Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
International Terrorism and the Political Survival of Leaders

This study examines whether transnational terrorist attacks impact the political survival of leaders. We argue that external security threats, such as those from transnational terrorist incidents, can undermine incumbent target governments by exposing foreign policy failures and damaging society’s general well-being. Yet, terrorism may not destabilize democratic governments as a result of citizens rallying around their elected leaders in threatening times. Focusing on Archigos’ survival leadership data and International Terrorism: Attributes of Terrorist Events’ terrorism data for the 1968–2004 period, we find that autocrats who experience higher instances of transnational terrorist attacks are more likely to exit power. Democrats, however, are relatively secure to the destabilizing influence of transnational terrorism.
Compact Modeling and Evaluation of Magnetic Skyrmion-Based Racetrack Memory

Racetrack memory (RM) has been considered as one of the most attractive nonvolatile memories in the future advanced computer architectures. Current RM is based on domain wall (DW) motion, which, however, has some intrinsic limitations, such as scalability, density, and energy consumption owing to the physical property of DW. Recently, magnetic skyrmion, one new type of spintronic object, has emerged as an alternative of DW in RM application. The advantageous features of skyrmion, such as nanoscale size, topological stability, as well as ultralow depinning current density, make it promising as an information carrier in the future ultradense, high-speed, and low-power electronics in addition to RM design. In this paper, we primarily investigate the prospects of the skyrmion-based RM (Sky-RM). We developed a physics-based compact model for Sky-RM electronic design and performance evaluation. Experimentalmaterial parameterswere included and micromagnetic investigations were carried out simultaneously to calibrate the accuracy of the model. Using the developed model, hybrid simulations were performed to evaluate the Sky-RM performance, in comparison with the DW-based RM (DW-RM). Our results show that Sky-RM outperforms DW-RM in terms of storage density and energy efficiency.
Microbial detoxification of mycotoxin deoxynivalenol

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a trichothecene secondary metabolite produced by Fusarium species infecting cereal crops. As a mycotoxin, DON causes losses in livestock production and poses a health risk to humans consuming contaminated cereal products. DON also acts as a virulence factor, facilitating the colonization of host plants by Fusarium spp. Enzymatic detoxification of mycotoxins in feed additives and genetically modified crops is a promising approach for the reduction of mycotoxin contamination of feeds and food. A prerequisite for the developoment of biotechnological strategies for DON detoxification is the availability of genes encoding suitable enzymatic activities. With the goal of isolating microbial cultures that can be used as a source of such activies, we screened 1285 microbial cultures from farmland soil, cereal grains, insects and other sources for DON transformation under aerobic conditions. One mixed culture transformed DON into two chromatographically separable products. The main product of the transformation was purified and its structure was elucidated by mass spectroscopy, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR and proton‐proton and carbon‐proton correlated NMR spectroscopy. The structure of this product was determined to be 3‐keto‐4‐deoxynivalenol. The DON‐transforming mixed culture survived and retained its transforming activity during a starvation period of six months at 20 °C. Transformation of DON was suppressed by low concentrations of glucose and high concentrations of tryptone and yeast extract. Cell‐free supernatants obtained either by filtration through a 0.22 μm membrane filter or by centrifugation did not exert DON‐transforming activity. Trichothecenes 15‐acetyl‐DON, 3‐acetyl‐DON and fusarenon‐X were also transformed. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An adaptive measurement rate setting method based on variance of classified image blocks

Traditional block compressed sensing (BCS) of images uses the same measurement rate to measure each block, while different image blocks contain different structural features, the number of measurements needs varies as well. In this paper, a V-AMRS (Adaptive Measurement Rate Setting Method Based on Variance of Classified Image Blocks) method is proposed. According to the variances, the image blocks are classified into different classes, then, different measurement rates are assigned to each class of blocks according to their variances. Through the reasonable allocation of limited measurement resources, the effectiveness of measurement is improved greatly. The simulation results show that the quality of reconstruction image of proposed method outperforms the non-adaptive method.
An analysis method of double fading MIMO channels including LOS environments

This paper gives an analysis method of i.i. d. (independent and identically distributed) double fading channels including LOS (line of sight) environment which are typically found in keyhole MIMO (multiple input multiple output) models. To investigate the potential of LOS double fading (double Rician fading) MIMO channels, the density function of SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) which corresponds to the only one non-zero eigenvalue of channel correlation matrix is considered. After the description of the exact expression with an infinite series form, an approximation formula of SNR density with a simple monomial form is given utilizing Nakagami m approximation of Rician distribution. Through computer simulations, the effectiveness of the proposed formulae is verified, and the advantage of the approximated formula particular in case of large array size and/or large Rician factor is demonstrated.
A Nonparametric Analysis to Evaluate Scale of Indian Banking Operations

In the present study, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was used to estimate scale efficiency of Indian banks during 2008-2012. The given period was characterized by global financial crisis, rapid regulatory reforms and intense competition among Indian banking sector. The results showed considerable variation in average levels of scale efficiency across various ownership groups of Indian banking system. In general, public and private banks are found to be more scale efficient than foreign banks. There was higher scale efficiency of smaller public, private and foreign banks than larger counterparts in respective groups to believe that small banks had better prospect in the area of scale of operations. The trend of scale efficiency during 2008-2012 across the public, private and foreign banks of India was also examined and the results showed low heterogeneity in scale efficiency of public and private banks after 2008, whereas higher heterogeneity in foreign banks across the study period 2008-2012. The ownership possibly explained the difference across the scale efficiency of banks in India.
Glut9-mediated Urate Uptake Is Responsible for Its Protective Effects on Dopaminergic Neurons in Parkinson’s Disease Models

Considerable evidence has shown that elevated plasma or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) urate levels correlated with a reduced risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Based on its anti-oxidative properties, urate might serve as one of promising neuroprotective candidates for PD. However, how urate is transported through cell membranes to exert its effects inside the cells in PD is largely unknown. To elucidate this, we showed that increased intracellular urate exerted its neuroprotective effects against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-induced neurotoxicity in MES23.5 cells and elevated urate could antagonize 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced nigral dopaminergic neuronal death in urate oxidase (UOx) knockout (KO) mice. Its transporter, glucose transporter type 9 (Glut9), was observed up-regulated, which was caused by the activation of p53. These protective effects could be abolished by Glut9 blocker and p53 inhibitor. These results suggested that Glut9 was a functional urate transporter, whose up-regulation by activation of p53 resulted in the increased intracellular urate levels in PD models. Our findings suggest that Glut9 could be modified to modulate urate levels in dopaminergic neurons and urate-elevating strategies without increasing systemic levels to avoid side effects might serve as a potential therapeutic target for PD.
Risk of Secondary Injury in Younger Athletes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background: Injury to the ipsilateral graft used for reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or a new injury to the contralateral ACL are disastrous outcomes after successful ACL reconstruction (ACLR), rehabilitation, and return to activity. Studies reporting ACL reinjury rates in younger active populations are emerging in the literature, but these data have not yet been comprehensively synthesized. Purpose: To provide a current review of the literature to evaluate age and activity level as the primary risk factors in reinjury after ACLR. Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted via searches in PubMed (1966 to July 2015) and EBSCO host (CINAHL, Medline, SPORTDiscus [1987 to July 2015]). After the search and consultation with experts and rating of study quality, 19 articles met inclusion for review and aggregation. Population demographic data and total reinjury (ipsilateral and contralateral) rate data were recorded from each individual study and combined using random-effects meta-analyses. Separate meta-analyses were conducted for the total population data as well as the following subsets: young age, return to sport, and young age + return to sport. Results: Overall, the total second ACL reinjury rate was 15%, with an ipsilateral reinjury rate of 7% and contralateral injury rate of 8%. The secondary ACL injury rate (ipsilateral + contralateral) for patients younger than 25 years was 21%. The secondary ACL injury rate for athletes who return to a sport was also 20%. Combining these risk factors, athletes younger than 25 years who return to sport have a secondary ACL injury rate of 23%. Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates that younger age and a return to high level of activity are salient factors associated with secondary ACL injury. These combined data indicate that nearly 1 in 4 young athletic patients who sustain an ACL injury and return to high-risk sport will go on to sustain another ACL injury at some point in their career, and they will likely sustain it early in the return-to-play period. The high rate of secondary injury in young athletes who return to sport after ACLR equates to a 30 to 40 times greater risk of an ACL injury compared with uninjured adolescents. These data indicate that activity modification, improved rehabilitation and return-to-play guidelines, and the use of integrative neuromuscular training may help athletes more safely reintegrate into sport and reduce second injury in this at-risk population.
Testing the Existence of Lead-Lag Effects in the Hong-Kong Stock Market

The aim of this paper is to investigate the lead-lag effect between two indices on the HONG-KONG stock market. This analysis is applied to daily data from 14/04/2003 to 10/10/2014. The results show that the more liquid index leads the less liquid. These results are consistent with those shown by the impulse response function. Â These results concluded that the predictability of less liquid index by more liquid index returns. In these studies, we can conclude that the lead-lag effect can generate a predictability of returns of the two indices of Hong-Kong stock exchange in the case of daily data.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of effectiveness and safety of therapy for overactive bladder using botulinum toxin A at different dosages

Purpose To assess the effectiveness and safety of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) at different dosages for overactive bladder (OAB). Materials and Methods The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register databases were searched through November 3, 2016 to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Results Eleven studies were identified in this meta-analysis. Compared with placebo, the urinary incontinence (UI) episodes per week as the primary outcomes, urodynamic parameters including maximum cystometric capacity (MCC), and maximum detrusor pressure (MDP) for neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) at 6 weeks, and for idiopathic detrusor overactivity (IDO) at 36 weeks were evaluated. These and other outcomes for effectiveness of BTX-A at different dosages in two observation periods indicate that a dose greater than 50 U is significantly more effective for certain symptoms of OAB compared with placebo. However, there were no significant differences between some dosages. Compared with placebo, the outcomes of total adverse events for NDO and for IDO show that doses of 300 U and 200 U for NDO are associated with more complications. Conclusions In consideration that the treatments of BTX-A were with minimal, local, and manageable adverse effects, this meta-analysis demonstrates that BTX-A 200 U is recommended for management of NDO for short-term treatment for there was no significant difference from the larger dose of 300U. The short-term efficacies of BTX-A for IDO remain to be investigated.
Low temperature bonding of Sn/In-Cu interconnects for three-dimensional integration applications

A low temperature bonding technology of Sn/In composite solder bonded to Cu interconnect is proposed and investigated. The intermetallic compounds formed in the bonded interconnects can survive well in the following process. The Sn/In-Cu interconnects bonded at low temperature all exhibit excellent electrical performance and high resistance to multiple current stressing, showing a great potential in 3D applications.
How diversification affects innovation by a Korean mobile content firm

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the factors affecting innovation in a mobile content firm in Korea, with a focus on diversification. We analysed the effect of firm strategy (diversification), capabilities (R&D activity, R&D personnel, marketing capabilities) and characteristics (firm size and age) on innovation. We conducted a detailed analysis on how the extent and direction of diversification influences innovation. For the analysis, we used a negative binomial model with five year panel data adapted from the Data Analysis, Retrieval and Transfer System (DART) database for 41 firms listed in the Korea Mobile Yearbook 2009-2010. The analysis results indicated that the extent of diversification has a negative correlation with innovation, while horizontal diversification has a positive correlation with innovation. Through this study, we draw the policy significance of diversification in relation to the effective fostering and capacity intensification of innovation in the Korean mobile content industry.
Primary Contour Prediction Based on Detailed Topographic Data and Its Impact on TV White Space Availability

Following the standard approach envisioned by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC), we consider database as a tool to plan the utilization of very high frequency/UHF spectrum by white space (WS) radios. Our approach, however, differs from the FCC one in the sense that the proposed geolocation database is not limited to process terrain information based on antenna height above average terrain (HAAT). Our primary contour prediction (PCP) algorithm processes detailed regional topographic data with the Fresnel diffraction theory while allowing flexibility in conservativeness to accommodate local regulations. This renders more realistic contour predictions in regions of rough terrain. Moreover, due to the current broadcast antenna height limitation of 200 m in existing propagation models, we revisit the work of Okumura et al. and derive a new model applicable to a broader antenna height range. Specifically, we utilize $n$ th order polynomials to fit Okumura curves in the least-square sense and obtain remarkable accuracy with low orders, i.e., $n = 3$ . As a result, contours of broadcasters as high as 1000 m are easily predicted in regions ranging from quasi-flat to mountainous with the proposed geolocation database, which is composed of the novel yet simple propagation model and the PCP algorithm based on the diffraction theory. Finally, we perform an extensive analysis of TV WS (TVWS) spectrum availability in Japan based on NASA topography data, demographic information from the Statistic Bureau of Japan, and broadcaster-related information obtained from the Japanese Ministry of Communications. This analysis suggests that HAAT-based techniques should not be utilized in countries with rough terrain due to HAAT inherent lack of sensitivity to detailed topography, which hinders the potential of TVWS technology. We also computed the TVWS availability considering all (more than 2000! ) transmitters, translators, and boosters across Japan and adjacent channel restrictions as required per regulations. We found that processing detailed topographic data by diffraction-based algorithms almost triple the expected TVWS bandwidth compared with HAAT-based techniques in this country.
BPMN4CP Revised -- Extending BPMN for Multi-perspective Modeling of Clinical Pathways

Clinical Pathways (CPs) can be seen as business processes of hospitals or clinical institutions. Modeling these pathways is an emerging field of research, as it provides promising benefits for systems integration, quality management and documentation. The Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) provides a range of process-related concepts but naturally lacks in representing specific aspects from the CP domain. Therefore, the BPMN extension BPMN4CP was designed in a previous research project. In accordance with research guidelines from Design Science, the extension ran through an iteration based on its practical application within a telemedical project. Based on several new requirements, the extension was revised regarding to the integration of resources, documents, objectives and quality indicators. These concepts were assigned to particular perspectives and diagrams in order to support model complexity management and provide appropriate diagrams for respective stakeholders. In order to provide a commonly usable extension, these enhancements were implemented as BPMN meta model extension.
Scope and Heterogeneous Nature of MODY

This review summarizes aspects of the phenotypic expression, natural history, recognition, pathogenesis, and heterogeneous nature of maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY), which is inherited in an autosomal-dominant pattern. There are differences in metabolic, hormonal, and vascular abnormalities in different ethnic groups and even among White pedigrees. In MODY patients with low insulin responses, there are delayed and decreased insulin and C-peptide secretory responses to glucose from childhood or adolescence even before glucose intolerance appears, which may represent the basic genetic defect. When followed for decades, nondiabetic siblings have normal insulin responses. The fasting hyperglycemia of some MODY patients has been treated successfully with sulfonylureas for up to 30 yr. In a few patients, after years or decades of diabetes, the insulin and C-peptide responses to glucose are so low that they resemble those of early insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The progression of the insulin secretory defect over time distinguishes between these two types of diabetes. In contrast are patients from families who have very high insulin responses to glucose, despite glucose intolerance and fasting hyperglycemia similar to that seen in patients with low insulin responses. In many of these patients, there is in vivo and in vitro evidence of insulin resistance. Whatever its mechanism, the compensatory insulin responses to nutrients must be insufficient to maintain normal carbohydrate tolerance. This suggests that diabetes occurs only in those patients who have an additional islet cell defect, i.e., insufficient β-cell reserve and secretory capacity. In a few MODY pedigrees with high insulin responses to glucose and lack of evidence of insulin resistance, a structurally abnormal mutant insulin molecule that is biologically ineffective is secreted. No associations have been found between specific HLA antigens and MODY in White, Black, and Asian pedigrees. Linkage studies of the insulin gene, insulin-receptor gene, erythrocyte/HepG2 glucose-transporter locus, and apolipoprotein B locus have shown no association with MODY. Vascular disease may be as prevalent as in conventional non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Because of autosomal-dominant transmission and penetrance at a young age, MODY is a good model for further investigations of etiologic and pathogenetic factors in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, including the use of genetic linkage strategies to identify diabetogenic genes.
The benefit and the doubt: why monogamy?

Monogamy - a bond between two partners of opposite sex - is a relatively rare phenomenon in mammals (3-5%, from a total of 4000 mammalian species). The duration of the bond may vary from one breeding period to life-long. Monogamy does not exclude ‘genetic promiscuity’, i.e., extra-pair mating. In fact, this is rather common. Monogamy is an intrinsically unstable mating strategy. Benefits include the (relative) certainty of access to the partner's reproductive potential, but the chief disadvantage is that access to other potential partners is strongly diminished, particularly in those cases where males exhibit strong mate-guarding behavior. Mate-guarding, in particular the guarding by males of females with a good territory or of females that accept the territory of a male, has been shown to be the most important selective pressure leading to the evolution of monogamy. A monogamic bond strongly favors the evolution of male investment in the raising of offspring, as is the case in most birds (90% of bird species are monogamic and most exhibit biparental care of young). Mammals exhibit this type of behavior to a far lesser extent (female mammals monopolize the feeding of newly born young). Most male mammals do not look after their offspring; humans are an exception in this respect. Like most mammals, humans are not strictly monogamic. A tendency to social monogamy has evolved, however, and is subject to strong reinforcement by cultural factors, particularly religion. As a result, in a number of cultures monogamy is the predominant mating system; however, most cultures (about 85 %) are polygamic. For humans, the optimal evolutionary strategy is monogamy when necessary, polygamy when possible.
Submillimetre photometry of 323 nearby galaxies from the Herschel Reference Survey

The Herschel Reference Survey (HRS) is a guaranteed time Herschel key project aimed at studying the physical properties of the interstellar medium in galaxies of the nearby universe. This volume limited, K-band selected sample is composed of galaxies spanning the whole range of morphological types (from ellipticals to late-type spirals) and environments (from the field to the centre of the Virgo Cluster). We present flux density measurements of the whole sample of 323 galaxies of the HRS in the three bands of the Spectral and Photometric Imaging Receiver (SPIRE), at 250 μm, 350 μm and 500 μm. Aperture photometry is performed on extended galaxies and point spread function (PSF) fitting on timeline data for unresolved objects; we carefully estimate errors and upper limits. The flux densities are found to be in good agreement with those of the HeViCS and KINGFISH key projects in all SPIRE bands, and of the Planck consortium at 350 μm and 550 μm, for the galaxies in common. This submillimetre catalogue of nearby galaxies is a benchmark for the study of the dust properties in the local universe, giving the zero redshift reference for any cosmological survey.