Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Link layer support for streaming MPEG video over wireless links

Streaming video as a form of media is becoming increasingly popular on the Internet. Real-time media such as video requires delay constraints from the network to ensure good quality at the receiver. While watching a video stream on his portable device connected to the Internet through the last-hop wireless link, the mobile user of tomorrow will expect a good experience. But, the time-varying nature of the wireless link can cause video frames to be dropped/delayed, affecting the quality of video at the receiver. In this paper, we propose a link layer approach to improve the quality of MPEG video streaming over a wireless link. We use Bluetooth as the wireless technology on which to test our scheme. Our results show that the quality of streaming video can be substantially improved with our scheme, particularly in bad channel conditions.
Lasofoxifene: Evidence of its therapeutic value in osteoporosis

Introduction: Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterized by compromised bone strength and increased risk of fracture. It is a common disorder in elderly subjects and represents a major public health problem, affecting up to 40% postmenopausal women and 15% of men. Among the several therapeutical interventions, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was traditionally seen as the gold standard for preventing osteoporotic fractures in postmenopausal women, as well as for the management of menopausal symptoms. However HRT, especially if administered long-term, may lead to an increased risk of breast and, when unopposed by progestins, endometrial cancers. Alternative therapies include bisphosphonates and raloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). While the former have been associated with suboptimal adherence, the latter was considerably less potent than estrogen and its effect in the prevention of nonvertebral fractures remain uncertain. Aims: The purpose of this article is to review the clinical trials of lasofoxifene, a new SERM for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The medical literature was reviewed for appropriate articles containing the terms “lasofoxifene” and SERMs”. Evidence review: There are three (phase II or phase III) clinical trials that clearly demonstrate efficacy and safety of this new SERM in the suppression of bone loss and the prevention of vertebral and nonvertebral fractures. Moreover, lasofoxifene treatment also reduced breast cancer risk and the occurrence of vaginal atrophy. Place in therapy: With its increased potency and efficacy on the prevention of nonvertebral fractures lasofoxifene may be an alternative and cost-effective therapy for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
Globalisation, Europeanisation, Place Embeddedness. New Developments within Production Networks and Territorial Implications

A central question in economic geography today is whether the globalisation of the economy is shifting the relationship between economic activity and space to different kinds of territories. Some argue that globalisation implies that territories, especially nation-states, lose their meaning in an economy dominated by large transnational corporations forming global networks in a ‘spaceless, ‘placeless’ world. At the same time, however, we find arguments that suggest that territory, not least the local environment, is becoming increasingly important for the competitiveness of many firms and corporations. In an analysis of new competitive strategies related to production networks, these arguments are further discussed. A concluding sector of the article focuses on the changing role of the nation-state and how ‘transnational’ the corporations really are. 4 CFE Working paper series no. 2 5 Ola Jonsson–Globalisation, Europeanisation, Place Embeddedness
A Stochastic Optimization Model for Designing Last Mile Relief Networks

In this study, we introduce a distribution network design problem that determines the locations and capacities of the relief distribution points in the last mile network, while considering demand-and network-related uncertainties in the post-disaster environment. The problem addresses the critical concerns of relief organizations in designing last mile networks, which are providing accessible and equitable service to beneficiaries. We focus on two types of supply allocation policies and propose a hybrid version considering their different implications on equity and accessibility. Then, we develop a two-stage stochastic programming model that incorporates the hybrid allocation policy and achieves high levels of accessibility and equity simultaneously. We devise a branch-and-cut algorithm based on Benders decomposition to solve large problem instances in reasonable times and conduct a numerical study to demonstrate the computational effectiveness of the solution method. We also illustrate the application of our model on a case study based on real-world data from the 2011 Van earthquake in Turkey.
Exact pairwise error probability for the MIMO block fading channel

In this work, we present a closed form of the exact pairwise error probability (PEP) for coded block Rayleigh fading channels with multiple transmit and receive antennas. Based on the values of the signal-to-noise ratio and the eigenvalue products in each block and each transmit antenna, where the eigenvalues are obtained from the product of the signal-difierence matrix and its complex conjugate transpose, we classify the calculation of PEP into two groups: the symmetric case in which the mentioned products are all equal and the asymmetric case. We provide a new technique to calculate the PEP in the symmetric case. In the asymmetric case, we apply the flnite integral form of Q-function and our results from the symmetric case to obtain the PEP.
Accommodation and presbyopia.

Accommodation is a dioptric change in power of the eye that occurs to allow near objects to be focused on the retina. The ability to accommodate is lost with increasing age in humans and monkeys. This phenomenon, called presbyopia, is the most common human ocular affliction, and its pathophysiology remains uncertain. The progressive loss of human accommodative amplitude begins early in life and results in a complete loss of accommodation by age 50 to 55 years. Presbyopia is correctable by various optical means and, although not a blinding condition, its cost in devices, lost productivity, and (more recently), for surgical interventions is considerable. The classic theory of accommodation in humans proposes that the ciliary muscle moves forward and axially in the eye during contraction, releasing tension on the anterior zonular fibers and allowing the lens to become more spherical and thicken axially. During disaccommodation, the ciliary muscle relaxes, allowing the elastic choroid to pull the ciliary muscle posteriorly, increasing the tension on the anterior zonules to flatten the lens. Alteration of every component of the accommodative apparatus has been proposed to explain presbyopia. Rhesus monkeys and humans exhibit a similar accommodative mechanism and lens growth throughout life and develop presbyopia with a similar relative age course. Theories to explain the pathophysiology of presbyopia fall into two main categories, involving dysfunction of either the lens or the ciliary muscle. Another theory is based on a proposed mechanism of accommodation different from that which is classically accepted. We summarize what is known about the anatomy and aging of the accommodative apparatus and how such changes might contribute to the loss of accommodative amplitude.
On the dependence of spectroscopic indices of early-type galaxies on age, metallicity and velocity dispersion

We investigate the Mg–σ and Fe–σ relations in a sample of 72 early-type galaxies drawn mostly from cluster and group environments using a homogeneous data set which is well calibrated on to the Lick/IDS system. The small intrinsic scatter in Mg at a given σ gives upper limits on the spread in age and metallicity of 49 and 32 per cent respectively, if the spread is attributed to one quantity only, and if the variations in age and metallicity are uncorrelated. The age/metallicity distribution as inferred from the Hβ versus Fe diagnostic diagram reinforces this conclusion, as we find mostly galaxies with large luminosity-weighted ages spanning a range in metallicity. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we show that the galaxy distribution in the Hβ versus Fe plane cannot be reproduced by a model in which galaxy age is the only parameter driving the index–σ relation. In our sample we do not find significant evidence for an anticorrelation of ages and metallicities which would keep the index–σ relations tight while hiding a large spread in age and metallicity. As a result of correlated errors in the age–metallicity plane, a mild age–metallicity anticorrelation cannot be completely ruled out by the current data. Correcting the line-strength indices for non-solar abundance ratios, following the recent paper by Trager et al., leads to higher mean metallicity and slightly younger age estimates while preserving the metallicity sequence. The [Mg/Fe] ratio is mildly correlated with the central velocity dispersion, and ranges from [Mg/Fe]=0.05 to 0.3 for galaxies with σ>100 km s1. Under the assumption that there is no age gradient along the index–σ relations, the abundance-ratio-corrected Mg–σ,Fe–σ and Hβ–σ relations give consistent estimates of Δ[M/H]/Δ log σ0. 9±0.1. The slope of the Hβ–σ relation limits a potential age trend as a function of σ to 2–3 Gyr along the sequence.
Preliminary Trial of Rebamipide for Prevention of Low-Dose Aspirin-Induced Gastric Injury in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Cross-Over Study

Although low-dose aspirin is widely used, since it is a cheap and effective means of prevention of cardiovascular events, it can cause hemorrhagic gastrointestinal complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of rebamipide in preventing low-dose aspirin-induced gastric injury. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial was performed in twenty healthy volunteers. Aspirin 81 mg was administered with placebo or rebamipide 300 mg three times daily for 7 consecutive days. The rebamipide group exhibited significant prevention of erythema in the antrum compared with the placebo group (p = 0.0393, respectively). Results for the body and fornix did not differ significantly between the placebo and rebamipide groups. In conclusion, short-term administration of low-dose aspirin induced slight gastric mucosal injury in the antrum, but not in the body or fornix. Rebamipide may be useful for preventing low-dose aspirin-induced gastric mucosal injury, especially which confined to the antrum.
The Albanian Adaptation of the Science Motivation

Motivation is an important factor in learning. The purpose of the study is to adopt SMQ-II in Albanian language and to examine the motivation of secondary school students to learn physics and to report the validity and reliability of the study. The sample was 273 secondary school students from five high schools in Albania. The original questionnaire measures five motivation components: intrinsic motivation, self-determination, self-efficacy, career motivation, and grade motivation. The data collected from five high schools was analyzed and similar factor structures were found as in the original questionnaire. Based on the principal component analysis five dimensions for learning physics were found. The Cronbach’s alpha reliability was found to be . 894. Physics Motivation Questionnaire, the adopted version of SMQ-II, is a tool to assess secondary school students’ motivation to learn physics.
Interactive motion deblurring using light streaks

We propose a single-image, shift-invariant motion deblurring approach where the blur kernel is directly estimated from light streaks in the blurred image. Combining with the sparsity constraint, the blur kernel can be solved quickly and accurately from a user input region containing a light streak. This kernel can then be applied to state-of-the-art single-image motion deblurring methods to restore the sharp image. As our approach does not require verification of the blur kernel against the blurred image, the deblurring can be performed quickly enough for interactive use. For example, our method can be used for interactively revealing scene details in different image regions when the motion blur is not shift-invariant.
Does Parental Divorce Increase Risk Behaviors among 15/16 and 18/19 year-old Adolescents? A Study from Oslo, Norway

Background: Several studies have reported an increase in risk behaviors among adolescents after experience of parental divorce. The aim of the study was to investigate whether parental divorce is associated with risk behavior among adolescents independent of mental health problems, first when early divorce was experienced, and second after experience of late parental divorce. Method: One prospective (n=1861) and one cross-sectional study (n=2422) were conducted using data from two Young-HUBRO surveys in Oslo, Norway. All 15/16 year-old 10th grade students who participated in the first survey in the school year 2000/01 were followed-up in 2004 when they were 18/19 year-olds. The follow-up rate was 68%. The prospective study investigated the influence of late parental divorce that occurred between the age of 15/16 and 18/19. In the cross-sectional study we focused on early parental divorce that occurred before the participants were 15/16 year-old. Results:In the prospective study we could not discern a significant association between experiencing late parental divorce and an increase in risk behaviors among 18/19 year-old adolescents. In the cross-sectional study parental divorce was significantly associated with cigarette smoking and using doping agents. Conclusion: Parental divorce that occurs when the children of divorced parents are 15/16 year-old or younger is associated with an increase in cigarette smoking and use of doping agents. However, no evidence of significant association is found between experience of late parental divorce and risk behaviors in late adolescence.
Super Resolution Image Reconstruction By Adaptive Auto Regressive Model

In this paper, an Adaptive Auto regressive Model is proposed for the super resolution image reconstruction problem in which parameters of the model vary according to image. Firstly estimation of texture correlation in the image is made by measuring the co-occurrence of patterns in image and then based on the image content determination of the patch size for algorithm is done which efficiently estimates the missing pixels of interpolation grid. This method performs very well as we try to estimate the missing pixel of image by considering repetitive patterns & the nonlocal pixels patch estimations in the image retrieval process. The extent of nonlocal patch inclusion is determined by the co-occurrence in the image. This method interpolates the image by varying patch size adaptively for each image. Maximum extent of similarities in an image was taken into account for making the sparse based image interpolation technique into adaptive method. Measuring Perceptual quality metric Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) has shown maximum increment of 0.43 db and average of 0.2 db on our experimental results proved it as best interpolation technique.
Longitudinal Changes in Plasma Caspase-1 and Caspase-3 during the First 2 Years of HIV-1 Infection in CD4Low and CD4High Patient Groups

Over 95% of CD4 cell death occurs by Caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis during HIV infection. Caspase-3-mediated apoptosis accounts for the death in a small proportion of infected CD4 cells. To date, there have been no reports on the dynamics of Caspase-1 and Caspase-3 and their relationship with disease progression in acute HIV-1 infection. In this study, two distinct HIV-1 patient groups were enrolled. The CD4High group maintained a CD4 level above450 cells/μl while CD4 levels in the CD4Low group dropped below 250 cells/μl within 2 years after infection. Blood samples were collected at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12 and 24 months after HIV infection. Plasma Caspase-1 and Caspase-3 levels in the two patients groups were determined by a single-step ELISA using commercially available monoclonal antibodies. The results showed that Caspase-1 and Caspase-3 levels in the CD4High group increased rapidly and then decreased within a short time during early HIV-1 infection. In contrast, Caspase-1 and Caspase-3 levels in the CD4Low group were obviously increased after 1 year of HIV-1 infection.
Customer-to-Customer Interactions: Broadening the Scope of Word of Mouth Research

The increasing emphasis on understanding the antecedents and consequences of customer-to-customer (C2C) interactions is one of the essential developments of customer management in recent years. This interest is driven much by new online environments that enable customers to be connected in numerous new ways and also supply researchers’ access to rich C2C data. These developments present an opportunity and a challenge for firms and researchers who need to identify the aspects of C2C research on which to focus, as well as develop research methods that take advantage of these new data. The aim here is to take a broad view of C2C interactions and their effects and to highlight areas of significant research interest in this domain. The authors look at four main areas: the different dimensions of C2C interactions; social system issues related to individuals and to online communities; C2C context issues including product, channel, relational and market characteristics; and the identification, modeling, and assessment of business outcomes of C2C interactions.
A contingency model of citizens' attitudes toward e-government use

This paper explores the contingency effects of citizens' demographic and relationship quality characteristics on the connection between e–government attitudes (as measured by satisfaction) and e–government acceptance (as measured by visit frequency and number of transactions). A series of statistical analyses of responses collected from a sample of 268 citizens uncover several noteworthy findings. The study reveals that the relationship between e–government attitudes and visit frequency and the number of completed transactions differs according to citizens' education and gender as well as their perceptions of the trustworthiness and value of e–government. In particular, it is interesting to note that trust in e–government plays a stronger role in moderating the relationship between e–government attitudes and the number of completed transactions, whereas perceived e–government value exerts a stronger role in moderating the relationship between attitudes and visit frequency. The practical and research implications of these results are discussed.
Factors Influencing Variations in the Density, Extent of Canopy Cover, and Origin of Trees in Paddy Fields in a Rainfed Rice-Farming Village in Northeast Thailand

Paddy fields in Northeast Thailand are unusual in that they contain large trees. In recent years, however, in concert with major changes in the agricultural system of Northeast Thailand, including the shift from subsistence to cash crops, mechanization, use of chemical fertilizers, and increased reliance of rural people on manufactured consumer goods, the role of trees in paddy fields has also been changing, leading to a decline in tree densities. This study was conducted in Khok Kwang village, Khon Kaen Province, in order to examine factors influencing variations in density, canopy coverage, and origin of trees in paddy fields there. In recent years, the rate of tree cutting appears to have been increasing and the density of trees declining. This decline reflects many changes in agricultural practices in the village. Farmers now rely on chemical fertilizer rather than litter from the trees to maintain soil fertility. They no longer value any increase in rice yield during dry years in the parts of their fields that are close to the trees because they are now able to pump irrigation water to maintain productivity; and trees are seen as an impediment to the use of four-wheel tractors, which have difficulty working efficiently in paddy fields with many trees. In addition, several farmers have begun to plant their paddy fields with sugarcane, which is less shade tolerant than rice. The density of trees in paddy fields planted with sugarcane (5.7 trees/ha) is much lower than in fields where rice is cultivated (9.6 trees/ha). In upper paddies that are still planted with rice, the trees are retained because they provide valuable goods and services to the farmers and rice yields there are in any case low and unstable. This study illustrates at the micro level how changes in farmer goals, choice of crops, and production technology that are part of the agrarian transformation of Northeast Thailand are reshaping the rural landscape.
Effect of personality type on internet anxiety in Kerman Dental School students (2015-2016)

Introduction and objective: in recent years internet has turned to be one of the most popular global medias due to its unique qualities such as easy accessibility, utilization convenience, users’ obscurity and low cost. This study targets at examining the personality types’ effects on internet anxiety in students of dental faculty in Medical University of Kerman. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 235 dental students who were selected through census sampling method. Data collecting tools consisted of standard internet anxiety questionnaire (including 20 items), personality type’s questionnaire (including 25 items), demographic characteristics (age, sex, entrance year) and also eight related questions via internet. The collected data were entered the computer and analyzed via SPSS statistics software version 18 and linear regression statistics test and t at the significance level of 5%. Findings: From 235 participant students in this study 141 (66.0 %) were females and the rest were males and the average of their age was 23.85+_ 5.36. the mean score of internet anxiety was 54.01+_ 8.39. According to anxiety intensity, 57 (24.3%) persons were in normal range, 176 persons (74.9%) were in mild anxiety range and 2 persons (0.8%) had sever anxiety levels There were a significant correlation between the mean score of internet anxiety and year of education and hours spent using internet (p=0.028, p=0.017). There was significant correlation between personality type and internet anxiety as well (p= 0.016). Conclusion: Based on this study internet anxiety was lower than moderate in dental school students and type A students who have characteristics like fast and quick, nervous and hot-tempered, biased life style, anxious, impatient and being competitive had more anxiety.