Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
E-Government Functionality and Website Features: A Case Study of Indonesia

Abstract Indonesia is still in the early stages of e-government implementation. Therefore, an understanding of stakeholder perspectives can help the government plan its services and also provide useful information to other governments at similar stages of implementation. The current study assesses the importance of e-government functions and website features from the perspective of Indonesian citizens (regular users and government officials). Using a survey methodology it identifies that transactions functions are related to website appeal and efficiency; that services functions are related to website appeal; that local information functions are related to website appeal and personalization; that constituent functions are related to website quality, efficiency, and personalization; and that government resources functions are related to website efficiency. This study suggests that to develop successful e-government, it is important to consider the functionality and website features important to citizens. Improving the quality, appeal, efficiency, and personalization of e-government sites is necessary in order to achieve stakeholder buy-in to the services.
Comparative effectiveness research: Relevance and applications to pharmacy.

PURPOSE An overview of the emerging field of comparative effectiveness research (CER) and its relevance to pharmacists and pharmacy-based decision-makers is provided. SUMMARY The U.S. government is investing over $1 billion on CER over the next two years. This investment is in part driven by the recognition that, despite having the highest per capita health care expenditures in the world, the United States does not always perform well on measures of health compared with other countries. There also is increased awareness of the limited information provided by results of traditional randomized clinical trials to inform decisions about therapeutic alternatives as applied in actual practice. Comparative effectiveness studies have two important principal components: (1) the comparison of two or more agents or interventions that are considered true therapeutic alternatives and (2) the examination of effects (outcomes) in actual practice. Comparative effectiveness studies differ from traditional efficacy studies in several ways, including the research question addressed, comparison groups, patient population, setting, outcomes measured, and validity. Studies that are within the scope of CER can be categorized as primary comparative effectiveness studies or secondary comparative effectiveness studies. CER also can be used to compare medical devices, procedures, health services, or any competing intervention. CONCLUSION Comparative effectiveness is an emerging area of research relevant to many areas of health care, especially pharmacotherapy. The knowledge gained from CER is important to pharmacists when applying drug information and making decisions related to drug therapy.
Leadership in Malaysia: Managerial and Strategic implications of Chinese face (Mianzi), Relation ties (Guanxi) and Human affection (Renqing)

Malaysia is a nation that has a diverse population of Malays, Chinese and Indians. The nation‟s abundant natural resources, including tin and rubber, make her an important trading partner of many nations. Global Leadership and Organizational Behaviour Effectiveness (GLOBE)‟s survey reported that Malaysia is a nation that values collectivism, humanism and respects authority. While Malaysia has its unique cultural characteristics which are strongly influenced by Islam, it is important for overseas Chinese leaders to consider indigenous Chinese concepts, especially face (mianzi), relational ties (guanxi) and human affection (renqing). Business leaders and scholars have confirmed the value of these Chinese concepts in management and strategy across various regions in the world. However, the powerful influence of these socio-cultural concepts is often overlooked in Southeast Asian region. Therefore, this presentation aims to: (1) introduce the psychology behind the dynamic concepts of Chinese face (mianzi), relational ties (guanxi) and human affection (renqing), (2) highlight the managerial and strategic implications of these Chinese concepts in Malaysia business environment, and (3) recommend measures to leverage on these Chinese values for Chinese business leaders.
Functional role of the zipper motif region of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 transmembrane protein gp41

To study the functional role of the zipper motif region, located in the N-terminal region of the envelope transmembrane protein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1, a series of vaccinia virus-expressed mutant proteins containing a proline substitution in this region were characterized. All of the mutant proteins showed partial or no inhibition in gp160 cleavage, demonstrated impaired ability of gp120 to associate with gp41, and were unable to mediate syncytium formation with CD4+ cells. Moreover, mutants 580 and 587 secreted excessive gp120 into the medium compared with the wild type. Mutations in this region affected the conformation of the local or proximal sequence but did not alter the conformation conferred by a distal site. These studies reveal the crucial role of the C-terminal segment of the zipper motif region in envelope heterodimeric association and suggest that this sequence forms a gp120 contact site.
Agrowastes as Feedstock for the Production of Endo-β-Xylanase from Cohnella sp. Strain AR92

Members of Cohnella sp. isolated from a variety of environments have been shown to be glycoside hydrolase producers. Nevertheless, most evaluations of members of this genus are limited to their taxonomic description. The strain AR92, previously identified as belonging to the genus Cohnella, formed a well-supported cluster with C. thailandensis and C. formosensis (>80% bootstrap confidence). Its growth and xylanase production were approached by using a mineral-based medium containing alkali-pretreated sugarcane bagasse as the main carbon source, which was assayed as a convenient source to produce biocatalysts potentially fitting its degradation. By means of a two-step statistical approach, the production of endoxylanase was moderately improved (20%). However, a far more significant improvement was observed (145%), by increasing the inoculum size and lowering the fermentation temperature to 25°C, which is below the optimal growth temperature of the strain AR92 (37°C). The xylanolytic preparation produced by Cohnella sp. AR92 contained mild temperature-active endoxylanase (identified as redundant GH10 family) for the main activity which resulted in xylobiose and xylo-oligosaccharides as the main products from birchwood xylan.
Cotton dust exposure during lint removal. Airborne dust concentrations and effect of the ventilatory capacity of exposed workers.

In the newly established cotton seed lint removal and crushing industry in New South Wales, high concentrations of dust were recorded ranging from 15 to 37 mg/cu m. Sampling was by Greenburg Smith impinger into 10% alcohol, Lung function tests were conducted on employees by McDermott dry spirometer. This instrument records vital capacities and forced expiratory volume per second (FEV1) at the same time. These tests were taken mid-week as most of the operators were on rotating shift, and It was impossible to obtain tests on what was the first day of the person’s shift. Workers exposed to high dust concentrations in the lint removal sections showed a significant fall in FEV1 with exposure, whereas other workers in the same plant not exposed to cotton dust were not affected.
Denoising phonogram cylinders recordings using Structured Sparsity

This paper describes an application of Structured Sparsity for denoising. The subject of the denoising is about one-hundred-year old wax cylinders which have been discovered recently and are going to be analysed by musical scientists. The digitized cylinders contain nonstationary background noise of high level which has to be attenuated very carefully because of arising undesirable artifacts. The Structured Sparsity approach is compared to the professional audio restoration software together with a link to the audio examples presented online.
The American Association of Suicidology Self-Esteem and Suicide Ideation in Psychiatric Outpatients

Depression, hopelessness, and low self-esteem are implicated as vulnerability factors for suicide ideation. The association of self-esteem with suicide ideation after controlling for depressed mood and hopelessness was examined. Adult psychiatric outpatients (N = 338) completed measures of self-esteem, suicide ideation, hopelessness, and depression. Self-esteem was operationalized as beliefs about oneself (self-based self-esteem) and beliefs about how other people regard oneself (other-based self-esteem). Each dimension of self-esteem was negatively associated with suicide ideation after controlling for depression and hopelessness. Of the two dimensions of self-esteem, other-based self-esteem was the more robust predictor of suicide ideation. These findings suggest that even in the context of depression and hopelessness, low self-esteem may add to the risk for suicide ideation.
The direct examination of three‐dimensional bone architecture in vitro by computed tomography

We describe a new method for the direct examination of three‐dimensional bone structure in vitro based on high‐resolution computed tomography (CT). Unlike clinical CT, a three‐dimensional reconstruction array is created directly, rather than a series of two‐dimensional slices. All structural indices commonly determined from two‐dimensional histologic sections can be obtained nondestructively from a large number of slices in each of three orthogonal directions. This permits a comprehensive description of structural variation within a specimen and greatly facilitates the study of structural anisotropy. A measure of three‐dimensional connectivity (Euler number/tissue volume) has been determined for the first time in human cancellous bone and shown to correlate with several two‐dimensional histomorphometric indices. The method has the potential for overcoming many of the limitations of current approaches to the study of bone architecture at the microscopic level.
Unemployment compensation and unemployment duration - Evidence from the German Hartz IV reform

In 2005, the unemployment compensation for long-term unemployed was reduced in Germany. We examine how this reform affected the transition probability to employment. Additionally, we inspect how this effect varies over unemployment duration. We estimate proportional hazard models using German administrative spell data. According to our results the reform has raised the transition probability of short-term unemployed. The effect is even higher, the longer the unemployment duration. However, the results for long-term unemployed are inconclusive.
Deficiency of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) impairs nutritionally induced obesity in mice

Summary Tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 deficient (TIMP-1–/–) mice and wild-type (TIMP-1+/+) controls were kept on a standard (SFD) or a high fat diet (HFD) for 15 weeks. At the time of sacrifice, TIMP-1–/– mice on HFD had a significantly lower body weight (29 ± 1.5 versus 41 ± 1.8 g, p <0.005), and significantly less subcutaneous (0.81 ± 0.19 versus 1.78 ± 0.21 g, p <0.05) and gonadal (0.87 ± 0.17 versus 1.85 ± 0.18 g, p <0.005) fat mass. These differences were much less pronounced for mice on SFD. On HFD but not on SFD, adipocyte diameters were significantly lower in the adipose tissue of TIMP-1–/– mice. Plasma leptin levels in TIMP-1–/– mice on HFD were significantly lower as compared to TIMP-1+/– mice, and strongly correlated with adipose tissue mass for both genotypes. Staining with an endothelial cell specific lectin revealed a significantly higher blood vessel density, larger stained area and vessel size in adipose tissue of TIMP-1–/– mice on HFD. This difference disappeared after normalization to the adipocyte number, suggesting that it does not represent a true enhancement of angiogenesis. Thus, in a murine model of nutritionally induced obesity, TIMP-1 promotes adipose tissue development.
Adaptive wavelet fuzzy CMAC system design for voice coil motors

An adaptive wavelet fuzzy cerebellar model articulation control system is developed for the trajectory tracking control of voice coil motors (VCMs). This control system comprises a wavelet fuzzy cerebellar model articulation controller (WFCMAC) and a fuzzy compensator. The novel WFCMAC incorporates the wavelet decomposition property with a fuzzy CMAC fast learning ability; and it is used to imitate an ideal controller. The fuzzy compensator is developed to attenuate the effect of the approximation error caused by the WFCMAC approximator. The on-line learning algorithm of the controller's parameters is derived based on the Lyapunov function, thus the stability of the system can be guaranteed. Finally, the developed control system is applied to the trajectory tracking control of a VCM.
Some Aspects of Autonomous Robot Navigation with Unscented HybridSLAM

This paper addresses the linearization process of an autonomous mobile robot utilizing the second order Sterling polynomial interpolation specifically used for Unscented HybridSLAM algorithm. It describes the implementation of the linearization method to estimate the posterior mean and covariance of the system. The major interest is to apply linearized equations for a simultaneous localization and mapping case in a non-domestic environment with a random distribution of landmarks. Using computer simulations, Unscented HybridSLAM and the associated theoretical interpolation is examined for a double-loop scenario and the efficacy of the Unscented HybridSLAM is validated.
Significance of Smoking in Patients Receiving Thrombolytic Therapy for Acute Myocardial Infarction Experience Gleaned From the International Tissue Plasminogen Activator/Streptokinase Mortality Trial

BackgroundDespite the fact that smoking is a well-established risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease, some investigators have noted that hospital mortality after acute myocardial infarction is lower in patients who smoke than in nonsmoking patients. To evaluate the association of smoking with mortality during hospitalization after thrombolytic therapy and 6 months afterward, we analyzed the results of the International Tissue Plasminogen Activator/Streptokinase Mortality Trial. Methods and ResultsPatients were divided into three groups: nonsmokers (those who never smoked), ex-smokers, and active smokers. Multivariate and univariate comparisons were made with respect to baseline characteristics and clinical outcome. There were 2,366 nonsmokers, 2,244 ex-smokers, and 3,649 active smokers. The baseline characteristics of nonsmoking patients differed significantly from the ex-smokers and active smokers. The nonsmoking group included more women than the ex-smokers or active smokers (45% versus 10.6% and 17.6%, respectively), was older (67±10 years versus 64±10 years and 58±11 years), had a higher rate of diabetes mellitus (16.3% versus 11.1% and 7.5%), and had a worse Killip class at admission. Nonsmoking patients and ex-smokers experienced more in-hospital reinfarction than active smokers (4.7% and 5% versus 2.7%, p<0.0001, respectively). Nonsmokers experienced more in-hospital shock than the ex-smokers or active smokers (9.2% versus 6.4% and 5.8%, P<0.0001), stroke (1.9% versus 1.8% and 0.8%, p<0.0001), and bleeding (7.2% versus 6.5% and 4.4%, p<0.0001). They also experienced a higher in-hospital and 6-month mortality (12.8% and 17.6%) than ex-smokers (8.2% and 12.1%) or active smokers (5.4% and 7.8%) (p<0.0001). A multivariate analysis accounting for all baseline characteristics demonstrated a significant association between nonsmoking and increased hospital mortality, with an odds ratio of 1.42 (confidence limits, 1.15–1.72). Among active smokers, there was a nonsignificant trend for mortality rates to decrease with increasing numbers of cigarettes smoked per day. ConclusionsThis retrospective analysis indicates that smokers receiving thrombolytic therapy after acute myocardial infarction have significantly better hospital and 6-month outcome than nonsmokers or ex-smokers. However, smokers sustained their infarction at a significantly earlier age than nonsmokers, and strenuous efforts should continue to be made to decrease the incidence of new and continued smoking.
Possible Role of Dimerization in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Genome RNA Packaging

ABSTRACT The dimer initiation site/dimer linkage sequence (DIS/DLS) region in the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) RNA genome is suggested to play important roles in various steps of the virus life cycle. However, due to the presence of a putative DIS/DLS region located within the encapsidation signal region (E/psi), it is difficult to perform a mutational analysis of DIS/DLS without affecting the packaging of RNA into virions. Recently, we demonstrated that duplication of the DIS/DLS region in viral RNA caused the production of partially monomeric RNAs in virions, indicating that the region indeed mediated RNA-RNA interaction. We utilized this system to assess the precise location of DIS/DLS in the 5′ region of the HIV-1 genome with minimum effect on RNA packaging. We found that the entire lower stem of the U5/L stem-loop was required for packaging, whereas the region important for dimer formation was only 10 bases long within the lower stem of the U5/L stem-loop. The R/U5 stem-loop was required for RNA packaging but was completely dispensable for dimer formation. The SL1 lower stem was important for both dimerization and packaging, but surprisingly, deletion of the palindromic sequence at the top of the loop only partially affected dimerization. These results clearly indicated that the E/psi of HIV-1 is much larger than the DIS/DLS and that the primary DIS/DLS is completely included in the E/psi. Therefore, it is suggested that RNA dimerization is a part of RNA packaging, which requires multiple steps.
Reliability and validity of refractive error-specific quality-of-life instruments.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the reliability and validity of the National Eye Institute Refractive Error Quality of Life Instrument (NEI-RQL-42) and the Refractive Status and Vision Profile survey (RSVP). METHODS Eighty-one participants with good visual acuity (better than 20/30 best-corrected acuity in each eye) completed the NEI-RQL-42 and RSVP on 2 occasions. Noncycloplegic, subjective refractions and high-contrast visual acuity assessments were also performed. Statistical analyses addressed internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and validity (ie, concurrent and construct validity) of the 2 instruments. OUTCOME MEASURES The NEI-RQL-42, RSVP survey, subjective refraction, and visual acuity. RESULTS The internal consistency for the overall NEI-RQL-42 was excellent (Cronbach alpha = 0.91); and for the overall RSVP, good (Cronbach alpha = 0.81). Likewise, the test-retest reliability for the overall NEI-RQL-42 was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC], 0.91; 95% limits of agreement, -9.1 to 10.1); and for the RSVP, fair (ICC, 0.76; 95% limits of agreement, -12.1 to 12.5). The NEI-RQL-42 overall score showed good concurrent validity as it correlated significantly with subjective refraction, whereas the RSVP overall score did not. The NEI-RQL-42 and RSVP showed similar construct validity in terms of refractive error discrimination, but the NEI-RQL-42 showed better construct validity when discriminating by the type of refractive correction used by patients. Between-instrument convergent and divergent validity was good. CONCLUSIONS The NEI-RQL-42 and RSVP generally have good reliability and validity in this sample of patients with refractive error. However, other factors such as content should be considered in choosing 1 of these instruments for studies of refractive error correction.
Efficient diagnosis algorithms for drowsy SRAMs

Memory cores usually occupy a signif cant portion of the chip area of a complex system-on-chip. Thus, the yield of memory cores dominates the yield of the chip. Diagnosis and repair are two important techniques for memory yield improvement. In this paper, we propose two eff cient diagnosis algorithms for drowsy static random access memories (SRAMs). The f rst diagnosis algorithm, March D2, can be used to distinguish drowsy faults (DFs) from non-drowsy faults (NDFs). The second diagnosis algorithm, March D6, can distinguish different fault types of DFs. The March D2 and March D6 require 23N and (10log2N+17)N Read/Write operations, respectively, for testing an N × W -bit drowsy SRAM.
Acceleration of genetic algorithm based FPGA placers using GPGPU

With the scaling of process nodes, the complexity of IC design continues to increase. This increase in complexity greatly increases the time needed by many electronic design automation (EDA) tools to perform optimizations. Placer is one such tool that has been seeing a large increase in the time required for execution. Due to the large solution space and tight constraints, the amount of computations needed to arrive at a reasonably good solution increases exponentially. This work explores the acceleration of a genetic algorithm-based placer for field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) using general-purpose computing on graphics processing units (GPGPUs).
Instability of spatial encoding by CA1 hippocampal place cells after peripheral nerve injury

Several authors have shown that the hippocampus responds to painful stimulation and suggested that prolonged painful conditions could lead to abnormal hippocampal functioning. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the induction of persistent peripheral neuropathic pain would affect basic hippocampal processing such as the spatial encoding performed by CA1 place cells. These place cells fire preferentially in a certain spatial position in the environment, and this spatial mapping remains stable across multiple experimental sessions even when the animal is removed from the testing environment. To address the effect of prolonged pain on the stability of place cell encoding, we chronically implanted arrays of electrodes in the CA1 hippocampal region of adult rats and recorded the multichannel neuronal activity during a simple food‐reinforced alternation task in a U‐shaped runway. The activity of place cells was followed over a 3‐week period before and after the establishment of an animal model of neuropathy, spared nerve injury. Our results show that the nerve injury increased the number of place fields encoded per cell and the mapping size of the place fields. In addition, there was an increase in in‐field coherence while the amount of spatial information content that a single spike conveyed about the animal location decreased over time. Other measures of spatial tuning (in‐field firing rate, firing peak and number of spikes) were unchanged between the experimental groups. These results demonstrate that the functioning of spatial place cells is altered during neuropathic pain conditions.