Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investments Information via the Web by Malaysian Listed Companies

Internet technology is believed to improve efficiency and good practice of information dissemination. This paper examined the investment information disclosed by Malaysian Listed Companies via their websites. Evaluations of investment information's disclosure via the websites were based on score towards the disclosure index developed. One hundred companies listed on the Bursa Malaysia’s Mainboard are selected based on their market capitalization. This study identifies the level of investment information disclosure across industry and found that the investment information disclosure and usage of the multimedia are still unsatisfactory. This study also tests the extent of such disclosure with several firm characteristics (profitability, auditor, efficiency and size) and the result shows that only firm’s size is significant. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Clinical significance and predictive factors of early massive recurrence after radiofrequency ablation in patients with a single small hepatocellular carcinoma

Background/Aims Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is one of the most frequently applied curative treatments in patients with a single small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the clinical significance of and risk factors for early massive recurrence after RFA—a dreadful event limiting further curative treatment—have not been fully evaluated. Methods In total, 438 patients with a single HCC of size ≤3 cm who underwent percutaneous RFA as an initial treatment between 2006 and 2009 were included. Baseline patient characteristics, overall survival, predictive factors, and recurrence after RFA were evaluated. In addition, the incidence, impact on survival, and predictive factors of early massive recurrence, and initial recurrence beyond the Milan criteria within 2 years were also investigated. Results During the median follow-up of 68.4 months, recurrent HCC was confirmed in 302 (68.9%) patients, with early massive recurrence in 27 patients (6.2%). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 95.4%, 84.7%, and 81.8%, respectively, in patients with no recurrence, 99.6%, 86.4%, and 70.1% in patients with recurrence within the Milan criteria or late recurrence, and 92.6%, 46.5%, and 0.05% in patients with early massive recurrence. Multivariable analysis identified older age, Child-Pugh score B or C, and early massive recurrence as predictive of poor overall survival. A tumor size of ≥2 cm and tumor location adjacent to the colon were independent risk factors predictive of early massive recurrence. Conclusion Early massive recurrence is independently predictive of poor overall survival after RFA in patients with a single small HCC. Tumors sized ≥2 cm and located adjacent to the colon appear to be independent risk factors for early massive recurrence.
Continuous Class-E Power Amplifier Modes

In this brief, a continuum of novel closed-form solutions is derived for class-E power amplifiers (PAs). It is analytically proven that the class-E zero voltage/zero voltage derivative switching conditions can be satisfied for an arbitrarily selected reactive second harmonic switch impedance (<i>Z</i><sub>2</sub><sup>S</sup>). The higher order harmonic currents are terminated capacitively. The conventional class-E, class- <i>E</i>/<i>F</i><sub>2</sub>, and class-<i>EF</i><sub>2</sub> modes are thus subsets of the continuum. The arbitrary selection of <i>Z</i><sub>2</sub><sup>S</sup> enables robust waveform engineering for performance optimization in specific applications. Furthermore, the theoretical derivation provides important possibilities for wideband class-E PA synthesis.
Ambient Coarse Particulate Matter and the Right Ventricle: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Background: Coarse particulate matter (PM10–2.5) is primarily mechanically generated and includes crustal material, brake and tire wear, and biological particles. PM10–2.5 is associated with pulmonary disease, which can lead to right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. Although RV characteristics have been associated with combustion-related pollutants, relationships with PM10–2.5 remain unknown. Objectives: To quantify cross-sectional associations between RV dysfunction and PM10–2.5 mass and components among older adults and susceptible populations. Methods: We used baseline cardiac magnetic resonance images from 1,490 participants (45–84 y old) from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and assigned 5-y residential concentrations of PM10–2.5 mass, copper, zinc, phosphorus, silicon, and endotoxin, using land-use regression models. We quantified associations with RV mass, end-diastolic volume, and ejection fraction after control for risk factors and copollutants using linear regression. We further examined personal susceptibility. Results: We found positive associations of RV mass and, to a lesser extent, end diastolic volume with PM10–2.5 mass among susceptible populations including smokers and persons with emphysema. After adjustment for copollutants, an interquartile range increase in PM10–2.5 mass (2.2 μg/m3) was associated with 0.5g (95% CI: 0.0, 1.0), 0.9g (95% CI: 0.1, 1.7), and 1.4g (95% CI: 0.4, 2.5) larger RV mass among former smokers, current smokers, and persons with emphysema, respectively. No associations were found with healthy individuals or with ejection fraction. Conclusions: Alterations to RV structure may represent a mechanism by which long-term PM10–2.5 exposure increases risks for adverse respiratory and cardiovascular outcomes, especially among certain susceptible populations. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP658
Foreign students as tourists : educational tourism, a market segment with potential

Educational tourism is recognised as an important market segment in the tourism industry. Temporary migration to another country for study purposes remains the only way in which many students, especially from Africa, can obtain specialised education. Under a democratic dispensation South Africa has become a favourable destination for foreign students to further their academic qualifications. This paper examines the concept of educational tourism and contributes to the emerging body of literature on this tourism market segment. After a statistical overview of foreign students in South Africa, we use data collected in a survey among foreign students at the University of the Western Cape in Cape Town to deliberate the potential for this market segment. It is recommended that greater attention be paid to foreign students as a potential tourism market segment.
A Novel Model for Digital Predistortion of Discrete Level Supply-Modulated RF Power Amplifiers

The linearization of a discrete level supply modulated RF power amplifier using digital predistortion (DPD) is investigated. The characteristics of the system are evaluated and a novel DPD model, capable of handling the switching dynamics of the system, is developed and presented. The model is tested for an RF power amplifier operating at 2.65 GHz with a 16 MHz modulated signal. It is shown that modeling the supply voltage transitions with the novel model significantly improves linearity by up to 1.6 dB NMSE and 3.3 dB in ACLR. With the novel model DPD on the supply modulated PA can achieve similar linearity as a single supply PA but with much improved PAE.
The Role of Imaging Ultrasound During Pancreatic Surgery

Real-time ultrasound imaging was employed at 122 operations for the complications of pancreatitis, adenocarcinoma, and islet cell tumors. Ultrasound was found to be useful in 69% of the operations for pancreatitis and 66% of the operations for tumor. Assistance was provided in diagnosis or definition of pathology. Help in diagnosis consisted in detecting conditions that were not found on preoperative testing or at exploration and excluding conditions that were suspected on the basis of previous diagnostic studies or findings at operation. Better definition of pathology was provided by precise localization of structures, assessment of their size and surrounding anatomy, and distinction of tissue features that helped to recognize their identity. Ultrasound was usually more helpful in defining pathology than in diagnosis. Ultrasound enabled early orientation to important landmarks, reduced the need for contrast x-ray studies, and yielded unique information about the etiology of abnormalities. Although ultrasound has a slow learning curve, we believe that its use during pancreatic operations can significantly aid the surgeon and we recommend its wider application in surgical practice.
Stabilization of the MDM2 Oncoprotein by Interaction with the Structurally Related MDMX Protein*

The MDM2 oncoprotein has transforming potential that can be activated by overexpression, and it represents a critical regulator of the p53 tumor suppressor protein. To identify other factors with a potential role in influencing the expression and/or function of MDM2, we utilized a yeast two-hybrid screening protocol. Here we report that MDM2 physically interacts with a structurally related protein termed MDMX. The results obtained in these studies provide evidence that C-terminal RING finger domains, contained within both of these proteins, play an important role in mediating the association between MDM2 and MDMX. The interaction of these proteins interferes with MDM2 degradation, leading to an increase in the steady-state levels of MDM2. MDMX also inhibits MDM2-mediated p53 degradation, with subsequent accumulation of p53. Taken together, these data indicate that MDMX has the potential to regulate the expression and function of the MDM2 oncoprotein.
Highly Divergent RfaH Orthologs from Pathogenic Proteobacteria Can Substitute for Escherichia coli RfaH both In Vivo and In Vitro

ABSTRACT The transcriptional enhancer protein RfaH positively regulates production of virulence factors in Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium via a cis element, ops. Genes coding for RfaH orthologs were identified in conceptually translated genomes of bacterial pathogens, including Vibrio and Yersinia spp. We cloned the rfaH genes from Vibrio cholerae, Yersinia enterocolitica, S. enterica serovar Typhimurium, and Klebsiella pneumoniae into E. coli expression vectors. Purified RfaH orthologs, including the most divergent one from V. cholerae, were readily recruited to the E. coli transcription elongation complex. Postrecruitment stimulation of transcript elongation appeared to vary with the degree of similarity to E. coli RfaH. V. cholerae RfaH was particularly defective in reducing downstream pausing and termination; this defect was substantially alleviated by an increase in its concentration. When overexpressed episomally, all of the rfaH genes complemented the disruption of the chromosomal copy of the E. coli gene. Thus, despite the apparently accelerated divergent evolution of the RfaH proteins, the mechanism of their action is conserved well enough to make them transcriptionally active in the E. coli system.
Pathologic findings in hysteroscopy before in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET)

Background. The aim of this study was to evaluate hysteroscopy routinely performed prior to in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Methods. We analyzed in a prospective study 300 patients who underwent hysteroscopy before the first IVF-ET cycle. We analyzed then in a retrospective manner 300 patients who did not perform hysteroscopy. Results. One-hundred-and-eighty (60%) hysteroscopies were normal but 120 (40%) revealed an unsuspected intrauterine abnormality. We did not find statistically significant differences between patients with normal or abnormal hysteroscopy in any characteristic. We found a statistically significant difference in pregnancy rate between women who performed hysteroscopy before IVF-ET cycle and in women who did not perform it. Conclusions. Hysteroscopy, as a routine examination, should be performed before the first IVF-ET cycle in all patients.
An extracorporeal device for hepatic coma.

IN THIS LABORATORY in 1958, 1 blood was first passed over ion exchange resins to lower hyperammonemia. It was noted that a column of the cation exchange resin Dowex 50 × 8 used by Walther 2 to decalcify blood would also remove ammonium. Laboratory studies on dogs with surgically induced, acute, hepatic ischemia showed this to be an effective and safe in vivo method of lowering blood ammonia. It was theorized that perfusion of blood over ion exchange resins might be a satisfactory method of treating the hyperammonemia of patients in hepatic coma. The first columns contained 50 gm Dowex 50 × 8, a cation exchange resin in the sodium cycle, in 12 cm × 3.5 cm hemorepellent vinylite plastic containers. Two such columns, used in parallel, were connected to the radial artery and antecubital vein. Blood flowed through the columns and returned to the vein under the force
Ultrasonic Measurement of Body Fat as a Means of Assessing Body Condition in Free-Ranging Raccoons (Procyonlotor)

Assessment of body condition of free-ranging animals is important when evaluating population health and fitness. The following study used body condition scoring, ultrasound, and dissected physical measurement to assess fat stores in free-ranging raccoons (Procyon lotor). Measurements were taken of subcutaneous fat at interscapular, thoracolumbar, and lumbosacral paraspinal and ventral midline sites. These measurements were examined in relationship to body condition scores and body weight. The ultrasound technique accurately measured the subcutaneous fat of raccoons when compared to dissected physical measurement and yielded data that strongly correlated with both body condition score and body weight, with the ventral midline measurement most strongly correlated. This noninvasive method may be useful in conjunction with body condition score and body weight when assessing the nutritional status of raccoons and potentially other small carnivore species.
Interaction between DNA Polymerase λ and Anticancer Nucleoside Analogs*

The anticancer activity of cytarabine (AraC) and gemcitabine (dFdC) is thought to result from chain termination after incorporation into DNA. To investigate their incorporation into DNA at atomic level resolution, we present crystal structures of human DNA polymerase λ (Pol λ) bound to gapped DNA and containing either AraC or dFdC paired opposite template dG. These structures reveal that AraC and dFdC can bind within the nascent base pair binding pocket of Pol λ. Although the conformation of the ribose of AraCTP is similar to that of normal dCTP, the conformation of dFdCTP is significantly different. Consistent with these structures, Pol λ efficiently incorporates AraCTP but not dFdCTP. The data are consistent with the possibility that Pol λ could modulate the cytotoxic effect of AraC.
Heat shock protein 90 as a potential drug target against surra

SUMMARY Trypanosomiasis is caused by Trypanosoma species which affect both human and animal populations and pose a major threat to developing countries. The incidence of animal trypanosomiasis is on the rise. Surra is a type of animal trypanosomiasis, caused by Trypanosoma evansi, and has been included in priority list B of significant diseases by the World Organization of Animal Health (OIE). Control of surra has been a challenge due to the lack of effective drugs and vaccines and emergence of resistance towards existing drugs. Our laboratory has previously implicated Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) from protozoan parasites as a potential drug target and successfully demonstrated efficacy of an Hsp90 inhibitor in cell culture as well as a pre-clinical mouse model of trypanosomiasis. This article explores the role of Hsp90 in the Trypanosoma life cycle and its potential as a drug target. It appears plausible that the repertoire of Hsp90 inhibitors available in academia and industry may have value for treatment of surra and other animal trypanosomiasis.
Overcoming Financing Constraints in an Emerging Islamic Market: Evidence from the Sudan Telecommunications Company

The sourcing of low-cost finance to facilitate corporate expansion on competitive terms is a major challenge to firms from emerging markets. There are additional constraints in Islamic markets as financial instruments must adhere to shari'ya law. This paper examines the approach taken by the Sudan Telecommunications Company, Sudatel, to obtain cost effective equity financing using secondary listings on multiple MENA (Middle East and North Africa) Stock Exchanges. The potential for risk diversification for investors by holding a combination of Sudatel stock with stocks listed on other MENA markets is also demonstrated.
Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in Organization

Corporate social responsibility is emerging as a new field in the management research. It encompasses not only what companies do with their profits, but also how they make them. It is not just for large scale companies but also used by small scale and non-profit organizations. In India many firms have taken the initiatives of CSR practices which have met with different needs of the society as a whole. Data has been collected from number of articles, books, periodicals and websites.The present study has been an attempt to generate awareness and to understand meaning, significance, dimensional aspect of CSR and how to manage it. An extensive literature review is done on CSR. At the end some forces at work, some issues related to CSR in India and some recommendations are given.
Joint operational decision-making in collaborative transportation networks: The role of IT

Purpose – This paper addresses horizontal supply chain collaboration among autonomous freight carriers in the less-than-truckload industry. The main purpose of the paper is to identify and explain the challenges with joint operational decision-making in this context and investigate the precise role of information technology (IT) therein. Design/methodology/approach – Empirical evidence is gathered by means of exploratory and explanatory case research, with multiple cases at the planning departments of European freight carriers operating in collaborative transportation networks. Findings – Collaborating carriers face fundamental challenges in joint operational planning and control of collaborative transportation, despite the broad availability of state-of-the-art IT. These operational supply chain challenges can be explained by technological differences of the available IT applications, which hinder integration. Research limitations/implications – Any expectations with regard to state-of-the-art XML or EDI.
Reinforcement Learning for Learning Rate Control

Stochastic gradient descent (SGD), which updates the model parameters by adding a local gradient times a learning rate at each step, is widely used in model training of machine learning algorithms such as neural networks. It is observed that the models trained by SGD are sensitive to learning rates and good learning rates are problem specific. We propose an algorithm to automatically learn learning rates using neural network based actor-critic methods from deep reinforcement learning (RL). In particular, we train a policy network called actor to decide the learning rate at each step during training, and a value network called critic to give feedback about quality of the decision (e.g., the goodness of the learning rate outputted by the actor) that the actor made. The introduction of auxiliary actor and critic networks helps the main network achieve better performance. Experiments on different datasets and network architectures show that our approach leads to better convergence of SGD than human-designed competitors.
Finding the best health center location in Zahedan, Iran by using FAHP

With urban growth and development, necessary urban and regional planning information has risen and become more complex. Extensive network of urban facilities, distribution and population density, land use and many cases like this add to such complexity of planning, leaving no option except for using GIS to collect such data and process them in the form of new regional and urban planning. Here, we intend to take advantage of FAHP for the ranking of health centers in Zahedan, Iran. Since some criteria are qualitative and others are quantitative, this method which is capable of analyzing both objective and subjective assessment measures is beneficial is used. Due to high volume of FAHP calculations, Excel and Matlab software packages were administered for the process. As the results show, Bou Ali, Social Welfare, Khatam, and Emam Ali hospitals ranked first to fourth, respectively. Also, Nabi Akram Hospital ranked by far 5th. Eventually, based on experts` opinions, assessment and establishment of two hospitals are proposed in the north part of Zahedan in order to have better density of hospitals in Zahedan, Iran.
A texture analysis method for detection of clustered microcalcifications on digital mammograms

Breast cancer is one of the major causes of death among women. Early detection of breast cancer is possible by the detection of clustered microcalcifications on X-ray mammograms. Texture is an important characteristic used in identifying objects or region of interest in a digitised mammogram. This work focuses on a statistical texture analysis method called Surrounding Region Dependence Method (Kim and Park, 1999) - based on second order histogram in two surrounding regions. Six textural features are extracted and are used to classify region of interests into positive ROIs, containing clustered microcalcifications and negative ROIs composed of normal breast tissues. A 3-layer backpropagation neural network is used as a classifier. Results are evaluated using Receiver Operating Characteristics analysis.
DETERMINANTS OF PROCUREMENT REGULATORY COMPLIANCE BY KENYA ELECTRICITY GENERATING COMPANY

Worldwide public procurement has been subjected to reforms, restructuring, rules and regulations. Although several developing countries have taken steps to reform their public procurement systems, the process is still shrouded by secrecy, inefficiency, corruption and undercutting. In all these cases, huge amounts of resources are wasted, data from Kenya Anticorruption commission show that Kengen lost more than 200 Billion for the last five years. Transparency International (TI) reveal that procurement scandals in Kenya are associated with lack of compliance. Kengen was ranked among top ten public sector associated with procurement scandals (TI, 2012). Data from World Bank show that Kengen lost 5 Billion relating to procurement scandal.The main objectives of this study however was to identify the determinants of procurement regulatory compliance by Kenya electricity generating company. Specifically the study sought to find the effect of staff competence, technology, organizational structure and governance policies in determining procurement regulatory compliance.The research design employed in the study was descriptive. The sampling technique was stratified random sampling. The study was carried out with a pilot study to pre-test and validate the questionnaire. The aim of the pilot study was to test the reliability of the questionnaires. This study used statistical package for social sciences, SPSS Version 21 to aid in data analysis. Regression analysis was used to establish the relationship between the variables. The study found out that information technology was the most significant variable in determining procurement regulatory compliance; IT has affected the performance of Kengen Company to a high extent and that technological use has increased efficiency on the procurement regulatory compliance. The study also concludes that organization structure determine procurement regulatory compliance by Kengen The study recommends that the organization should have competent professional workforce equipped with skills and knowledge for specified procurement jobs and have improvised information technology in order to have sound procurement regulatory compliance.