Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Relationship among Ankle Function, Functional Capacity, and Body Composition to Balance in Geriatric Populations

The primary purpose of this research study was to identify significant relationships among measures of ankle strength, ankle range of motion, body composition, and functional capacity to balance ability in geriatric populations which may potentially assist in identifying older individuals with increased risk of falling. A battery of five test (ankle strength assessments, ankle range of motion , DXA, functional fitness, and balance) were administered to 20 participants (6 males, 14 females, mean age 69.78 ± 3.98) that had indicated to be at least 65 years of age or older and no history of falls within the previous 12 months. Results demonstrated that no significant statistical relationships exist between functional components (R 2 = .240, Part 2 = .11, p = .358), relative strength (R 2 = .240, Part 2 = .09, p = .358), range of motion (R 2 = .240, Part 2 = .00, p = .358) and body composition (R 2 = .240, Part 2 = .07, p = .358) as each relates to balance. Additionally, the data failed to demonstrate any significant relationship of relative ankle strength (R 2 = .19, Part 2 = .08, p = .221) and ankle range of motion (R 2 = .10, Part 2 = .08, p = .221) as compared to functional capacity. Although the data failed to demonstrate statistical significance or strong correlations, the individual components effect on balance may be more appropriately observed when combined with more complex indicators of fall risk such as gait analysis or biomechanical measures in dynamic balance conditions. Table of
Divisible Transferable Anonymous Electronic Cash System for General Use

In this paper we propose an elegant and unique divisible transferable anonymous electronic cash system with observer. The proposed divisible e-cash solves most of the crucial problems with existing paper cash and untraceable e-cash proposals. Electronic cash provides unconditional anonymity to the user. Research- ers observed, however, that if anonymity in payment system is unconditional, it might be exploited to facilitate crimes like money laundering. This observation spurred research into the idea of making anonymity in payment systems conditional, and, in particular, revocable by a third party or trustee or observer under bank's order. The idea of having an observer is that it can be incorporated in the wallet in such a way that no user module can do a transaction on its own. For any transaction protocol to be executed by the wallet, it needs help (a secret informa- tion) from the observer i.e. the wallet and the observer must confirm mutually when they work together. The advantage of the proposed electronic cash system is that it is able to construct an observer capable of co- operating with divisible and transferable e-cash. Due to the presence of observer, the proposed e-cash has prior resistance of double spending. In each transfer of divisible e-cash, coin authentication and denomination revela- tion is checked to verify the validity of divisible e-cash. In any stage of coin transfer, the anonymity is guaran- teed with protection of double spending.
Biophysical forcings of land‐use changes from potential forestry activities in North America

Land-use changes through forestry and other activities alter not just carbon storage, but biophysical properties, including albedo, surface roughness, and canopy conductance, all of which affect temperature. This study assessed the biophysical forcings and climatic impact of vegetation replacement across North America by comparing satellite-derived albedo, land surface temperature (LST), and evapotranspiration (ET) between adjacent vegetation types. We calculated radiative forcings (RF) for potential local conversions from croplands (CRO) or grasslands (GRA) to evergreen needleleaf (ENF) or deciduous broadleaf (DBF) forests. Forests generally had lower albedo than adjacent grasslands or croplands, particularly in locations with snow. They also had warmer nighttime LST, cooler daily and daytime LST in warm seasons, and smaller daily LST ranges. Darker forest surfaces induced positive RFs, dampening the cooling effect of carbon sequestration. The mean (±SD) albedo-induced RFs for each land conversion were e.
Effects of Labour Mobility: An Analysis of Recent International Development Literature

Successive censuses have shown that the Aboriginal populations of Canada are very mobile with strong tendencies to move to urban areas, but little is known about the consequences of these circular movements on the development of First Nations, the welfare of individual members and their families, and the costs and benefits to their larger communities. This article reviews the large body of literature on the nexus between mobility and development of countries in the developing world with a view to developing insights that may be relevant to the development of First Nation communities. While there are clear differences, the two contexts may be similar enough – in terms of socio-economic well-being, service levels, and institutional barriers to socio-economic development – for such analysis to contribute to understanding the effects of migration on the migrants themselves, their households, and their communities and countries of origin. The experience of developing countries suggest that there are positive gains not only in earnings but also in education and health for those who move internally and more so for those able to move internationally, even if there remain some concerns about negative effects on migrants’ families left behind, especially on the children. What seems clear is that migration plays an important role in family survival strategies. Money migrants send home finance the education of children, enable better health care, and improve housing. They shield migrants’ families against all kinds of “shocks”. However, emigration may reduce the human capital stock (brain drain), thus adversely affecting productivity. The loss of health professionals can set back critical medical services in remote communities, and disrupt formal and informal systems for transferring know-how. These “spill-over effects” or externalities on origin communities can be significant, imposing burdens on those left behind. Finally, the article looks at how diaspora communities have served as sources of information, linkages, or networks with businesses, markets for sovereign bonds, mediums for the transfer of technology and know-how, and a market for tourism.
Spatial ecology of a small desert shrub on adjacent geological substrates

1 Spatial pattern analyses were used to generate hypotheses about the processes that shape the structure of a plant community in the Mojave Desert of North America, with a focus on the semi‐shrub Ambrosia dumosa. We analysed spatial distributions and sizes of this species relative to other semi‐shrubs, shrubs and annuals, and the relationships between spatial patterns and abiotic and biotic habitat characteristics.
Structure-based drug design approach to target toll-like receptor signaling pathways for disease treatment

Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathways are the first line of defence against many microbial organisms. The question of how TLRs recognize endogenous ligands remains controversial. Several studies have shown that TLRs are implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, in structure-based drug design, TLRs are now viewed as potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. This review shows how proteins, specifically TLRs, are used as therapeutic targets to design inhibitors (drugs) using the structure-based drug design approach for disease treatment. Keywords: Structure-based drug design, Toll-like receptors, Autoimmune diseases, Endogenous ligands, X-ray crystallography, Homology modeling
THE TENSIOMYOGRAPHY USED FOR EVALUATING HIGH LEVEL BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this investigation is to obtain information about muscle stiffness, the mechanic and contractile properties of the muscles using the TMG with high level beach volleyball players as well as to demonstrate the usefulness of this method to evaluate the muscles in charge of the knee flexion and extension. METHODS: The investigation was carried out with a group of 24 beach volleyball players who took part in the Nestea European Championship Tour - Spanish Master held in the Gran Canaria, May 2009. The method of study used was a comparison of the individual cases of various athletes to ascertain the usefulness of this method in sports. The muscles which were analyzed are: vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (ML), rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF). RESULTS: Thus, with the information collected we can state the high level of usefulness of this method for the evaluation of muscle stiffness and balance between muscle structures of athletes. However, the validity and reconstruction of the results are conditioned to a strict protocol of evaluation. Moreover, the following criteria should be considered: individuality (the athlete's profile) and specifications (sport characteristics). CONCLUSIONS: The application of the TMG to high level players reveals the existence of important differences depending on their different roles in the game (defence, blocker or alternating both roles), the technical actions, the position on court (right-left) and the medical history of injuries.
Thoraxchirurgische Standardeingriffe zur Therapie des nicht-kleinzelligen Lungenkarzinoms

Surgery for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Surgical resection with complete media- stinal lymphadenectomy remains the primary treatment of choice for stages I and II NSCLC. At stage IIIA, resection is performed following neoadjuvant chemotherapy, while at stage IIIB chemotherapy or combined radiochemotherapy should be provided. Patients with stage-IV NSCLC are not amenable to curative treatment in most cases. If the carcinoma is localized within one single lobe, lobectomy represents the resec- tion of choice. While in most cases muscle-spar- ing thoracotomy has been performed for lobec- tomy, VATS lobectomy is going to become an es- tablished standard procedure for surgery at stage I NSCLC. At present, it seems that anatomic segmentectomy associated with lymph node sampling is an appropriate therapy for the man- agement of stage IA NSCLC identified in the eld- erly patient, those individuals with significant cardiopulmonary dysfunction. The clinical impact of anatomic segmentectomy in patients with NSCLC IA and good cardiopulmonary function still remains controversial although the results concerning disease-free survival, 5-year survival, morbidity, and mortality compare favourably with standard lobectomy for stage-I NSCLC. Wedge resection for stage-IA NSCLC should not be performed due to the higher rates of local tu- mour recurrence and reduced overall survival. During the last years, the rate of pneumonec- tomy for locally advanced NSCLC has diminished continuously because of the increased applica- tion of various modified broncho- and/or angio- plastic resection techniques. In case of pneu- monectomy, the bronchial stump has to be cov- ered with surrounding tissue especially in those patients at high risk for the development of post- pneumonectomy bronchial stump fistula. How- ever, the choice of adequate material for rein- forcement of the stump is still a matter of de- bate. Complete mediastinal lymphadenectomy does not raise complications in lung cancer sur- gery, improves the accuracy of staging, increases median survival, and should therefore be applied to patients with NSCLC at all resectable stages. Interdisz Onkol 2012; 1 (Pre-Publishing Online).
Nutritional profiling and value addition of products from Hypsizygus tessellatus

Hypsizygus tessellatus is a popular wild edible culinary mushroom commonly cultivated in Japan, East Asia and North Europe. It is rich in micro nutrients and has great anti-tumorous, anti-cancerous rich polysaccharide fractions i.e. β-glucan, thus making it a good source of nutraceuticals. The present study was undertaken to investigate the nutritional as well as medicinal profile of this mushroom. Freeze dried and hot air dried samples were taken for the analysis. HPLC-RID investigations were carried out to estimate the content of β-glucan. The results revealed that it contains high proportions of protein (33.89g/100g), fiber (13.20g/100g), carbohydrates (50.10g/100g), potassium (1575mg/100g), calcium (98mg/100g) and phosphorus (568mg100g). The fat content was found to be 2.80gm/100g. Iron (18mg/100g) and zinc (5mg/100g) were present in trace amounts. Freeze dried fruit bodies showed better results than hot air dried samples pertaining to all nutritional and nutraceutical parameters. Value added products i.e. biscuits and salted crackers were made by incorporating 5 and 10% mushroom powder in refined wheat flour and their proximate, organoleptic and bioactive constituents were analyzed. Sensory evaluation based on hedonic scale resulted in high sensory ratings of all the products. The present study suggested that incorporation of 5% mushroom powder in salted crackers ( Mathri) and 10% in biscuits not only increased concentration of protein, dietary fiber and β-glucan but also improved its flavor, texture and acceptability. Keywords: Hypsizygus tesellatus ; lyophilization; hot air drying; salted cracker; biscuits; β-glucan
The Capital Structure of Finnish Biotechnology SMEs - An empirical analysisi

This empirical study tests three different theoretical frameworks of capital structure choice on a cross-sectional data of 59 Finnish biotechnology SMEs. The theoretical approaches comprehend principal-agent, asymmetric information and trade-off theories. The purpose of the paper is to trial the validity of the theories applied and, more importantly, to deepen and broaden existing knowledge on a young and scarcely studied sector showing great potential, the Finnish biotechnology industry. The results of the empirical study based on regression analysis do not provide unconditional support for any of the frameworks. The evidence presented is only partially supportive. Reasons for this might be inherent in the general nature of the theories themselves as well as some unique characteristics of the biotech industry.
Causal Model for Predicting Knowledge Sharing via ICTs

Research has identified numerous constructs impacting employees’ use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for the purposes of knowledge seeking and knowledge contributing. Presently, there is a significant gap in the literature that examines factors that contribute to the most commonly accepted barriers to knowledge sharing and how these factors impact organizational knowledge management practices. This research examines three knowledge sharing barriers (lack of time, poor communications skills, and lack of trust) and proposes three shared contributing factors among them (role conflict, role ambiguity, and locus of control) and a moderator (ICT). A theoretical model is presented to explain the causal relationships between the contributors and ICT users’ knowledge seeking and knowledge contributing behaviors.
Protein Interactions in the Last Steps of the Endosomal Degradative Pathway

Endocytosis, the procedure whereby the plasma membrane invaginates to form endosomes, is essential for bringing many materials into the cell and for membrane recycling. Multiple cellular processes require endocytosis, including nutrient uptake, signal transduction, and cell-pathogen interactions. The fate of cargoes internalized in early endosomes depends on their nature. Some cargoes are recycled back to the plasma membrane, while others are delivered to late endosomes and finally degraded after fusion with lysosomes. During these processes, endosomes suffer translocation from the cell periphery to the perinuclear region, which is accompanied by fusion, invagination, tubulation, and membrane fission events. As expected, complex cellular signaling processes tightly control the endocytic pathway at different steps. Several GTPases, such as Rab7, Rab24 and Arl8b, associated with their effectors RILP, FYCO1 and PLEKHM1, are crucial for endosome trafficking. Here, we examine the current knowledge concerning endosome-lysosome fusion, emphasizing the main protein interactions related to this process.
UDC 517.58 Kwara Nantomah MONOTONICITY AND CONVEXITY PROPERTIES OF THE NIELSEN’S β-FUNCTION

The Nielsen’s β-function provides a powerful tool for evaluating and estimating certain integrals, series and mathematical constants. It is related to other special functions such as the digamma function, the Euler’s beta function and the Gauss’ hypergeometric function. In this work, we prove some monotonicity and convexity properties of the function by employing largely the convolution theorem for Laplace transforms.
Revisiting the Australia-New Zealand Comparison

Labour market regulation in Australia and New Zealand has proceeded along a similar trajectory, sometimes intersecting and other times appearing to take divergent paths. Interest in comparing both systems of labour market regulation peaked in the 1980s and early 1990s when there was a marked divergence. The structural divergence was highlighted by the abolition of compulsory arbitration and the introduction of the Employment Contracts Act in New Zealand. Since the early 1990s, there has been a re-convergence in the structures of labour market regulation. This re-convergence highlights a need to revisit the Australia-New Zealand comparison. This paper seeks to re-conceptualise the comparison by highlighting some of the limitations of the existing comparative literature and developing a broader framework that examines both the structures of labour market regulation and the functions that labour market institutions perform. In doing so, and in keeping with the earlier comparative literature, it seeks to contribute to the theoretical matrix within which cross-national industrial relations research is conducted.
Some aspects regarding the financial structure theories

In this paper the authors survey financial structure theories, from the start-up point, which is considered Modigliani and Miller’s capital structure irrelevance theorem, to recent theories, such as the pecking order and the market timing theory. For each type of model, a brief overview of the papers surveyed and their relation to each other is provided.
Down Syndrome and Patau Syndrome in the Same Sibship: Random or Not?

Objectives: Chromosomal abnormalities especially aneuploidies are the most common etiology for pregnancy loss. Trisomy 13, trisomy 18 and trisomy 21 are the most common chromosome autosomal aneuploidies with trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) being the most common chromosomal abnormality among liveborn infants. In previous reports, we noted that the recurrence of these aneuploidies in some families may not occur by chance alone. Methods: Extraction of relevant data from review of medical case notes of a young couple with two offspring with Down syndrome (DS) and Patau syndrome. Results: A family history of DS is a predisposing factor for both DS and other types of aneuploidy. Certain instances of non-disjunction error are not random. Conclusion: As the maternal age was not advanced in both pregnancies, there is a possibility that the recurrent aneuploidy in this family may not be accounted by chance alone. The risk of having subsequent affected pregnancy cannot be ignored in this family and prenatal diagnosis is strongly recommended in the subsequent pregnancy. Please download the full paper by clicking on the PDF file below.
Time-Series Analysis of Video Comments on Social Media

In this study, we propose a method to detect unfair rating cheat caused by multiple comment postings focusing on time-series analysis of the number of comments. We defined the videos that obtained a lot of comments by unfair cheat as ‘unfair video’ and defined the videos which obtained without unfair cheat as ‘popular video’. Specifically, our proposed method focused on the difference of chronological distributions of the comments between the popular videos and the unfair videos. As the evaluation result, our proposed method could obtain higher accuracy than that of the baseline method.
Analysis of ICA techniques in terms of Failure percentage and Average CPU Time for Real World BSS Task

Taking assumption the hidden sources are statistically independent, Independent component analysis technique separates these sources from a linear mixture of audio signals, communication signals generated by equally spaced independent audio sources. Since, in Audio applications source exhibit non dependence. Mutual information minimization corresponds to minimization of entropy, that ensures quality of separation and exploits non-Gaussianity, noncircularity and sample dependence simultaneously. In this paper these properties are exploited with the help of Cramer-Rao lower bound, modified convex divergence based ICA, Fast ICA and JADE. The performance of these techniques are examined with the help of a number of example and a comparative analysis presented in term of failure percentage and average CPU time taken for execution. Keywords— Independent Component Analysis, Blind Source Separation, Convex Divergence, Independence, non-Gaussianity,.
Closed Form Solutions of Combinatorial Graph Laplacian Estimation under Acyclic Topology Constraints

How to obtain a graph from data samples is an important problem in graph signal processing. One way to formulate this graph learning problem is based on Gaussian maximum likelihood estimation, possibly under particular topology constraints. To solve this problem, we typically require iterative convex optimization solvers. In this paper, we show that when the target graph topology does not contain any cycle, then the solution has a closed form in terms of the empirical covariance matrix. This enables us to efficiently construct a tree graph from data, even if there is only a single data sample available. We also provide an error bound of the objective function when we use the same solution to approximate a cyclic graph. As an example, we consider an image denoising problem, in which for each input image we construct a graph based on the theoretical result. We then apply low-pass graph filters based on this graph. Experimental results show that the weights given by the graph learning solution lead to better denoising results than the bilateral weights under some conditions.
The Construction of Conceptual Meaning in Print Footwear Advertisements

The aim of this study is to shed some light on how print footwear ads are created and interpreted from a cognitive linguistic perspective. With this purpose in mind we will analyse the various ways in which metaphor, metonymy and image schemas together with color are exploited by advertisers in this type of products to persuade the audience and influence their choices. Hence, a cognitive linguistic approach has been used to analyze nine advertisements that were released between the year 2006 and 2013 in an online corpus, “Adsoftheworld”, from its footwear section. The analysis is structured according to the theory of cognitive linguistics outlined over the last decades (amongst others see, for instance, Johnson, 1987; Lakoff, 1987 & 1990; Lakoff & Johnson, 1980 & 1999; Forceville, 1996, 2006, 2009 & 2012; Ruiz de Mendoza, 2000; Ungerer, 2000).