Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Adaptive Upper Threshold Based Gain Function for the ZA-PNLMS Algorithm

The recently proposed Zero-Attracting Proportionate Normalized Least Mean Square (ZA-PNLMS) algorithm improves the performance of the PNLMS algorithm for identifying sparse systems. In particular, it keeps the fast initial convergence rate of the PNLMS algorithm, and improves its transient performance by arresting the fall in the convergence rate at the later stage of the adaptation process, and it also improves the steady-state mean square error (MSE). However, the improvement in the steady-state performance is marginal. In this brief, we propose a novel gain function for the ZA-PNLMS algorithm by introducing an adaptive upper threshold parameter. It has two fold implications. First, the proposed threshold parameter truncates the proportional gains of highly active taps when they approach to their steady-states and helps the lesser active taps to converge faster by providing them more gains, and thereby the overall transient performance is further improved. Secondly, it also improves steady-state MSE significantly by reducing the fluctuation of the active taps at the steady-state. Extensive simulation studies have been carried out to justify the improvement obtained by the proposed algorithm.
Science Parks and talent attraction management: university students as a strategic resource for innovation and entrepreneurship

ABSTRACT This paper aims to expand our understanding of talent attraction management in Science Parks with a specific interest in university students/alumni as a human and strategic resource. The underlying rationale is how the links with universities can be supported and how the Science Park management can contribute to successful relationships with universities and university students/alumni, in order to develop tenant firms and the park itself. A questionnaire was sent out in 2018–120 parks. This study includes 25 variables, and four significant regression models are presented. The main finding is that Science Park talent attraction activities act as a mediating variable, which affects the informal and formal partnerships between students and firms/universities as well as how the park management can contribute to successful relationships. By attracting students, tenant firms can have a positive impact on their performance as well as Science Park development.
Poly(diallyldimethylammonium) based poly(ionic liquid) di- and triblock copolymers by PISA as matrices for ionogel membranes

The synthesis of poly(diallyldimethylammonium)-b-polystyrene di- and triblock ABA copolymers was investigated by Macromolecular Design by Interchange of Xanthate/Reversible-Addition Fragmentation Transfer (MADIX/RAFT) using Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly (PISA) conditions. A diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC) monomer was firstly polymerized in water using a mono- or difunctional MADIX agent at 60 °C with a water-soluble azo initiator. Then, PISA was implemented using poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) as a cationic macromolecular chain transfer agent and styrene for the emulsion phase, leading to latexes made of di- or triblock copolymers. After anion exchange between the chloride and bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, the corresponding poly(ionic liquid)-b-polystyrene copolymers were obtained. The block copolymers were mixed with an ionic liquid electrolyte commonly used in sodium batteries composed of a mixture of a propyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide ionic liquid and a sodium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide salt. After casting, self-standing ionogel membranes were obtained. Compared to diblock copolymers, triblock copolymers showed the best self-standing properties, which may be related to the physical cross-linking of the two external polystyrene blocks. Interestingly, the ionogels based on triblock copolymers showed superior ionic conductivity values to previous electrolytes using homopoly(ionic liquid) matrices.
A framework for automated concurrency verification

Reasoning systems based on Concurrent Separation Logic make verifying complex concurrent algorithms readily possible. Such algorithms contain subtle protocols of permission and resource transfer between threads; to cope with these intricacies, modern concurrent separation logics contain many moving parts and integrate many bespoke logical components. Verifying concurrent algorithms by hand consumes much time, effort, and expertise. As a result, computer-assisted verification is a fertile research topic, and fully automated verification is a popular research goal. Unfortunately, the complexity of modern concurrent separation logics makes them hard to automate, and the proliferation and fast turnover of such logics causes a downward pressure against building tools for new logics. As a result, many such logics lack tooling. This dissertation proposes Starling: a scheme for creating concurrent program logics that are automatable by construction. Starling adapts the existing Concurrent Views Framework for sound concurrent reasoning systems, overlaying a framework for reducing concurrent proof outlines to verification conditions in existing theories (such as those accepted by off-the-shelf sequential solvers). This dissertation describes Starling in a bottom-up, modular manner. First, it shows the derivation of a series of general concurrency proof rules from the Views framework. Next, it shows how one such rule leads to the Starling framework itself. From there, it outlines a series of increasingly elaborate frontends: ways of decomposing individual Hoare triples over atomic actions into verification conditions suitable for encoding into backend theories. Each frontend leads to a concurrent program logic. Finally, the dissertation presents a tool for verifying C-style concurrent proof outlines, based on one of the above frontends. It gives examples of such outlines, covering a variety of algorithms, backend solvers, and proof techniques.
Prospects of Laser Doppler flowmetry application in assessment of skin microcirculation in diabetes

This review includes results of scientific and clinical use of laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) in patients with diabetes mellitus. LDF is a non-invasive method for the quantitative evaluation of microcirculation, which can assess microcirculatory rhythms and conduct functional tests with various impacts, allowing the exploration of regulatory mechanisms of microcirculation. LDF reveals specific diabetes changes in the regulatory function of microcirculation. Microcirculation disturbances, which are traditionally associated with the pathogenesis of complications, also occur in patients with early disorders of carbohydrate metabolism and may precede the manifestation of diabetes. However, this method is still not applied in clinical practice. In this review, we analysed factors limiting the implementation of LDF in practical medicine and suggest ways to improve its clinical significance.
3D HydroMapper – digitale Inspektion von Bauwerken über und unter Wasser

Die Alterung der Infrastruktur im Bereich der Wasserstraßen führt in Verbindung mit den in Norddeutschland häufig schwierigen Sichtverhältnissen unter Wasser zu massiven Aufwendungen der Betreiber bei der Inspektion, der Bewertung und der Instandsetzung der Verkehrswasserbauwerke. Das vom BMVI mit Forschungsmitteln geförderte und im Dezember 2018 gestartete Projekt 3D HydroMapper soll die Erfassung und Nutzung der 3‐D‐Scandaten von Bestandsbauwerken über und unter Wasser verbessern. Hierzu sollen neuartige Positionierungs‐ und Routingverfahren sowie eine aktive Objektausrichtung der Sensorik genutzt werden, um den Zustand von Bauwerken mit sehr hoher Präzision und Auflösung im Bereich weniger Zentimeter auch unter Wasser strukturiert zu erfassen. Erste Testergebnisse zeigen, dass mit dem 3D HydroMapper ein echter Innovationssprung möglich ist.
The reno-protective effect of metformin against type 2 diabetic rats via up-regulating renal tissue pigment epithelium-derived factor expression

Background. Diabetic nephropathy has become the primary cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is an endogenous anti-inflammatory factor in vivo, which can inhibit the expression of pathogenic factors — transforming growth factor β1 and connective tissue growth factor, and suppresses extracellular matrix protein production in diabetic kidney, suggesting an antifibrogenic activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of metformin on renal tissue PEDF expression in type 2 diabetic rats and explore its possible underlying protective mechanisms in renal injury. Materials and methods. Ten clean male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly selected as the normal control group. Type 2 diabetes model were induced by a high-fat diet and intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg/kg streptozotocin. A total of 30 type 2 diabetic rats were divided into 3 groups, which were treated with metformin 300 mg/kg/day (MET group, n = 10), glibenclamide 5 mg/kg/day (GLY group, n = 10), or saline (DM group, n = 10) by gavage for 8 weeks. Various biochemical parameters, kidney histopathology and renal tissue PEDF expression levels were examined. Results . At the 8 th week, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, triglyceride levels, urinary albumin and PEDF excretion, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen in MET group and GLY group decreased significantly compared to DM group, there were no significant differences in fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin between MET group and GLY group. The histological examinations revealed amelioration of diabetes-induced glomerular pathological changes following treatment with MET and GLY when compared to DM group. In addition, urinary albumin and PEDF excretion were decreased, glomerular pathological changes was lightened and protein and mRNA expression of renal tissue PEDF were increased more in MET group compared with GLY group. Conclusions. Metformin reduced urinary albumin excretion in diabetic rats, and improved podocyte morphology and structural damage. The mechanism may be partly related to its role in restoring PEDF expression and inhibiting urinary excretion of PEDF.
Core competencies of women entrepreneur in building superior online business performance in Indonesia

Article history: Received: November 3, 2019 Received in revised format: November 28 2019 Accepted: December 3, 2019 Available online: December 4, 2019 Most of online entrepreneurs in Indonesia are women, but their capabilities as professional online entrepreneurs are still less superior. This study aimed to investigate the core competencies of online women entrepreneur and verify the effects on their business performance. The study uses two stages of research: explanatory and confirmatory research. The result of explanatory research, has identified two capabilities as a core competency in building superior online business, i.e. partnership development and digital marketing capability. Yet, by confirmatory research, the study has found that both strategies had significant effects on building a superior business. This model can be also adopted by other online entrepreneurs to build their success in online business. © 2020 by the authors; licensee Growing Science, Canada
The Keyword Effect: A Grounded Theory Study Exploring the Role of Keywords in Clinical Communication

Keywords, also known as “buzzwords” or “trigger words,” serve as memorable descriptors to associate physical findings with specific diagnoses. These terms, such as “target lesion” and “steeple sign,” liken a physical or radiographic finding to a nonmedical comparator as a means to elicit an associated diagnosis. Keywords permeate medical literature and clinical conversations. However, the potential for miscommunicating critical information exists and the impact of keywords on communication‐related medical error is unknown. We explored the use of keywords and how physicians perceive their use in their clinical communication as part of patient care.
Knowledge attitude and practices of pneumococcal vaccines in India

Introduction: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) have revolutionized the prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) globally. The initial 7-valent (PCV7) vaccine has gradually been replaced by higher valency vaccines such as PCV10 and PCV13, as these cover additional serotypes causing increased immunization. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the overall attitude and practices of the Indian public toward PCV for their infants. Materials and Methods: Data were collected over a period of 18 months from a tertiary perinatal center. Pneumococcal vaccine leaflets with current, unbiased information on PCV10 and PCV13 were circulated to parents, who were then asked to opt for either one or none of the vaccines for their infants at their 6 weeks immunization check-up. Results: A total of 3406 infants came for follow-up. Among them, 84% chose to give the PCV while the remaining 16% opted out. Among the parents that opted for the vaccines, 90% chose PCV13 over PCV10. This may be attributable to its increased immunogenicity and broader serotype coverage as understood by the parents - who seem to want the best for their children. Conclusion: PCV13 was a preferred vaccine of choice for infants by majority of the parents, as compared to PCV10. Such information is of valuable importance in deciding which vaccine to go for if and when India goes for PCV in the future with Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization and United Nations Children’s Fund funding. Key words: Attitude, Invasive pneumococcal diseases, Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine 10, Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine 13, Practices
No to Pip-Tazo: Identifying Inappropriate Use of Piperacillin-Tazobactam for Treatment of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

Background Overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics for the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) is common. The objective of this study is to identify inappropriate use of piperacillin-tazobactam in the setting of SSTIs to help enhance future stewardship efforts to promote guideline concordant treatments of SSTIs at our institution. Methods Pharmacy records of all piperacillin-tazobactam orders from October 2013 to June 2015 were retrospectively reviewed at a tertiary Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center. Empiric piperacillin-tazobactam use for patients admitted with SSTIs was identified and evaluated for inappropriateness according to infection type (diabetic foot infection, nonpurulent, purulent, surgical site infection) and severity (mild, moderate, severe) based on institutional and national guidelines. Results Piperacillin-tazobactam was ordered empirically in 212 SSTI episodes, 166 of which were started in the emergency department. One hundred fifty-two patients had piperacillin-tazobactam orders continued or started on admission; of these, only 40 uses (26.3%) were appropriate, with use in severe infection associated with the highest rate of appropriateness compared with moderate or mild infection (severe, 50.0%; moderate, 12.5%; mild, 15.3%; P < 0.01). When inappropriate, the median duration of piperacillin-tazobactam use was 2 days (interquartile range, 1–3 days). Among the 166 episodes in which piperacillin-tazobactam was started in the emergency department, admitting physicians made an appropriate decision to continue or discontinue piperacillin-tazobactam in 90 episodes (54.2%). Conclusions Most empiric piperacillin-tazobactam use for SSTIs is inappropriate at our institution and is thus a good target for future stewardship efforts.
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

The incidence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children has increased year by year recently. Blood pressure research of OSAS children can help understand the occurrence of OSAS related complications. Early detection and intervention of blood pressure changes in children with OSAS can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease in later adulthood.
Requirements for temporal BDA implementation methodology in organizations

The article is devoted to the problem of temporal big data analytics (BDA) in organizations in the context of the challenges arising from the business environment. The research problem originates from the multiplicity of existing approaches to implementing big data, from the multiplicity of concepts underlying these approaches, as well as from the lack of temporality context in the existing proposals. It is thus necessary to review and order the big data methodologies and strategies. The article also characterizes the challenges for an effective temporal BDA, and on this basis a set of requirements is formulated which must be met by the temporal big data analytics implementation methodology in organizations. For these purposes, firstly, a critical analysis of literature was used as the research method, secondly, methods of creative thinking, synthesis and analysis were used.
Association of Gestational Weight Gain With Maternal and Infant Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Importance Body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain are increasing globally. In 2009, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) provided specific recommendations regarding the ideal gestational weight gain. However, the association between gestational weight gain consistent with theIOM guidelines and pregnancy outcomes is unclear. Objective To perform a systematic review, meta-analysis, and metaregression to evaluate associations between gestational weight gain above or below the IOM guidelines (gain of 12.5-18 kg for underweight women [BMI <18.5]; 11.5-16 kg for normal-weight women [BMI 18.5-24.9]; 7-11 kg for overweight women [BMI 25-29.9]; and 5-9 kg for obese women [BMI ≥30]) and maternal and infant outcomes. Data Sources and Study Selection Search of EMBASE, Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews, MEDLINE, and MEDLINE In-Process between January 1, 1999, and February 7, 2017, for observational studies stratified by prepregnancy BMI category and total gestational weight gain. Data Extraction and Synthesis Data were extracted by 2 independent reviewers. Odds ratios (ORs) and absolute risk differences (ARDs) per live birth were calculated using a random-effects model based on a subset of studies with available data. Main Outcomes and Measures Primary outcomes were small for gestational age (SGA), preterm birth, and large for gestational age (LGA). Secondary outcomes were macrosomia, cesarean delivery, and gestational diabetes mellitus. Results Of 5354 identified studies, 23 (n = 1 309 136 women) met inclusion criteria. Gestational weight gain was below or above guidelines in 23% and 47% of pregnancies, respectively. Gestational weight gain below the recommendations was associated with higher risk of SGA (OR, 1.53 [95% CI, 1.44-1.64]; ARD, 5% [95% CI, 4%-6%]) and preterm birth (OR, 1.70 [1.32-2.20]; ARD, 5% [3%-8%]) and lower risk of LGA (OR, 0.59 [0.55-0.64]; ARD, −2% [−10% to −6%]) and macrosomia (OR, 0.60 [0.52-0.68]; ARD, −2% [−3% to −1%]); cesarean delivery showed no significant difference (OR, 0.98 [0.96-1.02]; ARD, 0% [−2% to 1%]). Gestational weight gain above the recommendations was associated with lower risk of SGA (OR, 0.66 [0.63-0.69]; ARD, −3%; [−4% to −2%]) and preterm birth (OR, 0.77 [0.69-0.86]; ARD, −2% [−2% to −1%]) and higher risk of LGA (OR, 1.85 [1.76-1.95]; ARD, 4% [2%-5%]), macrosomia (OR, 1.95 [1.79-2.11]; ARD, 6% [4%-9%]), and cesarean delivery (OR, 1.30 [1.25-1.35]; ARD, 4% [3%-6%]). Gestational diabetes mellitus could not be evaluated because of the nature of available data. Conclusions and Relevance In this systematic review and meta-analysis of more than 1 million pregnant women, 47% had gestational weight gain greater than IOM recommendations and 23% had gestational weight gain less than IOM recommendations. Gestational weight gain greater than or less than guideline recommendations, compared with weight gain within recommended levels, was associated with higher risk of adverse maternal and infant outcomes.
A minimum reporting standard for multiple sequence alignments

Multiple sequence alignments (MSAs) play a pivotal role in studies of molecular sequence data, but nobody has developed a minimum reporting standard (MRS) to quantify the completeness of MSAs in terms of completely-specified nucleotides or amino acids. We present an MRS that relies on four simple completeness metrics. The metrics are implemented in AliStat, a program developed to support the MRS. A survey of published MSAs illustrates the benefits and unprecedented transparency offered by the MRS.
Plasma, cancer, immunity

Albeit heavily investigated for several decades already, the importance of the immune system in targeting cancer has received wide clinical attention only in recent years. This is partly because of long-standing rather traditional concepts on tumor biology on the one hand and the complexity of the immune system and its processes on the other. The viewpoint of evaluating existing and emerging approaches in oncology based on toxicity to tumors and the ability to engage antitumor-immunity is gaining ground across several disciplines. Along those lines, cold physical plasma was suggested as potential anticancer tool more than a decade ago, but solid evidence of the immune system playing a role in plasma cancer treatment only emerged in recent years. Moreover, plasma may support cancer immunotherapies in the future. Cancer immunotherapies are systemic treatments with biologicals that were reported to synergize with existing local physical modalities before, such as radiotherapy and photodynamic therapy. This review outlines key concepts in oncology, immunology, and tumor therapy, links them to plasma research, and discusses immuno-oncological consequences. Finally, promising future clinical applications are summarized. Synoptically, first scientific evidence supports an immuno-oncological dimension of plasma cancer treatment in selected instances, but robust clinical evidence is still lacking. More basic and clinical research is needed to determine the immuno-molecular mechanisms and detailed plasma application modalities to facilitate real patient benefit in the long term.
CEREBRAL REVASCULARIZATION FOR ISCHEMIA, ANEURYSMS, AND CRANIAL BASE TUMORS

THIS ARTICLE EXTENSIVELY reviews the history, indications for bypass, choice of grafts, techniques, complications, and results after cerebral revascularization. The current role and future perspectives of cerebral revascularization are discussed. The results of 295 direct revascularization procedures in 285 patients (130 tumors and 115 aneurysms from 1988 to 2006; 40 cases of ischemia from 1994 to 2006) and 26 pial synangiosis procedures (for moyamoya syndrome in children from 1997 to 2007) have been summarized. Current operative techniques are illustrated with drawings and video clips.
Interdisciplinarity in Translational Medicine: A Bibliometric Case Study.

Translational research (TR) is the process of bringing innovations from basic science into applied science, usually referring to the practice of medicine. It has been assumed that crossdisciplinary collaboration, or interdisciplinarity research (IDR), is essential to translation. Yet there is a gap in the literature regarding the interaction between interdisciplinarity and translation. If interdisciplinarity is highly correlated with translational research, this relationship would open up the possibility of using bibliometric techniques to help evaluate and target TR