Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distributed Emergent Software: Assembling, Perceiving and Learning Systems at Scale

Emergent software systems take a reward signal, an environment signal, and a collection of possible behavioural compositions implementing the system logic in a variety of ways, to learn in real-time how best to assemble a system. This reduces the burden of complexity in systems building by making human programmers responsible only for developing potential building blocks while the system determines how best to use them in its deployment conditions - with no architectural models or training regimes. In this paper we generalise the approach to distributed systems, to demonstrate for the first time how a single reward signal can form the basis of complex decision making about how to compose the software running on each host machine, where to place each sub-unit of software, and how many instances of each sub-unit should be created. We provide an overview of the necessary system mechanics to support this concept, and discuss the key challenges in machine learning needed to realise it. We present our current implementation in both datacentre and pervasive computing environments, with experimental results for a baseline learning approach.
Essays on economic growth and international trade

This thesis deals with a range of topics in economic growth and international trade. The first part investigates the role of geographic and occupational immobility in determining the spatial variation in the degree of labor specificity in the short-run. The second part takes a longer time-perspective and provides a theory to rationalize the observed changes in the rate and direction of technological progress and labor allocation across broad sectors over the course of development. The third part focuses on the interaction between the institutional setting and pre-modern economic forces to understand the diffusion of German Reformation in the 16th century. Finally, the last part documents a positive relationship between trade with technology leaders and inter-sectoral markup variation for developing countries and provides a model which underscores the importance of technology diffusion to understand the observed patterns.
Combined detection of uMCP-1 and uTWEAK for rapid discrimination of severe lupus nephritis

Reliable markers for the rapid discrimination of severe renal damage remain a vital concern for lupus nephritis (LN). To determine a better tool for kidney damage detection, the present study compared the evaluation ability of novel urinary cytokines and chemokines (namely urinary monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (uMCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (uTWEAK)) with traditional serum or urinary markers (namely urinary alpha 1-microgrobulin (uα1-MG), beta 2-microglobulin (uβ2-MG) and serum complement C3 (C3), complement C4 (C4), creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and cystatin C (Cys C)) in discriminating LN renal damage. Correlations between markers with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) renal SLEDAI scores, biopsy activity index (BAI) and biopsy chronicity index (BCI) scores were evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to evaluate a single or combined model in discriminating active renal involvement (rSLEDAI scores > 0) and patients with poor pathological outcome (BAI scores ≥ 7). uMCP-1 and uTWEAK possess higher correlation coefficients with renal damage and larger areas under ROC curves (AUCs) than other markers. A combined model of uMCP-1 and uTWEAK showed an AUC of 0.887, sensitivity of 86.67% and specificity of 80.00% to discriminate active LN, and an AUC of 0.778, sensitivity of 75.00% and specificity of 81.82% to discriminate LN with poor outcome, which are better than the utility of any markers individually.
Communicating to colocated ad-hoc receiving nodes in a fading environment

This paper considers wireless ad hoc networks where a remote source sends information to a destined user embedded within a group of K colocated users enjoying favorable SNR conditions among themselves, but suffering from quasistatic flat Rayleigh fading with respect to the source. Under stringent delay constraints a cooperative transmission strategy is proposed, achieving a substantial throughput benefit when the colocation gain is large.
NONINVASIVE ASSESSMENT OF RETINAL VASCULAR OXYGEN CONTENT AMONG NORMAL AND DIABETIC HUMAN SUBJECTS: A Study Using Hyperspectral Computed Tomographic Imaging Spectroscopy

Purpose: This pilot study was aimed to demonstrate the clinical feasibility of using hyperspectral computed tomographic spectroscopy to measure blood oxygen content in human retinal vessels. Methods: All procedures were performed under a University of Southern California Institutional Review Board–approved protocol and after obtaining informed consent. Fifty-seven subjects with and without diabetic retinopathy were dilated for standard fundus photography. Fundus photographs and retinal vascular oxygen measurements (oximetry) were made using a custom-made hyperspectral computed tomographic imaging spectrometer coupled to a standard fundus camera. Oximetry measurements were made along arteries (Aox) and veins (Vox) within vessel segments that were 1 to 2 disk diameters from the optic disk. Results: For all control subjects (n = 45), mean Aox and Vox were 93 ± 7% and 65 ± 5% (P = 0.001), respectively. For all diabetic subjects (n = 12), mean Aox and Vox were 90 ± 7% and 68 ± 5% (P = 0.001), respectively. In subjects with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, Aox was significantly lower, and Vox was significantly higher than other groups (85 ± 4% and 71 ± 4%, respectively; P = 0.04, analysis of variance). There was a highly significant difference in the arteriovenous difference between subjects with proliferative diabetic retinopathy and those in the control group (14 vs. 26%, P = 0.003). Conclusion: Hyperspectral computed tomographic spectroscopy is a clinically feasible method for measurement and analysis of vascular oxygen content in retinal health and disease. This study uses the techniques relevant to oximetry; however, the breadth of spectral data available through this method may be applicable to study other anatomical and functional features of the retina in health and disease.
Seminal quality, spermatozoal outpost, and testicular changes in growing Holstein bulls.

Nine Holstein bulls, initially between the ages of 17 and 22 mo, awaiting proofs in artificial breeding, were ejaculated each summer for 3 yr, and 8 and 7 survivors for 4 and 5 yr, respectively, to study changes in the same group of bulls and determine the predictive value of early measurements. Semen was collected twice a day, 2 days per wk, for 4 wk. Bulls differed in testicular size, consistency, ejaculate volume, total spermatozoal output, percentage of unstained spermatozoa and abnormal spermatozoa, and in several storage and freezing tests. The largest yearly effects were on testis size and consistency, ejaculate volume, and total output of spermatozoa. The latter increased per bull from 28.3 X 10(9) per wk at 17 to 22 mo of age to 40.9 X 10(9) per wk 4 yr later, representing a high output of spermatozoa with a total of only 20 min of intensive sexual preparation per wk. The correlation between testis size and spermatozoal output was . 72. Testicular consistency was indicative of semen quality measured simultaneously as judged by correlations with spermatozoal characteristics ranging from . 61 to . 95. These characteristics are believed to be representative of those Holstein bulls in artificial breeding which are ejaculated frequently.
Limb Remote Ischemic Preconditioning Attenuates Lung Injury after Pulmonary Resection under Propofol–Remifentanil Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Study

Background:Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) may confer the protection in critical organs. The authors hypothesized that limb RIPC would reduce lung injury in patients undergoing pulmonary resection. Methods:In a randomized, prospective, parallel, controlled trial, 216 patients undergoing elective thoracic pulmonary resection under one-lung ventilation with propofol–remifentanil anesthesia were randomized 1:1 to receive either limb RIPC or conventional lung resection (control). Three cycles of 5-min ischemia/5-min reperfusion induced by a blood pressure cuff served as RIPC stimulus. The primary outcome was PaO2/FIO2. Secondary outcomes included other pulmonary variables, the incidence of in-hospital complications, markers of oxidative stress, and inflammatory response. Results:Limb RIPC significantly increased PaO2/FIO2 compared with control at 30 and 60 min after one-lung ventilation, 30 min after re-expansion, and 6 h after operation (238 ± 52 vs. 192 ± 67, P = 0.03; 223 ± 66 vs. 184 ± 64, P = 0.01; 385 ± 61 vs. 320 ± 79, P = 0.003; 388 ± 52 vs. 317 ± 46, P = 0.001, respectively). In comparison with control, it also significantly reduced serum levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-&agr; at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after operation and malondialdehyde levels at 60 min after one-lung ventilation and 30 min after re-expansion (all P < 0.01). The incidence of acute lung injury and the length of postoperative hospital stay were markedly reduced by limb RIPC compared with control (all P < 0.05). Conclusion:Limb RIPC attenuates acute lung injury via improving intraoperative pulmonary oxygenation in patients without severe pulmonary disease after lung resection under propofol–remifentanil anesthesia.
Interactive Effect of Probiotics Supplementation and Weight Loss Diet on Metabolic Syndrome Features in Patients With Coronary Artery Diseases: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial

Background. Nutrition and probiotics supplementation are considered as nondrug strategies for the control of coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of the present study was to investigate the interactive effects of probiotic supplementation and weight loss program on anthropometric and metabolic syndrome (MetS) indices in patients with CAD. Methods. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed in 44 overweight CAD patients. All the patients received weight loss program (5% to 10% of initial body weight) throughout the study course. The subjects were randomly assigned into intervention or placebo groups (n = 22, each) and received a probiotic or maltodextrin capsule/day, respectively, for 12 consecutive weeks. Anthropometric and MetS indices were assessed. Results. There was a significant decrease in total cholesterol (−30.7 ± 49.83 vs −5.9 ± 65 mmol/L, P = .043) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (−25.64 ± 51.7 vs −5.44 ± 70.1 mg/dL, P = .049) in the probiotic group compared to the placebo group. Other MetS feature indices and blood pressure did not differ significantly within or between groups. Conclusion. Probiotics supplementation improved total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol but had no effect on other lipid profile parameters and anthropometric indices. The weight loss diet plus probiotics supplementations resulted in more favorable decrease of cardiovascular risk factors compared to a weight loss program alone.
Effects of long-term treatment with proton pump inhibitors in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease on the histological findings in the lower oesophagus.

BACKGROUND The application of hyperplasia of the basal cell layer and elongation of the papillae in the squamous epithelium of the distal oesophagus, as histological criteria for the diagnosis of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), continues to be controversial. An unanswered question is whether these changes may regress under long-term treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPI). This fact prompted us to investigate the effect of PPI treatment on the histological changes observed in the lower oesophagus. METHODS 295 patients with endoscopically confirmed erosive GORD were investigated by endoscopy/biopsy prior to and during the course of a 12-month PPI treatment regimen (8 weeks acute treatment with 30 mg lansoprazole/day followed by long-term treatment with 15 or 30 mg lansoprazole or 20 mg omeprazole/day). The parameters studied were the frequency of ulcers and erosions and the hyperplasia of the basal cell layer and elongation of the papillae prior to treatment and on day 56 (D56), after 6 months (M6) and after 12 months (M12) of treatment. RESULTS In the various treatment groups, the results showed no statistically significant differences. Ulcers and erosions (prior to treatment 21% and 31%, respectively) were detected statistically significantly less frequently under PPI treatment (ulcers, D56: 1%, M6 and M12, 0%; erosions, D56: 2%, M6: 4%, M12, 3%). While high-grade hyperplasia of the basal cell layer and elongation of the papillae was found in 51% of the cases prior to treatment, the corresponding figures were only 3% (D56, M6) and 2% (M12). In contrast, the percentage of cases with normal oesophageal epithelium increased from 8% before treatment to 55% (D56), 66% (M6) and 63% (M12). CONCLUSIONS Our study shows not only that erosions and ulcers heal under PPI treatment, but also that hyperplasia of the basal cell layer and elongation of papillae in the squamous epithelium of the oesophageal mucosa may normalize, and are thus presumably not 'normal physiological variants'.
Stigma as a barrier to the use of occupational health units for tuberculosis services in South Africa.

SETTING Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death in South Africa, and health care workers (HCWs) are disproportionally affected. The resulting absenteeism strains the already overburdened health system. Although hospital occupational health care units (OHUs) are cost-effective and of crucial importance in tackling the TB epidemic, the fear of being stigmatised by other colleagues might lead HCWs to avoid using OHUs. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether the perception of TB stigma among colleagues has a negative effect on the willingness to use OHUs for TB services. DESIGN In the Free State Province, South Africa, a representative sample of 804 HCWs from six hospitals were surveyed on workplace stigma as a predictor for the use of OHUs for TB services. Applying structural equation modelling, we also controlled for exogenous variables. RESULTS There was a significant negative relationship between the perception of stigmatising attitudes and behaviours among co-workers and the use of OHUs for TB screening (β -0.21, P = 0.000), treatment (β -0.16, P = 0.001) and isoniazid preventive therapy (β -0.17, P = 0.000). CONCLUSION The negative effect of TB stigma on OHU use among HCWs can impact upon their health and increase hospital costs. This needs to be addressed by interventions combating TB stigma among HCWs in the workplace.
Emerging strategies in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of Chlamydophila pneumoniae infections

Background: Chlamydophila pneumoniae infections are a common cause of acute respiratory diseases, including upper respiratory tract infections and pneumonia. Over the past few years, C. pneumoniae infections have been strongly related to atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. Objective: The aim of this review is to offer an update and overview of recent advances in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of these infections. Methods: Diagnostic systems have improved but further progress is required to allow a reliable diagnosis to be made. This is especially true for atherosclerotic diseases, for which standard criteria need to be established. Results/conclusion: Polymerase chain reaction and serological methods need to be standardized and made better to improve the diagnosis of C. pneumoniae infections. It seems to be crucial to obtain new and more selective antigens associated with persistent infections to explain the participation of C. pneumoniae in coronary artery disease.
Epstein-Barr Virus–DNA Load Monitoring Late After Lung Transplantation: A Surrogate Marker of the Degree of Immunosuppression and a Safe Guide to Reduce Immunosuppression

Background. Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is a serious complication after lung transplantation and its relation with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is well recognized. It has been postulated that preemptive reduction of immunosuppression guided by EBV-DNA load may lead to a significantly lower incidence of PTLD, because of the reconstitution of T-cell control. In this report, we describe the feasibility of this approach in terms of safety with regard to the risk of acute as well as chronic allograft rejection in 75 lung transplant recipients transplanted between 1990 and 2001 and followed for this study from June 1, 2001 until January 1, 2006. Methods. From all patients visiting our outpatient clinic, EBV-DNA load was measured at least twice a year during the study period. In patients with positive results, measurements were repeated every two to four weeks. EBV reactivation was defined as two consecutive EBV-DNA load measurements with a rising trend; with the last measurement exceeding 10.000 copies/mL under stable immunosuppression. In such case, immunosuppression was reduced. Results. EBV reactivation was observed in 26/75 patients (35%). One (1.5%) of these patients developed PTLD during the study period. Acute rejection, acceleration of chronic allograft rejection, or worse survival were not observed after reduction of immunosuppression. Conclusions. Preemptive reduction of immunosuppression after lung transplantation guided by EBV-DNA load appears to be a safe approach for the prevention of PTLD in lung transplant recipients late after transplantation.
North-South Cooperation in Medical Education and Research: The European Union and South Mediterranean Economies

The objective of this paper is to show the need for further cooperation around medical education and research through the mobility of medical doctors. Three important implicit players are identified and include medical schools, public authorities and the business related to health-care. These players from North and South are assumed to engage in cooperation around medical education, medical research and health development. The triple helix approach and the support of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are the foundations of the model. The empirical part introduces the on-going international cooperative frameworks between the European Union and South Mediterranean countries and identifies possibilities of expansion. The paper shows how such as a framework could be expanded to generate further benefits with win-win outcomes to both Northern and Southern economies. The emphasis placed on the European Union and Arab countries provides further evidence for the pursuit and expansions of collaborations and dialogues on health and mobility of medical doctors.
A New Suboptimal Selection Combining With Enhanced Performance for BPSK Over Rayleigh Fading Channels

A new suboptimal selection combining (SC) scheme is proposed and is denoted by (α+ |r|)-SC, where α is the fading factor, and |r| is the received signal envelope. The (α+ |r|)-SC scheme has lower complexity than the optimal SC scheme and outperforms other existing suboptimal SC schemes such as the traditional signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR)-SC (denoted by α-SC) and |r|-SC schemes. To choose a diversity branch for signal reception, the suboptimal SNR-SC and |r|-SC schemes use SNR and |r| as their selection statistics, respectively, and the branch with the maximal selection statistic is selected. For the branch selection of (α+ |r|)-SC, basically, each diversity branch uses the linear sum of the selection statistics of α-SC and |r|-SC schemes as a new selection statistic. Unlike the optimal SC or maximal ratio combining (MRC) scheme that requires multipliers to form the selection or combining statistic, the (α+ |r|)-SC scheme only uses adders to generate the selection statistic, which makes (α+ |r |)-SC faster and more power-saving than the optimal SC or MRC. For performance comparisons, the bit error rate (BER) of binary phase-shift keying (BPSK) over independent but not necessarily identical ( i.n.d.) Rayleigh fading channels is derived. Numerical results show that the suboptimal (α+ |r|)-SC and optimal SC schemes have very close BER performance.
Dynamics of Specific Antibody Responses Induced in Mallards After Infection by or Immunization with Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Viruses

Abstract Natural infections with different subtypes of low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (LPAIVs) are very common in wild duck populations. Recent outbreaks of high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N1 in Eurasian and African countries stimulated monitoring activities in aquatic wild bird populations. Surveillance mainly focused on virus detection. Only a few serologic investigations have been conducted so far, although such data may retrospectively elucidate epidemiologic patterns of different AIV subtypes in the populations under study. To better understand the immunologic and serologic reactions of mallards after infection with LPAIV, we investigated the AIV type- and subtype-specific antibody dynamics in mallards after different LPAIV infections by hemagglutination inhibition, competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and western blot analysis, as appropriate. Four groups of mallard ducks were used: 1) naturally infected birds, 2) birds that were experimentally infected with LPAIV, 3) birds that were immunized with inactivated virus preparations, and 4) negative control birds. Ducks were monitored for up to 15 mo, and serum samples were investigated every 1–4 wk. It could be shown that infection with LPAIV in mallards can be traced serologically over prolonged periods of time.
A review of Social Insurance in the Philipppines 1

This paper aims to review and assess the protection afforded by the Social Security System (SSS) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), two of the three agencies tasked with administering social insurance in the country. Like social security systems in other countries, the GSIS and SSS provide income support to government/private sector employees and their families in times of contingencies like death, old age, sickness, and disability arising from work, and are financed out of the contribution of members and their employers. The GSIS and SSS are mandatory, publicly managed, benefit-defined social insurance schemes with funding coming from members and their employers and investment income from reserves. Government guarantees the solvency of both systems and the levels of benefits prescribed. The global economic downturn will tend to reduce the stream of contributions to the social security system as a result of the increase in unemployment and the reduction in the level of earnings on which contributions are based. At the same time, there will be a temptation on the part of policymakers to use the pension funds to partially finance the fiscal stimulus package that has been drawn in response to the crisis. However, using the pension funds to pump-prime the domestic economy will not be consistent with the primary objective of the fund to protect the old-age income of members. 1