Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Product and Innovation Portfolio Management

In competitive strategy, firms manage two primary (non-financial) portfolios—the product portfolio and the innovation portfolio. Portfolio management involves resource allocation to balance the important tradeoff of risk reduction and upside maximization, with important decisions around the evaluation, prioritization and selection of products and innovation projects. These two portfolios are interdependent in ways that create reinforcing dynamics—the innovation portfolio is the array of potential future products, while the product portfolio both informs innovation strategy and provides inputs to future innovation efforts. Additionally, portfolio management processes operate at two levels, which is reflected in the literature's structure. The first is a micro lens which focuses on management frameworks to boost portfolio performance and success through project-level selection tools. This research has its roots in financial portfolio management, relates closely to research on new product development and marketing product management, and explores the effects of portfolio management decisions on other organizational functions (e.g., operations). The second lens is a macro lens on portfolio management research, which considers the portfolio as a whole and integrates key organizational and competitive concepts such as entry timing, portfolio management resource allocation regimes (e.g., real options reasoning), organizational experience, and the culling of products and projects. This literature aims to set portfolio management as higher level organizational decision-making capability that embodies the growth strategy of the organization. The organizational ability to manage both the product and innovation portfolios connects portfolio management to key strategic organizational capabilities, including ambidexterity and dynamic capabilities, and operationalizes strategic flexibility. We therefore view portfolio management as a source of competitive advantage that supports organizational renewal.
Pure topographic disorientation due to right retrosplenial lesion

We report three patients with selective topographic disorientation due to small, focal hemorrhages extending from the right retrosplenial region to the medial parietal lobe. All three could discriminate and identify familiar buildings and landscapes, but had great difficulty remembering spatial positional relationships between two distant locations (i.e., the direction from one location to another) in familiar areas. These symptoms were different than the perception and memory deficits for buildings and landscape caused by the medial temporo-occipital lesion. These findings suggest that the directional orientation between two locations within a familiar area("sense of direction") is closely associated with the right retrosplenial region and the medial parietal lobe in humans.
Noise in microelectromechanical system resonators

Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) and nanoelectromechanical system (NEMS) based resonators and filters, ranging in frequencies from kHz to GHz, have been proposed. The question of how the stabilities of such resonators scale with dimensions is examined in this paper, with emphasis on the noise characteristics. When the dimensions of a resonator become small, instabilities that are negligible in macro-scale devices become prominent. The effects of fluctuations in temperature, adsorbing/desorbing molecules, outgassing, Brownian motion, Johnson noise, drive power and self-heating, and random vibration are explored. When the device is small, the effects of fluctuations in the numbers of photons, phonons, electrons and adsorbed molecules can all affect the noise characteristics. For all but the random vibration-induced noise, reducing the dimensions increases the noise. At submicron dimensions, especially, the frequency noise due to temperature fluctuations, Johnson noise, and adsorption/desorption are likely to limit the applications of ultra-small resonators.
The Interplay of Competition and Cooperation

Research streams on competition and cooperation are central to the field of strategic management but have evolved independently. The emerging literature on coopetition has brought attention to the phenomenon of simultaneous competition and cooperation, yet the interplay between the two has remained under-researched. We offer a roadmap for studying this interplay, which identifies some of its antecedents and consequences, highlights debates concerning the nature of competition and cooperation and the association between the two, and directs attention to the tension between competition and cooperation and the alternative approaches for managing this tension. We discuss the broader implications of the interplay, note some intriguing open questions, offer directions for future research, and present an organizing framework for the interplay of competition and cooperation.
Apollo space crew cardiovascular evaluations.

Cardiovascular responses associated with pre- and postflight orthostatic tolerance evaluations of Apollo crewmen are presented with a brief historical survey and a discussion of their implications for future manned space flight. Heart rates were increased while systolic and pulse pressures were decreased during the immediate postflight orthostatic evaluation. A postflight elevation in resting heart rate was a less frequent finding.
Presynaptic Gating of Postsynaptic Synaptic Plasticity

Sensory cortices can not only detect and analyze incoming sensory information but can also undergo plastic changes while learning behaviorally important sensory cues. This experience-dependent cortical plasticity is essential for shaping and modifying neuronal circuits to perform computations of multiple, previously unknown sensations, the adaptive process that is believed to underlie perceptual learning. Intensive efforts to identify the mechanisms of cortical plasticity have provided several important clues; however, the exact cellular sites and mechanisms within the intricate neuronal networks that underlie cortical plasticity have yet to be elucidated. In this review, we present several parallels between cortical plasticity in the auditory cortex and recently discovered mechanisms of synaptic plasticity gating at thalamocortical projections that provide the main input to sensory cortices. Striking similarities between the features and mechanisms of thalamocortical synaptic plasticity and those of experience-dependent cortical plasticity in the auditory cortex, especially in terms of regulation of an early critical period, point to thalamocortical projections as an important locus of plasticity in sensory cortices.
Stress-Induced MicroRNA-708 Impairs β-Cell Function and Growth

The pancreatic β-cell transcriptome is highly sensitive to external signals such as glucose oscillations and stress cues. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key factors in gene expression regulation. Here, we aimed to identify miRNAs that are modulated by glucose in mouse pancreatic islets. We identified miR-708 as the most upregulated miRNA in islets cultured at low glucose concentrations, a setting that triggers a strong stress response. miR-708 was also potently upregulated by triggering endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress with thapsigargin and in islets of ob/ob mice. Low-glucose induction of miR-708 was blocked by treatment with the chemical chaperone 4-phenylbutyrate, uncovering the involvement of ER stress in this response. An integrative analysis identified neuronatin (Nnat) as a potential glucose-regulated target of miR-708. Indeed, Nnat expression was inversely correlated with miR-708 in islets cultured at different glucose concentrations and in ob/ob mouse islets and was reduced after miR-708 overexpression. Consistent with the role of Nnat in the secretory function of β-cells, miR-708 overexpression impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), which was recovered by NNAT overexpression. Moreover, miR-708 inhibition recovered GSIS in islets cultured at low glucose. Finally, miR-708 overexpression suppressed β-cell proliferation and induced β-cell apoptosis. Collectively, our results provide a novel mechanism of glucose regulation of β-cell function and growth by repressing stress-induced miR-708.
Uma metodologia física e estocástica no seguimento, emparelhamento e simulação de deformações em visão computacional

Neste artigo propomos uma metodologia fisica e estocastica que permite seguir o movimento de objectos em imagens, possibilita o seu emparelhamento e a simulacao temporal das deformacoes sofridas.A componente estocastica da metodologia recorre ao filtro de Kalman para fazer o seguimento do centroide e orientacao principal dos objectos seguidos (componente rigida da deformacao). Entre cada etapa previsao/correccao, sao incluidos novos dados no modelo a partir das medicoes recolhidas. A inclusao de tais medicoes e realizada recorrendo a componente fisica da metodologia proposta que considera a modelacao fisica dos objectos e estabelece o consequente emparelhamento. Posteriormente, pelo metodo dos quaternioes unitarios, estima-se a orientacao principal em cada instante do movimento.A referida modelacao fisica permite, ainda, simular as fases intermedias da deformacao envolvida entre objectos a partir da resolucao temporal da equacao de equilibrio.
A Multifaceted Role of Tryptophan Metabolism and Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase Activity in Aspergillus fumigatus–Host Interactions

Aspergillus fumigatus is the most prevalent filamentous fungal pathogen of humans, causing either severe allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis or often fatal invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in individuals with hyper- or hypo-immune deficiencies, respectively. Disease is primarily initiated upon the inhalation of the ubiquitous airborne conidia—the initial inoculum produced by A. fumigatus—which are complete developmental units with an ability to exploit diverse environments, ranging from agricultural composts to animal lungs. Upon infection, conidia initially rely on their own metabolic processes for survival in the host’s lungs, a nutritionally limiting environment. One such nutritional limitation is the availability of aromatic amino acids (AAAs) as animals lack the enzymes to synthesize tryptophan (Trp) and phenylalanine and only produce tyrosine from dietary phenylalanine. However, A. fumigatus produces all three AAAs through the shikimate–chorismate pathway, where they play a critical role in fungal growth and development and in yielding many downstream metabolites. The downstream metabolites of Trp in A. fumigatus include the immunomodulatory kynurenine derived from indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and toxins such as fumiquinazolines, gliotoxin, and fumitremorgins. Host IDO activity and/or host/microbe-derived kynurenines are increasingly correlated with many Aspergillus diseases including IPA and infections of chronic granulomatous disease patients. In this review, we will describe the potential metabolic cross talk between the host and the pathogen, specifically focusing on Trp metabolism, the implications for therapeutics, and the recent studies on the coevolution of host and microbe IDO activation in regulating inflammation, while controlling infection.
Inhibition of Hepatitis B Virus Replication by Interferon Requires Proteasome Activity†

ABSTRACT Hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication is inhibited in a noncytopathic manner by alpha/beta interferon (IFN-α/β) and IFN-γ. We demonstrate here that inhibitors of cellular proteasome activity can block this antiviral effect. These results suggest that a critical component of the IFN-induced antiviral response may be the proteasome-dependent degradation of viral or cellular proteins that are required for HBV replication.
Developing low carbon port potential: Cost benefit & carbon footprint analyses

Cost benefit analysis (CBA) is a systematic approach to compare the costs and bene-fits of alternatives, e.g. a decision between the construction or non-construction of a traffic light, in order to assess the welfare change. The purpose of a CBA is to facilitate a more efficient allocation of resources, mainly in terms of investments decisions. In order to assess the performance of the low carbon port development investments funded within the DUAL ports project, CBA can be applied.
The Influence of Marketing Factors on the Marketing Strategic Planning in SNOWA Corporation

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the influence of marketing factors of SNOWA Corporation on its marketing strategic planning. The present study is an applied research using a descriptive-analytic method. The statistical sample of this research includes 300 personnel of SNOWA Corporation. Data were collected applying a standard questionnaire on a five-point Likert scale. CVR and CVI indices were used to evaluate the content validity of the questionnaire, and a Cronbach's Alpha Test was applied to assess its reliability. SPSS Software (factor analysis) and Amos Software (structural equation modelling) were applied to analyse the collected data. The study will help managers accomplish market opportunities efficiently while formulating corporation strategies. Findings further reveal that consideration of marketing factors can give managers valuable information that, if applied correctly, can effectively guarantee corporation's success.
Barriers to Prostate Cancer Prevention and Community Recommended Health Education Strategies in an Urban African American Community in Jackson, Mississippi

This article describes the use of survey research in collaboration with the African American urban community of Georgetown, Jackson, Mississippi to identify and understand prostate cancer knowledge, resource utilization, and health education strategies considered most effective in reaching the community with prostate cancer prevention messages. The study revealed profound needs in disease identification and resources awareness and utilization. Barriers to utilization were identified by participants to include lack of self-efficacy, low self-esteem, lack of trust in the health care system, limited knowledge of prostate pathology, and limited ability to pay. Participants' recommended strategies for reaching the community with prostate cancer education include traditional and nontraditional strategies. The list of recommendations exclude modern-day outlets such as handheld devices, Twitter, Facebook, blogs, wikis, and other Internet-based outlets. The findings provide a road map for program development and an intervention research agenda custom-tailored to the Georgetown community of Jackson, Mississippi.
Takayasu arteritis: evaluation of the thoracic aorta with CT angiography.

PURPOSE To determine the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomographic (CT) angiography in the evaluation of Takayasu arteritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-five patients with clinical symptoms suggestive of Takayasu arteritis underwent CT angiography and conventional angiography. Takayasu arteritis was diagnosed in 20 patients on the basis of conventional angiography. CT angiography was performed with a helical CT scanner after injection of a bolus of contrast material, and images were generated for three-dimensional display, multiplanar reformation, and maximum intensity projection. For vascular assessment, all images from CT angiography were used, and the results were compared with those from conventional angiography. RESULTS CT angiography clearly depicted various luminal changes, including stenosis, occlusion, dilatation, and aneurysm, in the thoracic aorta and its major branches. CT angiography accurately depicted 190 (95%) of 200 arteries, although the extent of the steno-occlusive lesions was overestimated in five (2%) and underestimated in five (2%). Furthermore, CT angiography depicted mural changes, including wall thickening, calcification, and mural thrombi, not seen with conventional angiography. The sensitivity and specificity of CT angiography in the diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis were 95% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSION CT angiography clearly depicts both luminal and mural changes in the thoracic aorta and its major branches and has a high accuracy in the diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis.
Seeking children's perspectives in the management of visible enamel defects.

AIM To undertake a child-centred evaluation of treatment provision for visible enamel defects. DESIGN Postal questionnaires, developed with children, were sent to 88 patients, aged 7-16 years, with visible enamel defects of permanent incisors and who had received microabrasion, with/without additional composite restoration at Sheffield Dental Hospital, UK. The questionnaires sought children's perceptions about their teeth before and after the intervention, as well as their evaluation of how they had been treated. Anonymised responses were graded using a 10 cm visual analogue scale (VAS) where a score of 10 indicated the most negative response, and zero the most positive response. RESULTS Sixty three questionnaires were returned (72% response). Prior to treatment, children reported high levels of worry (VAS=6.8), embarrassment (VAS=6.9) and a perception that their teeth looked yellow and discoloured (VAS=7.3). Following treatment, children thought their teeth looked much better (VAS=1.6), felt happier (VAS=2.2) and more confident (VAS=1.6). They also felt very positive about their clinical experiences, rating the staff as extremely friendly and kind (VAS=0.4) and reporting that procedures were clearly explained (VAS=0.6). CONCLUSIONS Simple non-invasive dental treatment can have a positive effect on appearance-related satisfaction. The use of child-centred approaches offers an invaluable insight into patient perspectives.
A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to assess the safety and efficacy of methoxyflurane for procedural pain of a bone marrow biopsy

Context Pain during bone marrow biopsy (BMB) under local anaesthesia (LA) is reported in 70% of patients, of whom 35% rate the pain as severe. Pain is experienced during both the biopsy and the marrow aspiration. Many medical centres use conscious sedation involving benzodiazepines and/or opioids administered orally or intravenously for BMB analgesia. Methoxyflurane (MEOF) is self-administered by a handheld device (the Penthrox inhaler), which is licensed in Australia for the relief of pain associated with short surgical procedures. Objectives To evaluate the efficacy and safety of MEOF analgesia in patients with cancer undergoing BMB. Methods Patients received LA plus either MEOF or placebo. The primary endpoint was worst pain intensity measured with the Numerical Rating Scale. Anxiety was assessed with the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y-1). Patients, operators and the research nurse rated global medication performance using a 5-point Likert scale. Results Forty-nine of the 50 patients randomised to MEOF and 48 of the 50 patients randomised to placebo effectively received the allocated intervention. Mean±SD worst pain overall was 4.90±2.07 in MEOF group and 6.0±2.24 in placebo group (p=0.011). Worst pain during the aspiration was 3.3±2.0 in MEOF group and 5.0±2.4 in placebo group (p<0.001). 49% of patients treated with MEOF rated the medication as very good or excellent compared with 16.5% of the patients treated with placebo (p=0.005). 20.4% of patients treated with MEOF had an adverse event (AE) compared with 4.2% in the placebo arm (p=0.028). All AEs were grade 1. Conclusions MEOF was safe and performed better than placebo for analgesia in BMB procedures.
An improved N-FINDR algorithm for endmember extraction in hyperspectral imagery

Since recent advances of remote sensing instruments have significantly improved sensor's spectral resolution, pixel resolution is larger than the object size, such that the hyperspectral signal collected by the sensor at each pixel is formed by an integration of signals, which can be considered macroscopically pure, are usually named “endmembers” in hyperspectral image. It is top of all in the hyperspectral analysis that the endmembers should be extracted from the image. N-FINDR algorithm, one of the most popular and effective endmember extraction algorithms, implements with the random initialization of the procedure which brings about the blindfold replacement of the endmembers, and the innumerable volume calculation causes a low speed of the algorithm. However, many published research on N-FINDR algorithm missed the comprehensive consideration of improvement in the two aspects. In this paper, two very typical improvements were applied to integrate the performance using automatic target generation process algorithm (ATGP) algorithm initialized endmember set and the distance calculation to replace the volume calculation in N-FINDR algorithm. The simulate experiment was finally implemented to demonstrate better performance of the hybrid improved N-FINDR algorithm by comparison with original N-FINDR algorithm (ONF), N-FINDR algorithm with initialized endmember set (INF) and N-FINDR algorithm with distance calculation other than volume calculation (DNF) using synthesis hyperspectral image. By comparing experiment results, it is indicated that in contrast to the other three algorithms, the hybrid improved algorithm in this paper shows the best performance that it needs a small amount of the spectrum set replacement and const the least of the procedure time.
A paediatric nurses' journal club: developing the critical appraisal skills to turn research into practice

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine if implementation of a regular journal club improves critical appraisal confidence and facilitates integrating research literature into nursing practice. Design A survey was distributed to all paediatric nurses across two wards who had potentially attended the journal club in the previous two years. Setting This small scale study was undertaken at a northern Australian hospital. Sample The surveys were distributed to 58 nurses from the two paediatric wards and 33 of them responded but only 29 of these had attended the journal club leaving 29 surveys to be analysed for this study. Results The majority of responses to the survey questions were positive. When statistically analysed by Pearson’s correlation, four variables showed a strong association: increased confidence with interpreting research literature, developing critical appraisal skills, the sharing of knowledge and integrating evidence‐based practice into nurses’ workplace. A number of changes in practice have occurred as a direct result of the journal club. Conclusion The results from this study support the benefits of utilising nursing journal clubs to promote clinical practice that is informed by research evidence.