jimnoneill/paper-to-field-training huggingface dataset:
Repeated selection of supplier, factors and results: the Czech Republic

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance (Social Sciences)

Purpose The paper aims to deal with the analysis of the factor leading to the repeated selection of the specific supplier and the effect of this recurrent selection on overpricing of public contracts. Design/methodology/approach A mix of quantitative and qualitative methods is used to achieve this goal. To analyze the chances of obtaining repeated contracts, the logistic regression method is used. To analyze the factor of overpriced contracts, the classic ordinary least squares regression model is used. The focus group method is then used to explain the factors acting on the part of the contracting authorities. Findings The results show that the prior procurement of a given contracting authority, or work for the public sector in general, has a statistically significant effect on the conclusion of contracts. The use of less-transparent forms of input has a strong impact. The non-transparent selection of suppliers rather than repetition of contracts generally results in the over-pricing of contracts. The IT sector is an exception. Social implications This research is also essential for real public policy. Given the amount of GDP allocated to the public procurement market, it makes sense to continually seek room for improvement. Here is an attempt to find this by examining the contracting authorities’ behavior when awarding repeated contracts. Originality/value This research is original because it looks at the problem of the contracting authority in the wider context and optics of the path dependency theory, which has not yet been applied to the public procurement environment. The focus is also on IT procurement, which according to this study has not been empirically investigated in this way, is also innovative.
ACTIVITY APPROACH FOR DEVELOPMENT OF MATHEMATICAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE QUANTITY LENGTH AND ITS MEASURING IN THE PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION

Field: Social Sciences (Social Sciences)

Digitalization of the Bulgarian society over the recent years changed the educational environment where the education in mathematics in pre-school takes place. To achieve its goals and tasks, teachers must use in their methodological system of work information-communication technologies and create conditions for performance of practical activities in which the children actively participate. Systematized and analyzed theoretical concepts from the areas of psychology and pedagogy are presented in the article as well as the methodology for teaching mathematics related to the theory of activity. Based on this, a new methodological system of work was developed and practically tested. The aim of the research work was to analyze different aspects of its application in the pedagogical interrelations during mathematical classes as part of the pre-school education for development of knowledge, skills, general competences and competencies related to the quantity length and its measuring using the activity approach.
‘Open the Window, Then!’: Filmic Interpretation of Gothic Conventions in Brian Mills’s The Hound of the Baskervilles1

Field: Arts and Humanities (Social Sciences)

When Arthur Conan Doyle introduced Sherlock Holmes in 1887, he began one of the most diverse, resilient and adaptable narrative traditions in modern literature. From Sidney Paget's alteration of Holmes's physical appearance in The Strand to Jeremy Brett's dramatic emphasis on his aesthetic sensibilities, Holmes has undergone constant adaptation in multiple contexts, mediums and genres. As Doyle and his contemporaries appropriated elements of the Gothic tale and other popular genres to suit a late-Victorian readership, Sherlock Holmes emerges today as a champion of popular narrative whose diversity is often based in Gothic conventions and tropes. One of the most popular of Doyle's works and by far his best-known novel, The Hound of the Baskervilles (1901–2), openly employs such traditional Gothic tropes as the locked-room situation, the ancestral portrait and the found manuscript, but although recent criticism has focused on Doyle's application of such elements in The Hound, little has been said of their appropriation in Brian Mills's 1988 Granada adaptation and their effect upon contemporary reception of this constantly evolving narrative.
Surgery of Traumatic Cataracts

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

International Ophthalmology Clinics is a valuable resource for any medical professional seeking to stay informed and up-to-date regarding developments in this dynamic specialty. Each issue of this quarterly publication presents a comprehensive review of a single topic in a new or changing area of ophthalmology. The timely, tightly focused review articles found in this publication give ophthalmologists the opportunity to benefit from the knowledge of leading experts in this rapidly changing field.
Factors affecting the adoption of manufacturing best practices

Field: Business, Management and Accounting (Social Sciences)

More recent survey‐based studies have indicated that, although many companies are involved in benchmarking, adoption of best practices is not as high as might be expected. This study was undertaken to identify the factors that have an impact on the adoption decision of manufacturing best practices. A review of the relevant literature identified ten potential factors. These can be classified into three categories: best practice factors, organizational factors, and environmental factors. Best practice factors include codification, complexity, compatibility, perceived operational benefits, and cost. Organizational factors include satisfaction with the existing practice, existence of champion, and organizational resource availability. Finally, environmental factors include perceived outside support and external pressures. The results indicated that cost of adoption, external pressures, and satisfaction with the existing practice are the main determinants of the adoption decision. These results should be of considerable interest to practitioners.
EFFECT OF THE MORPHOLOGY OF ZINC OXIDE LAYERS ON THE ELECTROCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF BIOSENSORS

Field: Chemical Engineering (Physical Sciences)

Инсулин тапшылығы мен қандағы глюкозаның жоғары концентрациясына байланысты қант диабеті әлемдегі өлім мен мүгедектіктің негізгі себептерінің бірі болып табылады. Қандағы глюкоза деңгейін үздіксіз бақылау жүрек ауруының, бүйрек жеткіліксіздігінің немесе зағиптылықтың алдын алады. Осыған байланысты қандағы глюкоза деңгейін тез, дәл және үнемді анықтау қажет. Сондықтан қант диабетінде глюкозаны анықтауға арналған үнемді, қолдануға оңай, дәл, портативті және жылдам биосенсор жасау өте маңызды. Глюкозаны анықтау үшін электрохимиялық биосенсорлар кеңінен таралған. Бұл жұмыста төмен шығынды ерітіндіден химиялық тұндыру әдісімен алынған жоғары бағытталған ZnO нанобіліктерінің массиві физикалық адсорбция арқылы глюкозооксидаза (GOx) иммобилизацияланған амперометриялық ферментативті электрод ретінде пайдаланылды. Модификацияланған ITO/ZnO/GOx/Нафион электродының морфологиясы, оптикалық және электрохимиялық қасиеттері зерттелді. Мырыш оксиді қабаттарының морфологиясының фермент пен биосенсордың белсенділігіне әсері зерттелді. ZnO бағытталған жұқа нанобіліктерінің массиві бар модификацияланған ITO/ZnO/GOx/Нафион электродтары ерітіндіде глюкоза анықталғанда ~50 мкА/мМ·см2 мәнінде өте жоғары сезімталдылықты көрсетті, яғни бетінің меншікті ауданы жоғары ZnO нанобіліктері биосенсорлардағы глюкозооксидазаны иммобилизациялауға арналған тамаша платформа болып табылады.
The Russian outbound tourism to Finland during the economic downturn

Field: Social Sciences (Social Sciences)

The Russian outbound tourism to Finland during the economic downturn\n\n\nRussian tourists discovered Finland as a great travel destination directly after the fall of the Soviet Union. Convenient location, beautiful Nordic nature, different style of service compared to the Soviet Union and good quality of products. All these aspects have been attracting Russians for many years. At the moment the economic situation is not stable in Finland and Russia, hence the Russian outbound tourism is facing challenging times: the number of Russian customers dramatically decreased in recent years (2014-2016).\n\nThe aim of the study was to come up with recommendations how the attractiveness of Finland could be improved among Russian tourists regarding existing services, facilities and overall opportunities. Currently, the Russian travel market has vastly changed, influenced by the situation with sanctions against Russia due to the annexation of Crimea. Because of the fall of the Russian rouble, it became too expensive to travel abroad for Russian tourists. A lot of these tourists cancelled their trips during 2015. In particular, the decrease happened before New Year holidays when the sharpest drop in Russian currency was observed; this caused financial problems for Russian tour operators. 70% of Russian travel companies bankrupted and those that survived shifted their businesses towards inbound and incoming tourism. Thousands of people from the travel sphere lost their jobs and were forced to change their choice of career. However, the Finnish travel market is trying to bring back Russian customers and interested in improving and adapting to the different situation in the travel sphere. \n\t\nThe author of the thesis used two research approaches: qualitative (interview with a representative of the Finnish travel market) and quantitative (online questionnaire among Russian travel experts). Using the quantitative data, it was possible to look through possible reasons for the decline in the number of Russian tourists traveling abroad. The qualitative data helped to analyse the current situation with Russian tourists and find ways to improve it from the Finnish travel market point of view. The goal of the research was to get responses, new ideas and opinions from Russian travel experts how to fix the current situation with the flow of tourists coming from Russia. After analysing the data, the author came up with three key recommendations for improving the attractiveness of Finland among Russian tourists: pricing, advertisement and new activities.\n\nThe results showed that Russians are still looking into traveling to Finland. Russian tour operators pointed out the fall of the Russian rouble as one the largest problem affecting the Russian tourists. However, the Finnish side is always ready for adaptation, negotiation and finding new ways of collaboration with the transformed Russian travel companies.
Linear dimensionality reduction in linear time: Johnson-Lindenstrauss-type guarantees for random subspace

Field: Mathematics (Physical Sciences)

We consider the problem of efficient randomized dimensionality reduction with norm-preservation guarantees. Specifically we prove data-dependent Johnson-Lindenstrauss-type geometry preservation guarantees for Ho's random subspace method: When data satisfy a mild regularity condition -- the extent of which can be estimated by sampling from the data -- then random subspace approximately preserves the Euclidean geometry of the data with high probability. Our guarantees are of the same order as those for random projection, namely the required dimension for projection is logarithmic in the number of data points, but have a larger constant term in the bound which depends upon this regularity. A challenging situation is when the original data have a sparse representation, since this implies a very large projection dimension is required: We show how this situation can be improved for sparse binary data by applying an efficient `densifying' preprocessing, which neither changes the Euclidean geometry of the data nor requires an explicit matrix-matrix multiplication. We corroborate our theoretical findings with experiments on both dense and sparse high-dimensional datasets from several application domains.
The Role of Plasmapheresis In Pediatric Antibody- Negative Autoimmune Encephalitis

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

Objective

We show the efficacy and relative safety of plasmapheresis as a treatment option for antibody negative AIE in children.

Background

Plasmapheresis is well established therapy for antibody mediated autoimmune encephalitis (AIE). In patients with no identified antibody, the role of plasmapheresis is unclear. Starting plasmapheresis becomes even more controversial in children with antibody negative AIE

Design/Methods

An IRB approved chart review was conducted on patients <18 years diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis. A retrospective analysis of response to plasmapheresis and long term follow up was conducted on patients that did not have an identified antibody.

Results

52 patients <18 years were diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis, 14 (26.9%) of these tested negative for antibodies. 2 (14%) patients received only steroids, while all others received Steroids plus IVIG. 7 (58%) patients received rituximab for poor response/relapse following Steroids plus IVIG. Of these, 3 (43%) patients further underwent plasmapheresis for presumed refractory AIE. All patients had improvement after plasmapheresis and remained symptom free, including seizure freedom, at 2 year follow up. One patient needed repeat plasmapheresis for presumed relapse. No adverse effects reported.

Conclusions

Several studies have shown that timely delivery of immunotherapies is crucial and delay in treatment due to negative autoantibodies can lead to poorer outcomes. Plasmapheresis is safe and should be considered for refractory/relapsing AIE in children, even in the absence of an identified antibody. Larger studies in future can help solidify the findings from our cohort.
[The diabetic foot].

Field: Health Professions (Health Sciences)

A review of the physiopathology of foot problems in diabetics is presented and the need for all the members of the health care team to take part in educating the diabetic in appropriated foot care is stressed. A quick evaluation of three components (vascular, neuropathic and infectious) is essential. Primary and secondary prevention with proper evaluation of predisposing and precipitating factors are stressed as fundamental to reduce the number of amputations and improve quality of life.
Metabolic Regulation of Ca2+ Release in Permeabilized Mammalian Skeletal Muscle Fibres

Field: Neuroscience (Life Sciences)

In the present study, the link between cellular metabolism and Ca 2+ signalling was investigated in permeabilized mammalian skeletal muscle. Spontaneous events of Ca 2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum were detected with fluo‐3 and confocal scanning microscopy. Mitochondrial functions were monitored by measuring local changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (with the potential‐sensitive dye tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester) and in mitochondrial [Ca 2+ ] (with the Ca 2+ indicator mag‐rhod‐2). Digital fluorescence imaging microscopy was used to quantify changes in the mitochondrial autofluorescence of NAD(P)H. When fibres were immersed in a solution without mitochondrial substrates, Ca 2+ release events were readily observed. The addition of l ‐glutamate or pyruvate reversibly decreased the frequency of Ca 2+ release events and increased mitochondrial membrane potential and NAD(P)H production. Application of various mitochondrial inhibitors led to the loss of mitochondrial [Ca 2+ ] and promoted spontaneous Ca 2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. In many cases, the increase in the frequency of Ca 2+ release events was not accompanied by a rise in global [Ca 2+ ] i . Our results suggest that mitochondria exert a negative control over Ca 2+ signalling in skeletal muscle by buffering Ca 2+ near Ca 2+ release channels.
Physical-mechanical Properties and Structure of Wall Ceramics with Composite Additives Modifications

Field: Materials Science (Physical Sciences)

The paper describes the mechanism of changes in wall ceramics physical-mechanical properties and structure when additives of various types and quantities are doped. The authors come to the conclusion that composite modifications of ceramic mixtures improve their molding properties, reduce the firing temperature for 150-2000°C and increase resistibility and frost resistance of end products. These composition additives consist of crushed glass fine powder mixed with oil sludge in 1/5 proportion. The paper proves that these composition additives 30-35% reduce energy consumption in wall ceramics production and provides wall ceramics of high quality for civil and industrial engineering.
Semaphorin 4D Contributes to Rheumatoid Arthritis by Inducing Inflammatory Cytokine Production: Pathogenic and Therapeutic Implications

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

Objective Semaphorin 4D (Sema4D)/CD100 has pleiotropic roles in immune activation, angiogenesis, bone metabolism, and neural development. We undertook this study to investigate the role of Sema4D in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods Soluble Sema4D (sSema4D) levels in serum and synovial fluid were analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Cell surface expression and transcripts of Sema4D were analyzed in peripheral blood cells from RA patients, and immunohistochemical staining of Sema4D was performed in RA synovium. Generation of sSema4D was evaluated in an ADAMTS‐4–treated monocytic cell line (THP‐1 cells). The efficacy of anti‐Sema4D antibody was evaluated in mice with collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA). Results Levels of sSema4D were elevated in both serum and synovial fluid from RA patients, and disease activity markers were correlated with serum sSema4D levels. Sema4D‐expressing cells also accumulated in RA synovium. Cell surface levels of Sema4D on CD3+ and CD14+ cells from RA patients were reduced, although levels of Sema4D transcripts were unchanged. In addition, ADAMTS‐4 cleaved cell surface Sema4D to generate sSema4D in THP‐1 cells. Soluble Sema4D induced tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) production from CD14+ monocytes. IL‐6 and TNFα induced ADAMTS‐4 expression in synovial cells. Treatment with an anti‐Sema4D antibody suppressed arthritis and reduced proinflammatory cytokine production in CIA. Conclusion A positive feedback loop involving sSema4D/IL‐6 and TNFα/ADAMTS‐4 may contribute to the pathogenesis of RA. The inhibition of arthritis by anti‐Sema4D antibody suggests that Sema4D represents a potential therapeutic target for RA.
Transforming the media : a cultural approach : conference / seminar paper

Field: Social Sciences (Social Sciences)

Extracted from text ... Transforming the media : a cultural approach : conference / seminar paper
Lynette Steenveld
INTRODUCTION
As this talk comes at the end of the first day of the
Seminar on the Political Economy of the Southern
African Media, the title of this article needs some
explaining. At the heart of questions concerning the
transformation of the media in South Africa, is a
concern about the relationship of the media to the
broader social context in which they operate. In short,
the question is asked, `what function does the media
serve in society?'. This question has been answered in
basically ..
INCREASING INSTABILITY THRESHOLDS IN THE SPS BY LOWERING TRANSITION ENERGY

Field: Physics and Astronomy (Physical Sciences)

A new optics for the SPS with lower transition energy was tested experimentally during 2010-2011, showing a significant increase of the single bunch instability thresholds at injection due to the 3-fold increase of the slip factor. The performed machine studies for different LHC beams and intensities are summarized in this paper. In particular, the search for the single bunch TMCI threshold in the new optics is presented. Observations on the longitudinal multibunch stability are compared between the nominal and the low-transition optics. Finally, optics variants with higher vertical tunes are discussed, which could allow to further increase the thresholds for TMCI and other vertical instabilities by reducing the vertical beta function.
Making justice more accessible

Field: Social Sciences (Social Sciences)

From the point of view of the Citizen, Justice is not always readily accessible. Either because it is a lengthy process, potentially expensive, sometimes unclear or simply scary, people will often avoid or withdraw from a judicial process, especially in those cases that involve relatively small amounts. This results in the giving up of a basic right, with the potential loss of rightful benefits. In this paper we briefly analyze the main aspects that impair access to Justice nowadays. We then move on to look at recent technological developments in the field of Online Dispute Resolution to argue that these can, in the near future, have a significant role in improving access to Justice. Specifically, we analyze the UMCourt Conflict Resolution Framework, developed by our research team, and address the different dimensions in which such tools contribute to make Justice more accessible, namely through better access to useful information, support in decision-making or more cost-effective processes.
The legitimacy of monarchs and the institutions of empires

Field: Arts and Humanities (Social Sciences)

Following the emergence of the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal dynasties, there was a subsequent ruler in each ruling lineage who transformed the nature of his state. In the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries these were the Ottoman Fatih Mehmet, that is Mehmet II, the Conqueror (1444–81); the Safavid Shah ‘Abbas I (1588–1629); and the Mughal Akbar (1556–1605). Each of them exhibited an adaptive personality and personal dynamism that enabled him to mold the state he inherited into a distinctly different and more formidable imperial entity. They did not play precisely analogous roles, since their dynasties had distinct histories and characteristics. In 1444 Mehmet II inherited a powerful and expansionist Anatolian and Balkan sultanate with established military, political, and religious institutions. Yet by his conquest of Constantinople and subsequent policies he substantially altered the Ottomans’ self-perceptions as well as the character of the Ottoman state. By the time of his death the Ottoman Sultanate had become a dominant, highly centralized slave empire whose ruler possessed hitherto unequalled autocratic power. In contrast, Shah ‘Abbas at age sixteen in 1588 inherited a fragile Safavid regime with a questionable future. During the sixteenth century Isma‘il's original religious charisma had atrophied in the face of his defeat at Chaldiran in 1514 and subsequent inertia, and his successors had proved incapable either of solving the intractable internecine conflicts and independent power of the Qizilbash or of decisively defeating their Ottoman and Uzbek enemies.