LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Quality of life in patients with ulcerative colitis.

UNLABELLED
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have to live with the perspective of a potential disability, which may lead in time to impaired quality of life (QoL). In order to fully understand the impact of IBD on patients and their careers we need to quantify the QoL.


AIM
To evaluate HRQol in ulcerative colitis patients as opposed to the general population and to identify the significant changes of HRQoL in accordance with the specific progression of UC.


METHODS
The prospective study (January 2010 - December 2012), included 105 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Disease activity was quantified by means of the Truelove and Witts score (mild, moderate and severe). All patients were administered a self-completed IBD questionnaire (IBDQ). Lower scores were related to a worse QoL. Statistical analysis was performed and di fferences were considered significant when p < or = 0.05.


RESULTS
Ninety-one percent (91%) were admitted with a flare, while they were asked to fill in the IBDQ. Proctitis was met in 2.94% of the cases, left-sided colitis in 71.1% and pancolitis in 26%. There were 32 patients with mild activity, 62 with moderate activity and only 3 with severe activity. The range score for QoL was 90-180. In proctitis: 80-190, in left-side colitis: 120-200, in pancolitis: 70-160 (p>0.05). The patients with severe form had a lower score (50-140) than patients in remission (130-180) (p<0.01).


CONCLUSION
Patients with UC have significantly influenced the QoL as compared to the general population. We found no significant differences regarding the extension of the lesions. The severity of the flare had a significant impact on the QoL.
A natural language approach to automated cryptanalysis of two-time pads

While keystream reuse in stream ciphers and one-time pads has been a well known problem for several decades, the risk to real systems has been underappreciated. Previous techniques have relied on being able to accurately guess words and phrases that appear in one of the plaintext messages, making it far easier to claim that "an attacker would never be able to do that." In this paper, we show how an adversary can automatically recover messages encrypted under the same keystream if only the type of each message is known (e.g. an HTML page in English). Our method, which is related to HMMs, recovers the most probable plaintext of this type by using a statistical language model and a dynamic programming algorithm. It produces up to 99% accuracy on realistic data and can process ciphertexts at 200ms per byte on a $2,000 PC. To further demonstrate the practical effectiveness of the method, we show that our tool can recover documents encrypted by Microsoft Word 2002 [22].
Voice over Sensor Networks

Wireless sensor networks have traditionally focused on low duty-cycle applications where sensor data are reported periodically in the order of seconds or even longer. This is due to typically slow changes in physical variables, the need to keep node costs low and the goal of extending battery lifetime. However, there is a growing need to support real-time streaming of audio and/or low-rate video even in wireless sensor networks for use in emergency situations and short-term intruder detection. In this paper, we present FireFly, a time-synchronized sensor network platform for real-time data streaming across multiple hops. FireFly is composed of several integrated layers including specialized low-cost hardware, a sensor network operating system, a real-time link layer and network scheduling which together provide efficient support for applications with timing constraints. In order to achieve high end-to-end throughput, bounded latency and predictable lifetime, we employ hardware-based time synchronization. Multiple tasks including audio sampling, networking and sensor reading are scheduled using the nano-RK RTOS. We have implemented RT-Link, a TDMA-based link layer protocol for message exchange on well-defined time slots and pipelining along multiple hops. We use this platform to support 2-way audio streaming concurrently with sensing tasks. For interactive voice, we investigate TDMA-based slot scheduling with balanced bi-directional latency while meeting audio timeliness requirements. Finally, we describe our experimental deployment of 42 nodes in a coal mine, and present measurements of the end-to-end throughput, jitter, packet loss and voice quality
A new evolutionary approach to minimax problems

Minimax or worst-case optimization is concerned with the minimization of the maximum output in all scenarios of a given problem. The minimax problem can be transformed in a two players zero-sum game considering the fact that the Nash equilibria of this game would represent the solution of the original problem. Using the Nash ascendancy relation the equilibria of the game can be directly computed using a differential evolution algorithm. Results obtained by using this approach are compared with best known results from literature on six minimax benchmark problems.
Ten Years of E-Government: The 'End of History' and New Beginning

This paper argues that although there is no lack of eGovernment “frameworks”, both governments and research are both in need of better guiding models in order to address contemporary and future challenges. This argument is pursued by reviewing a decade of eGovernment development and research in terms of the guiding values as expressed by influential maturity models and relating them to the eGovernment domain, as defined by formal definitions and practice in combination. We find that development so far has overall been too narrowly guided by a technical focus and economic and administrative values and too little informed by public sector values. While there is no lack of broad frameworks there is scarcity as concerns structured research and evaluation models that encompass such values.
Efficient leakage-resilient public key encryption from DDH assumption

For an encryption scheme to be applied in practical applications, it should withstand various leakage attacks. In this paper, we present a new leakage-resilient public key encryption scheme whose security is based on the classical DDH (decisional Diffie-Hellman) assumption. In the computational cost, our proposed scheme is more efficient than the original Cramer-Shoup leakage-resilient public key encryption scheme. At the same time, our new scheme also enjoys a shorter (public and secret) key length, and a higher relative key leakage ratio. We formally prove our new proposal is semantically secure against adaptive posteriori chosen ciphertext key-leakage attacks assuming the hardness of the DDH problem without random models.
Design considerations for a wireless sensor network for locating parking spaces

This paper considers the design of a real time parking space locating system using a network of wireless sensor nodes that are equipped with magnetic sensors. Considerations for designing a reliable detection scheme for cars using magnetic signatures obtained by the wireless sensors are presented. All design considerations are derived from experimental data obtained from a campus parking garage. Results indicate that the proposed detection algorithm can effectively detect a wide range of passing vehicles with small error probability.
Treatment of severe decompensated heart failure with high-dose intravenous nitroglycerin: a feasibility and outcome analysis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE
We perform a feasibility and outcome assessment of the treatment of severe decompensated heart failure with high-dose nitroglycerin.


METHODS
This study was designed as a nonrandomized, open-label, single-arm study of high-dose nitroglycerin. Patients with hypertension (systolic blood pressure > or = 160 mm Hg or mean arterial pressure > or = 120 mm Hg) who were refractory to initial therapy were eligible for inclusion. Enrolled patients began receiving a titratable nitroglycerin infusion and were given a bolus of high-dose nitroglycerin (2 mg). Repeated administration of high-dose nitroglycerin was allowed every 3 minutes, up to a total of 10 doses. Predefined effectiveness and safety outcomes were tracked throughout hospital admission. To provide a frame of reference for these outcomes, data were retrospectively compiled for similar patients with severe decompensated heart failure who did not receive high-dose nitroglycerin.


RESULTS
Twenty-nine patients received high-dose nitroglycerin. Endotracheal intubation was required in 13.8% of patients, bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) ventilation in 6.9%, and ICU admission in 37.9%. Symptomatic hypotension developed in 1 patient (3.4%), and biomarker evidence of myocardial infarction was found in 17.2% of patients. The mean dose of high-dose nitroglycerin was 6.5 mg (+/-3.4). For patients who were treated without high-dose nitroglycerin (n=45), endotracheal intubation occurred in 26.7%, BiPAP in 20.0%, and ICU admission in 80.0%. None of these patients developed symptomatic hypotension, and biomarker evidence of myocardial infarction was observed in 28.9% of patients.


CONCLUSION
In this nonrandomized, open-label trial, high-dose nitroglycerin was associated with endotracheal intubation, BiPAP, and ICU admission less frequently than expected to occur without high-dose nitroglycerin, and adverse events were uncommon. Treatment of hypertensive, severely decompensated heart failure patients with high-dose nitroglycerin seems promising, but a randomized, blinded study is needed to more completely define its clinical utility. According to this trial, such a study seems feasible.
Describing and Illustrating Data Analysis in Mixed Research

In this methodological paper, the authors propose a tool that brings together various quantitative and qualitative data analysis (i.e., mixed analysis) techniques into one meta-framework to assist mixed researchers (who use qualitative and quantitative approaches within the same study) in the data analysis phase of mixed research studies. A meta-framework for mixed analysis techniques is described, which incorporates 13 criteria that methodologists have used to create their mixed analysis typologies. In particular, a heuristic example is used with the aid of screenshots to illustrate how one can utilize several of these data analysis techniques to conduct mixed analyses.
Optimization of Friction and Wear Behaviour in Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites Using Taguchi Technique

Al-7075 alloy-base matrix, reinforced with mixtures of silicon carbide (SiC) and boron carbide (B4C) particles, know as hybrid composites have been fabricated by stir casting technique (liquid metallurgy route) and optimized at different parameters like sliding speed, applied load, sliding time, and percentage of reinforcement by Taguchi method. The specimens were examined by Rockwell hardness test machine, Pin on Disc, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Optical Microscope. A plan of experiment generated through Taguchi’s technique is used to conduct experiments based on L27 orthogonal array. The developed ANOVA and the regression equations were used to find the optimum wear as well as coefficient of friction under the influence of sliding speed, applied load, sliding time and percentage of reinforcement. The dry sliding wear resistance was analyzed on the basis of “smaller the best”. Finally, confirmation tests were carried out to verify the experimental results.
Bandit Market Makers

We propose a flexible framework for profit-seeking market making by combining cost function based automated market makers with bandit learning algorithms. The key idea is to consider each parametrisation of the cost function as a bandit arm, and the minimum expected profits from trades executed during a period as the rewards. This allows for the creation of market makers that can adjust liquidity and bid-asks spreads dynamically to maximise profits.
Functional pathology of lumbar spinal stenosis.

This paper deals with the effect of motion upon the stenotic lumbar spinal canal and its contents. A review is presented of personal investigations and relevant data from the literature. The normal spinal canal and its lateral recesses are naturally narrowed by retroflexion and/or axial loading, as shown by anatomical, myelographic and computerized tomographic studies. Due to enough free play and protection by safety cushions, cauda equina and exiting nerve roots are not endangered. In stenosis this protection is lost, causing clinical symptoms of nervous compression of a posture-dependent character. Stenosis of the central portion of the spinal canal and of the lateral recess are dealt with separately. The more stenotic narrowing progresses, the greater the narrowing effect of retroflexion will become. This 'rule of progressive narrowing' explains why in severe stenosis even small motions will have a marked functional effect. The author contests the view of some investigators that vertebral 'instability' is essential to explain posture-dependent nerve root compression. Relative narrowing of the spinal canal is shown to predispose to manifestation of lumbosacral nerve root compression by other causes, for example disc herniation. Relative roominess of the canal is thought to explain why abnormal myelograms, suggestive of stenosis or disc herniation, occur in a relatively large percentage of asymptomatic individuals.
Handbook of Primate Husbandry and Welfare

Description: Handbook of Primate Husbandry and Welfare covers all aspects of primate care and management both in the laboratory environment and in zoos. From the welfare and ethics of primate captivity through to housing and husbandry systems, environmental enrichment, nutritional requirements, breeding issues, primate diseases, and additional information on transportation and quarantine proceedings, this book provides a completely comprehensive guide to good husbandry and management of primates. Designed to be a practical field manual, the authors present the material using lists, tables and illustrations to clarify best practice. Representative species are covered from marmosets through to macaques One of the first books dedicated to the care of primates in captivity Written by authors with many years of experience working with primates Suitable for those working with primates in either laboratories or zoos
Fuzzy Integer Linear Programming Mathematical Models for Examination Timetable Problem

Examination Timetable Problem (ETP) is NP–Hard combinatorial optimization problem. It has received tremendous research attention during the past few years given its wide use in universities. ETP can be defined as assignment of courses to be examined, candidates to time periods and examination rooms while satisfying a set of constraints which may be either hard or soft. Several methods have been proposed most of which are based on heuristics like Search techniques, Evolutionary Computation etc. In this Paper, we develop three mathematical models for Netaji Subhas Open University, Kolkata, India using Fuzzy Integer Linear Programming (FILP) technique. In most real life situations, information available in is not exact, lacks precision and has an inherent degree of vagueness. To deal with this we model various allocation variables through fuzzy numbers expressing lack of precision the decision maker has. The solution to the problem is obtained using Fuzzy number ranking method. Each feasible solution has fuzzy number obtained by Fuzzy objective function. The different FILP technique performance are demonstrated by experimental data generated through extensive simulation from Netaji Subhas Open University, Kolkata, India in terms of its execution times. The proposed FILP models are compared with commonly used heuristic viz. Integer Linear Programming approach on experimental data which gives an idea about quality of heuristic. The techniques are also compared with different Artificial Intelligence based heuristics for ETP with respect to best and mean cost as well as execution time measures on Carter benchmark datasets to illustrate its effectiveness. FILP paradigm takes an appreciable amount of time to generate satisfactory solution in comparison to other heuristics. The formulation thus serves as good benchmark for other heuristics. The experimental study presented here focuses on producing a methodology that generalizes well over spectrum of techniques that generates significant results for one or more datasets. The performance of FILP model is finally compared to the best results cited in literature for Carter benchmarks to assess its potential. The problem can be further reduced by formulating with lesser number of allocation variables it without affecting optimality of solution obtained. FLIP model for ETP can also be adapted to solve other ETP as well as combinatorial optimization problems. To the best of our knowledge this is first work on ETP using FILP technique.
Organizing for the Effective Introduction and Exploitation of New Distribution Channels in Retail Banking

This paper explores why some retail banks are more vigorously promoting and have been more successful in changing their distribution channel structure by introducing new electronic channels, such as PC banking and internet banking, than other banks. Ten hypotheses are formulated relating a number of variables to the banks’ promotion and successful introduction of the electronic channels. Responses from 60 key managers in the largest retail banks in Denmark indicate that bank size, advantages for the customers and the banks, attention to the future, senior management support, and willingness to cannibalize existing channels may be important factors in explaining the successful introduction of the electronic channels. Further, the results indicate that different attitudes and perceptions are related to different means of attracting customers to the electronic channels. Finally the paper discusses the implications for the banks and other firms of adopting the Internet as a distribution channel.
A Review Study on the Prenatal Diagnosis of Congenital Heart Disease Using Fetal Echocardiography

*Corresponding author: Shirin Sadat Ghiasi. Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mahshhad, Iran. E-mail: shirin.ghiasi@gmail.com Tel:+989156511388 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons. org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. A Review Study on the Prenatal Diagnosis of Congenital Heart Disease Using Fetal Echocardiography
Real-time facial animation on mobile devices

We present a performance-based facial animation system capable of running on mobile devices at real-time frame rates. A key component of our system is a novel regression algorithm that accurately infers the facial motion parameters from 2D video frames of an ordinary web camera. Compared with the state-of-the-art facial shape regression algorithm [1], which takes a two-step procedure to track facial animations (i.e., first regressing the 3D positions of facial landmarks, and then computing the head poses and expression coefficients), we directly regress the head poses and expression coefficients. This one-step approach greatly reduces the dimension of the regression target and significantly improves the performance of the tracking process while preserving the tracking accuracy. We further propose to collect the training images of the user under different lighting environments, and make use of the data to learn a user-specific regressor, which can robustly handle lighting changes that frequently occur when using mobile devices.
A model to investigate the in fl uence of marketing-mix efforts and corporate image on brand equity in the IT software sector

a r t i c l e i n f o Keywords: Brand equity Industrial branding Dimensions of brand equity Marketing-mix efforts Corporate image A model is developed to examine the relationships among marketing-mix efforts (channel performance, value-oriented price, promotion, and after-sales service), corporate image, three dimensions of brand equity (brand awareness with associations, perceived quality, and brand loyalty), and market performance. The model considers three distinctive aspects of business markets. After-sales service is taken as a key marketing-mix effort. Corporate image is placed as a mediator from the marketing-mix efforts to the dimensions of brand equity. Personal selling is defined as a main component of promotion. The model is tested in the context of a Korean IT software sector. The test results show that all the marketing-mix efforts positively affect the overall value of brand equity, which is a proxy of market performance, via the three dimensions of brand equity. Corporate image mediates the effect of the marketing-mix efforts on the three dimensions of brand equity. A product is branded when target buyers learn about the product and, as a result, store in their memory knowledge structures of the These knowledge structures increase the value buyers obtain from the product by influencing their thinking, feeling and doing with respect to the product. Thus, the product is of more value when it is branded than unbranded, and this greater value is referred to as brand equity When the brand equity of a product is high enough, target buyers behave positively towards the product. For example, they pay more for the product, purchase it repeatedly, engage in favorable word-of-mouth behaviors, and so on (Aaker, 1991; Keller, 2008). In this respect, a firm can enhance its competitive position and increase financial performance by making its brand stronger. Brand equity as sourced from the knowledge structures may be characterized by a set of dimensions. According to Aaker (1996), these dimensions include brand awareness, brand associations, perceived quality, and brand loyalty. Keller (2008) proposes six dimensions of brand equity, arranged in four hierarchical levels: salience in the bottom level, performance and image in the next level, judgment and feeling in the second-to-top level, and resonance in the top level. Consumer choice is much affected by brand equity characterized as such, and thus those in consumer markets are fully aware of the need On the other hand, brand equity is relatively downplayed in business markets …
Socioeconomic status is related to urinary catecholamines in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study.

OBJECTIVE
To determine whether socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with catecholamine levels (epinephrine [E] and norepinephrine [NE]-indicators of sympathetic nervous system [SNS] activity) in a community-based sample of men and women, Blacks and Whites, with a broad range of income; and to test whether such a relationship is mediated by psychosocial factors and/or health behaviors.


METHODS
A total of 672 participants from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study (CARDIA) provided 12-hour, overnight urine samples, and completed sociodemographic, health behavior, and psychosocial questionnaires.


RESULTS
Regardless of whether measured in terms of income, education, or occupation, higher SES was associated with lower urinary catecholamine levels, independent of age, race, and gender. These relationships were stronger in men than in women but were similar across Blacks and Whites. Smoking and greater levels of depressive symptoms accounted for some of the association of SES with E and, to a lesser extent, with NE.


CONCLUSIONS
These data provide support for the hypothesis that lower SES is accompanied by increased physiologic distress, indicated by elevated SNS activity. Further, they suggest that the association of SES with catecholamines, like the associations of SES with morbidity and mortality, is apparent at all levels of the socioeconomic hierarchy.