Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electronic ferroelectricity in molecular organic crystals

Electronic ferroelectricity in molecular organic crystals is reviewed from a theoretical perspective. In particular, we focus on the charge-driven-type electronic ferroelectricity where electronic charge order without inversion symmetry induces a spontaneous electric polarization in quarter-filling systems. Two necessary conditions to realize this type of ferroelectricity are the dimer-type lattice structure and alternate electronic charge alignments. Some prototypical organic compounds are introduced. In particular, κ-type BEDT-TTF organic salts, which are termed the dimer-Mott insulating systems, are focused on. Recent developments in the theoretical researches for dielectric and magnetodielectric properties, a collective dipole excitation and a possibility of superconductivity induced by polar charge fluctuation are reviewed. Some perspectives are presented.
The Effects of Entrepreneur Characteristics and Gender-Based Management and Communication Styles fro

The similarities and differences in management and communication styles of male and female entrepreneurs are considered because the authors felt that these might interact with recognized entrepreneurial behavior and hence impact on the working life of employees and the performance of business enterprises. This is done through an extensive literature search and a study of empirical research, one a study within archetypal small businesses and one within a small business unit of a large organization.The relationship of gender differences on entrepreneurial characteristics and the resultant impact on the success or otherwise of business enterprises is looked at in great depth. A management process (internal marketing) framework is then discussed in relationship to these gender and entrepreneurial characteristics and the conclusion is drawn that adopting such a management process is more likely to be attractive to female entrepreneurs and less so to the male entrepreneur.
PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE Original Studies Feasibility of Carotid Artery Stenting in Patients With Angiographic String Sign

Background: Treatment of angiographic string sign (SS) of the carotid artery with carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stenting (CAS) has been associated with a high incidence of periprocedural neurological events. We describe our experience with CAS in a case series of symptomatic patients with severe carotid stenosis and angiographic SS. Methods: We performed a retrospective review from 1999 to 2009 using our cardiac cath laboratory database and identified nine patients with the angiographic SS who underwent CAS. All patients were referred for carotid angiography by a neurologist due to symptoms (stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)). All lesions were predilated and treated with self-expanding stents. Distal protection devices were utilized (six patients) once they became available. Periprocedural outcomes and long-term follow-up was reviewed when available. Results: The average time from onset of symptoms to CAS was 45 days. All CAS procedures were technically and clinically successful without acute complications. One year follow-up was available in eight patients. One patient had a possible TIA, and the remaining seven patients did not report any events (death, stroke, TIA or myocardial infarction). Carotid ultrasound evaluation at 12 months was available in six patients and showed no evidence of restenosis. Conclusions: In our experience, CAS in patients with severe symptomatic carotid stenosis and angiographic SS is feasible, with an acceptably low periprocedural complication rate. VC 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Comparing the risk profiles of renewable and natural gas electricity contracts: A summary of the California Department of Water Resources contracts

LBNL- 50965 ERNEST O R L A N D O L A W R E N C E B E R K E L E Y NATIONAL LABORATORY Comparing the Risk Profiles of Renewable and Natural Gas Electricity Contracts: A Summary of the California Department of Water Resources Contracts Devra Bachrach, Ryan Wiser, Mark Bolinger, and William Golove Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory 1 Cyclotron Rd., M S 90-4000 Berkeley, California 94720 Environmental Energy Technologies Division March 2003 Download from: http://eetd.lbl. gOv/ea/EMS/EMS_pubs. html#RE The work described in this study was funded by the Assistant Secretary of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy of the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC03-76SF0098. i
Photorefractive-Damage-Resistant Locally Er–Mg-Doped Near-Stoichiometric Ti : Mg : Er : LiNbO$_{3}$ Strip Waveguides: A Way Towards New Devices

We report photorefractive-damage-resistant near-stoichiometric (NS) Ti : Mg : Er : LiNbO3 strip waveguides fabricated on an initially congruent, undoped Z-cut substrate in sequence by local Er-doping in air, Mg-Ti prediffusion in wet O2 atmosphere, and post vapor-transport-equilibration. These waveguides with an initial Ti-strip width of 4-7 μm are single-mode at 1.3-1.5 μm, support only transverse-magnetic mode, and have a loss of 1.4 dB/cm. The waveguides are NS, still retain LiNbO3 phase, and show stable 1531-nm small-signal enhancement under the 980-nm pump power of at least 216 mW, implying that the photorefractive effect is effectively suppressed. The waveguides would open up a way towards new devices.
Understanding Feeding Behavior to Maximize the Potential of Dairy Rations

In domesticated cattle production systems, animals rely on people to provide them with sufficient food, water, and shelter to promote growth, productivity, health, and welfare. Past research in dairy cattle nutrition has focused almost exclusively on the nutrient aspects of the diet, which has led to many discoveries and improvements in dairy cattle health and production. However, despite many advances in the field of ruminant nutrition, we are still faced with the challenge of ensuring adequate dry matter intake (DMI) to maximize production and prevent disease, particularly with lactating dairy cows. Since changes in DMI must ultimately be mediated by changes in feeding behavior, it is important to understand the factors that influence this behavior.
Ieee Projects 100% Working Code + Documentation+ Explaination – Best Price Shadow Detection of Man-made Buildings in High- Resolution Panchromatic Satellite Images

High-resolution satellite imagery is considered an excellent candidate for extracting information about the human activities on Earth. The information about residential development and suburban area mapping is of interest that can be obtained from these images. Shadow of structures such as man-made buildings is one of the main cues for structure detection in panchromatic high-resolution satellite imagery. However, to correctly exploit the information of the shadow in an image, the shadow needs to be detected and isolated first. In this paper, we propose a new algorithm for shadow detection and isolation of buildings in high-resolution panchromatic satellite imagery. The proposed algorithm is based on tailoring the traditional model of the geometric active contours such that the new model of the contours is systematically biased toward segmenting the shadow and the dark regions in the image. The systematic biasing in the proposed contour model is accomplished by novel encoding of the radiometric characteristics of the shadows regions. After detecting and segmenting the shadow and the dark regions in the image, further processing steps are introduced. The proposed postprocessing is based on selection of optimal threshold and a boundary complexity metric to distinguish the true shadows from the clutter. Experimental results are presented to validate the performance of the proposed algorithm on real high-resolution panchromatic satellite images.
Thin Radar Absorber Using an Artificial Magnetic Ground Plane

This paper provides experimental and numerical simulation verification of the radar absorbing properties of an ultra-thin radar absorber. The absorber takes the form of an artificial magnetic conductor with surface mounted resistors. Electromagnetic simulations show the confinement of current distributed across the surface which results as a consequence of plane wave excitation. For the first time it was shown experimentally that with this arrangement better than -17 dB reflection loss can be obtained at 4.64 GHz, it is also shown that the structure exhibits azimuthal variation in reflected energy under plane wave excitation of less than 2 dB. Further we show that under linear polarization excitation that the structure can be further simplified by resistor removal, and that the 0deg artificial magnetic conductor reflection phase condition does not necessarily provide optimum reduction in reflected energy
A simulation model of transversal artificial muscle deformation and dynamics

This paper presents the modeling of Transversal Artificial Muscles. The innovative construction enables transversal deformation of the muscle, what allows obtaining a linear displacement by changing a diameter of a muscle without changing its length. The model simulates the motion of a PAM caused by a force which depended on pressure and deformation. Theoretically predicted capacities, like generated force, volume expansion and inflation pressure, were compared by experimental methods. In the paper there is shown comparison of dynamic model and experimental results of research.
Performance Appraisal and Employees’ Perceptions

Background. This research provides empirical evidence relating to sales employee percep- tions and performance appraisal (PA) procedures in the pharmaceutical industry. Previous studies suggest that organisational processes underpin perceptions among employees, and are trigger factors for employee satisfaction and retention as well as higher employee attrition that can influence customer satisfaction and organisational performance. Research aims. The study identifies critical factors related to performance appraisal. Methodology. In order to achieve the aim the multiple qualitative in-depth case studies have been employed. Rey findings. In particular, seven factors were found to account for the majority of negative perceptions among sales employees about the PA process and the organisation. Furthermore, the study suggests the need for clear organisational performance definitions and strategic objectives, and to take into account such factors as, the objectives of a PA exercise, proper feedback mechanisms related to the process and their alignment to a clear reward system to enable organisations in the industry to obtain procedural and organisational benefits. Support for conducting field work in Pakistan is provided.
Triple Combination Chemotherapy with Cisplatin, Docetaxel, and Irinotecan for Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: A Phase I/II Trial

Background: To determine the recommended dose and evaluate the response rate and toxicity of triplet chemotherapy using cisplatin, docetaxel, and irinotecan for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with stage IIIB or IV. Methods: A total of 65 patients (33 men and 32 women) with advanced NSCLC, a good performance status, and 65 years of age or younger were included in these phase I/II studies. The median age was 52 years. Most patients had performance status 1 (49/65) and stage IV disease (49/65). Adenocarcinoma was the most common tumor histology (55 patients). Cisplatin and docetaxel were given on day 1 and irinotecan on day 2; the cycles were repeated every 3 weeks. Results: In the phase I study, the maximum tolerated doses of combination cisplatin/docetaxel/irinotecan were, respectively, 80/60/60 (mg/m2) and the recommended doses for the phase II study were determined to be 60/60/60 (mg/m2), respectively. The dose-limiting toxicities were neutropenia, neutropenic fever, and diarrhea. In the phase II study, 157 cycles of chemotherapy were delivered to 49 patients (median three cycles per patient). The objective response rate was 57.1% (95% confidence interval: 43.1%–71.1%). The median survival time and the actual 2-, 3- and estimated 5-year survival rates were 17 months, 33%, 25%, and 18%, respectively. Grade 3/4 toxicities consisted of neutropenia (92%), neutropenic fever (45%), nausea/vomiting (27%), diarrhea (35%), and hepatic toxicity (2%); there were no cases of treatment-related death. Conclusion: This triplet chemotherapy has shown a promising activity against advanced NSCLC according to admission-based treatment with adequate supportive care. The principal toxicity was neutropenic fever, but supportive care should be explored to reduce this incidence.
Use of hearing AIDS and assistive listening devices in an older Australian population.

BACKGROUND Hearing loss is a common sensory impairment experienced by older persons. Evidence shows that the use of hearing aids and/or assistive listening devices (ALDs) can benefit those with a hearing loss but that historically the uptake and use of these technologies has remained relatively low compared with the number of people who report a hearing loss. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, usage, and factors associated with the use of hearing aids and ALDs in an older representative Australian population. RESEARCH DESIGN A population-based survey. STUDY SAMPLE A total of 2956 persons out of 3914 eligible people between the ages of 49 and 99 yr (mean age 67.4 yr), living in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney, completed a hearing study conducted from 1997 to 2003. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Hearing levels were assessed using pure tone audiometry, and subjects were administered a comprehensive hearing survey by audiologists, which included questions about hearing aid and ALD usage. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with hearing aid and ALD usage. RESULTS Of the surveyed population, 33% had a hearing loss as measured in the better ear. 4.4% had used an ALD in the past 12 mo, and 11% owned a hearing aid. Of current hearing aid owners, 24% never used their aids. ALD and hearing aid usage were found to be associated with increasing age, hearing loss, and self-perceived hearing disability. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that hearing aid ownership and ALD usage remains low in the older population. Given the significant proportion of older people who self-report and have a measured hearing loss, it is possible that more could be helped through the increased use of hearing aid and/or ALD technology. Greater efforts are needed to promote the benefits of these technologies and to support their use among older people with hearing loss.
The governance implications when it is outsourced

This chapter considers the governance issues raised by the increasing use of external parties to supply IT resources (including packaged enterprise software). The chapter briefly reviews existing formal governance frameworks and their treatment of IT outsourcing, then introduces an analytical model for considering outsourcing benefits and risks. The chapter then goes on to highlight some strategic IT governance issues that become critical once a firm outsources a significant proportion of its IT services. The aim of the chapter is to alert decision makers to the fact that outsourcing IT incorporates residual risks even when widely recommended operational controls are implemented. It concludes that effective control processes are necessary, but not sufficient for good corporate governance and suggests that those responsible for corporate governance ensure that both operational and strategic governance issues are considered when IT is substantially outsourced
Named Entity Recognition for English Tweets using Random Kitchen Sink Algorithm

The information obtained electronically is vast and difficult for users to access the exact information within permissible time. The various Natural Language Processing (NLP) task has been carried out in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to extract structured information from this large amount of unstructured data. Named Entity Recognition (NER) is one such Information Extraction (IE) system which identifies the elements such as name of person, location, organization, quantities, time expressions etc. and classify into set of pre-defined classes. In this thesis, language independent system is developed using Machine Learning algorithms such as Conditional Random Field (CRF), Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Random Kitchen Sink (RKS). A unique approach has been carried out in implementing Random Kitchen Sink algorithm for Named Entity Recognition. This paper deals with RKS for English tweets. The accuracy for this system is obtained as 82.60%.
Video-Gaming Among High School Students: Health Correlates, Gender Differences, and Problematic Gaming

OBJECTIVE: Video game playing may negatively impact youth. However, the existing literature on gaming is inconsistent and often has focused on aggression rather than the health correlates of gaming and the prevalence and correlates of problematic gaming. METHODS: We anonymously surveyed 4028 adolescents about gaming and reported problems with gaming and other health behaviors. A total of 51.2% of the sample reported gaming (76.3% of boys and 29.2% of girls). RESULTS: There were no negative health correlates of gaming in boys and lower odds of smoking regularly; however, girls who reported gaming were less likely to report depression and more likely to report getting into serious fights and carrying a weapon to school. Among gamers, 4.9% reported problematic gaming, defined as reporting trying to cut back, experiencing an irresistible urge to play, and experiencing a growing tension that could only be relieved by playing. Boys were more likely to report these problems (5.8%) than girls (3.0%). Correlates of problematic gaming included regular cigarette smoking, drug use, depression, and serious fights. Results suggest that gaming is largely normative in boys and not associated with many health factors. In girls, however, gaming seems to be associated with more externalizing behaviors and fewer internalizing symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of problematic gaming is low but not insignificant, and problematic gaming may be contained within a larger spectrum of externalizing behaviors. More research is needed to define safe levels of gaming, refine the definition of problematic gaming, and evaluate effective prevention and intervention strategies.
Reduction of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp. on laboratory-inoculated mung bean seed by chlorine treatmentt.

Three U.S. outbreaks of foodborne illness due to consumption of contaminated raw mung bean sprouts occurred in the past 2 years and were caused by Salmonella Enteritidis. The original source of the pathogens is thought to have been the seed. The aim of this study was to determine whether treatment with aqueous chlorine would eliminate the pathogens from mung bean seed inoculated in the laboratory with four-strain cocktails of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp. Treatments (for 5, 10, or 15 min) with buffered (500 mM potassium phosphate, pH 6.8) or unbuffered solutions containing 0.3 or 3.0% (wt/vol) Ca(OCl)2 were tested. In order to mimic common commercial practice, seed was rinsed before and after treatment with sterile tap water. Treatment for 15 min with buffer (500 mM potassium phosphate, pH 6.8) or sterile water in combination with the seed rinses resulted in maximum reductions of approximately 3 log10 CFU/g. The largest reductions (4 to 5 log10 CFU/g) for the chlorine treatments in combination with the rinses were obtained after treatment with buffered 3.0% (wt/vol) Ca(OCl)2 for 15 min. Treatment of mung bean seed for 15 min with unbuffered or buffered 3.0% (wt/vol) Ca(OCl)2 did not adversely affect germination. Even though treatments with 3% (wt/vol) Ca(OCl)2 in combination with the water rinses were effective in greatly reducing the populations of both bacterial pathogens, these treatments did not result in the elimination of the pathogens from laboratory-inoculated seed.
Agribusiness involvement in local agriculture as a 'white knight'? A case study of dole Japan's fresh vegetable business.

ISSN: 0798-1759 This journal is blind refereed. Abstract. In the past two decades, Japanese agriculture has been shrinking under policies of deregulation, with domestic production being replaced rapidly by imports, in which multinational agribusinesses are key players. Today there is an increasing presence of multinational corporations in Japanese rural sites. Dole Japan, a subsidiary of Dole Food Company, launched a domestic vegetable business in 2000 by organising their own franchise farms and distributing their products with the ‘I Love’ brand through their own supply chain. Although Dole Japan was expected to play the role of a ‘white knight’ in salvaging crumbling local agriculture, it has closed down some farm corporations in regions where it was not successful. Our focus in this article is on the interaction of (1) power, in which Dole Japan plays a dominant role in several rural sites, (2) market response (increasing demand for quality control and traceability), (3) political changes (deregulation), and (4) expectations from rural communities. We will also explore the limitations of the concepts of ‘domestic’ and ‘safety’ in sustaining agriculture and rural economies and will offer the concept of ‘locality’ as an alternative space of food politics. Agribusiness Involvement in Local Agriculture as a ‘White Knight’? A Case Study of Dole Japan’s Fresh Vegetable Business
An evaluation of corporate governance practice in Libya : stakeholders' perspectives

Prior to 1997 the research carried out on corporate governance around the world was minimal. However, after the crisis that swept the financial markets and economics of the major Asian countries in 1997, and the notorious collapse of Enron in 2001, the interest in corporate governance has increased. Therefore, corporate governance has attracted considerable attention in the area of academic research and on the agenda of public policy debates in both developed and less-developed countries. An improved corporate governance system is now viewed as an essential feature of companies, and it can serve as an incentive for investment and also strengthen the foundation of long-term economic performance. The principal aim of this study is to investigate and offer an initial understanding of corporate governance practice within a developing economy, the case of Libya. Therefore, studying with different stakeholders is more suitable to understand corporate governance patterns and relations within the Libyan context. The study also investigates how the various environmental factors affect corporate governance practice and inhibit the practice and development of corporate governance. Two main research methods were employed in this study, namely, interviews and questionnaires. Distributing 453 questionnaires to six groups of stakeholders, and ten semistructured interviews with policy-makers were chosen to achieve the objectives. The findings suggest that the corporate governance framework in Libya is less-developed, and Libya has lagged behind its neighbours. Also, the study revealed that the absence of principles of corporate governance has led to the weakness of accountability and responsibility processes.