Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distributed Virtual Laboratory System Based on Java/Corba

Distance education is the most important part of modern education ideas, and the experiment manipulation technique is the key factor which reflects the more perfect of distance education mode. In this paper, multi-tier distributed virtual laboratory system based on CORBA/JAVA is given. an overview on the virtual laboratory based on distributed measurement and control system is given. The fundamental aspects concerning both the hardware and software to design the distributed virtual laboratory are examined. Emphasis is devoted to innovative criteria and the requirements arising from the increasing application of the virtual laboratory in e-learning.
Effect of Oil Price Movement on Stock Prices in the Nigerian Equity Market

This paper studies the relationship between oil prices and stock prices in the Nigerian equity market using a forecasting framework. The study was driven by the need to determine if the extreme volatility observed in oil prices has any significant impact on the stock price movement of a major oil exporting economy like the Nigeria. By establishing the presence of a significant relationship between these variables, investors and policymakers alike could use oil prices as a leading indicator in producing more accurate projections of stock prices. While the results of this study recorded no cointegration between stock prices and oil prices, the use of an ARIMA and a structural-ARIMA model showed that oil price is a significant exogenous variable which could improve the accuracy of stock price prediction in the Nigerian stock market by an extent. Keywords: Oil prices, stock market predictability, Nigerian Stock Exchange.
Comprehensive Studies of Drug Resistance Mediated by Overexpression of Response Regulators of Two-Component Signal Transduction Systems in Escherichia coli

ABSTRACT In Escherichia coli, there are 32 open reading frames (ORFs) that are assumed to be response regulator genes of two-component signal transduction systems on the basis of sequence similarities. We cloned all of these 32 ORFs into a multicopy expression vector and investigated whether or not they confer drug resistance via control of drug resistance determinants. Fifteen of these ORFs, i.e., baeR, citB, cpxR, evgA, fimZ, kdpE, narL, narP, ompR, rcsB, rstA, torR, yedW, yehT, and dcuR, conferred increased single- or multidrug resistance. Two-thirds of them conferred deoxycholate resistance. Five of them, i.e., evgA, baeR, ompR, cpxR, and rcsB, modulated the expression of several drug exporter genes. The drug resistance mediated by evgA, baeR, and cpxR could be assigned to drug exporters by using drug exporter gene knockout strains.
Analysis on Differential Expressed Genes of Ovarian Tissue Between High- and Low-Yield Laying Hen

In order to elucidate molecular genetic mechanism of laying hen reproduction at the transcriptional level and the structure of significantly differential genes, the mRNA differential display and reverse northern dot-blot were used to detect the differential expression of genes in the ovary tissue of low-yield laying hens and high-yield laying hens in the present study. Sixteen 32-week-old CAU-pink laying hens divided into two groups were used and the laying performance was measured. The results showed that only the egg numbers were significantly different between the two groups; and from 15 primer pairs, a total of 336 bands were displayed of which 59 cDNA bands were found to be differentially expressed in both high-yield and low-yield laying hen. The sequence analysis indicated that the expression of such bands as H-AP5, H-P5, and H-P4 was significantly potentiated in high-yield laying hen using primer pairs AP5/HT11G, P5/HT11G and P4/HT11G and these transcripts had high homology (98%) to HoxDb, HoxCa, and HoxBa, respectively. The differentially expressed gene fragments may be relevant to the progression of the high-yield hens to the egg-laying stage. And further study is required to elucidate the molecular function to improve the productivity of laying hens.
Low expression of RBMS 3 and SFRP 1 are associated with poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer

RNA binding motif, single stranded interacting protein 3 (RBMS3) has been reported as a tumor suppressor gene (TSG) in some squamous carcinoma. However, its expression levels and clinical significance in gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear. Secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (SFRP1) plays a role of tumor suppressor in many cancers by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Nevertheless, its expression levels and clinical significance in GC are in dispute. In this study, quantitative real-time PCR and Western Blot were used to measure the mRNA and protein level of RBMS3 and SFRP1 in 23 fresh GC and corresponding normal tissues. Immunohistochemistry assay was performed to further measure the protein level of RBMS3 and SFRP1 on population-based tissue microarrays consisting of 172 GC cases. We found that 69.57% (16/23) and 73.91% (17/23) GC tissues expressed remarkably lower RBMS3 than the matched normal tissues respectively in mRNA and protein levels. Similarly, 78.26% (18/23) and 65.22% (15/23) GC tissues expressed lower SFRP1 than the matched normal tissues respectively in mRNA and protein levels. Additionally, the low expression of RBMS3 and SFRP1 protein were all significantly related to the poor histological grades and prognosis (all P<0.05). In multivariate analysis, RBMS3 and SFRP1 co-expression status was independent prognostic factor for GC patients. Finally, the positive correlation between expression levels (mRNA and protein) of RBMS3 and SFRP1 was observed. Overall, RBMS3 and SFRP1 are both aberrantly low expressed in GC, and RBMS3 and SFRP1 co-expression is a potential prognosis predictor of GC.
A Comparison of the Efficacy and Tolerability of the Treatments for Sciatica: A Network Meta-Analysis

Background: There remains a lack of a systematic summary of the efficacy and safety of various medicines for sciatica, and discrepancies among these exist. Objective: The aim of this study is to comprehensively assess the efficacy of and tolerance to several medical options for the treatment of sciatica. Methods: We performed a network meta-analysis and illustrated the results by the mean difference or odds ratio. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) was used for indicating the preferable treatments. All data analyses and graphs were achieved via R 3.3. 2 and Stata 13.0. Results: The subcutaneous anti–tumor necrosis factor–α (anti-TNF-α) was superior to the epidural steroid + anesthetic in reducing lumbar pain in both acute + chronic sciatica patients and acute sciatica patients. The epidural steroid demonstrated a better ability regarding the Oswestry disability score (ODI) compared to the subcutaneous anti-TNF-α. In addition, for total pain relief, the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs was inferior to the epidural steroid + anesthetic. The epidural anesthetic and epidural steroid + anesthetic both demonstrated superiority over the epidural steroid and intramuscular steroid. The intravenous anti-TNF-α ranked first in leg pain relief, while the subcutaneous anti-TNF-α ranked first in lumbar pain relief, and the epidural steroid ranked first in the ODI on the basis of SUCRA. In addition, their safety outcome (withdrawal) rankings were all medium to high. Conclusions: Intravenous and subcutaneous anti-TNF-α were identified as the optimal treatments for both acute + chronic sciatica patients and acute sciatica patients. In addition, the epidural steroid was also recommended as a good intervention due to its superiority in reducing ODI.
A Large-Conductance Calcium-Selective Mechanotransducer Channel in Mammalian Cochlear Hair Cells

Sound stimuli are detected in the cochlea by opening of hair cell mechanotransducer (MT) channels, one of the few ion channels not yet conclusively identified at a molecular level. To define their performance in situ, we measured MT channel properties in inner hair cells (IHCs) and outer hair cells (OHCs) at two locations in the rat cochlea tuned to different characteristic frequencies (CFs). The conductance (in 0.02 mm calcium) of MT channels from IHCs was estimated as 260 pS at both low-frequency and mid-frequency positions, whereas that from OHCs increased with CFs from 145 to 210 pS. The combination of MT channel conductance and tip link number, assayed from scanning electron micrographs, accounts for variation in whole-cell current amplitude for OHCs and its invariance for IHCs. Channels from apical IHCs and OHCs having a twofold difference in unitary conductance were both highly calcium selective but were distinguishable by a small but significant difference in calcium permeability and in their response to lowering ionic strength. The results imply that the MT channel has properties possessed by few known candidates, and its diversity suggests expression of multiple isoforms.
An effective outline business case to facilitate successful decision‐making

Historically the public sector’s outline business case for Light Rapid Transit/Metro public–private partnership projects delivered in the United Kingdom has frequently failed to address the project affordability decision. As a consequence the business cases have had to be reworked, redeveloped or have required the project to be revoked, in each case wasting significant amounts of public and private sector time and money. The development and testing of an effective outline business case to facilitate successful project affordability decision‐making for PPP projects is described. A mixed methods research approach was adopted utilizing a case study research methodology, interviews with PPP experts to identify business case critical success factors and application of the analytical hierarchical process to assess their effectiveness. The Delphi technique was used to verify and validate the effectiveness of the outline business case. The findings demonstrated that the success of the outline business case in practice relies on three critical success factors: the degree of political support, achieving a balance between political PPP ideology and the market’s acceptance of the contractual model and the level of transparency and commitment from suppliers. These factors are major uncertainties, are difficult to represent accurately within the business case and signify a major constraint to the sponsor forecasting the project’s affordability.
LTP interferometer—noise sources and performance

The LISA Technology Package (LTP) uses laser interferometry to measure the changes in relative displacement between two inertial test masses. The goals of the mission require a displacement measuring precision of 10 pm Hz−1/2 at frequencies in the 3–30 mHz band. We report on progress with a prototype LTP interferometer optical bench in which fused silica mirrors and beamsplitters are fixed to a ZERODUR® substrate using hydroxide catalysis bonding to form a rigid interferometer. The couplings to displacement noise of this interferometer of two expected noise sources—laser frequency noise and ambient temperature fluctuations—have been investigated, and an additional, unexpected, noise source has been identified. The additional noise is due to small amounts of signal at the heterodyne frequency arriving at the photodiode preamplifiers with a phase that quasistatically changes with respect to the optical signal. The phase shift is caused by differential changes in the external optical paths the beams travel before they reach the rigid interferometer. Two different external path length stabilization systems have been demonstrated and these allowed the performance of the overall system to meet the LTP displacement noise requirement.
A matrix method for human hand gesture description

In this paper, a method for human hand gesture description using matrix theory is presented. Based on human hand skeleton structure a hand model is built for describing the DOFs (degrees of freedom) distribution of all the finger joints. The posture vectors of five fingers are defined and the human hand gesture matrix consisting of five finger posture vectors is constructed. The change between two hand gestures is expressed by a hand gesture transformation matrix. A method to measure the angle values of finger joints is presented. Based on the measured angle values the five common human hand gestures and the change between two hand gestures are described by the matrix method.
A DC-to-82.4-GHz broadband amplifier using bandwidth extension technique in 0.15 µm pHEMT Process

A compact DC-to-82.4-GHz amplifier using 0.15 µm pHEMT process is demonstrated in this paper. The amplifier is implemented in common-source (CS) configuration with bandwidth extension technique. The frequency response and input and output impedances of the amplifier are investigated to obtain the design methodology. The amplifier exhibits a high gain-bandwidth product (GBP) of 328 GHz with a chip size of 0.7 × 1 mm2. Moreover, the amplifier is evaluated using pseudorandom bit stream (PRBS) signal with a data rate up to 12 Gbps. The proposed amplifier has potential for the high-speed data rate transmission due to its superior performance.
Untangling the Recreational Value of Wild and Hatchery Salmon

Abstract Many Pacific salmon populations have declined to levels that have prompted their listing under the Endangered Species Act. In order to protect these populations and provide harvest opportunities for recreational anglers, the fishery is often managed with separate regulations for wild and hatchery salmon. This article examines how the value of recreational fishing is affected by changes in wild and hatchery salmon regulations and catch rates in the Northwest region of the US. Using a discrete choice experiment, we estimate saltwater fishing trip preferences. We integrate the estimated preferences with auxiliary creel data in order to conduct simulations of willingness to pay that vary in bag limits and catch rates, conditioning on current fishery conditions. We find statistically significant differences between the recreational values for wild and hatchery salmon, and our simulations highlight the fact that these differences depend on baseline levels of catch rates and bag limits. JEL Classification Codes: Q26, Q51, Q57
Influencing and protective factors of suicidal ideation among older adults

Suicide is a global issue, but few studies have explored the triggers and psychological feelings of suicidal ideation in older adults. A qualitative design with face-to-face semistructured interviews examined the experience of suicidal ideation in adults aged 65 years and older. A purposive sampling of 32 outpatients with suicidal ideation from a medical centre in northern Taiwan participated. Interview data identified three themes: triggers for suicidal ideation, contributing psychological changes, and factors of adaptive response. The triggers for suicidal ideation included physical discomfort, loss of respect and/or support from family, impulsive emotions due to conflicts with others, and painful memories. Psychological changes contributed to suicidal ideation: feelings of loneliness, a sense of helplessness, or lack of self-worth. Participants described adaptive responses that acted as protective factors of suicidal ideation: support from family and friends, control of emotions, establishing a support network, comfort from religion, medication, and focussing on the family. Mental health nurses and clinicians should incorporate evaluations of stressful life events and psychological changes into a screening scale for older adults to improve detection of those at risk for suicide. Teaching coping strategies could provide timely interventions to secure the safety of this older population of adults.
Aplikasi Model Arch Kasus Tingkat Inflasi Di Indonesia

In forecasting financial time series such as inflation, there is a reason to believe that variance of error term is volatile. Reseachers are likely to find periode of high volatility with large errors, then it is followed by periode of low volatilty with smaller errors. The variability could occur because the financial market is very sensitive to changes in government monetary and fiscal policies, even non economic factor such as political upheavals, rumors etc. The variance of errors is not constant but varies from one period to another period. It contains some kind of outocorrelation in the variance of errors. ThisÂ model is so-called autoregressive conditional heterscedasticity (ARCH). The goal of this study is to apply ARCH model in estimating financial time series in Indonesia with montly data of inflationÂ during 1994.1-2002.4 period and to compare it with OLS model. The inflation data exhibit volatility, suggesting that variance of inflation varies over time. By using the ARCH model, the results prove that ARCH-M model with maximum likelihood estimation gives better results than the OLS one.
Assumption-Free Semantics for Ordered Logic Programs: On the Relationship between Well-Founded and Stable Partial Models

Ordered logic programming is an extension of logic programming that includes, besides classical inference mechanisms, object-oriented abstractions and amenities for nonmonotonic reasoning. Ordered logic programs are partially-ordered sets of 'traditional' logic programs where negation may also occur in the rule heads. The central issue of this paper is the definition of a new unifying semantics for ordered logic programs, called assumption-free semantics, capable of capturing different interesting semantics such as the well-founded and stable (partial model) semantics. It turns out that every ordered logic program possesses exactly one minimal assumption-free partial model which we call the well-founded partial model and one or more maximal assumption-free partial models called stable partial models. This stable model semantics can be viewed as taking the best of the previous approaches for ordered logic programs while keeping their (common) underlying intuition. We discuss the relationship between stable and well-founded partial models, the main result being that the intersection of all stable partial models is exactly the well-founded partial model in all cases but a special type of ordered logic programs. We also define the notion of prooftree and discuss the soundness and completeness results. The new concepts for ordered logic programs are proper generalizations of the corresponding concepts for classical logic programs, thus giving a new unifying definition for the traditional notions of well-founded and stable (partial) models. Hence, all results obtained for ordered programs (e.g. the relationship between stable and well-founded partial models) can be mapped to the more restricted class of traditional logic programs.
Timing of the Early Retirement Decisions of Farming Couples

The retirement decisions of individuals are strongly influenced by spousal retirement, financial incentives and institutional constraints such as access to early retirement benefits. In the European Union (EU), farm retirement is encouraged by early retirement provisions for farmers. As exit from farming determines the characteristics of structural change in agriculture, it is important to find out how spousal retirement and economic incentives affect the timing and type of retirement decisions among elderly farmers. This paper analyses the timing of early retirement decisions of farming couples using duration analysis and different exit channels. The empirical analysis is based on Finnish farm-level panel data for the period 1993-1998. The results suggest that an expected pension particularly advances farm transfers. Farming couples are found to co-ordinate their early retirement decisions. However, farmers are not found to co-ordinate their early retirement according to spousal retirement under other pension schemes.
High and low body mass index may predict severe disease course in children with inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract Objectives: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been historically associated with underweight and malnutrition. The impact of both underweight and obesity on the clinical course of IBD in adults is controversial. This study described the association between body mass index (BMI) at diagnosis to disease course in children with IBD. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of children with IBD from the database of the ‘Dana-Dwek’ Children’s Hospital between 2010 and 2016. Demographic and anthropometric data were collected as were disease characteristics, course and therapy. Patients were categorized in quartiles according to BMI percentiles at diagnosis (Q1–Q4). Results: Of 100 children who were identified, 62 had Crohn’s disease (CD) and 38 had ulcerative colitis (UC). The median age (interquartile range, IQR) at diagnosis was 13.7 (range 11.9–15.2) years. The median (IQR) follow-up was 2.1 (1.2–3.8) years. At diagnosis, 46 children (46%) were in Q1, 20 (20%) in Q2, 19 (19%) in Q3 and 15 (15%) in Q4. Prolonged time to diagnosis was associated with BMI in Q1 and Q4, as well as high disease activity at diagnosis (p < .001). In a multivariate analysis, BMI in the lower and upper quartiles was associated with disease exacerbation (HR 3.212 and 4.651, respectively, p = .016) and anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy (HR 4.489 and 3.972, respectively, p = .021). Conclusions: BMI in the lower and upper quartiles was associated with more severe disease course in children with IBD. BMI may serve as a simple and highly accessible predictor of pediatric IBD course and prognosis.
Assessing Public Preferences and Holistic Economic Value of Multifunctional Agriculture in the U.S

This study used the contingent valuation method to shed light on public preferences on the multifunctional roles of the U.S. agriculture and to present a holistic estimate of the economic value of the nonmarket goods and services of the U.S. agriculture. Fishbein’s model of reasoned behavior and mediation hypothesis were combined to model the relationship between WTP (behavioral intentions) and sets of explanatory variables including attitudes, perceived attributes (about family farms, farmland preservation programs, government involvement in agricultural markets, and ecological state of our world), and socio-demographic profiles. The estimated mean WTP was $515 per taxpayer annually. Aggregating individual WTPs across the U.S. taxpayers above 20 years old produces $105 billion, representing a crude estimate of the economic value that the U.S. consumers place on the multifunctional roles of the U.S. agriculture.