Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An IFCE-based effective color tracking system for a humanoid robot in cluttered environments

A variety of object tracking algorithms have been published in the field of image process, but most of them are easily influenced by illumination intensity and may not be reliable in cluttered environments. This paper proposes a novel color tracking system by extracting an object of interest with color similarities, which is based on an Improved Fuzzy Color Extractor (IFCE). The IFCE uses the angle between two vectors to distinguish the two pixels in RGB space coordinates. The length of a vector represents the illumination intensity of the pixel and the direction corresponds to the color. Thus, the illumination intensity and the color of a pixel are separated to adapt IFCE varying illumination conditions. Moreover, the strict color discrimination is accomplished by setting the fuzzy parameters. The central vision tracking strategy performs dynamic tracking processes. We use the NAO robot to validate the proposed system by tracking a moving person with several color tags. The results show that the IFCE-based color tracking system is robust in the cluttered environment with varying illumination intensity and the NAO robot tracks the person effectively.
Financial competency within medium and large Iranian companies

Despite emerging financial challenges on financial literacy, the literature lacks studies on financial competency. Thus, the study conceptualized financial competency, illustrated the status of financial competency in existing competency models and explored causes of inattention on competency. The research used the qualitative approach based on the available competency models such as generic, customized and well-known organizations’ competency models. To avoid terminological biases, the financial competency was studied ontologically. In this study, 55 pair-words were found in the literature that employed words to represent the concept of financial competency. These collocations were searched in 416 accessible competency models and the content analysis resulted in a few competency models that had mentioned the financial competency. In addition, two eight-person focus group discussions and 12 in-depth interviews with Iranian business owners, organization and human resource managers, helped the researcher learn about what financial competency is and why it has been neglected in competency models. Grounded theory was used as the methodology to analyze the findings of the discussions and interviews. Data analysis showed that the participants had addressed the attitude aspect of financial competency in comparison to knowledge and skills. This research identified thirteen factors from two main themes which are financial and contextual. The first theme consists of expenditure, saving, income, investment, cash flow management, budgeting and debt management. The second theme consists of opportunity competencies, financial perspective, market observation, documentation, paradigm notion and learning characteristic. The study concluded that all the components of competency modeling could have caused the financial competency to be ignored. The human resource staff as a member of competency mapping teams has more effect on ignoring this competency because of their leading role in the teams. As a conclusion, revalidating this study and quantitatively repeating it are recommended as future works.
An Analysis of the Implementation of PSAK 69 at PT Perkebunan Nusantara V (Persero)

Objective - This study aims to identify the impact of the application of the PSAK 69 in plantation companies in Riau, particularly in PT Perkebunan Nusantara V (Persero), and the impact of PSAK 69 to the profit gained by PT Perkebunan Nusantara V (Persero). Methodology/ Technique - This research is a qualitative descriptive research. The approach used in this research is a case study. The object of this research is PT Perkebunan Nusantara V (Persero). PT Perkebunan Nusantara V (Persero) is a company engaged in the field of palm oil plantations. This study uses the data from PT Perkebunan Nusantara V (Persero)'s annual report in 2016 and the data is collected using interviews and documentation techniques. Findings - The results of this study indicate that PT Perkebunan Nusantara V (Persero) has not implemented the PSAK 69 in its agricultural business. In addition, there are differences in the measurement and recording of the biological assets applied by PT Perkebunan Nusantara V (Persero) under the PSAK 69 (IAS 41). PT Perkebunan Nusantara V (Persero) measures and records its biological assets based on historical cost, so there is no gain or loss in the current period. In addition, the profit gained by PTPN V for the year ending on 31 December 2016 is too low. Novelty - The results of this study are expected to be used as a reference for other plantation companies in implementing the PSAK 69. In addition, the results of this study are also useful to regulating agencies in developing rules and policies in the field of accounting, including in re-evaluating the PSAK 69.
What really drives corporate social responsibility

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) can be motivated either by instrumental, moral or obligatory factors. The paper aims to explore how these motives influence the level of CSR. Specific attention is paid to the CSR in state-owned and private companies, since their motives are significantly different. In order to examine these relationships, we applied a set of statistical techniques. The findings indicate that internal CSR is more developed if philanthropic motives are dominant. Also, CSR in general, internal CSR and responsibility to customers, are higher in state-owned companies, compared to the private ones. The contribution of the paper is reflected in the discovery of new insights, which are the basis for future research, but also useful for directing the activities of management in the field of CSR which is one of the key preconditions for sustainable business.
Growth Phase and (p)ppGpp Control of IraD, a Regulator of RpoS Stability, in Escherichia coli

ABSTRACT The antiadaptor protein IraD inhibits the proteolysis of the alternative sigma factor, RpoS, which promotes the synthesis of >100 genes during the general stress response and during stationary phase. Our previous results showed that IraD determines RpoS steady-state levels during exponential growth and mediates its stabilization after DNA damage. In this study, we show by promoter fusions that iraD was upregulated during the transition from exponential growth to stationary phase. The levels of RpoS likewise rose during this transition in a partially IraD-dependent manner. The expression of iraD was under the control of ppGpp. The expression of iraD required RelA and SpoT (p)ppGpp synthetase activities and was dramatically induced by a “stringent” allele of RNA polymerase, culminating in elevated levels of RpoS. Surprisingly, DksA, normally required for transcriptional effects of the stringent response, repressed iraD expression, suggesting that DksA can exert regulatory effects independent of and opposing those of (p)ppGpp. Northern blot analysis and 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends revealed two transcripts for iraD in wild-type strains; the smaller was regulated positively by RelA during growth; the larger transcript was induced specifically upon transition to stationary phase and was RelA SpoT dependent. A reporter fusion to the distal promoter indicated that it accounts for growth-phase regulation and DNA damage inducibility. DNA damage inducibility occurred in strains unable to synthesize (p)ppGpp, indicating an additional mode of regulation. Our results suggest that the induction of RpoS during transition to stationary phase and by (p)ppGpp occurs at least partially through IraD.
Endotracheal saline and suction catheters: sources of lower airway contamination.

BACKGROUND Normal saline instillation prior to endotracheal suctioning is a critical care ritual that persists despite a lack of demonstrated benefit. Saline instillation may dislodge viable bacteria from a colonized endotracheal tube into the lower airway, overwhelming the defense mechanism of immunocompromised patients. OBJECTIVE To determine the extent to which normal saline irrigation and suction catheter insertion dislodge viable bacteria from endotracheal tubes. METHODS Endotracheal tubes from 10 critical care patients intubated for at least 48 hours were obtained immediately after extubation. Each tube was used in random order for both saline instillation and suction catheter insertion. Dislodged material was cultured for quantitative analysis. RESULTS Suction catheter insertion dislodged up to 60,000 viable bacterial colonies. A 5-mL saline instillation dislodged up to 310,000 viable bacterial colonies. CONCLUSIONS The potential for infection caused by dislodging bacteria into the lower airway is additional evidence that routine use of saline during suctioning procedures should be abandoned.
Bio-telemetry and bio-instrumentation technologies for healthcare monitoring systems

This work presents a review of advancements made in the areas of bio-telemetry and bio-instrumentation for healthcare applications, especially for remote health monitoring in developing nations. This paper presents a comprehensive study of suitable wireless, analog and RF IC technologies, their challenges and limitations, recent researches and future directions in these areas. As an outcome of this study, a prototype of a healthcare monitoring unit (HMU) has been also proposed by using commercial ICs in accordance with the recommendations given by the wireless planning commission (WPC) in India. Using the proposed HMU, bio-signal capturing and communication is demonstrated in home and infirmary environments. Supported with the practical implementation results for actual constraints and conditions, this work promises to give the scholars a quick start for their research in the area of remote healthcare monitoring.
Intertranslatability results for abstract argumentation semantics

Diese Arbeit handelt von Beziehungen bestimmter endlicher Strukturen, von diskreten Zustanden und Transformierbarkeit. Die (abstrakten) Strukturen setzen sich zusammen aus Argumenten und gerichteten Attacken zwischen diesen Argumenten. Als Semantik bezeichnen wir in diesem Zusammenhang Akzeptanzbedingungen fur Mengen von Argumenten. Motiviert durch komplexitatstheoretische Reduktionen und inspiriert von den theoretischen Grundlagen von Graphersetzungssystemen fuhren wir den Begriff der lokalen Transformation ein. Unter dem Terminus Intertranslatability werden sodann Verfahren zusammengefasst, die vorhandene Strukturen so umformen, dass unterschiedliche Semantiken vergleichbare Resultate hervorbringen. Auf diese Weise erforschen wir Zusammenhange, Grenzen und Ausdrucksstarke der gangigsten Argumentationssemantiken.
Transmission dynamics and changing epidemiology of West Nile virus

Abstract West Nile virus (WNV) is a flavivirus that is maintained in a bird–mosquito transmission cycle. Humans, horses and other non-avian vertebrates are usually incidental hosts, but evidence is accumulating that this might not always be the case. Historically, WNV has been associated with asymptomatic infections and sporadic disease outbreaks in humans and horses in Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia. However, since 1994, the virus has caused frequent outbreaks of severe neuroinvasive disease in humans and horses in Europe and the Mediterranean Basin. In 1999, WNV underwent a dramatic expansion of its geographic range, and was reported for the first time in the Western Hemisphere during an outbreak of human and equine encephalitis in New York City. The outbreak was accompanied by extensive and unprecedented avian mortality. Since then, WNV has dispersed across the Western Hemisphere and is now found throughout the USA, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, and parts of Central and South America. WNV has been responsible for >27,000 human cases, >25,000 equine cases and hundreds of thousands of avian deaths in the USA but, surprisingly, there have been only sparse reports of WNV disease in vertebrates in the Caribbean and Latin America. This review summarizes our current understanding of WNV with particular emphasis on its transmission dynamics and changing epidemiology.
The prospective, observational, multicenter, major trauma transfusion (PROMMTT) study: comparative effectiveness of a time-varying treatment with competing risks.

OBJECTIVE To relate in-hospital mortality to early transfusion of plasma and/or platelets and to time-varying plasma:red blood cell (RBC) and platelet:RBC ratios. DESIGN Prospective cohort study documenting the timing of transfusions during active resuscitation and patient outcomes. Data were analyzed using time-dependent proportional hazards models. SETTING Ten US level I trauma centers. PATIENTS Adult trauma patients surviving for 30 minutes after admission who received a transfusion of at least 1 unit of RBCs within 6 hours of admission (n = 1245, the original study group) and at least 3 total units (of RBCs, plasma, or platelets) within 24 hours (n = 905, the analysis group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE In-hospital mortality. RESULTS Plasma:RBC and platelet:RBC ratios were not constant during the first 24 hours (P < .001 for both). In a multivariable time-dependent Cox model, increased ratios of plasma:RBCs (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.31; 95% CI, 0.16-0.58) and platelets:RBCs (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.55; 95% CI, 0.31-0.98) were independently associated with decreased 6-hour mortality, when hemorrhagic death predominated. In the first 6 hours, patients with ratios less than 1:2 were 3 to 4 times more likely to die than patients with ratios of 1:1 or higher. After 24 hours, plasma and platelet ratios were unassociated with mortality, when competing risks from nonhemorrhagic causes prevailed. CONCLUSIONS Higher plasma and platelet ratios early in resuscitation were associated with decreased mortality in patients who received transfusions of at least 3 units of blood products during the first 24 hours after admission. Among survivors at 24 hours, the subsequent risk of death by day 30 was not associated with plasma or platelet ratios.
The Daunting Challenge of Keeping HIV Suppressed

AIDS THERAPIESST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDAâ When the media last year trumpeted the great advances being made against HIV, speculating about cures and even the end of AIDS, the researchers' own caveats tended to get drowned out. But at a meeting held here last week, emerging data about treatment failures sounded a discordant note that was hard to miss: While powerful new drug combinations are delaying disease and death, they have serious limitationsâand clinicians and patients who ignore these shortcomings do so at their peril.
A comprehensive review of disputes prevention and resolution in construction projects

The construction industry is complex, fragmented, dynamic and involves many parties in an adversarial relationship. This makes disputes almost inevitable in any construction project. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the adopted methodologies in resolving disputes that arise in the construction projects. The paper evaluates and classifies the different methods of disputes resolution. A comparison was conducted between the advantages and disadvantages of each method. The paper distinguishes between the traditional method of disputes resolution; litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods such as arbitration, mediation, med/arb, mini-trial and dispute review board. In conclusion there is no best way to solve all kind of disputes in construction projects, however, a general step by step process of how disputes should be addressed is finally presented.
Effects of fermented brown rice on the intestinal environments in healthy adult.

PURPOSE The aim of this study is to investigate the prebiotic effects of brown rice fermented by Aspergillus oryzae (FBRA) on the intestinal environment in vitro and in healthy adults. METHODS Fresh fecal slurries from six healthy adults were incubated with FBRA to confirm prebiotic potentials of FBRA. Another thirty-six healthy adults were randomly allocated to 2 groups for the clinical study. Subjects consumed 21.0 g/day of either FBRA or control food for 2 weeks, followed by a 12-week intermission and then 2-week ingestion vice versa. Main outcome measures were bifidobacterial numbers and organic acid concentration in feces. Sub outcome measures were fecal microbiota, fecal environments and bowel function. RESULTS Incubation of fecal slurries with FBRA in vitro resulted in increased organic acids with individual-specific patterns. Bifidobacterial numbers were increased during incubation. In the clinical study, all participants safely completed this study. FBRA had little effect on fecal number of bifidobacteria, concentrations of organic acids or putrefactive metabolites, fecal pH, or fecal microbiota. CONCLUSION FBRA has the potentials as a prebiotic, however, we could not detect its effects on the intestinal environment in vivo. The results in a clinical study indicated that FBRA could be safely used for healthy adults.
The investigation of ERP and E-business effects in Thailand: A resource based view

Based on resource based view of the firm, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of enterprise resource planning system (ERP) adoption within firm and e-business between firm and business partners on competitive advantage. The relationship between competitive advantage and firm performance is also investigated. Mailed-questionnaire is determined as data collection instrument distributed to listed companies that registered in the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Hence, 122 completed questionnaires are used in the analysis. The results indicate that ERP adoption within firm and e-business between firms positively impact on competitive advantage. The positive relationship between competitive advantage and firm performance is also found. In addition, this research discovers the positive effect of the interaction of ERP within firm and e-business between firms on competitive advantage.
Maximized Research Impact: An Effective Strategies for Increasing Citations

The high competitive environment has forced higher education authorities to set their strategies to improve university ranking. Citations of published papers are among the most widely used inputs to measure national and global university ranking (which accounts for 20% of QS, 30% of THE, and etc.). Therefore, from one hand, improving the citation impact of a search is one of the university manager’s strategies. On the other hand, the researchers are also looking for some helpful techniques to increase their citation record. This chapter by reviewing the relevant articles covers 48 different strategies for maximizing research impact and visibility. The results show that some features of article can help predict the number of article views and citation counts. The findings presented in this chapter could be used by university authorities, authors, reviewers, and editors to maximize the impact of articles in the scientific community.
Medication adherence with disease modifying treatments for multiple sclerosis among US employees

Abstract Objective: Medication adherence in chronic diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS) plays an important role in predicting long-term outcomes, yet existing data on adherence in employee populations are not found. The objective of this study is to compare adherence among employees treated with disease modifying treatments (DMTs) for MS in the year following treatment initiation. Methods: A healthcare claims database of US employees from 2001 to 2008 was used to identify patients with MS based on two or more DMT prescriptions or one DMT prescription with an MS diagnosis (ICD-9 340.xx). Employees continuously employed and with health plan coverage for 1 year following DMT initiation were eligible. Two measures were used in estimating adherence after DMT initiation: (1) persistence (the number of days from DMT initiation to the first 30-day gap in supply) and, (2) annual compliance, assessed by the medication possession ratio (MPR = number of days with a medication supply in the year divided by 365 days). Wilcoxon tests on time-to-event data and t-tests were used to compare persistence and MPR, respectively, between DMT groups. Other measures of resource utilization were also compared. Results: Overall, 358 employees [179 interferon [IFN]-β1a-IM (Avonex* = ‘A’); 63 IFN-β1b (Betaseron† = ‘B’); 20 IFN-β1a-SC (Rebif‡ = ‘R’); 96 glatiramer acetate (Copaxone§ = ‘C’)] were eligible for analysis. No significant differences in age, gender, and certain job-related variables existed between cohorts. Persistence was better for ‘A’ than ‘B’ (p = 0.039), ‘C’ (p = 0.0007), and ‘R’ (p = 0.130). At 1 year, a greater proportion of ‘A’ employees were persistent (60.34%) than ‘B’ (42.86%, p = 0.016), ‘C’ (42.71%, p = 0.0052), and ‘R’ (45.00%, p = 0.190). ‘A’ also had the highest MPR (0.782) which was significantly higher than ‘C’ (MPR = 0.698, p = 0.0160) and statistically equivalent to ‘B’ (MPR = 0.705, p = 0.0576) and ‘R’ (MPR = 0.761, p = 0.7347). * Avonex is a registered trade name of Biogen Idec Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA. † Betaseron is a registered trademark of Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc., West Haven, CT, USA. ‡ Rebif is a registered trademark of EMD Serono, Inc. Rockland, MA, USA and its affiliates. § Copaxone is a registered trademark of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Petach Tikva, Israel. Limitations: The study has limitations characteristic of administrative claims database studies and small sample sizes. The population may not be representative of undiagnosed/untreated MS patients, those not able to maintain employment, and those not using the initial therapy. Conclusions/relevance: Among employees treated with ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, and ‘R’ for MS, ‘A’ patients had significantly greater medication adherence.
Anterior ectosylvian cortical projections to the rostral suprasylvian multisensory zone in cat

Recent studies have shown that the anterior ectosylvian sulcal cortex (AESc) and the rostral suprasylvian sulcal cortex (RSSSc) of the cat play integral roles in behavioral and collicular responses to multisensory stimuli. However, substantially more multisensory superior colliculus (SC) neurons are affected by blockade of the AESc than the RSSSc. Although both cortical regions project directly to the SC, a possible explanation for this differential effect is that the AESc may also relay an indirect corticotectal signal via the RSSSc that is reduced when the AESc is deactivated. This possibility was examined by placing orthograde tracer in the auditory field AES (FAES), visual AEV, or between these two regions of the AESc. FAES injections produced labeled boutons in the posterior-lateral bank of the RSSSc, while those placed in AEV failed to label the RSSSc. However, injections between the FAES and AEV regions revealed terminal label in both the posterior lateral bank and fundus. These observations and other studies showing connections between somatosensory portions of the AESc and RSSSc are consistent with the hypothesis that signals from the AESc can take both direct and indirect (through the RSSSc) corticotectal routes to influence processing in the SC.