Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Women with disabilities in the North West province of Cameroon: resilient and deserving of greater attention

Cameroonian women living with disabilities face three‐fold discrimination as a result of their sex, perceived inability and low socio‐economic status. A needs assessment using focus groups (two focus groups, n = 24) and key participant interviews (n = 12) was conducted to explore the experiences of women with disabilities in the North West province in both urban and rural areas. The findings show that women faced both physical and attitudinal barriers, lived in poverty and felt that they lacked opportunities for gaining an education, finding employment and forming meaningful social ties. There was significant complexity of relationships, marriage and children in their lives. Participants generated ideas on changes that needed to be made for the betterment of their lives. Aspirations included increasing empowerment and education, gaining support from family and friends, increasing public awareness, adapting the physical environment and finding allies.
The role of acids in electrical conduction through ice

Electrical conduction through meteoric polar ice is controlled by soluble impurities that originate mostly from sea salt, biomass burning, and volcanic eruptions. The strongest conductivity response is to acids, yet the mechanism causing this response has been unclear. Here we elucidate conduction mechanisms in ice using broadband dielectric spectroscopy of meteoric polar ice cores. We find that conduction through polycrystalline polar ice is consistent with Jaccard theory for migration of charged protonic point defects through single ice crystals, except that bulk DC conduction is impeded by grain boundaries. Neither our observations nor modeling using Archie's Law support the hypothesis that grain‐boundary networks of unfrozen acids cause significant electrolytic conduction. Common electrical logs of ice cores (by electrical conductivity measurement [ECM] or dielectric profiling [DEP]) and the attenuation of radio waves in ice sheets thus respond to protonic point defects only. This response implies that joint interpretation of electrical and chemical logs can determine impurity partitioning between the lattice and grain boundaries or inclusions. For example, in the Greenland Ice Core Project (GRIP) ice core from central Greenland, on average more than half of the available lattice‐soluble impurities (H+, Cl–, NH4+) create defects. Understanding this partitioning could help further resolve the nature of past changes in atmospheric chemistry.
Differences between CO- and calcium triplet-derived velocity dispersions in spiral galaxies: evidence for central star formation?

We examine the stellar velocity dispersions (sigma) of a sample of 48 galaxies, 35 of which are spirals, from the Palomar nearby galaxy survey. It is known that for ultra-luminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs) and merger remnants thesigma derived from the near-infrared CO band-heads is smaller than that measured from optical lines, while no discrepancy between these measurements is found for early-type galaxies. No such studies are available for spiral galaxies - the subject of this paper. We used cross-dispersed spectroscopic data obtained with the Gemini Near-Infrared Spectrograph (GNIRS), with spectral coverage from 0.85 to 2.5um, to obtain sigma measurements from the 2.29 $\mu$m CO band-heads (sigma_{CO}), and the 0.85 um calcium triplet (sigma_{CaT}). For the spiral galaxies in the sample, we found that sigma_{CO} is smaller than sigma_{CaT}, with a mean fractional difference of 14.3%. The best fit to the data is given by sigma_{opt} = (46.0+/-18.1) + (0.85+/-0.12)sigma_{CO}. This "sigma discrepancy" may be related to the presence of warm dust, as suggested by a slight correlation between the discrepancy and the infrared luminosity. This is consistent with studies that have found no sigma-discrepancy in dust-poor early-type galaxies, and a much larger discrepancy in dusty merger remnants and ULIRGs. That sigma_{CO}$ is lower than sigma_{opt} may also indicate the presence of a dynamically cold stellar population component. This would agree with the spatial correspondence between low sigma_{CO} and young/intermediate-age stellar populations that has been observed in spatially-resolved spectroscopy of a handful of galaxies.
Pharmacokinetics of tafamidis, a transthyretin amyloidosis drug, in rats

Abstract 1. We characterized the pharmacokinetics of tafamidis, a novel drug to treat transthyretin-related amyloidosis, in rats after intravenous and oral administration at doses of 0.3–3 mg/kg. In vitro Caco-2 cell permeability and liver microsomal stability, as well as in vivo tissue distribution and plasma protein binding were also examined. 2. After intravenous injection, systemic clearance (CL), volumes of distribution at steady state (Vss) and half-life (T½) remained unaltered as a function of dose, with values in the ranges of 6.41–7.03 mL/h/kg, 270–354 mL/kg and 39.5–46.9 h, respectively. Following oral administration, absolute bioavailability was 99.7–104% and was independent of doses from 0.3 to 3 mg/kg. In the urine and faeces, 4.36% and 48.9% of tafamidis, respectively, were recovered. 3. Tafamidis was distributed primarily in the liver and not in the brain, kidney, testis, heart, spleen, lung, gut, muscle, or adipose tissue. Further, tafamidis was very stable in rat liver microsomes, and its plasma protein binding was 99.9%. 4. In conclusion, tafamidis showed dose-independent pharmacokinetics with intravenous and oral doses of 0.3–3 mg/kg. Tafamidis undergoes minimal first-pass metabolism, distributes mostly in the liver and plasma, and appears to be eliminated primarily via biliary excretion.
Organization of Knowledge in Franchising Firms

The paper examines the role of franchisor's and franchisee's knowledge assets as determinant of decision structure in franchising networks. Based on the property rights approach residual decision rights must be allocated according to the distribution of intangible knowledge assets (know-how) between the franchisor and franchisee. Our analysis derives the following hypothesis: The more important the franchisor's system-specific assets for the generation of residual surplus, the more residual decision rights are assigned to the franchisor and the higher is the degree of centralization of the franchising network; conversely, the more important the franchisee’s outlet-specific know-how for the creation of residual income, the more residual decision rights are allocated to the franchisee and the higher is the degree of decentralization of the franchising network. This property rights hypothesis is tested in the Austrian franchise sector. This study presents the first empirical evidence that decentralization of franchising networks depends on the distribution of intangible knowledge assets between the franchisor and the franchisee.
Identification of Current Events and Control Spamming from Social Networking Sites- A Review

- Nowadays all kinds of real world events generate reach and timely information can generates from online social media. However large amount of user generated data is available which requires various ways for filtering to get related events and topics. Therefore, detecting trending topics is perfect to summarize information getting from social media. But unfortunately social services are opportunity for spamming which greatly affect on value of real time search so control spamming is necessary. There are different several ways, techniques, methods which affects on result quality. It is observed that how preprocessing of data, considered event nature, sampling procedure of data and volume of activity by considering time affect result quality of detected topic. It also depends on which methods being used. So by considering all above, in proposed work different data mining concepts like natural language process, machine learning, support vector data regression and topic K-means will be used.
The Artificial Intelligence and Psychology Project DT I C EECTE

How is complex sequential material acquired, processed, and represented when there is no intention to learn ? We report on two experiments exploring a choice reaction time task. Unbeknownst to subjects, successive stimuli followed a sequence derived from a "noisy" finite-state grammar. After considerable practice (60,000 exposures) with Experiment 1, subjects acquired a compIPx kNdy n, procedural knowledge about the sequential structure of the material. Experiment 2 attempted to identify limits on subjects' ability to encode the temporal context by using more distant contingencies that spanned irrelevant material. Taken together, the results indicate that subjects become increasingly sensitive to the temporal context set by previous elements of the sequence, up to three elements. Responses are also affected by priming effects from recent trials. A PDP model that incorporates sensitivity to the sequential structure and to priming effects is shown to capture key aspects of both acquisition and processing. The model also accounts for the interaction between attention and sequence structure reported by Cohen, Ivry and Keele (1990). Learning Sequential Structure
Corporate governance : The impact on the role, position, and scope of services of the internal audit function

textabstractCorporate scandals during the last decade fostered many Corporate Governance reports. These reports aimed at restoring checks and balances in companies to prevent fraudulent behaviour and restore public trust. One of the functions active in many organizations is Internal Audit. This function operates under the umbrella of the Management Board and is geared towards monitoring lower level management. Due to the Corporate Governance reports the interest in the work of internal auditors has increased. In many reports special attention is paid to this function. The Supervisory Board and the Audit Committee are required to oversee the activities and results of external as well as internal auditors. Furthermore, regulators are also keen on the results of their work. The aim of this study was to research the impact of Corporate Governance reports on the role, position, and scope of services of the Internal Audit Function. Agency Theory and Transaction Cost Economics were applied to further theory around internal auditing. Information asymmetry and asset specificity were used to test whether there was a correlation between high scores on information asymmetry and/or asset specificity for the organization and the size of an Internal Audit Function, the ‘make or buy’ issue, or its scope of services. Results showed that such was the case for the size but not for the ‘make or buy issue or the scope of services. Furthermore, this study contains descriptive characteristics of internal audit functions.
Dynamic Asset Sales with a Feedback Effect

I analyze a dynamic model of over-the-counter asset sales in which the seller receives stock-sensitive compensation, and the transaction conveys information about the firm’s value. I examine how the market’s response to an asset sale feeds back to the seller’s decision on the timing and the sale price and analyze the unique pattern of stock prices before and after the sale. The implications of bargaining power, inventories, gains from synergy, and the introduction of a vesting period are discussed. The model sheds light on observed properties of corporate sell-offs and explains market dry-ups during downturn periods. Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
The Analyst's Desire and the Problem of Narcissistic Resistances

The ways in which the analyst's desire for particular experiences with patients is inevitable and often leads to narcissistically based resistances are considered. Five propositions are examined: (1) that the analyst cannot help but have desires and want them recognized by the analysand; (2) that these desires frequently underwrite the analyst's theoretical beliefs and technical interventions; (3) that narcissistic desires and their influence are ubiquitous among practicing analysts; (4) that the patient is often on the lookout for the analyst's various agendas; and (5) that the patient often hopes the analyst will put his or her desire aside and listen so the patient can further his or her own interests. Lacan's concept of the “dual relation” is central to this discussion. The neo-Kleinian position on narcissistic resistances is explored, as is the idea of the “analytic third” as a potential solution to the problem they pose. An extended case description illustrates the main points.
Measurement of TCP and UDP performance over UAS relay networks

This paper presents a measurement setup for transport protocol of wireless relay network using a unmanned aircraft (UA). The UA can fly back and forth to ferry data from multiple ground based access points or ground stations (GSs) that are located in the distance without connection to the backbone due to the network disconnection caused by a large-scale disaster. In such disaster area, a demand of communications through the data including moving images, sounds and pieces of text increases. In this paper, we conduct the experimental measurement of the wireless relay network using UA and analyzes its behavior. In this experimental measurement, we evaluate the basic performance of TCP and UDP protocol based on usage scenes. The numerical results of its goodput and delay performance of will be shown in this paper.
Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Increases Leukocyte–Endothelial Interactions in Human Endothelial Cells via Promotion of Expression of Adhesion Molecules

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has been shown to promote leukocyte–endothelial cell interactions, although whether this occurs via an effect on endothelial cell function remains unclear. Therefore, the aims of this study were to examine the ability of MIF expressed by endothelial cells to promote leukocyte adhesion and to investigate the effect of exogenous MIF on leukocyte–endothelial interactions. Using small interfering RNA to inhibit HUVEC MIF production, we found that MIF deficiency reduced the ability of TNF-stimulated HUVECs to support leukocyte rolling and adhesion under flow conditions. These reductions were associated with decreased expression of E-selectin, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, IL-8, and MCP-1. Inhibition of p38 MAPK had a similar effect on adhesion molecule expression, and p38 MAPK activation was reduced in MIF-deficient HUVECs, suggesting that MIF mediated these effects via promotion of p38 MAPK activation. In experiments examining the effect of exogenous MIF, application of MIF to resting HUVECs failed to induce leukocyte rolling and adhesion, whereas addition of MIF to TNF-treated HUVECs increased these interactions. This increase was independent of alterations in TNF-induced expression of E-selectin, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1. However, combined treatment with MIF and TNF induced de novo expression of P-selectin, which contributed to leukocyte rolling. In summary, these experiments reveal that endothelial cell-expressed MIF and exogenous MIF promote endothelial adhesive function via different pathways. Endogenous MIF promotes leukocyte recruitment via effects on endothelial expression of several adhesion molecules and chemokines, whereas exogenous MIF facilitates leukocyte recruitment induced by TNF by promoting endothelial P-selectin expression.
Antibacterial, antitussive, antioxidant and toxicological evaluation of Joshanda Lozenges -

Article history: Received on: 23/02/2015 Revised on: 22/03/2015 Accepted on: 16/05/2015 Available online: 27/07/2015 Joshanda, a Greco-urban formulation comprising seven herbs has been used since centuries for the treatment of cold, cough and associated allergic reactions. Conventionally, it is used in the form of an extemporaneously prepared decoction. However, in the current scenario, lozenges happen to be the dosage form of choice for antitussive drugs. In case of polyherbal drugs, the dosage form assumes a great importance in order to ensure that all the phyto-components exert their pharmacological effect to the maximum. Based on the popularity of lozenges, conventional decoction form of Joshanda was formulated in the form of lozenges. Lozenges were evaluated for routine quality control tests. The most remarkable feature of the formulation was that excellent compression, hardness, friability and disintegration properties could be achieved without the addition of any external binder. The prepared formulation was subjected to in vitro antioxidant activity, antibacterial activity against common respiratory tract pathogens, in vivo antitussive activity and acute toxicity studies using Albino Wistar mice. Accelerated stability studies were conducted as per ICH guidelines. The performance of lozenges was found to be satisfactory in all the tested aspects. Our study proposes the use of lozenges as a preferred dosage form of the conventionally used decoction of Joshanda.
Dual Roles of the Melanoma CAM (MelCAM/METCAM) in Malignant Progression of Melanoma

1.1 General properties and functions of METCAM/MUC18 Human METCAM (huMETCAM), a CAM in the immunoglobulin-like gene superfamily, is an integral membrane glycoprotein. Alternative names for METCAM are MUC18 [1], CD146 [2], MCAM [3], MelCAM [4], A32 [5], and S-endo 1 [6]. To avoid confusion with mucins and to reflect its biological functions, we have renamed MUC18 as METCAM (metastasis CAM), which means an immunoglobulin-like CAM that affects or regulates metastasis [7]. The huMETCAM has 646 amino acids that include a N-terminal extra-cellular domain of 558 amino acids, which has 28 amino acids characteristic of a signal peptide sequence at its Nterminus, a transmembrane domain of 24 amino acids (amino acid #559-583), and a cytoplasmic domain of 64 amino acids at the C-terminus. HuMETCAM has eight putative Nglycosylation sites (Asn-X-Ser/Thr), of which six are conserved, and are heavily glycosylated and sialylated resulting in an apparent molecular weight of 113,000-150,000. The extracellular domain of the protein comprises five immunoglobulin-like domains (V-V-C2-C2C2) [1, 7] and an X domain [7]. The cytoplasmic tail contains peptide sequences that will potentially be phosphorylated by protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC), and casein kinase 2 (CK 2) [1, 7-8]. My lab has also cloned and sequenced the mouse METCAM (moMETCAM) cDNA, which contains 648 amino acids with a 76.2% identity with huMETCAM, suggesting that moMETCAM is likely to have biochemical properties and biological functions similar to the human counter part [9]. The structure of the huMETCAM protein is depicted in Fig. 1, suggesting that METCAM, similar to most CAMs, plays an active role in mediating cell-cell and cell-extracellular interactions, crosstalk with many intracellular signaling pathways, and modulating the social behaviors of cells [7]. It is now well documented that although tissue specific signatures exist in different cancer types, cancers from different tissues also express some common genes [10-12]. One group of them is cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). CAMs do not merely act as a molecular glue to hold together homotypic cells in a specific tissue or to facilitate interactions of heterotypic cells; CAMs also actively govern the social behaviors of cells by affecting the adhesion status of cells and modulating cell signaling [13]. They control cell motility and invasiveness by
Examining the Impact of Demographic Factors on the Attitude of Rural Communities in Malaysia towards Village WiFi Services

This study aims to examine the impact of demographic factors on the attitude of rural communities towards the village WiFi services. Data for the study were collected via a questionnaire, and based on multi-stage cluster sampling, a total of 400 villagers from four areas in Malaysia were selected as the respondents. The analysis performed confirms that there is a significant difference between males and females in terms of attitude towards village WiFi services, and that age and time spent using village WiFi services have a significant relationship with attitude towards village WiFi services. It is expected that this study will assist those concerned with formulating strategies to narrow the digital gap between rural community and technology.
A response to AC133 hematopoietic stem cell antigen: human homologue of mouse kidney prominin or distinct member of a novel protein family?

Three recently published works represent the first descriptions of a potential new family of 5-trans-membrane cell surface glycoproteins. [1][1] [2][2] [3][3] The human AC133 molecule[2][2] [3][3]may indeed be the homologue of mouse prominin,[1][1] [4][4] and Drs Weigmann and colleagues have very
Interleukin-1β, Interleukin-18, and Interferon-γ Expression in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Premature Infants with Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus—Markers of White Matter Damage?

Posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHHC) represents a major complication of preterm birth. The aim of this study was to determine whether cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-18, and interferon (IFN)-γ are altered in the CSF of preterm infants with PHHC and may serve as a marker of white matter damage (WMD). Twenty-seven preterm infants with PHHC were included in the study; 13 of them had signs of cystic WMD (cWMD) on ultrasound examinations. CSF sample 1 was obtained at first ventriculostomy, sample 2 at shunt implantation. Results were compared with a control group of 20 age-matched patients without neurologic diseases. IL-1β concentrations were elevated in CSF sample 1 of PHHC patients without WMD and in sample 1 of patients with cWMD. Concentrations of IL-18 were increased in both samples of patients without WMD and in sample 2 of patients with cWMD. CSF levels of IFN-γ were elevated in sample 1 of PHHC patients with cWMD. The pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β and IL-18 levels in the CSF are elevated in patients with PHHC. Higher IFN-γ levels are detected in a subgroup of patients developing cWMD, indicating its involvement in the pathogenesis of cWMD in the context of PHHC.
Efficient channel estimation using expander graph based compressive sensing

Compressive sensing (CS) has recently attracted lots of attention and has been extended to more structured architectures, for example the linear time-invariant system identification. However, prevalent CS methods used for channel estimation, such as Basis Pursuit Denoising (BPDN) and Dantzig selector (DS), require computational complexity as high as O(N3), where N is the length of the channel. When N is very large, the complexity will aggravate the hardware burden. In this paper, we propose a new channel estimation scheme that uses the expander graph based compressive sensing. The computation complexity is demonstrated to be as low as O((P - N)N), where P is the length of the training vector.
New Cost-Effective PWM Single-Switch Isolated Converter

The flyback converter is one of the most attractive isolated converters in small power applications because of its simple structure. However, it suffers from high device stress, large transformer size, and high voltage stress across switch and diode. To solve these problems a new cost-effective PWM single- switch isolated converter is proposed. The proposed converter has no output filter inductor, reduced voltage stress on the secondary devices, and reduced transformer size. Moreover, the switch turn-off loss is reduced and no dissipative snubber across the secondary diode is required. Therefore, it features a simple structure, low cost, and high efficiency. The operational principle and characteristics of proposed converter are presented compared with flyback converter and verified experimentally.