Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Architectural battles in the multimedia market

Competition in the emerging multimedia market currently focuses on setting standards for storing, retrieving, processing, (de)compressing, and transmitting information. Each multimedia system or architecture combines several standards, some proprietary. This paper uses selected insights from industrial economics to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the architectural companies by means of some hypotheses. These may guide further research.
Design of monopole antennas for uwb applications

Presented are the design method, equations, and results of a broadband monopole antenna for UWB applications. The antenna is a fat monopole; made of rectangular and circular patches. Measured results show a passband of 2.8–11.97 GHz. Parametric studies of the effects of the ground plane and the gap between the radiating element and the ground plane were done and their results given. The gain and efficiency are also provided; with average values of 4.34 dBi and 96% respectively. The obtained radiation patterns show bi-directional patterns in the E-plane and omni-directional patterns in the H-plane.
Transformer hot-spot temperature estimation for short-time dynamic loading

On the transformer, the effect of thermal stress is aging of the solid insulation. Excessive thermal stress could damage the solid insulation. To avoid this, transformer condition monitoring systems could use thermal models to forecast the operating temperatures during dynamic loading. There are several thermal models of varying complexity, including the thermal models stipulated by the IEC and IEEE standards. In this paper, the thermal model which is referred to by IEC Std. 60076-7 as the differential method, is modified, so it accounts for the oil viscosity dependence on temperature. The model is validated using hot-spot temperature measurements from a 40-MVA transformer, OFAF-cooled, 21/115 kV which is located in the subarctic climate region.
AVALIAÇÃO DOS REFLEXOS ECONÔMICO-FINANCEIROS DOS INCENTIVOS À INOVAÇÃO DA FINEP NAS COMPANHIAS ABERTAS DO BRASIL

This study aims to assess the economic and financial consequences of incentives to innovate FINEP of publicly traded companies in Brazil. Is characterized as descriptive, and is based on a sample of 37 companies awarded with incentives FINEP for the period 2008 to 2012. Was found that incentives FINEP caused different effects on the financial and economic performance of companies with more favorable effect in innovative companies, when compared to non-innovative firms. The analysis of profitability ratios revealed that, unlike expected, only the asset turnover of enterprises improved after receiving the incentives for innovation.
A 42 Gbps VCSEL driver with adjustable 2-tap feed-forward equalizer in 14 nm SOI CMOS

In this paper the design and measurement results of a 42 Gbps vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) driver is presented. A 2-tap feed-forward equalizer (FFE) architecture with adjustable delay is chosen and optimized to decrease the inter-symbol interference of the VCSEL data transmission. Circuit realizations of different blocks are presented as well. The chip was fabricated in a 14 nm SOI CMOS technology and bonded to a common-cathode 20 GHz VCSEL. Optical measurements show that error-free data transmission up to a data rate of 42 Gbps was possible. The total power dissipation, including the one of the VCSEL, is 117 mW, which provides a power efficiency of 2.8 pJ/bit. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is fastest VCSEL driver circuit in a CMOS technology presented so far.
The perceptions of the Singaporean manager class regarding the role and effectiveness of internal audit in Singapore

In recent times the “dominant paradigm” (Al-Twaijry et al., 2003, p. 524) of internal auditing (IA) as attest function has been largely supplanted by the “business partner” model. Under the business partner model of “modern” IA, internal auditors are seen as consultants who work with senior management to recommend improvements to business processes. We survey a group of Singaporean managers to assess their perceptions about both the role and effectiveness of IA within Singapore. Overall, our results support the assertion that the Singaporean managerial class strongly appreciates the new role of “modern” IA, as “business partner”. Unlike in Saudi Arabia (Al-Twaijry et al., 2003), the traditional attest function of “classical” IA seems to have been largely supplanted as the dominant paradigm for IA in Singapore. We also find evidence, consistent with the extant IA literature, that “auditor independence” is not the most essential aspect for effective IA. However, contrary to the prior literature which suggests a thriving expectations gap in IA, we find that the Singaporean managerial class is generally satisfied with the professionalism and effectiveness of internal auditors. Singaporean managers seem to appreciate the presence of an IA department in their organization. The other important finding of our survey is that the conclusions and recommendations in the IA process are not discussed with either the mid-level managers or general executives. We assume that these two groups receive directives based on the IA report. Disciplines Business | Social and Behavioral Sciences Publication Details This conference paper was originally published as Yee, CSL, Sujan, A, and James, K, The perceptions of the Singaporean manager class regarding the role and effectiveness of internal audit in Singapore, Fifth Asia Pacific Interdisciplinary Research in Accounting (APIRA) Conference, Auckland, New Zealand, 8-10 July, 2007, 1-19. The original article is available here. This conference paper is available at Research Online: http://ro.uow. edu.au/commpapers/412
Analysis of Modal Participation for Low Frequency Oscillation in Interconnected Power Systems

The analysis of low frequency oscillation in interconnected power systems can take the method of small disturbance stability. Usually, the problem is one of ensuring sufficient damping of system oscillations. In general, the stability of oscillatory modes can be analysed by considering the systems linearized about an equilibrium point represented by a steady state operating condition. The quantitative and qualitative information of stability can be accessed by eigenvalue calculations. Based on introducing the mathematic model of eigenvalue analysis, the participation degree calculation between the oscillatory modes and system state variables is proposed by calculating eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Finally, results of eigenvalue calculations for four machines two regions system validated the effectiveness of the analysis of low frequency oscillation relating the analysis method of modal participation degree. Furthermore, the method is available for the allocation of various controllers such as PSS in real power systems.
Validating the profile of a successful first year accounting student

The sustainability of higher education institutions is affected various things, particularly by student satisfaction and the financial stability of the institution. An analysis of student attrition and retention plays a vital role in assessing the sustainability of a higher education institution. Using suitable analysis techniques to do success profiling of prospective and current students is crucial for students and institutions alike. Success/risk estimation is essential for any higher education institution (HEI), because determining such factors can assist higher education institutions in fulfilling their obligation to provide support, guidance and interventions for their prospective and existing students. Strategic decisions in this regard, by both students and institutions, should be based on valid and reliable profiles. The validation of established profiles increases the accuracy of existing profiles and increases the efficiency of institutional strategic planning. This article reports on the validation of a success profile for first year Accounting students established by the authors of this article in an earlier study in an open and distance learning (ODL) environment at the University of South Africa.
Innovation and productivity: insights from Malaysia's logistics industry

Efficient logistics is critical to a country's trade competitiveness. This paper uses the Data Envelopment Analysis Malmquist Index that includes an innovation component comprising three dimensions (input, process, and output), to assess the impact of innovation by third-party logistics (3PL). We treat the panel data of asset-based 3PL in Malaysia from 2007 to 2012. Three findings hold. First, innovation is not always accompanied by productivity gains. Second, innovation is still lacking in the logistics industry in Malaysia. Third, 3PL need to invest more in technology and stay financially healthy to accelerate the diffusion of innovation under a more competitive cost structure. This paper has two contributions. First, we offer an enhanced methodology for total factor productivity by including an innovation component and apply it for the first time to the logistics industry. Second, we augment the performance measurement literature specific to the logistics industry and our research suggests that the antecedents of productivity in logistics companies are investment and financial strength. These productivity–innovation findings provide insights into Malaysia's logistics industry and may be helpful for economies similar to Malaysia.
Evaluation of Complete Streets Policy Implementation by Metropolitan Planning Organizations

Over the last ten years, communities around the country have begun to implement comprehensive reforms designed to ensure that roadway users of all ages and abilities can safely utilize the transportation system. This complete streets policy framework has emerged as an important tool for communities to improve opportunities for active living with over 500 policies adopted nationwide. Complete streets policy diffusion has been rapid, but uneven, and the extent to which policy adoption is making a difference in the implementation of projects at the local and regional level is unclear. This research project seeks to address this need through a national survey of the 385 metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) around the country, evaluating the extent to which complete streets policies are being adopted and implemented at the MPO level, what opportunities and barriers to complete streets exist, and implications for future policy diffusion and innovation efforts.
Foreign ownership and financial reporting quality in private subsidiaries

ABSTRACT In a sample of large private Spanish subsidiaries, we find that the magnitude of discretionary accruals is significantly higher when the parent company is foreign than when it is local. Our tests support the thesis of recent research on earnings management strategies within multinational corporations, suggesting that the parent company’s incentives underlie the observed negative relation between foreign ownership and financial reporting quality at the subsidiary level. In particular, we find that (1) the tenure of the controlling shareholder has a negative incremental effect on financial reporting quality in firms under foreign control, as opposed to subsidiaries of local groups and (2) the negative association between foreign ownership and financial reporting quality is mainly driven by the subsample of subsidiaries with parent companies located in countries with higher institutional quality than Spain.
Effect of Reticulo-Endothelial Blockade on Immunity to the Shwartzman Phenomenon.∗

Summary A study has been made of the effect of R-E blockade upon natural or induced immunity of rabbits to the Shwartzman phenomenon. Striking results were obtained when Thorotrast was used as the blocking agent. Rabbits that had shown a natural immunity, or had become immune following a series of previous Shwartzman reactions, responded, after the injection of Thorotrast, by developing typical areas of hemorrhagic necrosis. In addition to eliciting a positive skin reaction in a previously immune animal, R-E blockade increased the injurious effect of the bacterial toxin, causing death in the majority of animals tested.
Risk Management in Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM): Lessons Learnt from the Case of GMO-Free Soybeans

A well designed risk-oriented supply chain management can put companies in a privileged position to deliver sustainable and reliable long-term benefits to all stakeholders in the value chain. The case of GMO-free soybean supply illustrates the various aspects of risk prevention that can lead to a systematic model of sustainable supply chain management. The article illustrates how – after consumers pressed the food industry to exclude GMO soybeans from their products – a sustainable soybean supply chain was established. Approaching the issue on a pragmatic basis, several tools have proved to be useful in constructing the supply chain. The authors show what the crucial points of sustainable supply chain management are. They point out the great contribution of standards and platforms such as BSCI, ETI, SA8000 and Fairtrade labelling, whereas process models such as AA1000 provide useful guidance on immunization against potential stakeholder risks. Finally, the article shows how a systematic approach can help companies to establish their tailored sustainable supply chain management. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Financial Analysts' Perception of the Importance of Accounting Information: Malaysian Evidence

This study examines the perceptions of financial analysts in Malaysia regarding the importance of accounting information items disclosed in financial statements when forecasting firms’ earning per share (EPS), cash flow per share (CFPS) and price per share (PPS). Results suggest that income statement items are perceived to be the most importance items when forecasting for firms’ EPS and PPS. While cash flow statement items tend to be more important than income statement items when forecasting for firms’ CFPS. Findings also show that cash flow items are perceived as least important when forecasting for firms’ EPS and PPS; while statement of changes in equity tend to be least important when forecasting for firms’ CFPS. In addition, findings suggest that analysts’ experience has a role in determining the importance of different accounting information when making forecasting decisions.
A Review of the Non Pharmacologic Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Over the years, the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has evolved, but given the high mortality and morbidity of COPD, much work still needs to be done. To date, none of the existing pharmacological therapies for COPD has been shown conclusively to modify the long-term decline in lung function. Several trials have been completed to evaluate options that can improve patient symptoms and quality of life. Optimal management of COPD requires both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions. Some of the non-pharmacologic options for the management of COPD like Oxygen therapy have proven reduction in mortality and mortality, and an improvement in the quality of life. Lung transplant is the only treatment that can stop the decline in lung function. Smoking cessation is the non-pharmacologic intervention with the greatest capacity to influence the natural course of COPD. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are evidence based, multidisciplinary and comprehensive interventions for patients with COPD. These programs involve patient assessment, exercise training, education, nutrition and psychosocial support. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to reduce symptoms, optimize functional status, increase participation and reduce health care cost through stabilizing or reversing systemic manifestations of the disease. This article discusses the most used non pharmacologic management of COPD and their usefulness in relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients with severe COPD. These treatment options are used in addition to optimal pharmacologic therapy.
Recollections of sexual socialisation among marginalised heterosexual black men

This paper describes the sexual socialisation process of marginalised, drug-using heterosexual black men, focusing primarily on the sources and content of sexual information. Analysing qualitative interview data, we discovered that the men in our sample both learn about sex and become sexually active at an early age. They most often learn about sex from the media and least often learn about sex from family members. The content of sexual information varies in specifics, but overall tends to equate sex with pleasure, encourage sexual activity with multiple partners and emphasise using protection. Our goal is to use this data to better understand how sexual socialisation contributes to the prevalence of multiple sexual partners and high rates of HIV among heterosexual black men in order to inform future risk-reduction intervention programmes.
Nonpharmacological Treatment for Migraine: Incremental Utility of Physical Therapy with Relaxation and Thermal Biofeedback

The identification of musculoskeletal abnormalities in headache patients has led to the incorporation of physical therapy (PT) into treatment programs for chronic headache. The current studies: (i) investigated the efficacy of FT as a treatment for migraine, and (ii) investigated the utility of PT as an adjunct treatment in patients who fail to improve with relaxation training/thermal biofeedback (RTB). PT alone is not effective in reducing headache, with only 14% of subjects reporting significant headache reduction (mean reduction of 15.6% in comparison with 41.3% in RTB). However, PT may have been a useful adjunct, with 47% of a group of 11 subjects who had failed to improve with RTB reporting improvement with the addition of PT. It is recommended that RTB remain the nonmedical treatment of choice for migraine, and that PT may be a useful adjunct for patients who fail to improve after such treatment.
Ospemifene, a novel selective estrogen receptor modulator for treating dyspareunia associated with postmenopausal vulvar and vaginal atrophy

ObjectiveThe aim of this work was to study the role of ospemifene, a novel selective estrogen receptor modulator, in the treatment of vulvar and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women with moderate to severe dyspareunia and physiological vaginal changes. MethodsThis multicenter phase 3 study used a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group design to compare the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of oral ospemifene 60 mg/day versus placebo. A total of 605 women aged 40 to 80 years who self-reported a most bothersome symptom of dyspareunia and had a diagnosis of vulvar and vaginal atrophy were randomized to take a once-daily dose of ospemifene (n = 303) or placebo (n = 302) for 12 weeks. ResultsAnalysis of the intent-to-treat (n = 605) population found the efficacy of ospemifene to be significantly greater than that of placebo for each of the following coprimary endpoints: percentages of parabasal and superficial cells, vaginal pH, and severity of dyspareunia. With ospemifene, the percentage of parabasal cells and vaginal pH significantly decreased; the percentage of superficial cells significantly increased; and dyspareunia was significantly reduced versus placebo (all P < 0.0001, except for dyspareunia: P = 0.0001). Among the randomized women, 186 (61.4%) in the ospemifene group and 154 (51.0%) in the placebo group reported at least one treatment-emergent adverse event. Hot flushes were the most frequently reported treatment-related adverse event (ospemifene 6.6% vs placebo 3.6%); only one participant discontinued in each group. As determined by the investigators, no serious adverse events related to the study drug were reported. ConclusionsIn this study, once-daily oral ospemifene 60 mg was effective for the treatment of vulvar and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women with dyspareunia.
Effects of two progestin-only contraceptives, Depo-Provera and Norplant-II, on the vaginal epithelium of rhesus monkeys.

The objective of this study was to determine whether progestin-only contraceptives induce thinning of the vaginal epithelium in nonhuman primates. Eight intact rhesus monkeys (four per group) were treated with either a single intramuscular injection of 30 mg of Depo-Provera or a subcutaneous insertion of Norplant-II (2 x 75 mg rods; day 0). Norplant-II rods were removed 90 days after insertion. Vaginal biopsies were obtained during a pretreatment menstrual cycle and following treatment on days 10, 30, 60, 118, and 146. Formalin-fixed vaginal biopsies were evaluated for epithelial thickness and the degree of keratinization. The circulating levels of estradiol, progesterone, medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), or levonorgestrel (LNG) were monitored throughout the study by specific radioimmunoassays. Circulating levels of estradiol and progesterone confirmed the stage of the menstrual cycle in which pretreatment biopsies were obtained. Following treatment with Depo-Provera, serum levels of MPA increased to 2.3 +/- 0.6 ng/ml (x +/- SE, n = 4) within 24 hr. Serum levels of MPA were maximal on day 14 (5.5 +/- 0.9 ng/ml), dropped below 1 ng/ml by day 50, and were nondetectable by day 70. Circulating levels of LNG were elevated 24 hr after insertion of Norplant-II (5.8 +/- 3.0 ng/ml), peaked on day 2 (7.6 +/- 4.2 ng/ml), remained between 1.4 and 6.2 ng/ml from days 14 to 90, and were nondetectable by day 118, the first serum sample after removal of Norplant-II. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the epithelial thickness (microm), number of epithelial cell layers, or type of epithelium present in vaginal biopsies obtained during the follicular or luteal phases of the pretreatment menstrual cycle. Conversely, a pronounced effect of progestin treatment was observed on the vaginal epithelium. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between the two progestin treatment groups, but a significant effect (p < 0.05) over time was observed (two-way ANOVA). Compared with pretreatment menstrual cycle controls, the vaginal epithelial thickness was decreased (p < 0.05) by day 30 or 60 following Norplant-II insertion or Depo-Provera injection, respectively. The number of epithelial cell layers was also decreased (p < 0.05) on days 30 and/or 60 in progestin-treated monkeys compared with pretreatment control cycles. Following removal of Norplant-II or metabolic excretion of MPA, the vaginal epithellium regenerated and the thickness was no longer different (p > 0.05) from the pretreatment control cycle. These data demonstrate that progestin-only contraceptives induced thinning of the vaginal epithelium in rhesus monkeys, and this effect was rapidly reversible following physical or metabolic removal of the progestin.
Cost and flexibility optimization — the module-based IC design service system in Taiwan

Abstract Today’s electronics and semiconductor companies are under extreme pressure to reduce costs while decreasing time-to-market on increasingly complex products. This pressure has driven the trend to focus internal resources on core competencies and to outsource functions that can be better serviced by other specialized companies. IC design service providers with module-based design system can minimize the risk of new product development to lower market uncertainty caused by time-to-market delays. The client and service provider will use module-based design system to design product with more flexibility and time effectiveness. In the future, collaboration among electronics companies, semiconductor makers and IC design service providers will be critical to ensure the success of a new product development.