Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Continuous learning in global product development: a cross-cultural comparison

The paper develops a framework for the analysis of inter-project learning in different cultures, applies the framework to a comparative case study within one multinational company, and presents preliminary results about cultural differences in learning patterns. The results indicate that the designers in the Italian unit, representing a multi-active culture, enthusiastically use meetings for the transfer of explicit knowledge between R&D projects. In the Finnish unit, on the contrary, the designers prefer face-to-face discussion and transfer of tacit as well as codified knowledge, which is typical of a reactive culture. First results from the replication of the study in a German unit reveal that this unit prefers more structured forms of communication between projects, which fits its linear-active culture. This communication style is also observed in the Swedish centre organisation, representing a linear-active culture. At the end of this paper, some implications of cultural differences for learning strategies and reward systems in global R&D project management are discussed, and directions for future research are presented.
Genoprotective and hepatoprotective effects of Guarana (Paullinia cupana Mart. var. sorbilis) on CCl4-induced liver damage in rats

Abstract Context: Several biological effects of Paullinia cupana (guarana) have been demonstrated, but little information is available on its effects on the liver. Objective: The current study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective and genoprotective effects of powder seeds from guarana on CCl4-induced liver injury in rats. Materials and methods: Male Wistar rats were pretreated with guarana powder (100, 300 and 600 mg/kg) or silymarin 100 mg/kg daily for 14 days before treatment with a single dose of CCl4 (50% CCl4, 1 mL/kg, intraperitoneally). Results: The treatment with CCl4 significantly increased the serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). In addition, CCl4 increased the DNA damage index in hepatocytes. Guarana in all concentrations was effective in decreasing the ALT and AST activities when compared with the CCl4-treated group. The treatment with guarana decreased DNA damage index when compared with the CCl4-treated group. In addition, the DNA damage index showed a significant positive correlation with AST and ALT. Discussion and conclusion: These results indicate that the guarana has hepatoprotective activity and prevents the DNA strand breakage in the CCl4-induced liver damage in rats.
EFFECT OF ACCESS TO DUSTING SUBSTRATE ON BEHAVIOUR IN LAYERS FROM DIFFERENT TYPES OF CAGES

Summary. The objective of this work was to study effect of access restriction to dusting substrate on behaviour in laying hens when they were reared and housed for a long time under conditions close to commercial conditions. Twenty laying hens of ISABROWN hybrid at the age of 28 weeks were used in the experiment involving two types of technologies (A group from furnished cages, B group from nonfurnished cages). Means for egg production were 89.7 and 92.20 % at the ages of 28 and 29 weeks. Dustbathing was recorded in two locations of the aviary: in the housing area and in the dustbath place (DBP). The water ford obstructed the access to DBP. A DBP was made available with alternating levels of difficulty. The first level of difficulty was a lack of water ford; the others included water. Day 1 – difficulty level 1. Day 2 – difficulty level 2, access to DBP through a water (20 mm). Day 3 – difficulty level 3, access to DBP through a water (70 mm). Day 4 – difficulty level 4, access to DBP through a water (150 mm). Day 5 – difficulty level 5, access to DBP through a water (180 mm). The observations were performed during 12 hours during five consecutive days. Experiment had two repetitions. We tested the hypothesis whether limitation of access to dustbathing substrate influences behaviour of hens. Highly significant differences were found among technologies, levels of difficulty and hours. Lower average times of dustbathing in the housing area and slightly higher average times of dustbathing in the DBP were recorded in group from furnished cages. Statistical differences were calculated between groups with difficulties 1, 2 and 3. The most performed activities with each difficulty were feeding, standing, and perching. The greatest differences between groups were in the 3 rd difficulty. Hens of A group received feed longer time (312 min versus 204 min; P<0.001) and stood shorter time (36 min versus 96 min; P<0.01) than hens from B group. Results suggested that dustbathing is under the control of external factors, especially of former housing.
A Context Manager for General-Purpose Operating Systems

Context-Aware Computing aims at making computing systems able to capture context information and to adapt to it, providing context-related services and information to users. Context is any information used to characterize in some sense a person, object, or place of interest for a given user or application. Initial definitions of context-aware computing date from twenty years ago, but until now it was not yet fully made available to end users. This paper proposes a generic model of a context manager for general-purpose operating systems, alongside with its implementation and first evaluation results. This model includes methods for building, storing, and managing contexts, and an API to make such information available to applications and users.
Burkitt lymphoma versus diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: a practical approach

Burkitt Lymphoma (BL) is listed in the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of lymphoid tumours as an ‘aggressive B‐cell non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma’, characterized by a high degree of proliferation of the malignant cells and deregulation of the c‐MYC gene. The main diagnostic challenge in BL is to distinguish it from diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). While in children BL and DLBCL types probably do not differ clinically, and the differential diagnosis between BL and DLBCL may theoretically appear clear‐cut, in adults daily practice shows the existence of cases that have morphological features, immunophenotypic and cytogenetics intermediate between DLBCL and BL, and cannot be classified with certainty in these categories. Distinguishing between BL and DLBCL is critical, as the two diseases require different management. This review summarizes the current practical approach, including the use of a large panel of antibodies, and cytogenetic and molecular diagnostic techniques, to distinguish between BL, DLBCL and the provisional category of ‘B‐cell lymphoma, unclassifiable, with features intermediate between diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma and Burkitt lymphoma’, now listed in the updated WHO classification. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Making sense of G‐quadruplex and i‐motif functions in oncogene promoters

The presence and biological importance of DNA secondary structures in eukaryotic promoters are becoming increasingly recognized among chemists and biologists as bioinformatics in vitro and in vivo evidence for these structures in the c‐Myc, c‐Kit, KRAS, PDGF‐A, hTERT, Rb, RET and Hif‐1α promoters accumulates. Nevertheless, the evidence remains largely circumstantial. This minireview differs from previous ones in that here we examine the diversity of G‐quadruplex and i‐motif structures in promoter elements and attempt to categorize the different types of arrangements in which they are found. For the c‐Myc G‐quadruplex and Bcl‐2 i‐motif, we summarize recent biological and structural studies.
A global approach of electromagnetism dedicated to energy efficiency

The local laws of electromagnetism are derived from a reversible transfer of the global power exchanged throughout the electrical network. Two kinds of devices are identified: (i) those dedicated to power conversion; and their (ii) couplings involved in transmission lines, distribution busways, cablings and connections. While the finite element method appears to be the natural design tool in the former, the so-called PEEC method is the more suitable in the latter. The approach provides a unique description framework for power management, energy efficiency and dedicated design tools.
Immunoglobulin A monoclonal antibodies protect against Sendai virus

Immunoglobulin A anti-Sendai virus HN protein monoclonal antibodies, generated via a mucosal immunization protocol, were shown to neutralize virus in vitro and, when passively administered to the mouse respiratory tract, to protect against Sendai virus in vivo. Thus, immunoglobulin A antibodies by themselves can protect against respiratory virus infection.
Control of a flexible-link manipulator

This paper focuses on the tip-position control of a single flexible link which rotates in the horizontal plane. The dynamic model is derived using a Lagrangian assumed modes method based on Euler-Bernoulli beam theory. The model is then linearized about an operating point. An output feedback control strategy that uses the principle of transmission zero assignment achieves tracking for this nonminimum phase linear time-invariant system. The control strategy consists of two parts. The first part is an inner (stabilizing) control loop that incorporates a feedthrough term to assign the system's transmission zeros at desired locations in the complex plane, and a feedback term to move the system's poles to appropriate positions in the left-half plane. The second part is a feedback servo loop that allows tracking of the desired trajectory. The controller is implemented on an experimental test-bed. The performance is compared with that of a second controller based on pole placement state feedback.
VIIIR: Ag in Platelets from Patients with Various Forms of von Willebrand’s Disease

Summary Thirty patients with various forms of von Willebrand’s disease were investigated for VIIIR: Ag in their platelets. VIIIR: Ag was extracted from washed platelets and measured both with electroimmunoassay and a sensitive immunoradiometric assay. Six patients had severe von Willebrand’s disease, type I, with very low or no VIIIR: Ag in their plasma. None of these patients had any VIIIR: Ag detectable in their platelets. All 19 patients with mild von Willebrand’s disease had VIIIR: Ag in their platelets but the values often fell below those of normal controls. Five patients with genetic variants of von Willebrand’s disease also had values in their platelets corresponding to those in plasma. Von Willebrand’s disease is a bleeding disorder caused by an inherited defect in so-called factor VIII related antigen (VIIIR: Ag), which is a protein normally occurring in plasma (Zimmerman et al. 1971), endothelial cells (Bloom et al. 1973), platelets (Howard et al. 1974) and megakaryocytes (Piovella et al. 1974). The defect leads to a prolonged bleeding time and as a rule a secondary decrease in factor VIII clotting activity (VIII: C) in plasma. Von Willebrand’s disease is a heterogeneous condition (Holmberg and Nilsson 1972). It varies widely in severity, and a genetic variation causing a qualitative abnormality of VIIIR :Ag is also known (Peake et al. 1974). The disease is, as a rule, transmitted as an autosomal and dominant trait, but some severely affected individuals have been suspected to be homozygous for an autosomal and more or less recessive gene (Italian Working Group 1977, Shoa’i et al. 1977). The clinical severity of the disease varies with the amount of functional VIIIR :Ag (VIIIR: RCF) in plasma (Holmberg and Nilsson 1972, Meyer et al. 1974). Patients with severe von Willebrand’s disease have very little or no VIIIR: Ag in their plasma. They also lack the protein in their endothelial cells (Holmberg et al. 1974 b). There is evidence that also their platelets are devoid of VIIIR :Ag. In the present investigation we studied the platelet content of VIIIR: Ag in a series of patients with various types of von Willebrand’s disease. Both electroimmunoassay (EIA) and a more sensitive immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) for VIIIR: Ag were used.
Finite-time stability analysis of linear discrete-time systems via polyhedral Lyapunov functions

In this paper we consider the finite-time stability problem for discrete-time linear systems. Differently from previous papers, the stability analysis is performed with the aid of polyhedral Lyapunov functions rather than using the classical quadratic Lyapunov functions. In this way we are able to deal with more realistic constraints on the state variables; indeed, in a way which is naturally compatible with polyhedral functions, we assume that the sets to which the state variables must belong to in order to satisfy the finite-time stability requirement are boxes (or more in general polytopes) rather than ellipsoids. The main result, derived by using polyhedral Lyapunov functions, is a sufficient condition for finite-time stability of discrete-time linear systems. Some examples are presented to illustrate the advantages of the proposed methodology over existing methods.
Potentiels des données de télédétection multisources pour la cartographie géologique : Application à la région de Rehoboth (Namibie)

Les donnees de teledetection dans le domaine du Visible, de l'Infrarouge et du rayonnement Gamma ont un potentiel pour la cartographie geologique. Ce potentiel est evalue sur l'exemple de la carte geologique de Rehoboth, zone semi aride de Namibie en contexte sedimentaire. Une methode de determination des contours geologiques a ete mise au point a partir d'une combinaison de donnees multispectrales ASTER (3 bandes dans le Visible, 6 bandes dans l'Infrarouge Moyen), de donnees hyperspectrales HYPERION (242 bandes du visible a l'Infrarouge Moyen) et de donnees de rayonnement Gamma (K, U, Th). Cette methode permet de preciser la geometrie de la carte. Le potentiel des donnees HYPERION a ensuite ete evalue pour l'identification et la quantification des lithologies ' partir de deux techniques : la methode N-FindR et la methode d'Analyse en Composantes Independantes (ACI). Les tests montrent que la methode ACI permet d'identifier de facon plus fiable les composants lithologiques presents dans un pixel.
A built-in self-test strategy for wireless communication systems

Wireless communication is a rapidly expanding field and considerable research effort is underway. Electronic system manufacturers are actively trying to incorporate all of the RF, IF and baseband functions on the fewest possible ICs so as to reduce system size and cost, and to improve overall system performance. Unfortunately, without a coherent test strategy, any cost reduction gained by miniaturization will be offset by increased testing costs. In this work we propose a built-in self-test scheme for bandpass type systems such as those used in wireless communication devices. The scheme is centered around a high frequency oscillator based on bandpass delta-sigma modulation techniques and a digital extraction method. We will show through experiments that measures meaningful to the analog test engineer such as signal-to-noise ratio, frequency response and intermodulation distortion are obtainable with this method.
Recent progress in FET-type ferroelectric memories

The recent progress in FET-type ferroelectric memories is reviewed. Improvement of the data retention characteristics in MFIS (M; metal, F; ferroelectric, I; insulator, S; semiconductor)- and MFMIS-FETs is first described and recent experimental results are presented. Then, it is shown that a 1T2C-type cell, in which two ferroelectric capacitors with the same area are connected to the gate of a MOSFET, is useful in improving the data retention characteristics, and operation and integration characteristics of the cells are discussed.
Effect of advanced provision of emergency contraception on women's contraceptive behaviour: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND Emergency contraception (EC) can prevent pregnancy but is under-used. Advanced provision increases use but the effect on contraceptive behaviour varies. METHODS Women aged 18-45 years, using less effective contraceptives, were randomized to either advanced provision of three courses of EC (intervention) or to obtaining each course from clinic (control). EC use and contraceptive behaviour were monitored for 1 year. RESULTS In all, 1030 women were recruited in 6 months. The mean+/-SD number of courses of EC used in intervention versus control group was 0.56+/-1.2 versus 0.20+/-0.6 (P<0.001). In the intervention group, 47% women aged <26 years used at least one course of EC compared with 23% of older women (P<0.001). The majority of women used condoms before (intervention 89%, control 91%) and during the study (89% for both groups). Consistency of contraceptive use was higher during the study (65 versus 60% of women in both groups) (P<0.001). There were 17 unplanned pregnancies, eight in the intervention group, six of whom did not use EC in the conception cycle. CONCLUSIONS Advanced provision increases EC use especially among young women in Hong Kong. Contraceptive choice and consistency of use remains the same even among young women.
Early life exposure to chronic intermittent hypoxia causes upper airway dilator muscle weakness, which persists into young adulthood

What is the central question of this study? Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) is a dominant feature of respiratory control disorders, which are common. We sought to examine the effects of exposure to CIH during neonatal development on respiratory muscle form and function in male and female rats. What is the main finding and its importance? Exposure to CIH during neonatal development caused sternohyoid muscle weakness in both sexes; an effect that persisted into young adult life upon return to normoxia. Upper airway dilator muscle dysfunction in vivo could predispose to airway collapse, leading to impaired respiratory homeostasis.
Working Group on Treatment Options for the Maintenance of Marginal Bone Around Endosseous Oral Implants, Stockholm, Sweden, 8 and 9 September 2011. Methodology.

PURPOSE To reach through intense interactions among a group of renowned experts a better view of the treatment options available for marginal bone maintenance and eventual inflammation and/or loss around oral implants. The working group was intended to generate guidelines useful for th clinical community at large. FORMAT: Two days of interactive presentations and discussions on the basis of review papers delivered beforehand by the participants. Each of the participants was asked to focus on a particular aspect of the global theme--maintenance of marginal bone around oral implants and treatment options while keeping a global view for further discussion. From the prepared reviews only the conclusions were presented at the meeting as an introduction for the discussions. The reviews were distributed among all participants beforehand and, if needed, the other participants could draw the attention of the author on missing aspects and references prior to the meeting. A general consensus was formulated. The consensus was amended during the two days of the meeting until a unanimous opinion was reached. Minority statements could be considered. The review papers were not required to be systematic reviews (time and means were lacking) but they were to be valuable critical analyses considering the internationally recognised expertise of the authors.
Early neutral prebiotic oligosaccharide supplementation reduces the incidence of some allergic manifestations in the first 5 years of life.

BACKGROUND A mixture of neutral prebiotic oligosaccharides has been shown to reduce the incidence of atopic dermatitis (AD) and allergy associated symptoms during the first 2 years of life. OBJECTIVE To evaluate if this protective effect against allergy lasted beyond the intervention period until 5 y of age. METHODS In a prospective, double blind, placebo-controlled fashion, healthy term infants at risk of atopy were fed either a prebiotic-supplemented (0.8 g/100 ml scGOS/lcFOS) or placebo-supplemented (0.8 g/100 ml maltodextrin) hypoallergenic formula during the first 6 mo of life. Following this intervention period, follow-up continued until 5 y of life. The present study evaluated (i) the cumulative incidence of allergic manifestations during 5 y, and (ii) the prevalence of allergic and persistent allergic manifestations at 5 y. Monitored allergic manifestations were AD, recurrent wheezing, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria. RESULTS Ninety-two children (50 in placebo group, 42 in intervention group) completed the 5-y follow-up. The 5-y cumulative incidences of any allergic manifestation and atopic dermatitis were significantly lower in the scGOS/lcFOS group (30.9, 19.1 %, respectively) compared to placebo group (66, 38 %, respectively) (p< 0.01 and< 0.05). Children in the scGOS/lcFOS group tended to have a lower incidence of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and allergic urticaria (4.8 vs 16% for both manifestations, p=0.08). There was no difference in the cumulative incidence of recurrent wheezing. With regard to the prevalences at 5 y, intervention group had significantly lower prevalence of any persistent allergic manifestation and rhinoconjunctivitis (4.8, 2.4 %, respectively) compared to placebo (26, 14 %, respectively) (p < 0.01 and =0.05). Prevalence of persistent AD tended to be lower in the intervention group (2.4 vs 12%, p= 0.09). Although intervention group had 75% reduction in the prevalence of persistent wheezing (4.8 vs 14 %), no significance was shown. CONCLUSION Oligosaccharide prebiotics (scGOS/lcFOS), when started early in life have a protective effect against allergic manifestations in high risk infants. The protection lasts beyond infancy until 5 y of life, for AD and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Long-term follow-up studies in larger populations are warranted to evaluate the potential preventive effect of this mixture on asthma.
Au th or ' s pe rs on al co py Higher-order exploratory factor analysis of theReynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales with a referred sample

The factor structure of the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales (RIAS; [Reynolds, C.R., & Kamphaus, R.W. (2003). Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales. Lutz, FL: Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc.]) was investigated with a large (N=1163) independent sample of referred students (ages 6–18). More rigorous factor extraction criteria (viz., Horn's parallel analysis (HPA); [Horn, J.L. (1965). A rationale and test for the number of factors in factor analysis. Psychometrika, 30, 179–185. ], and Minimum Average Partial (MAP) analysis; [Velicer, W.F. (1976). Determining the number of components from the matrix of partial correlations. Psychometrika, 41, 321–327. ]), in addition to those used in RIAS development, were investigated. Exploratory factor analyses using both orthogonal and oblique rotations and higher-order exploratory factor analyses using the Schmid and Leiman [Schmid, J., and Leiman, J.M. (1957). The development of hierarchical factor solutions. Psychometrika, 22, 53–61. ] procedure were conducted. All factor extraction criteria indicated extraction of only one factor. Oblique rotations resulted in different results than orthogonal rotations, and higher-order factor analysis indicated the largest amount of Journal of School Psychology 45 (2007) 439–456 ⁎ Corresponding author. Department of Psychology, University of Montana, Skaggs Building 203, Missoula, MT 59812, United States. Tel. : +1 406 243 4527; fax: +1 406 243 6366. E-mail address: jason.nelson@umontana.edu (J.M. Nelson). 0022-4405/$ see front matter © 2007 Society for the Study of School Psychology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.jsp. 2007.03. 003 Au th or 's pe rs on al co py variance was accounted for by the general intelligence factor. The proposed three-factor solution was not supported. Implications for the use of the RIAS with similarly referred students are discussed. © 2007 Society for the Study of School Psychology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.