Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
WiMAX-VPON: A Framework of Layer-2 VPNs for Next-Generation Access Networks

This paper proposes WiMAX-VPON, a novel framework for establishing layer-2 virtual private networks (VPNs) over the integration of WiMAX and Ethernet passive optical networks, which has lately been considered as a promising candidate for next-generation fiber-wireless backhaul-access networks. With WiMAX-VPON, layer-2 VPNs support a bundle of service requirements to the respective registered wireless/wired users. These requirements are stipulated in the service level agreement and should be fulfilled by a suite of effective bandwidth management solutions. To achieve this, we propose a novel VPN-based admission control and bandwidth allocation scheme that provides per-stream quality-of-service protection and bandwidth guarantee for real-time flows. The bandwidth allocation is performed via a common medium access control protocol working in both the optical and wireless domains. An event-driven simulation model is implemented to study the effectiveness of the proposed framework.
Revisiting f0 range production in Japanese-English simultaneous bilinguals

This study reports an experiment in which 10 Japanese-American English simultaneous bilinguals (5 males, 5 females; all undergrads at the University of California, Berkeley) were recorded performing comparable reading tasks in their two languages. The study builds on a relatively new approach to measuring f0 range - proposed by Patterson 2000 and operationalised in Mennen et al. 2012 - that computes its high and low points from actual tonal targets in the intonational phonology. Also, unlike in most previous studies where f0 range is traditionally treated as a one-dimensional measure, f0 range in both languages was measured along two quasi-independent dimensions: level and span. The results reveal that Japanese was realised at a significantly higher level and with a wider range of frequencies (span) than English. This finding provides new insights into the relation between intonational structure and f0 range in two typologically different prosodic systems. 뀀ഀȠ
Regional reference values of thyroid gland volume in Turkish Adults.

INTRODUCTION It is important to know the size of the thyroid gland, and its normal value may vary among different geographic regions. OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed to establish reference ranges for thyroid volume in euthyroid adults and to compare these results with the literature data. METHODS Between June 2011 and June 2012,461 patients with normal laboratory results (serum TSH, anti-TG, anti-TPO antibodies and urine iodine level) that underwent thyroid gland ultrasound examination were retrospectively analyzed.Two hundred and 92 patients were females and 169 were males; the age range was 18-61 years with mean age 30.84±9.97 years. Length, breadth and thickness were measured, and the volume of each lobe was estimated using the ellipsoid formula. RESULTS The overall mean thyroid volume in all patients who were examined was 12.98±2.53 mL. The mean thyroid volume in females and males was 12.09±2.05 mL and 14.53±2.55, respectively (p<0.05). The right thyroid lobe volume was greater than the left in all patients of both sexes. In addition, the study establishes a significant correlation between the thyroid volume and height, weight and body surface area of the subjects of both sexes (p<0.05). In the light of our findings we can provide reference values in order to evaluate patients who have thyroid hyperplasia or who are considered as normal. CONCLUSION We consider that further studies are necessary to establish national references thyroid volume for each country.
Expression of Heat Shock Protein 27 in Human Atherosclerotic Plaques and Increased Plasma Level of Heat Shock Protein 27 in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome

Background— We intended to identify proteins that are differentially expressed in human atherosclerotic plaques. Methods and Results— Comparative 2-dimensional electrophoretic analysis on carotid atherosclerotic endarterectomy specimens (n=10) revealed that heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) expression was significantly increased in the nearby normal-appearing area compared with the plaque core area from the same vessel specimen, which was further confirmed by Western blot analysis. The Hsp27 expression in the adjacent normal-appearing vessel areas was much higher than that in nonatherosclerotic reference arteries. The phosphorylation of Hsp27 showed a gradation in the degree of phosphorylation: greatest in the reference arteries, intermediate in the adjacent normal-appearing area, and lowest in plaque core area. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the phosphorylation of Hsp27 of smooth muscle cells in the carotid endarterectomy specimens was decreased compared with that in the reference artery specimen. The mean plasma level of Hsp27 was significantly higher in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) (n=27; 106.1±74.1 ng/mL) than in the normal reference subjects (n=29; 45.8±29.5 ng/mL; P<0.005). The plasma levels of Hsp27 were significantly correlated with those of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) (r=0.422, P<0.0005), with adjustment for ACS/reference status. Conclusions— In the atherosclerotic lesion, Hsp27 expression is increased in the normal-appearing vessel adjacent to atherosclerotic plaque, whereas levels in the plaque itself are significantly decreased. Both plaque and adjacent artery show decreased Hsp27 phosphorylation compared with reference vessel. In ACS, plasma Hsp27 and Hsp70 are increased, and levels of Hsp27 correlate with Hsp70, C-reactive protein, and CD40L levels.
Exploring the job satisfaction and organisational commitment of employees in the information technology environment

The objective of the study was to explore the relationship between employees’ job satisfaction (as measured by the Job Satisfaction Survey) and organisational commitment (as measured on the Organisational Commitment Scale). A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a convenience sample of 86 employees at four information technology companies in South Africa. Correlational and stepwise regression analyses revealed a number of signifi cant relationships between the two variables. The fi ndings add new knowledge that can be used to improve organisational practices for the retention of valuable staff members in the information technology environment.
Determinants of banks’ provisioning policies during the crisis : Evidence from the Chinese banking system

Purpose - – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the discretionary use of loan loss provisions in the Chinese banking sector during the global financial crisis. The objective of this paper is twofold: to add new evidence to the scant literature dealing with a peculiar banking sector, such as the Chinese one, and to shed more light on banks’ provisioning behaviour during stressed financial markets conditions. Design/methodology/approach - – Using bank-level balance sheet and financial statements data, the authors test for income smoothing and capital management hypotheses, and detect differences in provisioning decisions of listed banks and unlisted financial intermediaries during turbulent financial markets conditions. Findings - – The authors find support for the income smoothing hypothesis, but not for the capital management one. Chinese listed banks appear to be less risky and less involved in income smoothing to shift their risk, when compared to unlisted credit institutions. Social implications - – The results obtained from this paper help to understand the functioning of bank provisioning regime in the Chinese banking system and how provisioning mechanisms can address the issues associated with the pro-cyclicality of bank capital requirements. Originality/value - – Though referred to a particular banking sector, such as the Chinese one, the results of this paper can provide a tremendous incentive to those national and international authorities that are bound to promote forward-looking provisioning practices. These practices would allow banks to build a buffer of reserves to face the downward pressure on earnings and capital associated with periods of worsening credit quality.
Facilitatory transmitter causes a selective and prolonged increase in adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate in sensory neurons mediating the gill and siphon withdrawal reflex in Aplysia

Sensitization of the gill and siphon withdrawal reflex in the marine mollusc, Aplysia california, is a simple form of learning Underlying this behavioral changes is a cascade of biochemical events. The first step in this cascade is postulated to be an increase in cAMP within the sensory neurons of the abdominal ganglion. We have developed a labeling protocol with 32Pi which permits us to measure the synthesis of cAMP within a single sensory neurons. Application of serotonin for 5 min was found to triple the content of [32P]cAMP in sensory neurons. The response is specific to serotonin: dopamine, a transmitter that does not produce sensitization, did not increase cAMP. Physiological stimulation of facilitator neurons also resulted in a 3.5-fold increase of cAMP in sensory neurons but not in other cells of the ganglion. We studied the time course of the increase of cAMP in sensory cells stimulated with serotonin and found that it parallels closely the time course of the short term form of presynaptic facilitation. We also have determined the effects of transmitters on the synthesis of cAMP in other identified neurons of the ganglion. The bag cells responded specifically to serotonin. R15, which has been shown to be hyperpolarized both the serotonin and by dopamine, responded to both transmitters by increased synthesis synthesis of cAMP. Thus, the dopamine- and serotonin-sensitive cyclase can be localized to both the same and different cells. Other cells did not respond to serotonin or to dopamine, indicating that a transmitter-sensitive adenylate cyclase is a specific property and is not present in all neurons.
Solving Linear Programs without Breaking Abstractions

We show that the ellipsoid method for solving linear programs can be implemented in a way that respects the symmetry of the program being solved. That is to say, there is an algorithmic implementation of the method that does not distinguish, or make choices, between variables or constraints in the program unless they are distinguished by properties definable from the program. In particular, we demonstrate that the solvability of linear programs can be expressed in fixed-point logic with counting (FPC) as long as the program is given by a separation oracle that is itself definable in FPC. We use this to show that the size of a maximum matching in a graph is definable in FPC. This settles an open problem first posed by Blass, Gurevich and Shelah [Blass et al. 1999]. On the way to defining a suitable separation oracle for the maximum matching program, we provide FPC formulas defining canonical maximum flows and minimum cuts in undirected capacitated graphs.
Relationship between Hyperuricemia and Lipid Profiles in US Adults

Background. Although the link between hyperuricemia and metabolic syndrome had been recognized, the association of the dyslipidemia among individuals with hyperuricemia remains not comprehensively assessed. Methods. Using NHANES III study, we examined the relation between serum lipid profiles and different serum uric acid levels, including serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein-B, lipoprotein (a), apolipoprotein AI, ratio of triglycerides to HDL cholesterol, and ratio of apolipoprotein-B to AI. Results. After adjusting for potential confounders, average differences (95% confidence interval) comparing the top to the bottom (reference) serum uric acid were 0.29 (0.19, 0.39) mmol/L for total cholesterol, 0.33 (0.26, 0.41) mmol/L for triglycerides, 0.14 (0.01, 0.27) mmol/L for LDL cholesterol, −0.08 (−0.11, −0.05) mmol/L for HDL, and 0.09 (0.05, 0.12) g/L for serum apolipoprotein-B. Notably, ratios of triglycerides to HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein-B to AI were also linearly associated with uric acid levels (P for trend < 0.001). Conclusions. This study suggested that serum LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, total cholesterol, apolipoprotein-B levels, ratio of triglycerides to HDL cholesterol, and ratio of apolipoprotein-B to AI are strongly associated with serum uric acid levels, whereas serum HDL cholesterol levels are significantly inversely associated. In the clinical practice, the more comprehensive strategic management to deal with dyslipidemia and hyperuricemia deserves further investigation.
A 4D frequency-planar IIR filter and its application to light field processing

A 4D frequency-planar filter is described, having a steady-state frequency response with a pass band that approximates that of a 4D plane. It is shown that a light field containing Lambertian surfaces with no occlusions may be selectively filtered for depth using such a filter. Examples are given showing the effectiveness of the filter in scenes with and without occlusions. A technique for effectively reducing the length of the transient response of the filter is also proposed and the effectiveness of this technique is demonstrated.
Three patterns to understand e‐government: the case of Colombia

Purpose – E‐government initiatives are becoming common worldwide, but conceptual elements to understand their development, implementation and consequences are still lacking. Drawing on a contextualisation of e‐government in the information society and traditions in public policy, the aim of this paper is to offer three different patterns for thinking about e‐government. The paper's inter‐disciplinary and reflexive approach, as well as referencing a particular case (Colombian e‐government initiative Gobierno en Linea), seeks to unsettle the taken‐for‐granted aspects of the policy discourse of e‐government in ways that can illuminate practice.Design/methodology/approach – From policy‐making and information systems, the authors review two dominant views on the information society to contextualise three patterns to think about e‐government. The first pattern (idealist) focuses on adopting a “vision” or “best practice” for government's use of information and communication technologies (ICTs). The second patter.
Passenger Journey Destination Estimation From Automated Fare Collection System Data Using Spatial Validation

A methodology for estimating the destination of passenger journeys from automated fare collection (AFC) system data is described. It proposes new spatial validation features to increase the accuracy of destination inference results and to verify key assumptions present in previous origin-destination estimation literature. The methodology applies to entry-only system configurations combined with distance-based fare structures, and it aims to enhance raw AFC system data with the destination of individual journeys. This paper describes an algorithm developed to implement the methodology and the results from its application to bus service data from Porto. The data relate to an AFC system integrated with an automatic vehicle location system that records a transaction for each passenger boarding a bus, containing attributes regarding the route, the vehicle, and the travel card used, along with the time and the location where the journey began. Some of these are recorded for the purpose of allowing onboard ticket inspection but additionally enable innovative spatial validation features introduced by the methodology. The results led to the conclusion that the methodology is effective for estimating journey destinations at the disaggregate level and identifies false positives reliably.
Increasing network lifetime by battery-aware master selection in radio networks

Mobile wireless communication systems often need to maximize their network lifetime (defined as the time until the first node runs out of energy). In the broadcast network lifetime problem, all nodes are sending broadcast traffic, and one asks for an assignment of transmit powers to nodes, and for sets of relay nodes so that the network lifetime is maximized. The selection of a relay set consisting of a single node (the ‘master’), can be regarded as a special case of this problem. We provide a mean value analysis of algorithms controlling the selection of a master node with the objective of maximizing the network lifetime. The results show that already for small networks simple algorithms can extend the average network lifetime considerably.
OPTIMAL ENVIRONMENTAL TAXES: EFFECTS OF POLLUTION DECAY AND CONSUMER AWARENESS

Abstract The effects of nonlinear decay and consumer preferences are analyzed in a setting where optimal extraction of nonrenewable resources is combined with stock externalities. The control is exercised via a corrective tax and the time horizon is divided into two periods: an initial phase with extraction and a terminal phase without extraction. The time horizon with extraction is determined endogenously. The model does not assume separability of the objective function. The purpose here is to demonstrate that relatively simple deviations from the standard assumptions, such as linear decay and no consumer awareness, may have large effects. Sensitivity analyses indicate large differences in the optimal extraction period, the total level of extraction and cumulative emissions depending on the form of the decay function and the presence of consumers' awareness for the environment.
Creating a learning organization promoting excellence through education

To create a learning organization, learning must be integrated as a regular part of the job. Written for managers on all levels, this book explores what is takes to become a learning organization, using case studies to demonstrate why learning is important and how to achieve on-going learning success. The individual's learning responsibility is also discussed, including attitudes to learning, stages, and risk taking. Coverage includes- To explain commitment to learning by the organization To explain commitment to learning by the individual To explain training opportunities
A Field Study of the Effects of Incline on the Escape Locomotion of a Bipedal Lizard, Callisaurus draconoides

We analyzed footprints on the surface of a sand dune to estimate maximal running speeds and the incidence of bipedality in nature, as well as to investigate the effects of incline on the escape locomotion of the lizard Callisaurus draconoides. Previous laboratory tests predicted that inclines would negatively affect sprinting performance in C. draconoides. Although physiologists commonly assume that escape locomotion will be near maximal capacity, we found that only 11% of all strides were greater than 90% of maximal speed of C. draconoides. Escape paths averaged 10 m in length and were generally straight. Approximately 30% of the strides taken by C. draconoides were bipedal, and this value was three times greater than previously found for the closely related species Uma scoparia. The modal value of bipedal stride lengths was greater than that for quadrupedal strides. Inclines negatively affected velocity of only the first meter of C. draconoides escape paths. The location of nearest cover had better predictive value for the initial orientation of C. draconoides escapes than incline. On steep slopes (>15°), C. draconoides avoided running directly downhill and uphill and primarily ran horizontally, whereas on shallow slopes, lizards exhibited approximately equal amounts of horizontal, direct uphill, and direct downhill running.
Behavioral State Regulation of Dendrodendritic Synaptic Inhibition in the Olfactory Bulb

Behavioral states regulate how information is processed in local neuronal circuits. Here, we asked whether dendrodendritic synaptic interactions in the olfactory bulb vary with brain and behavioral states. To examine the state-dependent change of the dendrodendritic synaptic transmission, we monitored changes in field potential responses in the olfactory bulb of urethane-anesthetized and freely behaving rats. In urethane-anesthetized rats, granule-to-mitral dendrodendritic synaptic inhibition was larger and longer when slow waves were present in the electroencephalogram (slow-wave state) than during the fast-wave state. The state-dependent alternating change in the granule-to-mitral inhibition was regulated by the cholinergic system. In addition, the frequency of the spontaneous oscillatory activity of local field potentials and periodic discharges of mitral cells in the olfactory bulb shifted in synchrony with shifts in the neocortical brain state. Freely behaving rats showed multilevel changes in dendrodendritic synaptic inhibition that corresponded to diverse behavioral states; the inhibition was the largest during slow-wave sleep state, and successively smaller during light sleep, awake immobility, and awake moving states. These results provide evidence that behavioral state-dependent global changes in cholinergic tone modulate dendrodendritic synaptic inhibition and the information processing mode in the olfactory bulb.
Convergent evolution of worker policing by egg eating in the honeybee and common wasp

Mutual policing, where group members suppress each others' reproduction, is hypothesized to be important in the origin and stabilization of biological complexity. Mutual policing among workers in social insects can reduce within–colony conflict. However, there are few examples. We tested for worker policing in the common wasp Vespula vulgaris. Workers rapidly removed worker–laid eggs but left most queen–laid eggs (four out of 120 worker eggs versus 106 out of 120 queen eggs remained after 1h). Ovary dissection (1150 workers from six colonies) revealed that a small but significant number of workers have active ovaries (4%) equivalent to approximately five to 25 workers per colony. Consistent with effective policing of worker reproduction, microsatellite analysis of males (270 individuals from nine colonies) detected no workers' sons. Worker policing by egg eating has convergently evolved in the common wasp and the honeybee suggesting that worker policing may have broad significance in social evolution. Unlike the honeybee, relatedness patterns in V.vulgaris do not explain selection for policing. Genetic analysis (340 workers in 17 nests) revealed that workers are equally related to the queen's and other workers' sons (worker–worker relatedness was 0.51 ± 0.04, 95% confidence interval). Worker policing in V.vulgaris may be selected due to the colony–level benefit of conflict suppression.