Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modelling 3D product visualization on the online retailer

-Purpose: An emerging body of research has investigated telepresence and presence notions in online retailers’ websites during the past two decades. Since that time considerable research has been published in different fields to explain the meanings and applications of these notions. This study aims to investigate the antecedents and consequences of 3D product simulation telepresence and the effects of the consequences on consumers’ behavioural intentions on the online retailer Website. -Design/methodology/approach: this study developed a retailer Website in which a variety of laptops are presented by using 3D product visualizations. This research used a withinsubjects design and employed two laboratory experiments. In the first experiment, a two-way repeated measure ANOVA was conducted to determine the effects of the manipulated conditions on the dependent variable (i.e., 3D telepresence). Finally, we used Amos 16 to test the overall goodness of fit of the proposed conceptual model. -Originality/values: To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first in the UK that used a UK sample to investigate the effects of using 3D product visualization in an electrical industry (i.e., laptops) on consumers’ experiences. Secondly, this paper merged constructs from the human-computer-interaction (HCI) field (i.e., control, vividness and telepresence) to the proposed model. Moreover, the way this paper defines interactivity and telepresence adds value to this study. Thirdly, we developed new scales to measure telepresence and control constructs to suit consumers’ experience in the online retailer context. Finally, the design of this study is original in using a website that contains 3D product visualization with both utilitarian and hedonic values. -Findings: The manipulation checks showed that high control and animation provides most effective representation of telepresence. The overall goodness of fit of the conceptual model met the standards and showed that all the hypothesized paths were valid. -
Bi input-extended Kalman filter-based speed-sensorless control of an induction machine capable of working in the field-weakening region

This study introduces a novel bi input-extended Kalman filter (BI-EKF)-based speed-sensorless direct vector control (DVC) of an induction motor (IM). The proposed BI-EKF-based estimator includes online estimations of the stator stationary axis components of the stator currents, isa and isb; stator stationary axis components of the rotor flux, jra and jrb; rotor angular velocity, wm; stator resistance, Rs; rotor resistance, Rr; and load torque tL, as well as the magnetizing inductance, Lm, by only supposing that the stator phase currents and voltages are measured. Thus, the speed-sensorless DVC of the IM with the inclusion of the proposed estimator is able to be perfectly operated at a wide speed range, varying from zero speed to beyond the rated/based speed under the extreme variations in Rs, Rr, tL, and Lm . The simulations confirm the effectiveness of the proposed BI-EKF-based estimator and, consequently, the speed-sensorless DVC of the IM.
An analysis of conjunctive discourse markers in the EFL classroom: a case study of EFL teachers in Saudi Arabia

This study investigates the use of three major categories of DMs by 40 male Saudi EFL teachers in their English classrooms, viz., additive, causative, and adversative DMs. The analysis revealed that the participant teachers used the three major DM categories; however, the additive discourse markers recorded the highest mean scores. The findings also indicate that DMs performed a number of pragmatic functions; they are deployed to express a cause, to show continuity and addition of new information, and to express contrast, denial and cancellation. Moreover, the results revealed that the participant teachers made many errors in the use of the DMs under investigation, but such errors fell into the category of misuse. The study concludes that English language and literature programmes at the Saudi universities should revise their curricula so that a special attention is given to DMs. Moreover, teacher training programmes should focus on conjunctive discourse markers because of their impact on the cohesion of both spoken and written discourse.
Hardware nonlinearities in digital TV broadcasting using OFDM modulation

FFT-based coded orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (COFDM) is one of the techniques for digital TV broadcasting over multipath fading channels. A FFT-based OFDM signal is subject to various hardware nonlinearities in both the transmitter and receiver. Hardware nonlinearities not only affect the in-band performance of an FFT-based OFDM system but also may affect the system performance of an adjacent channel signal because of regenerated sidelobes of the transmitted signal. The paper investigates the in-band and out-of-band behaviour of a 64QAM-OFDM system under various nonlinear devices. It is shown that the inherent signal clipping in the IFFT processors with a limited word length reduces the required RF amplifier output backoff (OBO) where adjacent channel interference is the limiting factor. For a 0.25% clipping rate, an additional 2 dB OBO is required for the COFDM signal to achieve the same level of adjacent channel interference as for the single carrier system. The loss in SNR due to signal clipping is negligible in a coded OFDM system.
Diagnosis of tuberculosis: principles and practice of using interferon-&ggr; release assays (IGRAs)

Educational aims To provide an overview of T-cell interferon-&ggr; release assays (IGRAs) used for detection of tuberculosis (TB) infection. To outline how these tests can be used in clinical practice for the assessment of latent TB infection (LTBI) and active TB. Summary One in three people worldwide are infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis; the vast majority have latent infection. Tracking this latent reservoir is the cornerstone of TB control and prevention in the developed world [1]. But standard tools for diagnosis and prevention are more than 100 years old and inadequate to control the global TB epidemic [2]. However, the last decade has witnessed a major advance in the diagnosis of M. tuberculosis infection [3–5]. T-cell IGRAs are the first practical output of a decade of reinvigorated basic science research into TB and are now revolutionising diagnosis and screening of LTBI.
Evaluación de la sobrecarga en los cuidadores de los pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson ambulatorios y sus factores de riesgo.

BURDEN AMONG CAREGIVERS OF PATIENTS WITH PARKINSON DISEASE Background : Parkinson disease (EPI) patients often require being assisted by others. These caregivers are exposed to a decrease in their quality of life. Aim: To explore Parkinson disease patient features associated with a greater burden among their caregivers. Material and methods : Fifty one patients with Parkinson disease (aged 67±12 years, 29 men, with 8 ± 5 years of disease) and their caregivers, were studied. Patients were assessed with the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale III, the Hoehn & Yahr stage standardization, Parkinson’s minimental test, the neuropsychiatric inventory and the Beck Depression Inventory (IDB). The Zarit Burden Interview (ESZ) was applied to caregivers. Results : According to IDB, 45% of patients whose caregivers presented little or no burden had a depression, compared to 78% of those whose caregivers had moderate or intense burden. (p Conclusions: Motor alterations, cognitive impairment and most importantly depression of patients with Parkinson disease are deteminants of burden for their caregivers. Normal 0 21 false false false ES X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Tabla normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:. 0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
A communications-based technique for interdisciplinary design team management

A technique for interdisciplinary design team management that focuses on information processing and communication between team members is presented. A cognitive model of communication-related failure mechanisms of design groups is developed. Strategies for defining and assigning subtasks among individuals or subgroups that are based on the communications model are described. A technique for evaluating the expected effectiveness of a design team configuration is also presented. The cognitive model and task definition and assignment strategies are integrated into a tool which is traditionally used to evaluate only the physical design artifact itself, failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA). By determining communication failure mechanisms and how they can affect the design artifact, the authors are able to develop strategies that minimize their impact and an analytic tool to determine design team effectiveness. An illustrative application to the problem of designing a program for computer-assisted instruction is presented. >
Second-order intermodulation mechanisms in CMOS downconverters

An in-depth analysis of the mechanisms responsible for second-order intermodulation distortion in CMOS active downconverters is proposed in this paper. The achievable second-order input intercept point (IIP2) has a fundamental limit due to nonlinearity and mismatches in the switching stage and improves with technology scaling. Second-order intermodulation products generated by the input transconductor or due to self-mixing usually contribute to determine the IIP2 even though they can, at least in principle, be eliminated. The parasitic capacitance loading the switching-stage common source plays a key role in the intermodulation mechanisms. Moreover, the paper shows that, besides direct conversion and low intermediate frequency (IF), even superheterodyne receivers can suffer from second-order intermodulation if the IF is not carefully chosen. The test vehicle to validate the proposed analysis is a highly linear 0.18-/spl mu/m direct-conversion CMOS mixer, embedded in a fully integrated receiver, realized for Universal Mobile Telecommunications System applications.
Confronting the technological pedagogical knowledge of Finnish Net Generation student teachers

The research reported here is concerned with a critical examination of some of the assumptions concerning the ‘Net Generation’ capabilities of 74 first‐year student teachers in a Finnish university. There are assumptions that: (i) Net Generation students are adept at learning through discovery and thinking in a hypertext‐like manner (Oblinger & Oblinger, 2005; Prensky, 2001); and (ii) when they enter the teaching profession, members of this generation will be able to transfer these characteristics into their teaching practices (Prensky, 2001). The research is formulated around an extended framework for student teachers’ technological pedagogical knowledge. The students designed learning modules incorporating the use of information and communication technology (ICT). The learning modules were subjected to document and artefact analysis incorporating concept‐driven coding. Supplementary data were collected through a questionnaire concerned with the students’ adoption of new technologies. The findings suggest that assumptions about Net Generation student teachers’ abilities to adopt and adapt ICT in their teaching are highly questionable and that greater attention should be given to the development of their technological pedagogical knowledge.
Teaching the Visual Learner: The Use of Visual Summaries in Marketing Education

Approximately 40% of college students are visual learners, preferring to be taught through pictures, diagrams, flow charts, timelines, films, and demonstrations. Yet marketing instruction remains heavily reliant on presenting content primarily through verbal cues such as written or spoken words. Without visual instruction, some students may be underperforming because of the inconsistency between teachers’ teaching styles and students’ learning styles. Because it has been suggested that some college students learn better from visual stimuli, an improved balance between verbal and visual techniques could offer significant learning benefits. This study investigates the use of visual summaries as an instructional technique for visual learners. Findings reveal that student performance on specific marketing topics and overall course satisfaction can be enhanced by combining visual summaries with more traditional instructional approaches. Pedagogical ideas are provided to help instructors use visual summaries in marketing education.
Resource Sharing in the ICT Era: The Case of Nigerian University Libraries

The paper examines how information and communication technology can be utilized for resource sharing among university libraries in Nigeria. It was based on the study and review of recent library and information science literature on both print and electronic resources. It discusses the meaning of information and communication technology, resource sharing practices, and how information and communication technology facilitates resource sharing. It traces the history of resource sharing among Nigerian libraries. The current state of information and communication technology application and utilization in Nigeria and its university libraries is revealed, with emphasis on university libraries that are located in different zones of the country. The paper examines challenges facing Nigerian University Libraries with respect to information and communication technology application and utilization for resource sharing, as well as to areas of library operations to which information and communication technology can be applied and utilized for resource sharing. It concludes by proffering solutions for viable information and communication technologies–based cooperation among university libraries in Nigeria.
Hepatitis B Virus Genotypes, Mutations and the Risks for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has infected more than 400 million people worldwide. HBV infected individuals remaining at increased risk of developing end-stage liver disease including cirrhosis, hepatic failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the third most common cause of cancer mortality. The important risk factors for HCC include the presence of HBV e antigen (HBeAg), a surrogate marker of active viral replication, and the amount of hepatitis B viral load in serum. Recent studies suggest that the genetic characteristics of HBV, including HBV genotype and specific genetic mutations, are associated with the development of HCC [1,2].
Laparoscopic Excision of Retroperitoneal Tumors: Technique and Review of the Laparoscopic Experience

A technique for laparoscopic excision of benign retroperitoneal tumors, including a teratoma and two cystic lesions, is described. Laparoscopic resection of a 12-cm retroperitoneal teratoma was accomplished with the patient in the left lateral decubitus position. Medial mobilization of the ascending colon and the duodenum was required for access to the lesion. Resections of two cystic lesions (measuring 20 cm and 12 cm) were performed with the patients in the lithotomy position. The colon required medial mobilization in both cases to gain access to the cysts. Once the cysts were dissected from surrounding structures, they were punctured, and the aspirated fluid was sent for cytologic analysis. There were no complications or conversions. Mean operating time was 122 minutes (range, 80–190). Patients were discharged 1 day after surgery, requiring only nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for analgesia. Retroperitoneal tumors can be resected laparoscopically with careful preoperative investigation and meticulous laparoscopic technique. A major advantage of laparoscopic resections is that the patient recovers rapidly with minimal morbidity.
Optimizing Urban Land-Use Allocation: Case Study of Dhanmondi Residential Area, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Land-use allocation is a multiobjective optimization problem as it involves multiple stakeholders with conflicting goals and objectives. In this paper we optimize both land price and incompatibility among adjacent land uses of an area and try to solve the problem with a widely used heuristic approach called the genetic algorithm. The goal is to look for an effective, computationally easy, and efficient tool for land-use planners to use in generating and evaluating feasible land-use plans to facilitate the decision-making process. The model is demonstrated through a case study of the capital city of Bangladesh.
Sorting networks using nonlinear L/sub p/ mean comparators

In certain signal processing applications there is a need for fast hardware implementations of sorting algorithms and networks. So far, classical minimum/maximum comparators have been utilized in various sorting network topologies. However, these comparators can not attain high speeds in operation, due to limitations in digital technology. This paper introduces the L/sub p/ comparators, which are based on the theory of nonlinear mean filters. It is shown that the disadvantage of introducing errors is counter-balanced by their faster performance, when compared to the performance of classical comparators. A novel L/sub p/ comparator-based sorting network is also presented, for the fast calculation of the median of a data set. In this implementation, the number of steps required to produce the ordered output is not related to the number of inputs.
From the Field and Into the Classroom

Although it is difficult these days to find a company that does not have a website, you do not have to look very far for to find a website with significant design and architecture flaws. Getting a visitor to your website is one thing, making the experience effortless and allowing them to find exactly what they need is another story. That being said, understanding how the consumer comprehends and navigates webpage content is an important part of the interactive marketing process that demands extra attention. Although this field is well established among marketing research practitioners, information architecture assessment and website usability tests are user-centric methods of website analysis that receive little attention from marketing academics. This article discusses the importance of user-centric methods of website analysis for the field of direct and interactive marketing and outlines strategies for implementing qualitative research techniques in an educational context. Classroom exercises and take-home assignments for an undergraduate curriculum are provided and discussed.
Analysis of Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A and Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1alpha in Patients Operated on Stage I Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Objectives. Recent studies show that expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1α) favours expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), and these biomarkers are linked to cellular proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis in different cancers. We analyze expression of HIF-1α and VEGF-A to clinicopathologic features and survival of patients operated on stage I non-small-cell lung cancer. Methodology. Prospective study of 52 patients operated on with stage I. Expression of VEGF-A and HIF-1α was performed through real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results. Mean age was 64.7 and 86.5% of patients were male. Stage IA represented 23.1% and stage IB 76.9%. Histology classification was 42.3% adenocarcinoma, 34.6% squamous cell carcinoma, and 23.1% others. Median survival was 81.0 months and 5-year survival 67.2%. There was correlation between HIF-1α and VEGF-A (P = 0.016). Patients with overexpression of HIF-1α had a tendency to better survival with marginal statistical significance (P = 0.062). Patients with overexpression of VEGF-A had worse survival, but not statistically significant (P = 0.133). Conclusion. The present study revealed that VEGF-A showed correlation with HIF-1α. HIF-1α had a tendency to protective effect with a P value close to statistical significance. VEGF-A showed a contrary effect but without statistical significance.
Current and future therapy in Alzheimer’s disease

Dementia is increasingly being recognized as one of the most important medical problems in the elderly. As most pharmacological research within the field of dementia is focused on Alzheimer’s dementia (AD), this review will focus on pharmacological interventions in AD. Most disease‐modifying therapies are based on the amyloid hypothesis. In this hypothesis, the pathological accumulation of Aβ in the brain leads to oxidative stress, neuronal destruction and finally the clinical syndrome of AD. Following this hypothesis, secondary prevention of AD can be made by: decreasing the production of Aβ, stimulation of clearance of Aβ formed or prevention of aggregation of Aβ into amyloid plaques. First a short overview on current approved therapies for AD is given. The main part of the review will focus on potential disease‐modifying therapies for AD that are currently being studied in phase I to phase III trials.
Prognostic significance of p16 and CDK4 proteins in localized prostate carcinoma

In prostate carcinoma, a very low frequency of point mutations of the tumor suppressor gene CDKN2/MTS1 (p16INK4 ) has been reported, but deletions of 9p21 and inactivation by promoter methylation are observed more frequently. In the current study the authors evaluated the expression of p16 and CDK4 proteins and their prognostic significance in patients with clinically localized prostate carcinoma.
Techniques for utterance disambiguation in a human-computer dialogue system

Disambiguating an utterance occurring in a dialogue context is a complex task, which requires input from many different sources of information— some syntactic, some semantic, and some pragmatic. The central question addressed by this thesis is how to integrate data sources for utterance disambiguation within a bilingual human-computer dialogue system. First, a simple scheme is proposed for classifying disambiguation data sources; then this scheme is used to develop a method for combining data sources in a principled manner. Next, several actual sources of disambiguation data are explored; each is fitted into the previously described implementation framework. In particular, a probabilistic grammar is developed and augmented using novel techniques to increase its performance with respect to the local dialogue context. In a dialogue system, ambiguities which cannot be resolved automatically can be clarified by asking the user what was meant. This thesis also presents a model of clarification subdialogues which is integrated within the utterance disambiguation framework. This is followed by a brief treatment of how user errors may be accommodated, and how this process can also be fitted—conceptually and in implementation—into the previously described disambiguation framework. Finally, I describe the details of implementing these techniques within an existing dialogue system, and give examples demonstrating their effectiveness.