Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Surveillance area as a multiplicatively weighted Voronoi diagram

This paper presents the surveillance area as an ordered order-k multiplicatively weighted Voronoi diagram in /spl Ropf//sup 2/. The boundaries between adjacent radars are the edges of the diagram, defined by the range ratio of radars taken pairwise. The radar range equation is used to describe the proximity rule necessary to generate the diagram. The proximity between a target and a radar is determined by means of a Euclidean distance weighted by the radar range. The common coverage is represented by the Voronoi regions of order-k.
The Effect of Process Quality and Outcome Quality on Tourist Loyalty in the Hotel Industry

The present study aims to explore the relationship between process quality and outcom quality with tourist satisfaction and loyalty in the Malaysian hotel industry. In this study, the population comprised international tourists who stayed in one of the 4 and 5-star hotels in Kuala Lumpur. From 537 self-administered questionnaires were distributed, 417 usable responses were obtained. The relationships between 4 constructs (process quality, outcome quality, tourist satisfaction and tourist loyalty) and 39 indicators were measured using structural equation modeling. The results showed that process quality (with six dimensions) and outcome quality (with three dimensions) affect tourist loyalty through mediating role of tourist satisfaction. The results also demonstrated that process quality and outcome quality affect tourist loyalty indirectly through the mediating role of tourist satisfaction. The results of this study will benefit hoteliers in understanding the factors affecting tourist loyalty. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015. v6n6s4p86
AtMe: An Online Multi-tenant Social Networking Service in Campus

Recently, more and more undergraduates have turned Internet to find support and take part in society in campus. However, current SNS systems are not oriented to a specific campus. In this paper, we design an online multi-tenant social networking service in campus, including At Helper and At Society. At Helper aims at improving the success ratio of the help process with a multi-tenant architecture, and At Society provides social services using popular instant messaging mobile application. Both modules change the traditional operation and maintenance to rent services. Besides, the key innovative design, such as multi-tenancy and access-aware data cache, are discussed in detail.
Estimated prevalence of noise-induced hearing threshold shifts among children 6 to 19 years of age: the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988-1994, United States.

OBJECTIVE This analysis estimates the first nationally representative prevalence of noise-induced hearing threshold shifts (NITS) among US children. Historically, NITS has not been considered a common cause of childhood hearing problems. Among children, NITS can be a progressive problem with continued exposure to excessive noise, which can lead to high-frequency sound discrimination difficulties (eg, speech consonants and whistles). METHODS The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) was conducted from 1988 to 1994. NHANES III is a national population-based cross-sectional survey with a household interview, audiometric testing at 0.5 to 8 kHz, and compliance testing. A total of 5249 children aged 6 to 19 years completed audiometry and compliance testing for both ears in NHANES III. The criteria used to assess NITS included audiometry indicating a noise notch in at least 1 ear. RESULTS Of US children 6 to 19 years old, 12.5% (approximately 5.2 million) are estimated to have NITS in 1 or both ears. In the majority of the children meeting NITS criteria, only 1 ear and only 1 frequency are affected. In this analysis, all children identified with NITS passed compliance testing, which essentially rules out middle ear disorders such as conductive hearing loss. The prevalence estimate of NITS differed by sociodemographics, including age and sex. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that children are being exposed to excessive amounts of hazardous levels of noise, and children's hearing is vulnerable to these exposures. These data support the need for research on appropriate hearing conservation methods and for NITS screening programs among school-aged children. Public health interventions such as education, training, audiometric testing, exposure assessment, hearing protection, and noise control when feasible are all components of occupational hearing conservation that could be adapted to children's needs with children-specific research.
Corporate Board Meetings and Company Performance: Empirical Evidence from Nigerian Quoted Companies

Most literatures on corporate governance concentrated much on board composition or size as a measure of involvement in monitoring management, while another dimension of board oversight such as board meetings is ignored. This study examined the relationship between frequency of board meetings and company performance using a sample from 79 companies listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange from 2010 to 2012. The result shows that the board meetings,
Gaining competitive advantage from packaging and labelling in marketing communications

This paper illustrates how an understanding of consumer models, psychological processes and the appropriate use of marketing research techniques can help in the design of food packaging and label copy to provide a company with a competitive advantage. The paper examines the significance of the marketing functions of a pack and the perceptual processes of consumers in their information search concerning pack design and labelling in marketing research. Case study material is introduced to help illustrate the main points.
Managing voluntary sport organizations.

Part 1: Introducing the Voluntary Sport Sector 1. The Voluntary Sport Sector 2. The Operating Environment of Voluntary Sport Organizations 3. The Governance of Voluntary Sport Organizations Part 2: The Management of Voluntary Sport Organisations 4. Strategy Development and Planning 5. Managing Human Resources 6. Managing Finances 7. Managing Performance 8. Managing Change 9. Managing Marketing Part 3: Issues in the Management of Voluntary Sport Organisations 10. Event Management 11. Voluntary Sport Organisations and the Law 12. Risk Management and Protection 13. Information Technology and Voluntary Sport Organizations 14. The Future of Management
Participatory ergonomic interventions in meatpacking plants

In-depth reports of intervention projects to reduce ergonomic hazards at three meatpacking plants are described. The projects used a participatory approach involving front-line workers, supervisory personnel and others organized into teams for such problem-solving purposes. The work at each site was directed by university investigators with expertise in ergonomics and, in one case, organizational behavior. They facilitated efforts in team-building and team function and furnished observations of theprocesses involved and assessments of results. Reports of die three site studies depict a variety of contexts and opportunities for observing the merits of a participatory team approach in dealing with ergonomic problems in the meatpacking industry. In one case, the intervention advanced the company's initial efforts to develop an ergonomics program, providing training of workers and supervisors selected for teams to direct these efforts. In a second case, the corporate program already included use of ergo­ nomics teams and the report described the team's progress in address­ ing selected problem operations at one plant site. In the third case, the plant had no prior experience in using a team approach in solving worksite problems and the effort described involved selecting and training the team members to analyze ergonomic problems in their operations and to propose remedies for implementation. Findings from these various experiences include: • Successful participatory ergonomics programs re­ quire strong in-house direction, support, and ergo­ nomic expertise. • Training programs must develop both teamwork and ergonomic skills among participants. • Teams should include supervisors, maintenance and/ or engineering staff (who will actually implement
Theory and simulation of self- and mutual-diffusion of carrier density and temperature in semiconductor lasers

Carrier diffusion and thermal conduction play a fundamental role in the operation of high-power, broad-area semiconductor lasers. Restricted geometry, high pumping level and dynamic instability lead to inhomogeneous spatial distribution of plasma density, temperature, as well as light field, due to strong light-matter interaction. Thus, modeling and simulation of such optoelectronic devices rely on detailed descriptions of carrier dynamics and energy transport in the system. A self-consistent description of lasing and heating in large-aperture, spatially-inhomogeneous edge- or surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) require coupled diffusion equations for carrier density and temperature. In this paper, we derive such equations from the Boltzmann transport equation for the carrier distributions. The derived self- and mutual-diffusion coefficients are in general nonlinear functions of carrier density and temperature including many-body interactions. We study the effects of many-body interactions on these coefficients, as well as the nonlinearity of these coefficients for large-area VCSELs. The effects of mutual diffusions on carrier and temperature distributions in gain-guided VCSELs will be also presented.
The algorithm of view selection for materializing in specialized data warehouses

In this paper, the algorithm of view selection for materializing in specialized data warehouse on basis of the data domain information is presented. The purpose of the proposed algorithm is to minimize the materialization cost by selecting an optimal set of materialized views constrained by actual space from candidate view subsets. The candidate view subsets are formed from set of calculated strategies ordered by decrease of relevance. The main advantage of our approach is to support the administrator by the proactive method of materialized view selection in specialized data warehouse to be developing the starting data warehouse model and its updating in the evolution process.
An overview of genetic engineering of PEPC, PPDK and NADP-ME enzymes from C4 plants to C3

PEPC, PPKD and NADP-ME are the most important enzymes in the C4 pathway of photosynthesis which have introduced into C3 plants to increase efficiency of photosynthesis. In this paper the strategy of introduction of the intact C4-specific gene into C3 plants would be expected to lead to high level and cell-expression of C4 enzymes in mesophyll cells. By contrast, over expression of enzymes specific of bundle sheath cells, conventional techniques with gene constructs containing a strong promoter fused to a cDNA were effective.
Membrane anchors of vesicular stomatitis virus: characterization and incorporation into virions

Wild-type vesicular stomatitis virus-infected cells contained multiple carboxy-terminal fragments of the envelope glycoprotein G. They migrated in 16% polyacrylamide gels with two dominant apparent molecular weights, 14,000 and 9,000. Both fragments were immunoprecipitated by two antibodies, anti-G(COOH) and anti-G(stem), made against the last 15 amino acids at the carboxy terminus and against the first 22 amino acids of the ectodomain adjacent to the transmembrane region of G, respectively. Pulse-chase experiments in the presence and absence of tunicamycin indicated that the higher-molecular-weight fragment, Gal, was generated first, presumably in the rough endoplasmic reticulum, and then apparently chased into the faster-migrating, stable fragment, Ga2. Exposure of infected cells to radioactive palmitic acid labeled Ga2. Ga2 was detected in purified virions. These results show that a polypeptide approximately 71 amino acids long is transported and incorporated into budding virions. What signals are operative and whether this C-terminal fragment of G protein is transported as a complex with other viral or host cell proteins are presently unknown.
INTEGRATED DECISION MODELING of SUPPLY CHAIN EFFICIENCY

In order to assess the effectiveness of the supply chain fully,to seek a quantitative methods of supply chain decision-making,this article,based on the features of the supply chain operations,established a decision-making model for multi-target integration,whose ultimate goal is customer satisfaction.Then,through profits,lead time,timely supply,inventory cost and five indicators of quality,we gave a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of the supply chain.At the choosing of different supply chain strategy,we adopted the method of hierarchical decision,concern could be focused on the effectiveness of all the potential partners at every aspect of supply chain.This article used three different strategies(order-driven,stock-driven,stock-oriented) and the effectiveness to the supply chain of them were reflected in the decision-making model,which made the model has a wider range of adaptability.Empirical studies show that the five indicators in each link of the supply chain have significant impact on its overall effectiveness,and the model can supply a scientific and theoretical support for chain decision-making.
Volatility and cross correlations of stock markets in SAARC nations

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine cross-correlation in stock returns of SAARC countries, conditional and unconditional volatility of stock markets and to test efficient market hypothesis (EMH). Design/methodology/approach – Stock indices of India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan are considered to serve as proxy for stock markets in SAARC countries. Data consist of daily closing price of stock indices from 2000 to 2011. Since preliminary testing indicated presence of serial autocorrelation and volatility clustering, family of GARCH models is selected. Findings – Results indicate presence of serial autocorrelation in stock market returns, implying dependence of current stock prices on stock prices of previous times and leads to rejection of EMH. Significant relationship between stock market returns and unconditional volatility indicates investors’ expectation of extra risk premium for exposing their portfolios to unexpected variations in stock markets. Cross-correlation revealed level of .
Theoretical frameworks in telemedicine research

The purposive use of theory is a foundational component of research, which underpins the design, methodology, measures, interventions, and interpretation of the research project. This should be considered from the time the nascent idea of the research is born, until the final interpretation of results and write up of the discussion. Several theories relevant to telemedicine are described, discussed, and linked to typical research questions in the field.
Adaptation of transport protocols for an IP-micromobility scheme

TCP is a reliable connection-oriented transport protocol that performs well in traditional networks. However, in networks with wireless and other lossy links the protocol suffers from losses and delays due to frequent handoffs like in wireless networks running mobile IP. Many micromobility protocols have been proposed to reduce handoff latency and the load on the network when a mobile host moves among small wireless cells. In this paper, the performance of several TCP and UDP schemes over one of these protocols, MMP (multicast for mobility protocol), is compared and improvements to TCP in a multiple handoff network are proposed. The simulation results are presented using the Network Simulator-ns2 and different metrics for comparison. Our results show that the number of UDP packets lost is reduced when using MMP instead of mobile IP in a micromobility environment and that TCP provides better throughput performance for a traditional scheme like Tahoe TCP when it is adapted to the conditions of the network.
Supply chain development priorities of manufacturing firms: empirical findings from a Finnish national survey

In order to realise the potential of logistics and supply chain management in a firm, relevant strategies and development priorities need to be identified and developed. This research aims to identify the current logistics and supply chain-related strategic development priorities of manufacturing firms that operate in Finland and to identify the key determinants of these priorities. Based on survey data from 317 manufacturing firms, the top five supply chain development priorities for the years 2009–2013 were identified as cutting logistics costs, improving delivery reliability, developing information systems, improving customer service and increasing supply chain transparency. A multinomial logistic regression analysis further highlighted the role of manufacturing strategy and the extent of the geographic dispersion of supply networks as predictors of firms’ supply chain development priority choices.
Optimal Industry Layout of Processing Trade in Shandong Province Base on Dynamic Comparative Advantage

This paper discusses the relations between the transfer of dynamic comparative advantage and the upgrading of processing trade industrial structure,then,analyzes the transfer of dynamic comparative advantage of elements of processing trade in Shandong Province. The paper finds that the adjustment of industrial layout should be done based on the changes in comparative advantage,so it is suggested to divide the process trading base into several levels for example high-end manufacturing base,RD base,general manufacturing base,labor-intensive industrial base,logistics and financial base,Featured industrial base,etc.,and the government should take appropriate guidance policy to facilitate the optimization of processing trade industry layout in Shandong Province,in order to exert comparative advantage of labor-intensive processing trade and technology-intensive processing trade better,so as to achieve the common development.
Oxidation of survival factor MEF2D in neuronal death and Parkinson's disease.

AIMS Dysfunction of myocyte enhancer factor 2D (MEF2D), a key survival protein and transcription factor, underlies the pathogenic loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in Parkinson's disease (PD). Both genetic factors and neurotoxins associated with PD impair MEF2D function in vitro and in animal models of PD. We investigated whether distinct stress conditions target MEF2D via converging mechanisms. RESULTS We showed that exposure of a DA neuronal cell line to 6-hyroxydopamine (6-OHDA), which causes PD in animals models, led to direct oxidative modifications of MEF2D. Oxidized MEF2D bound to heat-shock cognate protein 70 kDa, the key regulator for chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA), at a higher affinity. Oxidative stress also increased the level of lysosomal-associated membrane protein 2A (LAMP2A), the rate-limiting receptor for CMA substrate flux, and stimulated CMA activity. These changes resulted in accelerated degradation of MEF2D. Importantly, 6-OHDA induced MEF2D oxidation and increased LAMP2A in the substantia nigra pars compacta region of the mouse brain. Consistently, the levels of oxidized MEF2D were much higher in postmortem PD brains compared with the controls. Functionally, reducing the levels of either MEF2D or LAMP2A exacerbated 6-OHDA-induced death of the DA neuronal cell line. Expression of an MEF2D mutant that is resistant to oxidative modification protected cells from 6-OHDA-induced death. INNOVATION This study showed that oxidization of survival protein MEF2D is one of the pathogenic mechanisms involved in oxidative stress-induced DA neuronal death. CONCLUSION Oxidation of survival factor MEF2D inhibits its function, underlies oxidative stress-induced neurotoxicity, and may be a part of the PD pathogenic process.
The legal fog around cloud computing agreements

Cloud computing is a revolution in IT industry that attract many users to move their resources into a dedicated data centers with the accessibility via the internet. Cloud computing offers customers a large number of benefits that appeals the business or personal to switching on cloud. Choosing a suitable platform with a proper provider is a hard task because the customer don't have access to data center, thus there are the risk of data loss. Existing lows and rules have not always been able to go along with cloud developments. When a customer decided to have a contract with a cloud provider, the contractual argumentation about security is considerably high. Cloud agreements could appear in a vast variety of forms, however, there are a large number of juridical issues that should be considered by cloud customers. This article introduce the legalistic and contractual strategies to decrease the risks of outsourcing data.
Latent Trypanosoma brucei gambiense foci in Uganda: a silent epidemic in children and adults?

SUMMARY Trypanosoma brucei gambiense sleeping sickness follows a long asymptomatic phase and persists in ancient foci from which epidemic clinical disease arises. A putative focus of T. b. gambiense infections has been identified, initially in mothers and young children, on the Lake Albert shoreline of Western Uganda leading to mass screening of 6207 individuals in September 2008. T. b. gambiense infections were identified by Card Agglutination Test for Trypanosomiasis (CATT) and sub-species-specific PCR although parasitological methods failed to confirm any patent trypanosome infections. In April 2009, CATT positives were re-visited; diagnosis of individuals by CATT and PCR was unstable over the two time points and parasites remained undetected, even using mini Anion Exchange Centrifugation Technique (mAECT). These observations suggest the possibility of a silent focus of disease, where all infected individuals are in a latent stage, and highlight our limited understanding of the local natural history and disease progression of T. b. gambiense in children and adults.
Accuracy of the S100β protein as a marker of brain damage in traumatic brain injury

Introduction: This study tested the hypothesis that S100β is a useful screening tool for detecting intracranial lesion (IL) in patients with a normal level of consciousness after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods: One hundred and forty-three post-TBI patients without a decrease in consciousness (GCS = 15) and with at least one neurological symptom (e.g. transitory loss of consciousness, amnesia, headache, dizziness or vomiting) were prospectively included. A blood sample was drawn at 6-hours post-TBI. A routine CT scan was obtained within 24 hours post-injury. Diagnostic properties of S100β for IL prediction in CT scan findings were tested using ROC-analysis. Results: A total of 15 patients (10.5%) had IL. Serum levels were significantly higher in these patients. Significant differences were found between S100β levels and CT scan findings (p = 0.007). ROC-analysis showed that S100β is a useful tool for detecting the presence of IL in CT scans (p = 0.007). In this series, the best cut-off for S100β is 0.130 µg L−1, with 100% sensitivity and 32.81% specificity. Conclusion: Within the first 6 hours post-TBI, serum S100β seems to be an effective biochemical indicator of IL in patients without a decrease in consciousness. These results indicate that higher S100β cut-off values substantially improve the clinical relevance of this protein.
Benchmarking intangible assets: enhancing teamwork performance using self‐assessment

This paper discusses self‐assessment and benchmarking of intangible assets in teamwork development. First examines key approaches to team‐performance measurement and present a systems perspective on teamwork, hence benchmarking of teamwork performance. In consequence, a generic model based on EFQM framework – the TEaM model, is proposed as a self‐assessment and benchmarking tool. TEaM consists of ten criteria (enablers and results) that are outlined in the paper. Also demonstrates how TEaM can be applied in organisations and how this tool reflects the emerging trends in benchmarking practice.