Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of DECIDE (Decision-making Education for Choices In Diabetes Everyday) Program Delivery Modalities on Clinical and Behavioral Outcomes in Urban African Americans With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Trial

OBJECTIVE To compare the effectiveness of three delivery modalities of Decision-making Education for Choices In Diabetes Everyday (DECIDE), a nine-module, literacy-adapted diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) education and problem-solving training, compared with an enhanced usual care (UC), on clinical and behavioral outcomes among urban African Americans with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Eligible participants (n = 182) had a suboptimal CVD risk factor profile (A1C, blood pressure, and/or lipids). Participants were randomized to DECIDE Self-Study (n = 46), DECIDE Individual (n = 45), DECIDE Group (n = 46), or Enhanced UC (n = 45). Intervention duration was 18–20 weeks. Outcomes were A1C, blood pressure, lipids, problem-solving, disease knowledge, and self-care activities, all measured at baseline, 1 week, and 6 months after completion of the intervention. RESULTS DECIDE modalities and Enhanced UC did not significantly differ in clinical outcomes at 6 months postintervention. In participants with A1C ≥7.5% (58 mmol/mol) at baseline, A1C declined in each DECIDE modality at 1 week postintervention (P < 0.05) and only in Self-Study at 6 months postintervention (b = −0.24, P < 0.05). There was significant reduction in systolic blood pressure in Self-Study (b = −4.04) and Group (b = −3.59) at 6 months postintervention. Self-Study, Individual, and Enhanced UC had significant declines in LDL and Self-Study had an increase in HDL (b = 1.76, P < 0.05) at 6 months postintervention. Self-Study and Individual had a higher increase in knowledge than Enhanced UC (P < 0.05), and all arms improved in problem-solving (P < 0.01) at 6 months postintervention. CONCLUSIONS DECIDE modalities showed benefits after intervention. Self-Study demonstrated robust improvements across clinical and behavioral outcomes, suggesting program suitability for broader dissemination to populations with similar educational and literacy levels.
Recurrent respiratory tract infections in children

Respiratory tract infections are one of the major complaints in preschool children. The aim of this study was to highlight the particularities of recurrent respiratory tract infections manifested by ETN and pulmonary infections in children. Materials and methods: The authors performed a retrospective study of 148 patients aged between 2 months and 5 years old, hospitalized with the recurrent respiratory infections. We assessed the risk factor of RRI in children. In the control group were included 40 pediatric patients with abdominal pain sindrome without respiratory infections. Results: The most common clinical forms of RRI in our study included: acute otitis media − 58.31% of cases and/or recurrent pneumonia − 51.16 % of cases, chronic adenoiditis − 60.46% of cases. The authors observed a significant association between RRI and breastfeeding (p=0.0035), school-aged siblings (p=0.0013), immunodeficiency's (p=0.002), recurrent use of antibiotics (p≪0.001), early socialization (in day-care centers) (p=0.0316). In conclusion, the risk factors identified in the study group responsible for RRI were: the duration under 4 months of natural food, the presence of older siblings in the family attending the community, comorbidities (immunodeficiency, malnutrition, iron deficiency anemia, rickets) antibiotics, and early socialization.
Characterization of 17 strains belonging to the Mycobacterium simiae complex and description of Mycobacterium paraense sp. nov.

Fourteen mycobacterial strains isolated from pulmonary samples of independent patients in the state of Pará (Brazil), and three strains isolated in Italy, were characterized using a polyphasic approach. Thorough genetic investigation, including whole-genome sequencing, demonstrated that the strains belong to the M. simiae complex, being most closely related to Mycobacterium interjectum. For 14 of the strains, evidence emerged supporting their inclusion in a previously unreported species of the genus Mycobacterium, for which the name Mycobacterium paraense sp. nov. is proposed (type strain, IEC26(T) = DSM 46749(T) = CCUG 66121(T)). The novel species is characterized by slow growth, unpigmented or pale yellow scotochromogenic colonies, and a HPLC mycolic acid profile different from other known mycobacteria. In different genetic regions, high sequence microheterogeneity was detected.
Multiple determinants of functional mRNA stability: sequence alterations at either end of the lacZ gene affect the rate of mRNA inactivation

The Escherichia coli lacZ gene was used as a model system to identify specific sequence elements affecting mRNA stability. Various insertions and substitutions at the ribosome-binding site increased or decreased the rate of mRNA inactivation by up to fourfold. Deletion of a dyad symmetry, which may give rise to a very stable secondary structure in the mRNA immediately downstream of the gene, decreased the functional stability of the lacZ message. The magnitude of the latter effect was strongly dependent on the sequences at the ribosome-binding site, ranging from practically no effect for the most labile transcripts to a threefold decrease in stability for the most stable one. The results suggest that the wild-type lacZ message is inactivated predominantly by attacks near the ribosome-binding site, presumably in part because the putative secondary structure downstream of the gene protects against 3'-exonucleolytic attack. Taken together, the data for all of the modified variants of lacZ were shown to be quantitatively compatible with a general model of mRNA inactivation involving multiple independent target sites.
Local Voice in Shifting Modes of Decentralised Resource Control in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

This paper sets out to understand how the dominant modes of resource control shifted following the inception of decentralisation reforms in Central Kalimantan. It argues that the formal mechanisms of public participation and representation bear little resemblance to the actual arrangements determining who gains access to resources. Here the ‘voice’ of influential actors focuses on participating in the distribution of benefits rather than the core policy-setting functions of local government. At least in this context, the normative model of how ‘good governance’ should occur remains remote from the practical realities of what can be achieved on the ground. In contrast, a policy intervention that builds on the logic guiding local governance systems might have more hope of improving the position of disadvantaged actors within shifting networks of accommodation and exchange.
A logistic regression approach to model the willingness of consumers to adopt renewable energy sources

The implementation of renewable energy in this globalization era is inevitable since the non-renewable energy leads to climate change and global warming; hence, it does harm the environment and human life. However, in the developing countries, such as Indonesia, the implementation of the renewable energy sources does face technical and social problems. For the latter, renewable energy sources implementation is only effective if the public is aware of its benefits. This research tried to identify the determinants that influence consumers’ intention in adopting renewable energy sources. In addition, this research also tried to predict the consumers who are willing to apply the renewable energy sources in their houses using a logistic regression approach. A case study was conducted in Semarang, Indonesia. The result showed that only eight variables (from fifteen) that are significant statistically, i.e., educational background, employment status, income per month, average electricity cost per month, certainty about the efficiency of renewable energy project, relatives’ influence to adopt the renewable energy sources, energy tax deduction, and the condition of the price of the non-renewable energy sources. The finding of this study could be used as a basis for the government to set up a policy towards an implementation of the renewable energy sources.
Reaching the unreachables: A panel survey among unemployed young adults in Austria and recommendations on how to decrease nonresponse and attrition

Survey response rates are especially low among young people, those with low levels of formal education and those who are not well integrated into society. These effects are amplified in panel studies, where similar factors influence the propensity of continued participation in survey waves. As a result, conducting a panel study on young, unemployed people is particularly challenging. The paper describes the difficulties associated with selection effects and panel mortality in this particular group and the remedies applied in the JuSAW project, where we conducted a panel survey among young adults aged 18-28 who became unemployed between May and September 2014. Based on our experiences and a detailed analysis of sample balance and panel stability, we develop recommendations for future studies.
The 2014 Farm Act Agriculture Risk Coverage, Price Loss Coverage, and Supplemental Coverage Option Programs' Effects on Crop Revenue

The 2014 Farm Act provides eligible U.S. farmers with new commodity supports in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC), the Price Loss Coverage (PLC), and the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) programs. These programs help producers with revenue losses generally not covered by traditional crop insurance policies. Interactions, both among these programs and between these programs and the Federal Crop Insurance (FCI) program, determine the nature and magnitude of support avail - able to producers. This report provides an analysis of these programs with a focus on how various combinations of the programs impact producer revenue and its variability, producer well-being, and expected program costs. The report finds that these programs’ effectiveness are influenced by historical prices, expected prices, and FCI coverage rates. High historic crop prices combined with low expected prices since the enactment of the 2014 Farm Act led to higher enrollment of producers in the ARC program in 2015 relative to that in the SCO program.
User Acceptance and Public Policy Implications for Deployment of Automated Driving Systems

Author(s): Motamedi, Sanaz, PhD; Wang, Pei, PhD; Chan, Ching-Yao, PhD | Abstract: The objective of this project is to understand public perception of Automated Driving Systems (ADS) and to develop acceptance models that can help understand users’ intentions to use fully ADS, including both personally owned fully ADS and shared-use fully ADS. This project consisted of three phases, including (1) indepth interviews with end-users of partially ADS, (2) interviews with experts in the transportation domain regarding policy gaps for deployment of ADS, and (3) focus group and online surveys to understand public perception and acceptance model of fully ADS. Findings from this study show that safety, vehicle control and compatibility, and trust are the three most critical factors that have influence on users’ acceptance of the fully automated driving systems.
On the Property of the Distribution of Symbols in SQL Injection Attack

SQL injection is an attack of type to insert malicious query via an input form on web site. If SQL injection attack were successful, there are the threats of unauthorized access, information leak or falsification of data for web applications driven database system. In the conventional studies, a lot of prevention and detection methods using pattern matching, parsing or machine learning have been developed. However, it is easy to evade detection by modifying the strings of SQL injection attacks. Therefore, it is very important to investigate the essence of SQL injection attacks for preventing such evasion of detection. In this study, we constructed the feature space by using the property of the distribution of SQL injection attack, and proposed an attack detection method. The result of this study is showing the importance concerning the construction of feature space.
The crystal structure of bovine Cu2+,Zn2+ superoxide dismutase at 5.5-A resolution.

Abstract An electron density map at 5.5-A resolution has been obtained of bovine erythrocyte Cu2+,Zn2+ superoxide dismutase. The asymmetric unit of the crystal contains 2 enzyme molecules, each made up of two subunits related by an internal local 2-fold axis. As seen at this resolution all four subunits have the same conformation: extensive β structure appears to surround a central cylindrical hydrophobic core, and there are no readily identifiable stretches of α helix. Heavy atom replacement results imply a possible location for the Zn2+.
Discovery of a functional immunoreceptor tyrosine‐ based switch motif in a 7‐transmembrane‐spanning receptor: role in the orexin receptor OX1R‐driven apoptosis

The orexin neuropeptides promote ro‐ bust apoptosis in cancer cells. We have recently shown that the 7‐transmembrane‐spanning orexin receptor OX1R mediates apoptosis through an original mecha‐ nism. OX1R is equipped with a tyrosine‐based inhibi‐ tory motif ITIM, which is tyrosine‐phosphorylated on receptor activation, allowing the recruitment and acti‐ vation of the tyrosine phosphatase SHP‐2, leading to apoptosis. We show here that another motif, immuno‐ receptor tyrosine‐based switch motif (ITSM), is present in OX1R and is mandatory for OX1R‐mediated apopto‐ sis. This conclusion is based on the following observa‐ tions: 1) a canonical ITSM sequence is present in the first intracellular loop of OX1R; 2) mutation of Y83 to F within ITSM abolished OX1R‐mediated apop‐ tosis but did not alter orexin‐induced inositol phos‐ phate formation or calcium transient via coupling of OX1R to Gq protein; 3) mutation of Y83 to F further abolished orexin‐induced tyrosine phosphorylation in ITSM and subsequent recruitment of SHP‐2 by the receptor. Finally, we developed a structural model of OX1R showing that the spatial localization of phospho‐ tyrosines in ITSM and ITIM in OX1R is compatible with their interaction with the two SH2 domains of SHP‐2. These data represent the first evidence for a functional role of an ITSM in a 7‐transmembrane‐ spanning receptor. —El Firar, A. , Voisin, T. , Rouyer‐ Fessard, C. , Ostuni, M. A. , Couvineau, A. , Laburthe, M. Discovery of a functional immunoreceptor tyrosine‐ based switch motif in a 7‐transmembrane‐spanning re‐ ceptor: role in the orexin receptor OX1R‐driven apop‐ tosis. FASEB J. 23, 4069 – 4080 (2009). www.fasebj. org
Multidimensional Modeling of Socioeconomic Indicators in Khartoum State Using Factor Analysis Technique, 1990 - 2011

This paper focuses on utilizing the concept of socioeconomic indicators for expressing its participation in development. Factor analysis through principal component as a statistical technique is used for modeling, it leads to the identification of a small number of socioeconomic dimensions that summarize adequately the information contained in the original set of variables. The new methodology for socioeconomic modeling enables a much more useful characterization of the territory for policy-making purposes. The statistical data of Khartoum State of the Sudan during 1990 – 2011 were used. In this paper 54 variables of seven complex socioeconomic indicators which reduced into three factors using factor analysis technique, these factors are: Multi-indicators factor which, includes natural, health, and demographic indicators. The second is education factor, which explains the impact of education on the agriculture and the livestock. Industry factor, represents the third factor, and clarifies the effectiveness of industry, petroleum and electricity on services.
Segmentation et mise en correspondance de régions de paires d'images stéréoscopiques

Dans le cadre de la recherche en vision par ordinateur, le probleme que nous resolvons est celui de l'extraction et de la mise en correspondance de regions issues de paires d'images stereoscopiques. Dans la premiere partie, nous presentons un algorithme de segmentation d'images par une technique de croissance de regions. Une strategie de stockage de la hierarchie des regions creees au cours de l'algorithme nous permet de nous affranchir des problemes du choix des predicats et des seuils qui leurs sont associes. Nous definissons une distance entre images de labels de regions pour produire des segmentations coherentes au sein d'une paire d'images stereo, dans le but de faciliter la recherche ulterieure de correspondances entre les regions. Nous faisons collaborer un detecteur de points de contours avec l'algorithme de croissance de regions de maniere a profiter de leurs qualites respectives. Des resultats sur divers types d'images sont presentes, ainsi qu'une application a la segmentation d'images en couleurs. Dans la seconde partie nous presentons differentes methodes pour trouver les couples de regions correspondantes, premiere etape vers l'obtention d'une description 3D de la scene. Nous decrivons d'abord un algorithme de mise en correspondance par recouvrement mutuel des regions analogues. Nous presentons ensuite des algorithmes recherchant des similarites entre les caracteristiques, photometriques et geometriques, des regions a apparier. Une troisieme methode nous permet d'effectuer la recherche de regions correspondance. Enfin, nous utilisons une technique d'optimisation globale, le recuit simule, pour produire des appariements coherents avec les voisinages des regions
What are the Key Factors Influencing Successful Implementation of Accounting Information Systems for Resource Planning? A Case Study of Rubber Wood Companies in Thailand

Abstract The study objectives were (1) to evaluate the success level of accounting information systems (AISs) for resource planning of rubber wood companies in Thailand, and (2) to investigate the influence of the key factors on successful implementation of AISs for resource planning of rubber wood companies in Thailand. The population included all companies in rubber wood industry in Thailand. By quota and simple random sampling, 110 out of 153 companies were employed as the samples. Descriptive analysis and multiple regression are used to analyze the data. The study found that the average success level of AISs for resource planning of rubber wood companies was at the high level. In terms of the key factors influencing successful implementation of AISs for resource planning of rubber wood companies, the results indicated that the AISs success was at the highest level for top management support; at the high level for quality of AISs, organization structure, and user characteristic; and at the moderate level for user participation. Moreover, the two factors, top management support and quality of AISs, had significant positive influence on successful implementation of AISs for resource planning of rubber wood companies in Thailand. The suggestions arising from this study can assist companies seeking to achieve successful implementation of their AISs for resource planning. Keywords: key success factors, accounting information system, resource planning, rubber wood company
Economic Evaluation of the Cotton Checkoff Program

The Cotton Research and Promotion Act was initiated to provide for the development of an industry-wide research and promotion effort. In 1990, Congress amended the Act to eliminate producer refunds and to add a new levy on imports. The 1990 legislation also called for a review by the Secretary of Agriculture to assess the effects of these changes and to determine the need for a continuance referendum every five years. The research described in this report was undertaken to provide an economic analysis of the cotton checkoff program. This analysis, plus USDA’s assessment of program implementation and industry support, provided the basis for the Secretary’s review. The study was designed to answer the following: (1) what were the effects of the research and promotion activities on domestic consumption of cotton, farm-level demand for cotton, and cotton imports; and (2) what was the rate of return associated with the program? Promotion and research activities were successful in contributing to increases in the domestic consumption of cotton and in imports of raw-fiber equivalent cotton textile products. At the mill level, the net return for the current program was in the range of $7.12 to $8.14 per dollar of investment. At the producer level, the net return for the current program was $3.23 to $3.49, and for importers the net return was slightly higher at $3.63 to $4.33.
Internationalized Small and Medium Enterprises Governance Mechanisms and Capabilities

The study provides a new perspective on internationalized SMEs marketing strategies in the global context. Using a dynamic capability view of the firm, the study develops hierarchical regression models linking global dynamic capabilities and governance structure. A study of 274 internationalized SME Taiwanese firms reveals that two key global dynamic capabilities, namely marketing and design. Our study suggests that internationalized SMSs strategically manage their autonomy and strategic options in choosing the appropriate combinations of different relationship types while they decide to develop global marketing capability, global design capability or both.
A Goniometric Glove for Clinical Hand Assessment

The construction of a goniometric glove is described. Each of the sensors in the glove was calibrated over a custom built metal hand using blocks of known angles as angular references. The digital data output from each sensor of the glove were converted into angular displacements at each joint. The glove was validated for consistency of measurement and accuracy over a custom built metal jig and in the human hand. The accuracy of the glove was found to be within the limits of traditional goniometry. It is proposed that goniometric gloves could be useful in the assessment of hand function.
International comparison and discriminant analysis of rural information system construction in China

In the process of rural information system construction, some developed countries, such as U.S.A, German, France, Australia and Japan, have made advanced achievements. Comparing the process of development in those countries, the developing stages of information system construction can be divided into three stages, denoted as the initial stage, the middle stage and the advanced stage. To identify the developing stage of China in construction of rural information system, a discriminant analysis methodology is applied in this paper based on the statistic data from 1985 to 2010. By using the history statistic data of developed countries, we can identify the corresponding Fisher discriminant function for each stage of rural information system construction. Using the results of discriminant analysis methodology, we can identify the range of each stage in rural information system construction in China and analysis the corresponding developing traits. Then, taking Jilin province as an specific case in the discriminant analysis, we can identify its time table for rural information system construction.