Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multipath grouping for millimeter-wave communications

In millimeter-wave communications (MMWC), multipath components (MPCs) have different steering angles and independent fadings. Park and Pan recently proposed a simple scheme for both transmitter and receiver to concurrently beamform towards multiple steering angles of MPCs to achieve both array gain and diversity gain. However, when the number of MPCs is greater than that of the transmit or receive antennas, a solution of antenna weight vector (AWV) does not exist. To cope with this problem, two multipath grouping (MPG) schemes, namely MPG-steering vector grouping and MPG-channel vector grouping, are proposed. These schemes group the MPCs that have close steering angles, and define an equivalent MPC for each non-empty group in both the transmitter and receiver. As the number of non-empty groups is always no larger than that of antennas in both the transmitter and receiver, a solution of AWV is guaranteed. Moreover, performance comparisons show that the two proposed MPG schemes achieve not only full diversity, but also an even better array gain than that of the scheme proposed by Park and Pan.
Low-dose thalidomide ameliorates cytopenias and splenomegaly in myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia: a phase II trial.

PURPOSE A phase II dose-escalation trial was conducted to ascertain low-dose thalidomide safety and response in patients with advanced myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM). PATIENTS AND METHODS Thalidomide was administered together with current therapy to 63 patients, starting at 50 mg daily and increasing to 400 mg as tolerated. RESULTS Half of the patients sustained daily doses more than 100 mg and the drop-out rate was 51% at 6 months: the drop-out rate was lower in patients with high baseline fatigue score. At efficacy analysis, anemia was ameliorated in 22% of the patients and transfusions were eliminated in 39% of transfusion-dependent patients. Platelet count increased by 50 x 10(9)/L or more in 22% of patients with an initial count lower than 100 x 10(9)/L. Splenomegaly decreased by more than 50% of the initial size in 19% of patients. Reduction of an overall disease severity score occurred in 31% of patients and was associated with a significant reduction of fatigue. Disease severity amelioration was independently predicted by a high baseline myeloproliferative index (ie, large splenomegaly, thrombocytosis, or leukocytosis). CONCLUSION Low-dose thalidomide displays an acceptable toxicity profile and provides an objective and subjective advantage to a relevant portion of MMM patients.
No association between genetic polymorphisms in IGF-I and IGFBP-3 and prostate cancer.

High levels of circulating insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), or IGF-I in relation to IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), have been associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer (CaP) and other common epithelial cell malignancies ([1][1]). Twin studies estimate that 38% of the interindividual
The Role of Financial Incentives as a Motivator in Employee's Productivity in Nigeria Electricity Distribution Companies

Since the major objective of any company is to maximize profit and increase shareholders earnings, then the need to increase productivity becomes inevitable. It has been observed by various scholars that the reason why most organizations experienced low productivity is due to the absence of motivational factors to employees with the financial incentives as major factors. The population of the study is entire staff of Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) totaling 65 in number. A sample size of 45 staff was arrived at through the simple random sampling technique. To conduct this research, research questions were drafted and distributed to the staff of the Yola Zonal office. The result obtained from the analysis of these data revealed that though employees enjoy some financial incentives, opportunities for advancement on the job, they were still not satisfied with the financial incentives, condition of service and management/ employees relationship. The researcher recommends the need for the organization to increase the incentives to all strata of the staff to effectively enhance high productivity.
PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF ECLIPTA AL BA LINN (ASTERACEAE): A REVIEW

Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk commonly known as bhringraj. It is mainly found spreading easily in moist grounds and is widely used f or its nutritional values all over the world. The plant is used to treat different diseases in human in traditional medicine. The important pharmacological activities are hepatoprotection, antibacterial, analgesic, antidiabetic hair growth, etc. This paper explains the evidence - based information regarding the photochemistry and pharmacological activity of this plant
[Cardiovascular risk factors in Spanish population: metaanalysis of cross-sectional studies].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE To review published studies on the prevalence of the main vascular risk factors -hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, obesity and tobacco smoking- in Spain, and to combine their results in an estimate for the Spanish population. MATERIAL AND METHOD After a bibliographic search, the studies fulfilling the following inclusion criteria were selected: cross-sectional design, sampling on Spanish population, results including prevalence data of at least one of the above mentioned risk factors, and objective [corrected] (not self-referred) determination of arterial blood pressure, total serum cholesterol, basal glucose, weight, size and body mass index. The combined prevalence was obtained by means of the random effects model, including weight for the proportion that the studied population supposes on the total Spanish population. RESULTS Forty-eight studies were identified including a total of 130.945 subjects. According to these studies, the most frequent vascular risk factors were hypertension in the elderly (66.7%, CI 59-74%), overweight/obesity in adult women (48,3%, CI 41-55%) and smoking among men (41.1%, CI 38-44%). In the Spanish population as a whole, 23% showed total cholesterol levels above 250 mg/dl; 33% were smokers (41,1% in men and 24% in women); 34% suffered hypertension; 20% were obese (18% in men and 23% in women); and diabetes affected 8% women and 12% men. CONCLUSION Cardiovascular risk in Spain is high. Monitoring the vascular risk factors at a population level is basic for preventive and health care measures.
Persuading to Reflect: Role of Reflection and Insight in Persuasive Systems Design for Physical Health

Mobile applications and self-tracking devices help us to maintain health and support our goals in changing our behaviors. Most of these tools aim to increase our self-knowledge by providing information upon which to reflect. However, merely spending time reflecting does not always lead to insightful outcomes. In this study surveying users of mobile health and fitness applications (N = 147), we have used structural equation modeling to explore the need for and roles of reflection and insight in the persuasive systems design model. The findings suggest that both dialogue support and primary task support features influence the need for reflection, paving the way to personal insight. The perceived credibility of the system played different roles for women and men and seemed to originate from different sources. In addition, we found significant roles for the attitude and unobtrusiveness of the system. This article contributes to positioning the reflective capabilities of a system in the design framework of persuasive systems and makes preliminary suggestions regarding how to transform the need for reflection into insights. It also exemplifies how to evaluate behavior change technologies by assessing the psychological outcomes of the intervention.
Efficacy and profitability of a mobile grinder system for biomass production in Korea

ABSTRACT Forest biomass utilization is increasing in Korea, but on-site biomass operations have not been studied much. This study investigates the efficacy and profitability of a mobile grinder system that consists of a mobile tub-grinder, a grapple excavator, and a three-man crew. A time study was carried out to measure production time and to calculate the productivity of the system. The mobile grinder system ran 3 work cycles a day for total of 347.5 minutes. It was only productive for less than half of the 8 working hours a day (237.4 minutes, utilization rate of 49.4%). We estimated that the system produced 246.2 m3/day, which was 26% lower than the daily capacity reported by the grinder operators. This study found the system could make utilizing forest biomass profitable, although this depended on limited market information. The profitability of the system can be improved by increasing work cycles a day and decreasing organizational delays by better operation management. More research is needed to increase the on-site productivity of the system, and incorporate it and the actual price of wood chips to further assess the profitability of the system. The study results can be used as a justification for the grinder system, encouraging forest managers to adapt this relatively new operation.
Efficacy and safety of hylan G-F 20 injection in treatment of knee osteoarthritis in Chinese patients: results of a prospective, multicentre, longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE To study the efficacy and safety of single intra-articular injection of 6-mL hylan G-F 20 in Chinese patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. DESIGN Prospective case series. SETTING Six government hospitals in Hong Kong. PATIENTS Patients with primary knee osteoarthritis were recruited from six government hospitals from 1 October 2010 to 31 May 2012. All patients received 6-mL intra-articular injection of hylan G-F 20. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Pain visual analogue scale, functional visual analogue scale, and 5-point Likert scale on change of pain and function were assessed. Adverse events were checked. Radiographs were taken pre-injection and at 3 months and 1 year. RESULTS A total of 110 knees of 95 patients with primary knee osteoarthritis were treated. The mean age of the patients was 62 (standard deviation, 9.8) years. All patients completed 1 year of follow-up. The mean pain visual analogue scale, functional visual analogue scale, and Likert value for pain and function showed statistically significant improvements at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year compared with the pre-injection values. No significant correlations were found between changes in visual analogue scale and age, body mass index, pre-injection radiological osteoarthritis severity, serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate, or C-reactive protein. Serial radiographs did not show any changes in the radiological severity of knee osteoarthritis. Overall, 16.4% of the patients experienced mild and self-limiting adverse events. CONCLUSION Hylan G-F 20 is a safe and effective therapy to relieve pain and improve function for up to 1 year in Chinese patients with knee osteoarthritis.
P2X7 Receptor Differentially Couples to Distinct Release Pathways for IL-1β in Mouse Macrophage1

The proinflammatory IL-1 cytokines IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-18 are key mediators of the acute immune response to injury and infection. Mechanisms underlying their cellular release remain unclear. Activation of purinergic P2X7 receptors (P2X7R) by extracellular ATP is a key physiological inducer of rapid IL-1β release from LPS-primed macrophage. We investigated patterns of ATP-mediated release of IL-1 cytokines from three macrophage types in attempts to provide direct evidence for or against distinct release mechanisms. We used peritoneal macrophage from P2X7R−/− mice and found that release of IL-1α, IL-18, as well as IL-1β, by ATP resulted exclusively from activation of P2X7R, release of all these IL-1 cytokines involved pannexin-1 (panx1), and that there was both a panx1-dependent and -independent component to IL-1β release. We compared IL-1-release patterns from LPS-primed peritoneal macrophage, RAW264.7 macrophage, and J774A.1 macrophage. We found RAW264.7 macrophage readily release pro-IL-1β independently of panx1 but do not release mature IL-1β because they do not express apoptotic speck-like protein with a caspase-activating recruiting domain and so have no caspase-1 inflammasome activity. We delineated two distinct release pathways: the well-known caspase-1 cascade mediating release of processed IL-1β that was selectively blocked by inhibition of caspase-1 or panx1, and a calcium-independent, caspase-1/panx1-independent release of pro-IL-1β that was selectively blocked by glycine. None of these release responses were associated with cell damage or cytolytic effects. This provides the first direct demonstration of a distinct signaling mechanism responsible for ATP-induced release of pro-IL-1β.
Toward an Understanding of Learning by Doing: Evidence from an Automobile Plant

Productivity improvements within establishments (e.g., factories, mines, or retail stores) are an important source of aggregate productivity growth. Past research has documented that learning by doing-productivity improvements that occur in concert with production increases-is one source of such improvements. Yet little is known about the specific mechanisms through which such learning occurs. We address this question using extremely detailed data from an assembly plant of a major auto producer. Beyond showing that there is rapid learning by doing at the plant, we are able to pinpoint the processes by which these improvements have occurred.
A 210-GHz f/sub T/ SiGe HBT with a non-self-aligned structure

A record 210-GHz f/sub T/ SiGe heterojunction bipolar transistor at a collector current density of 6-9 mA//spl mu/m/sup 2/ is fabricated with a new nonself-aligned (NSA) structure based on 0.18 /spl mu/m technology. This NSA structure has a low-complexity emitter and extrinsic base process which reduces overall thermal cycle and minimizes transient enhanced diffusion. A low-power performance has been achieved which requires only 1 mA collector current to reach 200-GHz f/sub T/. The performance is a result of narrow base width and reduced parasitics in the device. Detailed comparison is made to a 120-GHz self-aligned production device.
Looking Through Systemic Risk: Determinants, Stress Testing and Market Value

We provide a methodology to estimate a global credit risk factor (GRF) from CDS spreads. The estimated factor contains higher explanatory power on CDS spread fluctuations across sectors than standard credit indices like iTraxx or CDX. We find a positive association between the GRF and implied volatility variables, and a negative association with MSCI stock market sector indices as well as with interest rates and with the slope and the curvature of the term structure. Such correlations provide useful insights for risk management and hedging of credit portfolios. Indeed, we present a factor model that can be used in a stress testing methodology of credit portfolios as well as to evaluate future credit risk scenarios. Finally, we show evidence suggesting that the GRF was priced in the market during the 2006-2015 period.
Attracting Attention in a Limited Attention World: Exploring the Causes and Consequences of Extreme Positive Earnings Surprises

We investigate why extreme positive earnings surprises occur and the consequences of these events. We posit that managers know before analysts when extremely good earnings news is developing, but can have incentives to allow the earnings news to surprise the market at the earnings announcement. In particular, managers can use an extreme positive earnings surprise to attract investor attention when they believe their stock is neglected and future performance is expected to be strong. Analysts, who must allocate scarce resources across many firms, can also be inattentive and miss signals that suggest good performance is going to be announced. Using various proxies for extreme positive earnings surprises, management expectations for future performance and desire for attention, and analyst neglect, we find evidence that an extreme positive earnings surprise is a predictable event. These findings are incremental to controlling for a firm's information environment, earnings volatility, and operating leverage. Finally, we show that extreme positive earnings surprises are a successful method for attracting attention, with significant increases in the number of institutional owners, the number of analysts, and trading volume during the subsequent three years. This paper was accepted by Mary Barth, accounting.
Age at retirement and long term survival of an industrial population: prospective cohort study

Abstract Objective To assess whether early retirement is associated with better survival. Design Long term prospective cohort study. Setting Petroleum and petrochemical industry, United States. Subjects Past employees of Shell Oil who retired at ages 55, 60, and 65 between 1 January 1973 and 31 December 2003. Main outcome measure Hazard ratio of death adjusted for sex, year of entry to study, and socioeconomic status. Results Subjects who retired early at 55 and who were still alive at 65 had a significantly higher mortality than those who retired at 65 (hazard ratio 1.37, 95% confidence interval 1.09 to 1.73). Mortality was also significantly higher for subjects in the first 10 years after retirement at 55 compared with those who continued working (1.89, 1.58 to 2.27). After adjustment, mortality was similar between those who retired at 60 and those who retired at 65 (1.06, 0.92 to 1.22). Mortality did not differ for the first five years after retirement at 60 compared with continuing work at 60 (1.04, 0.82 to 1.31). Conclusions Retiring early at 55 or 60 was not associated with better survival than retiring at 65 in a cohort of past employees of the petrochemical industry. Mortality was higher in employees who retired at 55 than in those who continued working.
Analysis of furanocoumarins in vegetables (Apiaceae) and citrus fruits (Rutaceae)

Several alternative approaches applicable for the analysis of furanocoumarins, toxic components occurring in some fruits and vegetables representing both Apiaceae and Rutaceae families, were tested in our study. Limits of detection (LODs) for angelicin, psoralen, bergapten, xanthotoxin, trioxsalen, isopimpinellin, sphondin, pimpinellin and isobergapten obtained by GC/MS (SIM) were in the range 0.01-0.08 µ gg −1 . S lightly higher LODs (0.02-0.20 µ gg −1 ) were achieved by LC/MS-MS. The latter is the only alternative for analysis of bergamottin (LOD = 0.01 µ gg −1 ) in citrus fruits because this furanocoumarin is unstable under GC conditions. Regardless of the determination step used, the repeatability of the measurements (expressed as RSD) did not exceed 10%. As shown in our study the levels of furanocoumarins in celery, celeriac, parsnip, carrot, lemon and other foods obtained at a retail market varied over a wide range; the highest contents were determined in parsnip, while the levels of these toxins in carrots and citrus pulps were relatively low.  2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Calcium or Resistant Starch Does Not Affect Colonic Epithelial Cell Proliferation Throughout the Colon in Adenoma Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Patients with a history of sporadic adenomas have increased epithelial cell proliferative activity, an intermediate risk marker for colorectal cancer. Reduction of proliferation by dietary intervention may reflect a decreased colorectal cancer risk. To evaluate whether calcium or resistant starch could reduce proliferative activity throughout the colon, we performed a randomized controlled trial in 111 sporadic adenoma patients. Patients received two placebos, 1 g of calcium + placebo, or 30 g of amylomaize (19 g of resistant starch) + placebo. After 2 mo, biopsies were collected from the cecum, transverse and sigmoid colon, and rectum during colonoscopy. Epithelial cell proliferation was determined by dividing the number of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine-labeled nuclei by the total number of nuclei × 100 (labeling index, LI). LI of luminal, mid, and basal compartments was determined. Twenty-five patients dropped out. In the remaining 86 patients (28 treated with placebo, 30 with calcium + placebo, and 28 with resistant starch + placebo), no difference was observed in total LI, the LI of the three compartments, or the crypt length in the four areas of the colorectum. Colonic epithelial cell proliferative activity throughout the colon of sporadic adenoma patients is not affected by supplementation with 1 g of calcium or 19 g of resistant starch.
The Effects of Transdermal Estrogen Delivery on Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women: A Meta-analysis

Due to its minimal systematic adverse effects, transdermal estrogen is widely used for the prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. The present meta-analysis aimed to clarify the effects of transdermal estrogen on bone mineral density (BMD) of postmenopausal women. Studies were identified by searching electronic databases including Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase , and CINAHL databases, and also the Sciences Citation Index. Systematic review of articles was published between January 1989 to February 2016.Reference lists of the included articles were also evaluated and consultations were made with relevant experts. While 132 studies included the desired keywords, only nine clinical trials met the inclusion criteria and were finally reviewed. The pooled percent change in BMD was statistically significant in favor of transdermal estrogen. According to resulting pooled estimate, lumbar spine BMD one and two years after transdermal estrogen therapy was respectively 3.4% (95% CI: 1.7-5.1) and 3.7% (95% CI: 1.7-5.7) higher than the baseline values. The test for heterogeneity was not statistically significant based on the I2 heterogeneity index. One-two years of transdermal estrogen delivery can effectively increase BMD and protect the bone structure in postmenopausal women.
PENGARUH KOMPETENSI SUMBER DAYA MANUSIA, PENERAPAN SISTEM PENGENDALIAN INTERN PEMERINTAH, DAN PENERAPAN STANDAR AKUNTANSI PEMERINTAH TERHADAP KUALITAS LAPORAN KEUANGAN PEMERINTAH KOTA PADANG

This study aimed to analyze the effect of human resource competencies, the implementation of internal control government system, and the government's application of accounting standards for financial reporting quality Padang city government. This research is quantitative research that is causative. The population in this study all accounting entities in the local government area of ​​Padang who are 45 Regional Working Units (on education) consists of 7 (seven) agencies and technical institutions, 18 (eighteen) service, the Regional Secretariat, Parliament Secretariat, 6 (six) office, 1 (one) and 11 district hospitals with the respondent is Penatausaha Financial Officer (CO) of each on education. Sampling technique using total sampling. The data analysis technique used is the path analysis (path analysis) using SPSS version 15.00. The results based pathway analysis showed that: (1) variable competence of human resources at 8.12% direct effect, indirect effect of 4.84% through the implementation of the SAP, and the indirect effect of 2.44% through the implementation of the SPIP quality of government financial statements, (2) the application of variable SPIP by 7.45% direct effect and indirect effect of 3.66% on the quality of government financial statements. (3) the implementation of SAP Variable 15.05% direct effect on the quality of government financial statements, while 58.40% is influenced by other factors outside the study. Keywords: human resource competencies, implementation of internal control government system, and the government's application of accounting standards on the quality of government financial statements