Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Outsourcing and industrial decline

Executive Overview The improper use of outsourcing is playing an important role in the continuing competitive decline of many Western firms. Western managers often view outsourcing as a defensive operational measure. The approach tends to be incremental. A whole series of incremental outsourcing decisions, taken individually, may make economic sense, but collectively they may also represent the surrender of the business's capability to compete. However, properly understood and managed as an overall part of strategy, outsourcing can aid competitiveness. This article, based on the authors' research with firms in North America. Europe, and Asia, discusses the manner in which the improper use of outsourcing can destroy the future of a business, and how the proper use of outsourcing can help build competitive advantage.
Functional impact of vibratory proprioceptive assistance in patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy

Introduction: In this study we analyzed the effects of a rehabilitation method based on the use of vibratory proprioceptive assistance (VPA) in subjects with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. Methods: Eight subjects were given 1 month of mechanical vibratory treatment that consisted of 8 sessions of 40‐min stimulation on the more affected side. During each session, illusory movements were induced as follows: sensations of extension or flexion of the forearm or elevation of the arm via vibration applied to the distal tendon of the biceps brachialis (BB), triceps brachialis (TB), or pectoralis major muscles (PM), respectively, and of elevation of the arm with extension or flexion of the forearm via vibration of PM+BB or PM+TB, respectively. Results: Treatment led to a significant increase in the amplitude of voluntary shoulder flexion, constant score, and self‐rated health. Conclusion: VPA may serve as a rehabilitation method for reducing the deleterious effects of decline in motor activities. Muscle Nerve 52: 780–787, 2015
The Practical Research on the Influencing Factors of Logistic Service Quality and Customer Loyalty

Logistic service is one of the most important components of modern service industry;logistic service quality is of great significance for the improvement of enterprises' competitiveness.The influencing factors of logistics service quality include the capacity for information,distribution,pre-and after-sale service,matching and innovation.Among all these capacities,the capacity for information,pre-and after-sale service and distribution can have the most obvious influence on customer perceived satisfaction;and the capacity for matching and innovation have obvious influence on customer perceived satisfaction.Customer perceived satisfaction have obvious influence on customer loyalty;and there is a bigger path coefficient between them.
Mapping 3D myocardial wall motion over the left ventricle in a breath-hold

In magnetic resonance imaging, stimulated-echo based phase-contrast displacement mapping has been developed for various applications. This paper describes the adaptation and technical optimization of this idea for mapping the three-dimensional (3D) motion of the left ventricular wall in the human heart. Percentile wall thickening maps are obtained with a rapid and automatic data processing program. Results from normal human subjects and swine infarct models show that this quantitative method is suited for detecting focal areas of abnormal wall motion.
Comportamento das hashtags durante grandes eventos

Hashtags are words or terms which are used to categorize publications in social media, indexing the content and making it available for retrieval. The hashtags creation is free process, i.e, there are no rules or restrictions to create them. Otherwise, there is a convergence of the terms used to explain and semantically enrich the content. This work aims to study the use of hashtags for the crowd to describe major events. The rise and acceptance of hashtags in major events related to politics, disasters, sports and entertainment were analyzed. Although the broad diversity, we identify some language patterns in the use of hashtags created by the population. Moreover, peculiarities were analyzed in each studied event.
Energy-efficient user relaying scheme in metropolitan mmWave mobile broadband system

Radio frequency spectrum within 3-300 GHz has been investigated for the next generation of mobile broadband system. The mmWave mobile broadband (MMB) system is expected to achieve high capacity by utilizing immense bandwidth. However, high attenuation property of mmWave generates outage zone where the signal does not reach frequently in MMB system. To cover outage zone, relay operation has been suggested as one of the solutions while improving the energy efficiency. However, there is no analysis on the energy efficiency of user relay considering outage zone in metropolitan MMB system. In this paper, we suggest the analytical model of user relay in MMB system with outage zone. Furthermore, we propose the energy-efficient user relaying scheme to minimize the transmission power of metropolitan MMB system. Simulation results show that user relay improves the energy efficiency and reduces down outage zone in metropolitan MMB system.
What Government Auditors Cannot Know: A Study of Public Secrecy and the Labor of the Negative *

This paper uses Taussig’s (1999) observations regarding the “public secret”, or “knowing what not to know” (Taussig, 1999, p. 2) together with the related concept of analysis as defacement. These ideas are combined with prior research which suggests that government auditors express audit findings with care so as to work within prevailing discourses. The auditors’ approach can at once be seen as pragmatic, in aiming to affect whatever change or improvement is possible, and limiting, in that they are constrained both by themselves and others from making observations that may be publicly unpalatable. While other work uncovers this approach in general, this paper explores the consequences of maintaining public secrets, using the findings of a performance audit of the Cleveland (Ohio) City Public Schools as an exemplar.
Predicting Coronary Artery Disease with Medical Profile and Gene Polymorphisms Data

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a main cause of death in the world. Finding cost-effective methods to predict CAD is a major challenge in public health. In this paper, we investigate the combined effects of genetic polymorphisms and non-genetic factors on predicting the risk of CAD by applying well known classification methods, such as Bayesian networks, naïve Bayes, support vector machine, k-nearest neighbor, neural networks and decision trees. Our experiments show that all these classifiers are comparable in terms of accuracy, while Bayesian networks have the additional advantage of being able to provide insights into the relationships among the variables. We observe that the learned Bayesian Networks identify many important dependency relationships among genetic variables, which can be verified with domain knowledge. Conforming to current domain understanding, our results indicate that related diseases (e.g., diabetes and hypertension), age and smoking status are the most important factors for CAD prediction, while the genetic polymorphisms entail more complicated influences.
A Novel Case of Fusarium oxysporum Infection in an Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

Abstract A necropsy was performed on a captive-born, 10-yr-old male Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) after it died acutely. Gross necropsy findings revealed hemorrhage within the right cerebrum, right cerebellum, and right eye. Histopathologic findings revealed a moderate multifocal acute necrotizing meningoencephalitis with intralesional fungal hyphae. Several pieces of cerebrum and cerebellum and cerebrospinal fluid were sent to the Fungus Testing Laboratory in San Antonio, Texas (USA). The culture yielded Fusarium oxysporum, which was confirmed by internal transcribed spacer and D1-D2 sequencing. Fusarium oxysporum infection has been reported in marine mammals. No cases of noncutaneous F. oxysporum infection in a cetacean that was not on long-term antimicrobials have been reported in the literature.
Heparanase and cancer progression: New directions, new promises

ABSTRACT Heparanase, the sole heparan sulfate degrading endoglycosidase, regulates multiple biological activities that enhance tumor growth, angiogenesis and metastasis. Much of the impact of heparanase on tumor progression is related to its function in mediating tumor-host crosstalk, priming the tumor microenvironment to better support tumor progression. Heparanase expression is enhanced in almost all cancers examined including various carcinomas, sarcomas and hematological malignancies. Numerous clinical association studies have consistently demonstrated that upregulated heparanase expression correlates with increased tumor size, tumor angiogenesis, enhanced metastasis and poor prognosis. Notably, heparanase is ranked among the most frequently recognized tumor antigens in patients with pancreatic, colorectal or breast cancer, favoring heparanase-based immunotherapy. Development of heparanase inhibitors focused on carbohydrate-based compounds of which 4 are being evaluated in clinical trials for various types of cancer, including myeloma, pancreatic carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. Owing to their heparin-like nature, these compounds may exert off target effects. Newly generated heparanase neutralizing monoclonal antibodies profoundly attenuated myeloma and lymphoma tumor growth and dissemination in preclinical models, likely by targeting heparanase in the tumor microenvironment.
Impaired mitochondrial network excitability in failing guinea-pig cardiomyocytes.

AIMS Studies in guinea-pig cardiomyocytes show that reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by a few mitochondria can propagate to their neighbours, triggering synchronized, cell-wide network oscillations via an ROS-induced ROS release (RIRR) mechanism. How mitochondria in cardiomyocytes from failing hearts (HF) respond to local oxidative stress perturbations has not been investigated. Since mitochondrial ultrastructure is reportedly disrupted in HF, and propagation of ROS signals depends on mitochondrial network integrity, we hypothesized that the laser flash-induced RIRR is altered in HF. METHODS AND RESULTS To test the hypothesis, pressure-overload HF was induced in guinea pigs by ascending aortic constriction leading to left ventricular dilatation and decreased ejection fraction after 8 weeks. Isolated cardiomyocytes were studied with two-photon/confocal microscopy to determine their basal oxidative stress and propensity to undergo mitochondrial depolarization/oscillations in response to local laser flash stimulations. The expression of mitofusin proteins and mitochondrial network structure were also analysed. Results showed that HF cardiomyocytes had higher baseline ROS levels and less reduced glutathione, and were more prone to laser flash-induced mitochondrial depolarization. In contrast, the delay between the laser flash and synchronized cell-wide network oscillations was prolonged in HF myocytes compared with shams, and the spatial extent of coupling was diminished, suggesting dampened RIRR and ROS signal propagation. In addition, the expressions of mitofusin proteins in HF myocardium were down-regulated compared with these from sham-operated animals, and the mitochondrial network structure altered. CONCLUSION The disrupted inter-mitochondrial tethering and loss of structural organization may underlie decreased ROS-dependent mitochondrial coupling in HF.
Intersecting the Virtual and the Real: Space in Interactive Media Installations

Tracing is a two-sided screen projection installation contrasting two states of cultural differences in the Information Age. Texts and ambient sounds controlled through computers are continuously projected on both sides of the screen wall. One side provides factual data reflecting a cultural perspective on what it means to be a part of the technological culture. The other side of the wall shifts the narrative tone to express a position outside of the technocultural dominance to reveal a state of difference. The contents of both sides of the wall are affected by the audience’s movements and positions within the gallery space registered through a matrix of motion detection sensors.
Association of Surgery With Improved Survival in Stage IV Breast Cancer Patients

Objective:This study aims to examine the role of surgery in patients with stage IV breast cancer. Background:Historically, women who present with metastatic breast cancer are not offered surgical treatment. However, recent reports indicate that surgery may improve outcome. Using a large database of women whom presented with stage IV breast cancer, we compared outcome of patients who had resection of their primary cancer to those who did not. Methods:Of 16,401 patients, 807 had stage IV disease at presentation, and 395 survived >90 days and were included in this analysis. Clinical and tumor characteristics, surgical treatment, and survival were compared for the surgically versus nonsurgically treated patients. Results:Two hundred and forty-two patients (61.3%) had definitive surgery for their primary tumor and 153 (38.7%) did not. Patients who underwent surgery were significantly older, were more likely to be white, more often had hormone receptor positive disease, had small primary tumors, and had fewer metastatic sites and less visceral involvement. The median survival of surgically treated patients was 27.1 months versus 16.8 months for patients without surgical resection (P < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, which included surgical treatment, age, race, estrogen and progesterone receptor status, number of metastatic sites, and presence of visceral metastases, surgery remained an independent factor associated with improved survival (P = 0.006). Conclusion:Patients with stage IV breast cancer who had definitive surgical treatment of their primary tumors had more favorable disease characteristics. However, after adjustment for these characteristics, surgical treatment remained an independent factor associated with improved survival.
The digital divide still an issue

Globalisation has enabled new opportunities for individuals to navigate information and communications technologies (ICTs) in the new information society. Numerous factors, however, have decreased the opportunity to realise the goal of mass participation in the new digital world. Beyond connection and literacy factors, there should exist a better definition of indicators where cultural aspects should also be included. Bridging the digital divide must also take into account the diffusion of innovations theory of E. Rogers; otherwise, it would be difficult to reach this goal. Some models have already been formulated, but no one is transferable to each community and country, as every community has to elaborate a plan with its own specific needs. The international community has made many efforts to find ways to overcome the digital divide, but this question still remains very problematic. Further efforts are required, particularly in developing countries. There are also NGOs, who have done much in those poor countries to help support important initiatives. Even if a redefinition of the indicators is conceivable, one must recognise that developing countries are the less connected and the more excluded. From an ethical point of view, the international community should undertake more in order to help the developing world connect to and participate in the new information society.
Dexamethasone suppression test in alcoholism

ABSTRACT– The hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal function was investigated in alcoholic patients using the dexamethasone suppression test (DST). Seventy‐two patients were studied when they had been abstinent from alcohol for 3 to 6 weeks. Eight patients undergoing detoxification and 79 control subjects were investigated for comparison. Alcoholic patients after a 3‐ to 6‐week abstinence period showed significantly higher prevalence of abnormal DST results (28 %) than control subjects (11 %). Patients undergoing detoxification showed even a higher prevalence of abnormal DST results (62 %). Abnormal DST status was not associated with the presence of depression in these patients but was associated with abnormal liver function. It is supposed that abnormal DST responses in alcoholic patients are not diagnostic of depression but appear to be related to effects of alcohol either on liver metabolism or on the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal function or both.
PSO-based Parameter Estimation of Nonlinear Systems

A technique based on particle swarm optimization is proposed for improving the accuracy of parameter estimation of nonlinear systems. The effectiveness of the particle swarm optimization algorithms is compared with different genetic algorithms in terms of parameter accuracy. Simulation results of two kinds of process systems will be illustrated to show that the more accurate estimation of unknown system parameters can be achieved by using the proposed technique.
Ecology and Reproductive Patterns of the Agamid Lizard Japalura swinhonis on an East Asian Island, with Comments on the Small Clutch Sizes of Island Lizards

Abstract I describe the habitat use, diet, and the male and female reproductive cycles of Japalura swinhonis, an oviparous agamid lizard inhabiting Orchid Island, a tropical island off the southeastern coast of Taiwan. Ninety percent of lizards (n=126) were observed on tree trunks or at the forest edge. The diet of J. swinhonis on Orchid Island consisted mostly of hymenopterans (53.33%) and orthopterans (16.67%). The mean snout-vent length (SVL) of adult males was 74.58 (n=89) and that of females was 69.31 (n=37) mm. Females exhibited a long vitellogenic period from November to February, with parturition occurring from March to October. The onset of vitellogenesis did not correlate with the mass of the female fat bodies. Females produced two to five eggs per clutch, and clutch size was not correlated with SVL. Two clutches were recorded during a single year in some individuals. Clutch size in J. swinhonis was compared with that in other Japalura species. Clutch sizes of Japalura species are larger in mainland China than on insular Taiwan. Clutch size is also mainly affected by environmental constraints, and smaller clutch sizes are probably affected by predators on Orchid Island.
The Effect of Open Pay Systems on Allocations of Salary Increases.

The behavior of allocators in simulated open and closed pay systems was examined. It was hypothesized and observed (I) that there would not be a significant "main" effect for secrecy and (2) that the effect of secrecy would interact with differential task difficulty and perceived differences in employee valence for incremental money.
A case series of young stroke in Rome

In this hospital case series study we enrolled 394 consecutive ischemic stroke patients aged 14–47 years, all of whom were submitted to a diagnostic protocol. We evaluated the incidence of cerebral ischemia in young adults, as well as the risk factors and the etiopathogenesis of this pathology. Modified diagnostic criteria adopted from the TOAST and Baltimore–Washington Cooperative Young Stroke Study were used for the etiologic classification. The crude annual incidence rate was 8.8/100 000 (95% CI 7.7–9.9), which is in keeping with the rates reported in comparable registries. Risk factors were distributed as follows: smoking in 56% of patients, hypertension in 23%, dyslipidemia in 15%, migraine in 26%, and diabetes mellitus in 2%. Oral contraceptives were being taken by 38% of the women enrolled. The etiology of stroke in the patients was as follows: cardioembolism in 34%, atherothrombosis in 12%, non‐atherosclerotic vasculopathies in 14% (including arterial dissection in 12%), other determined causes in 13%, lacunar stroke in 2.5%, migraine in 1%, and undetermined causes in 24%. Despite its biased sampling frame, this large hospital case series, in which risk factor distribution and etiopathogenesis were investigated, stresses the need for an adequate diagnostic approach in young ischemic patients.
An Analysis of the Italian Labour Market based on Compulsory Communications Data

Compulsory Communications system data contain important and so far under-investigated information on employment dynamics in Italy. They record all the activations, transformations, fixed-term extensions and anticipated terminations of employment relationships between any worker and employer since the beginning of 2008. Aim of this note is to exploit this recent database and provide useful up-to-date measures of job dynamics in the Italian labour market. In particular, transition probabilities among different types of contracts are estimated, thus detecting the main determinants of the probability of job activation and job anticipated termination
Diversity and Disparity in Dementia: The Impact of Ethnoracial Differences in Alzheimer Disease

Debate exists regarding differences in the prevalence of Alzheimer disease (AD) in African Americans and Hispanics in the United States, with some evidence suggesting that the prevalence of AD may be considerably higher in these groups than in non-Hispanic whites. Despite this possible disparity, patients of minority ethnoracial groups often receive delayed diagnosis or inadequate treatment for dementia. This review investigates these disparities by conceptualizing the dementia disease process as a product of both biological and cultural factors. Ethnoracial differences in biological risk factors, such as genetics and cardiovascular disease, may help to explain disparities in the incidence and prevalence of AD, whereas race-specific cultural factors may impact diagnosis and treatment. Cultural factors include differences in perceptions about what is normal aging and what is not, lack of adequate access to medical care, and issues of trust between minority groups and the medical establishment. The diagnosis of AD in diverse populations may also be complicated by racial biases inherent in cognitive screening tools widely used by clinicians, but controlling for literacy level or using savings scores in psychometric analyses has the potential to mitigate these biases. We also suggest that emerging biomarker-based diagnostic tools may be useful in further characterizing diverse populations with AD. Recognizing the gap in communication that exists between minority communities and the medical research community, we propose that education and outreach are a critical next step in the effort to understand AD as it relates to diverse populations.