Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of encoding configurations on the perceived quality of high definition videoconference sequences

In this paper we evaluate the impact of different encoding configurations such as compression ratios, frame rates and resolution on the perceived quality of high definition video-conference applications. After generating a high quality video database, degraded sequences had their quality assessed by state-of-the-art automatic metrics. Results have shown that, for low rates, it is preferable to decrease the frame rate and resolution than to increase the compression ratio. Also, a higher frame rate tends to be more important than spatial resolution in terms of perceived quality.
Cognitive management framework for fog computing in IOT case study: Traffic control system

Fog computing is a new computational paradigm proposed by Cisco that subdues the shortcomings of cloud computing by transferring some of the core functions of cloud towards the network edge. Internet of Things (IOT) is a very promising technology, which are used heavily in many areas of life and with such a large and rapid spread produces a lot of challenges in IOT. As reported by Cisco, by the year 2020, the next generation Internet-connected devices would comprise of around 50 billion Internet-connected devices which are located at the edge of the network and require support for mobility, low latency, real-time, and location-aware services. The Cloud computing is used as a main component in IOT architecture to provide processing and storage services for IOT system but the conventional cloud computing architecture is completely centralized in nature, and therefore, fails to provide real-time and low latency services to billions of IOT devices at the edge of the network, simultaneously. The main objective of this research is to combine the capabilities of Fog Computing, Cognitive and Context-Aware IOT to build a cognitive management framework for Fog computing capable of adopting it's behavior in a context-aware fashion to maximize the number of functions that can be carried out in The Fog and to provide a solution for determining which functions should be carried out in the Fog and which should be carried out in the cloud and how the Fog should interact with the Cloud, The same function in some situations can be carried out in the fog while in other situations can be carried out in the cloud according to its context.
An Investigation on Employee Participation in the Workplace: A South African Case Study in the Nelson Mandela Bay-Eastern Cape Region

A successful organisation depends on a wide range of factors, both internal and external to the organisation. Of the most important factors that contribute to the success of an organisation are its employees. In a competitive market place, employees with the required skills and expertise are regarded as the most important source of competitive advantage. There is no doubt that the success of an organisation is determined by many facets, all of which reiterate the significance of attracting and retaining the most qualified employees. It is crucial that business owners and managers recognise that people are an indispensable asset that contributes extensively to the expansion and growth of the organisation, much like physical assets such as machinery and money would. Against this background, this study analyses whether factors influencing job satisfaction have an impact on employee participation in the workplace. The main objective of the study is to investigate some of the influences of employee satisfaction that might impact on the level of employee participation in the workplace. A sample was taken from numerous organisations within the Nelson Mandela Bay area and a questionnaire was designed and distributed to employees within this area. The questionnaire examined four dimensions: motivation, monetary and non-monetary, job autonomy and job satisfaction. There was a seventy six percent response rate. The results indicated that, although motivation, rewards and job autonomy increased the job satisfaction of the employees, motivation and rewards had no impact on employee participation in the workplace. Only job autonomy has a positive impact on employee participation in the work place. Concluding remarks and recommendations were highlighted and it is evident that organisations need to improve motivation and reward systems for the employees to be able to increase their level of participation in the workplace. Regardless of these concerns, the empirical evidence of this study indicated that employee participation is positively influenced by factors such as rewards, motivation and job autonomy. Employees value the recognition and appreciation they receive from their supervisors for their job performance. Regular feedback sessions and a supportive environment are important aspects to consider when keeping employees motivated to participate in the workplace. The level of autonomy that is given to employees to manage their time and work direction gives them a greater sense of responsibility and thus increases their participation. Employees who are motivated to do their jobs, regardless of the motivating tool, are often more satisfied in their jobs, thus leading to greater levels of participation in the work place.
Benefits of sales force automation to salespeople and to their customers in business-to-business markets

Author: Aho, Outi Title: Benefits of sales force automation to salespeople and to their customers in business-to-business markets Faculty: LUT, School of Business Master’s Programme: International Marketing Management (MIMM) Year: 2014 Master’s Thesis: Lappeenranta University of Technology 87 pages, 10 figures, 10 tables and 6 appendixes Examiners: Professor Sanna-Katriina Asikainen Professor Olli Kuivalainen
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN THE BANKING SECTOR: A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON SOME COMMERCIAL BANKS IN BANGLADESH

This paper scrutinizes the practices of corporate social responsibility (CSR) by commercial banks in Bangladesh and to assess the need to improve CSR by such organizations. The purpose of the study is to observe the framework of CSR areas and contribution to those areas by the Private Commercial Banks (PCB) and State Owned Banks (SOB) of Bangladesh. This study found that the contribution amount by commercial banks to CSR activities is very insignificant in proportion to their profit amount. This study suggests that a proper guideline by Government regarding CSR contribution, involvement of large corporation in CSR activities and mandating CSR disclosures in the annual report will fulfill the intended goals of the corporate organizations and also ensure a successful and sustainable development of the society.
The effects of parallel trade on affordable access to medicines.

This paper is based on research commissioned by the EC to help assess the impact of policy options1,2 to ensure safe medicines through parallel trade; and reduce the risks of counterfeit medicines in the EU. To the best of our knowledge this was the first such work to have been commissioned from the perspective of patients rather than manufacturers or traders. The manufacturers’ trade association, the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Association (EFPIA) had assembled a dossier of complaints which the Commission took seriously.
Governance for whom

Research on governance by external non-state actors in areas of limited statehood concentrates on the conditions under which these actors engage in governance. However, this literature largely ignores findings from research on the anthropology of development, the privatization of security, and non-state welfare provision in developing countries that point to the limitations and negative effects of governance by non-state actors. Hence there are many reasons to distinguish carefully between different qualities of governance contributions and the (unintended) effects of external actors’ practices. This paper deals with the quality of governance in that it suggests an analytical framework for distinguishing different qualities along three dimensions: inclusiveness, the indirect effects of governance, and the external effects of non-governance practices. Empirically, the paper focuses on multinational companies in sub-Saharan Africa. This is for two reasons. Firstly, the literature on business and governance noticeably isolates the positive contributions by firms from the negative effects of business activities in areas of limited statehood. Secondly, the case of companies – actors that do not aim at contributing to governance in the first place – clearly illustrates the added value of distinguishing different qualities of governance contributions. This is also relevant, however, for other governance actors.
Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Overweight/Obesity amongChinese Women of Childbearing Age: A Cross-Sectional Epidemic Study

Objects: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is an independent risk factor for chronic metabolic disorders (CMD). This study investigated the prevalence of MS and overweight/obesity among women of childbearing age in southern China. Methods: A nationally representative sample of 3200 southern Chinese women aged 20-45 years were randomly selected from 16 sampling units of two rural areas (Zhongshan and Xinhui) and two city regions (Guangzhou and Shenzhen) in Guangdong Province in China between June 2008 and July 2009. The prevalence of MS according to modified ATP III criteria and overweight/obesity (≥ 23.0 kg/m2) were analyzed. Results: Approximately 1.28 million women in Guangdong, China, were estimated to have MS, with an ageadjusted prevalence of 6.6% (95% CI 5.3%-7.5%), and 4.22 million [21.7% (95% CI 20.2%-23.2%)] were estimated to have overweight/obesity. In total, 39.5% women had one component of MS, 19.4% two components, 5.6% three components, and 0.9% at least four components. Compared to the 4.7% MS prevalence in women aged 20-25 years, the prevalence increased in women aged 31-35 years (1.3-fold) and increased more sharply in women aged 36-45 years (2.3-fold). The age-specific prevalence of overweight/obesity increased steadily by 1.3-1.8-fold beginning at 26-30 years of age (9.0%), and it reached a peak at 36-45 years of age (36.0%). The prevalence of MS and overweight/obesity increased in rural residents who preferred unhealthy diets and exercised less compared to urban residents. Conclusion: Some women of reproductive age in southern China had MS, and a significant, and perhaps growing, proportion of women were overweight. Less exercise contributes to the higher prevalence of MS and overweight/obesity among rural residents than urban residents.
Tax Policy for Small and Medium Enterprises

Taxing small and medium enterprises (SME) is a significant issue in the globalizing economy. SME are also looking for expansion and Unions like USA and EU have real problems for finding the appropriate for of taxing multi state activities on one hand and easing the burden on other. The dimensions are different and the problems are different around the world. This paper is based on Bulgarian experience in taxing SME and some of the new changes on the European market due to expansion of the European Union. The paper will stress on the possibilities for presumptive type of taxation and home state taxation that are the most recent developments in getting these businesses in the tax net. The paper will examine the different types of taxes and the influence on the SME and will enlighten some of the ways to make satisfy both the revenue and the economic agents on the market.
Instilling an Entrepreneurial Mindset in Department of Defense (DoD) Organizations: Evidence from Entrepreneurial Organizations in the Private Sector

Abstract : Calls for transforming government and creating entrepreneurial cultures in non-profit motivated organizations are everywhere today. The primary method proposed for instilling an entrepreneurial mindset is to institute "best practices" or "lessons learned" from commercial firms that have characteristics similar to those of large government organizations. While the similarities between the private and public sector organizations are many, the differences (e.g. legal restrictions, missions, and motivation of members of the organization) are also notable. This exploratory study seeks to more clearly define the commonalities between the experiences of private sector firms and how those experiences can be captured to help DoD organizations to transform themselves to better execute their mission.
Delayed Intracranial Delivery of a Nitric Oxide Donor from a Controlled-release Polymer Prevents Experimental Cerebral Vasospasm in Rabbits

OBJECTIVE:Decreased local availability of nitric oxide (NO) may mediate chronic vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Previous reports have shown that early treatment with NO prevents vasospasm in animals. We evaluated the efficacy of controlled-release polymers that contain the NO donor diethylenetriamine (DETA-NO) for the delayed treatment of vasospasm in a rabbit model of SAH. METHODS:DETA-NO 20% (wt/wt) was incorporated into ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVAc) polymers. Animals (n = 52) were randomized to two experimental groups. In the first group (n = 32), animals received SAH and implantation of either 20% DETA-NO/EVAc polymer at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg of DETA-NO (n = 16) or empty EVAc polymer (n = 16). Polymers were implanted 24 (n = 16) or 48 hours (n = 16) after SAH. In the second group (n = 20), animals received SAH and implantation of either 20% DETA-NO/EVAc polymer at a dose of 1.3 mg/kg (n = 10) or empty EVAc (n = 10). Polymers were implanted 24 (n = 10) or 48 hours (n = 10) after SAH. An additional group (n = 16) underwent either sham operation (n = 6) or SAH only (n = 10). Animals were killed 3 days after hemorrhage, and the basilar arteries were processed for morphometric measurements. Results were analyzed using Student’s t test. RESULTS:Treatment with 20% DETA-NO/EVAc polymers at a dose of 1.3 mg/kg significantly increased basilar artery lumen patency when administered at 24 (97 ± 6% versus 73 ± 10%; P = 0.0396) or 48 hours (94 ± 6% versus 71 ± 9%; P = 0.03) after SAH. Treatment with 20% DETA-NO/EVAc polymers at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg administered 48 hours after SAH significantly increased lumen patency (82 ± 8% versus 68 ± 12%; P = 0.03); a dose of 0.5 mg/kg, 24 hours after SAH, did not reach statistical significance (74 ± 7% versus 65 ± 9%; P = 0.16). The SAH-only group had a lumen patency of 67 ± 12%. CONCLUSION:Delayed treatment of SAH with controlled-release DETA-NO polymers prevented experimental posthemorrhagic vasospasm in the rabbit. This inhibition was dose-dependent. This further confirms the role of NO in the pathogenesis of vasospasm.
Changes in the Th1 or Th2 cytokine dominance in the synovium of rheumatoid arthritis (RA): a kinetic study of the Th subsets in one unusual RA patient.

OBJECTIVE To perform a kinetic study of the Th1/Th2 balance in the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovium. METHODS Three different synovial tissue (ST) samples were obtained from one patient with erosive RA. The characterization of Th1 and Th2 responses was performed by interferon-gamma and interleukin-4 measurements and by expression of the chemokine receptors CCR5 and CCR3. Measurements of secreted and surface immunoglobulin determined the types of B cells. RESULTS The first ST sample yielded 31 CD4+ T cell clones which showed an unusual Th2 dominant pattern in the inflamed synovium. The Th2 response was associated with predominantly synovial IgG B cells, and a predominantly Th1 profile in the peripheral blood. In contrast, ST samples obtained 2 and 2.5 yr later displayed first a Th0 and thereafter a Th1 profile, and the synovial B cell response was predominantly of IgM type. The T cell lines from the Th1/Th0 tissues expressed the Th1 marker CCR5 but not CCR3, while the T cells from the Th2 tissue expressed the Th2 marker CCR3 and no CCR5. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that a predominantly Th2 response can be associated with active erosive RA. However, the Th2 profile was not permanent and changed into a Th0 and thereafter a Th1 profile.
Lift-off Processes with Photoresists

Beside wet or dry etching, lift-off is a common technique to pattern metal or dielectrica films in the μm or sub-μm range. The main criteria for the choice of a photoresist best-suited for a certain lift-off process are: The thickness of the coated material The coating technology (evaporation, sputtering, CVD, .) and the maximum temperature the resist film has to stand during coating The required resolution The availability of positive or negative photomasks The available exposure wavelengths (g-, h-, i-line) After these questions have been answered, it’s time to look for a resist meeting the requirements of your lift-off process(es) as described in the following sections.
Real-time speech segmentation using pitch and convexity jump models: application to variable rate speech coding

Convexity jump models are combined with period identification in the time domain to provide an efficient segmentation technique adapted to the needs of coders. The algorithm presented works online, with no training, and is speaker-independent. Structural problems found in previous systems (blank detection spots, long decision delays) have been overcome. Both the simplicity and the generality (information theory basis for the divergence test) allow applications of the automatic online segmentation method in other areas of signal processing. >
Mediation of the relationship between inner voice experiences and health-related quality of life.

PROBLEM Appraisals tied to voice hearing and other subjective experiences pose serious challenges for nursing because of their implications for health and safety of voice hearers and others. METHOD An exploratory, correlational design involving hierarchical analysis of data from 337 voice hearers. FINDINGS Inner voice experiences and subjective-deficit symptoms each had significant negative, independent effects on perceptions of the integrity of the functional nervous system, self-esteem, and health-related quality of life. The combination of subjective-deficit symptoms, perceptions of the integrity of the functional nervous system and self-esteem significantly reduced the negative impact of inner voice experiences on health related quality of life (R2 = .511). Perceived integrity of the functional nervous system and self-esteem together almost completely attenuated the impact of voice hearing on subjects' health-related quality of life. CONCLUSION These results highlight the need to develop strategies that can help voice hearers respond to inner experiences in a more positive manner.
Emergence of New Capitalist Class and Issues of Market, Merit and Social Justice: The Business and Economics of Higher Education in India

This paper analyses the structural changes in education sector since the introduction of liberalization policy in India. This paper explains how the so-called non-profit trusts and societies appropriated the liberalization policy and enhanced themselves as new capitalist class in higher education sector. Over the decades, the policy witnessed the role of private sector in terms of maintaining market equilibrium. The state also witnessed the incompatibility of the private sector in inculcating the values of social justice. The most important consequence of the policy is to witness the rise of new capitalist class and academic capitalism. When the state came to realize that it no longer cope up with market demands, it opens the entry of private sector in higher education. Concessions and tax exemptions were provided to the trusts and societies to establish higher education institutions. There is a basic difference between western countries and India in providing higher education by the trusts and societies. In western countries the big business houses contributed their surplus revenues to promote higher education and research as a complementary service to society and nation. In India, several entrepreneurs came up with business motive using education sector. Over the period, they accumulated wealth at the cost of students and concessions from the government. Four major results can now be identified: production of manpower in view of market demands; reduction of standards in higher education; bypassing the values of social justice; and the rise of new capitalist class from the business of education. This paper tries to substantiate these issues with the inputs from case studies. Keywords—New capitalism, market, social justice, higher education
HiTS: ein Tagset für historische Sprachstufen des Deutschen

Im Kontext der Projekte zur Erstellung historischer Sprachkorpora „Referenzkorpus Altdeutsch“ und „Referenzkorpus Mittelhochdeutsch“ entstand ein Tagset fur die Wortartanalyse, HiTS („Historisches Tagset“). Im Projekt „Referenzkorpus Fruhneuhochdeutsch“ wird eine vereinfachte Version davon angewendet, da v.a. die spateren Zeitraume schon nahe am neuhochdeutschen (nhd.) Stand sind.2 HiTS orientiert sich am „Stuttgart-Tubingen Tagset“ (STTS, Schiller et al., 1999), dem Standardtagset fur nhd. Korpora, und ubernimmt — neben einer ganzen Reihe von Tags — auch das hierarchische Design der Tagnamen. Ursprunglich sollte das Tagset komplett auf STTS aufbauen und dieses lediglich um einige neue Tags erweitern. Es stellte sich jedoch heraus, dass neben einigen notwendigen feineren Unterscheidungen (z.B. bei den Pronominaladverbien) auch die Tagnamen des STTS nicht immer geeignet schienen. Z.B. sind in HiTS der definite und indefinite Artikel eine Unterklasse der Determinativa — die Sonderstellung des Artikels, die im STTS durch ein eigenes Tag ‘ART’ betont wird, ist eine neuere Entwicklung. Das Tagset dient zur Annotation diachroner Daten. Einige wenige Tags finden dabei nur in den alt(hoch)deutschen Daten Anwendung. Um diachrone Untersuchungen bis in die jetzige Zeit zu ermoglichen, werden im vorliegenden Artikel den HiTS-Tags die jeweils entsprechenden STTS-Tags gegenubergestellt. Allerdings ist nicht in jedem Fall eine eindeutige Abbildung moglich. So wird z.B. in HiTS zwischen attributivisch und substantivisch verwendeten Zahlen unterschieden, nicht aber im STTS. Umgekehrt unterscheidet HiTS nicht zwischen elliptischen („kopflosen“) Nominalphrasen und substantivierten Adjektiven (s. Abschnitt 5), was das STTS aber tut.
Research on wind energy distributed generation in microgrid

Wind power is one of the common distributed generation in microgrid. According to the requirements of microgrid, permanent magnet synchronous wind generator (PMSWG) for wind energy distributed generation was designed in this paper and it has simple structure, easy control and low cost characteristics, non-controllable rectifier and grid-connected PWM convertor is adopted as the AC grid-connected circuit for the distributed generation. Researching on its operating and control strategy, this paper has realized the d/q power decoupling control of the wind energy distributed power and proposed a novel maximum wind power tracking strategy based on the principle of direct-control grid-connected power which can directly realize grid power control through grid current the only one parameter. The experimental system was established and the experiment results have proved correctness and feasibility of the proposed wind energy distributed generation and its control method, it is a suitable wind energy distributed generation for microgrid.