Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for stroke in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Stroke is a serious complication of diabetes but the risk factors for stroke in these patients are not fully defined. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the risk factors for stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The group comprised 208 patients with T2DM, and the mean duration of follow-up was seven years (range 4–11 years). The incidence of stroke was investigated according to lymphocyte proliferation in response to insulin. Using cimetidine to inhibit cells with histamine receptors and indometacin to inhibit prostaglandin-synthesising cells, a higher incidence of stroke was found in patients with indirect cell-mediated immunity to insulin. Therefore, one of the risk factors for stroke in patients with T2DM is high activity of cells with histamine receptors and prostaglandin-synthesising cells. These cells suppress cell-mediated immunity to insulin and may have a role in promoting the development of insulin resistance.
Retinal Function and Morphology in Central Retinal Vein Occlusion With Macular Edema

Purpose/Aim: To investigate the relations among best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), macular sensitivity, macular thickness, and macular volume in patients with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and macular edema. Materials and Methods: In 16 consecutive patients with CRVO (mean age: 71.9 ± 6.9 years; 10 women and six men), macular function was documented by microperimetry and BCVA was determined on the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution scale. Macular thickness and macular volume were measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT), and mean macular sensitivity was calculated for each of nine macular subfields on the retinal map obtained by OCT. Results: BCVA was correlated with both macular thickness and macular volume in all nine subfields of the macular region. In contrast, macular sensitivity was correlated with both macular thickness and macular volume in six out of nine subfields (superior inner, superior outer, inferior inner, inferior outer, nasal inner, and nasal outer). The correlations were stronger in the nasal subfields than the other subfields. Conclusions: These findings suggest that evaluation of both visual acuity and macular sensitivity might be important when assessing visual function in CRVO patients with macular edema.
The Use of Mobile Technology in the Marketing of Therapeutic Tourist Sites: A Critical Analysis

The main aim of this study is to provide practitioners and researchers with some insights into the users’ level of smartphone marketing of therapeutic tourism with more focus on the Arab world. Marketing of therapeutic tourism has not been addressed substantially as a research area and very little research exist about the use of technologies in tourism marketing in general and the Arab world in specific. Generally, this work will contribute to the Arab behavior in the adoption of smartphone marketing in tourism research. Specifically, this study will add to the body of knowledge for the future development of smartphone marketing in the therapeutic tourism in Jordan.
Modélisation de signaux fortement non stationnaires à phase et à amplitude locales polynomiales

Ce travail de recherche est consacre a l’elaboration et le developpement d’une nouvelle methode d’estimation et de reconstruction de signaux fortement non-stationnaires, modules non-lineairement a la fois en amplitude et en frequence. L’estimation de tels signaux dans un contexte tres bruite est un probleme delicat et les methodes existantes de la litterature presentent plusieurs inconvenients dans ce cas. Nous avons montre comment une approche locale permet une meilleure adaptabilite du modele a la nature des variations locales des amplitudes et des frequences instantanees. Les resultats de l’estimation sont par consequent ameliores. L’originalite de la methode proposee tient a l’application de modeles parametriques bien adaptes sur des segments temporels de courtes durees extraits du signal etudie. Nous avons propose une strategie de segmentation puis une strategie de fusion des segments estimes permettant la reconstruction du signal dans la totalite de sa duree. L’approche proposee permet de s’affranchir d’un modele global du signal requerant un ordre d’approximation eleve. La validation de l’efficacite de l’estimation a ete effectuee au prealable sur un segment temporel court. Le modele considere localement consiste en une approximation polynomiale de la frequence et de l’amplitude exprimee dans une base polynomiale discrete et orthonormale que nous avons calculee. Cette base permet de reduire le couplage entre les parametres du modele. Nous proposons et comparons deux techniques differentes pour estimer ces derniers. La premiere est fondee sur la maximisation de la fonction de vraisemblance en utilisant la technique d’optimisation stochastique le recuit simule. Tandis que la deuxieme se base sur une approche Bayesienne employant les methodes MCMC simulees par l’algorithme de Metropolis-Hastings. Nous montrons, sur des simulations et egalement sur des signaux reels, que l’approche proposee fournit de bons resultats d’estimation par comparaison a celles de la HAF
Degradation simulation for multimedia communication via underwater channel

In this paper we establish a packet loss model which meets the packet loss characteristics of underwater acoustic channel by pool experiment, so that we can simulate the packet loss characteristics of underwater acoustic channel on the computer, save the time for sea trial. In the proposed model, the Gilbert-Elliot model is used to simulate the packets loss. What's more, studied speech and image business simulation based on the corrected model. We adopt multicarrier-multi-frequency shift keying modulation (MC-MFSK) as the way of modulation in experimental communication systems. PESQ algorithm is used to calculate the MOS of speech, and PNSR is used to calculate the image quality. Experimental results indicate that the corrected packet loss model based on Underwater Communication can reflect the situation of data loss in underwater acoustic channel veritably.
Factors that Influence Online Purchasing Behavior among Students in Universiti Utara Malaysia

Aims: The rapid growth in Internet access among Malaysian showed more ventures towards e-commerce activity that contributes to significant value in national growth domestic product. As technology-driven industry is normally associated with younger generations that are more technology savvy, their purchasing behavior through online shopping platform is of interest. Methodology: Undergraduate students online purchasing behavior will be assessed, and factor analysis will be adopted. Results: Result shows that there are three major factors that influence online purchasing behavior, which are the attitude towards online shopping, trust, and perceived benefit. Result also indicated that 41.9% of the respondents have been victimized by financial fraud during online transaction at least once, thus the need to educate people in managing online financial risk is a must. Conclusion: There are three factors that influence students’ attitude towards online shopping. The factors are behavior towards online shopping, trust and perceived benefit. Technological advances nowadays influence current students’ purchasing pattern that are more likely to buy products through online platforms.
Detection and Discrimination of Theileria annulata and Theileria lestoquardi by using a Single PCR

The aim of this study was to detect and differentiate Theileria annulata and T. lestoquardi (hirci) by PCR. Members of the genus Theileria are tick-borne hemoprotozoan parasites; those cause fatal and enervating diseases of cattle and sheep in Iran. In order to develop a specific method for detecting and identification of Theileria species, specific primers from the surface protein (SP) sequence were designed that allowed the specific diagnosis of T. annulata and T. lestoquardi infection simultaneously. Theileria surface protein genes have consensus and variable sequences regions that allowed us to design the common primers for both species, which amplified two different PCR products. The results of this study demonstrated that a novel, simple, and high specific PCR for detecting and identifying T. annulata and T. lestoquardi infection.
Supply Chain Management Strategies in Project and Absorptive Capacity to Implementation Partnership Strategy in New Product Development

To develop new and successful products, supply chain management can be efficient way as a multidisciplinary process. It appears logical to consider that some elements, such as fast changes in technology, a flexible process of production, and international rivalry, have a direct relationship across various knowledge sources and are more necessary for introducing timely and profitable new products. Our main emphasis is to make a comparative assessment forthe role of decomposed attributes of complexity level in new project development (NPD) and internal abilities to choose partnership as dominant mode for external collaboration in different phases of NPD, by using supply chain management design across 125 NPD projects in low technology-intensive SMEs in Spain. The results provide support for the role of absorptive capacity and different dimensions of project complexity in developing a co-development strategy (Partnership) in different phases of NPD projects.
Prognostication of astrocytoma patient survival by Ki‐67 (MIB‐1), PCNA, and S‐phase fraction using archival paraffin‐embedded samples

The prognostic power of three proliferation estimation methods, Ki‐67 (MIB‐1) and PCNA immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry (S‐phase and S+G2/M fractions, respectively), were evaluated in 50 cases of astrocytoma. Each proliferation index showed a strong association with the grade of malignancy (grades I‐IV). The MIB‐1 labelling index (LI) provided additional information, as it could be used for the discrimination of grade II and grade III astrocytomas (P=0·0357). All three proliferation estimation methods also had strong prognostic potential (MIB‐1 LI: P<0·0001; PCNA Li: P<0·0001; S‐phase: P=0·0004; S+G2/M: P=0·0124). According to the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve, the MIB‐1 LI showed generally the best sensitivity and specificity in placing the patients correctly into groups of survivors and non‐survivors, which was further confirmed in the multivariate analysis. Only 4 per cent of the patients having high MIB‐1 scores (>15·3 per cent) were alive after 2‐years' follow‐up. In contrast, 72 per cent of patients with tumours of low proliferation activity survived. It appears that Ki‐67 (MIB‐1) immunolabelling using archival paraffin‐embedded samples is of value in predicting prognosis in astrocytic tumours.
PENGARUH KEPEMILIKAN MANAJERIAL, KEPEMILIKAN INSTITUSIONAL, PROFITABILITAS DAN UKURAN PERUSAHAAN TERHADAP KEBIJAKAN DEVIDEN

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor yang mepengaruhi Kebijakan Deviden. Faktor-faktor tersebut adalah Kepemilikan Manajerial (KM), Kepemilikan Institusional (KI), Profitabilitas (ROE) dan Ukuran Perusahaan (SZ). Data yang digunakan adalah data sekunder yaitu laporan keuangan tahunan pada Perusahaan Properti dan Real Estate. Pengambilan sampel pada penelitian ini menggunakan metode purposive sampling. Dengan metode ini, diperoleh 35 perusahaan yang dijadikan sebagai sampel penelitian. Metode analisis data yang digunakan adalah analisis regresi data panel dengan menggunakan eview versi 10.0. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Kepemilikan Manajerial, Profitabilitas dan Ukuran Perusahaan tidak berpengaruh terhadap Kebijakan Deviden dan Kepemilikan Institusional berpengaruh terhadap Kebijakan Deviden.
Five-year clinical prospective evaluation of zirconia-based Denzir 3-unit FPDs.

PURPOSE The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the clinical performance of fully sintered hot isostatic pressed yttria-partially-stabilized zirconia (Denzir) 3-unit fixed partial dentures (FPDs). MATERIALS AND METHODS Nineteen 3-unit FPDs were placed in 18 patients. Ten FPDs were placed in the maxilla and 9 in the mandible. Two calibrated examiners evaluated the FPDs independently 1 week (baseline), 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years after placement using the California Dental Association quality evaluation system. RESULTS All FPDs were intact at the 5-year examination. One FPD lost retention after 12 months but remained intact; it was recemented and is still in function after 5 years. All FPDs were rated satisfactory over 5 years. No changes were seen in terms of color and anatomic form. The number of slightly rough or pitted occlusal surfaces increased approximately 30% over 5 years. Visible evidence of ditching along the margin increased over time, but only for those FPDs luted with zinc phosphate cement. CONCLUSION The 5-year results indicate that yttria-partially-stabilized zirconia 3-unit FPDs with anatomically designed frameworks are promising prosthetic alternatives, even in the premolar and molar regions. However, for all-ceramic FPDs with more units in function, further studies are necessary.
National Culture and the Value Implications of Corporate Social Responsibility: A Channel Analysis

We examine why corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices vary across countries and firms, and evaluate the value implications. Using a sample of 30,399 firm-year observations representing 4,279 firms from 49 countries over the 2003–2015 period and applying hierarchical linear modeling, we find that individualism is positively associated with firm-level CSR practices. We show that three country-level channels—freedom of the press, protection of equal rights, and income inequality—and three firm-level channels—managerial discretion, board diversity, and corporate transparency—link individualism to CSR. We find a positive association between firm-level CSR practices and firm value, with three firm-level channels—cash flows, cash flow variability, and cost of equity—linking CSR to firm value. This positive association is stronger in more individualistic countries. Finally, we find that internationalization weakens the role of national culture; however, it accentuates the positive association between firm-level CSR practices and firm value.
Modeling The Demand for inbound Tourism to Thailand: Panel Data Approach

This paper models the inbound tourism demand of Thailand by focusing on six major tourism markets, including China, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Russia, and India. Several economics variables widely used in the demand modeling literature were adopted. Besides, additional variables pertaining to environmental and security aspect were considered and incorporated into our investigated model. The panel data of six countries during 2003 and 2015 were collected from various sources. In our analysis, the random effects model was appropriated with the data set. The coefficient estimates were computed using panel least square method. Our results revealed that the substitute price of tourism destinations as well as the number of crime cases statistically significant in explaining the variation in tourism demand for Thailand. The major tourism markets of Thailand are sensitive the price of tourism and more likely to choose destination with lower costs of stay. Meanwhile, security and safety is another factor that influences their decision-making in selecting visiting destination.
Biological Activity of the Alternative Promoters of the Dictyostelium discoideum Adenylyl Cyclase A Gene

Amoebae of the Dictyostelium discoideum species form multicellular fruiting bodies upon starvation. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is used as intercellular signalling molecule in cell-aggregation, cell differentiation and morphogenesis. This molecule is synthesized by three adenylyl cyclases, one of which, ACA, is required for cell aggregation. The gene coding for ACA (acaA) is transcribed from three different promoters that are active at different developmental stages. Promoter 1 is active during cell-aggregation, promoters 2 and 3 are active in prespore and prestalk tip cells at subsequent developmental stages. The biological relevance of acaA expression from each of the promoters has been studied in this article. The acaA gene was expressed in acaA-mutant cells, that do not aggregate, under control of each of the three acaA promoters. acaA expression under promoter 1 control induced cell aggregation although subsequent development was delayed, very small fruiting bodies were formed and cell differentiation genes were expressed at very low levels. Promoter 2-driven acaA expression induced the formation of small aggregates and small fruiting bodies were formed at the same time as in wild-type strains and differentiation genes were also expressed at lower levels. Expression of acaA from promoter 3 induced aggregates and fruiting bodies formation and their size and the expression of differentiation genes were more similar to that of wild-type cells. Expression of acaA from promoters 1 and 2 in AX4 cells also produced smaller structures. In conclusion, the expression of acaA under control of the aggregation-specific Promoter 1 is able to induce cell aggregation in acaA-mutant strains. Expression from promoters 2 and 3 also recovered aggregation and development although promoter 3 induced a more complete recovery of fruiting body formation.
Parents' reports of the body shape and feeding habits of 36-month-old children: an investigation of gender differences.

OBJECTIVE The current study examined parental perception of offspring body shape, differential reporting of offspring eating behaviors by mothers and fathers, and gender-specific patterns of offspring feeding habits. METHODS Parents of a community sample of 36-month-old children (N = 93) completed measures regarding their offspring's feeding patterns and body shape. RESULTS Results revealed noteworthy correlates (e.g., concerns about their child's appetite) of parental perception of offspring weight status. They further suggested that mothers and fathers often differed in their accounts of their child's eating habits, and that parents report certain eating behaviors differently depending on the gender of their child. CONCLUSION Clinical and theoretical implications are discussed.
A model of staggered organic thin-film transistors with contact resistance

In this paper, we propose a current equation of organic thin-film transistors including a consideration of the contact resistance. The variable range hopping (VRH) model and the current crowding model are chosen for the charge transport of organic semiconductors and an effect of the contact resistance, respectively. The characteristic curves of our proposed model highly show consensus with the measured data. The contact resistance has more weight for the linear regime than for the saturation regime because charge carriers are crowded in the contact region between an electrode and the channel layer, so the carrier injection is decelerated due to the bottle-neck effect.
Pedestrian Detection Based on Adaptive Selection of Visible Light or Far-Infrared Light Camera Image by Fuzzy Inference System and Convolutional Neural Network-Based Verification

A number of studies have been conducted to enhance the pedestrian detection accuracy of intelligent surveillance systems. However, detecting pedestrians under outdoor conditions is a challenging problem due to the varying lighting, shadows, and occlusions. In recent times, a growing number of studies have been performed on visible light camera-based pedestrian detection systems using a convolutional neural network (CNN) in order to make the pedestrian detection process more resilient to such conditions. However, visible light cameras still cannot detect pedestrians during nighttime, and are easily affected by shadows and lighting. There are many studies on CNN-based pedestrian detection through the use of far-infrared (FIR) light cameras (i.e., thermal cameras) to address such difficulties. However, when the solar radiation increases and the background temperature reaches the same level as the body temperature, it remains difficult for the FIR light camera to detect pedestrians due to the insignificant difference between the pedestrian and non-pedestrian features within the images. Researchers have been trying to solve this issue by inputting both the visible light and the FIR camera images into the CNN as the input. This, however, takes a longer time to process, and makes the system structure more complex as the CNN needs to process both camera images. This research adaptively selects a more appropriate candidate between two pedestrian images from visible light and FIR cameras based on a fuzzy inference system (FIS), and the selected candidate is verified with a CNN. Three types of databases were tested, taking into account various environmental factors using visible light and FIR cameras. The results showed that the proposed method performs better than the previously reported methods.
Role of T helper lymphokines in the immune-inflammatory pathophysiology of schizophrenia: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background: Schizophrenia is highly complex multifactorial psychiatric disorder with poorly defined etiopathophysiology, which also has manifestations in the immune system. Aims: The aim of this review is to meta-analyze the available evidence regarding the role of immune activation indicated by the T helper cells in order to evaluate etiopathophysiological links between the immune system and schizophrenia. Methods: A literature search was performed in multiple electronic databases for relevant research papers published between 1990 and May 2014. Meta-analyses were conducted under both random- (REM) and fixed-effect models (FEM) by calculating weighted mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity was assessed with the I2 index. Results: Twenty-one studies were selected after observing inclusion and exclusion criteria. In vitro interferon-gamma (INF-γ) and interleukin (IL)-2 production was significantly lower in the schizophrenic patients compared with non-schizophrenic control individuals under both FEM and REM. Serum levels of IL-2 and serum/in vitro IL-4 were not significantly different in both groups under both FEM and REM. Overall Th1:Th2 ratio (INF-γ:IL-4 and IL-2:IL-4) in the serum samples was significantly deflected towards Th2 under both models in the serum samples (− 0.33 [− 0.59 to − 0.06]; P < 0.03, FEM and − 2.44 [− 4.27 to − 0.60]; P < 0.009, REM) but in vitro production Th1:Th2 ratio (INF-γ:IL-4 and IL-2:IL-4) was deflected towards Th1 under both the models (1.11 [0.45–1.78]; P < 0.002, FEM and 6.68 [0.72–12.64]; P < 0.03, REM). Conclusions: Whereas the Th1:Th2 ratio in the serum samples deflected towards T2, in vitro Th1:Th2 ratio favored Th1 when the individual study data were meta-analyzed.