Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the Determinants of Organizational Forgetting October 2009

Studies of organizational learning and forgetting identify potential channels through which the firm’s production experience is lost. While the ability to distinguish between these channels has implications for efficient resource allocation within the firm, to date, their relative importance has been ignored. This paper develops a framework for eliciting the contributions of labor turnover and human capital depreciation to organizational forgetting. We apply our framework to a novel dataset of ambulance companies and their workforce. We find evidence of organizational forgetting, which results from sizable skill decay and turnover effects, with the latter having twice the magnitude of the former.
Cloud Computing : A Security Perspective

Organizations are showing great interest in storing data on public clouds. This could be a result of the unprecedented growth of data recorded in the last few years. However the security issues associated with data storage over cloud is a major discouraging factor for potential adopters. Hence the focus of today is to discover cryptographic techniques that will offer additional than privacy. Homomorphic encryption is one such method that has interesting applications in cloud. The objective is to manage and protect the data from the users of a client organization which wants to store the data on untrusted public clouds. In this thesis a hybrid cloud framework is proposed that addresses the privacy and trust issues and provides encrypted storage with public clouds. The proposed method uses Homomorphic Encryption for protecting the user data and uses a modified file updation technique to reduce bandwidth consumption during transfer of large encrypted files.
Novel MRI-based Acquisition Methods

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is non-invasive, involves no ionizing radiation, and can provide detailed anatomical information of the nasal and pharyngeal airway [1]. MRI has the potential to visualize sites of airway collapse in patients with obstructive sleep apnea during natural sleep, but it is difficult to obtain such information with commercially available MRI pulse sequences and acquisition protocols. The main challenges are 1) simultaneous recording of relevant physiological signals (e.g., heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiration efforts, pressure, EEG), 2) ability to continuously run MRI scans for long periods of time without gradient amplifier overheating and radiofrequency tissue heating, 3) facilitating patient comfort to enable natural sleep, 4) ability to provide temporal resolution sufficient for resolving the airway collapse events, and 5) ability to provide spatial coverage of all airway regions of interest. This talk introduces novel MRI-based acquisition technologies that have recently made it successful to obtain the characteristics of the airway dynamics and physiological signals during apneic events (for example see Figure 1) in pediatric patients with sleep related breathing disorders. The methods are based on 30-minute continuous 2D real-time MRI scans along with simultaneous recordings of the cardiac and respiratory signals, pressure from a facial mask port, and improved temporal resolution using parallel imaging and compressed sensing. In addition, an external setup for airway occlusion has been integrated into the MRI acquisition protocols [2]. The setup allows for occlusion of the airway during either wakefulness or sleep, leading to measurement of airway compliance as an indicator of pharyngeal airway collapsibility. Data acquired during occlusions will serve for the modeling and phenotyping of different characteristics of sleep related breathing disorders. Finally, recent work on 3D real-time MRI acquisition of the upper airway during sleep is presented.
Remarks on the Lichnerowicz-Poisson cohomology

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Kalman Forward-Backward Channel Tracking and Combining for OFDM in Underwater Acoustic Channels

A forward-backward channel tracking and combining algorithm for estimation of underwater acoustic channels in context of orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (ODFM) signaling is presented. It is shown that the technique significantly outperforms model-agnostic channel estimation techniques as well as single-pass channel tracking approach. Finally, an iterative inter-carrier interference (ICI) cancellation receiver that incorporates the proposed channel tracking and combining approach is demonstrated. It is shown that a challenging doubly-spread shallow-water acoustic channel can be tracked and the resulting bit-error rate performance suffers only a minor degradation compared to communication over an additive-white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel.
Prospect of Sukuk in the Fixed Income Market: A Case Study on Kuwait Financial Market

Regional Islamic capital market for fixed income securities has been growing steadily and noticeably as Sukuk has been emerging as an alternative and important instrument to conventional debt instrument in the fixed income market. Although the country has largest muslim population, Kuwait’s fixed income capital market is still dominated by conventional debt instruments. Further, the central bank of Kuwait has been the major issuer of the conventional bond and not an issuer of Sukuk. The small number of sukuk issues in Kuwait compared to bonds is due to lack of clear law and regulation, shortage of expertise in structuring sukuk, and absence of government issued sukuk. Among the sukuk issued in Kuwait, only one sukuk has defaulted and has gone through restructuring during the period of global financial crisis when many financial institutions have failed around the world. This should be taken positively as a prospect of sukuk as an alternative to bond as viable fixed income security. We believe that the role of central bank is key to the prospect of flourishing Islamic financial instruments such as sukuk in Kuwait as well as in the global fixed income markets.
Day-of-the-Week (DOW) and Intraday Effects on Stock Returns: Evidence from the Selected Countries covering the Asia-Pacific Rim

The paper tries to analyze the conditional and unconditional market risk factors to examine the day of the week and intraday effects on stock returns of some selected countries covering the Asia-Pacific Rim. The paper takes into account six stock indices, namely, Hang Seng, Jakarta Composite Index, Kualalampur FTSE Bursa, Strait Times Index, TSEC Weighted Index and NSE Nifty. In order to fulfill the objectives of the paper, five models are estimated. In each model risk factors are allowed to vary. The study covers the period from 02- 04-2001 to 31-03-2015. However, the results suggest that for most of the indices, Monday suffers from maximum volatility. However, for all the indices, there exists significant day of the week effect at least in one of the five estimated models. Moreover, for most of the indices, the market risk factor is statistically significant in explaining variation in the intraday as well as interday stock returns.
Strategy processes and practices: Dialogues and intersections

Research Summary: Building on our review of the strategy process and practice research, we identify three ways to see the relationships between the two research traditions: complementary, critical, and combinatory views. We adopt in this special issue the combinatory view, in which activities and processes are seen as closely intertwined aspects of the same phenomena. It is this view that we argue offers both strategy practice and strategy process scholars some of the greatest opportunities for joint research going forward. We develop a combinatory framework for understanding strategy processes and practices (SAPP) and based on that call for more research on (a) temporality, (b) actors and agency, (c) cognition and emotionality, (d) materiality and tools, (e) structures and systems, and (f) language and meaning.
Multiscale Materials Modeling of Structural Materials for Next Generation Nuclear Reactors

In the process of energy production via fission – and fusion in the years to come both fuel components and structural materials within nuclear reactors can sustain substantial radiation damage. Regardless of the type of reactor, this damage initially appears in the form of local intrinsic point defects within the material – vacancies and interstitials. The point defects agglomerate, interact with the underlying microstructure and produce effects such as void swelling and irradiation creep. Vacancies provide a pathway for solutes to segregate to grain boundaries and dislocation leading to chemical inhomogeneities that translate into phase transformations and/or property variations in these materials, rendering them unsuitable for the desired application.
Macroporous copolymer networks

Macroporous copolymer networks form as a result of the phase separation during the free-radical crosslinking copolymerization of vinyl and divinyl monomers in the presence of an inert diluent. In this article, the developments achieved in the field of macroporous networks over the last few years are presented. Special attention is paid to the preparation techniques of macroporous networks in an effort to highlight the new synthesis strategies developed in the recent years. It has been demonstrated that a variety of porous structures can be obtained during or after the cross linking process by changing the independent variable of the network synthesis, i.e. the extent of the polymer–(diluent 1 monomer) interactions, the amount of the crosslinker and the diluent as well as the initiator concentration or the polymerization temperature. The reaction system leading to macroporous networks is a (quasi)ternary system composed of a polymer network, soluble polymers, and low molecular compound (monomers and diluent). All concentrations and properties of the components of the system change continuously during the crosslinking process. It will be shown that the theoretical models developed recently correctly predict the phase separation condition during the crosslinking process as well as the total porosity of the resulting macroporous networks. q 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Environmental controls on geographic range size in marine animal genera

Abstract Here I test the hypothesis that temporal variation in geographic range size within genera is affected by the expansion and contraction of their preferred environments. Using occurrence data from the Paleobiology Database, I identify genera that have a significant affinity for carbonate or terrigenous clastic depositional environments that transcends the Database's representation of these environments during the stratigraphic range of each genus. These affinity assignments are not a matter of arbitrarily subdividing a continuum in preference; rather, genera form distinct, nonrandom subsets with respect to environmental preference. I tabulate the stage-by-stage transitions in range size within individual genera and the stage-by-stage changes in the extent of each environment. Comparing the two shows that genera with a preference for a given environment are more likely to increase in geographic range, and to show a larger average increase in range, when that environment increases in areal extent, and likewise for decreases in geographic range and environmental area. Similar results obtain for genera with preferences for reefal and non-reef settings. Simulations and subsampling experiments suggest that these results are not artifacts of methodology or sampling bias. Nor are they confined to particular higher taxa. Genera with roughly equal preference for carbonates and clastics do not have substantially broader geographic ranges than those with a distinct affinity, suggesting that, at this scale of analysis, spatial extent of preferred environment outweighs breadth of environmental preference in governing geographic range. These results pertain to changes over actual geologic time within individual genera, not overall average ranges. Recent work has documented a regular expansion and contraction when absolute time is ignored and genera are superimposed to form a composite average. Environmental preference may contribute to this pattern, but its role appears to be minor, limited mainly to the initial expansion and final contraction of relatively short-lived genera.
Preparing for and managing change: climate adaptation for biodiversity and ecosystems

The emerging field of climate-change adaptation has experienced a dramatic increase in attention as the impacts of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystems have become more evident. Preparing for and addressing these changes are now prominent themes in conservation and natural resource policy and practice. Adaptation increasingly is viewed as a way of managing change, rather than just maintaining existing conditions. There is also increasing recognition of the need not only to adjust management strategies in light of climate shifts, but to reassess and, as needed, modify underlying conservation goals. Major advances in the development of climate-adaptation principles, strategies, and planning processes have occurred over the past few years, although implementation of adaptation plans continues to lag. With ecosystems expected to undergo continuing climate-mediated changes for years to come, adaptation can best be thought of as an ongoing process, rather than as a fixed endpoint.
Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson s Disease

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with characteristic clinical motor features combined with non-motor symptoms. Cognitive impairment has a very significant impact on the patient’s quality of life. The risk of developing dementia is six times higher in PD patients than in general population and increases with longer duration of the disease. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess cognitive impairment in PD patients and its characteristics and to explore the correlation between duration of the disease, its stage, and neuroimaging of the brain. Material and methods: The study involved 64 patients with clinical diagnosis of PD established on the basis of the UKPDS BB criteria. Patients with PD were subdivided into two groups: patients with disease duration under five years and over five years. Participation in the study included taking medical history, collecting information on the course of the disease and its treatment, identification of comorbidities, and neurological examination. A neuropsychological assessment was carried out for all the patients and included: MMSE, CDT, verbal fluency test (both semantic and phonemic tasks) and, in part, the ADAS-cog test. The examination also included the BDI (Beck Depression Inventory) test. CT and MRI scans were performed of PD patients in order to assess atrophy of the brain and hippocampus. Results: Most of the PD patients suffer from visuospatial and semantic fluency dysfunctions. The level of cognitive impairment in PD is dependent on the patient’s age and the motor symptom severity assessed using the H-Y scale. We observed a clear relationship in PD between cognitive impairment and atrophy of the hippocampus, temporal and parietal lobes, and vascular lesion. Conclusion: Cognitive function impairment appears in Parkinson’s patients without diagnosed dementia. The executive functions are especially affected with the level of impairment dependent on the patient’s age and the degree of movement impairment.
A mixed methods study of lung cancer diagnosis affecting quality of life

The aims of this study were to assess Quality of Life (QOL) within patients with a newly diagnosed inoperable lung cancer and then comparing the QOL scores with the findings from a qualitative interview study. A mixed method descriptive concurrent triangulation design was used to achieve the specific aims. Twenty-three patients participated. Quality of life was assessed with two questionnaires; the European Organization Research and Treatment of Cancer, EORTC-C30 and supplement lung cancer-specific module, the QOL-LC-13. Data were analysed in accordance with procedures recommended by the EORTC. These results were then compared with findings from a qualitative interview study. EORTC-QLQ-C30 + LC-13 all questionnaires were completed, since there were just 23 respondents, mean values at an individual level were calculated. Quality of Life was scored by the patient to a mean score of 4.5. In the interviews QOL was expressed as living as usual. It seems as regarding measurement of functional scales and global QOL there are similar findings using a questionnaire or a qualitative interview. Hence, the qualitative interview gave more multiplicity and deeper understanding about the different domains. The findings of this comparison, point out the importance of identifying the different domains of QOL from these patients’ perspectives.
Calcein and manganese experiments for marking the shell of the common cockle (Cerastoderma edule): tidal rhythm validation of increments formation

This work focuses on investigating the potential of calcein and manganese as growth markers of the common cockle (Cerastoderma edule) in the bay of Somme (France). Recapture of shells, previously marked using a chemical marking and then bred in natural conditions, was performed in order to determine the shell growth patterns. Calcein marking has shown a fluorescent increment in shells after only 30 min immersion time at 150 mg L −1 ,b ut also for shells immersed 3ha t 50 mg L −1 . Likewise, manganese shell marking was revealed under cathodoluminescence for shells immersed 1ha t 120 mg L −1 as well as for shells which spent 4 h at 90 mg L −1 . A numerical analysis per- formed on each marked cockles has revealed 23 micro-increments between the mark and the ventral edge of the valves, corresponding to the 23 tides that occurred during the 12 days at liberty post marking. The periodicity of increment formation is thus validated for a tidal frequency. The growth rates of C. edule, ranged from 11.67 to 19.94 μ md −1 , decreased significantly with increasing shell length. This preliminary study gives a clue to the understanding of cockle growth and could be used in shellfish production for cockle age monitoring, but also for chemical analysis to learn more about biomineralization process of this species.
The acute effect of high-intensity interval training versus moderate-intensity continuous training on postprandial blood glucose regulation

Blood glucose control is central to the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Regular physical activity can improve glucose tolerance but many people lack the time to exercise. High-intensity interval training requires much less time commitment and results in similar or superior physiological adaptations over prolonged endurance training. However, few studies have directly compared the effects of both training strategies and a control condition on postprandial blood glucose concentration in a standardized manner. This study aims to investigate the acute effect of a single session of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) compared to a single session of moderate-intensity continuous training (CT) and a control condition (CON) on postprandial blood glucose levels. Five sedentary-recreationally active, healthy, young adults (23.6 ± 3.51 years, VO 2peak = 33.8 (± 5.0) ml·kg -1 ·min -1 ) reported to the laboratory on three different occasions with a minimum wash-out period of one week to perform a single session of HIIT (10 x 60 sec of cycling efforts at 90 – 100 % VO 2peak interspersed with 60 sec recovery cycling at 30 watts), a single session of CT (45 min of cycling at ~ 60 % VO 2peak ), and a CON session in which subjects were at rest. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed after each trial where blood glucose levels were measured 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after ingestion of 75g glucose. Blood glucose concentration at 30, 60 and 90 min post glucose ingestion and glucose area under the curve (AUC) were reduced after HIIT compared to CON and to a greater extent compared to CT, but differences did not reach significance (P ≥ 0.05). There is a trend that high-intensity training is superior to moderate-intensity exercise in reducing blood glucose levels. Studies with larger sample sizes are needed test this assumption.
Experimental Study of Shading Effect on PV Module and Improvement in Power Using Diode on Series & Parallel PV Module

In this paper the experimental study provides first one is, the effect of shading on PV module and second one is, to enhance the power of series and parallel connection of photovoltaic module under shading condition using diode and this diode can be worked as a bypass diode under the series connection of PV module and also worked as a blocking mode under the parallel connection of photovoltaic module. this experimental study evaluates the higher power of photovoltaic module under the shading condition of 1-solar cell, 2-solar cell, 4-solar cell , 9-solar cell and full cover of photovoltaic module cell and also evaluates the power of PV module under the partial shading condition Of 9-solar cell cover above the one feet from the photovoltaic module, these all module or cell shading can remove the power due to shading and these all shading effect can be removed by using diode and improve the power of solar photovoltaic module, result indicates that the power improves approximately between 20%30% of solar photovoltaic system under shading condition
Almost Global Stability of Nonlinear Switched Systems With Time-Dependent Switching

For a dynamical system, it is known that the existence of a Lyapunov density implies almost global stability of an equilibrium. It is then natural to ask whether the existence of multiple Lyapunov densities for a nonlinear switched system implies almost global stability, in the same way as the existence of multiple Lyapunov functions implies global stability for nonlinear switched systems. In this paper, the answer to this question is shown to be affirmative as long as switchings satisfy a dwell time constraint with an arbitrarily small dwell time. Specifically, as the main result, we show that a nonlinear switched system with a minimum dwell time is almost globally stable if there exist multiple Lyapunov densities that satisfy some compatibility conditions depending on the value of the minimum dwell time. This result can also be used to obtain a minimum dwell time estimate to ensure almost global stability of a nonlinear switched systems. In particular, the existence of a common Lyapunov density implies almost global stability for any arbitrary small minimum dwell time. The results obtained for continuous-time switched systems are based on some sufficient conditions for the almost global stability of discrete-time nonautonomous systems. These conditions are obtained using the duality between Frobenius–Perron operator and Koopman operator.