Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Blind Source Separation for Convoluted Signals Based on Properties of Acoustic Transfer Function in Real Environments

Frequency domain independent component analysis has a scaling indeterminacy and a permutation problem. The scaling indeterminacy can be solved by use of a decomposed spectrum. For the permutation problem, we have proposed the rules in terms of gain ratio and phase difference derived from the decomposed spectra and the source’s coarse directions. The present paper experimentally clarifies that the gain ratio and the phase difference work effectively in a real environment but their performance depends on frequency bands, a microphone-space and a source-microphone distance. From these facts it is seen that it is difficult to attain a perfect solution for the permutation problem in a real environment only by either the gain ratio or the phase difference. For the perfect solution, this paper gives a solution to the problems in a real environment. The proposed method is simple, the amount of calculation is small. And the method has high correction performance without depending on the frequency bands and distances from source signals to microphones. Furthermore, it can be applied under the real environment. From several experiments in a real room, it clarifies that the proposed method has been verified. Keywords—blind source separation, frequency domain independent component analysys, permutation correction, scale adjustment, target extraction.
War on Terrorism in Africa: A Task beyond African Regional Organizations

Peace and security play a vital role in the overall development processes of our nations. Its absence hinders both economic and social political development. Africa’s unending query of opportunities to do away with the rampart abject poverty, will remain illusionary as long as insecurity problems caused by nascent and growing terrorism continues destabilizing ongoing economic or social political development agenda. Here below, we pinpoint factors depicting the incapacity of both nations and regional organizations to thwart escalation of terrorism on the continent.
Management of Painful Bone Metastases: The Interaction between Radiation Therapy and Zoledronate

Background: Advanced cancers frequently metastasize to bone, and the presence of bone metastases is the most common cause of cancer-related pain. Pain management requires a multidisciplinary approach that involves the use of analgesics, bisphosphonates, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery. The aim of our study was to evaluate the enhancement of radiotherapy on painful bone metastases in patients treated also with bisphosphonates. Materials and Methods: We analyzed the differences in benefit on pain and on quality of life comparing two groups of treatment. The first group comprised 104 patients treated with Radiotherapy (RT), the second one included 50 patients treated with radiotherapy associated to zoledronic acid (RT + Z). All patients completed before, during and after treatment, a questionnaire that rated the grade of pain, the pharmacological type of analgesic therapy and patient’s performance status. For each patient a total score was calculated, from a minimum value of 0% to a maximum of 20%, then expressed as a percentage. Patients were classified as responder if at the follow-up reported a reduction of over 20% of the initial score, no-change if there was a reduction of between 0% and 20%, progression if there was an increasing of the score. Results: In the group RT + Z we found fewer patients that started radiation therapy with severe pain (16% vs 32%), no patient had pain of grade 10, and a higher proportion of asymptomatic patients (12% vs 4%) was observed. In the RT alone group a higher percentage of patients started treatment assuming strong opioid more than once a day (26% vs 24%) and a reduction in number of these patients was about 14% compared with the reduction of 23.6% observed in the group RT + Z. Furthermore an increased total score was calculated only in the 6% of patient belonged to group RT alone. Finally, in the group RT + Z responder patients are 52%, compared to 36% of the RT group, non-responder were 36% versus 60% in the RT. The risk of adverse events (Pz) in the RT + Z was Pz = 0.36, with an odds (Oz) equal to 0.56, while the risk of adverse events (Pc) in the RT group was Pc = 0.60 with an odds (OC) of 1.5. The odds ratio was OR = 0.37, showing a value in favor of treatment RT + Z. Conclusions: In our retrospective observational study it is relevant a clear potentiation of benefit effects related to palliative radiation therapy in patients receiving also bisphosphonate therapy, so obtaining a better control over pain, a decreased need for pain relief and consequently an improved quality of life.
Consumer fairs for jewellery : a study of which factors that influence the attitude and intention of consumers to visit a consumer fair for jewellery

This study seeks to explore which factors that influence the attitude and intention of consumers to visit a consumer fair for jewellery, and investigate whether there exist differences between the genders. The results of this study can help managers understand which factors that attract visitors to the fair, and provide guidelines regarding focal areas in promotional efforts. A theoretical adoption theory, the Theory of Reasoned Action, was modified to structure the relationship between influential factors and the attitude and intention to visit a consumer fair for jewellery. One qualitative study and two quantitative studies were carried out to reveal which factors that matter to consumers when forming attitudes and intention to visit the fair. The results show that the marketing of the fair and the influence and initiative of peers have significant influence on both attitude and intention, while also past behaviour regarding jewellery and the price of the entry-ticket significantly influence intention. These results are based on all respondents. Furthermore, the results indicate that men and women are influenced by different factors, such as the marketing of the fair being a stronger influence on female respondents, while men are strongly affected by the influence and initiative of peers. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed at the end of the thesis, providing managers with an understanding of how to attract visitors.
Identification of An Intronic TG Repeat Polymorphism in the Human Proteasome Core Particle PROS-27K Gene

A TG dinucleotide repeat was identified in intron 6 of the human proteasome core particle PROS-27K (IOTA, PSMA6) gene. We present data on the length polymorphism of this repeat in 120 individuals from Latvia and 197 individuals from Finland. A combination of PCR and fluorescent gel electrophoresis was utilized to type the polymorphism. Twelve alleles were observed, varying in length from 10 to 23 TG repeats. Similar allele frequencies were observed in Latvian and Finnish subjects, with 17 and 20 repeats being the most frequent in both populations. We suggest that this TG dinucleotide repeat could be utilized as a prospective marker for genetic linkage and association studies of common diseases.
Disentangling the Role of Modularity and Bandwidth in Entry Mode Choice: The Case of Business Services Offshoring

This paper investigates the role of modularity on entry mode choice of companies' offshoring of business services. We distinguish between functional modularity, which reflects the possibility to subdivide a function into smaller modules, and architectural modularity, which reflects the interdependence between these modules. Lower architectural modularity requires greater interaction (greater 'bandwidth') between the organizational units to reintegrate the individual modules. Using modularity appropriately can decrease transaction costs and reduce the risks of knowledge leakages associated with offshoring, and improve the effectiveness of the sourcing process, thus increasing the probability that firms opt for less hierarchical entry modes. Firms that are less experienced with offshoring tend to underestimate the associated resources and costs of architectural modularity and select entry modes that do not provide sufficient bandwidth to efficiently reintegrate offshored modules, increasing the risk of failure of the offshoring initiatives. Our empirical analysis, which involves 490 offshoring initiatives, supports our arguments, especially in high-tech and knowledge-intensive industries.
Evaluating a Disease State and Medical Management Review Model of Interprofessional Practice in an Aged Care Setting 1

There is lack of literature data reporting an incorporation of medication management reviews in students’ interprofessional education and practice programs in aged care settings. This study reports how an interprofessional disease state and medication management review program (DSMMR) was established in a residential aged care facility in Perth, Western Australia. Students from the disciplines of nursing, pharmacy and physiotherapy focused on a ‘wellness check’ in the areas of cognition, falls and continence whilst integrating a medication management review. Students’ attitudes were explored using a pre and post placement questionnaire. Students indicated positive experience with the Interprofessional Professional Education (IPE) DSMMR program which also resulted in their positive attitudinal shift towards interprofessional education and practice. These findings indicated that aged care can be a suitable setting for student interprofessional programs focusing on DSMMR.
The effect of silver nanoparticles/graphene-coupled TiO2 beads photocatalyst on the photoconversion efficiency of photoelectrochemical hydrogen production

In this work, a novel configuration of the photoelectrochemical hydrogen production device is demonstrated. It is based on TiO2 beads as the primary photoanode material with the addition of a heterostructure of silver nanoparticles/graphene. The heterostructure not only caters to a great improvement in light harvesting efficiency (LHE) but also enhances the charge collection efficiency. For LHE, the optimized cell based on TiO2 beads/Ag/graphene shows a 47% gain as compared to the cell having a photoanode of commercial P25 TiO2 powders. For the charge collection efficiency, there is a pronounced improvement of an impressive value of 856%. The reason for the improvement in light absorption is attributed to either the light scattering of TiO2 beads or the surface plasmonic resonance on the Ag nanoparticles/graphene. The photoconversion efficiency (PCE) of the resulting cells is also presented and discussed. The PCE of the TiO2 beads/Ag/graphene cell is approximately 2.5 times than that of pure P25 cell.
Management of impending necrosis associated with soft tissue filler injections.

BACKGROUND As the number of soft tissue filler injections increases, the number of adverse events associated with injection may rise. Impending necrosis represents a serious complication that, if not treated correctly and timely, may have grave consequences. OBJECTIVE We describe a protocol utilizing hyaluronidase, nitroglycerin paste, aspirin, antacid and a topical oxygen therapy that may be used to treat impending necrosis subsequent to injection with soft tissue fillers. CONCLUSION We have successfully treated nine post-filler injection adverse events involving impending necrosis or necrosis following both hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite injections using our protocol.
Dilated cardiomyopathy secondary to rickets-related hypocalcaemia: eight case reports and a review of the literature

Abstract Introduction: Dilated cardiomyopathy is usually idiopathic and may arise secondary to infections or metabolic or genetic causes. Another rare cause is hypocalcaemia. Owing to the fact that calcium plays an essential role in excitation and contraction of myocardial muscle, myocardial contractility may decline in patients with hypocalcaemia. Materials and Methods: Patients with symptoms of congestive heart failure and rickets-related hypocalcaemia were assessed clinically and by echocardiography in a paediatric cardiology clinic. Echocardiography was performed for all patients. Rickets was diagnosed according to the clinical, laboratory, and radiologic findings. Maternal lifestyle and living conditions were investigated, and the maternal 25-OH vitamin D3 blood level was measured. Results: We evaluated eight patients who developed heart failure as a result of severe hypocalcaemia associated with rickets between August, 1999 and June, 2012. The age distribution of the patients was 3–12 months. Laboratory results were consistent with advanced-stage rickets. Severe hypocalcaemia was detected in all patients. The maternal 25-OH vitamin D3 levels were low. Echocardiography revealed increased pre-treatment left ventricle end-systolic and end-diastolic diameters for age and reduced ejection fraction and fractional shortening. After clinical improvement, the patients were discharged. Conclusions: Severe hypocalcaemia associated with rickets must always be kept in mind among the causes of dilated cardiomyopathy and impaired cardiac function in infants. If diagnosed and treated in time, dilated cardiomyopathy and severe heart failure related to rickets respond well.
Experiences of patients who were early adopters of electronic communication with their physician: satisfaction, benefits, and concerns.

OBJECTIVE To explore the experiences of patients who were early adopters of e-mail communication with their physicians. METHODS Patients' experiences were assessed with an Internetbased survey of 1881 individuals and in-depth telephone follow-up interviews with 56 individuals who used e-mail to communicate with providers. Two investigators qualitatively coded interview comments independently, with differences adjudicated by group consensus. RESULTS A total of 311 (16.5%) of the 1881 individuals reported using electronic mail to communicate with their physicians. Compared with the population-based Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, users of e-mail with physicians were twice as likely to have a college education, were younger, were less frequently ethnic minorities, and more frequently reported fair/poor health. Among the 311 patients who used e-mail with their physicians, the most frequent topics were results of laboratory testing and prescription renewals. However, many of the 311 users (21%) also reported using asynchronous e-mail inappropriately to convey urgent or sensitive issues (suicidality, chest pain, etc). Almost all (95%) perceived that e-mail was more efficient than the telephone. Important benefits uncovered from the interviews were that some patients felt more emboldened to ask questions in e-mail compared with face-to-face communication with doctors, and liked the ability to save the e-mail messages. Users also expressed concerns about privacy. CONCLUSION Patients that use electronic communication with their physicians find the communication efficient for disease management. Further patient education about inappropriate use of e-mail for urgent issues is needed.
Creating associations to substitute banks’direct credit. Evidence from Belgium

Firms’ incentives to join other firms to collectively apply for a unique loan is empirically studied in this paper. When several firms jointly apply for a unique loan an association of firms is created. We identify the associations that had access to credit in Belgium over the period 2001-2011 and the firms that created each association, observing the amount of credit both the firms and the associations obtained from each financial institution they used. We analyze the amount of credit obtained by firms depending on whether they belonged to any association, firms’ likelihood to form associations, the impact of belonging to an association on the amount of credit firms’ receive from banks, as well as the effect of not obtaining any credit directly on the amount the associations these firms create get. Further, we analyze whether associations formed by common-ownership firms have access to higher amount of credit than the rest of associations. We find that big and old firms are more likely to join other firms to mutually apply for credit and that associations get more credit if all its members use the same bank the association uses to get credit from. Furthermore, the lower firms’ credit over the last year the more likely they are to form associations to obtain credit, and we show that associations composed of small firms with no credit history are specially credit constrained.
Quality assessment and quality control of echocardiographic performance in a large multicenter international study: Valsartan in heart failure trial (Val-HeFT).

OBJECTIVE To qualify 302 multinational echocardiography sites to record and read serial studies and to monitor quality in 5010 patients randomized into Valsartan in Heart Failure Trial (Val-HeFT). BACKGROUND Decentralized echocardiography reading is unprecedented in large clinical trials. METHODS Single and duplicate recordings, and triplicate readings of echocardiographic variables were submitted to 3 core laboratories. Quality of recording was defined with a 16-point scoring system; accuracy of reading by agreement with core readings; reproducibility by agreement between the duplicate studies. RESULTS Seventy-five percent of initial submissions were approved for recording, and 50% for reading. Resubmissions were evaluated until approval. Initial scores of sites approved with 1 versus 2 submissions differed, 13.8 +/- 1.4 versus 10.6 +/- 2.0, P <. 001; final score was similar, 13.4 +/- 1.6, P = ns. Initial score of sites approved after 3 or more submissions differed, 9.5 +/- 1.9, P <. 001; final score improved to 12.7 +/- 1.9, but remained lower, P <. 001. Expressed as 95% limits of agreement (mean difference +/- 1.96 x SD), accuracy = -0.04 +/- 0.74 cm for left ventricular internal end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd); -0.29 +/- 14.3% for ejection fraction (EF); reproducibility = 0.00 +/- 0.53 cm for LVIDd; -0.25 +/- 8.3% for EF. Quality of random sampling at baseline, 4, 12, and 18 months showed recording scores of 11.7 +/- 2.7, 12.3 +/- 2.4, 12.1 +/- 2.2, and 11.4 +/- 2.0, P =. 24. Power analysis revealed differences of 0.09 cm for LVIDd, and 0.86% for EF detectable with a power of 90% and alpha of 5%. CONCLUSION The qualifying process improved echocardiography recording and reading to bring 95% of the sites to an equivalent level of quality. Monitoring quality found that recording quality and reading accuracy were maintained 18 months into the trial. Reproducibility, given the large sample size, will be able to detect small changes in LVIDd and EF.
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus in Bats, Saudi Arabia

The source of human infection with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus remains unknown. Molecular investigation indicated that bats in Saudi Arabia are infected with several alphacoronaviruses and betacoronaviruses. Virus from 1 bat showed 100% nucleotide identity to virus from the human index case-patient. Bats might play a role in human infection.
PENGARUH STRUKTUR MODAL TERHADAP NILAI PERUSAHAAN MELALUI PROFITABILITAS : ANALISIS DATA PANEL PERUSAHAAN MANUFAKTUR DI BURSA EFEK INDONESIA

Capital structure and profitability have been identified as factors that influence firm value. However, past studies have not examined the issue of why the capital structure may influence the firm value. This study extends prior studies to further understand the indirect relationship between capital structure and firm value through profitability. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of capital structure to firm value through the mediating role of firm profitability. This study uses panel data for a sample of 30 manufacturing firms listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange during 2005-2009. Variable used is capital structure as independent variable, firm value as dependent variable, and profitability as mediating variable. This study uses the panel data analysis. After controlling for unobserved heterogeneity, this study finds that capital structure relates positively with firm value. This study also finds the significant mediating role of profitability on the relationship between capital structure and firm value. These findings contribute to monitoring the financial reporting of listed firms on the stock exchange. The results of this study also contribute to understanding of the role of the firm profitability in influencing the impact of capital structure on firm value.
Does Web Disclosure of Environmental Information Affect Litigation Awards

Abstract Companies frequently use Internet Financial Reporting (IFR) to distribute financial and nonfinancial information to stakeholders. Research suggests that companies often distribute information via the web for impression management purposes in order to diffuse potential negative reactions and/or to promote positive reactions to corporate policies and actions. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether web disclosure of environmental information and the presentation format influences the outcomes of litigation awards. Results indicate that even a partial web disclosure of pending environmental sanctions on a company’s financial statement reduces the compensatory and punitive damages that jurors award when shareholders suffer losses as a result of environmental sanctions. The results also indicate that firms using enhanced presentation formats when disclosing environmental information further reduce the amount of damages awarded against them. These results have implications for users and preparers of IFR, and for policy makers weighing mandates for disclosure of nonfinancial information in annual reports.
Understanding the regulatory hurdles for antibacterial drug development in the post‐Ketek world

The antibiotic telithromycin (Ketek, Sanofi‐aventis) had two of three treatment indications withdrawn after postmarketing reports of serious and fatal adverse events. The rationale for the withdrawal of specific indications (acute bacterial sinusitis and acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis), while permitting the drug to remain available for the treatment of community‐acquired pneumonia, focused on the lack of demonstrated efficacy from clinical trials that included an active control to which the investigational drug, telethromycin, was determined to be statistically noninferior. This action regarding telithromycin represents a reversal of previous FDA guidelines for the conduct of clinical trials for antibacterial treatment indications and has increased the regulatory risk for future drug development. New clinical trial guidelines have been published that will increase the time and resources required to achieve regulatory marketing approval. This paper reviews recent regulatory actions and discusses the impact these new guidelines will have on future antibacterial clinical trial designs and challenges.
Survival, transport and dissemination of Escherichia coli and enterococcci in a fissured environment. Study of a flood in a karstic aquifer

In fissured aquifers, hydrodynamic phenomena combined with a network of permeable fissures imparts varying degrees of vulnerability depending on the type of contaminant. The study presented here examines the impact on a karst aquifer of a river which receives effluents from a sewage treatment plant just upstream from the point of recharge. This recharge constitutes a source of bacteriological and chemical pollution. The aquifer is accessible by boreholes at discrete points, facilitating investigation of the evolution of three of the contaminants characteristic of treatment station effluents, NH4+ and two biological contaminants with different survival capacities. The study was undertaken both under normal climatic conditions and during a flood occurring after a long dry period. The rate of infiltration, of subsurface transport, and of dissemination of contaminants into a zone usually protected from contamination was recorded. The results confirm the vulnerability of fissured aquifers to contamination.