Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A New ARQ Protocol for Hybrid DF/CF Relay Scheme

Automatic Repeat re-Quest (AQR) is implemented to ensure reliable transmission when channel state information (CSI) is not available to the source and the selected transmission rate is not supported by the current channel realization. We consider a relay system with hybrid relay scheme, where the relay switches between decode-and-forward (DF) and compress-and-forward (CF) adapting to the decoding status. In such case, we propose new ARQ strategy and analyze its performance in terms of maximum throughput, average reward and inter-renewal time. Compared with pure DF, the hybrid relay schemes show considerable gain.
Autonomy and Innovation: How Do Massachusetts Charter School Principals Use Their Freedom?.

Charter schools grant significant autonomy to their principals, but do their principals make decisions that would not be possible in ordinary schools? Are they creating schools that are truly different from (and potentially better than) regular district schools? For this report, Bill Triant conducted extended interviews with eight charter school principals in Massachusetts on five dimensions of school operations (teacher hiring, budgetary control, instruction and curriculum, organizational design, and accountability) to shed light on how they use their autonomy. He finds that when charter school principals are given the opportunity to innovate, they do so.
Trends in weighted vital signs and the clinical course of 44,531 acutely ill medical patients while in hospital.

BACKGROUND little is known about the changes and trends of individual vital signs during the course of acute illness in hospital. METHODS the weighted points of the VitalPAC Early Warning Score (ViEWS) were assigned to each vital sign value measured on 44,531 acutely ill medical patients while they were hospitalized in the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, Ontario, Canada. These ViEWS weighted vital signs were averaged for every 24 hour period for five days after admission and five days before death or discharge and then combined to obtain an approximation of the trajectory of each vital sign while in hospital. RESULTS compared with the other vital signs, the ViEWS weighted points for respiratory rate increase the most in patients who died in hospital and decrease the most in survivors. Combining respiratory rate with the weighted points for any of the other vital signs reduced rather than increased their monitoring performance. CONCLUSION trends in respiratory rate, measured by observation at the bedside and given a ViEWS weighting is the best predictor of clinical outcome; minor changes predicted clinical outcome several days in advance.
Different Type 1 Fimbrial Genes and Tropisms of Commensal and Potentially Pathogenic Actinomyces spp. with Different Salivary Acidic Proline-Rich Protein and Statherin Ligand Specificities

ABSTRACT Actinomyces spp. exhibit type 1 fimbria-mediated adhesion to salivary acidic proline-rich proteins (PRPs) and statherin ligands. Actinomyces spp. with different animal and tissue origins belong to three major adhesion types as relates to ligand specificity and type 1 fimbria genes. (i) In preferential acidic-PRP binding, strains of Actinomyces naeslundiigenospecies 1 and 2 from human and monkey mouths displayed at least three ligand specificities characterized by preferential acidic-PRP binding. Slot blot DNA hybridization showed seven highly conserved type 1 fimbria genes (orf1- to -6 andfimP) in genospecies 1 and 2 strains, except thatorf5 and orf3 were divergent in genospecies 1. (ii) In preferential statherin binding, oralActinomyces viscosus strains of rat and hamster origin (and strain 19246 from a human case of actinomycosis) bound statherin preferentially. DNA hybridization and characterization of the type 1 fimbria genes from strain 19246 revealed a homologous gene cluster of four open reading frames (orfA to -C andfimP). Bioinformatics suggested sortase (orfB, orf4, and part oforf5), prepilin peptidase (orfC andorf6), fimbria subunit (fimP), and usher- and autotransporter-like (orfA and orf1to -3) functions. Those gene regions corresponding toorf3 and orf5 were divergent, those corresponding to orf2, orf1, andfimP were moderately conserved, and those corresponding to orf4 and orf6 were highly conserved. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses using a fimP probe separated human and monkey and rat and hamster strains into phylogenetically different groups. (iii) In statherin-specific binding, strains of A. naeslundii genospecies 1 from septic and other human infections displayed a low-avidity binding to statherin. Only theorf4 and orf6 gene regions were highly conserved. Finally, rat saliva devoid of statherin bound bacterial strains avidly irrespective of ligand specificity, and specific antisera detected either type 1, type 2, or both types of fimbria on the investigated Actinomyces strains.
Microtensile bond strength of resin-post interfaces created with interpenetrating polymer network posts or cross-linked posts.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microtensile strength of composite bonded to interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) or cross-linked glass fibre posts and to observe the failure modes by using light and scanning electron microscopy. METHODS Twenty posts containing IPN resin matrix and 20 posts containing cross-linked epoxy polymer matrix were used for testing. One half of the posts from each type was treated with Stick Resin, the other half was treated with OptiBond. Composite resin was used to build up a block on the bonding surface. Tensile strength data was analysed statistically using the non-parametric Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. The distribution of failure modes as a function of post type/bonding agent was evaluated using the chi(2) test. RESULTS The mean tensile strength values were lower for the groups bonded with OptiBond and higher for the groups bonded with Stick Resin (p = 0.017), the type of post used had no statistical significance (p = 0.263). All the IPN posts showed cohesive failure within the post The cross-linked posts demonstrated a higher number of adhesive failures and lower number of cohesive failures within the post (chi(2) = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Stick Resin was more effective than OptiBond in bonding composite cores to fibre posts. Post fracture was the failure mode of IPN posts, debonding of the composite core was the failure mode of most of cross-linked posts. These different failure modes may appear clinically in endodontically treated teeth restored with the post types tested in this study.
Service provision to students: where the gown best fits

One of the challenges facing those responsible for service provision in universities is ensuring that service is provided at the right point in the organisation. Service delivery points can exist at the school/department level, faculty/division level or central unit/university wide level. This does not always follow organisational logic, common sense, the interests of stakeholders, or an organisational service strategy or plan. Many universities have established ‘one‐stop shops’ for student services. These have taken many forms and include a range of services, from student administration and student support services, to information technology support and cashier/student financial services. Different management arrangements, including the use of service agreements, have also been used across the sector in Australia. There are additional levels of complexity caused by multiple campuses, differences in the composition of the student body, differences in teaching arrangements, organisational structures and resource arrangements. This paper focuses on student administration and support services. It analyses a range of current models in universities and provides some suggestions for assessing the logic of the models, using a set of underlying principles to help make decisions. The paper considers the services provided, staffing and resource levels, organisational structures and student feedback.
Diversity of Acinetobacter species isolated from different environments in Lebanon: a nationwide study.

AIM To investigate the extrahospital reservoirs of Acinetobacter spp. in Lebanon. MATERIALS & METHODS Two thousand three hundred and sixty-one samples from different ecological niches were analyzed by culture methods. Species identification was confirmed by rpoB-gene sequencing. Multilocus sequence typing was used to characterize the Acinetobacter baumannii clones. RESULTS & CONCLUSION Acinetobacter spp. were detected in 14% of environmental samples and 8% of food samples. Furthermore, 9% of animals and 3.4% of humans were colonized. Non-baumannii Acinetobacter were the most common species isolated and newly susceptible A. baumannii clones were detected. Interestingly, 21 isolates were not identified at the species level and were considered as putative novel species. To our knowledge, this is the largest epidemiological study investigating the epidemiology of Acinetobacter spp. outside hospitals.
Convergence in Output in Transition Economies Central & Eastern Europe, 1970-1995

In this paper we use unit roots/cointegration analysis and time-varying parameters procedures to test for a common growth path in the ex-communist block, both pre- and post-reform. We test whether there has been convergence within the block and between the block as a group and the West. Surprisingly, there is little evidence of convergence within the communist block, which brings into question the effectiveness of policies to reduce differentials in income per capita across the region under the communists. There is also little evidence of convergence with respect to the West, for the 1970–90 period and when the early years of reform are included (1970–95).
Productivity: Roles for Government and Business

THIS PAPER attempts to review three main issues. First, the concept of productivity, once the very general notion of the ratio of input to output is departed from, is elusive. A variety of meanings can be advanced but these are not always easily reconciled. Secondly, there are difficulties in the way of giving meaningful expression to the application of the concept. Some of these difficulties arise because of the tendency to lump productivity in the same category as profitability and efficiency. Thirdly, some propositions are advanced about the scope for policies to foster productivity rises in the private as well as the public spheres. Care is needed
The Influence of Firms’ and Industries’ Legitimacy on the Flow of Capital into High-Technology Ventures

This article examines the influences of firms’ and industries’ legitimacy on the flow of resources into new technology ventures in emerging industries. We first present a model of the determinants of a new technology venture’s legitimacy, which considers its founders, its management team and the media attention it receives. A model of sources of industry legitimacy is developed, with multiple measures of both sociopolitical and cognitive forms of legitimacy.We test our ideas on a sample of 106 initial public offerings from biotechnology ventures during the emergence of the industry between 1981 and 1993. Our results demonstrate the vital role of sociopolitical and cognitive legitimacy at both firm and industry levels in attracting resources for new technology ventures.
Energy efficiency of Fog Computing and Networking services in 5G networks

Today many users with their smart mobile devices enjoy the benefits of broadband Internet services. This is primarily enabled by pushing computing, control, data storage and processing into the cloud. However, the cloud encounters growing limitations, such as reduced latency, high mobility, high scalability and real-time execution in order to meet the computing and intelligent networking demands for the next 5G mobile and wireless network. A new paradigm called Fog Computing and Networking, or briefly Fog has emerged to resolve these limits. Fog distributes computing, data processing, and networking services closer to the end users. It is an architecture where distributed edge and user devices collaborate with each other and with the clouds to carry out computing, control, networking, and data management tasks. Fog applied in 5G network can significantly improve network performance in terms of spectral and energy efficiency, enable direct device-to-device wireless communications, and support the growing trend of network function virtualization and separation of network control intelligence from radio network hardware. This paper evaluates the quality of cloud and fog computing and networking orchestrated services in 5G mobile and wireless network in terms of energy efficiency.
Mortality of patients with acute coronary syndromes still remains high: A follow‐up study of 1188 consecutive patients admitted to a university hospital

Background. Based on randomized clinical trials, mortality of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has been considered to be relatively low. The prognosis of clinical presentations of ACS in real‐life patient cohorts has not been well documented. Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate actual clinical outcome across the whole spectrum of ACS in a series of unselected prospectively collected consecutive patients from a defined geographical region, all admitted to one university hospital. Methods. A total of 1188 patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non‐ST‐elevation MI (NSTEMI) or unstable angina pectoris (UA) were included. Results. In‐hospital mortality was 9.6%, 13% and 2.6% (P<0.001) and mortality at a median follow‐up of 10 months 19%, 27% and 12% (P<0.001), for the three ACS categories, respectively. In multivariate Cox regression analysis age, diabetes mellitus type 1, diuretic use at admission, creatinine level, lower systolic blood pressure, STEMI and NSTEMI ACS category were associated with higher mortality during follow‐up. Conclusions. In an unselected patient cohort, short‐term mortality of MI patients, especially those classified as NSTEMI, still was high despite increasing use of proven treatment modalities.
Perception and attitude of Hong Kong hotel guest-contact employees towards tourists from Mainland China.

In recent years, the majority of arrivals to Hong Kong, which were once dominated by the Western and Japanese markets, were replaced by arrivals from Mainland China. The number of tourists from Mainland China has overtaken others to become the largest single market for the territory. With its increasing significance, providing quality service to these visitors becomes crucial to the success of the tourism industry and of the hotel industry in particular. Unfortunately, the satisfaction rating of the Mainland visitors on hotel services in Hong Kong is reported to be relatively low when compared to those given by other major markets. It is suspected that the perception and attitudes of the service staff may influence their behaviour in serving customers. As such, this study conducted a survey questionnaire with 228 guest-contact employees of hotels in Hong Kong. Results indicate that most respondents have a fairly positive perception towards the Mainland tourists in relation to the economic and financial benefits that they bring to Hong Kong. However, a majority of the respondents express negative perception and attitudes towards these tourists in respect to their appearance, personalities and behaviour. Despite some respondents indicating that they exhibit different service behaviour towards visitors from Mainland China and other countries, no major significant differences in their perception and attitudes were found in this study. It is recommended that various types of cross-cultural training, such as sensitivity training and role playing, would be helpful to guest-contact employees in enhancing their ability to be more objective and more tolerant of other people's behaviour. This study concludes that hotel employees, especially those who work as front-line staff, must remain aware of their subjective judgments when dealing with guests and be more accepting of others. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A TEST: CAN STEWARDSHIP THEORY SERVE AS A SECOND CONCEPTUAL FOUNDATION FOR ACCOUNTABILITY METHODS IN CONTRACTED HUMAN SERVICES?

Stewardship theories have been proposed recently as the possible basis for the reform of roles and responsibilities of principals and agents in government contracted service relations, and for the design and development of more effective methods for ensuring accountability (and quality) in contracted human services. This article reports on an empirical field study that tested the relationship between two values-related independent variables associated with stewardship theories–values convergence and altruistic (public service) values–and service quality of contracted providers. The study did not demonstrate a positive relationship between the independent variables and service quality, but the authors argue that stewardship theory should not be dismissed yet as a conceptual foundation for the development of methods for ensuring accountability in human services contracting. They urge additional research in this area.
The impact of values, environmental concern, and willingness to accept economic sacrifices to protect the environment on tourists’ intentions to buy ecologically sustainable tourism alternatives

The present study examines the impact of values, environmental concern, and willingness to accept economic sacrifices to protect the environment on tourists' intentions to buy ecologically sustainable tourism alternatives. The data were collected in a web-based survey and analysed by using structural equation modeling. The results show that universalism is related to environmental concern in the hypothesized direction. Significant positive relationships were found between environmental concern and the willingness to accept economic sacrifices to protect the environment, as well as between environmental concern and the intentions to buy ecologically sustainable tourism alternatives. Further, a positive relationship was found between willingness to accept economic sacrifices to protect the environment and the intentions to buy ecologically sustainable tourism alternatives. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
R&D strategies and variable demand

This paper looks at some of the factors imposing on the resourcing of R&D in the face of fluctuating demand. R&D has various features that differentiate it from other aspects of corporate activity and consequently managerial strategies for dealing with R&D may vary substantially. The implications for R&D strategies and the acquisition of technology are considered under different demand conditions. Various alternative strategies are developed including contracting out, technology licensing and the maintenance of an in-house facility through labour hoarding. New and existing empirical estimates are used to support the arguments and explain corporate strategy in this area.
Seeing the trees for the network: consensus, information content, and superphylogenies.

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Rent Seeking, Noncompensated Transfers, and Laws of Succession

My purpose in this paper is to analyze inefficiencies that may emerge from the noncompensated transfer of valued rights among persons. This source of inefficiency has not, to my knowledge, been fully incorporated either in the economic theory of property rights or in orthodox tax analysis. My discussion is based on the elementary fact that all noncompensated transfers are rents to the recipients. Implications for the emergence of rent-seeking behavior follow straightforwardly. The now-familiar propositions to the effect that rent seeking may dissipate economic value can be applied to a variety of transfer settings, only a few of which are explored in this paper.1 To the extent that the efficiency criterion is the relevant norm, direct implications may be drawn for policy with respect to the laws or rules for succession.
The rise and fall of the Hungarian greens

Environmental politics was an issue in Hungary even before the collapse of communist rule, and some of the leaders went on to become active in post‐communist politics. Yet this concern has not been reflected in the legislative output of parliament. ‘Green’ issues were adopted by all parties, and the green movement splintered, thereby reducing its impact, particularly in conditions of economic distress. Competition with the advanced capitalist countries may further erode the political impact of environmental issues in the striving for economic advantage.
Multiple gastrointestinal stromal tumors of the duodenum and proximal jejunum : an unexpected finding in an emergency laparotomy

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) of the duodenum are relatively rare and difficult to diagnose in early stage because it lacks pathognomonic symptoms. Here, we report a case of multiple GISTs involving the third and fourth portions of the duodenum and proximal jejunum, which were revealed in an emergent laparotomy. A 40-year-old, previously healthy man was referred to the Emergency Department with perineal trauma and diagnosed with a rectal perforation. The rectal perforation was repaired and solid nodules were detected on the proximal jejunum during the laparotomy that proved to be GISTs after histological examination. The patient was then readmitted and an enhanced CT of the abdomen revealed two smooth-outlined solid masses in the fourth part of the duodenum, but no mass was found on the proximal jejunum. During laparotomy, there were two solid masses located on the third portion of duodenum and about 30 solid nodules on the proximal jejunum that were not revealed by the preoperative CT scan. A local resection and primary closure was performed on the four isolated GISTs on the third and fourth portions of the duodenum. The proximal jejunum (~35 cm) with crowed solid tiny nodules was removed and a feeding catheter was placed in the jejunum distal to the anastomosis for postoperative feeding. Local or segmental resection is recommended when the lesions are located on the third and fourth portions of the duodenum according to literature review. A jejunal feeding catheter may be considered to prevent anastomotic leakage and to hasten recovery.