Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Research Gaps on Public Service Delivery

This paper follows the research framework for context-specific public service delivery presented at ICEGOV 2016 [1]. The research has been conducted at the UNU-EGOV unit during the last year. The paper presents the research landscape for ICT enabled public service delivery scientific and policy literature. The findings are analyzed and presented in a conceptual framework allowing us to identify the core dimensions and sub-dimensions of public service delivery. The paper concludes by outlining the research gaps identified by the study and a series of policy recommendations to enhance public service delivery. The results showed that the Innovation and Evaluation dimensions and their sub-dimensions, Innovating Public Procurement, Collective Learning and Intelligent, Evidence-Based Policy Making and Social Media Impact are the areas with less investigation.
Prognosis and prediction of response to surgery in allergic patients with chronic sinusitis.

BACKGROUND Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) occurs frequently in patients with atopy, but little is known of the prognosis after surgery and of factors that may predict a poor outcome. OBJECTIVE Our purpose was to assess the long-term prognosis in atopic patients with CRS who undergo surgery and whether certain immune markers could predict a worse prognosis in this setting. METHODS Fifteen patients with diffuse involvement of the sinuses on computed tomographic (CT) scan but without nasal polyposis underwent ethmoidectomy with middle meatotomy for CRS when it was clinically indicated. All patients had a biopsy of the inferior turbinate and of the most inflamed areas of the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses at the time of surgery. Follow-up was performed by video endoscopy and by assessment of 2 chronic sinusitis questionnaires at 0, 6, and 24 months postoperatively. The number of lymphocyte subsets (CD3, CD4, CD8), mast cells and eosinophils, and cells expressing IL-4 and IL-5 messenger RNA (mRNA) in all 3 biopsy sites at the time of surgery were compared with the clinical response after surgery. RESULTS Seven patients had persistent improvement after surgery, with a decrease in pain, rhinorrhea, or nasal obstruction and a decrease in the need for medication. Eight patients were unchanged or worsened after surgery with disabling rhinorrhea and repeated sinusitis. We found no difference in the number of inflammatory cells, lymphocyte subsets, or IL-4 mRNA-positive cells in the sinus mucosa between responders and nonresponders. However, an increased number of cells expressing IL-5 mRNA was found in the ethmoid sinus at the time of surgery in patients who did not respond to the surgical intervention (P =.007). CONCLUSION More than 50% of patients with perennial rhinitis and CRS do not improve after surgery, a response that may be predicted by more cells expressing IL-5 mRNA in the ethmoid sinuses. The increased number of cells expressing IL-5 mRNA may have the potential to be used as a marker for prediction of the response to surgery. The worsening of symptoms in some patients with CRS after sinus surgery could be a result of the disturbance of the anatomy of the sinuses and exposure to the environmental allergens.
Hybrid structure-based broadband field-rotation balun for millimeter-wave applications

A broadband balun structure is developed through a hybrid combination of substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) and antipodal fin-line topologies. The signal at the balanced port is divided between two unbalanced ports using a broadband SIW power divider which is capable of an equal power division with low phase and amplitude imbalance over a wide bandwidth. The 180° phase difference is made by the rotation of E-field polarization through the antipodal fin-line sections in two unbalanced branches. Due to the independency of this phase shifting with respect to propagation constant and wavelength, a constant 180° phase difference is achieved in a wide range of frequency. Using a printed circuit board (PCB) process, the proposed balun is prototyped and demonstrated for operation at millimeter-wave frequencies from 70 GHz to 90 GHz. The measurement results show an excellent performance with very low insertion loss of less than 1 dB and 180° phase difference between the unbalanced ports in a broad band of frequency.
Nitric oxide modulates mitochondrial respiration in failing human heart.

Background-Our objective for this study was to investigate whether nitric oxide (NO) modulates tissue respiration in the failing human myocardium. Methods and Results-Left ventricular free wall and right ventricular tissue samples were taken from 14 failing explanted human hearts at the time of transplantation. Tissue oxygen consumption was measured with a Clark-type oxygen electrode in an airtight stirred bath containing Krebs solution buffered with HEPES at 37 degrees C (pH 7.4). Rate of decrease in oxygen concentration was expressed as a percentage of the baseline, and results of the highest dose are indicated. Bradykinin (10(-4) mol/L, -21+/-5%), amlodipine (10(-5) mol/L, -14+/-5%), the ACE inhibitor ramiprilat (10(-4) mol/L, -21+/-2%), and the neutral endopeptidase inhibitor thiorphan (10(-4) mol/L, -16+/-5%) all caused concentration-dependent decreases in tissue oxygen consumption. Responses to bradykinin (-2+/-6%), amlodipine (-2+/-4%), ramiprilat (-5+/-6%), and thiorphan (-4+/-7%) were significantly attenuated after NO synthase blockade with N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (10(-4) mol/L; all P<0.05). NO-releasing compounds S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine (10(-4) mol/L, -34+/-5%) and nitroglycerin (10(-4) mol/L, -21+/-5%), also decreased tissue oxygen consumption in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the reduction in tissue oxygen consumption in response to S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine (-35+/-7%) or nitroglycerin (-16+/-5%) was not significantly affected by N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester. Conclusions-These results indicate that the modulation of oxygen consumption by both endogenous and exogenous NO is preserved in the failing human myocardium and that the inhibition of kinin degradation plays an important role in the regulation of mitochondrial respiration.
Commodity Prices, Growth, and the Natural Resource Curse: Reconciling a Conundrum

Currently, evidence on the ‘resource curse’ yields a conundrum. While there is much crosssection evidence to support the curse hypothesis, time series analyses using vector autoregressive (VAR) models have found that commodity booms raise the growth of commodity exporters. This paper adopts panel cointegration methodology to explore longer term effects than permitted using VARs. We find strong evidence of a resource curse. Commodity booms have positive short-term effects on output, but adverse long-term effects. The long-term effects are confined to “high-rent”, non-agricultural commodities. We also find that the resource curse is avoided by countries with sufficiently good institutions. We test the channels of the resource curse proposed in the literature and find that a substantial part of it is explained by high public and private consumption, low or inefficient total investment, and an overvalued exchange rate. Our results fully account for the cross-section results in the seminal paper by Sachs and Warner (1995).
Optical Fiber Probe-Based Manipulation of Cells

In a liquid environment, optical trapping and multifunctional manipulation of biological cells, in a noncontact, noninvasive, and high-precision way, have become one of the research focuses in the field of integrated optics, biophotonics, and clinical medicine. However, it still faces great challenges to perform multifunctional manipulation in very narrow spaces with high flexibility, including stable retaining, controllable deformation, and precise regulation of a cell chain. Therefore, in this chapter, we introduce the multifunctional manipulation for biological cells based on the elaborately designed fiber probes. With the probes, the sequential organization, precise regulation, and bidirectional transportation of the cell chain were performed. We also discuss the potential applications of fiber probes on the endocytosis and exocytosis purpose, which will play an important role in the detection and treatment of complex disease.
80 43 v 2 2 0 A ug 2 00 1 Topology and the Cosmic Microwave Background

Nature abhors an infinity. The limits of general relativity are often signaled by infinities: infinite curvature as in the center of a black hole, the infinite energy of the singular big bang. We might be inclined to add an infinite universe to the list of intolerable infinities. Theories that move beyond general relativity naturally treat space as finite. In this review we discuss the mathematics of finite spaces and our aspirations to observe the finite extent of the universe in the cosmic background radiation.
Série Scientifique Scientific Series Aggregation, Efficiency and Mutual Fund Separation in Incomplete Markets Aggregation, Efficiency and Mutual Fund Separation in Incomplete Markets

Ce document est publié dans l'intention de rendre accessibles les résultats préliminaires de la recherche effectuée au CIRANO, afin de susciter des échanges et des suggestions. Les idées et les opinions émises sont sous l'unique responsabilité des auteurs, et ne représentent pas nécessairement les positions du CIRANO ou de ses partenaires. This paper presents preliminary research carried out at CIRANO and aims to encourage discussion and comment. The observations and viewpoints expressed are the sole responsibility of the authors. They do not necessarily represent positions of CIRANO or its partners. CIRANO Le CIRANO est une corporation privée à but non lucratif constituée en vertu de la Loi des compagnies du Québec. Le financement de son infrastructure et de ses activités de recherche provient des cotisations de ses organisations-membres, d'une subvention d'infrastructure du ministère de l'Industrie, du Commerce, de la Science et de la Technologie, de même que des subventions et mandats obtenus par ses équipes de recherche. La Série Scientifique est la réalisation d'une des missions que s'est données le CIRANO, soit de développer l'analyse scientifique des organisations et des comportements stratégiques. CIRANO is a private non-profit organization incorporated under the Québec Companies Act. Its infrastructure and research activities are funded through fees paid by member organizations, an infrastructure grant from the Ministère de l'Industrie, du Commerce, de la Science et de la Technologie, and grants and research mandates obtained by its research teams. The Scientific Series fulfils one of the missions of CIRANO: to develop the scientific analysis of organizations and strategic behaviour. Les organisations-partenaires / The Partner Organizations • École des Hautes Études Commerciales • École Polytechnique • McGill University • Université de Montréal • Université du Québec à Montréal • Université Laval • MEQ • MICST • Aveno. • Banque Nationale du Canada • Bell Québec • Fédération des caisses populaires Desjardins de Montréal et de l'Ouest-du-Québec • Hydro-Québec • La Caisse de dépôt et de placement du Québec • Raymond, Chabot, Martin, Paré • Société d'électrolyse et de chimie Alcan Ltée • Téléglobe Canada • Ville de Montréal Résumé / Abstract Cet article étudie les conditions requises pour l'agrégation, la séparation de portefeuille et la complétude effective des allocations compétitives dans les modèles d'équilibre général avec marchés incomplets où les agents ont des préférences et des distributions de dotations initiales générales. Nous montrons que ces propriétés sont distinctes. Les demandes peuvent agréger sans pour autant satisfaire …
Female sexual arousal disorders.

INTRODUCTION Definitions and terminology for female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) are currently being debated. While some authors have suggested that FSAD is more a subjective response rather than a genital response, others have suggested that desire and arousal disorders should be combined in one entity. Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is a new entity which is suggested to be defined as Restless Genital Syndrome. Aims. The aims of this brief review are to give definitions of the different types of FSAD, describe their aetiology, prevalence and comorbidity with somatic and psychological disorders, as well as to discuss different medical and psychological assessment and treatment modalities. METHODS The experts of the International Society for Sexual Medicine's Standard Committee convened to provide a survey using relevant databases, journal articles, and own clinical experience. RESULTS Female Arousal Disorders have been defined in several ways with focus on the genital or subjective response or a combination of both. The prevalence varies and increases with increasing age, especially at the time of menopause, while distress decreases with age. Arousal disorders are often comorbid with other sexual problems and are of biopsychosocial etiology. In the assessment, a thorough sexological history as well as medical and gynecological history and examination are recommended. Treatment should be based on of the symptoms, clinical findings and, if possibly, on underlying etiology. CONCLUSION Recommendations are given for assessment and treatment of FSAD and PGAD.
USING SENTIMENT ANALYSIS FOR STOCK EXCHANGE PREDICTION

The economic growth is a consensus in any country. To grow economically, it is necessary to channel the revenues for investment. One way of raising is the capital market and the stock exchanges. In this context, predicting the behavior of shares in the stock exchange is not a simple task, as itinvolves variables not always known and can undergo various influences, from the collective emotion to high-profile news. Such volatility can represent considerable financial losses for investors. In order to anticipate such changes in the market, it has been proposed various mechanisms trying to predict the behavior of an asset in the stock market, based on previously existing information. Such mechanisms include statistical data only, without considering the collective feeling. This paper is going to use natural language processing algorithms (LPN) to determine the collective mood on assets and later with the help of the SVM algorithm to extract patterns in an attempt to predict the active behaviour.
Mild behavioral impairment: A prodromal stage of dementia

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was defined by Petersen et al. (1999) as progressive memory loss, a prodrome of Alzheimer’s disease. MCI is a well-established entity that can be both a diagnosis in medical practice and a valid target of Alzheimer’s prevention therapy. More recently MCI has expanded to include other cognitive domains with other potential causes: amnestic MCI, multiple domains MCI, and single domain non-amnestic MCI. Behavioral symptoms in MCI are associated with a higher risk of dementia, but their association with dementia risk in patients without MCI is unknown. The objective of our paper was to address the question of whether aging patients with behavioral symptoms with or without cognitive impairment represent a population at risk for dementia. Mild Behavioral Impairment (MBI) defines a late life syndrome with prominent psychiatric and related behavioral symptoms in the absence of major cognitive symptoms. MBI also appears to be a transitional state between normal aging and dementia. MBI may carry a higher risk for dementia than MCI. A subgroup of MBI patients is likely to exhibit symptoms of a frontotemporal dementia (FTD) prodrome. We proposed 4 subtypes of patients at risk for dementia: amnestic MCI (which is said to progress preferentially to Alzheimer’s disease), multiple domain MCI (which may represent normal aging or may progress to vascular cognitive impairment or a neurodegenerative disorder), single domain non-amnestic MCI, and MBI (which may progress to frontotemporal dementia, Lewy Body dementia or Alzheimer’s disease). We concluded that MBI is a counterpart of MCI as a transitional state between normal aging and dementia. These findings have implications for early detection, prevention, and treatment of patients with late-life dementia.
Learning Algorithms for Risk-Sensitive Control

—This is a survey of some reinforcement learning algorithms for risk-sensitive control on inﬁnite horizon. Basics of the risk-sensitive control problem are recalled, notably the corresponding dynamic programming equation and the value and policy iteration methods for its solution. Basics of stochastic approximation algorithms are also sketched, in particular the ‘o.d. e. ’ approach for its stability and convergence, and implications of asynchrony. The learning schemes give stochastic approximation versions of the traditional iterative schemes for solving dynamic programs. Two learning schemes, Q-learning and the actor-critic method, are described along with their convergence analysis. As these ‘ideal’ schemes suffer from ‘curse of dimensionality’, one needs to use function approximation as a means to beat down the dimension to manageable levels. A function approximation based scheme is described for the simpler problem of policy evaluation. Some future research directions are pointed out.
Reinnervation of urethral and anal sphincters with femoral motor nerve to pudendal nerve transfer

Lower motor neuron damage to sacral roots or nerves can result in incontinence and a flaccid urinary bladder. We showed bladder reinnervation after transfer of coccygeal to sacral ventral roots, and genitofemoral nerves (L1, 2 origin) to pelvic nerves. This study assesses the feasibility of urethral and anal sphincter reinnervation using transfer of motor branches of the femoral nerve (L2–4 origin) to pudendal nerves (S1, 2 origin) that innervate the urethral and anal sphincters in a canine model.
Multi-Classifier Systems: Review and a roadmap for developers

Multi-Classifier Systems (MCSs) have fast been gaining popularity among researchers for their ability to fuse together multiple classification outputs for better accuracy and classification. At present, there is a lot of literature covering many of the issues and concerns that MCS designers encounters. However, we found out that there isn't a single paper published thus far which presents an overall picture of the basic principles behind the design of multi-classifier systems. Therefore, this paper presents a current overview of MCSs and provides a road-map for MCS designers. We identify all the key decisions that a designer would have to make over the design of a MCS and list out the most useful options available at each decision making step. We also present a case-study of the MCS theoretical issues considered, and present informal guidelines for the selection of different paradigms, based on the properties and distribution of the data. We also introduce a novel optimization of the standard majority voting combiner which uses a genetic algorithm.
Design of a low power image watermarking encoder using dual voltage and frequency

In this paper, we propose a VLSI architecture and provide prototype implementation of a chip that can insert both invisible and visible watermarks in DCT domain. To our knowledge, this is the first ever low power watermarking chip having such watermarking functionalities. Various techniques, such as multiple voltages, multiple frequency, and clock gating are incorporated to reduce power consumption of the chip. The proposed architecture has a three stage pipeline structure and also uses parallelism to improve the overall performance. A prototype chip is designed and verified using various Cadence and Synopsys tools using TSMC 0.25 /spl mu/m technology. It runs at a dual frequency of 280 MHz and 70 MHz and at a dual voltage of 2.5 V and 1.5 V and contains 1.4 M transistors. The average power consumption of the chip is estimated to be 0.3 mW, which is five times less than its single supply voltage and single frequency operation.
Thermal and metabolic responses of men in the Antarctic to a standard cold stress.

Thermal and metabolic responses of eight male subjects exposed nude for 2 hr to a standard cold stress (17 α 1.0 C air temperature) were examined in the austral fall, winter, and spring at Little America in the Antarctic. Mean body, average skin and foot temperatures increased significantly after 3 months. Neither rectal nor finger temperatures were changed over the year. Although basal metabolic rates were unchanged, there was a significant decrease in the metabolic responses to the standard cold stress after 3 months in the Antarctic. It is suggested that these changes represent physiological adaptations to chronic cold. Submitted on November 14, 1960
Inhalational anthrax (Ames aerosol) in naïve and vaccinated New Zealand rabbits: characterizing the spread of bacteria from lung deposition to bacteremia

There is a need to better understand inhalational anthrax in relevant animal models. This understanding could aid risk assessment, help define therapeutic windows, and provide a better understanding of disease. The aim here was to characterize and quantify bacterial deposition and dissemination in rabbits following exposure to single high aerosol dose (> 100 LD50) of Bacillus anthracis (Ames) spores immediately following exposure through 36 h. The primary goal of collecting the data was to support investigators in developing computational models of inhalational anthrax disease. Rabbits were vaccinated prior to exposure with the human vaccine (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed, AVA) or were sham-vaccinated, and were then exposed in pairs (one sham and one AVA) so disease kinetics could be characterized in equally-dosed hosts where one group is fully protected and is able to clear the infection (AVA-vaccinated), while the other is susceptible to disease, in which case the bacteria are able to escape containment and replicate uncontrolled (sham-vaccinated rabbits). Between 4–5% of the presented aerosol dose was retained in the lung of sham- and AVA-vaccinated rabbits as measured by dilution plate analysis of homogenized lung tissue or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. After 6 and 36 h, >80% and >96%, respectively, of the deposited spores were no longer detected in BAL, with no detectable difference between sham- or AVA-vaccinated rabbits. Thereafter, differences between the two groups became noticeable. In sham-vaccinated rabbits the bacteria were detected in the tracheobronchial lymph nodes (TBLN) 12 h post-exposure and in the circulation at 24 h, a time point which was also associated with dramatic increases in vegetative CFU in the lung tissue of some animals. In all sham-vaccinated rabbits, bacteria increased in both TBLN and blood through 36 h at which point in time some rabbits succumbed to disease. In contrast, AVA-vaccinated rabbits showed small numbers of CFU in TBLN between 24 and 36 h post-exposure with small numbers of bacteria in the circulation only at 24 h post-exposure. These results characterize and quantify disease progression in naïve rabbits following aerosol administration of Ames spores which may be useful in a number of different research applications, including developing quantitative models of infection for use in human inhalational anthrax risk assessment.