Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Possibilities for Future Leadership: Thoughts from an Academic Blogosphere Community

In this dialogic essay we present an extremely important subject—the future of educational leadership and education more broadly. Given the uncertainty over and anxiety about the future of K–12 education and higher education, our goal for this article is to have currency and importance. We forged a scholarly community to discuss mid-21st-century leadership and education. Our research blogosphere arose out of a blog series and qualitative analyses of the data collected, which support the arguments we make.
Inshore Ship Detection via Saliency and Context Information in High-Resolution SAR Images

So far, the detection of ships on sea has been widely studied, while fewer works are available on inshore ship detection. Due to the high similarity between the harbor and the ship body on gray and texture features, the traditional methods are unable to achieve effective detection of inshore ships. In this letter, we present a novel approach via saliency and context information to deal with this issue. First, we employ the superpixel-generating algorithm to generate the superpixel region. Second, we propose a new method based on the salient region detection to complete the inshore ship detection. Finally, a ship discrimination framework is presented to remove the false alarm. The experimental results demonstrate the noise robustness and effectiveness of the proposed approach using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images and real SAR images.
A Threshold Co-integration Analysis of Fuel Pump Price and the Cost of Transportation in Nigeria

This paper examined the existence of the asymmetric relationship between fuel pump price and the cost of transportation in Nigeria, and how these asymmetric price movements adjust to equilibrium in the long-run. Using the monthly data for the periods between the months of January 1995 and July 2014, the Threshold Asymmetric Cointegration Analysis and the Self-Exciting Threshold Autoregressive Model (SETAR), the result obtained indicated a significant evidence of asymmetric cointegration between fuel pump prices and the cost of transportation with a threshold value of 67.7 naira that represented the value that triggers regime change. The results of asymmetric adjustment also indicated a significant negative deviation of fuel pump price in the long-run, while the positive asymmetric of fuel pump price exhibit high level of persistence in the long-run. Precisely the negative deviation provided evidence of a speed of adjustment that is 14 times that of the positive speed of adjustment for fuel pump price. This thus triggers asymmetric effect on the transportation cost with a persistent tendency to revert to equilibrium in the long-run. The findings also revealed evidence of short-run positive and significant asymmetric of fuel pump price on the cost of transportation, while that of negative deviation remain persistence during the same period. These results indicate the tendency for transport fares to remain high even if the new liberalisation policy in the downstream petroleum sector succeeds in reducing the fuel pump price, thereby reducing welfare of the people. The paper thus suggest among other measures a collaboration/agreement between the government and transport workers’/owners’ unions in ensuring that transport users benefit from any price reduction that may result from the liberalisation of the downstream petroleum sector.
Secure Communication over BSN Using Modified Feather Light Weight Block (MFLB) Cipher Encryption

Wireless Body Sensor Network (WBSN) has tremendous applications in healthcare domain. The body sensors collects personal as well as medical information form patient’s body and transmit it to healthcare people through internet. In this period of time, it is crucial to ensure security and privacy due to unauthorized access of personal health information by intruder or eavesdroppers. Therefore, encryption is needed before transmitting the data into wireless network. In this paper, a novel lightweight block cipher called (MFLBModified Feather Light weight Block) based on Fiestel Cipher structure has been proposed for encryption and Attribute Based Key-Exchange (ABKE) for key management. Thus, the proposed approach achieves high efficiency and security in low energy sensor device and also gives solution to secure key exchange. The security analysis of this scheme proves its strength and efficiency against other techniques.
LRF-based self-localization of mobile robot using Extended Kalman Filter

This paper presents a method of map building using interactive GUI for a mobile robot. The reason we proposed this method is that it is difficult for a mobile robot to generate an accurate map although many kinds of sensors are used. In proposed system, by using interactive GUI, the operator can modify map built by sensors, compared with the real-time video from Web camera. In order to improve self-localization of mobile robot, extended Kalman filter (EKF) was used. Some simulation and experiments have been done and the results verified using EKF can improve the precision of localizing mobile robot. This paper introduces the architecture of the proposed system.
Novel circulating current suppression strategy for MMC based on quasi-PR controller

According to the advantages and disadvantages of the traditional control strategy used in modular multilevel converter (MMC), an improved control method is discussed in this paper. In the proposed method, the outer loop of traditional control strategy is still in use to balance submodule capacitor voltage. However, the dc component extraction and quasi-proportional resonant controller (quasi-PR) controller are added to modify the inner loop to eliminate second-order circulating harmonic current. Besides, design principles of parameters related to the improved part are given in discrete domain and the stability analysis are also discussed. Finally, experiment results under traditional and improved control strategy are analyzed and compared, which indicate that the improved control method has the merit of capacitor voltage balance and performs well in suppressing circulating harmonic current.
Role of gender gap in economic growth: Analysis on developing countries versus OECD countries

This study investigates the effects of the gender gap on economic growth by using a composite gender gap index from the World Economic Forum. The index captures the multidimensional aspect of the gender gap, which includes gaps in opportunities and outcomes. Previous studies on the effect of gender inequality on economic growth have focused on the unidirectional aspect of inequality, such as gender-wage inequality. The differential effect of the gender gap is established by comparing three different samples, namely, member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, developing countries, and a combination of South and Southeast Asian countries. According to panel data estimations, policies that promote equity boost the economic growth of developing countries, including those in South and Southeast Asia. The role of export growth in economic growth is also analyzed. Consistent with those in literature, current results indicate that export growth exerts a significant positive effect on the economic growth of all samples.
The Reproduction Angular Error for Evaluating the Performance of Illuminant Estimation Algorithms

The angle between the RGBs of the measured illuminant and estimated illuminant colors—the recovery angular error—has been used to evaluate the performance of the illuminant estimation algorithms. However we noticed that this metric is not in line with how the illuminant estimates are used. Normally, the illuminant estimates are ‘divided out’ from the image to, hopefully, provide image colors that are not confounded by the color of the light. However, even though the same reproduction results the same scene might have a large range of recovery errors. In this work the scale of the problem with the recovery error is quantified. Next we propose a new metric for evaluating illuminant estimation algorithms, called the reproduction angular error, which is defined as the angle between the RGB of a white surface when the actual and estimated illuminations are ‘divided out’. Our new metric ties algorithm performance to how the illuminant estimates are used. For a given algorithm, adopting the new reproduction angular error leads to different optimal parameters. Further the ranked list of best to worst algorithms changes when the reproduction angular is used. The importance of using an appropriate performance metric is established.
The effect of dietary fatty acids on post‐operative inflammatory response in a porcine model

Langerhuus SN, Jensen KH, Tønnesen EK, Theil PK, Halekoh U, Lauridsen C. The effect of dietary fatty acids on post‐operative inflammatory response in a porcine model. APMIS 2012; 120: 236–48.
Effect of HAART on salivary gland function in the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS).

OBJECTIVE To determine the impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on salivary gland function in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive women from the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS). DESIGN Longitudinal cohort study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS A total of 668 HIV positive women from the WIHS cohort with an initial and at least one follow-up oral sub-study visit contributed 5358 visits. Salivary gland function was assessed based on a dry mouth questionnaire, whole unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rates, salivary gland enlargement or tenderness and lack of saliva on palpation of the major salivary glands. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Changes in unstimulated and stimulated flow rates at any given visit from that of the immediate prior visit (continuous variables). The development of self-reported dry mouth (present/absent), enlargement or tenderness of salivary glands (present/absent), and absence of secretion on palpation of the salivary glands were binary outcomes (yes/no). RESULTS Protease Inhibitor (PI) based HAART was a significant risk factor for developing decreased unstimulated (P = 0.01) and stimulated (P = 0.0004) salivary flow rates as well as salivary gland enlargement (P = 0.006) as compared with non-PI based HAART. CONCLUSIONS PI-based HAART therapy is a significant risk factor for developing reduced salivary flow rates and salivary gland enlargement in HIV positive patients.
Apolipoproteins: metabolic role and clinical biochemistry applications

Lipoprotein metabolism is dependent on apolipoproteins, multifunctional proteins that serve as templates for the assembly of lipoprotein particles, maintain their structure and direct their metabolism through binding to membrane receptors and regulation of enzyme activity. The three principal functions of lipoproteins are contribution to interorgan fuel (triglyceride) distribution (by means of the fuel transport pathway), to the maintenance of the extracellular cholesterol pool (by means of the overflow pathway) and reverse cholesterol transport. The most important clinical application of apolipoprotein measurements in the plasma is in the assessment of cardiovascular risk. Concentrations of apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein AI (and their ratio) seem to be better markers of cardiovascular risk than conventional markers such as total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. Apolipoprotein measurements are also better standardized than the conventional tests. We suggest that measurements of apolipoprotein AI and apolipoprotein B are included as a part of the specialist lipid profile. We also suggest that lipoprotein (a) should be measured as part of the initial assessment of dyslipidaemias because of its consistent association with cardiovascular risk. Genotyping of apolipoprotein E isoforms remains useful in the investigation of mixed dyslipidaemias. Lastly, the role of postprandial metabolism is increasingly recognized in the context of atherogenesis, obesity and diabetes. This requires better markers of chylomicrons, very-low-density lipoproteins and remnant particles. Measurements of apolipoprotein B48 and remnant lipoprotein cholesterol are currently the key tests in this emerging field.
Flow dynamics within a bioreactor for tissue engineering by residence time distribution analysis combined with fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging to investigate forced permeability and apparent diffusion coefficient in a perfusion cell culture chamber

This study reveals that residence time distribution (RTD) analysis with pH monitoring after acid bolus injection can be used to globally study the flow dynamics of a perfusion bioreactor, while fluorescence microscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to locally investigate mass transport within a hydrogel scaffold seeded or not with cells. The bioreactor used in this study is a close‐loop tubular reactor. A dispersion model in one dimension has been used to describe the non‐ideal behavior of the reactor. From open‐loop experiments (single‐cycle analysis), the presence of stagnant zones and back mixing were observed. The impact of the flow rate, the compliance chamber volume and mixing were investigated. Intermediate flows (30, 45, 60, and 90 mL min−1) had no effect over RTD function expressed in reduced time (θ). Lower flow rates (5 and 15 mL min−1) were associated to smaller extent of dispersion. The compliance chamber volume greatly affected the dynamics of the RTD function, while the effects of mixing and flow were small to non‐significant. An empirical equation has been proposed to localize minima of the RTD function and to predict Per. Finally, cells seeded in a gelatin gel at a density of 800,000 cells mL−1 had no effect over the permeability and the apparent diffusion coefficient, as revealed by fluorescent microscopy and MRI experiments. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011;108: 2488–2498. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects Of Market Orientation And Barriers To Market Orientation On University Performance: A Study Of Universities Of Technology In South Africa

Market orientation has been illuminated as a critical component in shaping an institution’s success. While marketing orientation is embedded within the philosophical foundation of marketing, its operationalisation does not automatically translate in university success as there are various constraints, which impede its implementation. The objective of the study is to examine the influence of market orientation and the current barriers to market orientation on university performance among universities of technology (UoTs) in South Africa. This paper employs a cross-sectional quantitative survey. Data from a convenient sample of 507 academics in five UoTs are analysed. Through confirmatory factor analysis and structural model analysis, these relationships are discerned and explained. The findings of the study support theoretical arguments that higher education institutions (HEIs) can be successful in terms of their performance by initiating and adopting market-oriented activities. This study contributes to the critical challenge facing UoTs as a new type of HEI within a South African context in creating a culture and climate that maximises organisational learning, resource utilisation and capabilities to create superior university performance. Based on the findings, limitations and implications for further research are also provided. Management of UoTs can also enhance performance of their institutions by implementing key recommendations that the study advances.
Structure activity relationship, acute toxicity and cytotoxicity of antimycobacterial neolignan analogues

Objectives The study's aims were to evaluate the antimycobacterial activity of 13 synthetic neolignan analogues and to perform structure activity relationship analysis (SAR). The cytotoxicity of the compound 2‐phenoxy‐1‐phenylethanone (LS‐2, 1) in mammalian cells, such as the acute toxicity in mice, was also evaluated.
Salicylate activates AMPK and synergizes with metformin to reduce the survival of prostate and lung cancer cells ex vivo through inhibition of de novo lipogenesis.

Aspirin, the pro-drug of salicylate, is associated with reduced incidence of death from cancers of the colon, lung and prostate and is commonly prescribed in combination with metformin in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Salicylate activates the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) by binding at the A-769662 drug binding site on the AMPK β1-subunit, a mechanism that is distinct from metformin which disrupts the adenylate charge of the cell. A hallmark of many cancers is high rates of fatty acid synthesis and AMPK inhibits this pathway through phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). It is currently unknown whether targeting the AMPK-ACC-lipogenic pathway using salicylate and/or metformin may be effective for inhibiting cancer cell survival. Salicylate suppresses clonogenic survival of prostate and lung cancer cells at therapeutic concentrations achievable following the ingestion of aspirin (<1.0 mM); effects not observed in prostate (PNT1A) and lung (MRC-5) epithelial cell lines. Salicylate concentrations of 1 mM increased the phosphorylation of ACC and suppressed de novo lipogenesis and these effects were enhanced with the addition of clinical concentrations of metformin (100 μM) and eliminated in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) deficient in AMPK β1. Supplementation of media with fatty acids and/or cholesterol reverses the suppressive effects of salicylate and metformin on cell survival indicating the inhibition of de novo lipogenesis is probably important. Pre-clinical studies evaluating the use of salicylate based drugs alone and in combination with metformin to inhibit de novo lipogenesis and the survival of prostate and lung cancers are warranted.
Portfolio Optimization of Commodity Futures with Seasonal Components and Higher Moments

We investigate the diversiﬁcation beneﬁts of combining commodities with a traditional equity portfolio, while considering higher order statistical moments and seasonality. The literature suggests that the in-sample diversiﬁcation beneﬁts of commodities in portfolio optimization are not preserved out-of-sample. We provide an extensive in-sample and out-of-sample analysis with ten commodities and a stock index using the classical tangency mean-variance model and the maximum Omega ratio model. We show that seasonality in commodity returns should be considered, and leads to signiﬁcant excess return and increase in Sharpe ratio.
Design of enhanced stopband bandpass filter with mixed electric and magnetic coupling

A new compact bandpass filter(BPF) with improved out-of-band performance is presented in this paper. The proposed BPF consists of two non-adjacent stepped impedance resonators (SIRs), which shared a common grounded via-hole. To improve the stopband characteristics, a π type capacitive circuit is introduced in the filter. The location of the transmission zeros can be controlled by adjusting the strength of the mixed electric and magnetic (EM) coupling. Simulated results show that good performance of proposed BPF at 1.38GHz has been achieved.
CD44 regulates myoblast migration and differentiation

CD44 is a transmembrane protein that plays a role in cell–cell interactions and motility in a number of cell types. Cell–cell interactions are critical for myoblast differentiation and fusion but whether CD44 regulates myogenesis is unknown. Here, we show that CD44 plays a functional role in early myogenesis. Analyses of myofiber cross‐sectional area, after local injury in mouse tibialis anterior (TA) muscles, revealed that growth was transiently delayed in the absence of CD44. A muscle‐intrinsic role for CD44 is suggested as primary myoblasts from CD44−/− mice displayed attenuated differentiation and subsequent myotube formation at early times in a differentiation‐inducing in vitro environment. Chemotaxis of CD44−/− myoblasts toward hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was totally abrogated, although expression of their respective receptors did not appear to differ from wild‐type. Furthermore, motility of CD44−/− myoblasts was decreased at early stages of differentiation as determined by time‐lapse microscopy. Wild‐type myoblasts contained two subpopulations of slow‐ and fast‐migrating cells, whereas CD44−/− myoblasts were composed predominantly of the slower migrating subpopulation. Taken together, these data suggest that myoblast migration and differentiation are closely linked and CD44 is a key regulator. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 314–321, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long-Term Results of Radiotherapy for Early-Stage Testicular Seminoma

Purpose:We conducted an outcome and complications analysis of patients treated with adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) for early-stage testicular seminoma over a 35-year period at the University of Florida. Methods and Materials:All 73 patients had the classic seminoma histology. No patient received chemotherapy as initial treatment. There were 57, 14, and 2 patients with Royal Marsden stage I, IIA, and IIB disease, respectively. All received RT to the paraaortic (PAN) and pelvic fields. One-third of the patients received prophylactic RT to mediastinal/supraclavicular fields. Results:Median follow up was 15 years. Median RT dose to PAN and pelvic fields was 25 Gy. Local control and cause-specific survival at 20 years were 95% and 96%, respectively. Of the 3 recurrences, 1 was salvaged with chemotherapy. Subset analysis of 41 patients revealed 1 patient who developed peptic ulcer disease and 11 patients with gastrointestinal reflux symptoms after RT. Thirty-two patients fathered a child before or after RT. Cardiovascular complications were not greater in those treated with prophylactic RT to the mediastinal region. The rate of nontesticular second malignancy for the overall group was 8% at 15 years. Conclusions:Patients treated with adjuvant low-dose RT to the paraaortic and pelvic fields for treatment of early-stage seminoma enjoy an excellent long-term cure rate with minimal risk of late RT complications.
Performance bounds for cooperative RSS emitter tracking using diffusion particle filters

This paper introduces a methodology for numerical computation of the Posterior Cramér-Rao Lower Bound (PCRLB) for the position estimate mean-square error when a moving emitter is tracked by a network of received-signal-strength (RSS) sensors using a distributed, random exchange diffusion filter. The square root of the PCRLB is compared to the empirical root-mean-square error curve for a particle filter implementation of the diffusion filter, referred to as RndEx-PF, and to the square root of the PCRLB for the optimal centralized filter that assimilates all network measurements at each time instant. In addition, we also compare the proposed RndEx-PF algorithm to three alternative distributed trackers based on Kullback-Leibler fusion using both iterative consensus and non-iterative diffusion strategies.
A P2P query algorithm based on Betweenness Centrality Forwarding in opportunistic networks

With the proliferation of high-end mobile devices that feature wireless interfaces, many promising applications are enabled in opportunistic networks. In contrary to traditional networks, opportunistic networks utilize the mobility of nodes to relay messages in a store-carry-forward paradigm. Thus, the relay process in opportunistic networks faces several practical challenges in terms of delay and delivery ratio. In this paper, we propose a novel P2P Query algorithm based on Betweenness Centrality Forwarding (PQBCF), for opportunistic networks. PQBCF adopts a forwarding metric called Betweenness Centrality (BC), which is borrowed from social networks, to quantify the active degree of nodes in the networks. In PQBCF, nodes with higher BC are preferable to serve as relays, leading to higher inquiry success ratio and lower inquiry delay. A comparison with the state-of-the-art algorithms reveals that PQBCF can provide better performance on both the query success ratio and query delay, and approaches the performance of Flooding with much less resource consumption.