Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Biceps Tendon as a Measure of Rotational Deformity in Residual Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy

Background Children with residual brachial plexus birth palsy often develop internal rotation contractures with subsequent glenohumeral dysplasia seen on axial imaging. Coronal deformity (characterized by humeral head subluxation), and angular deformity (characterized by glenoid retroversion) have been defined. We hypothesize that the location of the biceps tendon characterizes rotational deformity. Methods A retrospective study was performed on 91 children (average age 3.2±2.2 y) who lacked external rotation beyond neutral and had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of bilateral shoulders performed at our institution between 2000 and 2007. The charts were reviewed for the measurement of the external rotation of the involved shoulder with the arm adducted and the scapula stabilized. The glenoscapular angle (glenoid version), the percentage of the humeral head anterior to the middle of the glenoid fossa (PHHA), and the angle of rotation of the biceps tendon (biceps angle) were measured on MRI scans of both shoulders. Statistical analysis was performed to compare these MRI measurements for the involved and uninvolved sides, and to identify the correlations between them and the external rotation. Results The average biceps angle was 47.9±15.2 degrees on the uninvolved side and 26.2±15.0 degrees on the involved side. The average differences between the 2 shoulders in the biceps angle (21.7±20.5 degrees), the version (18.9±15.0 degrees), and the PHHA (19.8±13.6%) were all significant (P<0.001). Only the biceps angle correlated significantly with external rotation (P<0.001). This correlation remained significant even when the version and the PHHA were held constant (P=0.004). Conclusion The biceps angle is a measure of rotational deformity in patients with residual brachial plexus birth palsy, and correlates better with external rotation than either the glenoid version or the PHHA. The biceps angle may be a useful measure of rotational glenohumeral deformity before and after surgery. Level of Evidence Diagnostic study, level II.
Broadening the Concept of Sustainability and Measuring its Impact on Firm's Performance

There is an enhanced awareness among the firms regarding the impact of their marketing and business activities on the environment and society largely due to consumer education, the role of activists and aftermath of some disasters. The firms have started to look at these issues in a more holistic manner which is evident from the sustainability practices undertaken by them. In spite of such efforts, their outcomes regarding sustainability efforts are not in line with the expectations, raising the bigger question whether the firms are displaying and enacting right set of behavior towards sustainability. In view of this background, this paper explores the multifaceted behavioral dimension along with its drivers that contribute towards sustainability in a firm. It also endeavours to develop a measure of sustainability for the firms by including behaviour at the firm level as an additional dimension apart from the economy, social and environmental dimension from triple bottom line perspective. The paper also proposes the relationship between sustainability of the firms and performance metrics including marketing metrics. This paper aims to delineate directions for marketers and policy makers with regard to sustainability marketing.
Automatic scale selection as a pre-processing stage to interpreting real-world data

Summary form only given. We perceive objects in the world as meaningful entities only over certain ranges of scale. This fact that objects in the world appear in different ways depending on the scale of observation has important implications if one aims at describing them. It shows that the notion of scale is of utmost importance when processing unknown measurement data by automatic methods. In their seminal works, Witkin (1983) and Koenderink (1984) proposed to approach this problem by representing image structures at different scales in a so-called scale-space representation. Traditional scale-space theory building on this work, however, does not address the problem of how to select local appropriate scales for further analysis. After a brief review of the main ideas behind a scale-space representation, I describe a systematic methodology for generating hypotheses about interesting scale levels in image data based on a general principle stating that local extrema over scales of different combinations of normalized derivatives are likely candidates to correspond to interesting image structures. Specifically, I show how this idea can be used for formulating feature detectors which automatically adapt their local scales of processing to the local image structure. I show how the scale selection approach applies to various types of feature detection problems in early vision. In many computer vision applications, the poor performance of the low-level vision modules constitutes a major bottleneck.
A position estimation system for mobile robots using a monocular image of a 3-D landmark

SUMMARY This paper presents an absolute position estimation system for a mobile robot moving on a flat surface. In this system, a 3-D landmark with four coplanar points and a non-coplanar point is utilized to improve the accuracy of position estimation and to guide the robot during navigation. Applying theoretical analysis, we investigate the image sensitivity of the proposed 3-D landmark compared with the conventional 2-D landmark. In the camera calibration stage of the experiments, we employ a neural network as a computational tool. The neural network is trained from a set of learning data collected at various points around the mark so that the extrinsic and intrinsic parameters of the camera system can be resolved. The overall estimation algorithm from the mark identification to the position determination is implemented in a 32-bit personal computer with an image digitizer and an arithmetic accelerator. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed 3-D landmark and the neural network-based calibration scheme, a series of navigation experiments were performed on a wheeled mobile robot (LCAR) in an indoor environment. The results show the feasibility of the position estimation system applicable to mobile robot's real-time navigation.
Emerging competitive value in use with materiality: Competitive transformation of business system about online securities market in Japan

This study examines transformation of business system in the Japanese securities industry and the initial stage of new markets created by aggressive individual investors. With the launch of deregulation in 1997, Japan' s financial industry is still in a transitional stage to a full-fledged phase. Coupled with the rapid development of the internet, emerging online securities firms have been rapidly growing and are now competitive with traditional securities firms. This trend has already been seen in the United States and many other countries. However, different developments are taking place in the Japanese financial industry. Japanese online securities market has attained the largest amount of trades worldwide, and the number of individual investors, which showed almost no presence at one time, has grown. Traditional securities firms that run over-the-counter services have also started to demonstrate their unique operations, which are noticeably different from those of American firms. As we examine this situation, these striking differences should be attributed to competitive strategies based on business systems representative of each country, not to the factor derived from macroeconomic policy, i.e. deregulation. In order to gain a solid understanding of these industrial innovations, this paper examines the concept of competitive value in use, which is a subject of much debate among Japanese marketing studies. We will both examine the concept and expand upon it.
Transverse Demagnetization Dynamics of a Unitary Fermi Gas

Untwisting the Spin Spiral Ultracold Fermi gases in the so-called unitary regime—where the diverging interactions between atoms make their thermodynamics universal—are an excellent test bed for an array of strongly interacting matter systems. The transport characteristics in this regime are particularly intriguing, and a discrepancy between two- and three-dimensional transport coefficients has been observed. Bardon et al. (p. 722) studied the demagnetization dynamics of a three-dimensional Fermi gas. The gas was initially polarized along a single direction and was noninteracting. An applied magnetic field gradient then caused a spin spiral to form; as the gas relaxed from this state, the authors extracted the diffusion coefficient and observed the buildup of interactions between the atoms. The diffusion of spin orientation is observed in a gas of potassium atoms in a magnetic field gradient. Understanding the quantum dynamics of strongly interacting fermions is a problem relevant to diverse forms of matter, including high-temperature superconductors, neutron stars, and quark-gluon plasma. An appealing benchmark is offered by cold atomic gases in the unitary limit of strong interactions. Here, we study the dynamics of a transversely magnetized unitary Fermi gas in an inhomogeneous magnetic field. We observe the demagnetization of the gas, caused by diffusive spin transport. At low temperatures, the diffusion constant saturates to the conjectured quantum-mechanical lower bound ≃ℏ/m, where m is the particle mass. The development of pair correlations, indicating the transformation of the initially noninteracting gas toward a unitary spin mixture, is observed by measuring Tan’s contact parameter.
The gender gap in food choice motives as determinants of consumers' attitudes toward GM foods in Taiwan

Purpose – In addition to having an understanding of consumers' food choice motives which influence their attitudes toward GM foods in Taiwan, the aim of this study is to ascertain whether gender differences play a role in consumers' food choice motives and their attitudes toward GM foods.Design/methodology/approach – A total of 12 distinct food choice motives, adapted from the Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ) is posted on a questionnaire collection web site to collect research data. A total of 522 useful responses were elicited as the data input for analysis.Findings – The results indicate that mood, sensory appeal, price, and familiarity were found to have positive impacts on consumers' attitudes toward GM foods but natural content is observed to have a negative impact on consumers' attitudes toward GM foods. Moreover, female consumers have a more negative attitude toward GM foods than male consumers when they consider whether GM foods are healthy or not.Practical implications – The marketers of this GM f.
A high efficiency isolated DC/DC converter using series connection on secondary side

This paper proposes a new circuit topology for a high efficiency isolated buck-boost DC/DC converter. The proposed converter consists of a high efficiency resonance half-bridge converter and a series converter. This proposed circuit regulates the output voltage by the series converter, which provides only the differential voltage between the input voltage and the output voltage. Therefore, the circuit achieves high efficiency when the input voltage is closed to the nominal input voltage, since only the resonance converter will operate. Experimental results are shown in order to demonstrate the advantages of the proposed converters in comparison with a conventional converter. The experimental results confirmed that the proposed circuit, which converts 48 V input to 12 V, achieves 94.0% maximum efficiency point at the nominal input voltage region.
Third sector accounting and accountability in Australia: anything but a level playing field

This research report seeks to understand why some Australian not-for-profit organisations make voluntary financial disclosures beyond their basic statutory obligations. Introduction This paper surveys previous work on voluntary information disclosures in accounting reports of Australian Not-for-Profit organisations (NFPs). This is new research and is a part of a project to evolve a comprehensive explanation of why Australian NFPs disclose what they do disclose; and to capture and explain patterns of variations between NFPs between what they regard to disclose and the type of information they disclose. To accomplish this, first some background information about the NFP sector are considered. Then, the Australian NFP sector is reviewed. Third, the information needs of some key stakeholders are briefly discussed. Next, the research methodology where a literature survey which looks at not just disclosures to NFPs but to the commercial sector that are plausibly
Truncated adaptation design for decentralised neural dynamic surface control of interconnected nonlinear systems under input saturation

ABSTRACT This paper studies decentralised neural adaptive control of a class of interconnected nonlinear systems, each subsystem is in the presence of input saturation and external disturbance and has independent system order. Using a novel truncated adaptation design, dynamic surface control technique and minimal-learning-parameters algorithm, the proposed method circumvents the problems of ‘explosion of complexity’ and ‘dimension curse’ that exist in the traditional backstepping design. Comparing to the methodology that neural weights are online updated in the controllers, only one scalar needs to be updated in the controllers of each subsystem when dealing with unknown systematic dynamics. Radial basis function neural networks (NNs) are used in the online approximation of unknown systematic dynamics. It is proved using Lyapunov stability theory that all the signals in the closed-loop system are semi-globally uniformly ultimately bounded. The tracking errors of each subsystems, the amplitude of NN approximation residuals and external disturbances can be attenuated to arbitrarily small by tuning proper design parameters. Simulation results are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Bone Healing After Secondary Surgery on Hand Allografts Under Sirolimus-Based Maintenance Immunosuppression

Composite tissue allograft transplantation is a recognized option for reconstruction in upper limb amputees. Sirolimus is an immunosuppressive drug that prevents organ rejection and improves kidney function, but its use has been associated with impaired healing. Two recipients of bilateral hand allografts underwent arthrodeses of 6 joints as secondary procedures while being treated with sirolimus. We found no clinical or radiologic evidence of bone healing delay or bone nonunion. The functional evaluation revealed an improvement in the performance of activities of daily living after the transplant and secondary procedures. We conclude that bone surgery can be performed safely in recipients of hand allografts who are receiving sirolimus-based immunosuppressive therapy.
Accountants’ Perception on the Factors Affecting the Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards in Yemen

This study examines accountants’ perception whether or not the following factors ــgovernment policy, capital market, economic growth, external environment/international exposure, professional bodies, education level of accountants, company size, initial cost of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) adoption and culture affect the adoption of IFRSs in Yemen. It also examines the differences of opinion among academicians and practitioners with regard to these factors. A questionnaire survey involving 41 Yemeni accounting postgraduate students in Malaysia’s public Universities was conducted. The results indicate that the majority of respondents believe that the lack of government policy, absence of capital market, lack of economic growth, lack of professional bodies, weakness in the education level of accountants, the small size of the companies and initial cost of IFRSs adoption affect the adoption of IFRSs in Yemen. The study also shows that the international environment has a weak effect on IFRSs adoption while the Yemeni culture does not affect IFRSs adoption. The finding may help both policy-makers and the Yemeni Association of Certified Public Accountants (YACPA) to consider these factors and make more precise decisions regarding IFRSs adoption.
The benefits, challenges and impacts of radio frequency identification technology (RFID) for retailers in the UK

Purpose – To offer an outline of the characteristics of radio frequency identification technology (RFID) and discuss its perceived benefits, impacts and challenges, as they apply to retailers in the UK. The paper draws together a range of information and intelligence about the application of RFID and reflects on the strategic planning challenges it poses to retailers.Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws its material largely from trade and practitioner sources and illustrates general themes with specific retail examples.Findings – The paper suggests that RFID has the potential to deliver a wide range of benefits throughout the supply chain, including tighter management and control, reduction in shrinkage, reduced labour costs and improved customer service. However, retail users will have to address a number of operational and strategic challenges and consumer privacy concerns before these benefits can be fully realised. The adoption of RFID may further increase structural concentration within the .
The Clinimetric Properties of Performance-Based Gross Motor Tests Used for Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Systematic Review

Purpose: Performance-based measures of gross motor skills are required for children with developmental coordination disorder to quantify motor ability and objectify change. Information related to psychometrics, clinical utility, feasibility, and client appropriateness and acceptability is needed so that clinicians and researchers are assured that they have chosen the most appropriate and robust tool. Methods: This review identified performance-based measures of gross motor skills for this population, and the research evidence for their clinimetric properties through a systematic literature search. Results: Seven measures met the inclusion criteria and were appraised for their clinimetric properties. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children and the Test for Gross Motor Development (second version) scored highest on appraisal. Conclusions: The 2 highest scoring measures are recommended in the first instance for clinicians wishing to evaluate gross motor performance in children with developmental coordination disorder. However, both measures require further testing to increase confidence in their validity for this population.
Determination of the influence zone for surface wave paths

SUMMARY An approximate description of the zone of influence around the propagation path for a surface wave is provided by investigating the Fresnel zones for the frequency range of interest. The influence zone about surface wave paths, over which surface waves are coherent in phase, is identified as approximately one-third of the width of the first Fresnel zone. A technique called Fresnel-area ray tracing (FRT) for surface waves has been used to estimate this region around the ray path for each frequency. The FRT technique is developed by combining two standard ray tracing methods, i.e. kinematic ray tracing (KRT) and dynamic ray tracing (DRT). To obtain the exact Fresnel area in a laterally heterogeneous structure would require the solution of a large number of KRT equations. In contrast, the FRT approach requires just a few ray tracing calculations. In the first step, the trajectory of the surface wave is computed by solving the KRT system for the phase-velocity distribution at the required frequency. In the next step, the behaviour of rays in the zone surrounding the KRT path is calculated by solving the DRT system twice; once from the source to the receiver and once more from the receiver to the source along the same trajectory. Finally, combining the solutions of these ray tracing systems using paraxial ray theory, the Fresnel area around a central ray can be estimated. Using FRT, stationary-phase fields can be constructed around a central ray path in a laterally heterogeneous structure. The influence zone around the ray path is then estimated from the stationary-phase function with simple assumptions concerning the perturbed wavefield. The estimate of the influence zone can be efficiently calculated in laterally heterogeneous structure by using the FRT technique, and allows an extension of current methods of surface wave analysis, which have commonly been based on geometrical ray theory and on the approximation of great-circle propagation. This approach allows the treatment of finite-width rays as well as deviations in propagation from the great circle induced by moderate lateral heterogeneity as revealed by recent tomography models. Such finite-width rays should be of major benefit in enhancing ray-based surface wave tomography.
The Tactical and Strategic Value of Commodity Futures

Historically, commodity futures have had excess returns similar to those of equities. But what should we expect in the future? The usual risk factors are unable to explain the time-series variation in excess returns. In addition, our evidence suggests that commodity futures are an inconsistent, if not tenuous, hedge against unexpected inflation. Further, the historically high average returns to a commodity futures portfolio are largely driven by the choice of weighting schemes. Indeed, an equally weighted long-only portfolio of commodity futures returns has approximately a zero excess return over the past 25 years. Our portfolio analysis suggests that the a long-only strategic allocation to commodities as a general asset class is a bet on the future term structure of commodity prices, in general, and on specific portfolio weighting schemes, in particular. In contrast, we provide evidence that there are distinct benefits to an asset allocation overlay that tactically allocates using commodity futures exposures. We examine three trading strategies that use both momentum and the term structure of futures prices. We find that the tactical strategies provide higher average returns and lower risk than a long-only commodity futures exposure.
An Experimental Study of Customer Effort, Expectation, and Satisfaction

Results of a laboratory experiment indicate that customer satisfaction with a product is influenced by the effort expended to acquire the product, and the expectations concerning the product. Specifically, the experiment suggests that satisfaction with the product may be higher when customers expend considerable effort to obtain the product than when they use only modest effort. This finding is opposed to usual notions of marketing efficiency and customer convenience. The research also suggests that customer satisfaction is lower when the product does not come up to expectations than when the product meets expectations.