Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Implementing Information Technology Governance: Models, Practices and Cases

In many organizations, information technology (IT) has become crucial in the support, sustainability, and growth of the business. This pervasive use of technology has created a critical dependency on IT that calls for a specific focus on IT governance. Implementing Information Technology Governance: Models, Practices and Cases presents insight gained through literature reviews and case studies to provide practical guidance for organizations who want to start implementing IT governance or improving existing governance models, and provides a detailed set of IT governance structures, processes, and relational mechanisms that can be leveraged to implement IT governance in practice.
MC Complexity Reduction for Generalized P and B Pictures in HEVC

Motion compensation (MC) is a critical component in terms of computational complexity and memory bandwidth. The MC complexity of High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) for UHD contents significantly increased more than that of AVC/H.264. This paper reveals and analyzes a feature of generalized P and B pictures in HEVC and introduces a simple and effective method for MC complexity reduction that can be exploited at both the encoder and decoder without affecting the compression performance. The proposed method bypasses the \(L1\) interpolation process when the \(L0\) and \(L1\) motion information of a bipredicted block are identical. The simulation results show that the time reductions of 14.5% and 6.4% for the encoder and decoder, respectively, were achieved for LD-B configuration without any changes in coding results. The proposed method was adopted in the HEVC test model as a non-normative complexity reduction tool.
Image analysis of papillary thyroid carcinoma fine-needle aspirates: significant association between aneuploidy and death from disease.

BACKGROUND Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common thyroid malignancy in the U.S. As many as half of patients with papillary carcinoma present with cervical lymph node metastases at the time of diagnosis. Metastatic disease involving cervical lymph node tissue has not historically been proven to correlate with a more aggressive course; however, distant metastases worsen prognosis. METHODS Diagnostic fine-needle aspiration (FNA) smears from 26 primary and metastatic papillary carcinomas underwent Feulgen reaction and were studied by image analysis to determine DNA pattern, proliferation index, and the percentage of cells with DNA content >5C. The medical records of all the patients were reviewed for metastatic disease pattern and survival data. For metastatic pattern, two groups were defined: 1) confined to thyroid/local lymph node metastases/soft tissues of the neck involved by tumor, and 2) distant metastases. RESULTS Among the 26 patients, 16 had "nonaggressive" DNA patterns described as diploid, abnormal diploid, or tetraploid, and 10 had "aggressive" DNA patterns described as aneuploid. Only 2 of the 16 patients in the "nonaggressive" DNA pattern group developed distant metastases, whereas 5 of the 10 patients in the aneuploid group developed distant metastatic disease. In addition, none of the 16 patients with "nonaggressive" DNA patterns died of disease, whereas 3 of the 10 individuals with DNA histograms interpreted as aneuploid did die of metastatic disease complications. CONCLUSIONS Aneuploidy identified by image analysis of FNA of papillary thyroid carcinoma is significantly associated with death from papillary carcinoma (log rank test, P=0.027).
Small Colony Variants of Escherichia coli

Small colony variants of several species of bacteria have been described (Hadley, Delves, and Klimek, 1931; Hoffstadt and Youmans, 1932; Koser and Dienst, 1934; Duff, 1937; Haddow, 1938; Kuhn and Stemnberg, 1931). Their recovery has usually been a matter of chance, because of their sporadic occurrence, with one exception: Youmans (1937, 1942) has reported the regular appearance of small colony variants in 17 strains of staphylococci in response to barium chloride. References to small colony variants of Escherichia coli are rare. Hadley, Delves, and Klimek (1931) mention briefly that "G" forms similar to "G" forms of the Shigella group extensively studied by them were recovered from 2 strains of E. coli; and Kuhn and Steinberg (1931) found small colony variants in 45 strains of E. coli, among other organisms. The present report deals with the production of small colony variants of E. coli with 2-methyl-1 ,4-napthoquinone and is believed worth recording because of the frequency of their appearance, the purity of the phase obtained, and their possible significance in regard to the mechanism of the antibacterial action of this quinone.
Are Ownership Structures Risk- & Wealth-Constrained?

The paper considers the owners of the firms as normal investors who want to optimise the return from their investments in accordance with their wealth constraint and the risk of their investment in the firm. The paper tests this theory on a representative sample of Danish companies including small firms. Concerning the wealth constraint for owners, the study finds evidence of more dispersed ownership in larger and more capital-demanding firms. According to the investors risk aspect, firms operating on foreign markets are more likely to have more than one owner. Concerning the domestic markets the owner structure is more dispersed in industries with a volatile business cycle.
Cytokine appearance and effects of anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha antibodies in a neonatal rat model of group B streptococcal infection

Cytokines are suspected of playing an important role in the pathophysiology of septic shock. This study was undertaken to determine whether tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) induces the production of other cytokines and mediates mortality in a neonatal rat model of sepsis caused by group B streptococci (GBS). We have measured TNF-alpha, interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) levels in neonatal rats infected with different strains (H738, 259, and 90) and doses (1 50% lethal dose [LD50] and 5 90% lethal doses [LD90]) of type III GBS. TNF-alpha and IL-6 were detected by the L929 cytotoxicity and the B9 proliferation assays, respectively, in serial plasma samples. IL-1 alpha and IFN-gamma were measured in spleen homogenates by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits by using antibodies raised against the corresponding mouse cytokines. Plasma TNF-alpha levels significantly rose above baseline values within 12 h after intraperitoneal challenge with 5 LD90 of GBS strain H738, corresponding to 3 x 10(3) CFU. A mean peak TNF-alpha concentration of 232 +/- 124 U/ml was reached at 20 h. Peak IL-1 alpha and IL-6 levels of 766 +/- 404 U/g and 1,033 +/- 520 U/ml, respectively, were reached at 24 h after bacterial challenge. Maximal spleen concentrations of IFN-gamma (449 +/- 283 U/g) were measured at 36 h. Concentrations of TNF-alpha, but not other cytokines, remained significantly elevated at 72 h, a time when mortality approached 100%. Significant correlations were found between concentrations of each of the cytokines tested and the logs of CFU concentrations in the blood. In order to ascertain whether TNF-alpha influenced the production of other cytokines, rat pups received two injections of anti-murine TNF-alpha or normal rabbit serum at 2 h before and at 26 h after challenge with live GBS. Plasma TNF-alpha bioactivity was undetectable in anti-TNF-alpha-treated animals, while IL-6 and IFN-gamma, but not IL-1 alpha, levels were significantly reduced, compared with normal serum controls. Rat pups pretreated with anti-TNF-alpha serum and infected with 1 and 5 LD90 of strains H738 and 259 showed enhanced early (48 to 72 h) survival. However, by 96 h this protection was no longer apparent.
Measuring Corporate Innovation Capacity: Experience and Implications from I2Metrix Implementation in Vietnam

This paper discusses the issue of measuring corporate innovation capacity, and proposes a method for implementing such measurement program (i2Metrix). The actual survey on 19 Vietnamese leading businesses suggests that the i2Metrix design is working and can be further improved for future use. Responses by firms' executives show not only their awareness of innovation but also interest in management tools and methods to make use of this crucially important but elusive concept and resource. Insights from the survey highlight a disciplined process of innovation, adoption, and diffusion.
Alterations of mucosa of the larynx and hypopharynx in patients with mucopolysaccharidoses

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to: assess the mucosal alterations of the larynx and hypopharynx typical for mucopolysaccharidoses, in a standardised manner; compare the severity in different subtypes of mucopolysaccharidoses; and monitor the effect of an enzyme replacement therapy. Methods: A classification for mucosal alterations of the larynx and hypopharynx was developed and utilised in 55 patients with mucopolysaccharidoses. Fifteen patients who started treatment with enzyme replacement therapy were followed longitudinally. Results: The most severe alterations were seen in the posterior region of the larynx and the arytenoids, and in the region of the false vocal folds. The alterations were most severe in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis II. No clear trend was observed in the patients who received enzyme replacement therapy. Conclusion: Quantification of mucosal alterations of the hypopharynx and larynx in mucopolysaccharidoses patients can provide information about the disease's natural process and about the efficacy of enzyme replacement therapy.
Income Shifting in U.S. Multinational Corporations

It is often claimed that multinational firms avoid taxes by shifting income from high-tax to low-tax countries. Using a five year panel of data for two hundred large U.S. manufacturing firms, we find that U.S. tax liability, as a fraction either of U.S. sales or U.S. assets, is related to the location of foreign subsidiaries in a way that is consistent with tax-motivated income shifting. Having a subsidiary in a tax haven, Ireland, or one of the "four dragon" Asian countries - all characterized by low tax rates - is associated with lower U.S. tax ratios. Having a subsidiary in a high-tax region is associated with higher U.S. tax ratios. These results suggest that U.S. manufacturing companies shift income out of high-tax countries into the U.S., and from the U.S. to low-tax countries. Such behavior certainly lowers worldwide tax liabilities for larger U.S. manufacturing companies and appears to significantly lower their U.S. tax liabilities as well.
Effects of steroid hormones on vascular functions

The purpose of this review is to present reported findings of effects of steroids on vascular function and to discuss the biological significance in vascular physiology and pathology. Steroid hormones play various roles in vascular functions through the specific receptor localized in the endothelium and underlying vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Estrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal women is in general associated with a reduction in mortality from cardiovascular disease and the beneficial effects of estrogens are caused by modulation of lipid metabolism, expression of leukocyte adhesion molecules, and migration of VSMCs in the vascular wall. Estrogens also play a role as vasodilators through an increment in nitric oxide (NO) production in endothelium or modulation of calcium homeostasis in VSMCs. Some progestin molecules partially oppose the effects of estrogens on vascular functions, but striking differences exist among the types of molecules. Testosterone shows a vasorelaxant response, but detailed actions of androgens on vascular functions remain unknown. Glucocorticoids act on vasoconstriction through reduced prostacyclin production, increased α‐adrenoceptor numbers, and inhibition of NO synthase, while mineralocorticoids induce hypertrophy and hyperplasia of VSMCs and perivascular fibrosis and cause peripheral vascular resistance, in addition to changes in vascular electrocyte permeability. Some rapid actions of steroids are mediated by “nongenomic” responses in vascular tissues. Recent studies have also demonstrated that steroid‐producing or ‐metabolizing enzymes are expressed in the vascular wall, suggesting the local regulation of steroids in the vascular system. Thus, steroid hormones greatly influence vascular functions and an understanding of the mechanisms may provide new means to prevent vascular diseases. Microsc. Res. Tech. 60:76–84, 2003. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oxygen effect on photosynthetic and glycolate pathways in young maize leaves.

To study the effect of O(2) on the photosynthetic and glycolate pathways, maize leaves were exposed to (14)CO(2) during steady-state photosynthesis in 21 or 1% O(2). At the two O(2) concentrations after a (14)CO(2) pulse (4 seconds) followed by a (12)CO(2) chase, there was a slight difference in CO(2) uptake and in the total amount of (14)C fixed, but there were marked changes in (14)C distribution especially in phosphoglycerate, ribulose bisphosphate, glycine, and serine. The kinetics of (14)C incorporation into glycine and serine indicated that the glycolate pathway is inhibited at low O(2) concentrations. In 1% O(2), labeling of glycine was reduced by 90% and that of serine was reduced by 70%, relative to the control in 21% O(2). A similar effect has been observed in C(3) plants, except that, in maize leaves, only 5 to 6% of the total (14)C fixed under 21% O(2) was found in glycolate pathway intermediates after 60 seconds chase. This figure is 20% in C(3) plants. Isonicotinyl hydrazide did not completely block the conversion of glycine to serine in 21% O(2), and the first carbon atom of serine was preferentially labeled during the first seconds of the chase. These results supported the hypothesis that the labeled serine not only derives from glycine but also could be formed from phosphoglycerate, labeled in the first carbon atom during the first seconds of photosynthesis.Another noticeable O(2) effect concerned differential labeling of phosphoglycerate and ribulose bisphosphate. Phosphoglycerate is more labeled than ribulose bisphosphate in air; the reverse is observed in 1% O(2). Changes in ribulose bisphosphate and phosphoglycerate pools exhibit similar trends. To understand the effect of O(2) on the distribution of (14)C in these two intermediates, it was postulated that, in air, there remains an oxygenase function which produces additional phosphoglycerate at the expense of ribulose bisphosphate.
Nephropathy in males and females with Fabry disease: cross-sectional description of patients before treatment with enzyme replacement therapy.

BACKGROUND Fabry disease, an X-linked genetic disorder with deficient alpha-galactosidase A activity, is characterized by kidney disease and kidney failure. The spectrum of kidney disease has not been well defined, especially in female patients. METHODS We did a cross-sectional retrospective analysis of natural history of glomerular filtration rate (estimated- eGFR), albuminuria and proteinuria in 1262 adult patients (585 males, 677 females) from the Fabry Registry. RESULTS Twenty-eight percent of males (age 20-79 years) and 13% of females (age 20-82 years) had chronic kidney disease (CKD) with eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2). Overt proteinuria (>300 mg/24 h) was demonstrated in 43 and 26% of males and females with CKD stage 1, respectively, and the proportions were higher with more severe kidney involvement. However, 11% of males and 28% of females with eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) had proteinuria <300 mg/ 24 h. Of eGFR >/= 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) patients without overt proteinuria (n = 93), 55% of the males and 35% of the females had albuminuria >30 mg/24 h. Systemic blood pressure was >/=130/80 mmHg in 48% and 67% of patients with eGFR >/= and <60 ml/min/1.73 m(2), respectively, with no significant differences between males and females. Proteinuria values were significantly correlated with systolic blood pressure in both sexes. CONCLUSIONS Kidney involvement in Fabry disease is more prevalent and heterogeneous than previously reported. Proteinuria is an early complication, but may not be overt in patients with advanced kidney disease. This analysis, which includes more females than males, confirms that a significant proportion of females suffer moderate to severe kidney involvement in Fabry disease.
Part-time work in European Companies: Establishment Survey on Working Time 2004-2005

This report reveals how widespread part-time employment has become as a working arrangement in many parts of Europe. It looks at the national policies influencing part-time employment and the possible impact of this type of work organisation on labour market flexibility. It also examines the variations in the take-up of part-time work between men and women, as well as profiling part-time workers in terms of pay, career prospects and sectoral distribution. In doing so, the report analyses the effects of this working time arrangement on overall work–life balance.
Synaptotoxicity in Alzheimer's Disease: The Wnt Signaling Pathway as a Molecular Target

Recent evidence supports a role of the Wnt pathway in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). A relationship between amyloid‐β‐peptide (Aβ)‐induced neurotoxicity and a decrease in the cytoplasmatic levels of β‐catenin has been proposed. Also, the inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK‐3β), a central modulator of the pathway, protects rat hippocampal neurons from Aβ‐induced damage. Interestingly, during the progression of AD, it has been described that active GSK‐3β is found in neuronal cell bodies and neurites, co‐localizing with pre‐neurofibrillary tangles observed in disease brains. Since Aβ oligomers are associated with the post‐synaptic region and we have found that the non‐canonical Wnt signaling modulates PSD‐95 and glutamate receptors, we propose that the synaptic target for Aβ oligomers in AD is the postsynaptic region and at the molecular level is the non‐canonical Wnt signaling pathway. Altogether, our evidence suggests that a sustained loss of Wnt signaling function may be involved in the Aβ‐dependent neurodegeneration observed in AD brains and that the activation of this signaling pathway could be of therapeutic interest in AD.
HOW TO THE NEXT BILLION MOBILE APP BUGS

34 With users increasingly dependent on their phones, tablets, and wearables, the mobile app ecosystem is more important today than ever before. Creating and distributing apps has never been more accessible. Even single developers can now reach global audiences. But mobile apps must cope with extremely varied and dynamic operating conditions due to factors like diverse device characteristics, wireless network heterogeneity, and varied user behavior. App developers and operators of app marketplaces both lack testing tools that can effectively account for such diversity and, as a result, app failures and performance bugs (like excessive energy consumption) are commonly found today. To address this challenge to mobile app development, we have developed key techniques for scalable automated mobile app testing within two prototype services — VanarSena and Caiipa. In this paper, we describe our vision for SMASH, a unified cloud-based mobile app testing service that combines the strengths of both previous systems to tackle the complexities presently faced by testers of mobile apps. hoW to the next bILLIon mobILe App bUgs? [past➔Future]
Measurement of time-spatial characteristics between indoor spaces in different LOS buildings

In order to overcome the increasing traffic problems of mobile terminals used in high-rise offices of buildings, it is necessary to clarify the time-spatial characteristics which are composed of the characteristics of the path loss, the delay profile and the spatial arrival angular profile for travelling waves from one high-rise office to another office in a different building. In this paper, we measure the time-spatial characteristics of radio waves passing from one indoor space to another and identify the key parameters determining the time-spatial characteristics based on measured results.
“Voicing” in English: A Catalogue of Acoustic Features Signaling /b/ Versus /p/ in Trochees

The English category sets /b, d, g/ and /p, t, k/ are now usually referred to as voiced and voiceless stops respectively, although it is recognized that membership in these sets is not entirely determined by whether, according to commonly accepted definitions, a given phonetic element is voiced or voiceless; nor need it even be described as a stop. What is true is that if a phonetic element is phonetically a voiced stop then it will be assigned to the /b, d, g/ set, and if it is a voiceless stop it may, but need not be, assigned to /p, t, k/. A context in which the stop members of the two phonological sets may be distinguished simply on the basis of voicing (as narrowly defined with respect to stop consonants) is between vowels, as for example in the pair rabid-rapid. Acoustically, however, as many as 16 pattern properties can be counted that may play a role in determining whether a listener reports hearing one of these words rather than the other. In purely acoustic terms these properties are rather disparate, although most of them show variations that can plausibly be considered to be primarily the diverse effects of a relatively simple difference in the management of the larynx together with the closing and opening of the mouth. This diversity makes it difficult to rationalize a purely acoustic account of the rabid-rapid opposition, — i.e., one that makes no reference to the articulatory mechanisms and maneuvers by which the common linguistic effect of varying these acoustic properties might be explained.
Estimating the Interest Rate Risk of Banks Using Time Series of Accounting-Based Data

This paper proposes a new method of estimating the interest rate risk of banks from the perspective of bank outsiders. The key innovation is the inclusion of time series of accounting-based data instead of using only the latest available reports to estimate the maturity structure of banks. Using regulatory accounting-based data, we estimate the model for more than 1,000 German universal banks and compare the results with a unique data set of bank-internal quantified interest rate risk. We find evidence that our model yields a significantly better fit of banks’ internally quantified interest rate risk than standard approaches that rely on one-point-in-time data.
A new variable gain robust controller giving consideration to nominal L2 gain performance for linear systems with structured uncertainties

In this paper, we propose a new variable gain robust controller giving consideration to nominal L2 gain performance for a class of uncertain linear systems. The proposed robust controller consists of a fixed gain designed by considering guaranteed L2 gain performance for the nominal system and an adjustable parameter tuned by updating laws. Furthermore, we show that sufficient conditions for the existence of the proposed controller are reduced to feasibility of LMIs. At last, a numerical example is presented.