Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multi-hop Transmission in Millimeter Wave WPAN with Directional Antenna

Millimeter-wave (mmWave) communications is a promising enabling technology for high rate (Giga-bit) multimedia applications. However, because oxygen absorption peaks at 60 GHz, mmWave signal power degrades significantly over long distances. Therefore, a traffic flow transmitting over multiple short hops is preferred to improve the flow throughput. In this thesis, we first design a hop selection metric for the piconet controller (PNC) to select appropriate relay hops for a traffic flow, aiming to improve the flow throughput and balance the traffic loads across the network. We then propose a multi-hop concurrent transmission (MHCT) scheme to exploit the spatial diversity of the mmWave WPAN by allowing multiple communication links to transmit simultaneously. By deriving the probability that two links can transmit simultaneously as a function of link length, the MHCT scheme is capable of improving spatial multiplexing gain in comparison with the single hop concurrent transmission (SHCT) scheme. We theoretically demonstrate that by properly breaking a single long hop into multiple short hops, the time resource can be utilized more efficiently, thus supporting more traffic flows in the network within the same time interval. In addition, the per-flow throughput is obtained analytically. Extensive simulations are conducted to validate the analysis and demonstrate that the proposed MHCT scheme can significantly improve the average traffic flow throughput.
A Comment on Excess Asset Reversions and Shareholder Wealth

This study reexamines the earlier finding of Michael J. Alderson and K. C. Chen (1986) that financial markets do not consider excess pension assets in determining share prices and that significant increases in shareholder wealth occur when an overfunded pension plan is terminated. The results document that specific event-time contamination (corporate restructuring announcements) provides the driving force for all the earlier findings. Copyright 1990 by American Finance Association.
Two‐year follow‐up on the effect of unilateral subthalamic deep brain stimulation in highly asymmetric Parkinson's disease

Although bilateral subthalamic deep brain stimulation (STN DBS) provides greater relief from the symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) than unilateral STN DBS, it has been suggested that unilateral STN DBS may be a reasonable treatment option in selected patients, especially those with highly asymmetric PD. In previous studies on the effect of unilateral STN DBS, the asymmetry of PD symptoms was not prominent and the mean follow‐up durations were only 3 to 12 months. In this study, we report our findings in a series of 8 patients with highly asymmetric PD who were treated with unilateral STN DBS and were followed for 24 months. Serial changes in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor score and subscores in the ipsilateral, contralateral, and axial body parts were analyzed. Unilateral STN DBS improved the UPDRS motor score and the contralateral subscore in the on‐medication state for 5 nonfluctuating patients and in the off‐medication state for 3 fluctuating patients. However, the ipsilateral subscore progressively worsened and reversed asymmetry became difficult to manage, which led to compromised medication and stimulator adjustment. At 24 months, all the patients were considering the second‐side surgery. Our results suggest that bilateral STN DBS should be considered even in highly asymmetric PD. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Survival Strategies for Health Information Professionals (HIP) in Nigeria

ABSTRACT Information prospecting involves trading in information to provide services for a fee. A professional endowed with appropriate skills for information access and retrieval, computer literacy and the resourcefulness to explore the vast opportunities available within the global village in a free and competitive market is in good position to be successful in such a venture. Information transactions include information brokerage, infopreneurship and information management consultancy, amongst others. They are based on the concept of ascribing value to information i.e. information for sale. These forms of transactions are viable avenues for augmenting ones living before and after retirement from paid employment. All that will be required is the saving of the initial capital to put the necessary infrastructure in place for smooth take off.
Modelling the Us/Uk Real Exchange Rate-Real Interest Rate Differential Relation: A Multivariate Regime Switching Approach

This paper investigates the empirical link between the US/UK real exchange rate and real interest differential for the period 1959-2002, using a bivariate Markov switching vector autoregression model. We find strong evidence of volatility regime switching in the US/UK real exchange rate-real interest differential relation. There is also evidence of a regime-dependent dynamic link. These findings indicate that allowing for multivariate regime switching can reconcile theoretical models of exchange rates which predict a strong link between real exchange rates and the real interest differential, and previous empirical evidence which failed to uncover such a link. Copyright Blackwell Publishing Ltd and The University of Manchester, 2005.
Teaching Temperance to the 'Cookie Monster': Ethical Challenges to Data Mining and Direct Marketing

R ecently, DoubleClick made the decision to merge the Internet tracking information contained in its ‘‘cookies’’ with the customer databases of Abacus Direct. It then announced its plan to sell its data, which raised significant concerns about the trade-offs between loss of individual privacy and economic benefits of data mining and direct marketing. In the short term, external pressure from privacy watch-dog organizations like EPIC (Electronic Privacy Information Center) based on its concerns about corporate violations of the individual’s privacy, forced DoubleClick to reconsider the decision to sell to direct marketing firms the substantial data it has collected. To this point, there has been significant writing in the fields of communication, law, and technology about the means and the extent of government and corporate rights to collect and use the personal data of individual Internet users. Furthermore, the work of groups like EPIC has been successful in initiating legislative action dictating what can and cannot be done by corporations with regard to the marketing and collection of data about individuals. The concern of this essay, therefore, is not to argue for the justification of existing or further external sanctions (i.e., government legislation, consumer boycotts, etc.) against businesses involved in this aspect of e-commerce.
[E-cadherin expression patterns of precancerous lesions of the larynx classified according to Ljubljana and WHO classification].

OBJECTIVES To determine if there are differences in the expressions of the E-cadherin adhesion molecule of precancerous laryngeal lesions classified according to Ljubljana and World Health Organization (WHO) classification. PATIENTS AND METHODS We examined 41 cases (3 females, 38 males; mean age 54 years; range 8 to 80 years) of laryngeal hyperplastic-dysplastic lesions from the Kocaeli University Pathology Department archives between 1998-2005. Forty-one laryngeal hyperplastic-dysplastic lesions were classified according to Ljubljana and WHO classification. The cases were classified as pertaining to either low or high risk groups. Sections were stained according to the E-cadherin immunohistochemical method. The relations between risk groups in two different classification systems and E-cadherin expression frequency were detected by Chi-square test. RESULTS According to the WHO classification, the loss of expression detected 32.1% (9/28) in high-risk epithelium and 15.4% (2/13) in low-risk epithelium (p=0.26). According to the Ljubljana classification, the loss of expression detected 38.1% (8/21) in high-risk epithelium and 15% (3/20) in low-risk epithelium (p=0.09). CONCLUSION E-cadherin expression is down regulated with histologic progression in the precancerous lesions of the larynx. However, the presence of normal expression in some carcinoma insitu cases limited their diagnostic value. The presence of normal E-cadherin expression in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma support this opinion. The Ljubljana system is more accurate for predicting the E-cadherin expression's decrease, or in other words, for demonstrating its malignant potential.
Don't start celebrating--CPAP adherence remains a problem.

I t is well recognized that the effectiveness of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been limited due to the prevalence of non-adherence to this therapy.1,2 Although the pattern of non-adherence was fi rst described in 1993,3 approaches employed to date to address this issue, such as education and telephone follow-up calls, have had limited success.1 Unfortunately, 29% to 83% use their devices less than 4 hours/ night, less than the nightly duration required to improve daytime sleepiness and quality of life.4 The most promising intervention, a combination of extended hospital stay, education, and home visits, would be prohibitive in our system of healthcare reimbursement.5 Interventions to improve disease-specifi c self-effi cacy, or the patient’s confi dence in applying CPAP, have demonstrated increased nightly use.6 Such studies have employed group cognitive behavioral therapy, which may require expertise not common in most sleep laboratories. In this issue, two articles describe alternative approaches to delivering patient education and support as a means to increase disease-specifi c self-effi cacy. Letteieri and colleagues applied group education in a predominantly military population primarily to enhance the effi ciency of the sleep laboratory while promoting treatment adherence.7 This study conducted a post hoc comparison of CPAP adherence with group versus individual education. In a pilot study, Parthasarathy and coworkers paired patients receiving care at a Veterans Administration hospital with trained peer buddies to provide support and education compared to usual care that also included individual education.8 The interventions delivered in both of these investigations improved CPAP adherence. Receiving education in a group setting in addition to an individual meeting with the provider resulted in higher levels of adherence at 1 month than those only receiving instruction individually (3.5 ± 1.9 vs 3.1 ± 2.6 h/day, p = 0.04, respectively) and higher proportion of nights used (67.2 ± 30.8 vs 62.1 ± 37.0, p = 0.02, respectively). Across the 3-month study period, overall buddy peer support was well received by patients and enhanced CPAP adherence compared to usual care (p = 0.04) (fi rst week of treatment, 5.2 ± 2 vs 4.0 ± 2.4 h/day, p = 0.08, respectively). Although these data are promising, don’t start celebrating yet. A close examination of the results suggests that CPAP non-adherence remains a problem. Unfortunately, neither study achieved levels of adherence that would restore nordon’t Start celebrating—cpap adherence Remains a problem
Exciton Primer‐mediated SNP detection in SmartAmp2 reactions

Most commonly used intercalating fluorescent dyes in DNA detection are lacking any sequence specificity, whereas so‐called Exciton Primers can overcome this limitation by functioning as “sequence‐specific dyes. ” After hybridization to complementary sequences, the fluorescence of Exciton Primers provides sequence‐specific signals for real‐time monitoring of amplification reactions. Applied to the SmartAmp2 mutation detection process, Exciton Primers show high signal strength with low background leading to a superior specificity and sensitivity compared to SYBR Green I. Signal strength can be further enhanced using multiple dyes within one Exciton Primer or use of multiple Exciton Primers in the same amplification reaction. Here we demonstrate the use of Exciton Primers for genotyping a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the VKORC1 locus (−1639G>A) relevant for Warfarin dosing as an example for Exciton Primers mediated genotyping by SmartAmp2. The genotyping assay can use only one labeled Exciton Primer for endpoint detection, or simultaneously by real‐time monitoring detect wild‐type and mutant alleles in a one‐tube reaction using two Exciton Primers having different dyes. Working directly from blood samples, Exciton Primer mediated genotyping by SmartAmp2 offers superior solutions for rapid point‐of‐care testing. Hum Mutat 31:208–217, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Debate on Economic Policy in Newly-independent Indonesia between Sjafruddin Prawiranegara and Sumitro Djojohadikusumo1

In 1949, after a four-year long armed struggle, Indonesia finally achieved effective control over its entire territory, with the exception of West Irian (now Papua). Nevertheless, the young nation faced serious political and economic problems. The Japanese occupation and the long fight against the Dutch had seriously impoverished the Indonesian people. The new government also faced armed insurrections and secessionist movements in various regions such as Aceh, West Java, South Sulawesi, and the Moluccas, which threatened the country's territorial integrity. In late January 1950, scarcely one month after the transfer of sovereignty, Raymond Westerling (a rogue member of the Dutch army) along with a few hundred troops under his command, carried out an audacious but quixotic plan to occupy Bandung and Jakarta. Although this plan immediately failed, it increased the sense of vulnerability of the Indonesian government.
Governmental subsidies and coercive pressures. Evidence from sport clubs and their resource dependencies

Abstract This contribution aims to analyse the adoption of subsidy conditions by voluntary sport clubs in relation to their dependence on government funding. Using a sociological neo-institutional approach based upon Pfeffer and Salancik’s (1978) resource dependence theory and DiMaggio and Powell’s (1983) concept of coercive isomorphism, this paper analyses the possible use of sport clubs by governments as instruments of sport policy. Data for these analyses are drawn from the Flemish Sport Club Panel 2009 and the Flemish Local Sport Authorities Panel 2010. The results show that sport clubs display a variety of resources. Although subsidies from the local government are relevant resources for the majority of voluntary sport clubs, the significance of these subsidies in the overall budgets is limited. Nevertheless, the outcomes of a multinomial logistic regression model indicate that there is a relationship between the share of governmental subsidies in the total income of sport clubs and their adoption of subsidy conditions with regard to the qualification of the sport technical staff. In general, however, the effect of the coercive pressure of the government through its funding seems to be rather low. Nevertheless, local sport authorities consider subsidy regulations as an effective instrument to achieve policy goals. Policy implications are discussed.
Dressed or undressed? How to measure children's body weight in overweight surveillance?

Abstract Objective To simplify body weight measurement and, particularly, to encourage children and their parents to participate in the Italian nutritional surveillance system OKkio alla SALUTE, children were measured with clothes and then the weight was corrected for the estimated weight of the clothes. In the present study we compared the children's weight measured in underwear, as recommended by the WHO (WWHO), with that obtained using the OKkio alla SALUTE protocol (WOK) and investigated how the latter affects the calculation of BMI and the assessment of overweight and obesity prevalence. Design Weight (twice in close sequence, with and without clothing) and height were measured. A checklist was used to describe the type of clothing worn. The estimated weight of clothing was subtracted from the WOK. BMI was calculated considering both values of weight and height; ponderal status was defined using both the International Obesity Task Force and WHO BMI cut-offs. Setting Thirty-seven third grade classes of thirteen primary schools in Rome and in two towns in the Lazio Region were recruited. Subjects The anthropometric measurements were taken on 524 children aged 8–9 years. Results The error in the calculation of BMI from WOK was very low, 0·005 kg/m2 (95 % CI −0·185, 0·195 kg/m2); the agreement between the percentages of overweight (not including obesity) and obese children calculated with the two methods was very close to 1 (κ = 0·98). Conclusions The error in BMI and in nutritional classification can be considered minor in a surveillance system for monitoring overweight/obesity, but eases the procedure for measuring children.
Seeing Improvement with Ground‐Layer Adaptive Optics

Ground‐layer adaptive optics (GLAO) promises a significant improvement in image width and energy concentration over atmospheric seeing in a relatively wide field by compensating for low‐altitude turbulence only. This approach, which is intermediate between full AO and seeing‐limited observations, can benefit many astronomical programs in the visible and near‐infrared. We have developed a simple analytical method to compute the compensated image quality over the field and apply it to evaluate future GLAO systems that use either Rayleigh or sodium laser guide stars. It is shown that even with a single Rayleigh laser, a useful correction over a wide field is obtained. We also investigate the dependence of GLAO performance on turbulence profile. Most residual anisoplanatism and ellipticity is caused by the partially corrected turbulence located in the “gray zone” from few hundred meters to 1–2 km above ground.
INTEGRATING LANDSCAPE GENOMICS AND SPATIALLY EXPLICIT APPROACHES TO DETECT LOCI UNDER SELECTION IN CLINAL POPULATIONS

Uncovering the genetic basis of adaptation hinges on the ability to detect loci under selection. However, population genomics outlier approaches to detect selected loci may be inappropriate for clinal populations or those with unclear population structure because they require that individuals be clustered into populations. An alternate approach, landscape genomics, uses individual‐based approaches to detect loci under selection and reveal potential environmental drivers of selection. We tested four landscape genomics methods on a simulated clinal population to determine their effectiveness at identifying a locus under varying selection strengths along an environmental gradient. We found all methods produced very low type I error rates across all selection strengths, but elevated type II error rates under “weak” selection. We then applied these methods to an AFLP genome scan of an alpine plant, Campanula barbata, and identified five highly supported candidate loci associated with precipitation variables. These loci also showed spatial autocorrelation and cline patterns indicative of selection along a precipitation gradient. Our results suggest that landscape genomics in combination with other spatial analyses provides a powerful approach for identifying loci potentially under selection and explaining spatially complex interactions between species and their environment.
Methodology for Analysing Energy Demand in Biogas Production Plants : A Comparative Study of Two Biogas Plants

Biogas production through anaerobic digestion may play an important role in a circular economy because of the opportunity to produce a renewable fuel from organic waste. However, the production of biogas may require energy in the form of heat and electricity. Therefore, resource-effective biogas production must consider both biological and energy performance. For the individual biogas plant to improve its energy performance, a robust methodology to analyse and evaluate the energy demand on a detailed level is needed. Moreover, to compare the energy performance of different biogas plants, a methodology with a consistent terminology, system boundary and procedure is vital. The aim of this study was to develop a methodology for analysing the energy demand in biogas plants on a detailed level. In the methodology, the energy carriers are allocated to: (1) sub-processes (e.g., pretreatment, anaerobic digestion, gas cleaning), (2) unit processes (e.g., heating, mixing, pumping, lighting) and (3) a combination of these. For a thorough energy analysis, a combination of allocations is recommended. The methodology was validated by applying it to two different biogas plants. The results show that the methodology is applicable to biogas plants with different configurations of their production system.
Pareto based Multi-objective Mapping IP Cores onto NoC Architectures

This paper presents a multi-objective exploration approach to map the IP cores onto the network on chip (NoC). The NoC mapping problem is treated as a two conflicting objective optimization problem of minimizing the average hop and achieving the thermal balance. Thus a set of Pareto-optimal mapping, instead of a single mapping, is an efficient solution. The proposed approach uses a novel representation and the multi-objective genetic algorithm capable of finding multiple Pareto-optimal solutions simultaneously for different performance requirement. Experimental results show the approach is highly efficient and accurate
The search goes on: Parameter effects on the return migration decision

In this paper we present an experiment designed to test some of the predictions of the Harris-Todaro model of migration. In particular, we examine determinants of an individual’s return migration decisions. Data issues in the developing world and with migration data in general limit empirical testing of the model. In such a data environment, laboratory experiments can add insight to the theory. We introduce an external opportunity to a traditional labour market search experiment to examine whether it extends search and unemployment in a primary market. Our results generally support the predictions of the model. The experiments predict that the possibility of return, the cost of return, and the existence of trophy wage opportunities in the urban market all reduce the likelihood of return migration.
Courts: The Lex Mundi Project

In cooperation with Lex Mundi member law firms in 109 countries, we measure and describe the exact procedures used by litigants and courts to evict a tenant for non-payment of rent and to collect a bounced check. We use these data to construct an index of procedural formalism of dispute resolution for each country. We find that such formalism is systematically greater in civil than in common law countries. Moreover, procedural formalism is associated with higher expected duration of judicial proceedings, more corruption, less consistency, less honesty, less fairness in judicial decisions, and inferior access to justice. These results suggest that legal transplantation may have led to an inefficiently high level of procedural formalism, particularly in developing countries.