Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The use and interpretation of anthropometric measures in cancer epidemiology: A perspective from the world cancer research fund international continuous update project

Anthropometric measures relating to body size, weight and composition are increasingly being associated with cancer risk and progression. Whilst practical in epidemiologic research, where population‐level associations with disease are revealed, it is important to be aware that such measures are imperfect markers of the internal physiological processes that are the actual correlates of cancer development. Body mass index (BMI), the most commonly used marker for adiposity, may mask differences between lean and adipose tissue, or fat distribution, which varies across individuals, ethnicities, and stage in the lifespan. Other measures, such as weight gain in adulthood, waist circumference and waist‐to‐hip ratio, contribute information on adipose tissue distribution and insulin sensitivity. Single anthropometric measures do not capture maturational events, including the presence of critical windows of susceptibility (i.e., age of menarche and menopause), which presents a challenge in epidemiologic work. Integration of experimental research on underlying dynamic genetic, hormonal, and other non‐nutritional mechanisms is necessary for a confident conclusion of the overall evidence in cancer development and progression. This article discusses the challenges confronted in evaluating and interpreting the current evidence linking anthropometric factors and cancer risk as a basis for issuing recommendations for cancer prevention.
STRUCTURE, CONDUCT, AND PERFORMANCE IN THE DEREGULATED AIRLINE INDUSTRY.

Unlike other disciplines, empirical studies in economics suffer from the characteristic that many results cannot be replicated through experimentation. Therefore, when unique natural experiments occur in economic settings, large numbers of applied economists are apt to analyze the data. The natural experiment generated by the passage of the Airline Deregulation Act in 1978 not only transformed the domestic airline industry, but also produced a cottage industry for economists as well. In the past dozen years, there have literally been hundreds of articles, books, reports, and editorials written about the airline industry. In most of these writings, the authors tend to agree that the benefits of deregulation have outweighed the costs. ' Indeed, many of the favorable outcomes of deregulation predicted by observers of the airline industry have in fact been realized. Deregulation has enabled airlines to reduce operating costs, increase load factors, increase the availability of discount tickets, and increase the number of flights, all without a serious decline in service to small communities or safety. Although the designers of deregulation and economists in general appear to have predicted accurately the direction of welfare change, they did not predict accurately the present structure of the airline industry. Many of the fundamental attributes that now characterize the domestic airline industry, such as the hub-and-spoke method of delivery, complex pricing schemes, the dominance of many airports by single carriers, the importance of computer reservation systems, and the growth of loyalty-inducing devices such as frequent-flyer programs and travel agent commission overrides, did not exist in the regulated airline industry and were not predicted to emerge by proponents or opponents of deregulation. The failure of sophisticated observers to predict these developments demonstrates just how far out of line regulation had taken the industry.
Running head : Association between patient engagement in HIV care and ART medication adherence Association between patient engagement in HIV care and ART medication adherence : cross-sectional evidence from a regional HIV care center in Kenya

Consistent individual effort in engagement in HIV medical services has been associated with positive health outcomes in persons living with HIV. However, whether these benefits are facilitated by improved medication adherence has not been widely studied. This study aimed to investigate the marginal effect of engagement in HIV care on medication adherence at a public health facility in Kenya. Between February and April 2013, 392 patients on HIV care at Nyeri Provincial General Hospital participated in the study. Data were collected using a self-administered health survey questionnaire assessing health and socio-demographic statuses. A manual stepwise general linear model was specified to measure the effect of engagement in HIV and other associated predictors on medication adherence. Engagement in HIV care was significantly associated with log-transformed medication adherence in the sample (100·β=9.2%, 95% CI 3.2 – 15.1) irrespective of gender and other selected predictors. Longer duration on ART was also a significant predictor of better medication adherence (100·β=3.2%, 95% CI 2.3 – 4.1). Despite inter-gender differences in adherence and engagement determinants, gender’s independent effect on medication adherence and engagement in care was not statistically significant. Poor medication adherence was associated with lower patient engagement in HIV care services; suggesting that interventions which remove obstacles to regular observance of scheduled clinic appointments and eventual retention may have a beneficial impact on medication adherence and accordingly, health outcomes in people living with HIV.
Survivability as a Complementary Operational Security Model for IT Services (position paper)

In this paper, we argue that for big IT systems protection alone is an insufficient and a difficult-to-handle operational security model. We briefly discuss and compare alternative models and sketch a framework for a security policy based on survivability. We present our architecture for IT service security enforcement based on the survivability principle. Based on our prototype experience, we advocate profound changes in how IT services are delivered.
Value Creation Through Spin-Offs: A Review of the Empirical Evidence

This paper reviews the literature on the factors that influence the wealth effects associated with the announcements of corporate spin-offs (also known as demergers). Meta-analysis is used to summarize the findings of 26 event studies on spin-off announcements. A significantly positive average abnormal return of 3.02% is found during the event window. Returns are higher for larger spin-offs, for divestments that are tax or regulatory friendly and for spin-offs that lead to an improvement of industrial focus. It is also found that spin-offs that are later completed are associated with lower abnormal returns than non-completed spin-offs. The second part of the paper overviews studies on the long-run stock price performance of spin-offs. Even though early studies find a long-run superior performance, this effect is no longer found in later studies that use more refined statistical tests.
Are Franchisors with International Operations Different from Those Who Are Domestic Market Oriented?**

This study compares franchisors with international operations with franchisors who are domestic market oriented. Using the existing literature, the author develops various hypotheses and tests them on a sample of 420 franchisors. Findings indicate that franchisors seek international markets after they have saturated domestic markets. Monitoring experience of a franchisor is positively related to the likelihood that a franchisor operates internationally. No differences in franchisee fee were found between franchisors who operate in domestic markets exclusively and those with international operations. Franchisors with international operations have lower royalty rates compared with those that do not.
GPC Control on Exhaust Gas in Regenerative Furnace Based on Feedforward of Hearth Temperature and Air Flow

Exhaust temperature is an important indicator in regenerative furnace with characteristics of nonlinearity, time-varying and large inertia. Also, it is affected by the hearth temperature and flow rate of combustion air, which makes it hard to be well controlled by traditional methods, such as PID and etc. In this paper, a strategy of generalized predictive control (GPC) integrated with feedforward of hearth temperature and air flow is presented to optimize the exhaust temperature control. Practices show that the control index is more stable and errors are obviously narrowed.
Longitudinal Analysis of Employment and Unemployment Based on Matched Rotation Samples

: The purpose of this paper is to provide methodology to fit longitudinal data on employment and unemployment generated by the rotation sampling schemes of national labour force surveys. The proposed methodology, referred to as infinite-lag Markov models, is a generalisation of autoregressive Markov models developed for application in stochastic reservoir theory (Pegram 1980, Raftery 1985). Infinite-lag Markov chains have infinite memory and, therefore, can usefully serve to model labour supply behaviour taking into account, in principle, the complete past work experience of individuals, and not just the most recent past or the most recent spell. After a brief review of the rotation sampling schemes of 20 national labour force surveys, the different types of longitudinal sequences that can be obtained from the rotation schemes are examined. A review of various models proposed in the literature for analysing longitudinal data on employment and unemployment, expressed under simplified assumptions and in discrete forms, set the stage for the formulation of the proposed infinite-lag Markov model. The method is illustrated using matched longitudinal data derived from the US Current Population Survey.
Spontaneous pacing during overground hill running.

PURPOSE To investigate speed regulation during overground running on undulating terrain. METHODS After an initial laboratory session to calculate physiological thresholds, eight experienced runners completed a spontaneously paced time trial over three laps of an outdoor course involving uphill, downhill, and level sections. A portable gas analyzer, global positioning system receiver, and activity monitor were used to collect physiological, speed, and stride frequency data. RESULTS Participants ran 23% slower on uphills and 13.8% faster on downhills compared with level sections. Speeds on level sections were significantly different for 78.4 +/- 7.0 s following an uphill and 23.6 +/- 2.2 s following a downhill. Speed changes were primarily regulated by stride length, which was 20.5% shorter uphill and 16.2% longer downhill, whereas stride frequency was relatively stable. Oxygen consumption averaged 100.4% of runner's individual ventilatory thresholds on uphills, 78.9% on downhills, and 89.3% on level sections. Approximately 89% of group-level speed was predicted using a modified gradient factor. Individuals adopted distinct pacing strategies, both across laps and as a function of gradient. CONCLUSIONS Speed was best predicted using a weighted factor to account for prior and current gradients. Oxygen consumption (VO2) limited runner's speeds only on uphill sections and was maintained in line with individual ventilatory thresholds. Running speed showed larger individual variation on downhill sections, whereas speed on the level was systematically influenced by the preceding gradient. Runners who varied their pace more as a function of gradient showed a more consistent level of oxygen consumption. These results suggest that optimizing time on the level sections after hills offers the greatest potential to minimize overall time when running over undulating terrain.
Neighbourhood-Based Collaborative Filtering Approach Using K-means Clustering

Nowadays the widespread use of technology caused trade to move into the internet environment. Therefore several methods have been developed for commercial to provide convenience to their users and to be superior against their rivals. One of the most common practices is recommendation systems. Recommendation systems are developed to provide convenience to users and suggests alternatives to their users. Collaborative Filtering (CF) is popular approach of recommendation system. These approach gives recommendations based on users’ behaviors. This paper proposes to use clustering with the Neighbourhood based CF methods.In this approach, firstly similarities between users is computed by using user-item rating matrix is. Then K-means clustering algorithm is used to determine the neighbourhood by using these similarities. Weighted Mean is calculated by using neighbour similarities for prediction. The performance of the proposed approach is evaluated by comparing with the other neighbourhood based CF approaches in literature.
Human nuclear clusterin mediates apoptosis by interacting with Bcl‐XL through C‐terminal coiled coil domain

Clusterin (CLU), a glycoprotein, is involved in apoptosis, producing two alternatively spliced isoforms in various cell types. The pro‐apoptotic CLU appears to be a nuclear isoform (nuclear clusterin; nCLU), and the secretory CLU (sCLU) is thought to be anti‐apoptotic. The detailed molecular mechanism of nCLU as a pro‐apoptotic molecule has not yet been clear. In the current study, overexpressed nCLU induced apoptosis in human kidney cells. Biochemical studies revealed that nCLU sequestered Bcl‐XL via a putative BH3 motif in the C‐terminal coiled coil (CC2) domain, releasing Bax, and promoted apoptosis accompanied by activation of caspase‐3 and cytochrome c release. These results suggest a novel mechanism of apoptosis mediated by nCLU as a pro‐apoptotic molecule. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 1157–1167, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Whole-genome analysis and HLA genotyping of enteropathy-type T-cell lymphoma reveals 2 distinct lymphoma subtypes.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Enteropathy-type T-cell lymphoma (ETL) is an aggressive extranodal T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma assumed to arise in the setting of celiac disease. METHODS To precisely define the genetic alterations underlying the pathogenesis of ETL, 30 ETL samples were profiled for genetic copy number alterations using high-resolution whole-genome tiling path array comparative genomic hybridization. To investigate the potential association of genetic alterations in ETL with celiac disease, HLA-DQB1 genotyping was performed. RESULTS By array comparative genomic hybridization, 13 novel recurrent minimal regions of chromosomal alteration were identified on multiple chromosome arms. ETL is characterized by frequent complex gains of 9q31.3-qter (70% of cases), or by an almost mutually exclusive 2.5-megabase loss of 16q12.1 (23% of cases). Two distinct groups of ETL could be delineated morphologically and genetically: type 1 ETL is characterized by nonmonomorphic cytomorphology, CD56 negativity, and chromosomal gains of 1q and 5q. Type 1 ETL also appears to be linked pathogenetically to celiac disease, sharing genetic alterations and HLA-DQB1 genotype patterns with (refractory) celiac disease. Type 2 ETL shows monomorphic small- to medium-sized tumor cell morphology, frequently shows CD56 expression, MYC oncogene locus gain, and rare gains of chromosomes 1q and 5q. In contrast to type 1 ETL, type 2 ETL shows a HLA-DQB1 genotype pattern more resembling that of the normal Caucasian population. CONCLUSIONS Contrary to current clinical classification, ETL comprises 2 morphologically, clinically, and genetically distinct lymphoma entities. In addition, type 2 ETL may not be associated with celiac disease.
An Image Watermarking Scheme Using Threshold Based Secret Sharing

This paper recommends an idea for authenticating the actual ownership by embedding a share of the secret image invisibly into the host or the original image. Frequency domain Techniques such as DWT and SVD are used for embedding shares into the host image. In frequency domain, compared to the original image, the obtained watermarked image is less distorted which in turn creates an environment that makes the embedded share of secret image unavailable for any kind of misuse. The leftover share of secret image is used to prove the actual ownership. The observed end result of this technique is robust against various available image processing attacks.
The uncovered parity properties of the czech koruna

The paper studies the compliance of the CZK - EUR exchange rate with the uncovered parity of returns on assets denominated in the two named currencies. A comparison with the same property for the euro-dollar rate is made. An uncovered total return parity (UTRP) formula is derived from the equilibrium in a portfolio optimization model with liquidity constraints. It is shown that the uncovered parity of total returns, and not of short-term money market rates, is a natural outcome of stochastic equilibrium asset pricing models that generalize the International Consumption-based Capital Asset Pricing Model. Accordingly, the traditional uncovered interest rate parity should be replaced by UTRP in empirical analysis. UTRP tests for the CZK/EUR and the USD/EMU currency pairs are conducted using yields of long-term government bond yields. UTRP typically holds, although the time horizons and measures of exchange rate movements, for which it becomes visible, may vary.
Real Options in Service Investments: Scenarios from Defence

This paper addresses the theme of investment under uncertainty in services. We specifically apply principles of contingent-claims analysis to underline the value of flexibility, i.e., the real options, embedded in service level agreements (SLAs) and maintenance & repair investments in the context of aerospace and defence. We focus on path-dependent and complex contingent-claims, to show how the design of 'exotic' type options in service investments can provide valuable insurance policies against operational and financial risks for the customer, in addition to enhancing providers' incentives from superior service performance. For illustration, we highlight examples of barrier, lookback, compound, chooser and extendible options as flexibility clauses/alternatives for service provision in defence contracts.
Segmenting and Targeting Irrigators’ Preferences Regarding Proposed Water Transfers

Sharing water is a contentious environmental issue. Irrigation controls the majority of water resources, but international experiences illustrate that irrigators are reluctant to share their water. How can resource managers achieve acceptance of water-sharing policies to meet the changing needs of society? This study focuses on strategies for selling a political agenda related to water transfers from agriculture. A survey was conducted with 275 irrigators in the western Canadian province of Alberta to assess how attributes that define a water transfer influence irrigators’ acceptance rates. Results indicated that the purpose of the transfer was the most important attribute. Six segments emerged based on perceptions of attributes. Greenies, Water Savers, and Efficiency Savers considered environmental attributes, whereas Personal Gainers and Municipal Friends considered personal and municipal attributes. Nay Sayers rejected transfers regardless of attributes. These results provide recommendations for resource managers attempting to persuade irrigators to share their water.
Reproductive isolation between sympatric and allopatric Brazilian populations of Lutzomyia longipalpis s.l. (Diptera: Psychodidae).

Lutzomyia longipalpis s.l. , the main vector of Leishmania chagasi in Latin America, is a species complex although the exact number of siblings is yet unknown. In Brazil, the siblings differ in male copulatory courtship songs and pheromones that most certainly act as pre-zygotic reproductive barriers. Here we analysed the reproductive isolation between three allopatric and two sympatric populations of Lu. longipalpis s.l. from Brazil. The results indicate a strong copulatory and pre-mating isolation between the three allopatric populations. In addition, the results also indicate a stronger pre-mating isolation between the two sympatric siblings than between the three allopatric ones, suggesting a role for reinforcement in the speciation of the Lu. longipalpis s.l. complex.
The effect of international experience on the degree of SME insidership in newly opened business networks

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to develop internationalization process theory by examining the relationship between small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) international experience and their degree of insidership in newly opened business networks. Design/methodology/approach - The study applies a quantitative approach. Data were collected on-site at 203 SMEs having entered the Baltic States, Poland, Russia and China. The data are analysed with structural equation modeling in SmartPLS. Findings - The paper reveals that international experience is positively associated with both the country and customer experience in the newly opened business network. Country experience, in turn, is strongly associated with a firm's degree of insidership in the business network. Conflicting with the hypothesized model, no support is found for the direct relationship between international experience and insidership. Nor does the analysis reveal any significant relationship between a firm's customer experience, in terms of variation, in the newly opened business network and the degree of insidership in the network. Research limitations/implications - The paper empirically discriminates different types of international experience derived from theory and examines their relationship with the degree of firm insidership in newly opened business networks. Originality/value - Theoretically this paper advances internationalization process theory by developing its network aspect as well as discriminating different experience types and their role in predicting network insidership in newly opened business networks.
Corticotrophin Releasing Hormone: Its Potential for a Role in Human Myometrium

Aside from its role as a hypothalamic stress hormone, corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) is also a placental hormone, at least in primates. Although the function of placentally derived CRH remains to be fully elucidated, elevated CRH levels have been associated with premature labour, suggesting that the hormone may be involved in regulating the duration of pregnancy. Indeed, pregnant human myometrium expresses functional CRH receptors (CRH R1 and CRH R2 subtypes) thought to signal predominantly via the second messenger cAMP. Thus, like other cAMP‐producing hormones in the myometrium such as β2 agonists, CRH may play a part in maintaining uterine quiescence. However, several of the CRH receptor isoforms identified to date have a reduced ability to activate adenylate cyclase, raising the question as to whether they are linked to other signal transduction pathways. Here, we discuss critically the evidence for the peptide's role in regulating contractility, both directly at the myometrium and indirectly via the fetal membranes and decidua. The possibility of a role in myometrial growth modulation is also described.
The experiences of foster children and youth in special education

Abstract Background Although a large number of children in foster care in the United States are receiving special education services, little is known about their educational experiences. Method This exploratory study used focus group research to look more closely at the complexity of the problems and needs that this population experiences with the special education system. Results Five major procedural issues, relating to identification and placement in special education and provision of appropriate services, were identified. Conclusion There is an urgent need to address the complex problems that children in foster care experience with the special education system. Recommendations are presented for closer collaboration between the child welfare and school systems, and for the training of educators, social workers, court personnel, and caregivers in special education rights and services.