Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Product Diversity and Firm Performance: An Empirical Investigation

This study employs categorical measures of broad spectrum diversity (BSD) and mean narrow spectrum diversity (MNSD) to classify firms into broad diversification strategy groups. The BSD and MNSD measures of firm diversity are based on SIC data pertaining to each firm's scope of activities at the two- and four-digit levels. The 10 largest firms in each of the 24 largest industries of the U.S. constitute the sample for this study. Performance differences between diversification strategy groups are examined in reference to their long-term return on equity, return on total capital, sales growth rate, and earnings per share growth rate.
Integrin-dependent phagocytosis – spreading from microadhesion to new concepts

By linking actin dynamics to extracellular components, integrins are involved in a wide range of cellular processes that are associated with or require cytoskeletal remodelling and cell-shape changes. One such function is integrin-dependent phagocytosis, a process that several integrins are capable of mediating and that allows the binding and clearance of particles. Integrin-dependent phagocytosis is involved in a wide range of physiological processes, from the clearance of microorganisms and apoptotic-cell removal to extracellular-matrix remodelling. Integrin signalling is also exploited by microbial pathogens for entry into host cells. Far from being a particular property of specific integrins and specialised cells, integrin-dependent uptake is emerging as a general, intrinsic ability of most integrins that is associated with their capacity to signal to the actin cytoskeleton. Integrin-mediated phagocytosis can therefore be used as a robust model in which to study integrin regulation and signalling.
Use of dominant negative mutants of the hepadnaviral core protein as antiviral agents

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major cause of acute and chronic liver diseases. We have recently described HBV and woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) dominant negative (DN) core mutants that were capable of inhibiting wild‐type viral replication by 95%. These mutants may represent a potent class of antiviral agents that act as “intracellular immunogens. ” To facilitate their potential use in animal model systems, we now have studied the duck HBV (DHBV) and placed the DN mutant constructs in recombinant retroviral and adenoviral expression vectors. Transient expression of the DHBV molecular equivalent of the WHV and HBV DN constructs inhibited wild‐type DHBV replication by 98%. Recombinant retroviral and adenoviral vectors containing the HBV and DHBV DN complementary DNAs (cDNAs) were used to transiently and stably transduce hepatoma‐derived cell lines constitutively expressing replicating wild‐type virus. These investigations show that the DN core mutants were powerful inhibitors of HBV and DHBV replication when delivered intracellularly and appear as promising antiviral agents for gene therapy of persistent viral infection of the liver.
ORIENTATION TOWARD CUSTOMER FOR PUBLIC FOOD SERVICE COMPANIES

In the context of accelerated economic globalization and hyper global competition, companies must have a high degree of orientation in the market, to know and respond quickly to volatile markets. In this context, the public food field is one marked by significant changes having regard to needs and consumer behavior. Public food services are designed to meet first the basic needs which causes certain private actions and a particular mechanism for the training of behavior with significant impact on the way in which the companies of public food should develop services and certain ambient which to contribute to the proper customer service. Moreover, these companies have aspecial relationship with customers, having regard to the direct interaction between supplier and customer. This present project aimsto identify good practice in the field of public food serviceregarding the implementation of the philosophy orientation on the marketplace. To achieve this goal has been used as methodology the analysis of the primary results from previous research in the fields of both market direction, as well as in the hospitality areas, analysis which has had as main objective a stock-taking of the models developed for the hospitality industry and compiling influence factors with impact on the "good service" of the client, but also integration of orientation principles toward market within the framework of these models.
Update of fecal markers of inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease

The diagnosis, prognosis, and assessment of disease activity of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) require investigating clinical, radiological, and histological criteria, as well as serum inflammatory markers. However, a range of fecal inflammatory markers now appears to have the potential to greatly assist in these processes. Calprotectin, a prominent neutrophil protein, was identified two decades ago as a potentially revolutionary marker for IBD. Following this discovery, numerous additional markers, including S100A12, lactoferrin, and M2‐pyruvate kinase, have also been suggested as novel markers of IBD. In the present study, we provide an up‐to‐date review of fecal markers of IBD, and further, provide a novel analysis of each of these fecal markers in severe ulcerative colitis and compare their expression pattern in contrast to calprotectin.
10-antenna array in the smartphone for the 3.6-GHz MIMO operation

A 10-antenna array operating in the 3.6-GHz band (3.4~3.8 GHz) for the MIMO operation in the smartphone is presented. The array consists of two symmetric 5-antenna arrays disposed in the narrow spacing between the display panel and the long side edges of the smartphone. Acceptable isolation (better than about 10 dB) and good ECC of less than 0.1 for any two antennas in the array is obtained. The maximum channel capacity of the proposed array in a 10 × 10 MIMO system is calculated to reach about 47 bps/Hz at 20-dB SNR.
An Automatic Calibration of Large-Scale Indoor Target Signal Positioning System

—Traditional indoor localization method based on the received signal strength (RSSI) has many drawbacks, such as the low localization accuracy, the high hardware requirements, and the complex algorithm. It is essential to create a robust system that can be suitable for varying indoor environment. In order to solve this problem, an automatic calibration indoor target signal positioning system is proposed in the paper, it can be used to process large-scale and real-time positioning. The system is based on the analysis of large amount measurement during the intensive experiments, mainly including low-complexity Gaussian Filter (GF), Virtual Calibration Technology (VCT), Probabilistic Positioning Algorithm (PPA) and People Pace Model (PPM). In the actual indoor environment, the algorithm is verified by MATLAB simulation. The results show that 100% of the average position error is 57cm, and 70% of the average position error is 15cm, this indoor localization method can be applied to the actual location environment.
Conformation dependent non-linear impedance response of DNA in nanofluidic device

Applying high intensity electric field (>MV/m), a non-linear measurement of DNA was conducted by impedance spectroscopy. Low alternate voltage was enough to generate high field strength (0.5 MV/m) in the nanometer gap to several micrometer gap and providing non-faradaic condition. With high field strength, DNA was subjected to electrostatic forces, which induced the conformational change and motion. DNA interaction with alternated field would reflect to the non-liner responses of the impedance signal. We could differentiate the DNA characteristic based on length and conformation of 100, 500, 1000, 5000, 10000bp and λ DNA (48kbps). With this format, we obtained 4 times higher sensitivity than the conventional impedance measurement. Furthermore, the mechanism was qualitatively proofed by the visualized behavior of DNA by fluorescent microscopy.
A model of supply chain and supply chain decision‐making complexity

Purpose – The objective of this paper is to develop a comprehensive model of supply chain and supply chain decision‐making complexity that provides an understanding of the drivers of supply chain complexity and strategies to manage supply chain and supply chain decision‐making complexity and outcomes.Design/methodology/approach – Grounded theory methodology is employed to build a theory of supply chain and supply chain decision‐making complexity and develop propositions related to antecedents, moderators, and outcomes of supply chain complexity. In addition, extensive literature review and informal interactions with a number of supply chain professionals have been used to validate the theory.Findings – In addition to identifying the antecedents of supply chain complexity, the authors explore strategic, human cognitive ability, and tactical moderators for managing supply chain complexity.Research limitations/implications – The comprehensive framework presented in the paper builds a theory of supply chain a.
Reducing weight gain in children through enhancing physical activity and nutrition: the APPLE project.

OBJECTIVE Community-based lifestyle intervention may offer the best means of reducing the global epidemic of childhood obesity and its consequences, yet few successful interventions have been reported. The objective was to determine whether increasing extra-curricular levels of activity could reduce weight gain in children. METHODS A controlled intervention study was conducted using standardised methods to assess outcomes. Two comparable relatively rural communities in Otago, New Zealand formed intervention and control settings. Height, weight, waist circumference and participation in physical activity (by accelerometry) were measured at baseline and at 1 year in 384 children aged 5 to 12 years representing the majority of children in this age group in intervention and control communities. Community Activity Co-ordinators were employed at each school in the intervention area. Their brief was to widen exposure to activity and engage children not interested in traditional sporting activities by encouraging lifestyle-based activities (e.g. walking) and non-traditional sports (e.g. golf and taekwondo) during extra-curricular time at school, after school and during vacations. Simple dietary advice was offered and the wider community was encouraged to participate. RESULTS Average accelerometry counts at 1 year were 28% (95% CI: 11 to 47%) higher in intervention compared with control children after adjusting for age, sex, baseline values and school. Intervention children spent less time in sedentary activity (ratio 0.91, p = 0.007) and more time in moderate (1.07, p = 0.001) and moderate/vigorous (1.10, p = 0.01) activity. Adjusted mean BMI Z-score was lower in intervention relative to control children by -0.12 units (95% CI: -0.22 to -0.02). CONCLUSION . An intervention designed to maximise opportunities for physical activity during extra-curricular time at school and during leisure time through the provision of community-based Activity Co-ordinators significantly increased participation in physical activity and slowed unhealthy weight gain in primary school-aged children.
Report of AIDS-related lymphoma in South Korea.

BACKGROUND The prevalence of AIDS-related lymphoma (ARL) is increasing in South Korea. The aim of this study is to identify the clinical features of ARL in South Korea. METHODS From 1998 through 2006, we retrospectively analysed a total of 23 cases of ARL from seven institutions. RESULTS The patients consisted of 20 males and 3 females at a median age of 40 (range, 20-72) on diagnosis of AIDS. ARL developed at their median age of 41 (range, 24-72). The histological diagnosis was aggressive B cell lymphoma in the majority, but rare T cell and NK/T cell lymphoma were also included. Ten of 23 (43.5%) was receiving highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) before the diagnosis of ARL. Fifteen of twenty-three patients were given combination chemotherapy with/without radiation, four were given radiation alone, and four did not receive any treatment against medical advice. Of 20 patients followed-up, nine were alive in remission, two alive in disease, one died of treatment related complication, four died of progressive lymphoma, four died of AIDS related causes. The response to treatment included CR in eight (44.4%), PR in four (22.2%) and PD in three (16.7%). The response to HARRT was evaluable in 13 patients based on CD4+ cell count and HIV viral load, among which nine (69.2%) responded. Estimated median survival time was 43.9 months. CONCLUSIONS Although the population of patients is small, this is the first clinical data analyses of Korean ARL patients. As a substantial portion of the patients remains alive disease free, the impact of HAART on the clinical course of ARL needs further follow-up and evaluation.
Vertical transmission of a frontonasal phenotype caused by a novel ALX4 mutation

Frontonasal dysplasias (FND) comprise a spectrum of disorders caused by abnormal median facial development. Its etiology is still poorly understood but recently frontonasal dysplasia phenotypes were linked to loss‐of‐function mutations in the ALX homeobox gene family, which comprises the ALX1, ALX3, and ALX4 genes. All ALX‐related frontonasal phenotypes till date had been compatible with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. In contrast, heterozygous loss‐of‐function mutations in ALX4 had been only associated with isolated symmetrical parietal ossification defects at the intersection of the sagittal and lambdoid sutures, known as enlarged parietal foramina. We report a family with vertical transmission from mother to son of mild frontonasal dysplasia phenotype caused by a novel ALX4 gene mutation (c.1080‐1089_delGACCCGGTGCinsCTAAGATCTCAACAGAGATGGCAACT, p.Asp326fsX21). This is the first report of a frontonasal phenotype related to a heterozygous mutation in ALX4. This mutation is predicted to cause the loss of the aristaless domain in the C‐terminal region of the protein and preserves the homeodomain. We speculate that a different mechanism, a dominant‐negative effect, is responsible for the distinct phenotype in this family. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A review of Constraint-Induced Therapy applied to aphasia rehabilitation in stroke patients

Constraint-induced aphasia therapy (CIAT) is an intensive therapy model based on the forced use of verbal oral language as the sole channel of communication, while any alternative communication mode such as writing, gesturing or pointing are prevented. Objectives This critical review involved the analysis of studies examining CIAT applied to stroke patients. Methods and Results Using keywords, the Medline database was searched for relevant studies published between 2001 and 2008 (Medline 2001-2008). The critical evaluation of the articles was based on the classifications described by the ASNS (Cicerone adaptation). Two studies were categorized as level Ia, two as level II and one study as level IV. Conclusions These recommendations should be interpreted with caution, given the small number of studies involved, but serve as a guideline for future studies in aphasia therapy.
Subcortical projections, cortical associations, and some intrinsic interlaminar connections of the striate cortex in the squirrel monkey (Saimiri)

Laminar lesions made by the thermocoagulation in the lateral striate cortex of Saimiri reveal details of three distinct groups of descending fibers: interlaminar, cortico‐cortical, and cortico‐subcortical. The two most massive connections originate mainly from layer III. These are the interlaminar fibers terminating in the underlying layer V, and the systematically arranged projection upon area 18. Another cortical projection upon a narrow region in the superior temporal sulcus originates mainly from the infragranular layers, from which originate also the fibers passing to three subcortical structures, viz. the colliculus superior, the medial pulvinar and the griseum pontis. These subcortical projections are sparse compared to the interlaminar and cortico‐cortical connections. In particular, no evidence was obtained that the lateral geniculate nucleus receives fibers from the lateral striate cortex. Lesions injuring the white matter, however, produced, in addition, anterograde degeneration in the nucleus praetectalis, three pulvinar nuclei, the lateral geniculate nucleus and the pregeniculate nucleus. This degeneration must have resulted from the interruption of fibers originating in areas other than the lateral striate cortex, and passing beneath the site of the lesion.
CHANGES IN PLASMA RENIN DURING SODIUM DEPLETION IN MAN.

Changes in plasma renin were examined on 9 patients without hypertension, 6 with benign essential hypertension and 3 with malignant hypertension before and during dietary salt depletion. In the former 2 groups of patients, renin levels elevated during salt deprivation. On the other hand, in the last group renin showed decrease. It was noted that in the former groups basal renin was within normal range, but in the latter increased. These findings suggest that increase in aldosterone in normal and benign essential hypertension under sodium depletion may be caused by increased renin-angiotensin. Furthermore, it was considered that the basic mechanism of renin secretion in malignant hypertension may be different from that of normotension and benign essential hypertension. Appropriate expalanation of this difference is not yet obtained.
The Founding of a Nonprofit Organization as a Teaching/Learning Experience: A Case Study in Service Learning

ABSTRACT The present case study describes how the founding, by faculty, of a nonprofit organization has aided marketing instructors (and instructors other disciplines) in teaching students to understand and apply marketing (and other business) theories in a “real-world” environment. To that end, the case study is organized as follows. First, it offers a short discussion on the pros and cons of working with for-profit versus nonprofit organizations to add value to the learning experience for students. Second, it describes the benefits and drawbacks instructors and/or students have experienced from starting their own nonprofit organization as a teaching or learning tool to help translate marketing theory into marketing application.
Epidemiology of association between maternal periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes--systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES There is still debate regarding potential relationships between maternal periodontitis during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize the available epidemiological evidence on this association. DATA SOURCES Combined electronic and hand search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, WEB OF SCIENCE and Cochrane Central Register databases. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Original publications reporting data from cross-sectional, case-control or prospective cohort epidemiological studies on the association between periodontal status and preterm birth, low birthweight (LBW) or preeclampsia. The search was not limited to publications in English. All selected studies provided data based on professional assessments of periodontal status, and outcome variables, including preterm birth (<37 weeks gestation), LBW (<2500 g), gestational age, small for gestational age, birthweight, pregnancy loss or miscarriage, or pre-eclampsia. PARTICIPANTS Pregnant women with or without periodontal disease, and with or without adverse pregnancy outcomes, assessed either during pregnancy or postpartum. No intervention studies were included. Study appraisal and synthesis methods - Publications were assessed based on predefined screening criteria including type of periodontal assessment, consistency in the timing of the periodontal assessment with respect to gestational age, examiner masking and consideration of additional exposures and confounders. RESULTS Maternal periodontitis is modestly but significantly associated with LBW and preterm birth, but the use of a categorical or a continuous exposure definition of periodontitis appears to impact the findings: Although significant associations emerge from case-control and cross-sectional studies using periodontitis "case definitions," these were substantially attenuated in studies assessing periodontitis as a continuous variable. Data from prospective studies followed a similar pattern, but associations were generally weaker. Maternal periodontitis was significantly associated with pre-eclampsia. LIMITATIONS There is a high degree of variability in study populations, recruitment and assessment, as well as differences in how data are recorded and handled. As a result, studies included in meta-analyses show a high degree of heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS Maternal periodontitis is modestly but independently associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, but the findings are impacted by periodontitis case definitions. It is suggested that future studies employ both continuous and categorical assessments of periodontal status. Further use of the composite outcome preterm LBW is not encouraged.
USERS ADOPTION OF E-BANKING SERVICES: THE MALAYSIAN PERSPECTIVE

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the determinants of users' adoption momentum of e‐banking in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire with four‐point Likert scale is applied to 324 usable responses. Ten attributes are tested, namely convenience of usage, accessibility, features availability, bank management and image, security, privacy, design, content, speed, and fees and charges.Findings – Results indicate that all elements for ten identified factors are significant with respect to the users' adoption of e‐banking services. Privacy and security are the major sources of dissatisfaction, which have momentously impacted users' satisfaction. Meanwhile, accessibility, convenience, design and content are sources of satisfaction. Besides, the speed, product features availability, and reasonable service fees and charges, as well as the bank's operations management factor are critical to the success of the e‐banks. WAP, GPRS and 3G features from mobile devices are of no significan.
Fiber Bragg grating spectra in multimode optical fibers

Bragg gratings in optical fibers in multimode propagation are investigated theoretically by using the coupled-mode theory and considering two modes coupling. Bragg gratings in multimode fibers (MMFBGs) show multiple reflection peaks due to the coupling between all bounded modes. The reflection spectra depend on the excitation condition of the bounded modes. A numerical method based on the fourth-order Runge-Kutta formula is developed to solve the coupled equations. The reflection spectra of Bragg gratings with sinusoidal and square refractive index modulations were simulated. The asymmetric change of refractive index in the cross section is also considered here. The spectra characteristics and potential applications of these gratings are discussed.