Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimating the value of information in strategies for identifying patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND There are many different potential strategies for identification of patients eligible for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. The ability to use a more efficient strategy has a value. This paper models the costs and benefits of a number of identification strategies and estimates the additional value of an information-based strategy. DESIGN Modelling study. METHODS Ten-year Framingham cardiovascular risk was calculated for each individual in a population of 4471 persons aged 35-74 drawn from the Health Survey for England (equivalent to a total practice population of 12,000). Estimated Framingham risk was calculated using limited risk factor information and default risk factors. Costs of risk factor assessment were calculated using standard NHS costs. The outcomes of risk factor assessment were the total number of patients identified as eligible for treatment and the total burden of cardiovascular disease in eligible patients. Several strategies for prioritising patients for assessment were defined: opportunistic, diabetics and treated hypertensives first, ranked by estimated cardiovascular risk. The costs and outcomes of assessing increasing numbers of patients under each strategy were presented in graphical form. RESULTS To identify 70% of the burden of cardiovascular disease in this population opportunistically costs Pounds 82,102; under a 'diabetics and hypertensives first' strategy it costs Pounds 72,916; under a strategy prioritising by estimated cardiovascular risk, Pounds 27,795. The value of information in this scenario is therefore at least Pounds 45,121. CONCLUSIONS Because strategies prioritising patients by estimated cardiovascular risk dominate alternative strategies, it is possible to estimate the value of information in terms of reduced resources to achieve the same results. These resource savings largely represent savings in staff time.
Parallelization of SAT Algorithms on GPUs

The Boolean Satisfability Problem is one of the most important problems in computer science with applications spannig many areas of research. Despite this importance and the extensive study and improvements that have been made, no efficient solution to the problem has been found to the date. During the last years, nVidia introduced CUDA, a platform which lets developers take advantage of the great computing power of the GPUs, that was once unavailable to use. In this work, we propose a methodology of using GPUs to accelerate the resolution of the SAT problem. Since the problem does not map well the GPU paradigm, we will explain our approach, which uses both the GPU and the CPU to solve the parts that suit them the best. We also propose developing a novel SAT solver, capable of solving current benchmark problems, as well as most industry problems.
A Survey on Storage Techniques in Cloud Computing

From the past few years, there has been a rapid progress in cloud, with the increasing numbers of companies resorting number of companies resorting to use resources in the cloud, there is a necessity for protecting the data of various users using centralized resource. Cloud storage services avoid the cost storage services avoids the cost expensive on software, personnel maintains and provides better performance less storage cost and scalability, cloud services through internet which increase their exposure to storage security vulnerabilities however security is one of the major drawbacks that preventing large organizations to enter into cloud computing environment. This work surveyed on several storage techniques and this advantages and its drawbacks.
The differential effects of separated vs. unseparated services

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of service separation on perceived value and intention to enroll in the higher education context, as mediated by perceived performance risk and moderated by an individual’s regulatory focus. Design/methodology/approach Four experimental studies were conducted, a pilot study and three main studies. Participants evaluated higher education courses offered in either the unseparated (on-campus) or separated (online) mode. Findings Results show that: service separation influences perceived value; this effect is mediated by performance risk; and moderated by regulatory focus. Specifically, participants perceive higher education courses offered in the separated mode to have greater performance risk, which lowers their perceived value. This effect is enhanced for prevention-focused participants and mitigated for promotion-focused participants. Finally, service separation is found to influence intention to enroll in a course via performance risk and perceived value. Practical implications The findings suggest that higher education providers need to better understand students’ regulatory focus. In particular, online education providers should target potential students who are promotion-focused and implement strategies to reduce performance risk, which would give students greater assurance that the online course will be delivered as promised. Originality/value The present research is the first to examine the effects of service separation in the context of higher education, which has received relatively little attention in the services marketing literature. In particular, the findings shed new insights on the mechanisms underlying consumer perceptions of separated vs unseparated service offerings, which contribute to research on services marketing and higher education.
Surface Phenotype and Functionality of WNV Specific T Cells Differ with Age and Disease Severity

West Nile virus (WNV) infection can result in severe neuroinvasive disease, particularly in persons with advanced age. As rodent models demonstrate that T cells play an important role in limiting WNV infection, and strong T cell responses to WNV have been observed in humans, we postulated that inadequate antiviral T cell immunity was involved in neurologic sequelae and the more severe outcomes associated with age. We previously reported the discovery of six HLA-A*0201 restricted WNV peptide epitopes, with the dominant T cell targets in naturally infected individuals being SVG9 (Env) and SLF9 (NS4b). Here, memory phenotype and polyfunctional CD8+ T cell responses to these dominant epitopes were assessed in 40 WNV seropositive patients displaying diverse clinical symptoms. The patients' PBMC were stained with HLA-I multimers loaded with the SVG9 and SLF9 epitopes and analyzed by multicolor flow cytometry. WNV-specific CD8+ T cells were found in peripheral blood several months post infection. The number of WNV-specific T cells in older individuals was the same, if not greater, than in younger members of the cohort. WNV-specific T cells were predominantly monofunctional for CD107a, MIP-1β, TNFα, IL-2, or IFNγ. When CD8+ T cell responses were stratified by disease severity, an increased number of terminally differentiated, memory phenotype (CD45RA+ CD27− CCR7− CD57+) T cells were detected in patients suffering from viral neuroinvasion. In conclusion, T cells of a terminally differentiated/cytolytic profile are associated with neuroinvasion and, regardless of age, monofunctional T cells persist following infection. These data provide the first indication that particular CD8+ T cell phenotypes are associated with disease outcome following WNV infection.
Pruning Adaptive Boosting *** Icml-97 Final Draft ***

The boosting algorithm AdaBoost, developed by Freund and Schapire, has exhibited outstanding performance on several benchmark problems when using C4.5 as the \weak" algorithm to be \boosted. " Like other ensemble learning approaches, AdaBoost constructs a composite hypothesis by voting many individual hypotheses. In practice, the large amount of memory required to store these hypotheses can make ensemble methods hard to deploy in applications. This paper shows that by selecting a subset of the hypotheses, it is possible to obtain nearly the same levels of performance as the entire set. The results also provide some insight into the behavior of AdaBoost.
Hydrodynamic simulations of the core helium flash

Abstract We desribe and discuss hydrodynamic simulations of the core helium flash using an initial model of a 1.25 M⊙ star with a metallicity of 0.02 near at its peak. Past research concerned with the dynamics of the core helium flash is inconclusive. Its results range from a confirmation of the standard picture, where the star remains in hydrostatic equilibrium during the flash (Deupree 1996), to a disruption or a significant mass loss of the star (Edwards 1969; Cole & Deupree 1980). However, the most recent multidimensional hydrodynamic study (Dearborn et al. 2006) suggests a quiescent behavior of the core helium flash and seems to rule out an explosive scenario. Here we present partial results of a new comprehensive study of the core helium flash, which seem to confirm this qualitative behavior and give a better insight into operation of the convection zone powered by helium burning during the flash. The hydrodynamic evolution is followed on a computational grid in spherical coordinates using our new version of the multi-dimensional hydrodynamic code HERAKLES, which is based on a direct Eulerian implementation of the piecewise parabolic method.
Hepatic response to increased exogenous supply of plasma amino acids by infusion into the mesenteric vein of Holstein- Friesian cows in late gestation

The hepatic responses of late gestation, dry dairy cows to acute (6 h) infusions of an amino acid (AA) mixture (Synthamin; 0.0, 1.1, 2.2, 4.4, 8.8 and 17.6 mmol/min) into the mesenteric vein were determined. Neither blood flow nor O2 consumption across the portal-drained viscera (PDV) and liver was significantly altered by infusion. Similarly, there were no effects on net absorption, or hepatic removal, of acetate, propionate, butyrate or NH3. Glucose PDV appearance was unchanged but hepatic glucose production increased (P = 0.032) by 0.2 mmol/min per mmol/min of AA infused. Additional extraction of alanine, glycine (both infused) and glutamine (not infused) by the liver was sufficient to account for most of the extra C required for glucose synthesis. The N that would be liberated from these glucogenic AA would also account for a large proportion of the increase in urea-N produced in response to the AA infusion. This supports the concept of a correlation between gluconeogenesis and ureagenesis. Furthermore, the amide-N liberated from the extracted glutamine would contribute up to 0.17 of hepatic NH3 flux and assist in balancing N inputs into the carbamoyl phosphate and arginosuccinate entry points of the ornithine cycle. Rates of fractional extraction of the various AA by the liver were best fitted by linear equations, indicating that even at the highest rates of administration (approximately twice maximal physiological absorption) the transport systems were not saturated. Hepatic fractional extractions of infused essential AA were highest for methionine (0.83) and phenylalanine (0.87) with the lowest proportion removed observed for valine (0.25), leucine (0.30), lysine (0.31) and isoleucine (0.49). For the non-essential AA, the highest apparent fractional extractions were for glycine (0–73), arginine (0.79) and tyrosine (0.63) followed by alanine (0.54), proline (0.47) and serine (0–37). Hepatic removal of AA-N exceeded the increase in urea-N formation such that, at the highest rate of infusion, approximately 10 mmol/min of the extracted AA was apparently available for hepatic anabolism, more than is required to account for assumed increases in liver mass and export protein synthesis. Similarly, the amount of AA available for peripheral tissue protein gain, when assessed against phenylalanine supply as the limitation, would be the equivalent of a maximum of 0.5 g protein retained/min (6 mmol AA-N/min). This would provide sufficient AA for replenishment of peripheral (muscle) protein stores plus support of the placenta and fetus.
Participation in Leisure Activities as an Indicator of Inclusion: A comparison between Children with and without Disabilities in Portugal

Participation is recognised as an important indicator of school inclusion and educational success of children with and without disabilities and one of the fundamental human rights. In particular, the participation in leisure activities plays a vital role in children’s life and needs to be given a higher attention. The aim of the present exploratory study was to reflect on the inclusion of children with disabilities in Portuguese schools, by portraying and comparing their participation profiles in leisure activities to those of typically developing peers. The participation patterns in leisure activities of 61 children with disabilities and 114 children without disabilities were assessed. Results indicate that the pattern of participation of children with and without disabilities differs whether they are school or community-based activities. Regarding school-based activities, findings reveal that children with disabilities participate more frequently in these activities, but in solitary and constrained spaces at school compared to children without disabilities. For community contexts, our findings indicate that children with disabilities participate in less diverse activities than children without disabilities. In addition, the range of activities is correlated to their level of independence. This exploratory study contributes to an understanding of the pattern of participation of children with and without disabilities.
Real-time vision-based preceding vehicle tracking and recognition

This paper proposes a preceding vehicle tracking and detection system which includes road area finding, vehicle footprint extraction, and vehicle bounding box extraction. Our method detects the footprint of the vehicle inside the road area to avoid the false detection of delineators. By extracting the preceding vehicle, we effectively track the vehicles, and detect the passing car and distant car. Then, we also propose the distance measure formula. Through camera calibration process and vanishing point detection process, we can calculate the distance to the preceding vehicle accurately.
Sorting switch of mitochondrial presequence translocase involves coupling of motor module to respiratory chain

The mitochondrial presequence translocase transports preproteins to either matrix or inner membrane. Two different translocase forms have been identified: the matrix transport form, which binds the heat-shock protein 70 (Hsp70) motor, and the inner membrane–sorting form, which lacks the motor but contains translocase of inner mitochondrial membrane 21 (Tim21). The sorting form interacts with the respiratory chain in a Tim21-dependent manner. It is unknown whether the respiratory chain–bound translocase transports preproteins and how the switch between sorting form and motor form occurs. We report that the respiratory chain–bound translocase contains preproteins in transit and, surprisingly, not only sorted but also matrix-targeted preproteins. Presequence translocase-associated motor (Pam) 16 and 18, two regulatory components of the six-subunit motor, interact with the respiratory chain independently of Tim21. Thus, the respiratory chain–bound presequence translocase is not only active in preprotein sorting to the inner membrane but also in an early stage of matrix translocation. The motor does not assemble en bloc with the translocase but apparently in a step-wise manner with the Pam16/18 module before the Hsp70 core.
The Spatial Distribution of Wages and Employment: Testing the Helpman-Hanson model for Germany

Using German district data we estimate the structural parameters of a new economic geography model as developed by Helpman (1998) and Hanson (1998). The advantage of the Helpman-Hanson model is that it incorporates the fact that agglomeration of economic activity increases the prices of local (non-tradable) services, like housing. This model thereby provides an intuitively appealing spreading force that allows for less extreme agglomeration patterns than predicted by the bulk of new economic geography models. Generalizing the Helpman-Hanson model, we do not only test for the spatial distribution of wages but also for employment and land prices. In general we not only find support for a spatial wage and employment structure but also for relevance of the key structural parameters of the theoretical model. A comparison of our model with two alternative explanations indicates that our model specification with land prices is to be preferred. JEL-code: R10, R12, R23 1 Department of Economics, University of Groningen; Nijmegen School of Management, University of Nijmegen and CESifo; and the Centre for Germany Studies (CDS), University of Nijmegen, respectively. Please send all correspondence to Harry Garretsen, Nijmegen School of Management, University of Nijmegen, PO Box 9108, 6500 HK Nijmegen, the Netherlands. Phone: 00-31-24-3615889; e-mail: H.Garretsen@nsm.kun. nl. This version is a revision and extension of Brakman, Garretsen and Schramm (2001) and was written during our stay at the CESifo in Munich. We would like to thank Michael Roos, Michael Funke and seminar participants in Hamburg (HWWA), Groningen and Munich (CESifo) for their comments, and the CESifo for its hospitality.
An investigation and survey of response options for Intrusion Response Systems (IRSs)

The rise of attacks and incidents need additional and distinct methods of response. This paper starts a discussion by differentiating the type of operation mode such as Intrusion Detection Systems (IDSs), Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPSs) and Intrusion Response Systems (IRSs). Using characteristics of response and attack time frame, a response model is proposed to distinguish between active and passive response options. The characteristics of response include level of operations, speed and time of response, ability to learn and ability to cooperate with other devices. This paper uses the attack time frame as a response model to show the relationship between active and passive response. Furthermore, the Response Model for Intrusion Response Systems shows some other different approaches and stages of active response. Finally, in order to investigate the most common response used by security practitioner and to justify the response model, studies involving 34 samples products from both commercial and non-commercial are analysed. As a result, this paper shows a clear distinction between the options of responses.
Towards new conceptions of work-life balance: session on recognising the role of men in achieving work-life balance in a globalised world.

“Work-life balance” has become a hot topic in recent years in many parts of the world. The topic of work-life balance is not new, but reflects research and debates dating back to the 1960s on how women and men can combine work and family in gender equitable ways (Rapoport and Rapoport, 1965). It could be argued that women have come a long way since then: dual earner families are increasingly the norm across the industrialised world, and most countries have policies on equal opportunities for men and women, maternity and parental leave and other related policies. Yet most women continue to retain the major responsibilities for family care, and to be underrepresented at the highest levels in workplaces. Women have made great strides forwards, but things will not change further for women until men can be enabled to change too. Men, women and families can all benefit from gender equitable work-life balance- that is time to spend with family and opportunities to progress in careers. Moreover, there is mounting evidence that businesses can benefit too from implementing changes that simultaneously take account of the work life needs of men and women employees and the needs of the organisation (Rapoport, Bailyn, Fletcher and Pruitt, 2002) However, there are currently many constraints and barriers to gender equitable ways of combining work and family. In this paper I discuss some of these barriers and the changes that are needed at various levels of society to enable more men as well as women to harmonise work and family. I will conclude with some examples of workplace changes designed to include men.
Game-theoretic scalable peer-to-peer media streaming

Peer-to-peer media streaming framework has been widely considered as a promising platform for delivering high quality multimedia content on the global scale. A fundamental requirement is that each peer needs to contribute outgoing bandwidth to deliver media packets to its neighbors. Although most existing protocols mandate such contribution, misbehaving peers may still deliberately limit their outgoing bandwidth to conserve their own resources. This would inevitably lead to performance degradation of other well-behaving peers. It is crucial to have an effective incentive mechanism such that peers are encouraged to contribute. In this paper, we formulate two strategic games to model the interactions between server and its immediate peers and between neighboring peers, respectively. We have devised the equilibrium strategies which relate a peer's streaming performance to its contribution. Simulation results show that the proposed game-theoretical incentive mechanism protects well-behaving peers from being exploited by misbehaving counterparts.
Teaching signal processing applications with “joPAS”: Java to octave bridge

This paper introduces the “joPAS“ programming API, which has been developed by the PAS research team at the University of Deusto. “joPAS” enables the use of “octave” variables and functions through a JAVA program. Therefore, this API makes it possible to not only develop signal processing applications quickly by implementing the application's graphic interfaces in Java language but also to carry out the scientific calculation in “Octave”. Students can easily learn the implementation of digital signal processing applications with this API.