Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Fuzzy Multi-metric QoS-balancing Gateway Selection Algorithm in a Clustered VANET to LTE Advanced Hybrid Cellular Network

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) attract nowadays research community and the automotive industry, aiming to provide not only more safety in the transportation systems but also other high QoS based services and applications for their customers. In this work, we propose a cooperative traffic transmission algorithm in a joint VANET LTE Advanced hybrid network architecture that elects a gateway to connect the source vehicle to the LTE Advanced infrastructure under the scope of Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I) communications. The origi-nality of the proposed Fuzzy QoS-balancing Gateway Selection (FQGwS) algorithm is the consideration of QoS traffic classes constraints for electing the gateway. Our algorithm is a multi-criteria and QoS based scheme optimized by performing the fuzzy logic for making the decision over the appropriate gateway. Criteria are related to the Cluster Head and gateway candidates Received Signal Strength, load and the vehicle to vehicle Link Connectivity Duration. Simulation results demonstrate that our algorithm presents better results than the deterministic scheme for gateway selection. Moreover, results show the efficiency of FQGwS algorithm as it adapts its gateway selection decision to cluster density and to relative velocity of source node.
Molecular and immunohistochemical characterization of the onset and resolution of human renal allograft ischemia-reperfusion injury

Background. Following allotransplantation, renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury initiates a series of events that provokes counter-adaptive immunity. Though T cells clearly mediate allospecific immunity, the manner in which reperfusion events augment their activation has not been established. In addition, comprehensive analysis of I/R injury in humans has been limited. Methods. To evaluate the earliest events occurring following allograft reperfusion and gain insight into those factors linking reperfusion to alloimmunity, we examined human renal allografts 30 to 60 minutes postreperfusion (n=10) and compared them with allografts with normal function that had resolved their I/R injury insult (>1 month posttransplant, n=6) and to normal kidneys (living donor kidneys before procurement, n=8). Biopsies were processed both for immunohistochemical analysis as well as for transcript analysis by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results. Reperfusion injury was characterized by increased levels of gene transcripts known to be involved in cellular adhesion, chemotaxis, apoptosis, and monocyte recruitment and activation. T-cell-associated transcripts were generally absent. However, recovered allografts exhibited increased levels of T-cell and costimulation-related gene transcripts despite normal allograft function. Consistent with these findings, the immediate postreperfusion state was characterized histologically by tubular injury and monocyte infiltration, while the stable posttransplant state was notable for T-cell infiltration. Conclusions. These data suggest that monocytes and transcripts related to their recruitment dominate the immediate postreperfusion state. This gives way to a T-cell dominant milieu even in grafts selected for their stable function and absence of rejection. These data have implications for understanding the fundamental link between I/R injury and alloimmunity.
Current applications and limitations of coronary computed tomography angiography in stable coronary artery disease

The introduction of non-invasive coronary angio-graphy with multidetector row computed tomo-graphy (CT) has the potential to substantially impact clinical cardiology. In the past, visualisation of coronary anatomy could only be obtained through invasive coronary angiography and therefore was restricted to patients with a high degree of clinical suspicion of haemodynamically relevant coronary artery stenoses, usually through evidence of ischaemia on non-invasive functional tests. The availability of a non-invasive approach is likely to change current indications and restrictions for angiographic evaluation. However, the technique is relatively new and is in continuous development. As a result, many potential clinical applications of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) have not been fully evaluated by clinical trials. Consequently, formal guidelines for the use of CCTA do not exist. In addition, some of the data obtained by recent trials may seem contradictory at first, resulting in uncertainty as to whether clinicians should utilise this technique in daily practice and, if so, which patients are most likely to benefit.1–3 w1–w3 In order to better appreciate the potential role of CCTA, the available data must be interpreted in the context of the particular strengths and limitations of the technique itself as well as characteristics of the investigated populations. The purpose of this article is to provide a perspective on potential applications of CCTA based on current technology and available clinical data. Visualisation of the coronary arteries requires high spatial and temporal resolution. High temporal resolution is needed to obtain motion-free images of the coronary arteries which show rapid movement during the cardiac cycle. In addition, high spatial resolution is required to adequately visualise the small coronary artery segments that range in diameter from a few millimetres proximally to submillimetre size more distally. At present, invasive, catheter based coronary angiography still constitutes the ‘gold standard’ for coronary artery visualisation. …
Management of project stakeholders: facilitating project success in public sector projects in Nigeria

This research is based on evidences which show that project success in public sector construction projects in Nigeria is hindered by, among other issues, poor stakeholder management. As a result, the study involved the development of a conceptual model for effective stakeholder management. Using the conceptual model, empirical studies to establish the practice of stakeholder management in Nigerian public sector projects in four public universities as case studies were carried out. The resulting data were analysed, which revealed significant weaknesses in the practice of stakeholder management. These include lack of wide and deep knowledge/understanding of the concepts of project and stakeholder management by the clients’ project management teams (or research participants); non-existence of formal/systematic process of project stakeholder management; and poor system of project information/data management. Consequently, an integrated framework to ensure effective stakeholder management that would facilitate project success was developed. The integrated framework involves a seven-step stakeholder management process model, considering participants and their qualifications, techniques and outputs of the stakeholder management process and a system for project information/data management, across three-phase project life cycle. To ensure that the framework is practically applicable, it was evaluated by the expected beneficiaries of the framework and other experts familiar and involved with project and stakeholder management in the case studies, using questionnaire survey. The results of the evaluation show acceptability of the framework to effectively manage stakeholders and improve project success. However, while the framework may have been developed using data from selected universities, its principles may be applicable with prudence to other universities and other public sector projects. Further similar empirical studies using this approach or other suitable approaches in other universities and/or public sectors are required to generalise the findings and improve project success.
Overcoming Information Asymmetry in Internationalization : The Signaling Effect of a Sovereign Wealth Fund as an Institutional Intermediary

Combining perspectives from the literature on institutional activism and signaling theory, we suggest that a sovereign wealth fund (SWF), owing to its distinctive properties as a government-owned foreign institutional investor, serves as an intermediary signaler, providing cues about host countries’ institutional environment to internationalizing firms. By publicizing its investments and engaging in institutional activism to transform the corporate governance practices in host countries, a SWF signals the institutional quality of host countries, which allows firms to overcome the well-known ‘lemons’ problem in international decisionmaking. We examine the impact of a SWF’s signals on firms’ ownership choices in their foreign acquisitions. Empirical analysis of Norway’s SWF and firms from Norway and Sweden during 1998-2011 shows that firms are more likely to take full equity ownership—indicative of larger commitments—in acquisitions in host countries where Norway’s SWF holds larger investments. The signaling effect of the SWF weakens for conational firms, suggesting a diminishing signal strength with proximity to the signaler due to alternative information channels. Similarly, institutional harmonization between the home and host countries enabled by intergovernmental organizations weakens the signaling effect of SWF investments. Our findings point to a new intermediary signaler and the salience of its signals for firms’ international decision-making. Academy of Management Journal
A Low Phase Noise, Low Power and Wide Tuning Range VCO with Filtering Technique in ISM Band

In this paper, a novel voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) with low phase noise, low power consumption and wide tuning range in the industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) band is proposed for communication systems applications. For improving the phase noise, filtering technique is used and VCO is designed with TSMC CMOS 0.18 μm technology and the power supply is 1.5 V. The simulation results with advanced design system (ADS) shows that phase noise in 1 MHz offset frequency from the carrier is -122 dBc/Hz and tuning range is 2 to 2.8 GHz. The power consumption of the core is 2.49 mW.
Benefits accruing to companies listed at The Nairobi Stock Exchange

This study sought to find out the benefits that companies listed at the Nairobi Stock Exchange enjoy. Evidence from research indicates that an increasing number of companies see going public as a way to improve their reputation and social capital with beneficial effects on their capacity to access external resources and opportunities for new entrepreneurial ventures. Previous research has mainly focused on the long run performance of initial public offers. Research in different markets has produced different results. No research has been carried out in Kenya to find out what benefits accrue to firms listed at the NSE, thus the need for this research. The population covers all companies that were quoted at the Nairobi Stock Exchange as at 30 September 2005. The study makes use of primary data. The data was collected using questionnaires. Questionnaires were subjected to a statistical analysis of frequency, in order to obtain a relative assessment of the extent of the different aspects of the listing benefits and crosstabulation and in order to check for significant differences across various industry sectors. Factor analysis and principal component analysis were also used. The research found out that going public allows firms to access external financial resources. The decision to go public improves the liquidity of a Company's shares as well as the scope for diversification by the initial * shareholders of the company. Other benefits realised include positive public image and better management of quoted companies. It is clear that companies realise many benefits from listing their shares at the NSE. The stock exchange must play an increasingly educational role; the Capital Markets Authority as the regulatory agency must alter its approach from the sometimes heavy-handed type of control to a more proactive, creative and supportive role in order to assist in the creation of a more vibrant and forward looking capital market environment. This it can do by seeing itself as a catalyst in development rather than as a traditional regulator of what is a very small market. c More companies should consider listing at the stock exchange and enjoy the benefits that come with listing.
InterPACKICNMM 2015-48611 FABRICATION , PACKAGING , AND CATHETER ASSEMBLY OF 2 D CMUT ARRAYS FOR ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND AND CARDIAC IMAGING

Ultrasound is increasingly in demand as a medical imaging tool and can be particularly beneficial in the field of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE). However, many challenges remain in the development of a 3D ultrasound imaging system. We have designed and fabricated a quad-ring capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducer (CMUT) for real-time, volumetric medical imaging. Each CMUT array is composed of four concentric, independent ring arrays, each operating at a different frequency, with 128 elements per ring. In this project, one ring will be used for imaging. A large (5mm diameter) lumen is available for delivering other devices, including high intensity focused ultrasound transducers for therapeutic applications or optical fibers for photoacoustic imaging. We address several challenges in developing a 3D imaging system. Through wafer vias are incorporated in the fabrication process for producing 2D CMUT arrays. Device integration with electronics is achieved through solder bumping the arrays, designing a flexible PCB, and flip chip bonding CMUT and ASICs to the flexible substrate. Finally, we describe a method for integrating the flex assembly into a catheter shaft. The package, once assembled, will be used for in-vivo open chest experiments. INTRODUCTION In medical applications, 3D, real-time, high-resolution images are increasingly necessary for disease diagnosis and treatment. Catheter-based electrophysiology and endoscopic ultrasound imaging can provide high resolution, real-time images without the ionizing radiation produced by fluoroscopy, which is common in a clinical setting. Therefore, a need for advanced, non-ionizing 3D imaging systems is growing. Capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs) are a MEMS-based technology that offers several unique advantages in this regard. Their batch processing of arbitrary array geometries, low mechanical impedance, and broadband frequency response lend CMUT technology to use in medical imaging systems. Due to the fabrication flexibility of CMUT technology, a ring array with center lumen is easily realizable, allowing the use of other therapeutic or diagnostic devices, such as optical fibers for photoacoustic imaging or high intensity focused ultrasound arrays for tissue ablation, in addition to ultrasound imaging. Previously, we have reported in vivo volumetric imaging of forward-looking CMUT catheters [1,2]. These promising results have led to the design and fabrication of other arrays. To this end, this paper aims to describe the critical fabrication, packaging, and assembly steps required for building CMUTbased forward-looking catheters for use in 3D medical imaging systems.
Organizational Implications of Managing Corporate Legitimacy in Complex Environments – A Longitudinal Case Study of Puma

Corporations are operating in complex business environments. The globalization of markets has transformed the division of labor between governments and corporations and today, corporations are expected to take over a political role in global governance processes and provide public goods such as standards for safe work places or environmental protection. Corporations that assume economic and political responsibilities are, however, confronted with heterogeneous, often contradictory, demands of a highly diverse range of stakeholders. Managing these demands poses new organizational challenges for the corporation. In this paper, we explore how corporations respond to complex stakeholder environments and we analyze the legitimacy strategies that corporations employ to maintain their license to operate. In particular, we study the organizational prerequisites for managing legitimacy and how they are changing over time. We draw on the literature on institutional theory and organizational paradoxes and conduct an empirical case study at the sportswear manufacturer PUMA. The results of our qualitative longitudinal study show that managing corporate legitimacy is a dynamic concept and corporations learn over time to adequately adapt organizational capacities, structures and procedures. Based on the findings of our explorative case study, we conclude our article by formulating testable hypothesis.
Corporate Boards Gender Diversity and Earnings Persistence: The Case of French Listed Firms

This article empirically tests the impact of gender diversity of the boards of directors on earnings quality in general, and on earnings persistence in particular. Using a sample of 70 French firms listed at the SBF 120 index, we find that the enhancement of earnings persistence could not attributed to gender diversity. The results do not display significant differences among firms with female and male directors. Those results may be traced back to the sociopsychological attitude adopted by female directors, and by the visibility of barriers that would hinder their hierarchical progression.
BAC transgenic expression efficiency: bicistronic versus ATG‐fusion strategies

Bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC)‐based transgene can be expressed bicistronically with the target gene or fused to its translation start codon. To compare the transgene expression efficiencies of these two methods, mice were created that expressed green fluorescent protein (GFP) from the genomic locus of nucleostemin using the bicistronic (NSiGFP) or the ATG‐fusion approach (NSmGFP). Three lines with 1, 2, and 4 copies of the NSiGFP transgene, and two lines with 1 copy of the NSmGFP transgene were generated. Of the three NSiGFP lines, only the 4‐copy line can match the NSmGFP lines in their GFP protein expression levels. Analyses of the GFP and nucleostemin RNA transcript levels exclude IRES inefficiency and suggest premature termination of the bicistronic message as the cause for low GFP expression in the NSiGFP mice. This work provides important information for designing BAC transgenics when the transgene expression level is crucial. 45:647–652, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measuring the Social Discount Rate Under Uncertainty: A Methodology and Application

It is well recognised that the issue of the social rate of discount applies only to the gains from public investment that accrues to the public sector. When it comes to measurement, however, there is a problem: public investment in infrastructure and the like do not usually yield direct pecuniary returns to the public exchequer. Instead public capital may be plausibly argued to lead to increases in factor productivity in the private economy. This paper observes that government typically shares in the latter gains via the collection of tax revenues. Hence to the extent the risk discount rate should reflect the co-variability between the return from public investment and that of the market, we are led to measuring the risk premium implicit in various revenue flows. We apply the above methodology to the United States budget data for the period, 1950-2000, and show that the social risk premium is relatively small vis-a-vis the market. Consequently, the use of the risk free rate as the correct risk discount rate for public sector investment would involve only a minor error. The intuition here is that the portfolio of assets embedded in the state’s revenue claims provides additional diversification than is available through financial markets. Therefore, even investors holding well-diversified stock portfolios may legitimately view claims on state revenue as vehicles for further risk shifting.
Optimal household appliance scheduling considering consumer's electricity bill target

This paper presents an optimization algorithm that schedules the operations of household appliances to minimize the monthly electricity bill and maintain comfort for electricity consumers through the interaction between a home energy management system (HEMS) and consumers. In comparison with existing HEMS optimization algorithms over a single day time horizon without considering the monthly electricity bill, the novelty of the proposed method is that the monthly bill target preferred by the consumer is achieved through the optimal operation of appliances over a multi-day time horizon. A key part of the proposed approach is to relax the multi-day optimization problem by adding a penalty on the range of consumer preferred indoor temperature related to operation of the air conditioner, consequently leading to calculation of the desired monthly electricity bill. Simulation studies are illustrated with a single household and four households equipped with smart home appliances in time of use (TOU) and inclining block rate (IBR) pricing tariffs. The results demonstrate that the proposed method enables the total electricity cost and cumulative electricity consumption to successfully converge to each consumer's target. Furthermore, the impacts of the penalty variable for the relaxed consumer thermal condition and the energy trade between households on the performance of the proposed algorithm are investigated.
ABILITY OF THE HEPARAN SULFATE PROTEOGLYCAN SYNDECAN-1 TO PARTICIPATE IN BACTERIAL TRANSLOCATION ACROSS THE INTESTINAL EPITHELIAL BARRIER

Although hundreds of microbial species reside in the human intestinal tract, comparatively few (e.g., Escherichia coli and other enterobacteria, Enterococcus faecalis, etc.) are typically associated with systemic infection in postsurgical, shock, and trauma patients. Syndecan-1 is the predominant cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan expressed on epithelia, and there is substantial evidence that heparan sulfate participates in interactions of a variety of frankly pathogenic microbes with mammalian cells. To investigate the role of syndecan-1 in interactions of enteric flora with intestinal epithelium, bacteria that might use the enterocyte as a portal of entry for systemic infection (including E. faecalis, E. coli, and other enterobacteria, and several species of staphylococci and streptococci) were studied for their abilities to interact with syndecan-1. Streptococcus bovis, S. agalactiae, S. pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and S. epidermidis showed increased adherence to ARH-77 cells transfected to express syndecan-1. Heparin, a heparan sulfate analog, inhibited internalization of S. bovis, S. agalactiae, S. pyogenes, and S. aureus by HT-29 enterocytes (prominent syndecan-1 expression), but not Caco-2 enterocytes (relatively low syndecan-1 expression). Data from experiments with Chinese hamster ovary cells with altered glycosaminoglycan expression indicated that heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate (glycosaminoglycans on the syndecan-1 ectodomain) participated in bacterial interactions with mammalian cells. Thus, although E. faecalis, E. coli, and other gram-negative enterobacteria did not appear to interact with syndecan-1, this heparan sulfate proteoglycan may mediate enterocyte interactions with some staphylococci and streptococci that are known to cause systemic infections in specific populations of high-risk, immunosuppressed, postsurgical, and trauma patients.