Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
AIS Electronic

The study seeks to understand how passport office structures and interactions shape e-passport application portal development in developing countries. E-government research have focused largely on adoption, implementation, evaluation, use with less concentration on the development of such portals. To address this research gap, this study combines Giddens’ structuration theory as the analytical lens and the interpretive qualitative case study to answer the research question how does the interaction of structure and human action shape e-passport application portal development. Findings demonstrate that while challenges such as different development platforms, non-consideration of the benefits of changes in structure over time exist, the absence or presence of strategic systems shape structure. The implication for research, practice and policy are discussed
Steady-state analysis and design of the parallel resonant converter

Five basic operating modes of the parallel resonant converter are analyzed. Three of the modes occur when the output filter inductor is removed and the remaining two occur when the filter inductor is large. Closed-form solutions are found for the two most important modes. Switching frequency, peak tank capacitor voltage, and peak tank inductor current are plotted in the output plane. These plots, with a load line superimposed, show how operating point, frequency, and peak stresses vary as load conditions change. Use of the output plane plots to minimize component costs, is explained. Comparison of the best designs found for the large and zero filter inductance cases shows that removing the filter inductor can reduce both parts count and tank circuit size while peak transistor current remains unchanged.
Enriching patient-centered care in serious illness: a focus on patients' experiences of agency.

CONTEXT Following models of patient-centered care, including respecting patients' preferences and enabling patients (and their families) to participate in directing their own care, is especially difficult when providing care to cancer patients undergoing complex, aggressive therapy, when their capabilities are diminished. In this context, patient-centered care can be enriched when health care providers develop a deeper awareness of and appreciation for the multiple ways in which patients experience agency-defined as the capacity to make a difference-as both the initiators and the recipients of others' agency. METHODS Qualitative data were collected between 2006 and 2008 in sixty-nine narrative interviews with both a panel of ten patients undergoing aggressive inpatient cancer therapy (autologous stem-cell therapy) and their lay caregivers. Data were analyzed using an interpretative approach and guided by a conceptual framework derived from recent sociological literature on agency. FINDINGS We examined agency experiences through three distinct lenses: (1) the nature of the actors (both human and nonhuman), (2) the nature of the actions, and (3) the nature of the domains for action. The actors were individuals and teams, drugs and technologies, and the cancer itself. Actions could be initiated or received by the patients and included fighting and violating as well as comforting and healing. Domains were the patients' bodies, the health care system, and the patients' everyday worlds. In several instances, the same phenomena can be examined through more than one lens of agency, drawing attention to different aspects of the patients' experiences. Taken together, the lenses form a comprehensive picture of patients' experiences of agency. CONCLUSIONS This three-lens perspective can be a valuable template for health care professionals and policymakers to use in better understanding the experiences of patients in constrained circumstances. We propose that its use is a fruitful and promising contribution to recent conceptualizations of patient-centered care that emphasize the relational and facilitative aspects of care provision.
Privacy-preserving In-network Aggregation in Wireless Sensor Network

Ubiquitously deployed wireless sensor networks provide grate conveniences for environment monitoring. However, it also brings the risk of violating privacy. Sensitive sensor data disclosed to malicious part may cause unexpected lost. In this paper, we propose a privacy-preserving in-network aggregation protocol for wireless sensor network based on the concept of data slicing, mixing and merging with a novel share key management scheme. Our protocol allows performing in-network aggregation in sensor network while keeps the privacy of participates. Although we only study additive aggregation in this paper, our protocol can be easily extended to other aggregation functions, including average, count and many other functions based on aggregation as long as these aggregation functions can be reduced to additive aggregation function. Performance evaluation yields the efficiency and effectiveness of our protocol.
Mobile agent messaging models

It is not easy to make the decision of which messaging model to use in a mobile agent system. There are many different models to choose from and there are many forces influencing each model. We discuss five messaging models: Home-Proxy, Follower-Proxy, Email, Blackboard and Broadcast. We overview the forces that are the most important to all models and identify to what extent the forces influence the models. Our findings suggest that one should not use the Forwarder-Proxy model to build mobile agent systems. Instead, one should use the Blackboard approach, especially when agents require only anonymous messaging. In the case when anonymous messages cannot be used, your choice of model can be the Home-Proxy model, the Email model or the Broadcast model depending on which forces are more important to your application.
Cellular invasion and collagen type IX in the primary corneal stroma in vitro

During different stages in the development of the avian cornea, various collagen types have been shown to participate in matrix formation and have been implicated in morphogenesis. One of these is the fibril‐associated collagen type IX. This molecule is present when the primary corneal stroma is in a compact state, but rapidly disappears just prior to stromal swelling and its invasion by mesenchymal cells. The temporospatial pattern of the disappearance of type IX collagen in the developing cornea suggests that this molecule may be involved in stabilizing the primary corneal stromal matrix by interacting either with other type IX collagen molecules or with other matrix components. To explore further whether the removal of type IX collagen is involved in stromal swelling, we have employed an in vitro culture system in which swelling of the primary stroma and mesenchymal cell invasion can be experimentally manipulated by culturing chick corneal explants on a Nuclepore filter support in the presence or absence of an associated lens. We have also examined the effect of exogenously added human recombinant tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP‐1) on the presence of type IX collagen and cellular invasion. When stage 25—26+ corneal explants were cultured with an associated lens, the primary stroma did not swell; immunohistochemically detectable type IX collagen was still present, and mesenchymal cell invasion failed to occur. Conversely, when the same stages of corneal explants were cultured without an associated lens, the primary stroma swelled; type IX collagen disappeared, and mesenchymal cell migration occurred. Under both conditions, however, the type II collagen of the stroma, which is known to be a component of the striated fibrils, remained clearly detectable and with time even seemed to increase in amount. This result is consistent with the proposition that type IX collagen is one factor involved in maintaining the primary stroma as a compact matrix, possibly by functioning as a bridging/stabilizing factor. When TIMP was added to cultures of corneal explants, type IX collagen remained detectable in focal regions, suggesting that one or more metalloproteinases are involved in the removal of the type IX collagen. In addition, some of these type IX‐containing regions contained mesenchymal cells, suggesting that in addition to type IX collagen other factors are likely to be involved in regulating mesenchymal cell migration. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stratified Case‐Cohort Analysis of General Cohort Sampling Designs

Abstract. It is shown that variance estimates for regression coefficients in exposure‐stratified case‐cohort studies (Borgan et al., Lifetime Data Anal., 6, 2000, 39–58) can easily be obtained from influence terms routinely calculated in the standard software for Cox regression. By allowing for post‐stratification on outcome we also place the estimators proposed by Chen (J. R. Statist. Soc. Ser. B, 63, 2001, 791–809) for a general class of cohort sampling designs within the Borgan et al.’s framework, facilitating simple variance estimation for these designs. Finally, the Chen approach is extended to accommodate stratified designs with surrogate variables available for all cohort members, such as stratified case‐cohort and counter‐matching designs.
Curve counting on elliptic Calabi–Yau threefolds via derived categories

We prove the elliptic transformation law of Jacobi forms for the generating series of Pandharipande--Thomas invariants of an elliptic Calabi--Yau 3-fold over a reduced class in the base. This proves part of a conjecture by Huang, Katz, and Klemm. For the proof we construct an involution of the derived category and use wall-crossing methods. We express the generating series of PT invariants in terms of low genus Gromov--Witten invariants and universal Jacobi forms. As applications we prove new formulas and recover several known formulas for the PT invariants of $\mathrm{K3} \times E$, abelian 3-folds, and the STU-model. We prove that the generating series of curve counting invariants for $\mathrm{K3} \times E$ with respect to a primitive class on the $\mathrm{K3}$ is a quasi-Jacobi form of weight -10. This provides strong evidence for the Igusa cusp form conjecture.
Preventive Effects of Curcumin on the Development of Azoxymethane-Induced Colonic Preneoplastic Lesions in Male C57BL/KsJ-db/db Obese Mice

Obesity-related metabolic abnormalities include a state of chronic inflammation and adipocytokine imbalance, which increase the risk of colon cancer. Curcumin, a component of turmeric, exerts both cancer preventive and antiinflammatory properties. Curcumin is also expected to have the ability to reverse obesity-related metabolic derangements. The present study examined the effects of curcumin on the development of azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colonic premalignant lesions in C57BL/KsJ-db/db (db/db) obese mice. Feeding with a diet containing 0.2% and 2.0% curcumin caused a significant reduction in the total number of colonic premalignant lesions compared with basal diet-fed mice. The expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNAs on the colonic mucosa of AOM-treated mice were significantly decreased by curcumin administration. Dietary feeding with curcumin markedly activated AMP-activated kinase, decreased the expression of COX-2 protein, and inhibited nuclear factor-κB activity on the colonic mucosa of AOM-treated mice. Curcumin also increased the serum levels of adiponectin while conversely decreasing the serum levels of leptin and the weights of fat. In conclusion, curcumin inhibits the development of colonic premalignant lesions in an obesity-related colorectal carcinogenesis model, at least in part, by attenuating chronic inflammation and improving adipocytokine imbalance. Curcumin may be useful in the chemoprevention of colorectal carcinogenesis in obese individuals.
Toward a robust solution for image coding with easy content access

We address in this paper the issue of content accessibility in compressed images. Under content accessibility we understand the efficiency of regaining the features of content elements that are important for content-based applications in large-scale image databases. It is realistic to expect that current and future databases are likely to store preferably compressed images in order to optimally use the available storage space. At the same time, widely used image compression methods, also including the present (JPEG) and future standards (JPEG 2000), are not explicitly optimized regarding the content accessibility. Consequently, a high computational load in reaching features in compressed images, combined with a large amount of images stored in a database, can negatively influence the interaction with that database. In order to make this interaction more efficient, it is necessary to develop compression methods that besides the classical three optimization criteria (bit rate/complexity/distortion minimization) also explicitly take into account the accessibility of image content. We approach this challenge and propose here a novel image compression method where a good synergy among all four optimization criteria is reached.
A novel maximum power extraction technique for rapidly changing NUI conditions

Output characteristics of a Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) array depend on conditions like solar irradiation, temperature and Non-Uniform Illumination (NUI) scenarios. In dynamic NUI condition, the SPV array output characteristics exhibit multiple power peaks. The conventional power extraction techniques are inept in tracing the global peaks in such multiple peak scenarios. Intelligent Global Maximum Power Point (GMPP) tracking techniques are imperative in order to effectively utilize the power generated. In this work, a novel technology dependent algorithm is proposed which makes use of the irradiation and temperature data from respective sensors and efficiently converges to the global peak with least array scanning and hardware requirements. Based on the sensor data, the algorithm instantaneously predicts a narrowed zone to scan the maximum power peak. The global power point will be tracked by adjusting the PWM duty of power converter in a predetermined narrow range.
The origin of the most massive black holes at high-z: BlueTides and the next quasar frontier

The growth of the most massive black holes in the early Universe, consistent with the detection of highly luminous quasars at z > 6 implies sustained, critical accretion of material to grow and power them. Given a black hole (BH) seed scenario, it is still uncertain which conditions in the early Universe allow the fastest BH growth. Large-scale hydrodynamical cosmological simulations of structure formation allow us to explore the conditions conducive to the growth of the earliest supermassive BHs. We use the cosmological hydrodynamic simulation BLUETIDES, which incorporates a variety of baryon physics in a (400 h−1Mpc)3 volume with 0.7 trillion particles to follow the earliest phases of BH critical growth. At z = 8 the most massive BHs (a handful) approach masses of 108 M⊙ with the most massive (with MBH = 4 × 108 M⊙) being found in an extremely compact (compared to present day) spheroid-dominated host galaxy. Examining the large-scale environment of hosts, we find that the initial tidal field is more important than overdensity in setting the conditions for early BH growth. In regions of low tidal fields gas accretes ‘cold’ on to the BH and falls along thin, radial filaments straight into the centre forming the most compact galaxies and most massive BHs at the earliest times. Regions of high tidal fields instead induce larger coherent angular momenta and influence the formation of the first population of massive compact discs. The extreme early growth depends on the early interplay of high gas densities and the tidal field that shapes the mode of accretion. Mergers may play a minor role in the formation of the first generation, rare massive BHs.
Contribution à la Commande et au Diagnostic des Systèmes Algébro-Différentiels Linéaires

Apres une introduction a l'analyse et au controle des systemes singuliers lineaires, on etudie le placement optimal de capteurs et d'actionneurs, le diagnostic robuste et le controle de systemes singuliers. Le placement optimal de capteurs et d'actionneurs pour les systemes singuliers s'appuie sur une approche energetique. Les capteurs et/ou actionneurs sont selectionnes pour obtenir les plus grands transferts d'energie entre le systeme et son environnement. Pour cela on cherche a maximiser les grammiens generalises. Differentes methodes de diagnostic robuste sont proposees. Une premiere approche dediee aux systemes mailles autorise une generation de residus decentralisee afin de detecter et de localiser les defauts de mesures. Une deuxieme methode consiste a etendre le filtrage Hinfini a l'estimation des defaillances. Troisiemement, la generation de residus fondee sur la factorisation copremiere -dont l'interet majeur est de pouvoir synthetiser des generateurs de residus au moyen de filtres propres- est generalisee aux systemes singuliers. Enfin, la synthese, et l'utilisation pour le diagnostic robuste, des observateurs de type proportionnel-integral sont etudiees. Deux strategies de controle de systemes singuliers sont proposees. Le controle multicritere permet de determiner des correcteurs statiques ou dynamiques assurant le placement de poles, ainsi que des contraintes de normes H2 et Hinfini sur le systeme en boucle fermee. Le controle tolerant aux fautes integre un module de diagnostic dans le correcteur afin de localiser les fautes, et de modifier la loi de commande pour minimiser la deviation des sorties dues aux fautes et aux perturbations. Les correcteurs sont des systemes propres, determines par optimisation convexe sous contraintes LMI.
Age-dependent U-shaped risk functions and Aalen's additive risk model.

Epidemiologic studies of time to some failure often show a quadratic relation between the risk of failure and covariate(s). We study the nadir for a given covariate, i.e., the value of the covariate associated with the lowest risk (supposing a U-shape), within Aalen's additive risk model. This model was applied since the effect of the covariate(s) is allowed to vary over time and, as a consequence, a given nadir can vary over time. We propose a test for the null hypothesis that the nadir is time independent and, if this is the case, an estimate of the nadir. Large sample properties of the test statistic and estimator are derived. The methods are illustrated with data where time to death is related to body mass index.
Performance study of a new cooperative protocol in Rician fading channels

Cooperative diversity techniques increase the performance of wireless communication systems at the expense of reducing the spectral efficiency. In this paper, we introduce our new cooperative or relaying protocol and investigate its performance in Rician fading channel conditions. Our protocol is proposed for a cooperative network with practically attractive decode and forward (DF) relays which improves the spectral efficiency while keeping the advantages of cooperative diversity. This protocol keeps the transmission rate fixed to the rate of point-to-point transmission and outperforms conventional relaying protocols such as fixed, selection and incremental relaying protocols even over practical Rician fading channels. The simulation results show the effectiveness of our method and confirm our claim.
Carrier-concentration-induced ferromagnetism in PbSnMnTe.

Etude de l'influence de la concentration des porteurs de charge sur les proprietes magnetiques de [(PbTe) 0,28 (SnTe) 0,72 ] 0,97 [MnTe] 0,03 , d'apres des mesures de la susceptibilite magnetique, de l'aimantation, de la chaleur massique et de l'effet Hall. Mise en evidence de la nature paramagnetique du compose pour des concentrations de porteurs inferieures a 3•10 20 cm −3 et d'une transition brusque au ferromagnetisme, a basse temperature, pour des valeurs superieures
Uso de Regressão Logística para Modelar e Avaliar a Credibilidade em Aplicações Web

A popularizacao das aplicacoes Web tem feito surgir novos servicos a cada dia, demandado mecanismos que assegurem a credibilidade desses servi- cos. Neste trabalho utilizamos regressao logistica para modelar e avaliar a cre- dibilidade de um servico da Web, considerando diferentes criterios associados ao servico e seus fornecedores. A fim de validar nossa metodologia, executamos experimentos usando uma base de dados real, a partir da qual avaliamos esses modelos de credibilidade. Os resultados obtidos sao muito bons, apresentando ganhos representativos, quando comparados a linha-de-base, mostrando assim que a metodologia proposta e promissora e pode ser usada para fortalecer a confianca dos usuarios nos servicos providos na Web.
Transfusion-Transmitted Bacterial Infections – Haemovigilance Data of German Blood Establishments (1997–2010)

Methods: In order to evaluate the benefit of risk minimisation measures, reporting rates of transfusion-transmitted bacterial infections (TTBI) were calculated on the basis of annual reports and distributed blood components. Following the implementation of risk minimisation measures in 2003 and 2008, a comparison of pre- and post-implementation periods was performed. Results: During a period of 14 years, 90 cases of TTBI were confirmed, 34 were caused by red blood cell (RBC) concentrates, 5 by fresh frozen plasma, and 51 by platelet concentrates (PCs). The overall reporting frequency was 1 TTBI in 1.91 million RBC units; 1 TTBI in 0.094 million PC units, and 1 TTBI-associated fatality in 0.57 million PC units. From 2001–2004 the reporting rate was 13.7 per million PC units; 2005–2008, after the implementation of pre-donation sampling; it was 10.8 per million PC units (p > 0.5). After limitation of the shelf life (2008), the reporting rate decreased to 4.49 per million PC units (p = 0.12), and one case of related fatality was reported. Agents with low pathogenicity were reported in 14 of 41 immunosuppressed patients (34%) but only in 1 of 13 patients with non-haematological/oncological diseases. Conclusion: TTBI and associated fatalities could be gradually reduced by the risk minimisation measures, but further strategies such as implementation of sensitive screening tests or pathogen-reducing approaches should be discussed.
Anomaly state assessing of human using walker-type support system based on statistical analysis

In this paper, we propose a method to assess an extent of anomaly state of human using a walker-type support system. The elderly and the handicapped people use the walker-type support system to keep their balance and support their weight. Although the walker-type support system is easy to move based on the applied force of the user, several accidents such as falling and colliding with the obstacle have been reported. The anomaly state that causes a severe injury of the user should be detected before accident and the walker-type support system should prevent such accidents. In this paper, we focus on assessing the extent of the anomaly state of the user based on the statistical analysis of the applied force of the user. This research models the applied force of the user in real time by using the Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM), and we determine each parameter of GMM statistically. In addition, we assess the extent of the anomaly state of the user by using the Hellinger score, which can compare the data set of the normal state with that of anomaly state. The proposed method is applied to developed walker-type support system with simple force sensor, and we conduct the experiments in the several walking states and the environmental conditions.