Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Can We Calculate Patients' Compliance and Forecast Their Adherence to Medication: Cultural Adaptation of the Korean Version of a Compliance Questionnaire for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatologists are infamous for prescribing numerous medications. When our patients talk about how doctors in different department are overwhelmed by the loads of medications, we rheumatologists share the same feelings of guilt and indignation. Because of its progression and unique nature, rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, require multiple drug-regimen rather than single drug regimen, even in the early stages. Hence, initial prescriptions of “strong” medications like immunosuppressant are common practice and important in lieu of treatment guideline. It is not surprising to prescribe more than 6 medications when we rheumatologist add antiinflammatory drugs, heart burn medications, and not to mention rheumatologist’s “favorite” steroids. Moreover, rheumatoid arthritis’ systemic complications like osteoporosis require even more additional prescriptions of calcium and bisophosphonate. Having said that, the rheumatologists are usually perceived as the “blind prescriber,” even when they prescribe something that can alleviate adverse effects like folic acid alleviating the methotrexate adverse effect. Frequently, the total number of medications rheumatologists prescribe exceeds single digit. When patients experience severe pain and totally depend on their physicians, prescribing myriads of drugs poses no problems. Ironically, the real problem arises as the patients' pain is well controlled. Imagine the patients with no apparent symptoms are looking at the pills in their palm. Patients begin to doubt and begin to question their prescriptions. “Will these medications make a nasty stomachache? ” “I have heard that steroids are bad. ” “Is it really necessary to take these pain killers all at once? ” This is exactly when patients' compliance begins to decrease. This is only the start as the real predicament arises. Because of effects of the medication appear slowly over the period of 4-5 months, skipping the drugs for once or twice will not change anything. In fact, forgetting taking medication once or twice will not aggravate any symptoms. However, as the patients habitually skip their medications, the rheumatoid arthritis exacerbations can occur. Doctors who do not recognize this prolonged poor compliance will obviously add more drugs or substitute old prescriptions with newer and stronger medications, thinking that old medications do not work.
Can Migrants Save Greece From Ageing? A Computable General Equilibrium Approach Using G-AMOS

The population of Greece is projected to age in the course of the next three decades. This paper combines demographic projections with a multi-period economic Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) modelling framework to assess the macroeconomic impact of these future demographic trends. The simulation strategy adopted in Lisenkova et. al. (2008) is also employed here. The size and age composition of the population in the future depends on current and future values of demographic parameters such as the fertility, mortality rates and the level of annual net migration. We use FIV-FIV software in order to project population changes for 30 years. Total population and working age population changes are introduced to the GAMOS modelling framework calibrated for the Greek economy for the year 2004. Positive net migration is able to cancel the negative impacts of an ageing population that would otherwise occur as a result of the shrinking of the labour force. The policy implication is that a viable, long-lasting migration policy should be implemented, while the importance of policies that could increase fertility should also be considered.
International labour mobility and unemployment

We develop a two-country labour-market model characterised by union wage-bargaining, in which the unemployed incur individual-specific costs of seeking work abroad. We explore the effects on equilibrium unemployment in each country of changes in union bargaining strength, the ratio of unemployment benefits to wages, and employers' willingness to hire foreign workers. Unfavourable labour-market institutions increase unemployment abroad as well as at home. We find that no country has an incentive to internationalise its own labour market unilaterally, because all the employment gains spill over abroad, which gives countries a strong incentive to co-ordinate on internationalisation.
Early versus late accounting information in a limited commitment setting

We consider a two period principal-agent problem in a LEN setting. Stock prices as well as accounting measures are available for incentive contracting. The principal needs to implement one out of two accounting systems. While the early accounting information system reports an accounting signal in the period it is produced, the late accounting system reports this information with one period delay. As accounting information is considered contractible if and only if it is reported within the two period horizon of the game, the late system ends up providing less contractible information than the early one. Accounting information is supposed to be effort informative and value relevant. Stock prices reflect all value relevant information. This includes accounting information along with further information that is value relevant but not effort informative. We derive optimal compensation contracts in a full commitment setting and in a limited commitment setting for both, the early and the late accounting information system. With full commitment the early system dominates the late one. If the early system is implemented stock prices are not used for contracting at all. In contrast, if the late system is present, stock prices are required to incentivice second period effort at all. However, contracting on them results in an inferior risk-incentive trade-off as compared to contracting on early accounting information only. With limited commitment implementing the late accounting information system may bene.t the principal. If accounting signals are positively correlated, limited commitment causes excessive second period incentive rates. Using the late system in combination with stock prices serves as a commitment device. Noise immanent in the stock prices reduces optimal incentive rates and thus counteracts the over-incentives. Second period benefits may more than outweigh the cost related to using stock prices in the first period.
Comparative Study on Interaction of Form and Motion Processing Streams by Applying Two Different Classifiers in Mechanism for Recognition of Biological Movement

Research on psychophysics, neurophysiology, and functional imaging shows particular representation of biological movements which contains two pathways. The visual perception of biological movements formed through the visual system called dorsal and ventral processing streams. Ventral processing stream is associated with the form information extraction; on the other hand, dorsal processing stream provides motion information. Active basic model (ABM) as hierarchical representation of the human object had revealed novelty in form pathway due to applying Gabor based supervised object recognition method. It creates more biological plausibility along with similarity with original model. Fuzzy inference system is used for motion pattern information in motion pathway creating more robustness in recognition process. Besides, interaction of these paths is intriguing and many studies in various fields considered it. Here, the interaction of the pathways to get more appropriated results has been investigated. Extreme learning machine (ELM) has been implied for classification unit of this model, due to having the main properties of artificial neural networks, but crosses from the difficulty of training time substantially diminished in it. Here, there will be a comparison between two different configurations, interactions using synergetic neural network and ELM, in terms of accuracy and compatibility.
Learning as Students to become Better Teachers: Pre-Service Teachers' IWB Learning Experience.

The study presented in this paper involved 124 Singaporean pre-service teachers who were attending a core information and communications technology (ICT) module, which is a component of their teacher education program. During this module, the pre-service teachers were introduced to the interactive whiteboard (IWB) through an instructional approach that consisted of tutor modeling, self-paced exploration, peer sharing, and team-based design projects. The pre-service teachers experienced the IWB first as 'students' and then explored it as teachers planning for implementation in their lessons. Qualitative data of pre-service teachers' reflections was collected to analyse their perceptions of the IWB use in their lessons and to examine how they learnt to use the board. The findings illustrated that pre-service teachers predominantly felt that the IWB was useful for engaging students in the learning process and for generating active participation vis-a-vis the interactive affordances of the board. The findings also revealed that learning about technology in teams was most useful for the successful assimilation of a technology tool that was new and unfamiliar to pre-service teachers. This paper examines how the existing IWB instructional approach can be modified to help pre-service teachers learn pedagogical uses of the IWB more effectively.
Fault Tolerant Design of Random Logic based on a Parity Check Code

We describe a method for designing fault tolerant circuits based on an extension of a Concurrent Error Detection (CED) technique. The proposed extension combines parity check codes and duplication in order to not only perform error detection but also provide diagnosis and correction capabilities. Informed selection among the outputs of the original circuit and the outputs of the duplicate with parity check codes renders a low-cost fault tolerant design. Experimental results confirm the efficacy of the proposed method as a general solution for designing fault tolerant circuits.
A Parallel Carrier Synchronization Algorithm for High-Speed Digital Communication Systems

For high-speed digital receivers, the crucial problem is to find a parallel carrier synchronization algorithm, but the traditional carrier synchronization methods based on phase-locked loop (PLL) are difficult to be parallel implemented. In this paper, we propose a parallelizable carrier synchronization algorithm based on maximum likelihood estimation (MLE). The simulation results show that the performances of locking and without losing are very good when proper data length for estimation is selected. Finally, the algorithm is applied to practical communication systems and the results show that the device utilization and BER performance loss are all very low.
The Application of Hidden Markov Model Based on Semantic Case Amelioration in Chinese Word Sense Tagging

Word sense tagging is one of the difficult points in the field of natural language processing. This paper has studied Chinese word sense tagging with the hidden Markov model (HMM) based on semantic case amelioration in order to make use of statistical methods. Firstly,word sense tagging to the real text for application was carried on the HowNet, which is a kind of repository and regards the concept, which represented by words and expressions as the description object to reveal the relations between concepts and the relations between the attributes of the concepts. Secnodly, the semantic standard concept was introduced to make the improvement to one step HMM. Lastly, the linear interpolation algorithm was used to compute the parameters of hidden Markov model based on semantic case amelioration. Finally pretty good experimental results have been achieved.
Toward a Stage Model of the International Franchise System Development

Abstract The use of the international franchise system on a global scale provides impetus for academic interests investigating such an issue. Nevertheless, there is a lack of research regarding its stage development. In this research, a stage model, termed the “stage model of the international franchise system development” is proposed, to provide insight into the process of implementing the international franchise system successfully. The development of the proposed model refers to related literature and is based on case studies from five international franchisors in Taiwan. Firms' objectives, key organizational issues and characterization at each stage were documented during the research.
Feline Neural Progenitor Cells II: Use of Novel Plasmid Vector and Hybrid Promoter to Drive Expression of Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Transgene

Sustained transgene expression is required for the success of cell transplant-based gene therapy. Most widely used are lentiviral-based vectors which integrate into the host genome and thereby maintain sustained transgene expression. This requires integration into the nuclear genome, and potential risks include activation of oncogenes and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. Plasmids have been used; however lack of sustained expression presents an additional challenge. Here we used the pCAG-PyF101-eGFP plasmid to deliver the human GDNF gene to cat neural progenitor cells (cNPCs). This vector consists of a CAGG composite promoter linked to the polyoma virus mutant enhancer PyF101. Expression of an episomal eGFP reporter and GDNF transgene were stably maintained by the cells, even following induction of differentiation. These genetically modified cells appear suitable for use in allogeneic models of cell-based delivery of GDNF in the cat and may find veterinary applications should such strategies prove clinically beneficial.
Random Noise Stimulation Improves Neuroplasticity in Perceptual Learning

Perceptual learning is considered a manifestation of neural plasticity in the human brain. We investigated brain plasticity mechanisms in a learning task using noninvasive transcranial electrical stimulation (tES). We hypothesized that different types of tES would have varying actions on the nervous system, which would result in different efficacies of neural plasticity modulation. Thus, the principal goal of the present study was to verify the possibility of inducing differential plasticity effects using two tES approaches [i.e., direct current stimulation (tDCS) and random noise stimulation (tRNS)] during the execution of a visual perceptual learning task.
Thymoquinone overcomes chemoresistance and enhances the anticancer effects of bortezomib through abrogation of NF-κB regulated gene products in multiple myeloma xenograft mouse model

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a B cell malignancy characterized by clonal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow. With the advent of novel targeted agents, the median survival rate has increased to 5−7 years. However, majority of patients with myeloma suffer relapse or develop chemoresistance to existing therapeutic agents. Thus, there is a need to develop novel alternative therapies for the treatment of MM. Thus in the present study, we investigated whether thymoquinone (TQ), a bioactive constituent of black seed oil, could suppress the proliferation and induce chemosensitization in human myeloma cells and xenograft mouse model. Our results show that TQ inhibited the proliferation of MM cells irrespective of their sensitivity to doxorubicin, melphalan or bortezomib. Interestingly, TQ treatment also resulted in a significant inhibition in the proliferation of CD138+ cells isolated from MM patient samples in a concentration dependent manner. TQ also potentiated the apoptotic effects of bortezomib in various MM cell lines through the activation of caspase-3, resulting in the cleavage of PARP. TQ treatment also inhibited chemotaxis and invasion induced by CXCL12 in MM cells. Furthermore, in a xenograft mouse model, TQ potentiated the antitumor effects of bortezomib (p < 0.05, vehicle versus bortezomib + TQ; p < 0.05, bortezomib versus bortezomib + TQ), and this correlated with modulation of various markers for survival and angiogenesis, such as Ki-67, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Bcl-2 and p65 expression. Overall, our results demonstrate that TQ can enhance the anticancer activity of bortezomib in vitro and in vivo and may have a substantial potential in the treatment of MM.
The process of reinnervation in the dentate gyrus of adult rats: time course of increases in mRNA for glial fibrillary acidic protein

The present study evaluates the time course of increased expression of the mRNA for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) within the dentate gyrus and hippocampus after unilateral lesions of the entorhinal cortex. Levels of GFAP mRNA were evaluated by dot blot hybridization of mRNA isolated from the hippocampus and quantitative in situ hybridization. For dot blot hybridization, RNA was isolated from pooled hippocampi obtained from animals killed at 12 hr, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, and 30 d postlesion. A separate set of animals killed at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 32 d were prepared for in situ hybridization. The dot blot analyses of mRNA isolated from the hippocampus revealed that on the side ipsilateral to the lesion, the levels of GFAP mRNA increased rapidly, reaching a peak at 2 d postlesion. The increases were not evident by 12 hr postlesion, but by 24 hr, levels of GFAP mRNA were 5-fold higher than control, and by 48 hr, the levels were over 6- fold higher than control. The levels of GFAP mRNA decreased after 2 d postlesion. At 4 and 6 d postlesion the levels were about 2-fold higher than control. At later postlesion intervals, mRNA levels were comparable to the control. At 2 d postlesion, the levels of GFAP mRNA were also increased about 2-fold over control levels on the contralateral side. After 2 d, the levels of GFAP mRNA on the contralateral side were comparable to the control. In situ hybridization revealed a complex pattern of changes in the levels of GFAP. At 2 d postlesion, the levels of GFAP mRNA increased dramatically throughout the hippocampus bilaterally. The increases were most pronounced in the denervated portions of the neuropil; however, the levels of GFAP mRNA were also substantially elevated in laminae that do not receive direct projections from the entorhinal cortex. GFAP mRNA levels were also increased in other areas that receive projections from the entorhinal cortex, including the septum, lateral-dorsal thalamus, and entorhinal cortex contralateral to the lesion. In addition, GFAP mRNA levels were increased in regions bordering the ventricles throughout the brain, and over the surface of the tectum. After 2 d postlesion, the increases in the levels of GFAP mRNA were for the most part restricted to areas containing terminal degeneration. The generalized increases throughout the hippocampus were no longer apparent. Areas bordering the ventricles continued to exhibit higher labeling than in control animals, but this effect was not as prominent as at 2 d postlesion. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Ass's milk in children with atopic dermatitis and cow's milk allergy: Crossover comparison with goat's milk

Cow milk allergy is a common disease of infancy, often associated with atopic dermatitis (AD). Avoidance of cow milk (CM) implies the use of alternative dietary supports such as mammalian milks. In this study, we assessed the tolerability and clinical effect of ass's milk (AM), when compared with the largely used goat's milk (GM) in a single‐blind, controlled, randomized crossover. Twenty‐eight children with AD and ascertained allergy to CM were enrolled. The children were randomized to AM or GM for 6 months, then switched to the other milk for further 3 months. The SCORAD index (SI) and a visual analog scale (VAS) were evaluated blindly. After termination of the study, food challenges with GM and AM were performed. An SDS‐PAGE analysis of different milks was performed. Two children from the GM group dropped out after randomization and 26 completed the study. Ass milk invariantly led to a significant improvement of SI and VAS of symptoms (p < 0.03 vs. baseline and inter‐group), whereas GM had no measurable clinical effect. At the end of the study 23 of 26 children had a positive food challenge with GM and one of 26 with AM. Ass's milk had a protein profile closer to human milk than GM. Ass milk is better tolerated and more effective than GM in reducing symptoms of AD. It may represent a better substitute of CM than the currently used GM.
A Survey on Real-time Routing Protocols for Wireless Sensor Networks 1

Recent advances in wireless sensor networks have led to rapid development of real-time applications. Many routing protocols have been specifically designed for these applications where real-time guarantee is an essential design issue. In this paper, the state of the art in real-time routing protocols for WSNs is surveyed, along with the highlights of the advantages and performance issues of each routing protocol and algorithm. In addition, the paper concludes with classification of recent real-time routing protocols and discusses open research issues.
3-DOF Trilateral Teleoperation Using a Pair of 1-DOF and 2-DOF Haptic Devices: Stability Analysis

Abstract Humans are usually better than autonomous robots in operating in complex environments. In bilateral teleoperation, to take full advantage of the human's intelligence, experience, and sensory inputs for performing a dexterous task, a possibility is to use the two hands of the user to manipulate two master haptic devices in order to control a slave robot with multiple degrees-of-freedom (DOF); the total DOFs of the two masters are equal to the DOFs of the slave. In this paper, two 1-DOF and 2-DOF haptic robots are considered as the two masters while a 3-DOF robot acts as the slave in a trilateral teleoperation system. It is discussed how such a system can result in better task performance by splitting the various DOFs of a dexterous task between two hands or two users, e.g., during peg-in-the-hole insertion. The stability analysis of such a system is not trivial due to dynamic coupling across the different DOFs of the robots, the human operators, and the physical/virtual environments. Also, the unknown dynamics of the users and the environments exacerbate the problem. We present a novel, straightforward and convenient method for stability analysis of this teleoperation system. Simulation results demonstrate the validity of the approach.
Cross-country income mobility comparisons under panel attrition: the relevance of weighting schemes

This article aims to present an assessment of the effects of panel attrition on income mobility comparisons for some EU countries by using the European Community Household Panel (ECHP). There are different possibilities of correcting the attrition problem by means of alternative longitudinal weighting schemes. The sensitivity of mobility estimates to these attrition correction procedures is tested in this article. Our results show that ECHP attrition is characterized by a certain degree of selectivity but only affecting some variables and countries. Different probability models corroborate the existence of a certain nonrandom attrition. The model chosen to construct the longitudinal weights to correct attrition offers up rather different results than those obtained when Eurostat's longitudinal weights are used. Although attrition does not seem to have a great effect on aggregated mobility indicators, it does have a decisive effect on decomposition exercises. Our tests reveal certain sensitivity of income mobility measures to the weighting system used.