Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Managing Rapid change: Fast-Growing Enterprises and SMEs from Emerging Economies

In rapidly changing and complex environment, the rate of change may be overwhelming. Communication within the firm is crucial to assess weaknesses and strength, make sense of the new developments and reconfigure resources to respond adequately. Firms may have to collaborate with other firms, both local and international, to secure the scarce resources that may enable them to compete with the international companies in a timely fashion as opposed to developing them internally. Such resource-acquisition may require learning the necessary know-how for acquiring and deploying the new technology, or gaining the capability for developing them with others, which may also give them additional intangibles such as collaborative advantages, reputation, brand name by association with others. The discussion suggests that smaller firms may seriously explore the option of becoming a of a network (or networks) to attain the necessary requirements and accomplish their objectives, even though the costs may be high in the short-run; but they will enable increasing returns in the longer term. In this context, the resource-base view (RBV) of the firm provides a useful framework with which to identify valuable, rare, imperfectly inimitable and difficult to substitute resources (Barney, 1991). It also identifies the investments required to pursue international operations. the mere fact of identifying VRIN resources may prove insufficient to ensure competitiveness. The strategic process of renewal and with the rather mere resource selection by the The not only consideration the VRIN but to and positions ensure competitiveness at the end, which also the of capabilities (Teece, 1997) at the same time.
Protection of the Mediterranean forests against fire Local adaptation of a Fire Risk Index to the Mediterranean context

Forests are crucial for a balanced social and economic development of the European continent, as they do not provide only trees, but they allow the development of invaluable ecosystem by-products like: oxygen production, carbon storage, soil preservation, landscape protection, maintenance of soil fertility, purification of surface water, climate balance. Furthermore they represent a key factor in controlling the hydrological cycle, they are the “house of biodiversity”, all essential elements in the quality of life of European citizens and the rest of the world. In addition to playing a significant role in the social and economic development of rural areas, forests are crucial in supporting the survival of the species, they are the recipients of heritage and local knowledge, as well as a source of energy and a natural reserve for medicaments and food. Wildfires represent a major danger for Mediterranean forests, influencing patterns of vegetation and fauna, forest management activities, resource values, property and, even, human life (LAVOREL et al. 2007). Only in 2003, in Southern Europe an area of 740,000 hectares was burnt, and several millions of euros are spent every year on fire management activities (PELIZZARI et al. 2008). During 2007, Greece experienced the warmest summer of its instrumental history and prolonged rainless condition, with very destructive fires (FOUNDA & GIANNAKOPOULOS 2007). Furthermore Mediterranean Europe, has been identified as likely to suffer warmer, drier summers towards the end of the century (SANCHEZ et al, 2004), and hence potentially will suffer an increased forest fire risk (PINOL et al, 1998). This general scenario could be worse as consequence of global climate change. Considering also that fire managers are facing The risk of forest fires is a major feature of Mediterranean woodlands. In the Med project Protect, several partners have come together to adapt a daily Fire Risk Index to Mediterranean conditions. During the fire season, every day, fire managers must make decisions on how many resources they will need and where those resources should be positioned. By providing detailed indications for fire prevention and fight against fires, this index can provide useful assistance to fire managers. MEDLAND2020
The Effects of Non-Newtonian Fluids on Purcell’s Scallop Theorem

OF THE THESIS The Effects of Non-Newtonian Fluids on Purcell’s Scallop Theorem by Dor Yisrael Ashur Master of Science in Engineering Sciences (Mechanical Engineering) University of California, San Diego, 2010 Professor Eric Lauga, Chair Many common fluids such as blood, oils and shampoos exhibit non-Newtonian properties, and low Reynolds flow is ubiquitous in micro-scale swimmers such as flagellum and bacteria. Purcell’s Scallop Theorem states that locomotion via a single time-independent degree of movement through low Reynolds flow is impossible as the effects of momentum are negligible. Experimentation was performed to prove that propulsion, via a singular rotational, or linear degree-of-freedom, is possible by employing the normal stresses and shear thinning capabilities of non-Newtonian fluids, respectively. This study also discusses non-Newtonian fluid rheometry, as well as the design and control of the swimming robots.
Subsurface and through-wall SAR imaging techniques for ground penetrating radar

In the last decades, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) has become a leading non-destructive testing (NDT) technology for the detection, identification, and imaging of subsurface artifacts, abnormalities, and structures such as pipes, mines, gaps, water channels, oil wells, tunnels, and roads. It has a very broad range of applications, including geophysics, hydrogeology, archeology, mine detection, civil engineering, transportation, security and remote sensing [1—4]. GPR performance is associated with the electrical and magnetic properties of local soil and buried targets as well as with implementation of the GPR hardware and software. The frequency band of the GPR signal is the key factor for the detection performance. Higher frequencies are needed for better resolution, nevertheless lower frequency bands are preferred to detect something buried too deep due to the dramatically increased wave attenuation in the soil with increasing frequency. Thus, ultra-wide band (UWB) GPR systems that transmit short impulse signals are proposed primarily to benefit from both low and high frequencies [5]. The impulse durations can vary from a few nanoseconds to a hundred picoseconds corresponding to a broad spectrum from 100 MHz to 10 GHz. It can be extended up to 15 GHz for steppedfrequency GPR systems, which may use microwave tomography methods for high resolution imaging [6]. Therefore, the stepped-frequency (SF) technique offers some distinct signal processing benefits compared to the time-domain GPR systems, This paper presents some useful signal processing and synthetic aperture radar imaging techniques for ultra-wide band (UWB) ground penetrating radar. Novel UWB antenna structures are experimentally designed in this work. Raw and processed data collected in the course of experimental studies of subsurface sensing and through-wall imaging scenarios are demonstrated in B-scan and C-scan target images.
Controlled Doping via High- Order Rootchecks in Graph Codes

Code construction for a data transmission channel with a limited number of degrees of freedom is a big challenge . For codes on graphs, a solution based on rootchecks has been proposed [1]. In this paper, we start by establishing a new pr oof for full diversity equivalence between the block-fading and the block-erasure channels. Then, we show how doping [2] can be made via high-order rootchecks. This controlled doping wil l help in increasing the diversity order of parity bits while boosting the coding gain of information bits in full-diversity root-LDP C codes. New ensembles of root-LDPC codes are designed such that 100% of parity bits achieve full diversity. I. I NTRODUCTION Consider a data transmission channel with a limited number of degrees of freedom. A transmitted codeword can be divided into B blocks where each block is observing a different channel state. For a given signal-to-noise ratio, it is not possi ble to guarantee a vanishing error probability at asymptotic co de length; Shannon capacity of such a non-ergodic channel is zero [3]. We restrict our study to the worst case B = 2 channel states. As an example, the block-fading channel with binary input and additive white Gaussian noise is defined by yn = α1 · xn + ηn, for n = 1 . N 2 , (1) yn = α2 · xn + ηn, for n = N
uantitative criteria for choosing targets and indicators for ustainable use of ecosystems

Wide-ranging, indicator-based assessments of large, complex ecosystems are playing an increasing role in guiding environmental policy and management. An example is the EU’s Marine Strategy Framework Directive, which requires Member States to take measures to reach “good environmental status” (GES) in European marine waters. However, formulation of indicator targets consistent with the Directive’s high-level policy goal of sustainable use has proven challenging. We develop a specific, quantitative interpretation of the concepts of GES and sustainable use in terms of indicators and associated targets, by sharply distinguishing between current uses to satisfy current societal needs and preferences, and unknown future uses. We argue that consistent targets to safeguard future uses derive from a requirement that any environmental state indicator should recover within a defined time (e.g. 30 years) to its pressure-free range of variation when all pressures are hypothetically removed. Within these constraints, specific targets for current uses should be set. Routes to implementation of this proposal for indicators of fish-community size structure, population size of selected species, eutrophication, impacts of non-indigenous species, and genetic diversity are discussed. Important policy implications are that (a) indicator target ranges, which may be wider than natural ranges, systematically and rationally derive from our proposal; (b) because relevant state indicators tend to respond slowly, corresponding pressures should also be monitored and assessed; (c) support of current uses and safeguarding of future uses are distinct management goals, they require different types of targets, decision processes, and management
HAAR SYSTEMS AND TOPOLOGIES ON GROUPOIDS

For developing an algebraic theory of functions on a locally compact groupoid, one needs an analogue of Haar measure on locally compact groups. This analogue is a system of measures, called Haar system, subject to suitable invariance and smoothness conditions called respectively "left invariance" and "continuity". Unlike the case of locally compact group, Haar system on groupoid need not exists, and if it does, it will not usually be unique. However on locally compact second countable groupoids one can construct systems of measures satisfying "left invariance" condition. But the continuity assumption has topological consequences for groupoid. It entails that the range map (and hence the domain map) is open (Proposition I. 4 (14)). A. K. Seda has proved that the "continuity" condition is crucial in construction of the groupoid C * -algebra ((13)). In this paper by a pre-Haar system we shall mean of system of Borel measures satisfying "left invariance" condition. The "continuity" condition is a consequence of "left invariance" condition for any locally compact second countable transitive groupoid. Let G be a second countable locally compact groupoid (not necessarily transitive) with a given a pre-Haar system. We shall prove that there is a reduction G|L such that we can replace the topology induced from G on G|L with a locally compact topology having the property that the pre-Haar system is Haar system on G|L. The reduction G|L is an inessential reduction with respect to each transitive measure induced by the pre-Haar system. If all orbits of G are locally closed, then the reduction G|L can be taken to be the entire G. Therefore, replacing the topology on G (and eventually passing to a reduction), any pre-Haar system can be viewed as a Haar system, and consequently, one can construct a C * -algebra associated with the pre-Haar system.
Detection of malaria parasites in thick blood smear: A review

Based on data from World Health Organization, in 2015, there are 90% of deaths caused by malaria disease in Africa, Southeast Asia and countries of eastern Mediterranean. It makes the malaria become one of the most dangerous diseases that often leads to death. To support the diagnosis of malaria, early detection of plasmodium parasite is needed. Recently, malaria diagnosis process can be done with the help of computer, or often referred to as Computer Aided Diagnosis (CAD). By utilizing the digital image from the blood staining process, digital image processing can be performed to detect the presence of malaria parasite. There are 2 types of blood smear images that can be used in the malaria diagnosis process, namely, thin blood smear images and thick blood smear images. This paper provides a review of the techniques and methods used in the diagnosis of computer-assisted malaria using thick blood smear images as a diagnostic material.
Threat scenario‐based security risk analysis using use case modeling in information systems

Successful Security Risk Analysis (SRA) enables us to develop a secure information management system and provides valuable analysis data for future risk estimation. One of the qualitative techniques for SRA is the scenario method. This provides a framework for our explorations that raises our awareness and appreciation of uncertainty. However, the existing scenario methods are too abstract to be applicable to some situations and have not been formalized in information systems (ISs) because they do not explicitly define artifacts or have any standard notation. Therefore, this paper proposes the improved scenario‐based SRA approach, which can create SRA reports using threat scenario templates and manage security risk directly in ISs. Furthermore, in order to show how to apply the proposed method in a specific environment, especially in a Broadband convergence Network (BcN) environment, a case study is presented. Copyright © 2011 JohnWiley & Sons, Ltd.
Appendix : Appendix I : Test Protocol – English Appendix II : Testprotocol – Dutch Appendix III : Test Protokoll – German Summary

Introduction: The modified Ashworth Scale is the most commonly used measurement tool to evaluate spasticity in adults and CP-children. The validity and reliability of the MAS is questionable and therefore critically discussed throughout literature. Due to this reason a review regarding this topic is urgently required. Methods: In order to retrieve relevant publications the authors performed computerized searches, citation tracking of databases and of bibliographic indexes. All retrieved articles were assessed methodologically on their quality and were summarized in comprehensive tables. Furthermore, interviews with several pediatric physiotherapists were conduced and the handling of the MAS was practised in clinical settings. Results: 29 articles were found, of them 22 were obtained, 5 were excluded. 17 articles were analyzed, 8 concerning the validity of the MAS, 8 concerning the reliability of the MAS and 1 review. Validity: 3 articles supported the validity of the MAS, 3 rejected it and 2 validated only some grades of the scale. Reliability: both inter-rater and intra-rater reliability varied between little to any and high correlations. Conclusions: The MAS should be considered as a measure of high tone and not as a measure of spasticity and be regarded as a measure of quality of movement. Therefore, it is recommended to combine it with a quantitative measure of spasticity in every examination. Furthermore, standardization and re-examination of its reliability is particularly necessary.
How did rapid credit growth cause non-performing loans in the CEE Countries?

Abstract This paper investigates the influence of three types of credit growth on non-performing loans in eleven Central and Eastern European countries during the period from 1999 to 2013. As opposed to previous research on credit risk, we have moved the focus from the usually investigated bank-specific and macroeconomic variables to different types of credit growth from earlier periods. At the same time, the results of this research give answer on the studies before the crisis, which tried to determine the possible consequences of rapid credit growth in the CEE countries. The results indicate that at least two years are necessary for each type of credit growth to increase credit risk. Finally, empirical results confirm the importance of both bank-specific and macroeconomic variables.
A regression discontinuity evaluation of reducing early retirement eligibility in Poland

The reform introduced in Poland in 2009 substantially and abruptly reduced the number of workers eligible for early retirement. This paper evaluates the causal effects of this reform on labor force participation and exit to retirement. We use rich rotating panel from the Polish Labor Force Survey and exploit the discontinuity imposed by this reform. We find a statistically significant, but economically small discontinuity at the timing of the reform. The placebo test shows no similar effects in earlier or later quarters, but in a vast majority of specifications the discontinuity is not larger for the treated individuals, i.e. those whose occupation lost eligibility. We interpret these results as follows: the changes in the eligibility criteria were not instrumental in fostering the participation rates among the affected cohort, i.e. the immediate contribution to increased labor force participation of these cohorts is not economically large.
In the perspective of cartilage degradation in inflammatory joint diseases

The joint diseases osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are characterized by destructive inflammatory processes that result in pathological changes of the joint tissues, including proteolytic degradation of cartilage and release of extracellular matrix proteins or fragments to the synovial fluid. The complement system, which is a part of the innate immune system, plays a central role in promoting the joint inflammation in these diseases. Potential activators of complement are certain extracellular matrix proteins that become exposed during cartilage degradation. Previous studies have revealed that several proteins from cartilage can activate or inhibit the complement system in vitro. In the present work, we describe the interactions between the complement system and additional extracellular matrix proteins, with the aim to better understand the role of endogenous ligands in the inflammatory process in joint diseases. We also describe the interactions between complement proteins and cartilage explants that have been subjected to inflammation-induced degradation. In paper I, we found that the G3 domain of aggrecan activates the classical pathway of complement. However, the activation of the terminal pathway is limited due to the simultaneous binding of factor H. Whether it activates complement when maintained in cartilage or when released into the synovial fluid remains to be elucidated. In paper II and III, we found that both proline/arginine-rich end leucine-rich repeat protein (PRELP) and the domain NC4 of collagen type IX, inhibit complement by preventing the assembly of the membrane attack complex. Further, PRELP also inhibits the assembly of the alternative pathway C3 convertase, while NC4 enhances the cofactor activities of C4b-binding protein and factor H, in the factor I-mediated cleavage of C4b and C3b. NC4 and fragments of PRELP can be detected in the synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis patients. Located in the synovial fluid or exposed on the cartilage surface, they might be important for limiting the complement activation, induced by other extracellular matrix proteins or other potential triggers. In Paper IV, we found that both the classical and the alternative pathways are activated on the surface of degraded cartilage explants, while components released from cartilage might have a weak, somewhat delayed, opposing role by inhibiting complement. The main activation seems to occur after the major loss of aggrecan from cartilage. In sum, several proteins of the extracellular matrix, as well as degraded cartilage have the potential to interact with the complement system, and may regulate the inflammatory processes in joint diseases.
The effect of feeding frequency on the hormonal profile, carcass characteristics, and feedlot performance in Iranian Holstein calves.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of feeding frequency on body weight, carcass characteristics, and hormonal profile in Iranian Holstein calves. The study included 12 Holstein bull calves that were assigned to 2 groups according to initial live body weight. The animals were fed a TMR ration based on live body weight. The calves were fed a standard diet for 31 weeks; control calves were fed twice a day and treatment calves were fed 7 times a day. Live body weights were recorded every 21 days. Blood samples were collected 1 h after the final feeding and every 4 h during the last during 24 h of the experiment, and were analyzed for plasma leptin and insulin concentrations. Four calves from each group were slaughtered and carcass characteristics were measured. Plasma leptin concentrations were higher (P < 0.01) between midnight and early morning in the treated group than in the control group. Mean plasma insulin concentration was lower (P < 0.01) in the treated calves than in the control calves. Mean internal fat content and depth of subcutaneous fat were (P < 0.05) higher in the control group than in the treated group, while other carcass characteristics did not significantly differ between the 2 groups. It was concluded that increasing the feeding frequency of fattening Holstein calves decreased fat reservoirs, which was probably accompained by plasma leptin and insulin changes.
Protein , body weight , and cardiovascular health 1 – 4

Widespread popularity of high-protein diets has drawn controversy as well as scientific interest. By reducing intake of carbohydrates and increasing consumption of fats and proteins, such diets are thought to increase satiety, facilitate weight loss, and improve cardiovascular risk factors. In recent years, many randomized controlled studies have compared the effects of higher-protein diets on weight loss and cardiovascular risk factors with those of lower-protein diets. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of experimental and epidemiologic evidence regarding the role of protein in weight loss and cardiovascular risk. Emerging evidence from clinical trials indicates that higher-protein diets increase short-term weight loss and improve blood lipids, but long-term data are lacking. Findings from epidemiologic studies show a significant relationship between increased protein intake and lower risk of hypertension and coronary heart disease. However, different sources of protein appear to have different effects on cardiovascular disease. Although optimal amounts and sources of protein cannot be determined at this time, evidence suggests a potential benefit of partially replace refined carbohydrates with protein sources low in saturated fats. Am J Clin Nutr 2005;82(suppl):242S–7S.