Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Helping Families toward the Goal of Self-Support: Montana's EDUFAIM Program

This article on a self-reliance education program describes the development, implementation, and elements of success of Educating Families to Achieve Independence in Montana (EDUFAIM) as a model for statewide integration of efforts to help families dependent on public assistance move toward a more self-supporting lifestyle. An overview of the EDUFAIM program, from its beginnings to implementation strategies, open the article, followed by a discussion of the evidence of EDUFAIM's success, including effective collaboration, effective educational materials and teaching strategies, effective evaluation strategies, and effective use of evaluation data. The article concludes with a discussion of program limitations.
Terahertz imaging of breast cancer, a feasibility study

We have developed a portable terahertz pulsed imaging system (TPI) for use in a hospital environment. The system uses photoconduction to generate and detect terahertz with a frequency content from 0.1-4 THz. In this paper, we report on a feasibility study using TPI for imaging tumours of the breast. Several breast samples were imaged and parameters from the time domain impulse functions were used to provide a contrast with good agreement to histology. This preliminary study demonstrates the potential of TPI to image breast tumours and encourages further studies to determine the ability of the technique to discriminate different types of tumour.
miRNA studies in in vitro and in vivo activated hepatic stellate cells.

AIM To understand which and how different miRNAs are implicated in the process of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. METHODS We used microarrays to examine the differential expression of miRNAs during in vitro activation of primary HSCs (pHSCs). The transcriptome changes upon stable transfection of rno-miR-146a into an HSC cell line were studied using cDNA microarrays. Selected differentially regulated miRNAs were investigated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction during in vivo HSC activation. The effect of miRNA mimics and inhibitor on the in vitro activation of pHSCs was also evaluated. RESULTS We found that 16 miRNAs were upregulated and 26 were downregulated significantly in 10-d in vitro activated pHSCs in comparison to quiescent pHSCs. Overexpression of rno-miR-146a was characterized by marked upregulation of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3, which is implicated in the regulation of tumor necrosis factor-α activity. Differences in the regulation of selected miRNAs were observed comparing in vitro and in vivo HSC activation. Treatment with miR-26a and 29a mimics, and miR-214 inhibitor during in vitro activation of pHSCs induced significant downregulation of collagen type I transcription. CONCLUSION Our results emphasize the different regulation of miRNAs in in vitro and in vivo activated pHSCs. We also showed that miR-26a, 29a and 214 are involved in the regulation of collagen type I mRNA.
An Exploratory Study of Consumer-Based Brand Equity in Turkish Banking Industry

The study examines whether consumer-based brand-equity (CBBE) significantly differs across three bank types—state, private, and foreign. The findings reveal that consumer perceived quality and brand loyalty are significantly higher for private banks than state and foreign banks. Perceived quality was positively correlated with brand loyalty. Customers with higher education and income, and females perceived higher service quality for and felt more loyal to private banks. The results demonstrate the challenges that foreign banks may face in building brand-equity in developing countries, offers insights to banks to build brands, and closes the gap in the area of the brand-equity theory.
OFDMA based cooperative relay networks

We evaluate the performance improvement in orthogonal frequency-division multiplex access (OFDMA) achievable with cooperative relaying in the presence of frequency offsets. The relays can operate in either the amplify-and-forward (AF) or decode-and-forward (DF) mode. In each transmission, node S has M relays when transmitting its own signal, and it also helps the other M relays transmit their signals. The total power used to transmit each symbol, including the power consumed in S and the relays, is kept constant. The outage information rates of the proposed cooperative transmission scheme are first derived. The performance improvement in the frequency offset estimation by using cooperative relay is then analyzed. Channel estimation in a cooperative OFDMA network in the presence of frequency offsets is also evaluated, and the pairwise error probability (PEP) of orthogonal space-time coding in cooperative OFDMA due to both the frequency offset and channel estimation errors is derived. Numerical results illustrate the superior performance of the proposed scheme over the conventional transmission with regard to outage information rate, frequency offset estimation error and the PEP.
The euroscore additive is a valid measure to predict mortality in cardiac surgery?

In the last years advancements of cardiological research in Brazil were very significant, both at the academy, such as in hospitals and clinics, generating not only an increase in the number of publications, but also an improvement in the results achieved. The cardiological surgery has achieved excellent results, because has reduced the mortality tax and has increased life expectancy of people who need this type of surgery. This article aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an instrument called EuroScore Additive (ES), which is used to evaluate the risk of death in patients undergoing cardiological surgery. So this, the research had used applied statistical methodology to analyze data of 238 patients who have undergone valve surgery on a public Hospital specializing in cardiological surgery, in a period of two years. The results show the limitations of the EuroScore Additive in predicting the outcome of valve surgery.
Automatic comparison of photo response non uniformity (PRNU) on Youtube

It is possible to extract PRNU patterns from a set of videos and ﬁnd a correlation to their matching source camera. Past researches have shown that this was also possible for videos uploaded to YouTube. In this research we tested if the correlation process based on the PRNU pattern still works with YouTube videos. Furthermore, we have tested which video resolutions and methods of PRNU pattern extraction are suitable for mobile phone cameras with YouTube videos. Using a test with different mobile prone cameras it is shown that this correlation is possible but depends on the type of camera. Additionally the distribution of the process of PRNU pattern extraction was tested and a method was found to limit the data transfer from YouTube.
Signalling mechanisms underlying doxorubicin and Nox2 NADPH oxidase‐induced cardiomyopathy: involvement of mitofusin‐2

The anthracycline doxorubicin (DOX), although successful as a first‐line cancer treatment, induces cardiotoxicity linked with increased production of myocardial ROS, with Nox2 NADPH oxidase‐derived superoxide reported to play a key role. The aim of this study was to identify novel mechanisms underlying development of cardiac remodelling/dysfunction further to DOX‐stimulated Nox2 activation.
The effect of brand credibility on consumers' perception about brands and their purchasing behaviors in sport goods.

The present study was an attempt to explore the effect of brand credibility on consumers’ satisfaction, continuance loyalty and loyalty to a brand. The main sample of this descriptive -correctional research comprised Nike-sport-products consumers (N=171), selected through convenience sampling procedures. The outputs related to the relationship among the variables obtained by means of the EQS 6.1 and the Structural Equation Modeling statistics indicated that the proposed diagrammed model was appropriate. In other words, the obtained data fitted well with the proposed model. Results indicated that brand credibility significantly affects consumers’ perception about the brand and their purchasing behaviors. Accordingly, it is recommended that the sports-products companies should attempt to create positive images about their goods in the minds of their customers.
Beyond the “Like” Button: The Impact of Mere Virtual Presence on Brand Evaluations and Purchase Intentions in Social Media Settings

By 2011, approximately 83% of Fortune 500 companies were using some form of social media to connect with consumers. Furthermore, surveys suggest that consumers are increasingly relying on social media to learn about unfamiliar brands. However, best practices regarding the use of social media to bolster brand evaluations in such situations remain undefined. This research focuses on one practice in this domain: the decision to hide or reveal the demographic characteristics of a brand's online supporters. The results from four studies indicate that even when the presence of these supporters is only passively experienced and virtual (a situation the authors term “mere virtual presence”), their demographic characteristics can influence a target consumer's brand evaluations and purchase intentions. The findings suggest a framework for brand managers to use when deciding whether to reveal the identities of their online supporters or to retain ambiguity according to (1) the composition of existing supporters relative to targeted new supporters and (2) whether the brand is likely to be evaluated singly or in combination with competing brands.
Scheduling for intermodal transport

A logistics‐based project is described which addresses the need for better intermodal transport, whilst balancing economic and environmental gains through the use of Internet technologies. Pipeline intermodal system to support control, expedition and scheduling (PISCES) provides an integrating platform for using these technologies in processing and sharing commercially sensitive data within transport chains (i.e. road, rail and barge). The paper demonstrates how information from an Internet‐based system can be used to drive a scheduling tool to provide appropriate routes for the transport of goods, using a multimodal transport model.
A contention-free Radix-2 8k-point fast Fourier transform engine using single port SRAMs

This paper presents a Radix-2 decimation in frequency fast Fourier transform engine that is based on a switch based architecture. The architecture interconnects M processing elements with 2*M memories. An algorithm to eliminate memory access contention is presented. The implementation of an 8192-point FFT with 2 processing elements is presented, including timing and place-and-route results. The length of the FFT can be easily changed to integer powers of 2 from 64 to 8192 points. The switch based architecture provides a factor of M speedup over a single processing element realization. The architecture uses single-port memories and achieves a throughput of roughly 1 GSPS (66% of the throughput of dual-ported SRAM based implementations).
The production of stable potent preparations of penicillinase.

SUMMARY: Optimal yields of penicillinase were obtained by the continuous addition of penicillin to cultures of certain strains of Bacillus subtilis during their logarithmic growth phase. Lower yields of enzyme were obtained if the penicillin was added when growth had ceased or to partly grown cultures kept at rest and subsequently shaken. Partial lysis of the bacteria was accompanied by an increased yield of enzyme, but complete lysis appeared to result in partial destruction.
Evaluating the quality of e-learning at the degree level in the student experience of blended learning

This paper reports on the development of a scale for determining the quality of the student e-learning experience at the degree level when the student learning context is predominately a campus-based experience. Rapid developments in the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in higher education require methods for evaluating the contribution of such tools to student learning, especially when they are complementing a face-to-face experience. We examine the psychometric functioning of a proposed e-learning scale in relation to a well-validated degree-level teaching evaluation instrument, the Student Course Experience Questionnaire. The e-learning scale has suitable reliability and validity in the present sample of undergraduate students for quality assurance activities around ICT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Measuring Systemic Risk in a Post-Crisis World

In response to the very large number of quantitative indicators that have been put forward to measure the level of systemic risk since the start of the subprime crisis, the paper surveys the different indicators available in the economic and financial literature. It distinguishes between (i) indicators related to institutions, based either on market data or regulatory/accounting data; (ii) indicators addressing risks in financial markets and infrastructures; (iii) indicators measuring interconnections and network effects - where research is currently very active-; and (iv) comprehensive indicators. All these indicators are critically assessed and ways forward for a better understanding of systemic risk are suggested.
Dynamic information support system for the process of prefabricated member installation using RFID technology and multi-agent system

Nowadays, high expectation of efficiency and effectiveness encourages the prefabrication usage in housing construction industry. However, the expected benefits cannot always be obtained. One of the reasons is the inadequate skill and experience of personnel for normal situation and changed situation. The skills and experiences are required for some tasks in the normal situation, although personnel can follow the static information which is created based on a planned scenario. In the changed situation, the static information may become inappropriate. The appropriate information must be updated and provided to personnel using the current information and conditions. Otherwise, the personnel cannot perceive the actual situation and select the countermeasures properly. Consequently, undesired productivity and mistakes tend to occur. Thus, this research aims to develop a support system for improving productivity and for reducing the number of mistakes in the process of prefabricated member installation by identifying available resources, collecting actual conditions, managing knowledge, generating alternative methods, and providing appropriate information. The system is developed by the integration of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, a multi-agent system, and a database using Microsoft Visual Studio, Java Agent Development Framework (JADE), and Microsoft SQL Server. The RFID technology is employed for identifying resources. The multi-agent system consists of the following seven agents: (1) information providing agent, (2) general information agent, (3) specific information agent, (4) actual condition recording agent, (5) alternative generating agent, (6) quality assurance and control agent, and (7) evaluation agent. Additional five user interface agents are included in a user interface container. The database stores data such as inspection results, and other related information and knowledge. To verify the proposed methodology, a prototype is being implemented in a personal digital assistant (PDA) with a RFID reader and a laptop PC. The system will be tested in a real prefabricated housing construction site.
A comparison of stavudine, didanosine and indinavir with zidovudine, lamivudine and indinavir for the initial treatment of HIV-1 infected individuals: Selection of thymidine analog regimen therapy (START II)*

ObjectiveComparison of stavudine (d4T), didanosine (ddI) and indinavir (IDV) with zidovudine (ZDV), lamivudine (3TC) and IDV in HIV-1 infected patients. DesignRandomized, open-label. SettingFourteen HIV Clinical Research Centers. PatientsTwo-hundred and five patients with less than 4 weeks antiretroviral treatment, naive to 3TC and protease inhibitors and with CD4 cell counts ⩾ 200 × 106/l and plasma HIV-1 RNA levels ⩾ 10 000 copies/ml. InterventionsStavudine 40 mg and ddI 200 mg twice daily plus IDV 800 mg every 8 h compared with ZDV 200 mg every 8 h or 300 mg twice daily, 3TC 150 mg twice daily plus IDV. Main outcome measuresThe proportion of patients with plasma HIV-1 RNA levels < 500 copies/ml and ⩽ 50 copies/ml and changes in CD4 cell counts were compared. ResultsIn an analysis of the primary endpoint, 61% of patients on d4T + ddI + IDV and 45% of patients on ZDV + 3TC + IDV had all HIV-1 RNA values obtained between weeks 40 and 48 < 500 copies/ml [95% confidence interval (CI) for the difference between proportions, 1.7–30.3%;P = 0.038]. In an intent-to-treat analysis, the percentage of all patients randomized with all HIV-1 RNA levels < 500 copies/ml between 40 and 48 weeks were 53% for the d4T + ddI + IDV arm and 41% for the ZDV + 3TC + IDV arm (95% CI, −1.4% to 25.7%;P = 0.068). At 48 weeks 41% and 35% were ⩽ 50 copies/ml for the stavudine- and ZDV-containing arms respectively (P > 0.2). The median time-weighted average increases in CD4 cells count over 48 weeks were 150 × 106/l cells for the d4T arm and 106 × 106/l cells for the ZDV arm (P = 0.001). The occurrence of serious adverse events was not significantly different between arms. ConclusionThe combination of stavudine, ddI and IDV resulted in potent antiretroviral effects over a 48-week period, comparable or superior to zidovudine, 3TC and IDV supporting the use of stavudine, ddI and a protease inhibitor as an initial antiretroviral treatment.
The Millennium child with autism: Early childhood trajectories for health, education and economic wellbeing

Abstract Objective: Most of what we know about children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is based on post-diagnostic, retrospective, self-select studies. Oftentimes, there is no direct comparison between trajectories of children with ASD and children without ASD. Methods: To circumvent both of these problems, the present secondary data analysis utilised a large-scale longitudinal general population survey of children born in the year 2000 (i.e. the Millennium Cohort Study; MCS; n = 18 522). Bi-annual MCS data were available from five data sweeps (children aged 9 months to 11 years of age). Results: Pre-diagnostic data showed early health problems differentiated children later diagnosed with autism from non-diagnosed peers. Prevalence was much higher than previously estimated (3.5% for 11-year olds). Post-diagnosis, trajectories deteriorated significantly for the children with ASD and their families in relation to education, health and economic wellbeing. Conclusion: These findings raise many issues for service delivery and the rights of persons with disabilities and their families.
The Role of the State in Sport Governance: An Analysis of Australian Government Policy

Abstract This paper examines the development and implementation of Australian government policy in relation to the governance of national sport organisations (NSOs). The paper discusses the efficacy of current policy initiatives aimed at improving the governance of NSOs, in particular the failure of government policy to examine a wider range of governance solutions for NSOs. The paper concludes by identifying areas for policy refinement and the need for further empirical research in to the governance.
In pursuit of the “ideal approach” to successful marketing strategy implementation

Purpose – The main objective of this paper is to consider how firms set about strategising in marketing and the nature of their implementation effort. Prior research has not considered the alternative means of implementation that firms display in practice.Design/methodology/approach – A model is developed from a mid‐level (marketing) managerial perspective by comparing three groups of strategy implementation types (“change”, “collaborative”, and “cultural”) against five contextual and process characteristics of marketing strategy implementation.Findings – Contrary to literature that has recommended bottom‐up marketing planning, the findings show if the firm displays an implementation environment characterised by hierarchical structures and strong top‐down influences, then marketing strategy implementation will be more effective.Research limitations/implications – More analysis of the daily lives of mid‐level employees is essential to improve the understanding of the key implementation success factors. Als.
Staphylococcus aureus Strains That are Hypersusceptible to Resistance Gene Transfer from Enterococci

ABSTRACT We identified naturally occurring Staphylococcus aureus mutants of the restriction modification pathway SauI, including bovine lineage ST151. In a model of vancomycin resistance transfer from Enterococcus faecalis, ST151 isolates are 500 times more susceptible than human S. aureus isolates. The eradication of “hyperrecipient” strains may reduce the evolution of vancomycin-resistant S. aureus.
Frequency reconfigurable metamaterial resonant antenna

In this paper, a frequency reconfigurable metamaterial resonant antenna is presented. In order to realize the proposed antenna, a mushroom structure-based zeroth order resonant (ZOR) antenna is used. The left-handed mode of the ZOR is utilized to realize small antenna. The spiral-shaped slot on the patch is employed to further reduce the antenna size and affect the resonant frequency. By placing short and open TL on the slot, the resonant frequency of the antenna is tuned. The resonant frequency of the reconfigurable antenna is changed from 2 GHz to 2.25 GHz.
Micro-blog Impact Evaluation Study

Microblogging(we call it Weibo) is a widespread use of information media platform, which variety of features meet people's information acquisition, interpersonal communication such as a wide range of new demands. Microblogging has become an important part of daily life. The research on microblogging influence is a hot topic currently, which has a very important theoretical and practical significance on optimization of microblogging information integration, transmission and understanding the microblogging direction of development. The microblogging influence will promote information dissemination and network development. This paper analyzes the characteristics of the microblogging information dissemination, and summarizes the main microblogging influence evaluation method. Finaly, we present the influence of evaluation models and methods for
Sexual behavior among hiv‐positive men who have sex with men: What's in a label?

Relatively little attention has been paid to the use and importance of labels used by men who have sex with men to describe insertive or receptive sexual behavior during intercourse. This study examines sexual self‐labels, sexual behavior, HIV transmission risk, and psychological functioning among 205 HIV‐seropositive men who have sex with men. The majority of participants (88%) identified as a “top, “ a “bottom, “ or “versatile. “ Tops were more likely to engage in insertive anal intercourse than bottoms, and bottoms were more likely to engage in receptive anal intercourse than tops, with versatiles reporting intermediate rates of both behaviors. Although the results suggest preliminary evidence regarding the predictive utility of self‐labels, sexual behaviors of self‐label groups were greatly overlapping. Differences were found among self‐label groups in gay self‐identification, internalized homophobia, sexual sensation seeking, and anxiety. Results suggest an added value in assessing self‐labels in addition to asking about sexual behavior.