Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Method forWeb Content Extraction and Analysis in the Tourism Domain

Big data generated across the web is assuming growing importance in producing insights useful to understand real-world phenomena and to make smarter decisions. The tourism is one of the leading growth sectors, therefore, methods and technologies that simplify and empower web contents gathering, processing, and analysis are becoming more and more important in this application area. In this paper, we present a web content analytics method that automates and simplifies content extraction and acquisition from many different web sources, like newspapers and social networks, accelerate content cleaning, analysis, and annotation, makes faster insights generation by visual exploration of analysis results. We, also, describe an application to a real-world use case regarding the analysis of the touristic impact of the Italian Open tennis tournament. Obtained results show that our method makes the analysis of news and social media posts more easy, agile, and effective.
Seventy-five years of estimating the force of infection from current status data

SUMMARY The force of infection, describing the rate at which a susceptible person acquires an infection, is a key parameter in models estimating the infectious disease burden, and the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of infectious disease prevention. Since Muench formulated the first catalytic model to estimate the force of infection from current status data in 1934, exactly 75 years ago, several authors addressed the estimation of this parameter by more advanced statistical methods, while applying these to seroprevalence and reported incidence/case notification data. In this paper we present an historical overview, discussing the relevance of Muench's work, and we explain the wide array of newer methods with illustrations on pre-vaccination serological survey data of two airborne infections: rubella and parvovirus B19. We also provide guidance on deciding which method(s) to apply to estimate the force of infection, given a particular set of data.
Comparison of circular- and linear-stapled gastrojejunostomy in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a multicenter study

Introduction Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is a common, well-established procedure, but no consensus regarding selection of the gastrojejunostomy (GJ) technique has been reached, and standardization of this precise technique is far from being achieved. Aim To compare circular-stapled and linear-stapled GJ in LRYGB in terms of operative time and postoperative complications. Material and methods This retrospective case-control study compared the perioperative and postoperative outcomes of LRYGB with a circular-stapled (LRYGB-CS) versus linear-stapled (LRYGB-LS) gastrojejunostomy. All patients, operated on in two academic referral care centers for bariatric surgery, were enrolled from April 2013 to June 2016. 457 patients were included (255 and 202 respectively in the LRYGB-CS and LRYGB-LS groups). After matching the groups for age, sex, body mass index, arterial hypertension, and presence of type 2 diabetes in a 1 : 1 ratio, 99 patients were enrolled in each. Results The total operative time was longer in the LRYGB-LS group (140 vs. 85 min, p < 0.001). The postoperative hemorrhage and wound infection rates were lower in the LRYGB-LS group (2.1% vs. 10.3%, p = 0.021, and 1.0% vs. 9.3%, p = 0.011). The readmission rates were comparable (8.2% vs. 6.1%, p = 0.593). There was no significant difference in the incidence of gastrojejunostomy leakage, stricture, port-site hernia, or marginal ulcer. Conclusions Both anastomosis types for LRYGB are safe and have low and comparable risks of postoperative complications. After LRYGB-CS, postoperative bleeding and wound infections are slightly more frequent; however, the operative time is shorter.
A novel, orally active LPA1 receptor antagonist inhibits lung fibrosis in the mouse bleomycin model

Background and purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the potential of an antagonist selective for the lysophosphatidic acid receptor, LPA1, in treating lung fibrosis We evaluated the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological properties of the high affinity, selective, oral LPA1‐antagonist (4′‐{4‐[(R)‐1‐(2‐chloro‐phenyl)‐ethoxycarbonylamino]‐3‐methyl‐isoxazol‐5‐yl}‐biphenyl‐4‐yl)‐acetic acid (AM966).
A comparison of performance indexes in DC-DC converters under different stabilizing state-dependent switching laws

This paper deals with the problem of establishing stabilizing state-dependent switching laws in DC-DC converters operating at continuous conduction mode (CCM) and comparing their performance indexes. Firstly, the nature of the problem is defined, that is, the study of switched affine systems, which may not share a common equilibrium point. The concept of stability is, therefore, broadened. Then, the central theorem is proposed, from which a family of switching laws can be derived, namely the minimum law and the hold state law. Some of these are proved to stabilize the basic DC-DC converters and then, their performances are compared to another law, from a previous work, by simulation, where a great reduction in overshoot is obtained.
The current and future impact of human papillomavirus on treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

BACKGROUND Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) was traditionally associated with smoking and alcohol use; however, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has recently been implicated as a novel risk factor for oropharyngeal tumors. Furthermore, HPV-associated oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC) appears to be a distinct entity with different epidemiology, biology, and clinical outcomes. METHODS Here, we comprehensively review the existing data regarding HPV status and prognostic or predictive outcomes in both the locoregionally advanced (LA) and recurrent/metastatic (RM) disease setting and discuss ongoing trials that may eventually impact the treatment of patients with HPV-positive (HPV+) SCCHN. RESULTS A body of retrospective and prospective data established an association between HPV+ OPC and better survival, particularly for LA disease. Current data on RM disease are limited, but they also suggest prognostic significance for HPV. CONCLUSIONS Better outcomes in HPV+ LA disease may allow for less aggressive treatment in the future, and several trials are evaluating deintensified regimens in patients with HPV+, LA OPC; it should be emphasized that deintensification strategies are appropriate only in a clinical research setting and only for selected subgroups of HPV+ patients. In addition, HPV-targeted strategies, such as vaccines, are currently undergoing clinical evaluation. On the other hand, the prognostic impact of HPV in RM disease requires further validation before any modifications in treatment can be made. Likewise, the predictive significance of HPV status in both disease settings remains to be defined. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBERS NCT00226239, NCT00301028, NCT00387127, NCT00410826, NCT00503997, NCT00514943, NCT00544414, NCT00768664, NCT00939627, NCT01084083, NCT01302834, NCT01687413, NCT01706939.
Analysis and Optimization of Bottleneck Features for Speaker Recognition

Recently, Deep Neural Network (DNN) based bottleneck features proved to be very effective in i-vector based speaker recognition. However, the bottleneck feature extraction is usually fully optimized for speech rather than speaker recognition task. In this paper, we explore whether DNNs suboptimal for speech recognition can provide better bottleneck features for speaker recognition. We experiment with different features optimized for speech or speaker recognition as input to the DNN. We also experiment with under-trained DNN, where the training was interrupted before the full convergence of the speech recognition objective. Moreover, we analyze the effect of normalizing the features at the input and/or at the output of bottleneck features extraction to see how it affects the ﬁnal speaker recognition sys-tem performance. We evaluated the systems in the SRE’10, condition 5, female task. Results show that the best conﬁgu-ration of the DNN in terms of phone accuracy does not necessary imply better performance of the ﬁnal speaker recognition system. Finally, we compare the performance of bottleneck features and the standard MFCC features in i-vector/PLDA speaker recognition system. The best bottleneck features yield up to 37% of relative improvement in terms of EER.
Understanding the Antecedents of Effective Knowledge Management: The Importance of a Knowledge-Centered Culture

Within the context of knowledge management, little research has been conducted that identifies the antecedents of a knowledge-centered culture—those organizational qualities that encourage knowledge creation and dissemination. In this study, the existing literature on organizational climate, job characteristics, and organizational learning (in the form of cooperative learning theory) are linked with the current thinking and research findings related to knowledge management to develop a theoretical model explaining the relationships among organizational climate, the level of cooperative learning that takes place between knowledge workers, and the resulting level of knowledge created and disseminated as measured by team performance and individual satisfaction levels. The study goes on to empirically test the proposed research model by investigating the climate of organizations, and seeks to understand the linkage between a set of organizational and individual characteristics and knowledge-related activities found in cooperative learning groups and the resulting work outcomes. The hypothesized research model is tested using LISREL with data collected from 203 information systems (IS) professionals engaged in systems development activities. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications the results have for future research and managerial practice.
Energy Metabolism of Bone

Biological processes utilize energy and therefore must be prioritized based on fuel availability. Bone is no exception to this, and the benefit of remodeling when necessary outweighs the energy costs. Bone remodeling is important for maintaining blood calcium homeostasis, repairing micro cracks and fractures, and modifying bone structure so that it is better suited to withstand loading demands. Osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and osteocytes are the primary cells responsible for bone remodeling, although bone marrow adipocytes and other cells may also play an indirect role. There is a renewed interest in bone cell energetics because of the potential for these processes to be targeted for osteoporosis therapies. In contrast, due to the intimate link between bone and energy homeostasis, pharmaceuticals that treat metabolic disease or have metabolic side effects often have deleterious bone consequences. In this brief review, we will introduce osteoporosis, discuss how bone cells utilize energy to function, evidence for bone regulating whole body energy homeostasis, and some of the unanswered questions and opportunities for further research in the field.
Quantification of Short Term Signaling by the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor*

During the past decade, our knowledge of molecular mechanisms involved in growth factor signaling has proliferated almost explosively. However, the kinetics and control of information transfer through signaling networks remain poorly understood. This paper combines experimental kinetic analysis and computational modeling of the short term pattern of cellular responses to epidermal growth factor (EGF) in isolated hepatocytes. The experimental data show transient tyrosine phosphorylation of the EGF receptor (EGFR) and transient or sustained response patterns in multiple signaling proteins targeted by EGFR. Transient responses exhibit pronounced maxima, reached within 15–30 s of EGF stimulation and followed by a decline to relatively low (quasi-steady-state) levels. In contrast to earlier suggestions, we demonstrate that the experimentally observed transients can be accounted for without requiring receptor-mediated activation of specific tyrosine phosphatases, following EGF stimulation. The kinetic model predicts how the cellular response is controlled by the relative levels and activity states of signaling proteins and under what conditions activation patterns are transient or sustained. EGFR signaling patterns appear to be robust with respect to variations in many elemental rate constants within the range of experimentally measured values. On the other hand, we specify which changes in the kinetic scheme, rate constants, and total amounts of molecular factors involved are incompatible with the experimentally observed kinetics of signal transfer. Quantitation of signaling network responses to growth factors allows us to assess how cells process information controlling their growth and differentiation.
A Fast-Track East African Community Monetary Union? Convergence Evidence from a Cointegration Analysis.

There is a proposal for a fast-tracked approach to the African Community (EAC) monetary union. This paper uses cointegration techniques to determine whether the member countries would form a successful monetary union based on the long-run behavior of nominal and real exchange rates and monetary base. The three variables are each analyzed for co-movements among the five countries. The empirical results indicate only partial convergence for the variables considered, suggesting there could be substantial costs for the member countries from a fast-tracked process. This implies the EAC countries need significant adjustments to align their monetary policies and to allow a period of monetary policy coordination to foster convergence that will improve the chances of a sustainable currency union.
Material Management in Decentralized Supply Chains

A supply chain is a network of facilities that performs the functions of procurement of material, transformation of material to intermediate and finished products, and distribution of finished products to customers. Often, organizational barriers between these facilities exist, and information flows can be restricted such that complete centralized control of material flows in a supply chain may not be feasible or desirable. Consequently, most companies use decentralized control in managing the different facilities at a supply chain. In this paper, we describe what manufacturing managers at Hewlett-Packard Company (HP) see as the needs for model support in managing material flows in their supply chains. These needs motivate our initial development of such a model for supply chains that are not under complete centralized control. We report on our experiences of applying such a model in a new product development project of the DeskJet printer supply chain at HP. Finally, we discuss avenues to develop better .
AMPLIFIED FRAGMENT LENGTH POLYMORPHISM FINGERPRINTING OF XANTHOMONAS ARBORICOLA PV. PRUNI

SUMMARY The amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) technique was applied to 109 strains of pv. pruni and one strain of pv. juglandis of the species Xanthomonas arboricola and to five strains of other Xanthomonas species. Groups of 12 and 41 strains of pv. pruni were isolated at the same time from fruit lesions in two peach orchards in the province of Verona (Italy). The other strains of pv. pruni were from different geographic areas and/or host plants. The EcoRI/MseI and EOO/M02 pairs were used as restriction enzymes and selective amplification primers. Comparison of the AFLP profiles showed that the X. arboricola pv. pruni profile could be reliably distinguished from those of pv. juglandis and the other five species; 108 out of 109 strains of X. arboricola pv. pruni were included in the main cluster (S D = 0.93). This was divided into 3 subgroups: I (S D = 0.982; 73 strains); II (S D = 0.979; 32 strains); III (S D = 0.990; 3 strains). Another subgroup, IV, with just one strain clustered with the other 3 subgroups at S D = 0.89. Isolates from the same peach orchard fell within subgroups I and II, as did strains from other geographic areas or from different host plants. The technique used did not have sufficient resolution to distinguish homogeneous groups of pv. pruni of X. arboricola on the basis of locality, geographic area or host plant.
Optimum training sequences for OFDM systems with multiple transmit antennas

Channel information is required for OFDM systems with multiple transmit and receive antennas exploiting antenna diversity. We present techniques to improve the performance and reduce the complexity of channel parameter estimation: optimum training sequence design and simplified channel estimation. The optimal training sequences not only simplify the initial channel estimation but also attain the best estimation performance. The simplified channel estimation significantly reduces the complexity of the channel estimation at the expense of a negligible performance degradation.
Osmotic self-expanding dilation technology for treatment of sinusitis: the Vent-Os sinus dilation system

The Vent-Os Sinus Dilation System is an osmotically driven device that provides a means to access the sinus space and to dilate the maxillary sinus ostia and associated spaces in adults for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Unlike balloon dilation devices that use rapid, high-pressure inflation, this self-expanding device is designed to gently and gradually open the maxillary ostia. The procedure can be safely and easily completed in-office with minimal anesthetics and analgesics on board. Clinical results support excellent patency and safety outcomes with the use of this product in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.
Tobacco use, smoking quit rates, and socioeconomic patterning among men and women: a cross-sectional survey in rural Andhra Pradesh, India

Background Tobacco use is common in India and a majority of users are in rural areas. We examine tobacco use and smoking quit rates along gender and socioeconomic dimensions in rural Andhra Pradesh. Design and methods Data come from a cross-sectional survey. Markers of socioeconomic status (SES) were education, occupation, and income. Regression analyses were undertaken to examine determinants of current smoking, smoking quit rates, tobacco use by type (cigarettes, bidis, and chewing), and quantity consumed (number per day, pack-years). Results The weighted prevalence of current smoking and tobacco chewing was higher in men (50.3%, 95% confidence interval, CI, 48.1–52.6 and 5.0%, 95% CI 4.1–5.9, respectively) compared with women (4.8%, 95% CI 3.9–5.7 and 1.0%, 95% CI 0.6–1.4, respectively) and higher among older age groups. The quit rate was higher in women (45.5%, 95% CI 38.7–52.2) compared to men (18.8%, 95% CI 16.7–20.9). Illiterate individuals were more likely to be current smokers of any type compared to those with secondary/higher education (odds ratio, OR, 3.25, 95% CI 2.54–4.16), although cigarette smoking was higher in men of high SES. Smoking quit rates were positively associated with SES (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.76–3.71) for secondary/higher education vs. illiterates. Level of consumption increased with SES and those with secondary/higher education smoked an additional 1.93 (95% CI 1.08–2.77) cigarettes or bidis per day and had an additional 1.87 (95% CI 0.57–3.17) pack-years vs. illiterates. Conclusions The social gradients in cigarette smoking and level of consumption contrasted those for indigenous forms of tobacco (bidi smoking and chewing). International prevention and cessation initiatives designed at modifying Western-style cigarette usage will need to be tailored to the social context of rural Andhra Pradesh to effectively influence the use of cigarettes and equally harmful indigenous forms of tobacco.
Predicting survival in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

There is increasing interest in the use of prognostic markers that may predict survival and guide management in patients diagnosed with the early stages of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Currently, the most important traditional prognostic factors include clinical staging, lymphocyte doubling time and β2-microglobulin/thymidine kinase; and the most important novel markers include karyotypic aberrations (typically assessed by FISH probes or CpG oligonucleotide karyotyping) and IgVH mutation status. Although each of these factors have individually shown significant correlations with survival, there is increasing appreciation that the most complete information may be obtained by using a combination of several factors in prognostic normograms or models. In this article, we review the current state-of-the-art with regards to CLL prognostic factors and discuss how they can be applied in the clinic.
Investigation on the Possible Relationship Existing between the Hla-DR Gene and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and/or Mental Retardation

This study examines the possible relationship existing between the HLA-DR gene and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/or mental retardation (MR). The diagnosis of ADHD and mental retardation were established through clinical interviews with the parents, children and teachers, according to the criteria in DSM-IV. HLA-DRB1 genotyping was performed both by polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primers (PCR-SSP) and by sequence based typing (SBT) in a cohort of 81 affected children and a sample of 100 healthy controls. Here, we report a positive association of HLA-DR4 with ADHD but not with MR. The study adds confirmation to the role of the HLA-DRB1 in the etiology of some types of childhood neuropsychiatric illnesses.
TRACHEARY ELEMENT DIFFERENTIATION AND SECONDARY CELL-WALL FORMATION IN CELL CULTURES OF CONIFEROUS GYMNOSPERMS*

Tracheary element differentiation and secondary cell-wall formation have been studied in cell cultures of coniferous gymnosperms. Factors that influence tracheary element differentiation are (i) the sucrose concentration in the media, (ii) the concentration of nutrients in the media, (iii) temperature and light, and (iv) the types and concentrations of phytohormones in the media. There are advantages and disadvantages in using cell cultures for studying tracheary element differentiation and secondary cell-wall formation, but in combination with in planta studies the cell culture approach is very useful for advancing our understanding of these processes.
The Extended Dijkstra’s-based Load Balancing for OpenFlow Network

This paper proposes load-balancing algorithm on the basis of the Extended Dijkstra’s shortest path algorithm for Software Defined Networking (SDN). The Extended Dijkstra’s algorithm considers not only the edge weights, but also the node weights to find the nearest server for a requesting client. The proposed algorithm also considers the link load in order to avoid congestion. We use Pyretic to implement the proposed algorithm and compare it with related ones under the Abilene network topology with the Mininet emulation tool. As shown by the comparisons, the proposed algorithm outperforms the others in term of the network end-to-end latency, throughput and response time at the expense of a little heavier computation load and more memory usage on the SDN controller.