Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Passivity Enhancement of Grid-Tied Converters by Series LC-Filtered Active Damper

The series LC-filtered active damper can be used for stabilizing a grid converter tied to the nonideal grid. Its operation principle is to mimic a damping resistance at the resonance frequencies appearing in the grid. However, the selection of the damping resistance has not been fully analyzed in the literature. Its effect with parasitic capacitance present in the grid has also usually been ignored, even though it may bring new challenges to the active damper. To address these issues, passivity is applied to study the grid converter stability before the understanding gained is used for formulating a damping resistance selection method. The method formulated can further be improved by admittance shaping so that system stability can always be ensured even when considering grid parasitic capacitance and control imperfection. Experimental results obtained have verified the expectations, and, hence, the suitability of the presented methods for the series LC-filtered active damper.
Digital Oxymorons: From Ordinary to Expressive Objects Using Tiny Wireless IMUs

In this paper we discuss the potential of ordinary objects acting as human computer interfaces with an Inertial Measurement Unit, the Twiz, to capture a body's orientation and acceleration. The motivation behind this research is to develop a toolkit that enables end users to quickly prototype custom interfaces for artistic expressions through movement. Through an iterative design process we have enhanced existing technical implementations such as wireless data transfer, battery lifespan, two-way communication and data analysis including machine-learning techniques. We conducted object-making sessions and developed software prototypes for audio and visual feedback. We explored a range of experiments related to visual arts, dance, and music by attaching the Twiz to different types of objects to allow users to carry out impromptu interactions. As a result of this process we have gained a better understand of an object's expressive potential whilst capturing and analyzing its movement.
The Market Consequences of Voluntary Auditing: Evidence from Interim Reports in China

The Chinese stock market provides a unique institutional setting to investigate empirically why listed firms voluntarily have their financial reports audited and whether auditing enhances their credibility. While auditing of interim reports is not mandatory in China except for a subset of firms in circumstances specified by the state regulator, a number of Chinese firms voluntarily purchase audits for their interim reports. In this study, we investigate the determinants of voluntary auditing and test whether investors distinguish between voluntarily audited and unaudited interim reports. Based on a sample of 2,458 semi-annual interim reports released by listed Chinese firms from 1996 to 1999, we find that the choice of voluntary auditing is positively associated with profitability and company size, and negatively with the percentage of non-tradable shares. We also document that the ERCs of audited firms are higher than those of unaudited firms, especially when the auditing is voluntary. Overall, our results are consistent with theoretical propositions that (1) managers voluntarily acquire auditing service to make a commitment to disclose accurate and credible financial data to reduce agency costs and, (2) auditing enhances the credibility of accounting numbers.
NORTHWESTERN NATURALIST 87 : 56 – 65 SPRING 2006 HABITAT MODELING FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

Habitat models address only 1 component of biodiversity but can be useful in addressing and managing single or multiple species and ecosystem functions, for projecting disturbance regimes, and in supporting decisions. I review categories and examples of habitat models, their utility for biodiversity conservation, and their roles in making conservation decisions. I suggest the use of influence diagrams in structuring causal webs and structural equation modeling to quantify relations, as a general framework for building models of habitat from which a known degree of inference can be made to biodiversity variables.
The critical role of consumer behaviour research in mobile commerce

The changing role of mobile communications is reflected in the increasing use of mobile devices for e-commerce purposes. Supported by the penetration of mobile devices and the evolution of mobile technologies, mobile commerce promises to change the way certain business-to-consumer (B2C) activities are conducted. Focusing on B2C markets, this paper underlines the critical role of consumer behaviour research in mobile commerce and investigates, through an exploratory research approach, the critical success factors towards mobile commerce diffusion. To that end, an online consumer survey ran in three European countries (Finland, Germany and Greece). The results showed that mobile commerce (m-commerce) penetration in Europe is in its infancy. In addition, significant differences regarding consumer attitudes towards mobile commerce were observed among the countries investigated. Lower prices, improved security, improved devices and effective customer support, proved to be the critical success factors towards accelerating m-commerce consumer adoption. It is concluded that the customisation of the marketing mix to the specific characteristics of each target market is a key success factor for mobile operators in Europe.
The Ig-Like Domain of Tapasin Influences Intermolecular Interactions1

Presentation of antigenic peptides to T lymphocytes by MHC class I molecules is regulated by events involving multiple endoplasmic reticulum proteins, including tapasin. By studying the effects of substitutions in the tapasin Ig-like domain, we demonstrated that H-2Ld/tapasin association can be segregated from reconstitution of folded Ld surface expression. This finding suggests that peptide acquisition by Ld is influenced by tapasin functions that are independent of Ld binding. We also found that the presence of a nine-amino acid region in the Ig-like domain of mouse or human tapasin is required for association with Ld, and certain point substitutions in this sequence abrogate human, but not mouse, tapasin association with Ld. These data are consistent with a higher overall affinity between Ld and mouse tapasin compared with human tapasin. In addition, we found that other point mutations in the same region of the tapasin Ig-like domain affect MHC class I surface expression and Ag presentation. Finally, we showed that the cysteine residues in the Ig-like domain of tapasin influence tapasin’s stability, its interaction with the MHC class I H chain, and its stabilization of TAP. Mutagenesis of these cysteines decreases tapasin’s electrophoretic mobility, suggesting that these residues form an intramolecular disulfide bond. Taken together, these results reveal a critical role for the tapasin Ig-like domain in tapasin function.
The Impact of Health Service Quality on Patients’ Satisfaction over Private and Public Hospitals in Jordan: A Comparative Study

This study aimed to measure the Impact of Health Service Quality on Patient's Satisfaction in the Hospital's of Public and Private sectors in Jordan. To attain the aim of this study a random sample of inpatients was chosen to conduct this study within. The sample consisted of 450 inpatients. To determine the impact of Health Service Quality on Patient's satisfaction the researcher used a special measure called "SERVPERF" which was designed specially to measure the quality of service in different Service sectors the content validity of the measure conducted by committee arbitrators and throughout the multiple use of this measure over the time. The reliability of the measure computed using Cronbach alpha and the result indicated that the internal consistency of the measure was 90%. The result revealed that: 1) There is an Impact for the health service quality on patient's satisfaction. 2) There is a significant statistical difference of the Impact of Health Service quality on patient's satisfaction between Hospitals of public and private sector. 3) The Impact of health service quality on patient's satisfaction in private Hospitals sector is better than that in public Hospitals sector. 4) The responsiveness diminution of health service quality has the lowest mean out of other service quality diminutions in public and private sectors. This study find out many recommendations as: 1) The hospital's administration in both public and private sector should to raise up the employee's qualifications to ward assimilation of the patients need and wants such as to tell them exactly when service will be performed, and to submit prompt service for the patients, and the employees should have the willing to help patients. 2) The Hospitals administrations should make periodic revision for the application each service quality divisions and their items in their Items in their Hospitals through the applying (SERVEPERF) measure and they should have to measure the patents satisfaction to mend any defect automation ally.
U.S. Hog Production from 1992 to 2009: Technology, Restructuring, and Productivity Growth

U.S. hog farms declined in number by more than 70 percent over the past two decades while hog inventories remained stable. The result has been an industry with larger hog enterprises, increased specialization in a single phase of production, greater reliance on purchased feed rather than feed grown on the farm, and an increased reliance on formal contracts—connecting farmers, hog owners, and packers—to coordinate production. This structural change contributed to substantial productivity gains for hog farms, likely benefiting U.S. consumers in terms of lower pork prices and enhancing the competitive position of U.S. producers in international markets – though larger hog farms may increase environmental risks by concentrating production in areas with limited land avail- able for manure application. With most hogs now grown on very large operations and with productivity-enhancing technologies widespread, the slowdown in hog farm productivity growth after 2004 suggests that the era of dramatic productivity gains will likely remain unmatched, absent significant technological innovation.
Reduced left atrial function on exercise in patients with heart failure and normal ejection fraction

Aims The cardinal symptom of heart failure with a normal ejection fraction (HFNEF) is exertional dyspnoea. The authors hypothesised that failure of left atrial (LA) compensatory mechanism particularly on exercise contributes to the genesis of symptoms in HFNEF patients. Methods and Results Fifty HFNEF patients, 15 asymptomatic hypertensive subjects and 30 healthy controls underwent rest and submaximal exercise echocardiography. Rest and exercise systolic, early diastolic and late diastolic (Am) mitral annular velocities were assessed using colour tissue Doppler echocardiography. Left atrial functional reserve index was calculated. Am at rest was comparable between all three groups, but exercise Am was significantly lower in HFNEF compared with hypertensive subjects and healthy controls resulting in a lower LA functional reserve index (0.84 (1.34) vs 2.39 (1.27) and 1.81 (1.39), p<0.001). LA volume index was significantly higher in HFNEF patients (30.4 (9.2) vs 27.9 (6.3) and 23.2 (7.1) ml/m2, p=0.002). There was a significant correlation between Am on exercise with peak VO2 max (r=0.514, p<0.001) and E/Em on exercise (r=−0.547, p<0.001). Area under the receiver operating characteristic for Am on exercise was 0.768 (95% CI=0.660 to 0.877). Conclusion HFNEF patients have reduced LA function on exercise in addition to left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunctions. Reduced LA function probably contributes significantly to exercise intolerance and breathlessness in HFNEF patients.
ACTIGRAPHIC SLEEP-WAKE PATTERNS AND URINARY 6-SULFATOXYMELATONIN EXCRETION IN PATIENTS WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Recent studies suggest melatonin, due to its antioxidant and free-radical- scavenging actions, may play a role in the neuroprotection against amyloid, which is implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we determined urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6s) excretion together with actigraphic sleep-wake patterns of untreated male patients with AD who lived at home. Results were compared with those obtained from normal age-matched elderly and normal young male subjects. Similar measurements were also performed in another group of patients with AD who were treated with a cholinesterase inhibitor (Donepezil, Aricept). Total 24h aMT6s values were significantly reduced in elderly controls (19.9h ± 5.2 μg/24h), in those with untreated AD (12.7 ± 4.4 μg/24h), and in patients treated for AD (12.4 ± 4.4 μ g/24h) compared with normal young men (32.8 ± 3.1 μ g/24h). A day-night difference in aMT6s was evident in all young controls, in 50% of elderly controls, in only 20% of patients with untreated AD, and in 67% of those with AD receiving Aricept. Sleep quality (expressed as sleep efficiency, wake time, and long undisturbed sleep duration) was better in young and elderly controls compared with the two groups of patients with AD. There was no significant correlation between aMT6s values or sleep patterns and the severity of cognitive impairment in patients with AD. Taken together, these data suggest that disrupted sleep, decreased melatonin production, and partial lack of day-night difference in melatonin secretion were observed equally in normal elderly and in patients with AD. Our results do not permit drawing any conclusion as to whether changes in urinary aMT6s excretion is correlated with disturbed sleep in patients with AD. (Chronobiology International, 18(3), 513–524, 2001)
[Concordance of nasal swabs and nasopharyngeal swabs in the detection of respiratory viruses by direct immunofluorescence].

BACKGROUND The most used test for the diagnosis of viral respiratory infection is the detection of viral antigens by direct immunofluorescence (DFA), in samples taken by nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) or aspirate (NPA). It would be desirable to have a less uncomfortable technique to obtain a sample from the patient, but of equal performance. AIM To evaluate the diagnostic agreement between nasal swab (NS) and nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) in the detection of respiratory viruses by DFA and compare the degree of discomfort of both techniques in pediatric patients. METHODOLOGY Cross-sectional study in children who consulted to a pediatric emergency service with respiratory symptoms. Two samples (NPS and NS) per child were collected. The concordance between the two was determined by Kappa (K) coefficient and the degree of discomfort by a visual pain scale. RESULTS We obtained 112 samples from 56 children, one by each technique. 82.1% were concordant, K = 0.61 (CI 95%, 0.39-0.83) for the detection of any virus, and K = 0.69 (CI 95%, 0.46-0.92) and K = 0.76 (CI 95%, 0.51-1) for syncytial respiratory virus and influenza A detection, respectively. The degree of discomfort was significantly lower for the NS. CONCLUSION There is considerable agreement in the detection of respiratory viruses by DFA between samples obtained by NS and NPS, but not enough to recommend a change in the sampling method in this population.
Evaluation of Sebostatic Activity of Juniperus communis Fruit Oil and Pelargonium graveolens Oil Compared to Niacinamide

As a facial skin condition, oily skin causes cosmetic problems, such as large pores, shiny appearance, and the feeling of greasiness and heaviness. Furthermore, extensive sebum production leads to common skin disorders such as acne vulgaris or seborrheic dermatitis. This study investigated the efficacy of sebum control tonics containing Juniperus communis fruit oil, Pelargonium graveolens oil, or niacinamide. The effects of Juniperus communis fruit oil, Pelargonium graveolens oil, and niacinamide on sebum excretion rates were investigated using Sebumeter®. Sebum measurements (Sebumeter® SM 815, Courage & Khazaka®, Koln, Germany) were made on the skin surface in three places by applying the sebumeter probe to the forehead after 10, 60, and 120 min from application of the tonic. The results indicated that the application of the tonic maintained a lower sebum secretion 10 min and 60 min after the application of the cosmetic, compared to those before it. However, a visible sebum-reducing efficacy after 2 h was reported only for tonic containing 0.25% Pelargonium graveolens oil and for the tonic with the addition of 3% niacinamide. After 2 h, the values of sebum measurements were 44 ± 5.13 a.u. and 58 ± 9.07 a.u. , respectively. Our results show that the tonic with the addition of 0.25% Pelargonium graveolens oil is the most effective in reducing sebum production.
TRANSPARENCY OF INFORMATION ON THE PART OF EMITTERS

In this work, we review some of the literature that deals with the relevance of the transparency of financial information disclosed by firms whose s tock is traded on regulated financial markets located in the European Union. From this re view it is agreed that the transparency of financial reports is becoming an increasingly impor tant question since the internationalization of firms and globalization of markets are becoming stronger. These situations affect capital flow and the development of financial markets. Dire ctive 2004/109/CE of the European Parliament and Council, issue on 15th December 2004 , shows the preoccupation of European Members about the use the of criteria for transpare ncy, namely in following the 2003/34/CE Directive, related with the Prospectus, in the case of firms that have issued stock. The importance of transparency also increases with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
HCI Lessons From PlayStation VR

PlayStation VR has quickly built up a significant user-base of over a million headsets and its own ecosystem of games across a variety of genres. These games form part of a rapidly evolving testing ground for design solutions which can usefully inform HCI design for virtual reality. This paper reviews every PlayStation VR title released in the first three months of its lifecycle in order to identify emerging themes for locomotion. These themes are discussed with respect to the lessons learned as part of the on-going development of an Environmental Narrative game for PlayStation VR as part of the Horizon 2020 REVEAL project.
The demand for corporate financial reporting: A survey among financial analysts

textabstractAbstract: We examine financial analysts’ views on corporate financial reporting issues by means of a survey among 306 analysts and interviews among 21 analysts and compare their views with that of CFOs. Since CFOs believe that meeting or beating analysts’ forecasts and managing earnings to achieve this benchmark can enhance firm value, examining analysts’ perspectives on these actions improves our understanding on whether CFOs’ beliefs are rational or heuristic. Our findings suggest that CFOs’ beliefs tend to be rational regarding their focus on earnings and their views on earnings management and smoothing. The main reason is that analysts have difficulty in unraveling certain types of earnings management in a specific firm even though they anticipate earnings management in general. Yet, CFOs are heuristic in their optimism about the consequences of managing earnings, which potentially has negative implications for the value of their firm.
The Drivers of Program Selection in Hospitality Management at Victoria University

Abstract As competition in the education sector continues to increase there is an ongoing need for empirical studies into the drivers of student program selection. This paper presents the findings of a study into the reasons why students select undergraduate degree programs in hospitality management at Victoria University (Australia). A sample of 260 first year students (Freshmen) were surveyed. The results highlight the need to target program information to peers, teachers, parents and other significant adults during the final years of high school studies whilst taking into account differences in program selection motivations between male and female prospective students.
Clinical Profile and Outcome of Children Admitted with Acute Encephalitis Syndrome in a tertiary Care hospital in West Bengal , India

Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) is an important cause of mortality morbidity in children. We undertook the study for better understanding of clinical profile and outcome of AES in our settings . We retrospectively evaluated 24 patients of AES admitted in our institute from August to October 2015 by evaluating their outcomes using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Among 24 cases AES patients, 6(25%) were recovered completely (GOSV) , while 11 (45.83%) cases had neurological sequelae (GOS II –IV) with a wide range of severity varying from mild to severe at the time of discharge.7(29.16%) patient died in the hospital (GOS I). Use of mechanical ventilation, lower Glasgow coma score, and concurrent seizures are predictors for a poor outcome.
Exploring characteristics of GIS Adoption Decisions and Type of Induced Changes in Developing Countries: The Case of Ethiopia

The adoption of geographic information system (GIS) in developing countries is limited due to contextual impediments. Despite this, there are examples in developing countries where GIS is being adopted through various projects, initiatives and incentives. One such example concerns the municipal utility sector in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The sector is largely under the control of public authorities with limited funds, yet it has been investing in GIS. Our article explores what have been the characteristics of the adoption decisions and type of induced changes, with the purpose to explore what could explain the GIS adoption process. The aim of this exploration is to find general characteristics of what would make GIS adoption successful in a developing countries context. We hypothesized that actual GIS adoption decision and induced changes depend on the overall organizational interests and strategic opportunities, which in turn depend on contextual factors. The results indicated that there were some circumstances which fused GIS adoption decisions with a certain degree of opportunism. GIS was adopted especially when it served other strategic purposes, such as structural adjustments to maintain organizational control. Furthermore, we found that higher level organizational changes, such as changes in power structure and communication lines, would not directly occur only because GIS adoption required so. These characteristics may be more profound in developing countries than in developed countries.
An exploratory study on the impact of two ingredient branding strategies on the host brand

This exploratory study seeks to examine the impact of an ingredient branding strategy on the attitude toward and perceived quality of the host brand, depending on the partners brands' initial levels on these former variables. To better understand this impact, a review of the most relevant theories on co-branding, perceived quality and attitude toward the brand is first presented. Based on this literature review, a conceptual framework is proposed concerning the evolution of the associations tied to the host brand, the perceived quality and consumer attitude toward this brand, before and after an ingredient branding initiative. In an experiment, two ingredient branding cases are studied, semi-directive interviews of potential consumers being used to test the framework. Then, the research findings are compared to the theories previously developed. Finally, managerial implications, study limitations and further research areas are presented.