Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
X-ray flare in XRF 050406: evidence for prolonged engine activity

We present observations of XRF 050406, an X‐ray flash with a relatively low fluence (∼ 10−7 erg cm−2 in the 15–350 keV band), a soft spectrum (photon index Γγ = 2.65), no significant flux above ∼ 50 keV and a peak energy Ep < 15 keV. XRF 050406 is the first burst detected by Swift clearly showing a flare in its X‐ray light curve. The flare peaks 210 s after the BAT trigger, presents a flux variation δF/F ∼ 6 in a timescale δt/tpeak ≪ 1 and a measured fluence of 1–15% of the prompt one. We argue that the producing mechanism is late internal shocks, which implies that the central engine is still active at 210 s, though with a reduced power with respect to the prompt emission. The X‐ray light curve flattens to a more shallow slope with a decay index of ∼ 0.5 after ∼ 4400 s, also supporting continued central engine activity.
Healthcare burden associated with the post‐thrombotic syndrome and potential impact of the new oral anticoagulants

Deep‐vein thrombosis (DVT) can have a significant impact on a patient’s life. In particular, the development of post‐thrombotic syndrome as a long‐term complication of DVT can have devastating consequences for the individual and impose a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems. Anticoagulants are the mainstay of DVT treatment; however, the current standard of care, a parenteral anticoagulant followed by a vitamin K antagonist, is associated with complex patient management, often resulting in suboptimal therapy. New, oral anticoagulants have been developed, and a direct thrombin inhibitor ‐ dabigatran etexilate ‐ and two direct Factor Xa inhibitors ‐ rivaroxaban and apixaban ‐ have completed and/or have ongoing phase III trials in the treatment of venous thromboembolism. These agents do not have the drawbacks of the vitamin K antagonists and hold promise for more effective treatment of DVT, possibly resulting in a reduction in the incidence of post‐thrombotic syndrome.
Does the Variance of Customer Satisfaction Matter for Firm Performance

Although much attention has been paid to customer satisfaction (CS) as a leading indicator of firm performance, few studies have investigated the role of CS distribution across individual customers. With 10 years of National Customer Satisfaction Index (NCSI) data in Korea, we examine the relationship between the variance of CS and key corporate performance measures such as revenue, profit, Tobin’s q, and stock return. There are three main findings. First, we confirm the findings of previous studies that the average CS for a firm is related to the firm’s economic performance. Second, we find a moderating effect of CS variance such that the relationship between the level of CS and firm performance is attenuated by the variance of CS. Finally, the variance of CS is found to directly affect firm performance over and above the CS level effect. More specifically, the variance decreases sales and stock return.
The secondary prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation.

During ward consultations we are often asked whether a patient with stroke and atrial fibrillation (AF) should receive anticoagulants to prevent recurrence. Of late this question has been less often asked, perhaps because our colleagues prefer a more definitive answer than the one we are able to give to a question that they quite rightly believe ought to have a definite answer. Our reply is usually that we do not know, because the data needed to make a decision are either nonexistent or inadequate. Anticoagulant therapy should, in theory, be helpful. The rationale is reasonably logical and based on the notion that AF (from any cause) leads in some way to the formation of a thrombus in the left atrium. The thrombus then can be carried away— in whole or in part—to the brain, causing cerebral infarction and stroke; subsequent, long-term anticoagulant therapy interferes with this process of thromboembolism and
Implications of a 2005 measles outbreak in Indiana for sustained elimination of measles in the United States.

BACKGROUND Measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000 but remains endemic worldwide. In 2005, a 17-year-old unvaccinated girl who was incubating measles returned from Romania, creating the largest documented outbreak of measles in the United States since 1996. METHODS We conducted a case-series investigation, molecular typing of viral isolates, surveys of rates of vaccination coverage, interviews regarding attitudes toward vaccination, and cost surveys. RESULTS Approximately 500 persons attended a gathering with the index patient one day after her return home. Approximately 50 lacked evidence of measles immunity, of whom 16 (32 percent) acquired measles at the gathering. During the six weeks after the gathering, a total of 34 cases of measles were confirmed. Of the patients with confirmed measles, 94 percent were unvaccinated, 88 percent were less than 20 years of age, and 9 percent were hospitalized. Of the 28 patients who were 5 to 19 years of age, 71 percent were home-schooled. Vaccine failure occurred in two persons. The virus strain was genotype D4, which is endemic in Romania. Although containment measures began after 20 persons were already infectious, measles remained confined mostly to children whose parents had refused to have them vaccinated, primarily out of concern for adverse events from the vaccine. Seventy-one percent of patients were from four households. Levels of measles-vaccination coverage in Indiana were 92 percent for preschoolers and 98 percent for sixth graders. Estimated costs of containing the disease were at least 167,685 dollars, including 113,647 dollars at a hospital with an infected employee. CONCLUSIONS This outbreak was caused by the importation of measles into a population of children whose parents had refused to have them vaccinated because of safety concerns about the vaccine. High vaccination levels in the surrounding community and low rates of vaccine failure averted an epidemic. Maintenance of high rates of vaccination coverage, including improved strategies of communication with persons who refuse vaccination, is necessary to prevent future outbreaks and sustain the elimination of measles in the United States.
Using Building Plans and Self-Contained Sensors with GNSS Initialization for Indoor Navigation

This article presents a method for indoor pedestrian navigation based on low-cost inertial sensors and building plan information with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) based initialization. The inertial sensors are utilized in a step-detecting mechanization and the position is estimated with a particle filter using the building as a motion constraint. In the article it is demonstrated that the method is capable of tracking a pedestrian when initialized indoors using a high-sensitivity GNSS receiver. Field test results show that building plan constraints are efficient in preventing the inherent error accumulation of dead-reckoning type navigation systems, thus enabling autonomous dead reckoning for prolonged periods of time. The proposed method does not rely on local infrastructure or signals of opportunity such as wireless LAN observations, and is thus suitable for, e.g., first responders.
Modeling, information flows, performance, strategy and competitiveness across the service value chain

Modeling, information flows, performance (measures and benchmarking), strategy and competitiveness are all interrelated within the service value chain. The 'service value chain' is defined as the flexible, dynamic, delivery of a service, and/or product, by a business and its coordinated value chains (supply chains and demand chains working in networked harmony), such that an intelligent, value-adding (external or peripheral partners), specific (internal partners), service and/or product solution (intelligent customer targeted) is effectively, and efficiently, delivered to the individual customer in a timely, physical or virtual manner. The physical and virtual framework from which service value chains may be evaluated is developed, and specifically extended into the virtual service value chain model. Critical components of this model are explained. A strategic competitive positioning approach is outlined and the constructs and their relationship in the development of infomation flows, measures, benchmarking, performance, strategy and competitiveness are explained. This virtual service value chain model, combined with a targeted industry approach and virtual balanced scorecard approach, offers a mechanism whereby a business (or a large multinational enterprise (MNE)) may enhance the competitive strategic positioning and strategic alignment.
The fetal splenic vein flow pattern and fetal inflammatory response in the preterm prelabor rupture of membranes

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the intensity of the fetal inflammatory response, characterized by umbilical cord blood IL-6 levels, and neonatal outcome in the preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) pregnancies using the pulsatile fetal splenic vein flow pattern. Methods: Women with singleton pregnancies complicated by PPROM at a gestational age between 24 + 0 and 36 + 6 weeks were included in the study. Doppler evaluation of the fetal splenic vein flow was performed. The flow-velocity waveform pattern was evaluated qualitatively as continuous or pulsatile. The umbilical cord blood interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were evaluated after delivery. The fetal inflammatory response was defined as IL-6 >11 pg/mL. Results: In total, 129 women were included. The fetuses with pulsatile splenic vein flow exhibited higher IL-6 levels in umbilical cord blood (median: 56.7 pg/mL versus 5.6 pg/mL; p < 0.0001) and had a higher rate of fetal inflammatory response syndrome (71% versus 35%; p = 0.0005) than fetuses with continuous flow. The pulsatile flow pattern was related to a higher rate of early onset neonatal sepsis (odds ratio 4.2; 95% confidence interval: 1.3–13.5). Conclusion: The presence of pulsatile fetal splenic vein flow in PPROM pregnancies is associated with fetal inflammatory response and neonatal morbidity.
Implementation of Mod-16 Counter using Verilog-A Model of CNTFET 1

Carbon Nanotube Field Effect Transistor (CNTFET) has a wide scope in the field of Nanotechnology. These are currently considered as the replacement to the Si MOSFET. These devices show the ballistic transport in the current conduction. In this paper, a Verilog-A formulation of the Stanford compact model is used for the simulation of different logic gates in Cadence and finally Mod-16 Counter is simulated. The outputs of the simulations have been extensively studied. When then outputs of CNTFET are compared with that of silicon technology, CNTFET shows much better device performance in terms of power.
Challenges of coverage policy development for next-generation tumor sequencing panels: experts and payers weigh in.

BACKGROUND Next-generation tumor sequencing (NGTS) panels, which include multiple established and novel targets across cancers, are emerging in oncology practice, but lack formal positive coverage by US payers. Lack of coverage may impact access and adoption. This study identified challenges of NGTS coverage by private payers. METHODS We conducted semi-structured interviews with 14 NGTS experts on potential NGTS benefits, and with 10 major payers, representing more than 125,000,000 enrollees, on NGTS coverage considerations. We used the framework approach of qualitative research for study design and thematic analyses and simple frequencies to further describe findings. RESULTS All interviewed payers see potential NGTS benefits, but all noted challenges to formal coverage: 80% state that inherent features of NGTS do not fit the medical necessity definition required for coverage, 70% view NGTS as a bundle of targets versus comprehensive tumor characterization and may evaluate each target individually, and 70% express skepticism regarding new evidence methods proposed for NGTS. Fifty percent of payers expressed sufficient concerns about NGTS adoption and implementation that will preclude their ability to issue positive coverage policies. CONCLUSIONS Payers perceive that NGTS holds significant promise but, in its current form, poses disruptive challenges to coverage policy frameworks. Proactive multidisciplinary efforts to define the direction for NGTS development, evidence generation, and incorporation into coverage policy are necessary to realize its promise and provide patient access. This study contributes to current literature, as possibly the first study to directly interview US payers on NGTS coverage and reimbursement.
Spatially structured population dynamics in feral oilseed rape

We studied the population dynamics of feral oilseed rape (Brassica napus) for 10 years (1993–2002) in 3658 adjacent permanent 100 m quadrats in the verges of the M25 motorway around London, UK. The aim was to determine the relative importance of different factors affecting the observed temporal patterns of population dynamics and their spatial correlations. A wide range of population dynamics was observed (downward or upward trends, cycles, local extinctions and recolonizations), but overall the populations were not self–replacing (λ < 1). Many quadrats remained unoccupied throughout the study period, but a few were occupied at high densities for all 10 years. Most quadrats showed transient oilseed rape populations, lasting 1–4 years. There were strong spatial patterns in mean population density, associated with soil conditions and the successional age of the plant community dominating the verge, and these large–scale spatial patterns were highly consistent from year to year. The importance of seed spilled from trucks in transit to the processing plant at Erith in Kent was confirmed: rape populations were significantly higher on the ‘to Erith’ verge than the ‘from Erith’ verge (overall mean 2.83–fold greater stem density). Quadrats in which λ > 1 were much more frequent in the ‘to Erith’ verge, indicating that seed immigration can give the spurious impression of self–replacing population dynamics in time–series analysis. There was little evidence of a pervasive Moran effect, and climatic forcing did not produce widespread large–scale synchrony in population dynamics for the motorway as a whole; just 23% of quadrats had significant rank correlations with the mean time–series. There was, however, significant local spatial synchrony of population dynamics, apparently associated with soil disturbance and seed input. This study draws attention to the possibility that different processes may impose population synchrony at different scales. We hypothesize that synchrony in this system is driven by at least three processes: small–scale, local forcing caused by soil disturbance, intermediate–scale forcing as a result of seed input, and large–scale climatic forcing (e.g. winter rainfall) that affects the motorway as a whole.
Pengaruh Information Asymmetry dan Budget Participation terhadap Managerial Performance dengan Goal Commitment sebagai Variabel Intervening

Performance manager in a corporation it is important to determine the success of our goals and objectives that have been set by the central management. The executive manager at the branch office is required to achieve the objectives and targets, therefore they must have a commitment to the goals to be achieved by the company. This study empirically investigate the antecedents, mediation, and the outcome variable of budget participation in branch distribution companies, sales of vehicles (cars). The branch company received the targets set by the management of the center has information that will be different with the real in the enterprise branch, the so-called information asymmetry. The research proposes that the asymmetry of information between supervisors and subordinates created the need for the achievement of the performance manager mediated by goal commitment. Besides the participation of the budget to achieve the performance manager is also mediated by goal commitment. Based on a questionnaire survey of 98 managers at the branch office distribution company Toyota brand vehicles in Jakarta and Bandung. The data were analyzed using structure equation modeling (SEM) of analysis of Partial Least Squere (PLS), SmartPLS program). We found that budgetary participation has a significant positive effect on the achievement of the performance of managers with goal commitment mediated by the manager. This contrasts with the results of the information asymmetry that is not a positive influence on the performance of managers whose goal commitment is mediated by the manager. With the goal of the commitment of the branch manager it will increase the performance of the manager itself so that it will achieve its goals set forth by the central management. This research will be beneficial for the company in general and for organizations in developing countries in particular realize that the budget does not increase the participation of managerial performance in the absence of a strong commitment to the company's. Keywords: Information Asymmetry; Budget Participation; Goal Commitment; Managerial Performance
Blockchain Technology: Digitizing the Global Financial System

Recent technological innovations have sparked massive restructurings across the entire global economy. Despite the changes that have already taken place, an underutilized and emerging technology, known as “blockchain,” has the potential to disrupt every segment of the financial services sector. Using information and data accessed through the Bridgewater State library database, analyst reports, news articles, and the Bloomberg Terminal, this paper details the intricacies of blockchain technology, determines its potential effect on the global financial system, and reflects on its initial implementation with the creation of Bitcoin currency. While Bitcoin, a new cryptocurrency first invented in 2008, drew attention to the potential “digitization of money,” the incredible underlying technology that makes the transfer of digital currency possible was mostly ignored. Utilizing the power of the Internet and complex mathematical algorithms, two parties are able to transfer assets to each other in a safe and efficient manner. A “distributed ledger” of historical transactions is published to every network participant, enabling verification that the transferor possesses the asset(s) that he/she claims to. While the technology is complex by nature, its potential effect is straight-forward: elimination of the need for financial intermediaries in the payment process. Consequently, financial services organizations that do not take the appropriate steps to remain proactive to the implementation of blockchain may see their business models become entirely obsolete.
SHG Federations as Livelihood Support Organizations

The last two decades has witnessed a phenomenal growth in the number of Self Help groups (SHGs) and SHG federations in India. There were an estimated 1, 78,664 SHG federations in India during 2013-14. SHG federations emerged as important institutions to take over the functions formerly provided by SHG promoting organizations. Placed in a situation where small size of SHGs and their limited financial and human resourcesdid not allow it to deal with larger financial and non-financial, livelihood issues affecting their women members, SHG federations were to address this gap. It was to go beyond being mere financial intermediaries to also become livelihood promotion organizations. The paper argues that while SHG Federations have emerged as financial intermediaries, its role as livelihood support organizations is still a question mark. The study looks at the role of SHG federations as livelihood support organizations.
Internal audit, audit committee and independent auditor and its effect on internal control disclosure

Annual reports are the most comprehensive documents available for public and become one of primary source for researchers.Currently, there is no international standard for annual report content and presentation.Every country has their own regulations on annual reports.One of the components must be disclosed in the annual report according to Bapepam (Indonesian Capital Market Oversight Board) is an internal control section. This study aims to examine whether there are differences in the disclosure of internal control in companies included and excluded in the superior category.In addition, this study aims to identify the influence of the internal audit function, the audit committee and the independent auditor on the disclosure of internal control. Internal audit is a function of the control structure of entities, while in corporate governance, the audit committee is responsible for assisting the board of directors to ensure that the financial statements and internal control structure are presented adequately.This research was conducted using content analysis of the company’s annual report. In this research, samples were grouped into two categories: included and excluded in the superior category.In the superior category, there were 30 public companies whose shares were included in IDX30 (IDX30 is a new index in Indonesian Stock Exchange for investors who trade large-cap shares with high liquidity and consists of 30 stocks from blue-chip companies). Then, with matched sampling method, 30 companies were taken as an equivalent comparison. Moreover, the results of the content analysis were processed furthermore through path analysis. The result reveals that there were differences in the two categories.The IDX30 group disclosed more satisfied internal control disclosure than the non-IDX30 group.The results of path analysis found that the internal audit function and the audit committee positively affect the disclosure of internal control.
RURAL – URBAN MIGRATION AND THE FEASIBILITY OF REVERSE MIGRATION IN THE STATE OF ODISHA.

Migration is simply understand that the movement to a new area or country from old place for better work or living conditions and also the movement from or living conditions and also the movement from one part of something to another. The very phenomena of migration have been persistently found right from the ancient era of human civilization. But in recent years the rate of rural – urban migration has become alarming as more people drift in to urban centre’ from the rural areas. This study is based upon the cause and effect of migration as well as needs and feasibility of reverse migration (urban –rural) in Odisha. It also tries to establish various key factors which would further encourage urban to rural migration for obtaining overall growth and productivity of the rural sector. As interpretive structural modeling (ISM) methodology has been applied to find out some of the key driving factors responsible for attainment of reverse migration. Secondary data has been used for study from various sources like Odisha economic survey, census data of India (ICSSR (Indian council of social science research), UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) report, NSS (National Sample Survey) data, statistical abstracts of Odisha and Odisha annual action plan (2011 – 12), finally with a board discussion over the nature, trend, causes and consequences on internal migration, the strategy of reverse migration has been suggested to be the key enabler for the revolutionary changes of Odisha.
Vibration reduction of offshore structures via output feedback H∞ tracking control

This paper deals with output feedback tracking H∞ control problem for an offshore structure subject to irregular wave forces. In the offshore structure under consideration, an active mass damper is installed at the top of the offshore structure to suppress the vibration of the system. Based on an uncertain dynamic model of the offshore structure, a robust output feedback H∞ tracking controller is proposed to attenuate the wave-induced vibration of the offshore. Simulation examples are provided to demonstrate effectiveness and superiority of the proposed active control schemes.