Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Performance Analysis of Grid Based AODV Routing Algorithm for AD Hoc Wireless Networks

In many traditional On Demand routing algorithms in Ad hoc wireless networks, a simple flooding mechanism is used to broadcast route request (RREQ) packets when there is a need to establish a route from a source node to a destination node. The broadcast of RREQ may lead to high channel contention, high packet collisions, and thus high delay to establish the routes, especially with high density networks. Ad hoc on Demand Distance Vector Routing Protocol (AODV) is one among the most effective Reactive Routing Protocols in MANETs which use simple flooding mechanism to broadcast the RREQ. It is also used in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) and in Vehicular Ad hoc Networks (VANET). This paper proposes a new modified AODV routing protocol EGBB-AODV where the RREQ mechanism is using a grid based broadcast (EGBB) which reduces considerably the number of rebroadcast of RREQ packets, and hence improves the performance of the routing protocol. We developed a simulation model based on NS2 simulator to measure the performance of EGBB-AODV and compare the results to the original AODV and a position-aware improved counter-based algorithm (PCB-AODV). The simulation experiments that EGBB-AODV outperforms AODV and PCB-AODV in terms of end-to-end delay, delivery ratio and power consumption, under different traffic load, and network density conditions.
Effectiveness of online advertising channels: a price-level-dependent analysis

Abstract In the recent past, the Internet has gained great importance as an advertising medium. The question of marketing accountability has become one of the top research areas for researchers and practitioners aiming to optimise marketing-budget allocations. This study analyses customers' behaviour by tracking advertising impressions and clicks, and compares this data with 2.7 million orders generated at different price levels. Using the Elaboration Likelihood Model, we introduce a new method of analysis for advertising effectiveness, focusing on the effect of channel presence on actual orders in certain price groups. The results show that push channels have a minor effect on sales compared with pull channels. Additionally, we show that products at different price levels can be promoted via selective advertising channels.
Consumer Preference on Value Added Products of Farmed Fish in Lake Victoria Basin, Tanzania

This paper articulates the empirical evidence on consumer taste preference and purchase intent of value added products of farmed tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). To meet the study objective, 150 fish consumers in Nyamagana district, Mwanza tasted various fish products including fishballs, samosa, pie and hot-smoked fish. A 3- point Likert scale was used to rank the taste and purchase intent for each product. Percentages and frequency distribution were calculated for descriptive analysis. Kruskal–Wallis test was performed for statistical analysis to find out the significant differences between consumer preference to the taste and willingness to purchase the fish products. Subsequently, Mann-Whitney U test was performed for post hoc tests. Results indicate that, the consumers’ taste preference between African catfish products were significantly different (H (3) = 11.40, p 0.05). Furthermore, no significant difference was observed on the purchase intent of all products for the two species (H (3) = 4.090, p > 0.05 for tilapia products, and H (3) = 2.953, p > 0.05 for African catfish products). Generally, the consumers accepted the taste of all products, despite the differences exhibited for the African catfish products. Training and promotion of value addition for farmed fish is therefore recommended to improve fish consumption as well as enhancing market performance for the aquaculture industry.
Preclinical Biodistribution and Safety Evaluation of a pbi-shRNA STMN1 Lipoplex after Subcutaneous Delivery

Stathmin-1 (STMN1) is a microtubule-destabilizing protein which is overexpressed in cancer. Its overexpression is associated with poor prognosis and also serves as a predictive marker to taxane therapy. We have developed a proprietary bi-functional shRNA (bi-shRNA) platform to execute RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated gene silencing and a liposome–carrier complex to systemically deliver the pbi-shRNA plasmids. In vitro and in vivo testing demonstrated efficacy and specificity of pbi-shRNA plasmid in targeting STMN1 (Phadke, A. P., Jay, C. M., Wang, Z., Chen, S., Liu, S., Haddock, C., Kumar, P., Pappen, B. O., Rao, D. D., Templeton, N. S., et al. (2011). In vivo safety and antitumor efficacy of bifunctional small hairpin RNAs specific for the human Stathmin 1 oncoprotein. DNA Cell Biol. 30, 715–726. ). Biodistribution and toxicology studies in bio-relevant Sprague Dawley rats with pbi-shRNA STMN1 lipoplex revealed that the plasmid DNA was delivered to a broad distribution of organs after a single subcutaneous injection. Specifically, plasmid was detected within the first week using QPCR (threshold 50 copies plasmid/1 µg genomic DNA) at the injection site, lung, spleen, blood, skin, ovary (limited), lymph nodes, and liver. It was not detected in the heart, testis or bone marrow. No plasmid was detected from any organ 30 days after injection. Treatment was well tolerated. Minimal inflammation/erythema was observed at the injection site. Circulating cytokine response was also examined by ELISA. The IL-6 levels were induced within 6 h then declined to the vehicle control level 72 h after the injection. TNF&agr; induction was transiently observed 4 days after the DNA lipoplex treatment. In summary, the pbi-shRNA STMN1 lipoplex was well tolerated and displayed broad distribution after a single subcutaneous injection. The pre-clinical data has been filed to FDA and the pbi-shRNA STMN1 lipoplex is being investigated in a phase I clinical study.
A Note on Firms' Investment Under Tax Benefits of Debt and Exogenous Debt Constraint

This paper questions the idea that the deduction of debt interest is always a good policy instrument in order to spur investment. Particularly, it analyzes the investment choice in a "financing hierarchy" framework with an exogenous constraint on the amount of the debt that the firm can contract. We show that if the interest rate on debt is decreasing in the capital accumulation and it is available another financial resource (as equity) more expensive than debt (at least for initial levels of debt), then the deduction of debt interest from taxes on capital income may reduce the firm's investment.This theoretical contribution should be considered when financial intermediaries are not willing to finance beyond a fixed threshold but firms have access to the stock market.
On Strategic Enabling of Product Piracy in the Market for Video Games

In this paper, we consider the market for video games, where some firms are active in both, the market for video games hardware and software. It is puzzling that hardware can be easily made compatible with duplicated (i.e. pirated) software. We ask, whether there exist strategic reasons explaining this puzzle. Firms may, for example, enable software piracy in order to increase their market shares in the hardware market. This will indeed be true, if hardware prices are fixed and the market is completely covered. With endogenous prices, however, price reactions to enabling of product piracy will offset the increase in market shares and copy protection will be set at the highest possible level. If, on the other hand, the market is only partially covered, copy protection will be strategically reduced. In doing so, hardware firms shift reservation prices from the software to the more important hardware market.
Estimating Foreign Value-added in Mexico's Manufacturing Exports

We report estimates of foreign value-added (FVA) in Mexico’s manufacturing exports that takes into account the high import content of production in the Maquiladora and PITEX programs, using a methodology developed in Koopman, Wang, and Wei (2008). This is the first study for Mexico that measures vertical specialization using a recently available input-output table for the Maquiladora industry in addition to trade data from both export promotion programs. On average, Mexico’s manufacturing exports have a FVA share of about 66 percent. Those industries that have a foreign content share of 50 percent or more account for 80 percent of the country’s manufacturing exports. They include computer and peripheral equipment, audio and video equipment, communications equipment, semiconductor and other electronic components, and electrical equipment.
Encephalopathy Models Sheep Transmissible Spongiform Leukocyte-Platelet-Associated Infectivity in Prionemia and

Published Ahead of Print 7 December 2011. 2012, 86(4):2056. DOI: 10.1128/JVI.06532-11. J. Virol. Castilla and Olivier Andréoletti Lantier, François Schelcher, Jacques Grassi, Joaquin Costes, Jean-Louis Weisbecker, Isabelle Lantier, Frederic Corbière, Stéphanie Simon, Hugh Simmons, Pierrette Claire Litaise, Séverine Lugan, Nathalie Morel, Fabien Caroline Lacroux, Didier Vilette, Natalia Fernández-Borges, Encephalopathy Models Sheep Transmissible Spongiform Leukocyte-Platelet-Associated Infectivity in Prionemia and
Seize the state, seize the day? business-government relations in a transition economy

This dissertation advances the corporate political strategy literature by demonstrating the effectiveness of corporate political strategy on firm-level outcomes. In this dissertation, I investigate how corporate political activities, defined as corporate attempts to shape government policy in ways favorable to the firm (Hillman, Keim, & Schuler, 2004), help firms achieve better financial performance. The dissertation examines this question at two levels: 1) at the top management level, how CEO political connections would affect corporate financial performance; and 2) at the firm level, how corporate political activity would influence corporate financial performance. The dissertation further introduces a set of contingent factors, affecting the mechanisms of how corporate political activity would result in better corporate financial performance. I address these issues in two separate studies in a transition economy and apply the empirical context of Chinese firms listed on the Shenzhen and Shanghai Stock Exchanges during the period of 1999-2009 to test my propositions, which provides an opportunity to deep contextualize the corporate political literature into Chinese context (Tsui, 2007). Study one examines the relationship between CEO political connections and corporate financial performance. Drawing on previous research on political connections and resource-based view, I developed arguments that connections with the government could bring
Quantitative Assessment of Ventricular Septal Contour for Estimation of Right Ventricular Pressure

Qualitative assessment of ventricular septal flattening is commonly used in pediatric patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) who lack adequate tricuspid regurgitation (TR) Doppler signal. We sought to determine the relation between quantitative measures of septal flattening including the eccentricity index (EIs) and a novel marker, the septal flattening angle (SFA) with right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP).
Inhibition of Airway Constriction by Opioids Is Different down the Isolated Bovine Airway

Background: Opioid agonists attenuate in isolated airways contractile responses to electrical field stimulation (EFS), and this attenuation is mediated by opioid receptors. Differences exist in the density of muscarinic and beta‐adrenergic receptors between large and small airways. The authors hypothesized that the density of opioid receptors may also be different down the airway. Methods: The effects of three selective opioid agonists (micro, kappa, omega) on EFS‐induced contractions were compared between isolated bovine sublobar (4‐ or 5‐mm inner diameter) and segmental (2‐ or 3‐mm inner diameter) bronchial rings and between trachealis strips and bronchial rings. Results: D‐Ala2 ‐N‐MePhe4 ‐Gly‐ol5 enkephalin (DAMGO; 10 sup ‐5 M), a micro‐opioid agonist, attenuated EFS‐induced contractions of isolated sublobar and segmental bronchial rings at low stimulating frequencies of 0.5 Hz (P < 0.001), 2 Hz (P < 0.001), and 8 Hz (P < 0.001), but not at 32 Hz (P = 0.071). The inhibitory effect of DAMGO was antagonized by naloxone (10 sup ‐5 M) (P = 0.025). The selective kappa‐opioid agonist U‐50488 H (10 sup ‐5 M) attenuated EFS‐induced contractions at 32 Hz (P = 0.008) and 8 Hz (P = 0.045), but not at 2‐Hz (P = 0.893) or 0.5‐Hz (P = 0.145) contractions. The inhibitory effects of 10 sup ‐5 M U‐50488 H were not antagonized by the highly selective kappa‐antagonist 2,2'‐[1,1'‐biphenyl] 4,4'‐diyl‐bis [2‐hydroxy‐4,4‐dimethyl]‐morpholinium (nor‐BNI; 10 sup ‐5 M; P = 0.216) or naloxone (10 sup ‐5 M; P = 0.065). The selective delta‐agonist D‐penicillamine2 ‐D‐penicillamine5 ‐enkephalin (DPDPE) (10 sup ‐5 M) had no inhibitory effects (P = 0.256). The inhibitory effects of the selective micro‐opioid agonist DAMGO were smaller (P < 0.001) and those of U‐50488 H larger (P < 0.001) in trachealis strips compared with bronchial rings. Conclusions: The attenuation of EFS‐induced contractions by DAMGO in isolated bovine bronchi was mediated by prejunctional opioid receptors. In contrast, the inhibitory effect of U‐50488 H was probably not mediated by opioid receptors in the bronchi.
Service system of the South China Sea science data products based on VisualDB

Based on MVC(Client Middleware Server) concept and VisualDB technology,we designed and implemented the Service System of the South China Sea Science Data Products(SCSPD). Users can query,search and access data products in the SCSPD visually via Web browser.In this paper,the application of VisualDB was introduced.Software architecture design of the system,visualized process of data management and release were described in detail.In the last section,we discussed the system expansibility of the SCSPD according to the technical characteristics and application of VisualDB.The SCSPD improves data service forms of the South China Sea Ocean Database,and is instrumental in the construction of the South China Sea Data Sharing and Service System.
An ameliorated aggressive space mapping based on responses error

An extension of Aggressive Space Mapping (ASM) has been proposed as an amelioration of ASM, which we call Aggressive Space Mapping based on Responses Error (ASMRE). This method replaces the original stop criterion of the iteration of ASM with the error between the fine model response and the wanted response. A microstrip low-pass filter is taken as an example in three situations. The results show that ASMRE could effectively improve the robustness and convergence of ASM.
Plagiarism Detection in Arabic Documents : Approaches , Architecture and Systems

Plagiarism detection is a sensitive field of research which has gained lot of interest in the past few years. Although plagiarism detection systems are developed to check text in a variety of languages, they perform better when they are dedicated to check a specific language as they take into account the specificity of the language which leads to better quality results. Query optimization and document reduction constitute two major processing modules which play a major role in optimizing the response time and the results quality of these systems and hence determine their efficiency and effectiveness. This paper proposes an analysis of approaches, an architecture, and a system for detecting plagiarism in Arabic documents. This analysis is particularly focused on the methods and techniques used to detect plagiarism. The proposed web-based architecture exhibits the major processing modules of a plagiarism detection system which are articulated into four layers inside a processing component. The architecture has been used to develop a plagiarism detection system for the Arabic language proposing a set of functions to the user for checking a text and analyzing the results through a well-designed graphical user interface. Subject Categories and Descriptors [H.3. 1 Content Analysis and Indexing]: Linguistic processing; [I.2 Artificial Intelligencd]; Natural language interfaces: [I.2. 7 Natural Language Processing]; Text Analysis; [I.2. 3 Clustering]; Similarity Measures General Terms: Text Analysis, Arabic Language Processing, Similarity Detection
Chemically and morphologically identifiable glomeruli in the rat olfactory bulb

Primary olfactory neurons that express the same odorant receptor are distributed mosaically throughout the olfactory neuroepithelium lining the nasal cavity, yet their axons converge and form discrete glomeruli in the olfactory bulb. We previously proposed that cell surface carbohydrates mediate the sorting out and selective fasciculation of primary olfactory axons en route to glomeruli. If this were the case, then axons that terminate in the same glomerulus would express the same complement of cell surface carbohydrates. In this study, we examined the expression of a novel carbohydrate (NOC‐3) on neural cell adhesion molecule in the adult rat olfactory system. NOC‐3 was expressed by a subset of neurons distributed throughout the olfactory neuroepithelium. The axons of these neurons entered the nerve fiber layer and terminated in a subset of glomeruli. It is interesting to note that we identified three unusually large glomeruli in the lateral, ventrolateral, and ventromedial olfactory bulb that were innervated by axons expressing NOC‐3. NOC‐3‐expressing axons sorted out and fasciculated into discrete fascicles prior to entering these glomeruli. Each of these glomeruli was in a topographically fixed position in the olfactory bulbs of the same animal as well as in different animals, and their lengths were approximately 10% of the total length of the bulb. They could be identified reliably by both their topographical position and their unique morphology. These results reveal that axons expressing the same cell surface carbohydrates consistently target the same topographically fixed glomeruli, which supports a role for these molecules in axon navigation in the primary olfactory nerve pathway. J. Comp. Neurol. 436:497–507, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Meiosis: Its Origin According to the Viral Eukaryogenesis Theory

The core meiotic machinery is largely universal in eukaryotes indicating that a substantial proportion of the meiotic machinery had already evolved in early eukaryotes [1]. Since there appear to be no close homologues to meiosis and the sexual cycle in either the bacterial or archaeal domains, it seems reasonable to propose that the origin of meiosis appears to be associated with the early origin of the eukaryotes themselves. Given the complexity and the level of integration of the intricate processes required to effectively maintain meiosis and a sexual cycle, it has been difficult to envisage how the full meiotic and sexual cycles could appear in the eukaryotic domain, without clear homologues in the prokaryotic domains of life. This is a particular challenge if all life descends directly from a Last Universal Common Ancestor (the LUCA hypothesis) and life evolves only according to the classical neo-Darwinian principles of incremental changes. It is not surprising then that the origin of sex, (and by extension the origin of meiosis), has been described as the queen of evolutionary problems [2].
Cross-Functional Teams: Good Concept, Poor Implementation!

Since the late 1970s there has been a substantial increase in the use of teams in the product development process. However, even as more manufacturing firms are initiating the use of teams, their value is being questioned by firms that have used teams for years. Based on interviews in dozens of U.S. firms, John Henke, Richard Krachenberg, and Thomas Lyons suggest that most firms are not using teams as effectively and efficiently as they could and should be. In an attempt to overcome this shortcoming, the article discusses the system's characteristics and organizational implications of the multifunctional product development team, including the benefits linked to the use of teams; the current state of team design, and where improvements can be made; and team–people issues, including communications, decision-making processes, and leadership styles. Specific suggestions on what must be done to improve team effectiveness are also discussed. Finally and most importantly, the article discusses what firms are doing, often inadvertently, to discourage the future use of teams and how these activities can be overcome to maintain the continued viability of teams over the long run.
A history of dermatologic surgery in the United States.

BACKGROUND Dermatologic surgery has a long and distinguished history in the United States. OBJECTIVE To examine the specific contributions of American dermatologic surgeons. METHOD The medical literature on cutaneous reconstructive and cosmetic surgery for the last century and a half was researched. RESULTS Numerous American dermatologic surgeons have had a major impact on scientific and technological discoveries in cutaneous surgery. Dermatologic surgeons have been significantly involved in cutaneous surgery since the second half of the 19th century. Dermatologic surgeons have contributed many important advances to the fields of chemical peeling, cryosurgery, dermabrasion, electrosurgery, hair transplantation, soft tissue augmentation, tumescent liposuction, laser surgery, phlebology, Mohs chemosurgery, cutaneous reconstruction, wound healing, botulium toxin, blepharoplasty, and rhytidectomy. CONCLUSION Dermatologic surgeons in the United States have contributed significantly to the history of reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. Dermatologic surgeons have been leaders in advancing this field and are poised to continue in the future.
Optimal frequency range selection for full C-V characterization above 45MHz for ultra thin (1.2-nm) nitrided oxide MOSFETs

We demonstrate a very simple and accurate way to select the proper frequency range in order to achieve full C-V curves with RF test structures. The technique is demonstrated on ultra thin nitrided oxide down to 1.2 nm with very high gate leakage densities (3490 A/cm/sup 2/ at V/sub GS/=2.5 V). For a test structure with high series resistance, the C-V curves are corrected using a two-frequency method (2FT) and show frequency independence, proving the validity of the correction. We also propose a simple calculation to estimate the minimum measurement frequency for given gate oxide thickness and gate area and vice versa.
Maintenance with Pamidronate Following First-line MP or VAD Therapy in Multiple Myeloma

We investigated the anti-tumor effect of pamidronate after obtaining a decrease of serum monoclonal immunoglobulin (Ig) level by conventional chemotherapy in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) in order to evaluate whether the drug is useful as maintenance therapy for MM. Eight patients with MM received 60 mg/d pamidronate every third week for 6-18 months without chemotherapeutic agents or corticosteroids after the treatment with melphalan and prednisolone, or vincristine, adriamycin and prednisolone. Serum Ig and β 2-microglobulin (b2MG) levels were maintained at the levels obtained after the termination of chemotherapy in six and four out of eight patients, respectively. Hemoglobin levels were maintained at, or increased to more than, the levels observed at the end of chemotherapy in six patients. Decreased plasma cells in the bone marrow after the chemotherapy were evident in five patients. Two patients were categorized as non-responders, because Ig and b2MG increased and anemia progressed after treatment with the drug. Despite the very small numbers, the results suggest that pamidronate may have anti-tumor activity and be useful for treatment after the conventional chemotherapy in some cases of MM.