in models of perinatal pulmonary hypertension. The hemodynamic effects of ET-1 are due to activation of its receptors. The ET(A) receptor mediates vasoconstriction and smooth muscle cell proliferation, whereas the ET(B) receptor mediates vasodilation. In a lamb model of chronic intrauterine pulmonary hypertension, ET(B) receptor activity and gene expression are decreased. To determine whether prolonged ET(B) receptor blockade causes pulmonary hypertension, we studied the hemodynamic effects of selective ET(B) receptor blockade with BQ-788. Animals were treated with an infusion of either BQ-788 or vehicle for 7 days. Prolonged BQ-788 treatment increased pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance (P < 0.05). The pulmonary vasodilator response to sarafotoxin 6c, a selective ET(B) receptor agonist, was attenuated after 7 days of BQ-788 treatment, demonstrating pharmacological blockade of the ET(B) receptor. Animals treated with BQ-788 had greater right ventricular hypertrophy and muscularization of small pulmonary arteries (P < 0. 05). Lung ET-1 levels were threefold higher in the animals treated with BQ-788 (P < 0.05). We conclude that prolonged selective ET(B) receptor blockade causes severe pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary vascular remodeling in the late-gestation ovine fetus.
INTERNALISASI SEKTOR PERBANKAN DALAM MODEL DSGE

We build DSGE model for small open economy with financial friction in the form of collateral constrain on banking sector, designed for Indonesian economy. The constructed model is capable to simulate the monetary policy (Bank Indonesia rate) and macroprudential policy (reserve requirement, capital adequacy ratio – CAR, and loan to value – LTV). By internalizing banking sector into the model, this model also enable us to simulate the impact of any shock originated from banking sector. Keywords : monetary policy, DSGE with banking sector, macroprudential policy JEL Classification : E32, E44, E52, E58
Electromagnetic emissions due to electrosurgery

Electrosurgery devices are an important part of surgical interventions in the modern medical service; however the benefits of using such technology are accompanied by side effects like electromagnetic pollution of the hospital environment. As a consequence, the maximum admitted levels of electric and magnetic fields for general public and occupational exposure could be exceeded in some cases and the risk of electromagnetic interference with medical devices rises while implementing electrosurgery in the operating room. In this paper we address the characterization of the electromagnetic emissions from an electro surgical device at different distances and determine the maximum field levels for different operating modes of the device with a monopolar scalpel. Also, the surgeon's exposure while performing electrosurgery was determined to be much higher than occupational exposure limits imposed by international standards.
Fears about breast cancer recurrence:.

PURPOSE Prior research shows that the majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer experience ongoing fears about recurrence. These studies primarily have used Likert scales to determine the extent to which women fear recurrence but have not presented details of women's experiences or addressed the nature of women's fears. This report describes a pilot study designed to capture women's diverse experiences related to the possibility of recurrence. DESCRIPTION OF STUDY Sixteen women participated in semi-structured interviews about their thoughts and feelings regarding the possibility of breast cancer recurrence. Thematic content coding was used to categorize women's responses. RESULTS Although some women indicated strong fears about recurrence, the majority expressed more moderate fears. Fears revolved around the possibility of death, further treatment (particularly chemotherapy), emotional difficulties, pain, advancement of the disease, suffering of family members, and loss of the breast. Many women spoke about life circumstances that were more salient than the possibility of recurrence. Women also described events/situations that triggered fears and strategies used for coping with fears. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Results suggest that more systematic investigation of women's fears about breast cancer recurrence is warranted and that clinicians should address the multidimensional nature of women's fears as they relate to other psychological processes and events in women's lives. Moreover, women's life circumstances should be considered when attempting to determine whether a social support intervention might be beneficial or detrimental.
Simplified Analysis of Total Integrated Noise in Passive Switched-Capacitor and N-Path Filters

The total integrated noise in passive switched-capacitor and N-path filters is traditionally calculated using frequency-domain methods. We derive a technique that allows the determination of the total noise in such networks by inspection. The key aspect of our derivation is to exploit the properties of sampled linear periodically-switched networks, and to work in the time domain. Simulation results that support our analysis are given.
Defining the clinical course of bipolar disorder: response, remission, relapse, recurrence, and roughening.

OBJECTIVE This manuscript presents working definitions for key clinical course indicators for bipolar disorder, including response, remission, relapse, recurrence, and roughening. METHOD A work group of experts in bipolar disorder reviewed prior efforts to define clinical course indicators for unipolar depression and for schizophrenia. Using these efforts as templates, the work group developed consensus operational definitions. The rationale for each of the definitions was a point of time when a treatment decision needed to be made. RESULTS The group defined response as a 50% reduction in a score from a standard rating scale of symptomatology from an appropriate baseline, regardless of index episode type (manic, depressed, or mixed). In addition, the other pole cannot be significantly worsened during response. Remission was defined as absence or minimal symptoms of both mania and depression for at least 1 week. Sustained remission requires at least eight consecutive weeks of remission, and perhaps as many as 12 weeks. A relapse/recurrence was defined as a return to the full syndrome criteria of an episode of mania, mixed episode, or depression following a remission of any duration. Roughening was defined as a return of symptoms at a subsyndromal level, perhaps representing a prodrome of an impending episode. CONCLUSIONS The work group recommends that all reports of clinical trials in bipolar disorder include results using these definitions. This will introduce standards for such reports. Hopefully, the definitions will be revised and improved over time.
Skewing toward Treg and Th2 responses is a characteristic feature of sustained remission in ANCA‐positive granulomatosis with polyangiitis

The objective of our study was to evaluate the T‐helper (Th) and regulatory T (Treg) cell profile in ANCA‐positive granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and its relation to disease activity. In a prospective study, we studied two groups of GPA patients: (i) disease flare (active‐GPA, BVAS>6, n = 19), (ii) sustained remission (≥ 1‐year prior enrollment, inactive‐GPA, BVAS = 0, n = 18). 24 age‐sex matched healthy subjects served as controls. Active‐GPA patients were followed for 6 months and reevaluated during remission (early remission; n = 13). We analyzed subsets of Th‐cells (flow cytometry), production of signature cytokines by in vitro stimulated lymphocytes, and broad spectrum of serum cytokines (Luminex). In all GPA patients we observed expansion of effector Th17 cells, and increased production of IL‐17A by in vitro stimulated T cells, as compared to controls. Disease flare was characterized by marked reduction in Treg cells, whereas in sustained remission we showed expansion of both Treg and Th2 subset. Finally, analyzing the cytokine profile, we identified CCL23 and LIGHT, as potential biomarkers of active disease. We conclude that in GPA, expansion of Treg and Th2 lymphocytes in parallel to increased Th17 response is a characteristic feature of sustained remission. In contrast, Treg cells are markedly decreased in disease flare.
Effective systolic orifice area of the aortic valve: implications for Doppler echocardiographic cardiac output determinations

Background: Substantial research using echocardiography has established that stroke volume (SV) or cardiac output (CO) can be measured non‐invasively at the level of the aortic valve (AV) with high accuracy. Stroke volume is the product of the velocity time integral occurring at the sampling site and the effective systolic AV orifice area (AVOAeff). Nevertheless, a generally accepted method for the determination of AVOAeff is still lacking.
Hemodynamic changes due to Trendelenburg positioning and pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic hysterectomy

More prolonged gynecological laparoscopic operations are being performed in recent years, and a steeper head‐down position is required. The early reports of hemodynamic changes during gynecologic laparoscopy are conflicting, and the effects of anesthesia, head‐down tilt and pneumoperitoneum have not been clearly separated. Invasive hemodynamic monitoring was carried out in 20 female ASA Class I‐II patients who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy. Baseline measurements were made in the supine, supine‐lithotomy and Trendelenburg (25 30 degrees) positions in awake patients. Measurements were repeated in the supine‐lithotomy and Trendelenburg positions after induction of anesthesia, during laparoscopy 5 minutes after the beginning of peritoneal CO2‐insufflation (intra‐abdominal pressure 13–16 mmHg) and at 15‐minute intervals thereafter, after laparoscopy in the Trendelenburg and supine positions, after extubation and in the recovery room at 30‐minute intervals. Patients received balanced general anesthesia with isoflurane in 35% O2 in an oxygen/air mixture. End tidal PGO2 was maintained between 4.5–4.8 kPa (33—36 mmHg) by changing the minute volume of controlled ventilation.
Why Internet Users Are Willing to Pay for Social Networking Services

Purpose – In recent years more and more users have begun to use social networking sites (SNSs). Visiting these sites has become a regular habit of many users. However most of the users only use the free services of the sites and are unwilling to pay for services. Therefore, in order to understand what factors affect users' intention to continue to pay for services, this study proposes a research model based on value theory and the academic literature on switching barriers.Design/methodology/approach – An online questionnaire was developed and used to collect research data. The responses of 211 SNS members who pay subscription fees for advanced services were used to test the hypotheses in the research model.Findings – All of the seven study hypotheses were supported. The results indicated that perceived value and service degradation barriers are the main factors which directly influence the intention to pay. Together they account for 37.4 per cent of the variance in intention. Additionally the results demo.
Feeding practices of infants through the first year of life in Italy.

AIM To investigate infant feeding practices through the first year of life in Italy, and to identify factors associated with the duration of breastfeeding and early introduction of solid foods. METHODS Structured phone interviews on feeding practices were conducted with 2450 Italian-speaking mothers randomly selected among women who delivered a healthy-term singleton infant in November 1999 in Italy. Interviews were performed 30 d after delivery and when the infants were aged 3, 6, 9 and 12 mo. Type of breastfeeding was classified according to the WHO criteria. RESULTS Breastfeeding started in 91.1% of infants. At the age of 6 and 12 mo, respectively, 46.8% and 11.8% of the infants was still breastfed, 68.4% and 27.7% received formula, and 18.3% and 65.2% were given cow's milk. Solids were introduced at the mean age of 4.3 mo (range 1.6-6.5 mo). Introduction of solids occurred before age 3 and 4 mo in 5.6% and 34.2% of infants, respectively. The first solids introduced were fruit (73.1%) and cereals (63.9%). The main factors (negatively) associated with the duration of breastfeeding were pacifier use (p < 0.0001), early introduction of formula (p < 0.0001), lower mother's age (p < 0.01) and early introduction of solids (p = 0.05). Factors (negatively) associated with the introduction of solids foods before the age of 3 mo were mother not having breastfed (p < 0.01), early introduction of formula (p < 0.01), lower infant bodyweight at the age of 1 mo (p = 0.05) and mother smoking (p = 0.05). CONCLUSION The duration of breastfeeding in Italy is still inadequate, as well as compliance with international recommendations for timing of introduction of complementary foods. National guidelines, public messages and educational campaigns should be promoted in Italy.
Enterococcus faecalis infection in root canals – host‐derived or exogenous source?

Aims: Enterococcus faecalis is associated with a significant number of refractory endodontic infections. Previous studies report a prevalence of Ent. faecalis ranging from 24% up to 77% in teeth with failed endodontic treatment. The origin of the micro‐organism remains unclear, as enterococci do not belong to the normal oral microflora. The aim of this study was to determine whether these enterococci were of endogenous or exogenous origin.