Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Media and Advertising: A Tale of Two-Sided Markets

Media industries are important drivers of popular culture. A large fraction of leisure time is devoted to radio, magazines, newspapers, the Internet, and television (the illustrative example henceforth). Most advertising expenditures are incurred for these media. They are also mainly supported by advertising revenue. Early work stressed possible market failures in program duplication and catering to the Lowest Common Denominator, indicating lack of cultural diversity and quality. The business model for most media industries is underscored by advertisers’ demand to reach prospective customers. This business model has important implications for performance in the market since viewer sovereignty is indirect. Viewers are attracted by programming, though they dislike the ads it carries, and advertisers want viewers as potential consumers. The two sides are coordinated by broadcasters (or 'platforms') that choose ad levels and program types, and advertising finances the programming. Competition for viewers of the demographics most desired by advertisers implies that programming choices will be biased towards the tastes of those with such demographics. The ability to use subscription pricing may help improve performance by catering to the tastes of those otherwise under-represented, though higher full prices tend to favour broadcasters at the expense of viewers and advertisers. If advertising demand is weak, program equilibrium program selection may be too extreme as broadcasters strive to avoid ruinous subscription price competition, but strong advertising demand may lead to strong competition for viewers and hence minimum differentiation (la pensee unique). Markets (such as newspapers) with a high proportion of ad-lovers may be served only by monopoly due to a circulation spiral: advertisers want to place ads in the paper with most readers, but readers want to buy the paper with more ads.
Demographic and Geographic Vascular Risk Factor Differences in European Young Adults With Ischemic Stroke: The 15 Cities Young Stroke Study

Background and Purpose— We compared among young patients with ischemic stroke the distribution of vascular risk factors among sex, age groups, and 3 distinct geographic regions in Europe. Methods— We included patients with first-ever ischemic stroke aged 15 to 49 years from existing hospital- or population-based prospective or consecutive young stroke registries involving 15 cities in 12 countries. Geographic regions were defined as northern (Finland, Norway), central (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, The Netherlands, Switzerland), and southern (Greece, Italy, Turkey) Europe. Hierarchical regression models were used for comparisons. Results— In the study cohort (n=3944), the 3 most frequent risk factors were current smoking (48.7%), dyslipidemia (45.8%), and hypertension (35.9%). Compared with central (n=1868; median age, 43 years) and northern (n=1330; median age, 44 years) European patients, southern Europeans (n=746; median age, 41 years) were younger. No sex difference emerged between the regions, male:female ratio being 0.7 in those aged <34 years and reaching 1.7 in those aged 45 to 49 years. After accounting for confounders, no risk-factor differences emerged at the region level. Compared with females, males were older and they more frequently had dyslipidemia or coronary heart disease, or were smokers, irrespective of region. In both sexes, prevalence of family history of stroke, dyslipidemia, smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, and atrial fibrillation positively correlated with age across all regions. Conclusions— Primary preventive strategies for ischemic stroke in young adults—having high rate of modifiable risk factors—should be targeted according to sex and age at continental level.
Three-dimensional models of cochlear implants: A review of their development and how they could support management and maintenance of cochlear implant performance

ABSTRACT Three-dimensional (3D) computational modeling of the auditory periphery forms an integral part of modern-day research in cochlear implants (CIs). These models consist of a volume conduction description of implanted stimulation electrodes and the current distribution around these, coupled with auditory nerve fiber models. Cochlear neural activation patterns can then be predicted for a given input stimulus. The objective of this article is to present the context of 3D modeling within the field of CIs, the different models, and approaches to models that have been developed over the years, as well as the applications and potential applications of these models. The process of development of 3D models is discussed, and the article places specific emphasis on the complementary roles of generic models and user-specific models, as the latter is important for translation of these models into clinical application.
Separation of Duty in Role-Based Access Control Model through Fuzzy Relations

As a security principle, separation of duty (SoD) is widely considered in computer security. In the role-based access control(RBAC) model, separation of duty constraints enforce conflict of interest policies. There are two main types of separation of duty policies in RBAC, Static SoD (SSoD) and Dynamic SoD (DSoD). In RBAC, Statically Mutually Exclusive Role (SMER) constraints are used to enforce Static Separation of Duty policies. Dynamic Separation of duty policies, like SSoD policies, are intended to limit the permissions that are available to a user. However, DSoD policies differ from SSoD policies by the context in which these limitations are imposed. A DSoD policy limits the availability of the permissions over a users permission space by placing constraints on the roles that can be activated within or across a users sessions. Like SMER, in RBAC Dynamically Mutually Exclusive Role (DMER) constraints are used to enforce DSoD policies. We investigated using of a fuzzy approach to address the issue in order to provide a more practical solution. In this paper, we propose a model to express the separation of duty policies in RBAC using the fuzzy set theory. The concept of trustworthiness, which is fuzzy in nature, is used to express this model. In comparison with non-fuzzy methods, our method is more pragmatic and more consistent with the real world. The expressiveness of our method is higher than the non- fuzzy ones. We show expression of some constraints in our method which cannot be expressed by non-fuzzy methods. Applicability of the method is shown through an example of the real world.
Hierarchies of sum rules for squares of spherical Bessel functions

ABSTRACT A four-term recurrence relation for squared spherical Bessel functions is shown to yield closed-form expressions for several types of finite weighted sums of these functions. The resulting sum rules, which may contain an arbitrarily large number of terms, are found to constitute three independent hierarchies. Their use leads to an efficient numerical evaluation of these sums.
Double-gate FinFET process variation aware 10T SRAM cell topology design and analysis

Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) has been under its under rebuilding stage in nanoscale era, pioneer aiming to rebuff the increased process variation and Short Channel Effects (SCE). In this paper, FinFET 10T process tolerant differential access and ultra low voltage operation SRAM cell topology is proposed. Back-gate biasing is used to manipulate gate work-function to extract variation aware and low power design. Built-in feedback mechanism is employed to achieve variation tolerant design during read operation. Monte-Carlo simulations for 5000 points with 3σ equivalent to 10% deviation from mean value are executed to quantify the effectiveness of proposed cell. Compare with a standard 6T Cell, we obtain 4.7× and 1.9× improvement in RNM and SNM, respectively, with a 3.5% reduction in WM. Moreover, RNM and WM are augmented by 6.5% and 3.6%, respectively, against PPN10T cell.
Surface area–volume ratios in insects

Body mass, volume and surface area are important for many aspects of the physiology and performance of species. Whereas body mass scaling received a lot of attention in the literature, surface areas of animals have not been measured explicitly in this context. We quantified surface area–volume (SA/V) ratios for the first time using 3D surface models based on a structured light scanning method for 126 species of pollinating insects from 4 orders (Diptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, and Coleoptera). Water loss of 67 species was measured gravimetrically at very dry conditions for 2 h at 15 and 30 °C to demonstrate the applicability of the new 3D surface measurements and relevance for predicting the performance of insects. Quantified SA/V ratios significantly explained the variation in water loss across species, both directly or after accounting for isometric scaling (residuals of the SA/V ∼ mass2/3 relationship). Small insects with a proportionally larger surface area had the highest water loss rates. Surface scans of insects to quantify allometric SA/V ratios thus provide a promising method to predict physiological responses, improving the potential of body mass isometry alone that assume geometric similarity.
Diffusion tensor imaging: Concepts and applications

The success of diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is deeply rooted in the powerful concept that during their random, diffusion‐driven displacements molecules probe tissue structure at a microscopic scale well beyond the usual image resolution. As diffusion is truly a three‐dimensional process, molecular mobility in tissues may be anisotropic, as in brain white matter. With diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), diffusion anisotropy effects can be fully extracted, characterized, and exploited, providing even more exquisite details on tissue microstructure. The most advanced application is certainly that of fiber tracking in the brain, which, in combination with functional MRI, might open a window on the important issue of connectivity. DTI has also been used to demonstrate subtle abnormalities in a variety of diseases (including stroke, multiple sclerosis, dyslexia, and schizophrenia) and is currently becoming part of many routine clinical protocols. The aim of this article is to review the concepts behind DTI and to present potential applications. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;13:534–546. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ventricular fibrillation as a complication of salt-water immersion.

displayed on a Hewlett Packard monitoring system. The catheter negotiated the tricuspid valve easily to give a tracing of right ventricular pressure. Entering the pulmonary artery was difficult, and to achieve this position the balloon was deflated and the catheter pulled back into the right atrium and allowed to float back with the balloon inflated again. The catheter was eventually placed successfully in the pulmonary artery, though not in the wedge position, by the conventional method.4 Induction of anaesthesia was uneventful, and cardiopulmonary bypass was started after routine cannulation of the aorta, superior vena cava, and inferior vena cava. After replacement of both the mitral and aortic valves with Bjork-Shiley prostheses the right atrium was opened for inspection of the tricuspid valve, which was suspected of being incompetent. A small tear of about 3-4 mm in the septal cusp of the tricuspid valve was obvious, and one of the associated chordae tendineae was ruptured. The catheter was curled up in the right ventricle with the tip lying in the pulmonary artery (figure). The damaged cusp and chorda tendineae were repaired with 5-0 Prolene. An attempt to insert a Carpentier ring 34 FG was abandoned because it did not fit well, and eventually surgical repair of the ring related to the anterior and posterior cups was performed without a prosthesis. Further progress was uneventful, and she was discharged from hospital without sequelae.
Mechatronic design of innovative robot hands: Integration and control issues

In this paper, an overall description of the design of an innovative robotic hand developed within the DEXMART project is discussed, with particular attention to the required sensory and actuation subsystem and their integration into the mechanical structure of the hand. The integration of the hand finger, of the sensors and the actuation is reported and the motivations leading to this particular implementation are thoroughly addressed, taking into account both the mechanical constraints and the control requirements. The finger is provided with position, force and tactile sensors and it is actuated by the twisted string actuation system purposely developed for this new robot hand. The effectiveness of the proposed design solutions is preliminary evaluated by showing the performance of the system with closed-loop finger position control.
The role of adaptive mechanisms in the origin of higher levels of organization.

One of the most controversial questions in the study of major evolutionary changes is whether or not all macroevolutionary steps are fully adaptive and completely understandable in terms of the known principles of microevolutionary change. The answer appears to lie not in the search for new evolutionary mechanisms, but in the correct description and analysis of the events involved in the origin of new higher levels of organization, as has been stressed by several workers who are dissatisfied with the synthetic theory of evolution. Evolutionary adaptation is the relationship of a species to a specific set of environmental conditions; it connotes both the process and the state of being. An adaptation is a formfunction complex (= faculty) that has two components: it has a definite biological role that interacts with a selection force; and it has a relative degree of efficiency. The degree of adaptation, as a state of being, is defined as the ability of the feature to execute successfully its biological role with the minimal expenditure of energy. As a process, adaptation is defined as any evolutionary change that reduces this amount of energy. Preadaptation occurs when a feature, by virtue of its present form and functions, acquires a new biological role and thus gains a new adaptation. Key innovations are those adaptations focal to the exploitation of a new habitat. The model suggested for the sequence of events in the origin of new groups is an evolutionary change that: (a) involves a series of many steps, each representing an intermediate stage between the ancestral and descendent groups; (b) occurs in an intermediate adaptive zone; and (c) involves a number of phyletic lines. Each step involves preadaptations, key innovations and a postadaptational period with an adaptive radiation of forms. This radiation, in turn, may result in a new preadaptation leading to another step, and so on. If the evolving group in the transitional zone reaches a new major adaptive zone, a larger adaptive radiation may occur, marking the primary flowering of the new group. However, no single point can be cited as the origin of the group. The series of modifications involved in the evolution of a new higher level of organization is exactly the same as the continuous evolutionary change within the old adaptive zone, except for the steady change in niche relationships in the transitional zone. The adaptive mechanisms involved are identical for both series of changes; a search for new mechanisms is not needed.
How place attachments influence recreation conflict and coping behavior

The purpose of this study was to explore how place attachment influences recreation conflict and coping behaviors based on the Transactional Stress/Coping Model. The interference between bikers and walkers in Bali Zon-An Park in Taipei County, Taiwan was investigated in May and June of 2007. A total of 384 valid questionnaires were collected.
Torque control strategy for parallel hybrid electric vehicles using fuzzy logic

This paper presents a design method of a torque control strategy for parallel hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) by using fuzzy logic. Taking the driver command, the state of charge (SOC) of the battery, and the motor/generator speed as inputs, a fuzzy controller and relevant fuzzy rules have been developed to effectively determine the torque distribution between electric motor (EM) and internal combustion engine (ICE). The underlying theme of this strategy is to optimize the operational efficiency of all components, considered as one system. The simulation results reveal that, compared with the conventional logic torque control strategy (LTCS) which uses precise threshold parameters, the proposed fuzzy torque control strategy (FTCS) improves fuel economy and maintains battery SOC within its operation range more effectively.
CBR based energy consumption model of cutting period in CNC lathe

Since energy consumption of cutting period in CNC lathe is determined by many factors, it is very difficult to model its dynamics precisely only through mechanism modeling method. In this paper, a novel energy consumption model is presented based on Case-Based Reasoning (CBR). Firstly, redundant and incompatible data are cleared through data preprocessing; secondly, the attribute importance of condition attributes is calculated by an output-based method. Then, dissimilarity degree between each case and target case is defined for case reuse. Finally, the output of new input is obtained through calculation. The experiments reveal the feasibility of this method.
Open Access Research Article Transcriptional Control by Two Leucine-responsive Regulatory Proteins in Halobacterium Salinarum R1

article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Abstract Background: Archaea combine bacterial-as well as eukaryotic-like features to regulate cellular processes. Halobacterium salinarum R1 encodes eight leucine-responsive regulatory protein (Lrp)-homologues. The function of two of them, Irp (OE3923F) and lrpA1 (OE2621R), were analyzed by gene deletion and overexpression, including genome scale impacts using microarrays. Results: It was shown that Lrp affects the transcription of multiple target genes, including those encoding enzymes involved in amino acid synthesis, central metabolism, transport processes and other regulators of transcription. In contrast, LrpA1 regulates transcription in a more specific manner. The aspB3 gene, coding for an aspartate transaminase, was repressed by LrpA1 in the presence of L-aspartate. Analytical DNA-affinity chromatography was adapted to high salt, and demonstrated binding of LrpA1 to its own promoter, as well as L-aspartate dependent binding to the aspB3 promoter. Conclusion: The gene expression profiles of two archaeal Lrp-homologues report in detail their role in H. salinarum R1. LrpA1 and Lrp show similar functions to those already described in bacteria, but in addition they play a key role in regulatory networks, such as controlling the transcription of other regulators. In a more detailed analysis ligand dependent binding of LrpA1 was demonstrated to its target gene aspB3. Background The basal transcription apparatus in Archaea shows similarity to the eukaryotic RNA polymerase (RNAP) II system [1-4]. Archaeal promoter sequences and the core proteins RNA polymerase (RNAP), TATA-binding protein (TBP), and the transcription factor IIB homologue (TFB) are structurally and functionally related to their eukaryotic counterparts [2,5]. Although the basal tran-scriptional complex is composed of eukaryotic-like components , archaeal regulatory proteins are often homologous to bacterial regulators [6]. One group of bacterial regulators which have been found in all archaeal genomes belongs to the Lrp/AsnC family (leucine-responsive regulatory protein (Lrp), asparagine synthase C (AsnC)). Escherichia coli Lrp is the most extensively studied member in bacteria [7,8] and controls the expression of up to 75 target genes. As a global regulator of transcription, Lrp is believed to coordinate cellular
PkStaMp Library for Constructing Optimal Population Designs for PK/PD Studies

We discuss a Matlab-based library for constructing optimal sampling schemes for pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) studies. The software relies on optimal design theory for nonlinear mixed effects models and, in particular, on the first-order optimization algorithm. The library includes a number of popular compartmental PK and combined PK/PD models and can be extended to include more models. An outline of inputs/outputs is provided, some algorithmic details and examples are presented, and future work is discussed.
Improving the Efficiency of Time-Optimal Path-Following Algorithms

This paper presents a new method which significantly improves the computational efficiency of time-optimal path-following planning algorithms for robot manipulators with limited actuator torques. The approach exploits the fact that the characteristic switching points of earlier techniques can be found directly in a straightforward fashion. Numerical examples, while showing the consistency of the algorithm with the existing techniques, demonstrate its potential for increasing computational efficiency by several orders of magnitude.
The Effect of a Perioperative Clinical Pathway for Knee Replacement Surgery on Hospital Costs

Clinical pathways are being introduced by hospitals to reduce costs and control unnecessary variation in care.We studied 766 inpatients to measure the impact of a perioperative clinical pathway for patients undergoing knee replacement surgery on hospital costs. One hundred twenty patients underwent knee replacement surgery before the development of a perioperative clinical pathway, and 63 patients underwent knee replacement surgery after pathway implementation. As control groups, we contemporaneously studied 332 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (no clinical pathway in place for these patients) and 251 patients undergoing hip replacement surgery without a clinical pathway (no clinical pathway and same surgeons as patients having knee replacement surgery). Total hospitalization costs (not charges), excluding professional fees, were computed for all patients. Mean (+/- SD) hospital costs for knee replacement surgery decreased from $21,709 +/- $5985 to $17,618 +/- $3152 after implementation of the clinical pathway. The percent decrease in hospitalization costs was 1.56-fold greater (95% confidence interval 1.02-2.28) in the knee replacement patients than in the radical prostatectomy patients and 2.02-fold greater (95% confidence interval 1.13-5.22) than in the hip replacement patients. If patient outcomes (e.g., patient satisfaction) remain constant with clinical pathways, clinical pathways may be a useful tool for incremental improvements in the cost of perioperative care. Implications: Doctors and nurses can proactively organize and record the elements of hospital care results in a clinical pathway, also known as "care pathways" or "critical pathways. " We found that implementing a clinical pathway for patients undergoing knee replacement surgery reduced the hospitalization costs of this surgery. (Anesth Analg 1998;86:978-84)