Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Study on Working Capital Practices Across Manufacturing Sector of Pakistan

The study examines the facts of working capital management practices adopted by Pakistani firms listed on Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). We collected data from 126 financial managers by using a questionnaire. We also make the discussion with financial analysts to know the components of working capital practices i.e. cash management, account receivable management, payable management, and inventory management. We found evidence that mostly firms follow hedge approach in financing and which involves a tradeoff between liquidity and profitability. Respondents consider account receivable management is backbone of efficient Working Capital. Moreover, we conclude that mostly firms rely on cash conversion cycle being a financial measure of WCM. Further, Pakistani firms tend to use centralized cash management and not follow any statistical tool or measure to control over inventory. Policy and decision makers and finance managers should pay more attention towards managing components of working capital and use statistical tool or software to check and evaluate their performance.
Mixtures of Nonparametric Autoregressions June

We consider data generating mechanisms which can be represented as mixtures of finitely many regression or autoregression models. We propose nonparametric estimators for the functions characterizing the various mixture components based on a local quasi maximum likelihood approach and prove their consistency. We present an EM algorithm for calculating the estimates numerically which is mainly based on iteratively applying common local smoothers and discuss its convergence properties.
After Acquiring Innovation and Sustainability: Executive Effects

An extensive body of research supports that firms acquire other firms in order to innovate and/or become more sustainable. Extant theory posits that power in top management teams is among many determinants of success of acquisitions. This study focuses on and empirically investigates the relationship between power in top management teams and post-acquisition performance. Our results show that expert power and prestige power in the combined top management team are positively related to post-acquisition performance in both related and unrelated acquisitions. The study concludes with implications for future research and managerial practice.
el EEomhEEEEIomI EEEEohEohEEEEE

The local theory of singular points is extended to a large class of linear, second-order, ordinary differential equations which can be physical Schroedinger equations or govern the modulation of real oscillators or waves. In addition to Langer's fractional turning points, such equations admit highly irregular points at which the coefficients of the differential equation can be almost arbitrarily multivalued. Genuine coalescence of singular points, however, is not considered. A local representation of solution structure is established which generalizes Frobenius' method of power series. Some results on solution symmetry have striking, global implications in the shortwave limit. AMS (MOS) Subject Classifications: 34E20, 41A60, 30E15.
Generation of high‐quality protein extracts from formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissues

A wealth of information on proteins involved in many aspects of disease is encased within formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissue repositories stored in hospitals worldwide. Recently, access to this “hidden treasure” is being actively pursued by the application of two main extraction strategies: digestion of the entangled protein matrix with generation of tryptic peptides, or decrosslinking and extraction of full‐length proteins. Here, we describe an optimised method for extraction of full‐length proteins from FFPE tissues. This method builds on the classical “antigen retrieval” technique used for immunohistochemistry, and allows generation of protein extracts with elevated and reproducible yields. In model animal tissues, average yields of 16.3 μg and 86.8 μg of proteins were obtained per 80 mm2 tissue slice of formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded skeletal muscle and liver, respectively. Protein extracts generated with this method can be used for the reproducible investigation of the proteome with a wide array of techniques. The results obtained by SDS‐PAGE, western immunoblotting, protein arrays, ELISA, and, most importantly, nanoHPLC‐nanoESI‐Q‐TOF MS of FFPE proteins resolved by SDS‐PAGE, are presented and discussed. An evaluation of the extent of modifications introduced on proteins by formalin fixation and crosslink reversal, and their impact on quality of MS results, is also reported.
Single-image Tomography: 3D Volumes from 2D X-Rays

As many different 3D volumes could produce the same 2D x-ray image, inverting this process is challenging. We show that recent deep learning-based convolutional neural networks can solve this task. As the main challenge in learning is the sheer amount of data created when extending the 2D image into a 3D volume, we suggest firstly to learn a coarse, fixed-resolution volume which is then fused in a second step with the input x-ray into a high-resolution volume. To train and validate our approach we introduce a new dataset that comprises of close to half a million computer-simulated 2D x-ray images of 3D volumes scanned from 175 mammalian species. Applications of our approach include stereoscopic rendering of legacy x-ray images, re-rendering of x-rays including changes of illumination, view pose or geometry. Our evaluation includes comparison to previous tomography work, previous learning methods using our data, a user study and application to a set of real x-rays.
Pharmacokinetics, induction of anaesthesia and safety characteristics of propofol 6% SAZN vs propofol 1% SAZN and Diprivan-10 after bolus injection.

AIMS In order to avoid the potential for elevated serum lipid levels as a consequence of long term sedation with propofol, a formulation of propofol 6% in Lipofundin(R) MCT/LCT 10% (Propofol 6% SAZN) has been developed. The pharmacokinetics, induction of anaesthesia and safety characteristics of this new formulation were investigated after bolus injection and were compared with the commercially available product (propofol 1% in Intralipid(R) 10%, Diprivan-10) and propofol 1% in Lipofundin(R) MCT/LCT 10% (Propofol 1% SAZN). METHODS In a randomised double-blind study, 24 unpremedicated female patients received an induction dose of propofol of 2.5 mg kg-1 over 60 s which was followed by standardized balanced anaesthesia. The patients were randomized to receive propofol as Propofol 6% SAZN, Propofol 1% SAZN or Diprivan-10. RESULTS For all formulations the pharmacokinetics were adequately described by a tri-exponential equation, as the propofol concentrations collected early after the injection suggested an additional initial more rapid phase. The average values for clearance (CL), volume of distribution at steady-state (Vd,ss ), elimination half-life (t1/2,z ) and distribution half-life (t1/2, lambda2) observed in the three groups were 32+/-1.5 ml kg-1 min-1, 2. 0+/-0.18 l kg-1, 95+/-5.6 min and 3.4+/-0.20 min, respectively (mean+/-s.e.mean, n=24) and no significant differences were noted between the three formulations (P >0.05). The half-life of the additional initial distribution phase (t1/2,lambda1 ) in all subjects ranged from 0.1 to 0.6 min. Anaesthesia was induced successfully and uneventfully in all cases, and the quality of induction was adequate in all 24 patients. The induction time did not vary between the three formulations and the average induction time observed in the three groups was 51+/-1.3 s which corresponded to an induction dose of propofol of 2.1+/-0.06 mg kg-1 (mean+/-s.e. mean, n=24). The percentage of patients reporting any pain on injection did not vary between the formulations and was 17% for the three groups. No postoperative phlebitis or other venous sequelae of the vein used for injection occurred in any of the patients at recovery of anaesthesia nor after 24 h. CONCLUSIONS From the above results, we conclude that the alteration of the type of emulsion and the higher concentration of propofol in the new parenteral formulation of propofol does not affect the pharmacokinetics and induction characteristics of propofol, compared with the currently available product. Propofol 6% SAZN can be administered safely and has the advantage of a reduction of the load of fat and emulsifier which may be preferable when long term administration of propofol is required.
Sonographic evaluation of tears of the gastrocnemius medial head ("tennis leg")

Rupture of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle, or tennis leg, is a common lesion affecting middle‐aged persons. An imaging examination may be needed to rule out other diseases and assess the severity of the tear. We reviewed the sonographic images of 65 patients with clinically suspected tennis leg. Fifty‐one partial and 14 complete tears were diagnosed. Twenty‐five patients had follow‐up examinations (15 days to 24 months; mean, 45 days). The torn muscle fibers, hematoma, and the reparative process were appreciated by ultrasonography. Ultrasonography may be a useful noninvasive, low‐cost modality for diagnosis and follow‐up of tennis leg.
The effects of foot position on erector spinae and gluteus maximus muscle activation during sit-to-stand in persons with stroke

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different foot positioning on bilateral erector spinae (ES) and gluteus maximaus (GM) activation during sit-to-stand in stroke patients using surface electromyography(EMG). Fifteen randomly selected stroke patients participated and were required to perform sit-to-stand (STS) with three different strategies as follows: 1) symmetric foot position, 2) unaffected foot placed behind the affected foot position (asymmetric-1), 3) affected foot placed behind the unaffected foot position (asymmetric-2). The EMG system was used to measure erector spinae and gluteus maximus muscle activation. All conditions were conducted randomly and the mean values were obtained from muscle activity being measured 5 times. One-way repeated measure ANOVA was used to determine statistical significance of differences between each conditions. According to the results, the affected erector spine muscle activation was significantly greater with asymmetric-2 compared to symmetrical foot placement (p<;0.05). In addition, the affected ES, nonaffected ES, and affected gluteus maxims muscle activation was significantly greater with asymmetric-2 compared to asymmetric-1 (p<;0.05). Our results suggest that it may be more effective for patients with stroke to place the affected foot behind the unaffected foot when performing STS to increase erector spinae and affected gluteus muscle activation and to include as part of a valuable clinical intervention.
Effect of a Prolonged Altitude Expedition on Glucose Tolerance and Abdominal Fatness

In the present study, we investigated the effect of a long-term mountain expedition on glucose tolerance and insulin action. Twelve registered mountaineers ages 31 years (SD = 1.1) participated in a 25-day expedition at a 2,200-3,800-m altitude with an average duration of 8 hr per day. Arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) was substantially reduced during hiking. Glucose tolerance and insulin responses were measured prior to and twice during the expedition period. Maximal oxygen consumption increased from 43.0 ± 2.7 to 49.1 ± 2.2 mL/kg/min. Percentage of body fat decreased from 19.4 ± 6.8% to 16.9 ± 5.9%. The area under the curves for insulin and glucose during the oral glucose tolerance test were also reduced in Days 3 and 25. The present study demonstrated that altitude hiking activity is an effective lifestyle intervention to improve insulin action.
Physiology of insect rhythms. 3. The temporal organization of the endocrine events underlying pupation of the tobacco hornworm.

1. Late in the fifth instar, Manduca sexta larvae cease feeding and become ‘wandering larvae’ which are morphologically characterized by an ‘exposed heart’ and the appearance of a pink pigment along the dorsal midline. Two days later ocellar retraction signals the beginning of the prepupal period and 3 days thereafter the pupal ecdysis occurs. 2. The timing of the endocrine events which are responsible for these changes was determined by ligaturing animals of the appropriate developmental stage at various times of day. The times of prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) release by the brain were determined by neck ligations. Estimates of the times of prothoracic gland activity were obtained through the isolation of abdomens. 3. It was found that the fifth stage larva releases PTTH on two occasions. The first release lasts approximately 3.5 h and triggers the transformation to the wandering stage. The second release occurs two days later, lasts at least 7 h, and provokes the onset of the pupal moult. 4. The prothoracic glands are involved in triggering the same two changes. In the first instance the glands apparently require the continuing influence of the brain and consequently secrete for about 3.5 h. During the stimulation of the pupal moult the prothoracic glands become ‘turned-on’ and continue to secrete for at least 10 h after the time when the brain is no longer required. In this latter instance the total time of prothoracic gland activity may be as long as 17 h.
Architecture et réalisation d'un système réparti à objets

Le sujet de cette these est l'etude du modele d'execution et de gestion de la memoire dans un systeme reparti a objets. Ce travail a ete effectue dans le cadre du projet guide dont l'objectif est la conception et la realisation d'un systeme experimental pour le developpement et l'execution d'applications reparties sur un reseau local de stations de travail et de serveurs. Le travail presente se decompose en cinq parties: une etude bibliographique du sujet permettant d'obtenir une classification des differents modeles de memoire et d'execution; une presentation de guide et une description de la realisation qui en a ete faite sur unix; une evaluation de cette realisation qui en montre les limites et suggere l'evolution future de guide; une etude comparative de mach et chorus qui met en evidence les avantages d'un micro-noyau pour le support d'un systeme tel que guide; une description d'une premiere realisation de guide sur mach 2. 5
A Five Year Follow-Up Study of the Use of Clozapine in Community Practice

Objective: To present information about the value of clozapine in treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Data is reported on the use of clozapine in an entire cohort of (42) patients in a community, the Australian Capital Territory. It extends a 3-year study of clinical and financial outcomes to 5 years. Method: Experiences during the 2 years before clozapine was prescribed and those of the 5 years following prescription were compared by a records review, including hospital and hostel bed use and estimated treatment costs. Changes in dose levels, living circumstances and employment status were assessed, and treating psychiatrists reported on side-effects and their impression of clinical change since clozapine was prescribed. Results: Ten subjects were excluded. The remaining cohort (32 subjects) demonstrated continuing clinical improvement and cost savings during follow-up. Those (22) remaining on clozapine after the five year period showed continuing clinical improvement, reduced hospital admissions and hospital bed usage and significantly large cost savings, and were moderately to markedly improved after 3 years. Only one patient (of 22) showed a slight deterioration in the next two years while 14 showed further improvement. After 5 years, the clinical status of four of the 10 subjects who discontinued clozapine was unchanged or deteriorated compared with their preclozapine status. There were no suicides. Conclusion: The findings of continuing clinical improvement and decreased costs after longterm (5 years) use of clozapine supports the selective use of clozapine in community practice.
Obstacle avoidance of underactuated robots based on virtual spring-damper model

A new method based on virtual spring-damper model is proposed for collision-free trajectory planning of planar underactuated robots. The generalized forces of nonholonomic constraints equations are modified by the virtual spring-damper model when there are obstacles in workspace. The partly stable controllers are adopted and the energy based fitness function is built, then the best switching sequence of partly stable controllers are obtained by genetic algorithm. Numerical simulations which are carried out on the planar 3R underactuated robots show effectiveness of the proposed method.
Implications of Next Step Blockchain Applications for Accounting and Legal Practitioners: A Case Study

Perceived price volatility of cryptocurrencies may distract practitioners from further developments in the blockchain space that may generate audit and other implications. As next step applications and developments are built on top of existing blockchain programming, the potential implications for both accounting and legal practitioners may be substantive. Especially as different blockchain tools and platforms become more robust and conducive for business and transactional use, the importance of being able to attest and report on this information will move closer toward the mainstream. This article discusses the rise of blockchain applications in a manner applicable for both practitioners and academics, as well as the implications these applications will have on attestation and compliance reporting.
TAF Test in Primary Esophageal Carcinoma: Comparison with other Tumor Markers

An ELISA method for the determination of circulating specific HSV-TAA antibodies has recently become available (TAF test). The presence of TAF was tested in serum of 154 patients with primary esophageal carcinoma, collected in three institutions. The overall TAF-test positivity rate was 57.1%, being significantly lower in stage IV than in stage III patients. The concordance rate between TAF and CEA, ferritin, TPA, SCC and TATI was low, suggesting that TAF is probably independent of the other tumor markers evaluated. The clinical role of TAF-test determination in patients with esophageal carcinoma is currently under evaluation.
Cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibition, high-density lipoprotein metabolism and heart disease risk reduction

Purpose of review Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitors (JTT-705 and torcetrapib) are currently in clinical testing, and significantly raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. Low HDL cholesterol is a significant independent predictor of coronary heart disease (CHD) and HDL raising has been associated with coronary heart disease risk reduction, but there is debate about whether CETP inhibition will reduce coronary heart disease risk. Recent findings It has been documented in transgenic mouse models that apolipoprotein (apo) C-I inhibits CETP, and that high mono-unsaturated fat diets prevent the normal stimulation of CETP activity by dietary cholesterol. In rabbits, torcetrapib markedly decreases clearance of HDL cholesteryl ester via an indirect pathway, but has no effect on total plasma cholesteryl ester clearance. In humans, torcetrapib raises HDL apoA-I by modestly decreasing its fractional catabolic rate, while having a very profound effect on raising HDL cholesterol and large α-1 migrating HDL particles by more than 50%, with no effect on fecal cholesterol excretion. When JTT-705 at 600 mg/day was given to hypercholesterolemic patients already on pravastatin 40 mg/day, the combination was well tolerated and increases in HDL cholesterol of 28% were noted. Summary In our view, CETP inhibitors in combination with statins will be profoundly beneficial in reducing human atherosclerosis, primarily because they normalize HDL particles and prevent the transfer of cholesteryl ester from HDL to atherogenic lipoproteins.
Correlation of paired liver biopsies in morbidly obese patients with suspected nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

In the absence of surrogate markers, the evaluation of suspected nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly dependent on histological examination. The extent of sampling variability affecting the reliability of a single liver biopsy in patients with suspected NAFLD is poorly characterized. This prospective study aimed to correlate precise histological findings in paired biopsies—right and left lobe—in the diagnosis of NAFLD in morbidly obese subjects undergoing bariatric surgery employing both Brunt and Matteoni classifications and the NAFLD Activity Score (NAS). We also aimed to determine whether the composite histopathological findings of the two biopsies would improve diagnostic accuracy. Consecutive subjects had an intraoperative biopsy from both right and left lobes, evaluated and scored in a blinded manner. Intraobserver agreement was also assessed. Kappa coefficients of agreement were calculated. Forty‐one subjects had acceptable biopsies. Agreement for steatosis was excellent and moderate for fibrosis. Concordance was only fair for most features of necroinflammation. Intraobserver agreement was only moderate for lobular inflammation. Excellent agreement was seen for the diagnosis of NASH using Brunt criteria and good agreement when using Matteoni and NAS scoring systems. Composite biopsy data particularly improved identification of hepatocyte ballooning. The diagnostic accuracy also improved substantially when composite features were compared with single‐sided biopsy features, especially for the Matteoni and NAS scoring systems. In conclusion, significant sampling variability occurs in NAFLD, particularly for features of necroinflammation. This should be factored into the design of clinical trials and studies of the natural history of the disease. (HEPATOLOGY 2006;44:874–880.)
Performance modelling and analysis of mobile grid computing systems

Mobile grid computing has gained immense importance with academics, industry and the military. The performance issues such as load balancing, fault tolerance and reliability are quite important in mobile grid environments. In this paper, a decentralised load balancing model with fault tolerance for mobile grid computing system is proposed. Two algorithms are proposed: one for decentralised load balancing and the other for fault tolerance. The efficiency and time complexity of the proposed algorithms are found better compared to the existing works. The paper also proposes a method for modelling the reliability of mobile grid. Two terminal reliability of mobile grid computing system has been evaluated using the proposed model. The simulation results are presented.