Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Schizophrenia, Culture, and Subjectivity: Schizophrenia as a Paradigm Case for Understanding Fundamental Human Processes

From the standpoint of an anthropology concerned with the nature and meaning of subjective experience, it would appear to be commonplace to argue that a theoretically grounded understanding of cultural orientation, self, emotion, and social relations is vital to the analysis of a complex pathological phenomenon such as schizophrenia.3 At the same time, the study of schizophrenia illuminates the nexus between culture and fundamental human processes and capacities for experience. Although the latter idea may appear novel or undue both in an anthropology that typically bypasses schizophrenia and in a psychiatry dominated by neuroscience and psychopharmacology, in this chapter I seek to demonstrate that it is neither.4 My argument cuts both ways – not only does the anthropological commonplace hold for the study of schizophrenia, but schizophrenia itself offers a paradigm case for scientific understandings of culturally fundamental and ordinary processes and capacities of the self, the emotions, and social engagement.5 This position stands in contrast to the presumption in medical and social sciences that schizophrenia is immaterial to theorizing the configuration of human experience and development because it is utterly foreign to normal experience and subversive of normal development. This is because it is thought to dislodge fundamental capacities for subjective experience. Degenerative and irreversible physiological
Optimization of Dynamic Guaranteed Minimum Return, Investment And Reinsurance Strategy By Balancing the Risks And Benefit of Both Insurers And Consumers

rate of return, as well as optimal investment and reinsurance strategies of universal life insurance by minimizing both the investment risk and the risk of obtaining guaranteed return, with the constraint of surplus larger than a prescribed constant. We also discuss the application of dynamic programming in finding dynamic solutions to these optimization problems. We analyse the affect of the change of the risk-free interest rate, the age of insured, the cost of reinsurance, and mortality on optimal solutions. Our results indicate that changes in the insured age, in the risk-free interest rate (when risk-free interest rate takes high value), and of mortality will not materially affect the optimal value of minimum guaranteed return rate, investment and reinsurance strategies except for the situation when mortality decreases. However, changing these parameters will affect the sum of the volatilities of investment and minimum guaranteed return rate and the surplus of the insurer. The results also indicate that the optimal and sub-optimal minimum guarantee return rates are very low when risk-free interest rate is very low (  ). Optimization of Dynamic Guaranteed Minimum Return, Investment And Reinsurance Strategy By Balancing the Risks And Benefit of Both Insurers And Consumers*
Deferred Compensation, Managerial Retirement, and the Stewardship Perspective of Financial Accounting

In light of the recent financial crisis and corresponding debates on the pay and incentives of managers, especially in the financial sector, regulators aim at strengthening the sustainability of managerial activities by prescribing deferred compensation for executive contracts. While such deferred compensation can take on multiple forms, we focus on one specific variant which relates post-retirement pay to an accounting performance measure. In a dynamic agency model we analyze analytically how a mandatory deferred compensation regime interacts with characteristics of an accounting system. Our results reveal that mandatory deferred compensation is no panacea for solving incentive problems as it does not increase shareholder value in every scenario. However, deferred compensation is helpful in promoting long-term incentives and potentially mitigates negative effects arising from earnings management, while its interaction with the timeliness of the accounting system needs to be considered.
A SAR ADC with energy-efficient DAC and tri-level switching scheme

This paper presents a 10-bit successive approximation register (SAR) ADC with an energy-efficient switching approach of capacitive DAC. The proposed switching method lessens the dynamic offset effect coming from the asymmetric capacitive switching. A tri-level algorithm is applied additionally to make the ADC more power-efficient and is implemented with switching-capacitive voltage generator without consuming static power. It consumes 3. 87μW at 0.5V supply and 1.28MS/s sampling rate, and achieves ENOB of 9.69-bit and FOM of 3.66 fJ/conversion-step. This SAR ADC has been fabricated by TSMC 90nm CMOS process technology.
Coordinated Planning in Revenue Management

Revenue management has been applied in service industries for more than thirty years. Since then, revenue management has been transferred to other industries like manufacturing or e- fulfillment. Short-term revenue management decisions are taken based on other, longer-term decisions such as decisions about actual capacity, segment-based prices or the price fences in place. While optimization approaches have been developed for each of these planning tasks in isolation, existing approaches typically do not consider interactions between planning tasks. This thesis considers coordinated planning in revenue management, that is the interaction of revenue management decisions with other planning tasks. First, we provide an overview of both the literature on coordinated decision making in the context of revenue management in different industries, and the literature on existing frameworks, which aim to structure the planning tasks around revenue management. We find that the planning tasks relevant to revenue management differ across the industries considered. Moreover, planning tasks are relevant on different hierarchical levels in different industries. We discuss an approach for an industry-independent framework. Based on the relevant planning tasks identified, we investigate the long-term performance of revenue management and therefore the integration of revenue management and customer relationship management. We present a stochastic dynamic programming approach, where the firm’s allocation decision impacts future customer demands by influencing the repurchase probabilities of customers, depending on whether their request has been accepted or rejected. We show that a protection level policy is not necessarily optimal in a two-period setting. In a numerical study, we find that the value of looking ahead in time is low on average but may be substantial in some scenarios. However, the benefit from regular demand updates is considerably higher than the additional value of looking ahead in time on average. Lastly, we investigate the interaction of revenue management and fencing. We account for the trade-off between price-driven demand leakage on the one hand and costs for fencing on the other hand. We show that fencing decisions have an impact on the optimal capacity allocation, but that this is not the case vice versa as the fencing decision does not depend on the allocation decision. Taking both decisions sequentially is therefore optimal. We extend our approach in order to account for additional stock-out-based demand substitution. Then, both decisions depend on each other and firms should take both decisions simultaneously.
Motion segmentation in compressed video using Markov Random Fields

In this paper, we propose an unsupervised segmentation algorithm for extracting moving objects/regions from compressed video using Markov Random Field (MRF) classification. First, motion vectors (MVs) are quantized into several representative classes, from which MRF priors are estimated. Then, a coarse segmentation map of the MV field is obtained using a maximum a posteriori estimate of the MRF label process. Finally, the boundaries of segmented moving regions are refined using color and edge information. The algorithm has been validated on a number of test sequences, and experimental results are provided to demonstrate its superiority over state-of-the-art methods.
Palliative treatment of the patient with advanced cancer.

Many thousands of patients with cancer are being cured each year with the resources already at the command of physicians, but there are just as many who are not cured. The very existence of each of these uncured patients drives home the fact that possibly some physician did too little or saw the patient too late or possibly the patient had a type of cancer in which there was only a remote chance of cure, whatever or whenever it was done. Every death from cancer is indicative of failure somewhere along the line; failure to teach patients to come early for advice, failure of the physician to act quickly and thoroughly or failure of the members of the medical profession to find the cause of and a sure cure for all cancers. Since this is true the attitude of the physician who is dealing with a patient with advanced cancer
General practitioners’ perceptions of and involvement in health behaviour change: can computer-tailored interventions help?

Aim To explore GPs’ perceptions of their role in primary prevention, barriers experienced and willingness to accommodate an automated, computer-tailored intervention. Background General practice is an attractive setting for primary prevention of chronic disease. Due to constraints in time and knowledge it is underutilised. Methods Telephone interviews of 13 GPs in Brisbane, Australia, whose patients were previously involved in a lifestyle change research project. Qualitative responses were grouped into themes. Findings GPs perceived their role in lifestyle change as ‘educators’, ‘supporters’ and ‘prompters’. Smoking and physical activity were addressed more often than alcohol and salt intake. Longer lifestyle-focussed consultations and computer-generated reminders were suggested to overcome barriers. A computer-tailored approach was appreciated due to its minimal impact on practice routine. GPs understand their role in primary prevention but need help to overcome barriers. GP initiated consultations focusing on lifestyle and prevention along with computer support systems could improve capability for prevention in general practice.
VOLUNTEERED GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (VGI) AND ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING, A NEW APPROACH IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Abstract. Increasing world population and unprecedented expansion of urbanization in the world has caused many environmental problems. The relationship between man and the environment is bidirectional one that have great short-term and long-term impacts on the cities and regions. The best way to deal with it is the participation of the people themselves. The use of new technologies has now become one of the most important methods for monitoring the environment that can increase the participation of citizens, improving environmental problems to provide the cheapest and the most accessible form. Developing countries such as Iran, which faces enormous environmental problems are suitable for the development of technological methods of monitoring. Large population and citizens’ participation feasibility using VGI can have a positive effect on developing countries. Finally, by using F-VGI that ensures the validity and accuracy of data we can access an appropriate platform that leads us to suitable model for environment monitoring in the form of the application.
Long‐Term Outcomes of CMV Disease Treatment with Valganciclovir Versus IV Ganciclovir in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Though an important cause of morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplantation (SOT), the long‐term outcomes of cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease treatment have not been well studied. In a randomized trial, 321 SOT recipients with CMV disease were followed 1 year after treatment with either twice daily intravenous ganciclovir or oral valganciclovir (for 21 days) followed by once daily valganciclovir until day 49 in all patients. Clinical and viral eradication of CMV disease was similar between groups. Clinical recurrence beyond day 49 was found in 15.1% and virological recurrence in 30.0%, no difference between groups (p > 0.77). In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, the only independent predictor for recurrence was failure to eradicate DNAemia by day 21 (clinical: OR 3.9 [1.3–11.3], p = 0.012; virological: OR 5.6 [2.5–12.6], p < 0.0001). Eight patients developed ganciclovir resistance, with no difference between groups (p = 0.62). Twenty patients (valganciclovir: 11, ganciclovir: 9, p = 0.82) died, 12 due to infections, two involving CMV disease. There were no differences in long‐term outcomes between treatment arms, further supporting the use of oral valganciclovir for treatment of CMV disease. Persistent DNAemia at day 21, CMV IgG serostatus and development of resistance may be relevant factors for further individualization of treatment.
Benefits of self‐monitoring blood glucose in the management of new‐onset Type 2 diabetes mellitus: The St Carlos Study, a prospective randomized clinic‐based interventional study with parallel groups

Background: Intensive treatment of patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) from the moment of diagnosis facilitates β‐cell recovery. Self‐monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG)‐based educational and pharmacological intervention may be better than conventional HbA1c algorithms in the treatment of newly diagnosed T2DM.
FIGO stage IIIC endometrial carcinoma: Resection of macroscopic nodal disease and other determinants of survival

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential survival benefit of debulking macroscopic adenopathy and other clinical prognostic factors among patients with node-positive endometrial carcinoma. Demographic, operative, pathologic, & follow-up data were abstracted retrospectively for 41 eligible patients with FIGO stage IIIC endometrial cancer. Survival curves were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method and statistical comparisons were performed using the log rank test, logistic regression analysis, and the Cox proportional hazards regression model. All patients had positive pelvic lymph nodes and 20 patients (48.8%) had positive para-aortic lymph nodes. Postoperatively, all patients received whole pelvic radiation therapy, 17 received extended-field radiation therapy, and 15 patients received chemotherapy. The median disease-specific survival (DSS) time for all patients was 30.6 months (median follow-up 34. 0 months). Patients with completely resected macroscopic lymphadenopathy had a significantly longer median DSS time (37.5 months), compared to patients left with gross residual nodal disease (8.8 months, P = 0.006). On multivariate analysis, independent predictors of DSS were gross residual nodal disease (HR 7.96, 95% CI 2.54–24.97, P < 0. 001), age ≥ 65 years (HR 6.22, 95% CI 2.05–18.87, P = 0.001), and the administration of adjuvant chemotherapy (HR 0.22, 95% CI 0.07–0.76, P = 0.016). We conclude that in patients with stage IIIC endometrial carcinoma, complete resection of macroscopic nodal disease and the administration of adjuvant chemotherapy, in addition to directed radiation therapy, are associated with improved survival.
Trust based Automatic Query formulation Search on Expert and Knowledge Users Systems

Due to enhance in complexity of services, there is a necessity for dynamic interaction models. For a s erviceoriented system to work properly, we need a context -sensitive trust based search. Automatic informatio n transfer is also deficient when unexpected query is given. However, it shows that search engines are v ulnerable in answering intellectual queries and shows an unre liable outcome. The user cannot have a fulfillment with these results due to lack of trusts on blogs. In ou r modified trust algorithm, which process exact ski ll matching and retrieval of information based on proper conten t rank. Our contribution to this system is new modi fied trust algorithm with automatic formulation of meani ngful query search to retrieve the exact contents f rom the top-ranked documents based on the expert rank and t heir content quality verified of their resources pr ovided. Some semantic search engines cannot show their important performance in improving precision and loweri ng recall. It hence effectively reduces complexity in combining HPS and software services.
Advances in hematopoietic stem cell research through mouse genetics

Purpose of reviewSuccessful bone marrow transplantation involves migration of hematopoietic stem cells through the blood, entering the extravascular hematopoietic cords, lodging in the proper niche, and expanding and differentiating to produce large numbers of mature cells – all without depletion of the stem cell pool. An additional variable in these processes is the age of both the donor bone marrow and the recipient. Basic stem cell biology and transplant biology aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms controlling these processes. Recent findingsMouse genetics is a frequently used tool that allows dissection of individual pathways that influence properties of hematopoietic stem cells. Recently, the conception of a niche has been expanded to include evidence for a vascular and an endosteal niche. Additionally, hematopoietic stem cell interactions within the niche have been further defined, documenting the importance of cell cycle, cell adhesion, response to cytokine stimulation and age-dependent functional changes. A new model for hematopoietic stem cell aging was proposed that supports the hypothesis that stem cell aging is at least partially due to an accumulation of DNA damage leading to exhaustion. SummaryThis review focuses on the last year's progress using mouse genetics as a tool to study intrinsic mechanisms of hematopoietic stem cell biology.
Do firms’ exports affect analysts’ forecast errors?

Abstract This paper aims to provide insights into the forces and constraints that shape the forecast errors of local analysts when a firm enjoys both domestic and foreign earnings. By applying a unique hand-collect export dataset of Chinese listed firms, the key finding shows that the forecast earnings of exporting firms issued by local analysts deviate more from the actual earnings than those for non-exporting firms. On the contrary, foreign analysts exhibit an informational advantage to local analysts when forecasting the earnings of exporting firms. A two-stage selection model and propensity score matching procedure are applied for correcting the endogeneity problem in a corporate exporting decision. A detailed investigation shows that the forecast errors of local analysts increased significantly during the financial crisis of 2008. Also, the forecast errors of foreign analysts were smaller after the IFRS were been adopted in China than before. Our findings indicate that the accuracy of local analysts may suffer from the macro-economic environment in an export-driven nation.
Blockade of costimulation between T cells and antigen-presenting cells: an approach to suppress murine Graves' disease induced using thyrotropin receptor-expressing adenovirus.

OBJECTIVE Immune responses require costimulatory interactions between molecules on antigen-presenting cells and T cells: CD40 binding to CD40 ligand and B7 binding to CD28. Graves' hyperthyroidism is induced in BALB/c mice by immunization with thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) A-subunit adenovirus (Ad-A-subunit). We attempted to modulate Ad-A-subunit-induced Graves' disease using adenoviruses expressing costimulation "decoys": CD40-IgG-Fc (CD40-Ig) to block CD40:CD40-ligand interactions and CTLA4-Fc (CTLA4-Ig) to prevent B7:CD28 binding. OUTCOME Unexpectedly, coimmunizing mice with Ad-A-subunit and excess control adenovirus (1:10 Ad-A-subunit:Ad-control) reduced TSHR antibody levels (thyrotropin binding inhibition [TBI]). Furthermore, only 15% of mice developed hyperthyroidism versus 75% using the same Ad-A-subunit dose (10(8) particles) without Ad-control. This effect was related to the dose of control adenovirus but not to the adenovirus insert, the timing or immunization site. Increasing the Ad-subunit dose (10(9) particles) and decreasing the control adenovirus dose (10:1 Ad-A-subunit:Ad-control) induced high TBI levels and 80% of mice were hyperthyroid. Coimmunization with Ad-CD40-Ig (but not Ad-CTLA4-Ig) reduced the incidence of hyperthyroidism to 40%. CONCLUSIONS Using appropriate controls and adenovirus ratios, our data suggest the importance of CD40:CD40-ligand interactions for inducing Graves' hyperthyroidism by Ad-A-subunit. Furthermore, our observations emphasize the potential pitfalls of non-specific inhibition by coimmunization with two adenovirus species.
MicroRNA dilution during oocyte growth disables the microRNA pathway in mammalian oocytes

Abstract MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are ubiquitous small RNAs guiding post-transcriptional gene repression in countless biological processes. However, the miRNA pathway in mouse oocytes appears inactive and dispensable for development. We propose that marginalization of the miRNA pathway activity stems from the constraints and adaptations of RNA metabolism elicited by the diluting effects of oocyte growth. We report that miRNAs do not accumulate like mRNAs during the oocyte growth because miRNA turnover has not adapted to it. The most abundant miRNAs total tens of thousands of molecules in growing (∅ 40 μm) and fully grown (∅ 80 μm) oocytes, a number similar to that observed in much smaller fibroblasts. The lack of miRNA accumulation results in a 100-fold lower miRNA concentration in fully grown oocytes than in somatic cells. This brings a knock-down-like effect, where diluted miRNAs engage targets but are not abundant enough for significant repression. Low-miRNA concentrations were observed in rat, hamster, porcine and bovine oocytes, arguing that miRNA inactivity is not mouse-specific but a common mammalian oocyte feature. Injection of 250,000 miRNA molecules was sufficient to restore reporter repression in mouse and porcine oocytes, suggesting that miRNA inactivity comes from low-miRNA abundance and not from some suppressor of the pathway.
Reliability in Wireless Sensor Networks for Environment Monitoring

Abstract: Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have been increasingly used in society and industrial environments. However, there are still several challenges in developing applications as well as in guaranteeing their operation in critical environments. There are many factors that contribute to these challenges, including the constraints and limitations of the sensor nodes, the noisy and interference environments, and the differences between WSNs and traditional networks. The main objective of this paper is to describe the project developed in the Department of Electronics, Telecommunications and Information Networks of Escuela Politecnica Nacional in Ecuador to use reliable solutions of WSNs to environmental monitoring as an alternative to conventional solutions. Resumen: Las Redes Inalambricas de Sensores (WSNs) han incrementado cada vez mas su uso tanto en la sociedad como en el entorno industrial. Sin embargo, aun hay varios retos en el desarrollo de aplicaciones, asi como la de garantizar su funcionamiento en ambientes criticos. Hay muchos factores que contribuyen a esos retos, incluyendo las restricciones y limitaciones de los nodos sensores, los ambientes con interferencia y ruido y las diferencias entre las WSNs y redes tradicionales. El principal objetivo de este articulo es describir el proyecto desarrollado en el Departamento de Electronica, Telecomunicaciones y Redes de Informacion de la Escuela Politecnica Nacional de Ecuador, en el uso de soluciones confiables de Redes Inalambricas de Sensores (WSNs) para monitoreo ambiental, como una alternativa a las soluciones convencionales.