Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Assessment Of Factors Affecting Quality Customer Care Services In Telkom Kenya.

Quality customer care services is a significant basis which customers use for differentiating between competing services of different company offering same product and services, second only to market share hence the purpose of the study was to examine factors affecting quality customer care service in Telkom industry in Kenya: a case study of Telkom Kenya, specific objectives were to determine how staff training, accessible customer care centres, organisation customer care policies and guideline, agility supply chain of products and service affect quality customer care services in Telkom Kenya. The problem statement were Telkom Kenya has lost most of its customers to its competitors mainly due to poor customer service skills, policies and provision by the organisation, poor agility supply chain management of its core products and services and lack of strategic business customer care location on a decentralized business system for easy accessibility by its customers.
A rat model of the cognitive impairments in Parkinson’s disease

Although Parkinson’s disease (PD) is classically considered to be a motor system disease, subtle cognitive impairments can be observed even during the early phases of PD. In this article we review behavioral and neurochemical studies on the cognitive alterations observed in rats treated with intranigral infusion of the neurotoxin MPTP. The critical role of dopamine release in the dorsal striatum and its modulation by adenosine receptors is also reviewed as a potential strategy to treat the cognitive disabilities of PD patients who do not improve with levodopa therapy. Most of the impairments presented by rats treated with intranigral infusion of MPTP are similar to those observed during the early phase of PD, when a moderate loss of nigral dopamine neurons (40-70%) results in sensory and memory deficits with no major motor impairments. These animals also model the working memory and habit learning defi cits, with long-term spatial (episodic) memories being mostly spared as observed in non-demented PD patients. The intranigral infusion of MPTP in rats has led to the development of useful models, which do not present gross motor impairments that would otherwise compromise the interpretation of the performance of the animals in cognitive tasks.
ENFrame: A Framework for Processing Probabilistic Data

This article introduces ENFrame, a framework for processing probabilistic data. Using ENFrame, users can write programs in a fragment of Python with constructs such as loops, list comprehension, aggregate operations on lists, and calls to external database engines. Programs are then interpreted probabilistically by ENFrame. We exemplify ENFrame on three clustering algorithms (k-means, k-medoids, and Markov clustering) and one classification algorithm (k-nearest-neighbour). A key component of ENFrame is an event language to succinctly encode correlations, trace the computation of user programs, and allow for computation of discrete probability distributions for program variables. We propose a family of sequential and concurrent, exact, and approximate algorithms for computing the probability of interconnected events. Experiments with k-medoids clustering and k-nearest-neighbour show orders-of-magnitude improvements of exact processing using ENFrame over naïve processing in each possible world, of approximate over exact, and of concurrent over sequential processing.
Attenuation of Experimental Colitis in Glutathione Peroxidase 1 and Catalase Double Knockout Mice through Enhancing Regulatory T Cell Function

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in the progression of inflammatory diseases including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Meanwhile, several studies suggested the protective role of ROS in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, and it was recently reported that dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis was attenuated in mice with an elevated level of ROS due to deficiency of peroxiredoxin II. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are critical in the prevention of IBD and Treg function was reported to be closely associated with ROS level, but it has been investigated only in lowered levels of ROS so far. In the present study, in order to clarify the relationship between ROS level and Treg function, and their role in the pathogenesis of IBD, we investigated mice with an elevated level of ROS due to deficiency of both glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-1 and catalase (Cat) for the susceptibility of DSS-induced colitis in association with Treg function. The results showed that DSS-induced colitis was attenuated and Tregs were hyperfunctional in GPx1−/− × Cat−/− mice. In vivo administration of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) aggravated DSS-induced colitis and decreased Treg function to the level comparable to WT mice. Attenuated Th17 cell differentiation from naïve CD4+ cells as well as impaired production of IL-6 and IL-17A by splenocytes upon stimulation suggested anti-inflammatory tendency of GPx1−/− × Cat−/− mice. Suppression of Stat3 activation in association with enhancement of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase and FoxP3 expression might be involved in the immunosuppressive mechanism of GPx1−/− × Cat−/− mice. Taken together, it is implied that ROS level is critical in the regulation of Treg function, and IBD may be attenuated in appropriately elevated levels of ROS.
Static lightpath establishment with transmission impairments consideration in WDM all-optical networks

Providing ultra high-speed end-to-end connectivity in core optical networks while satisfying the requirements for quality of service is a topic of intense research. In an optical network, a connection is set up to carry a data signal via an all-optical channel (lightpath) from its source to destination nodes. The analog nature of the signal transmission through the network links and nodes leads to signal quality degradation due to impairments accumulation. Such degradation should be taken into account when considering the Routing and Wavelength Assignment (RWA) problem. Most of preceding studies carried out on RWA neglect the impact of the physical layer impairments. In this paper, three physical layer impairment aware RWA algorithms are developed. We explicitly consider the effect of four physical layer impairments namely Chromatic Dispersion (CD), Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD), Optical Signal to Noise Ratio (OSNR) and Nonlinear Phase Shift (φΝι). Taking into account physical impairments when solving the RWA problem intuitively should affect the computed solution: the selection of a suitable path and suitable wavelength may fail to meet the minimum transmission requirement. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to include, simultaneously, the four aforementioned transmission impairments when dealing with the RWA problem. We here propose a function that computes the Q-factor based on Eye-Opening Penalties (EOP) instead of using variances. This should lead to a better Bit Error Rate (BER) estimation. Few studies considered EOP in the last years when dealing with such a problem. The performance of the proposed algorithms is demonstrated to be promising through illustrative numerical examples.
Modeling Grid Connection for Solar and Wind Energy

Modeling of grid connected converters for solar and wind energy requires not only power electronics technology, but also detailed modeling of the grid synchronization and modulation techniques. Control of active and reactive power in both single and three phase grid connections can be achieved by quadrature controllers, analogous to field oriented control in electrical drives. Modulation strategies, loss determination and thermal cycling, as well as life time estimation are important factors that can be studied into detail during simulation.
Earnings and education in Latin America : assessing priorities for schooling investments

The authors use household survey data for 18 Latin American countries to assess earnings differentials by level of education, and to assess how these differentials changed in the 1980s. Introducing the cost of education allows them to estimate private and social rates of return on investments on education across several dimensions: by gender, by level of education, by sector of employment, by nature of the secondary school curriculum, and over time. The results show that, in most countries, the earnings premium received by graduates of higher education decreased in the 1980s. Investment in primary education shows the highest rate of return among all levels considered - and is still the number one investment priority in most countries.
An Explicit Dynamic Programming Solution for a De centralized Two-Player Optimal Linear-Quadratic Regulator

We develop optimal controller synthesis algorithms for decentralized control problems, in which individual subsystems are connected over a network. We consider a simple information structure, consisting of two interconnected linear systems, and construct the optimal controller subject to a decentralization constraint via a novel dynamic programming method. We provide explicit state-space formulae for the optimal controller, and show that each player has to do more than simply estimate the states that they cannot observe. In other words, the simplest separation principle does not hold for this decentralized control problem.
Quantification and Kinetic Analysis of Grb2-EGFR Interaction on Micro-Patterned Surfaces for the Characterization of EGFR-Modulating Substances

The identification of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as an oncogene has led to the development of several anticancer therapeutics directed against this receptor tyrosine kinase. However, drug resistance and low efficacy remain a severe challenge, and have led to a demand for novel systems for an efficient identification and characterization of new substances. Here we report on a technique which combines micro-patterned surfaces and total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy (μ-patterning assay) for the quantitative analysis of EGFR activity. It does not simply measure the phosphorylation of the receptor, but instead quantifies the interaction of the key signal transmitting protein Grb2 (growth factor receptor-bound protein 2) with the EGFR in a live cell context. It was possible to demonstrate an EGF dependent recruitment of Grb2 to the EGFR, which was significantly inhibited in the presence of clinically tested EGFR inhibitors, including small tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies targeting the EGF binding site. Importantly, in addition to its potential use as a screening tool, our experimental setup offers the possibility to provide insight into the molecular mechanisms of bait-prey interaction. Recruitment of the EGFR together with Grb2 to clathrin coated pits (CCPs) was found to be a key feature in our assay. Application of bleaching experiments enabled calculation of the Grb2 exchange rate, which significantly changed upon stimulation or the presence of EGFR activity inhibiting drugs.
Scene Segmentation from Visual Motion Using Global Optimization

This paper presents results from computer experiments with an algorithm to perform scene disposition and motion segmentation from visual motion or optic flow. The maximum a posteriori (MAP) criterion is used to formulate what the best segmentation or interpretation of the scene should be, where the scene is assumed to be made up of some fixed number of moving planar surface patches. The Bayesian approach requires, first, specification of prior expectations for the optic flow field, which here is modeled as spatial and temporal Markov random fields; and, secondly, a way of measuring how well the segmentation predicts the measured flow field. The Markov random fields incorporate the physical constraints that objects and their images are probably spatially continuous, and that their images are likely to move quite smoothly across the image plane. To compute the flow predicted by the segmentation, a recent method for reconstructing the motion and orientation of planar surface facets is used. The search for the globally optimal segmentation is performed using simulated annealing.
Darwinian-Based Feature Extraction Using K-Means and Kohonen Clustering

This paper presents a novel approach to feature extraction for face recognition. This approach extends a previously developed method that incorporated the feature extraction techniques of GEFE ML (Genetic and Evolutionary Feature Extraction – Machine Learning) and Darwinian Feature Extraction). The feature extractors evolved by GEFE ML are superior to traditional feature extraction methods in terms of recognition accuracy as well as feature reduction. From the set of feature extractors created by GEFE ML , Darwinian feature extractors are created based on the most consistent pixels processed by the set of feature extractors. Pixels selected during the DFE process are then clustered in an attempt to improve recognition accuracy. Our new approach moves clusters towards large groups of selected pixels using techniques such as k-means clustering and Kohonen clustering. Our results show that DFE clustering (DFE C) has statistically better recognition accuracy than DFE without clustering.
Osteoarthritis of the Distal Interphalangeal and First Carpometacarpal Joints is Associated with High Bone Mass in Women and Small Bone Size and Low Lean Mass in Men

Objective: To determine if primary hand osteoarthritis (OA) is associated with abnormal bone and anthropometric traits. Methods: We used DXA to measure total body bone mineral density (BMD), femoral neck width (bone size) and total body lean and fat mass in 39 subjects with hand OA (primary DIP and/or CMC I) and 164 controls. Data are presented as mean Z-scores or Odds Ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals. Results: Women with hand OA had (compared to controls) higher BMD (0.5(0.1,0.9)) but similar bone size (-0.3(-0.8,0.2)), lean mass (0.3(-0.3,0.9)), fat mass (-0.1(-0.6,0.5)) and BMI (0.0(-0.6,0.6)). Men with hand OA had (compared to controls) similar BMD (-0.1(-0.7,0.6)), smaller bone size (-0.5(-1.1,-0.01)), lower lean mass (-0.6(-1.1,-0.04)), and similar fat mass (-0.2(-0.7,0.4)) and BMI -0.1(-0.6,0.6). In women, each SD higher BMD was associated with an OR of 1.8 (1.03, 3.3) for having hand OA. In men each SD smaller bone size was associated with an OR of 1.8 (1.02, 3.1) and each SD lower proportion of lean body mass with an OR of 1.9 (1.1, 3.3) for having hand OA. Conclusion: Women with primary DIP finger joint and/or CMC I joint OA have a phenotype with higher BMD while men with the disease have a smaller bone size and lower lean body mass.
Performance optimization of VLSI transceivers for low-energy communications systems

Design of low-energy communications systems requires attention to power consumption in the overall system design and the algorithm implementations. We consider design of a communications system incorporating digital transmission and receiver filters, and error-control coding. Various well-known channel codes including turbo codes, block codes, and convolutional codes are studied. For each of these decoders, its decoding performance and power consumption are evaluated from VLSI chip designs. We then demonstrate optimization of a simple design from a total system perspective.
Classifications of citrus fruit using image processing -GLCM parameters

In recent years, automatic visual inspection system has become useful tool in industrial process. The citrus fruit sorting and grading process has now been completely automated with the exception of the final stage of classification concerned with visual inspection. Due to the growing demand of quality citrus fruit, an automated and reliable identification and classification mechanism in order to handle the bulk of data is implemented. Human vision sometimes leads to mismatch between the fruits. Using machine vision system, it will be simple to reduce human effort and achieve a better output. The objective of this project is to assess the fruit by color grading. In this paper we describe an integrated system developed for the sorting on citrus fruit and for the color grading of the defected fruits. The result suggests that the performance is adequate to provide the basis for a viable commercial visual inspection system. The following project aims at implementing such an automated system using image processing with images of citrus fruit as a basis of classification depending on its color. The goal of the inspection is not to give a statistical analysis of the production but to classify every citrus fruit into quality constant batches.
Comparison of Five Black-box Testing Methods for Object-Oriented Software

As the size of software is getting huge, it is difficult for testers to check out all parts of source code in white-box style during integration testing or system testing period. Therefore functional test methods based on requirements information are frequently used in system level test. There have been a lot of test methods based on requirement specification. Each method has a different approach to specify software requirements. Test engineer should consider those various aspects of approaches and select proper black-box testing method to be applied. This paper presents the empirical comparison of major black-box testing methods and shows the different results by applying them to test a certain software system. The result shows that black-box testing methods check different levels of code construct. Test planer should consider the combination for the efficient test methods which combine extended use case test method and OCL test method
Human Leukemic Models of Myelomonocytic Development: A Review of the HL‐60 and U937 Cell Lines

The human leukemic myeloblast HL‐60 and monoblast U937 cell lines have made important contributions to the disciplines of cancer, hematology, and immunology. As sources of leukemic cells, they have been used for the study of neoplasia and therapeutics. As sources of hemic cells, they have been used for biochemical and biological analysis of regulation and differentiation in myelopoiesis. When stimulated with immunomodulatory factors, the cell lines develop properties of host‐defense effector cells. They are also a source of cytokines that affect other cell types.
Modes of re-territorialisation. Spatial implications of regional competition politics in Sweden

Traditional welfare states have gradually become more involved in competition politics. In order to sustain economic growth in a globalising economy these states get increasingly supply oriented and act to promote technological change, innovations and entrepreneurship. In Sweden, efforts to develop knowledge based niches have become key elements in an increasingly growth oriented regional/industrial policy. This paper will address the spatial implications of these changes. Two territorial approaches can be fruitfully identified. First, the growth policy is based on an economic geography in which the promotion of regional specialisation and industrial clusters are vital parts. Thus, focus is turning from the periphery towards the centre as aims and means are directed towards international competitiveness. Second, the decentralisation of regional policy and the orientation towards partnerships, networks and cross sector co-operations is driving towards a spatial fragmentation where time and space specific regions are created on a project basis. The contours of a development system of regions partly over-lapping each others can be identified.
Developmental Switch of the Serotonergic Role in the Induction of Synaptic Long-term Potentiation in the Rat Visual Cortex

Synaptic long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) have been studied as mechanisms of ocular dominance plasticity in the rat visual cortex. Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) inhibits the induction of LTP and LTD during the critical period of the rat visual cortex (postnatal 3~5 weeks). However, in adult rats, the increase in 5-HT level in the brain by the administration of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine reinstates ocular dominance plasticity and LTP in the visual cortex. Here, we investigated the effect of 5-HT on the induction of LTP in the visual cortex obtained from 3- to 10-week-old rats. Field potentials in layer 2/3, evoked by the stimulation of underlying layer 4, was potentiated by theta-burst stimulation (TBS) in 3- and 5-week-old rats, then declined to the baseline level with aging to 10 weeks. Whereas 5-HT inhibited the induction of LTP in 5-week-old rats, it reinstated the induction of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA)-dependent LTP in 8- and 10-week-old rats. Moreover, the selective SSRI citalopram reinstated LTP. The potentiating effect of 5-HT at 8 weeks of age was mediated by the activation of 5-HT2 receptors, but not by the activation of either 5-HT1A or 5-HT3 receptors. These results suggested that the effect of 5-HT on the induction of LTP switches from inhibitory in young rats to facilitatory in adult rats.
A secure architecture for P2PSIP-based communication systems

Today, Peer-to-Peer SIP based communication systems have attracted much attention from both academia and industry. The decentralized nature of P2P might provide the distributed peer-to-peer communication system without help of the traditional SIP server. However, it comes to the cost of reduced manageability and therefore causes security problems, e.g. distrust, privacy leaks, unpredictable availability, etc. In this paper, we investigate on P2PSIP security issues and propose a proxy-based system architecture that improves security during P2PSIP session initiation. The main issues considered in this architecture include Source inter-working, Encryption & Decryption, Policy Management, Destination inter-working, etc. We also implement a prototype with 16 Chord Secure Proxys (CSPs) and 496 P2PSIP peers. After that we analyze this system architecture in several aspects: number of hops and delay, trust upgrading, and the protection of security breaches (e.g. malicious or compromised intermediate peer). We take Chord as the P2PSIP overlay as example. However, this system architecture is independent of Chord overlay and could be extended to the other DHT (Distributed Hash Table) technologies.
Property Rights and Choice of Fuel Wood Sources in Rural Ethiopia

This study tries to examine the determinants of the choice of fuel wood sources in rural Ethiopia. Survey data collected from a sample of rural households in the East Gojam and South Wollo zones of the Amhara region of the country were used for the analysis. A multinomial probit model that allows correlation between the residuals has been employed to address the question of whether household’s socioeconomic, environment and institutional variables affect the choice of fuel wood source in rural Ethiopia. The result of the analysis shows that household characteristics such as age and education level of the household head are important determinants in the choice of fuel wood sources. The surprising result from this study is that local level institutions, tenure insecurity and possession of land certificate are all found to be insignificant. Finally, our findings suggests that there are some kind of substitution possibilities between fuel wood from forest and other sources (private and market) as indicated by the positive and significant impact of distance to the forest on the probability of fuel wood collection from private or market sources.