Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stock Market Reactions to Brand Extension Announcements: The Effects of Brand Attitude and Familiarity

Brand equity components, brand attitude and brand name familiarity, influence not only the positive benefits but also the adverse consequences that follow brand leveraging. Making use of event study methods, the authors assess whether and how the stock market return—a measure of the change in expected future cash flows—associated with a brand extension announcement depends on these brand equity components. The empirical analysis indicates that stock market participants’ responses to brand extension announcements, consistent with the trade-offs inherent in brand leveraging, depend interactively and nonmonotonically on brand attitude and familiarity.
Surface modification of poly(ether ether ketone) with methacryloyl-functionalized phospholipid polymers via self-initiation graft polymerization

To improve blood compatibility of poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK), surface modification with methacryloyl-functionalized phospholipid polymers was performed through self-initiation graft polymerization. The copolymers (PMA) of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) and 2-aminoethyl methacrylate hydrochloride were synthesized by conventional free radical polymerization. The PMA was then immobilized with pentafluorophenyl methacrylate to obtain methacryloyl-functionalized MPC polymers (PMAMA). The degree of substitution of the methacryloyl group into the copolymer was nearly completed. The PMAMA was dissolved in 1-butanol and the solution was dropped on PEEK. UV light (350 ± 50 nm) was subsequently irradiated on PEEK for various periods. Elemental analysis of the PEEK surface was performed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and phosphorus and nitrogen signals due to the MPC units on PEEK were observed. The surface wettability of PEEK was also improved by immobilization of PMAMA. Plasma protein adsorption was effectively reduced on the PMAMA-immobilized surface regardless of the type of protein. Furthermore, PMAMA immobilization was also useful in reducing platelet adhesion on PEEK. In conclusion, methacryloyl-functionalized MPC polymers could be immobilized on PEEK by simple photo-irradiation, resulting in significant improvement in blood compatibility.
Offshore Readiness Assessment II

Yellowtail is a small Dutch company which provides IT project management, business consultancy, and architecture services to her clients in the financial world and to governmental institutions. Yellowtail was founded in 2003 and employs about 25 people in The Netherlands. It has a software development centre in Cape Town, South Africa. Yellowtail conducted her first Offshore Readiness Assessment (ORA1) at Dutch financial service providers in the end of 2004. Yellowtail investigated the degree to which those service providers were able to move their IT operations offshore during that assessment. It appeared that some organizations already gained offshore experience with varying success. Besides it was expected that the influence of offshoring on the Dutch economy would be clear within two years. This research is called Offshore Readiness Assessment 2 (ORA2), which is a follow-up study based on ORA1. It assesses the degree to which Dutch financial service providers are prepared for offshoring two years later. Before the research, it was expected that Dutch financial service providers would be better prepared for offshoring than during ORA1. Compared to ORA1, theoretical underpinnings are enriched along with the conduct of three case studies so that more insight into offshoring is acquired.
ULISBOA at SemEval-2017 Task 12: Extraction and classification of temporal expressions and events

This paper presents our approach to participate in the SemEval 2017 Task 12: Clinical TempEval challenge, specifically in the event and time expressions span and attribute identification subtasks (ES, EA, TS, TA). Our approach consisted in training Conditional Random Fields (CRF) classifiers using the provided annotations, and in creating manually curated rules to classify the attributes of each event and time expression. We used a set of common features for the event and time CRF classifiers, and a set of features specific to each type of entity, based on domain knowledge. Training only on the source domain data, our best F-scores were 0.683 and 0.485 for event and time span identification subtasks. When adding target domain annotations to the training data, the best F-scores obtained were 0.729 and 0.554, for the same subtasks. We obtained the second highest F-score of the challenge on the event polarity subtask (0.708). The source code of our system, Clinical Timeline Annotation (CiTA), is available at https://github.com/lasigeBioTM/CiTA.
Predicting Range of Motion After Total Knee Arthroplasty: Clustering, Log-Linear Regression, and Regression Tree Analysis

Background: Range of motion is a crucial measure of the outcome of total knee arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to determine which factors are predictive of the postoperative range of motion. Methods: We retrospectively studied 3066 patients (4727 knees) who had a primary total knee arthroplasty with the same type of implant at the same center between 1983 and 1998. Statistical clustering analysis paired with log-linear regression was used to determine groupings along continuous variables. Regression tree analysis was used to characterize the combinations of variables influencing the postoperative range of motion. The variables considered were preoperative and intraoperative flexion and extension, preoperative alignment, age, gender, and soft-tissue releases. Results: Preoperative flexion was the strongest predictor of the postoperative flexion regardless of preoperative alignment. Other factors that were significantly related to reduced flexion were intraoperative flexion (p < 0.0001), gender (p < 0.0001), preoperative tibiofemoral alignment (p = 0.0005), age (p < 0.0001), and posterior capsular release (p < 0.0001). The removal of posterior osteophytes was related to the greatest increase in postoperative flexion in the group of patients with a varus tibiofemoral alignment preoperatively. Conclusions: The principal predictive factor of the postoperative range of motion was the preoperative range of motion. Removal of posterior osteophytes and release of the deep medial collateral ligament, the semimembranosus tendon, and the pes anserinus tendon in patients with large preoperative varus alignment and the attainment of a good intraoperative range of motion improved the likelihood that a good postoperative range of motion would be achieved. Level of Evidence: Prognostic study, Level II-1 (retrospective study). See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Good Things Come in LogLog(n)-Sized Packages: Robustness with Small Quorums

A popular technique for tolerating Byzantine faults in open distributed systems is to group machines into sets called quorums, each of which has an honest majority. These quorums are then used as basic building blocks to design systems that are robust to adversarial faults. Despite over a decade of active research, all current algorithms require quorum sizes of Ω(log n), where n is the number of machines in the network. This size is important since communication cost scales polynomially in the size of the quorum. Given the stubbornness of this Ω(log n) barrier, a natural question is whether better bounds are possible. In this paper, we demonstrate that it is possible to reduce quorums sizes to O(log log n), despite an adversary that controls a constant fraction of the computational resources in the network. In particular, we show that even with such small quorums, we can ensure that all but an o(1)-fraction of the machines can communicate with all but an o(1)-fraction of the machines in the network.
Self-optimizing interference management for the OFDMA downlink

The next generations of wireless networks use OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) as the downlink radio transmission technology. With OFDMA, there is negligible interference between transmissions within a sector. However since transmissions in neighboring sectors may use the same frequency resources then such transmissions can cause interference. If this interference is too high then it negatively impacts the transmission rates achievable by users near the edge of the cell. Several approaches have been proposed to manage this cross-sector interference to achieve high sector throughput as well as acceptable performance for users near the cell edge. In this paper we summarize past approaches and then propose a simple distributed algorithm that requires no cross-sector coordination but achieves the desired performance characteristics. Since even the centralized version of this problem is intractable, our distributed algorithm is heuristic in nature but based on intuition gained from analytic results. Simplified simulation results are provided to support our claims.
Return loss enhancement of surface resistors loaded microwave radar absorber

In this paper, return loss enhancement of a compact ultra-thin microwave radar absorber is demonstrated, The absorber is designed using textured surface technology comprised of a high impedance surface (HIS) positioned directly behind the anisotropically resistive-elements interconnecting a textured surface of square patches. By the selection of appropriate choice of the required surface resistors based on elementary circuit principles the return loss of absorber can be significantly improved. The properties of absorber are numerically characterized under normal incident using a parallel plate waveguide (PPW) simulator. It is demonstrated for this arrangement 27.09dB at 3.14GHz reflection loss can be obtained with an effective working bandwidth of up to 10% at 10dB reflection loss. In addition it is shown that the bandwidth is insensitive to the small different values of resistive-element.
High sensitive gas sensors realized by a transfer-free process of CVD graphene

The work herein presented investigates the behavior of graphene-based gas sensors realized by using an innovative way to prepare graphene. The sensing layer was directly grown by chemical vapor deposition on pre-patterned CMOS compatible Mo catalyst and then it was eased on the underlying SiO2 through a completely transfer-free process. Devices with different geometries were designed and tested towards NO2 and NH3 in environmental conditions, i.e. room temperature and relative humidity set at 50%. Furthermore, these gas sensors were also calibrated, resulting in the ability to detect concentrations down to 240 ppb and 17 ppm of NO2 and NH3, respectively. These results are in agreement with the best performances reported in literature for graphene-based sensors. They not only confirm the successful devices fabrication through the transfer-free approach, but also pave the route for large-scale production of MEMS/NEMS sensors.
A Cross-Cultural Approach to Human Resource Management in Finnish Hospitality Companies

Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulu Tampere University of Applied Sciences Degree programme in Hotel and Restaurant Management AUTHOR: Miika Niemi A Cross-Cultural Approach to Human Resource Management in Finnish Hospitality Companies Bachelor’s thesis 44 pages, appendix 1 page December 2012 This thesis explores a cross-cultural approach to human resource management and its processes in Finnish hospitality companies. In the hospitality sector, the personnel is considered as an important resource of the company, executing important work when creating the service experience and providing quality service for the customers. Globalization and the overall international character of hospitality business are placing challenges for the companies when providing service to the customers and managing their human resources effectively. Different cultures and internationalisation are changing the traditional framework of human resource management. The aim of the thesis was to study how internationalization and cross-cultural factors affect hospitality companies and their practices in human resource management in Tampere region. The theoretical context comprises a presentation of two theories about the differences of national cultures and one theory representing different organisational cultures. In addition, the fundamentals of human resource management are discussed. All the subjects included in the theoretical context are enormous fields of studies on their own, including numerous theories, research and literature. In this thesis, only a small number of research possibilities were discussed. The conducted study was qualitative, consisting of four theme interviews organised in companies operating in the hospitality business. The interviews were held in November 2012 and the duration varied between 30 and 40 minutes. The interviews were conducted in Finnish, recorded and transcribed before the analysis. All the interviewees were working at a managerial level and provided a comprehensive and adequate material for conducting the research. All the companies have different business ideas, and the analysis was based on identifying and comparing the specific and similar procedures in their preparations for internationalisation and in human resource management practices. The companies had two clearly distinctive approaches. Two of the companies emphasised intercultural learning and the possibility to provide added value to the customers, while the other two saw internationalisation more as an opportunity to extend their sales and to increase their customer base.
Does Bio-Demographic Diversity influence team innovation through participation safety climate and team reflexivity

Bio-demographic diversity which refers to age and gender of members in a team, has been frequently identified to influence team innovation directly. As the theories expanded, bio-demographic diversity was suggested to influence team innovation via psychosocial trait and interaction process. This study examines those suggestions, in which psychosocial trait and interaction process were operationalized as ‘participation safety climate’ and ‘team reflexivity’ respectively. The role of team reflexivity as a mediator to participation safety climate and team innovation was also assessed. Due to a small number of teams involved in the study, data were analyzed by using a PLS-graph. While the results show only gender is significantly related to the participation safety climate, which in turn influences team reflexivity and team innovation, there is no statistical evidence that team reflexivity mediates the impact of participation safety climate on team innovation.
Sonography of Hip Dysplasia

Early diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is important to institute appropriate treatment and reduce the incidence of long-term complications. Risk factors for DDH include genetic, developmental, mechanical, and physiologic factors. Physical examination using Ortolani and Barlow maneuvers is standard for early detection. Plain film radiography is limited for the diagnosis of DDH even when applying several classic landmarks, lines, and measurements, due to the lack of visualization of the cartilaginous components of the infant’s hip. Ultrasound arose as a tool for evaluation of the cartilaginous structures of the hip in the early 1980s. Graf’s method of examination by ultrasound stresses morphology, whereas dynamic examination uses physical maneuvers to elicit laxity of the hip. The Pavlik harness is the mainstay of treatment of DDH in the young infant, and ultrasound examination in the harness is useful to monitor progress. Closed or open surgical reduction is reserved for unresponsive or advanced cases. Universal ultrasound screening of newborns is not deemed cost effective by most North American authors, although in Europe non-selective screening has been more widely used.
Vertical Distribution of Water in the Atmosphere of Venus: A Simple Thermochemical Explanation

Several lines of evidence concerning the vertical abundance profile of water in the atmosphere of Venus lead to strikingly unusual distributions (the water vapor abundance decreases sharply in the immediately vicinity of the surface) or to serious conflicts in the profiles (different infrared bands suggest water abundances that are discrepant by a factor of 2.5 to 10). These data sets can be reconciled if (i) water molecules associate with carbon dioxide and sulfur trioxide to make gaseous carbonic acid and sulfuric acid in the lower atmosphere, and (ii) the discrepant 0.94-micrometer water measurements are due to gaseous sulfuric acid, requiring it to be a somewhat stronger absorber than water vapor inthis wavelength region. A mean total water abundance of 50 � 20 parts per million and a near-surface free water vapor abundance of 10 � 4 parts per million are derived.
MUTANT OF LAMBDA BACTERIOPHAGE PRODUCING A THERMOLABILE ENDOLYSIN

Campbell, Allan (University of Rochester, Rochester, N.Y.) and Alice del Campillo-Campbell. Mutant of lambda bacteriophage producing a thermolabile endolysin. J. Bacteriol. 85:1202–1207. 1963. —Endolysin from lambda bacteriophage and a temperature-sensitive mutant thereof was partially purified. The mutant enzyme was distinguishable from the wild type by its greater rate of inactivation by high temperature and by urea. Lysogenic cells carrying the mutant phage did not lyse after induction if kept at 43 C, but, at times around 70 min after induction, rapid lysis occurred following transfer to lower temperatures. This lysis was not inhibited by cyanide or chloramphenicol and therefore probably resulted from enzyme already synthesized at the high temperature. Addition of these inhibitors to the culture at 43 C rapidly destroyed the ability to lyse after a subsequent temperature shift.
Necropsy Findings in Rhesus Monkeys Experimentally Infected with Cultured Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV)/Delta

Lesions induced in rhesus monkeys by different isolates of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)/Delta were studied at necropsy. Four groups of monkeys were inoculated with SIV/Delta isolated from other experimentally infected rhesus monkeys, while one group was inoculated with SIV/Delta from an asymptomatic mangabey monkey. Three rhesus isolates and the mangabey isolate were virulent, killing 75–100% of infected monkeys. One rhesus isolate, which had been extensively passaged in vitro, was attenuated but was restored to virulence by single animal passage. Clinically, infected monkeys had lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, diarrhea, and a rash. Most monkeys died of enteric disease. The following lesions were seen: weight loss, thymic atrophy, lymphoid atrophy, bone marrow hyperplasia, encephalitis, colitis, amyloidosis, hepatitis, glomerulosclerosis, and the presence of syncytial cells. One Rh Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related lymphoma occurred. Opportunistic agents were identified: cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, Cryptosporidia, and Pneumocystis. Shigella and Campylobacter often caused colitis.
Do Announcements of Corporate Bond Rating Revisions Matter?

This paper examines the stock market impact of announcements of corporate bond rating revisions for companies in the United Kingdom (UK) and in Australia. Investigating the market reaction to bond rating changes by Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s, our findings reveal similar results for downgrade announcements but not upgrade announcements. Using daily data from 1997 to 2006 we find a significant announcement affect to downgrades both in the UK and Australia markets. In contrast, evidence of stock price reaction during upgrade announcements is weak. Subperiod analysis supports these results. Finally, an investigation of the market reaction to a rating change for different bond grades reveals similar results for the UK and Australia in the case of downgrade announcements only.
High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Particle Uptake Mediated by Scavenger Receptor Class B Type 1 Results in Selective Sorting of HDL Cholesterol from Protein and Polarized Cholesterol Secretion*

High density lipoprotein (HDL) mediates reverse transport of cholesterol from atheroma foam cells to the liver, but the mechanisms of hepatic uptake and trafficking of HDL particles are poorly understood. In contrast to its accepted role as a cell surface receptor, scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-BI) is shown to be an endocytic receptor that mediates HDL particle uptake and recycling, but not degradation, in both transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells and hepatocytes. Confocal microscopy of polarized primary hepatocytes shows that HDL particles enter both the endocytic recycling compartment and the apical canalicular region paralleling the movement of SR-BI. In polarized epithelial cells (Madin-Darby canine kidney) expressing SR-BI, HDL protein and cholesterol undergo selective sorting with recycling of HDL protein from the basolateral membrane and secretion of HDL-derived cholesterol through the apical membrane. Thus, HDL particles, internalized via SR-BI, undergo a novel process of selective transcytosis, leading to polarized cholesterol transport. A distinct process not mediated by SR-BI is involved in uptake and degradation of apoE-free HDL in hepatocytes.
Comparative Study of Methods for Administering Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells to Treat Spinal Cord Injury in Mice

To investigate potential cures for spinal cord injury (SCI), several researchers have transplanted neural stem/progenitor cells (NS/PCs) into the injured spinal cord by different procedures, including intralesional (IL), intrathecal (IT), and intravenous (IV) injection. However, there are no reports quantifying or comparing the number of cells successfully transplanted to the lesion site by each procedure in vivo. The purpose of the present study was to determine the optimal method of cell transplantation to the SCI site in terms of grafted cell survival and safety. For this purpose, we developed mouse NS/PCs that expressed a novel Venus-luciferase fusion protein that enabled us to detect a minimum of 1,000 grafted cells in vivo by bioluminescence imaging (BLI). After inducing contusive SCI at the T10 level in mice, NS/PCs were transplanted into the injured animals three different ways: by IL, IT, or IV injection. Six weeks after the transplantation, BLI analysis showed that in the IL group, the luminescence intensity of the grafted cells had decreased to about 10% of its initial level, and appeared at the site of injury. In the IT group, the luminescence of the grafted cells, which was distributed throughout the entire subarachnoid space immediately after transplantation, was detected at the injured site 1 week later, and by 6 weeks had gradually decreased to about 0.3% of its initial level. In the IV group, no grafted cells were detected at the site of injury, but all of these mice showed luminescence in the bilateral chest, suggesting pulmonary embolism. In addition, one third of these mice died immediately after the IV injection. In terms of grafted cell survival and safety, we conclude that the IL application of NS/PCs is the most effective and feasible method for transplanting NS/PCs into the SCI site.
Double Negative Metamaterial Sensor Based on Microring Resonator

Metamaterials are artificial media structured on a size scale smaller than the wavelength of external stimuli, and may provide novel tools to significantly enhance the sensitivity and resolution of the sensors. In this paper, we derive the dispersion relation of cylindrical dielectric waveguide loaded on double negative metamaterial (DNM) layer, and compute the resonant frequencies and electric field distribution of the corresponding Whispering-Gallery-Modes (WGM). Theoretical results of resonant frequency and electric field distribution are in good agreement with the simulation results. We show that the DNM sensor based on microring resonator possesses higher sensitivity than the traditional microring sensor since the amplification of evanescent wave, and with the increase of metamaterial layer thickness, the sensitivity will be increased greatly. It might open an avenue for designing perfect sensors.