Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Putting theory into practice: a cluster randomized trial with a small number of clusters.

Many of the difficulties encountered in the design, organization and analysis of cluster randomized trials arise from the dual nature of such trials; that is, they focus on both the cluster and the individual. A trial now in progress to compare three methods of promoting secondary prevention of coronary heart disease in primary care includes only 21 general practices, but 2142 patients, and thus contains the problems of both small and large samples. With only seven practices in each arm, the trial demanded carefully restricted randomization, may be difficult to analyse, and risks loss of power if one practice should drop out. At the same time, the large number of patients makes for an expensive and administratively complex study. The simultaneous demands of clarity and thoroughness point to an analysis at both cluster and individual level. With two different approaches, however, there may be difficulties of presentation, even if the results agree, and additional problems of interpretation if they do not. Finally, practical considerations may conflict with theoretical demands. Since the trial contained a service element, all patients with heart disease had to be included, even though it would have been more efficient to take only a sample of patients from some practices.
Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Imaging of Excised Human Prostates

We present initial results in Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) imaging of excised human prostates. Prostates were obtained from four patients undergoing prostatectomy for prostate cancer. All men had positive biopsy prior to surgery and had consented to allowing elastographic imaging of the excised tissue. The prostates were obtained immediately after surgery and immersed and scanned in an isotonic saline bath at room temperature. Scanning was performed with a Siemens Antares scanner using a VF10-5 linear array. Tissue displacement was induced with pushing pulses of 30 s duration at 6.67 MHz and an Isppa of < 1kW/cm 2 . Pushing beams were focused at 2cm with an F/# of 3.5. RF data were collected and processed off-line using cross correlation methods to obtain displacement estimates. Low-resolution displacement images were obtained in near-real time (~3seconds/frame) to guide image acquisition. The saved RF data were later processed to produce displacement images with improved SNR. Prostates were scanned free-hand, looking for interesting b-mode or ARFI targets. Peak displacements in healthy tissue were in the range of 6-12 m. Cancerous lesions were stiffer and showed smaller displacements.
A closed form memristor SPICE model and oscillator

We report a SPICE compatible closed form compact memristor model, for the temporal evolution of resistance in a memristor under the action of a programming voltage. This compact model compares well to published transition time formulae and known memristor behavior. We use the SPICE equivalent of the model in a novel Wien-Bridge oscillator signal conditioning circuit application.
Comparison study between different automatic threshold algorithms for motion detection

This paper proposes a comparative study between different commonly used global thresholding methods applied on various differential motion detection algorithms. The purpose of comparison is to define the appropriate automatic threshold method for surveillance applications, both in indoor and outdoor areas. In order to achieve that, five threshold methods have been tested on different differential motion detection algorithms, using four scenes with different complex backgrounds. A pixel-based evaluation has been done to determine the best combination.
Germany's capital market and corporate governance

Germany's capital market relies on bank-intermediated products and not so much on capital market processes. Two of the pillars in Germany's three-pillar banking system, the savings banks and the cooperative banks, have special statutes and are not exposed to the control of the capital market through the usual threat of a change in ownership. Savings banks enjoy public guarantees. In the financing of firms, bank credits are far more important relative to market products - equity and bonds - than in the Anglo-Saxon countries. Moreover, banks so far have had a dominating position in corporate control through their holdings and their votes in the supervisory board in Germany's two-tier system of corporate governance. In this system block holdings are a relevant element. With the banks themselves under the pressure of changed international conditions, the German system of corporate control has yet to prove its viability.
A fuzzy method for evaluating fluctuating dead time in electron counting systems

In this paper, a fuzzy method for evaluating fluctuating dead time in electronic counting systems, is presented. This method represents the fluctuating dead times by two fuzzy sets : The first one is the systematic dead time due to the precision of the measurement system; the second one, called 'pile up' dead time, appears for high input electron fluxes, due to pulses pile up. This method allows us to evaluate the fluctuating dead time and to correct the counting rates at the output of an electron counting system. Computed values of fluctuating dead time are presented and discussed.
Japanese, U.S. tourists: culture and hotel selections.

The author reports the results of an exploratory study concerning the importance placed on attributes of hotel selection by Japanese and American guests and cultural differences between these two groups, which represent the largest market for Korean international tourist hotels. The findings suggest that Hofstede's (1960) four dimensions of cultural values can be used to help marketers better understand their guest's hotel selection criteria.
A multi-user driving simulator for studying human driving

Durch das wachsende Verstandnis fur die Ursachen von Verkehrsunfallen kann deren Anzahl immer weiter verringert werden. Um Unfallursachen und menschliches Fahrverhalten zu untersuchen, werden vielfach Fahrsimulatoren eingesetzt, die im Betrieb gunstig sind, Fahrsituationen reproduzieren konnen und Fahrer keinem Risiko aussetzen. Die vorliegende Arbeit erlautert verschiedene Ansatze zur Untersuchung von Fahrverhalten und bietet einen Abriss uber die Varianten von Fahrsimulatoren. Es wird die technische Entwicklung eines Zehn-Benutzer-Fahrsimulators zur Erforschung interaktiven Fahrverhaltens beschrieben. In einer Vergleichsstudie wurde das Spurwechselverhalten von zehn Versuchspersonen unter zwei verschiedenen Bedingungen untersucht: Beim Fahren in computergeneriertem Verkehr und beim Fahren im Zehn-Benutzer-Betrieb. Es konnte quantitativ gezeigt werden, dass die Versuchspersonen deutlich weniger riskant fuhren, wenn die sie umgebenden Fahrzeuge von anderen Menschen gesteuert wurden.
Voice activity detection based on conditional random fields using multiple features

This paper proposes a Voice Activity Detection (VAD) algorithm based on Conditional Random Fields (CRF) using multiple features. VAD is a technique used to distinguish between speech and non-speech in noisy environments and is an important component in many real-world speech applications. The posterior probability of output labels in the proposed method is directly modeled by the weighted sum of the feature functions. Effective features are automatically selected by estimating appropriate weight parameters to improve the accuracy of VAD. Experimental results on the CENSREC-1-C database revealed that the proposed approach can decrease error rates by using CRF.
Service supply chain management: A survey of lean application in the municipal sector

Purpose – Lean has long been developed and utilised in the manufacturing setting. Today, lean seems to be applicable in all organisational settings; and recently, lean has been applied in the municipal sector. The purpose of this paper is to investigate lean practices in the municipal sector in a service supply chain management (SCM) context.Design/methodology/approach – This paper analyses lean implementation in Danish municipalities through the use of two sets of questionnaire surveys from 2008 to 2009. Furthermore, data based on three confirmative case studies of lean implementations are included.Findings – The paper outlines a model that illustrates under which conditions lean is deemed most appropriate according to the type of service delivered. The surveys and case studies show that lean is mainly implemented as “toolbox lean,” such as with value stream mapping, kaizen and information boards. In addition, the analyses show that the lean philosophy can be used by the public sector to be more effectiv.
Intelligent virus detection on mobile devices

In this paper, we describe a new solution for detecting mobile phone viruses. The solution is based on Bayesian decision theory using heuristic rules derived from common functionalities among different virus samples. Specifically, we detect viruses according to the DLL usage of a program, which is directly linked to the functionality of this program. Our solution is able to detect unknown viruses, especially the variants of existing ones. We evaluate our solution on the Symbian platform, where most viruses are present in the wild. We constructed a virus detector based on DLL functions from a small set of virus samples. It detects 95% of mobile viruses and yields no false alarm.
Large-scale, white-light, transformation optics using integral imaging

We describe a way to realise transformation-optical devices from structures of micro-structured sheets called generalised confocal lenslet arrays. The resulting devices should work for all visible light, and they should be relatively easy and cheap to (mass-)produce on the scale of metres, but they suffer from field-of-view limitations and significant transmission loss. Furthermore, the mapping between electromagnetic space and physical space is not through stigmatic imaging, but integral imaging. As an example application of this technology, we design and simulate an architectural window that cloaks insulation material with the aim of reducing heat loss.
N-terminal domains of putative helicases of flavi- and pestiviruses may be serine proteases.

Recently we tentatively identified, by sequence comparison, central domains of the NS3 proteins of flaviviruses and the respective portion of the pestivirus polyprotein as RNA helicases (A.E.G. et al., submitted). Alignment of the N-proximal domains of the same proteins revealed conservation of short sequence stretches resembling those around the catalytic Ser, His and Asp residues of chymotrypsin-like proteases. A statistically significant similarity has been detected between the sequences of these domains and those of the C-terminal serine protease domains of alphavirus capsid proteins. It is suggested that flavivirus NS3 and the respective pestivirus protein contain at least two functional domains, the N-proximal protease and the C-proximal helicase one. The protease domain is probably involved in the processing of viral non-structural proteins.
A timeline of significant events in the development of North American mammalogy

There has been a long tradition of exploration, collection, and faunal survey in mammalogy that dates back to its origin in North America. From studies that emphasized descriptive taxonomy, morphology, distribution, paleontology, and natural history, mammalogy has transitioned to investigations motivated by the theoretical questions of modern disciplines such as biomechanics, physiology, behavior, genetics, evolution, systematics, ecology, and biogeography. The importance of mammalogy has grown throughout the 20th and 21st centuries as scientists have found new areas and avenues to apply their knowledge about mammals. Mammalogy today involves a broad range of scientists who study systematics, paleontology, behavior, physiology, ecology, anatomy, biochemistry, and other biological topics, although the degree of individual specialization varies. Modern mammalogy integrates knowledge across all of these disciplines, with molecular biology acting as a major factor. A timeline for the historical development of mammalogy in North America is presented in five phases, beginning with the 16th century and continuing to the present.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Dihydroartemisinin and Piperaquine in Pregnant and Nonpregnant Women with Uncomplicated Malaria

ABSTRACT Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to malaria. The pharmacokinetic properties of antimalarial drugs are often affected by pregnancy, resulting in lower drug concentrations and a consequently higher risk of treatment failure. The objective of this study was to evaluate the population pharmacokinetic properties of piperaquine and dihydroartemisinin in pregnant and nonpregnant women with uncomplicated malaria. Twenty-four pregnant and 24 matched nonpregnant women on the Thai-Myanmar boarder were treated with a standard fixed oral 3-day treatment, and venous plasma concentrations of both drugs were measured frequently for pharmacokinetic evaluation. Population pharmacokinetics were evaluated with nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. The main pharmacokinetic finding was an unaltered total exposure to piperaquine but reduced exposure to dihydroartemisinin in pregnant compared to nonpregnant women with uncomplicated malaria. Piperaquine was best described by a three-compartment disposition model with a 45% higher elimination clearance and a 47% increase in relative bioavailability in pregnant women compared with nonpregnant women. The resulting net effect of pregnancy was an unaltered total exposure to piperaquine but a shorter terminal elimination half-life. Dihydroartemisinin was best described by a one-compartment disposition model with a 38% lower relative bioavailability in pregnant women than nonpregnant women. The resulting net effect of pregnancy was a decreased total exposure to dihydroartemisinin. The shorter terminal elimination half-life of piperaquine and lower exposure to dihydroartemisinin will shorten the posttreatment prophylactic effect and might affect cure rates. The clinical impact of these pharmacokinetic findings in pregnant women with uncomplicated malaria needs to be evaluated in larger series.
The Impact of Core Competencies on Competitive Advantages & Success in Istanbul Tourists Companies

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of core competencies on competitive advantages and success in Istanbul tourist companies and how to sustain the success of these companies. An empirical study was conducted. Data were collected from 150 successful tourist companies in Istanbul using a survey. Statistical tools were used to test the hypothesis such as: descriptive analysis, spearman correlation, and multiple regressions. The research results indicate that there is a statistical significant relationship between core competencies, competitive advantages and company success. The core competence types with high impact were Strategic Focus and key staff skill, knowledge management systems, company facilities and infrastructure, dynamic capabilities and key work processes, and unique resources respectively.
Low-Complexity Nonlinear Self-Interference Cancellation for Full-Duplex Radios

Full-duplex radio, expected to double the spectral efficiency, is one of the promising technologies for fifth generation communication. To overcome self-interference, which is a main obstacle to full-duplex radio, various self-interference cancellation (SIC) techniques have been developed. For digital SIC, the nonlinearity of a transmitter occurred by a power amplifier is a main bottleneck. The nonlinear SIC methods proposed in prior work are not feasible due to high computational complexity, or the cost of extra hardwares. In this paper, we propose the pre-calibration method that linearizes the transmitter, and applies only linear SIC. Numerical results confirm that the proposed SIC method shows 43 dB cancellation performance while the existing method shows only 18 dB in fast fading channels.
A fuzzy support vector machine based on geometric model

Fuzzy support vector machine is a learning algorithm used to solve the classification problems based on statistical learning theory and fuzzy properties of training points. To determine the fuzzy membership of the training points, the guard vector method and the circle method are proposed using the fuzzy membership function and the geometrical properties of the distribution of the training points in space. Numerical experiments indicate that the two methods improve the accuracy of classification and takes a shorter training time.
A theoretical study on classifier ensemble methods and its applications

Ensemble learning is the use of multiple models with a mission to obtain a better predictive efficiency than its constituent models. In order to improvise the efficiency and accuracy of a classifier to find a solution for a given problem/task, ensembles of classifiers has attracted the community of machine learning researchers in the last few decades. Ensemble learning has widely been used for performance improvement in classification. This paper presents a survey on the ensemble methods and its application in various fields.
Postinduction Carbamazepine Clearance in an Adult Psychiatric Population

The objective of this study was to describe the postinduction clearance of carbamazepine (CBZ) in adult psychiatric patients by population pharmacokinetic analysis using the NONMEM program. Specifically, an estimate of CBZ clearance and insight into the effect of common patient characteristics on clearance were sought. Steady‐state trough CBZ serum concentrations, CBZ dosing history, concomitant drug administration, and other data from 45 patients were collected retrospectively. A one‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and first‐order elimination was used, with absorption rate, bioavailability, and volume of distribution fixed to literature values. No evidence was found that race, sex, age, ethanol use, smoking, and concomitant lithium significantly affected CBZ clearance. In the final model, clearance was based on lean body weight. The coefficient of variation for clearance estimates was 16.5%. Residual variability was modest. Estimates for volume of distribution, rates of absorption and elimination, and bioavailability could not be pursued rigorously. Although these results may assist in understanding CBZ disposition in this population, their general clinical application should be approached with caution.
Exponential smoothing methods for forecasting bar diagram-valued time series

When a set of categories with related frequencies of the observed variable is available for each time point we have a bar diagram-valued time series. This paper introduces exponential smoothing methods to forecast bar diagram-valued time series data. The proposed method is inspired in the approach introduced by Maia and De Carvalho (2011) to deal with inteval-valued time series. The smoothing parameters are estimated by using techniques for non-linear optimization problems with bound constraints. The results are discussed based on two wellknown classical performance measurements, which have been adapted here for this particular type of data: the U of Theil statistics and average relative variance (ARV) in the framework of a Monte Carlo experiment. The synthetic data sets take into account differents aspects, e.g., sample size and forecast horizons among others. Applications using real bar diagram-valued time series also were considered to demonstrate the practicality of the methods. The results demonstrate that the proposed approaches are useful in forecasting bar diagram-valued times series.
Light‐chain paraproteins with lupus anticoagulant activity

A patient with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma manifested by urine kappa light‐chain excretion and a small monoclonal spike (0.4 g/dl), presented with lower extremity deep venous thrombosis. A preheparin plasma‐activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) was prolonged at 68 sec (normal control 26‐42 sec). Additional studies confirmed the presence of lupus anticoagulant activity in the serum: the modified Russell Viper Venom Time (MRVVT) was 73 sec (normal control 24–42 sec) and with a 50:50 mix of the patient's plasma and pooled normal plasma, the MRVVT remained prolonged. Kappa light chains (LC) were isolated from the patient's urine and their purity confirmed by electrophoresis and immunofixation using specific immunoglobulin antisera. The patient's LC mixed with pooled normal plasma demonstrated LA activity by in vitro clotting tests (plasma‐activated partial thromboplastin time 62 sec, with normal control of 45 sec), MRVVT of 44 sec with normal control of 35 sec. Purified urinary kappa light chains from a control patient with multiple myeloma and normal clotting studies, failed to prolong either the plasma‐activated partial thromboplastin time or the MRVVT. We hypothesize that kappa LC in our patient demonstrated LA activity, which was unique to these LCs. Paraproteins with LA activity, to date, have included only intact immunoglobulins (Ig). While intact Ig paraproteins have been reported to possess LA activity, this is the first report to our knowledge of light‐chain paraproteins possessing similar activity and resulting in clinically evident thrombosis. Light chain paraproteins could serve as useful models for further study of the mechanisms of activity of acquired LA inhibitors. Am. J. Hematol. 62:99–102, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adenovirus outbreak 1366 Materials and methods Subject populations and sample types During an adenovirus outbreak at the NICU of the Ege University

Materials and methods: During the NICU outbreak management, 40 clinical samples (from 15 newborn infants and 25 health care providers) were sent to a microbiology laboratory in viral transport media. All the samples were processed using a direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) test and a shell vial cell culture followed by adenovirus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. PCR and DNA sequencing for adenovirus hexon gene hypervariable regions 1–6 were done after DNA extraction from clinical specimens. Adenovirus typing was done using BLAST analysis.
Spatial variation in microbial community structure, richness, and diversity in an alluvial aquifer.

Relatively little is known regarding the spatial variability of microbial communities in aquifers where well fouling is an issue. In this study 2 water wells were installed in an alluvial aquifer located adjacent to the North Saskatchewan River and an associated piezometer network developed to facilitate the study of microbial community structure, richness, and diversity. Carbon utilization data analysis revealed reduced microbial activity in waters collected close to the wells. Functional PCR and quantitative PCR analysis indicated spatial variability in the potential for iron-, sulphate-, and nitrate-reducing activity at all locations in the aquifer. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis of aquifer water samples using principal components analyses indicated that the microbial community composition was spatially variable, and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis sequence analysis revealed that bacteria belonging to the genera Acidovorax , Rhodobacter , and Sulfuricurvum were common throughout the aquifer. Shannon's richness (H') and Pielou's evenness (J') indices revealed a varied microbial diversity (H' = 1.488-2.274) and an even distribution of microbial communities within the aquifer (J' = 0.811-0.917). Overall, these analyses revealed that the aquifer's microbial community varied spatially in terms of composition, richness, and metabolic activity. Such information may facilitate the diagnosis, prevention, and management of fouling.