Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Usage and Technology Acceptance of Cloud Computing in Saudi Arabian Universities

Cloud computing promises many advantages like reduced expenses, on-demand access to computing resources and ease of use for both cloud providers and consumers. These benefits significantly contributed to the usage and technology acceptance of Cloud computing worldwide. In this study, we propose a two-dimensional research model namely motivators and inhibitors to examine the usage and the adoption of Cloud computing technology in Saudi Arabia. An extensive statistical analysis was conducted on data collected from more than 300 participants from 5 different universities in Saudi Arabia. Based on the results, we found that the two highest motivators for using Cloud computing from the perspective of Saudi Cloud consumers are ubiquitous network access and on demand (self-service) while the highest 5 inhibitors are availability, reliability, security, compliance, and privacy respectively. This can help decision makers in large Saudi Arabian organization in making a better decision regarding the adoption of cloud computing.
Joint physical custody, turning to parents for emotional support, and subjective health: A study of adolescents in Stockholm, Sweden

Aims: Among children with separated parents, the arrangement of joint physical custody, i.e. children living equally much in both parents’ homes, has increased substantially during the last decades in Sweden. To date, empirical research on the living conditions of this group is limited. This study analyses family type differences in turning to parents for emotional support and in subjective health among adolescents. The focus of the study is adolescents in joint physical custody, who are compared with those living with two original parents in the same household; those living (only) in a single-parent household; and those living (only) in a reconstituted family. Methods: The data come from the Stockholm School Survey of 2004, a total population survey of students in grade 9 (15–16 years) in Stockholm (n=8,840). Ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions were conducted. Results: Turning to both parents about problems is most commonly reported by adolescents in intact families, followed by those in joint physical custody. Adolescents in non-traditional family types report worse subjective health than adolescents in intact families, but the difference is smaller for those in joint physical custody than for those living with a single parent. The slightly poorer health of adolescents in joint physical custody than those in intact families is not explained by their lower use of parents as a source of emotional support. Conclusions: The study suggests that joint physical custody is associated with a higher inclination to use parents as a source of emotional support and better subjective health than other post-divorce family types.
Repercusión de la edad materna avanzada sobre el embarazo, el parto y el recién nacido

Se realizo un estudio descriptivo sobre la repercusion de la edad materna avanzada en el embarazo, el parto y el recien nacido, en el policlinico comunitario docente Previsora de Camaguey, desde el 1ro de junio de 2004 al 31 de mayo de 2005. Se incluyeron 32 de un total de 37 mujeres con edad materna avanzada, cuyos partos se produjeron en la fecha senalada, a las que se les aplico una encuesta disenada al efecto, que se convirtio en el registro primario de la investigacion. Los datos fueron procesados de forma computarizada, se utilizo el sistema MICROSTAT. Predominaron las mujeres entre 35-39 anos (75 %). El antecedente patologico personal que mas se presento fue la hipertension arterial cronica (85, 7 %). Las enfermedades propias del embarazo mas frecuentes fueron la amenaza de parto pretermino (73, 3 %), la enfermedad hipertensiva del embarazo (50 %) y la amenaza de aborto (43, 3 %.). Se constato un por ciento significativo de gravidas con tiempo de gestacion menor a 37 semanas (25 %), parto distoccico (46, 87 %) y recien nacidos menor de 2500g (21, 87%). Se encontro de manera importante antecedentes patologicos personales y enfermedades propias del embarazo en el estudio. Las acciones de salud en la comunidad deben incrementarse para la que la edad materna avanzada sobre la gestacion no constituya un problema para la poblacion gravida.
Security routing games with multivehicle Chinese postman problem

Key in the efforts to deter and prevent nuclear terrorism is the ability to detect the presence of possible nuclear threats in a given area. Resources capable of detecting such threats are limited, expensive, and only capable of scanning a certain total area in a given amount of time. This limit on the ability to detect nuclear threats makes imperative the development of efficient deployment strategies of the detection resources. In this work, we propose a Stackelberg game‐based model to determine the optimal patrolling strategy of security assets over a network in the presence of a strategic adversary that seeks to place a nuclear threat on edges of the network. To efficiently solve this model, we introduce a novel decomposition of the problem which requires the solution of a multivehicle rural Chinese postman problem (CPP). Our theoretical contributions present hardness and approximation results for the k‐vehicle rural CPP. Our computational results demonstrate the benefit of this decomposition for the nuclear threat detection security problem. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 64(3), 181–191 2014
An O(n log² h) Time Algorithm for the Three-Dimensional Convex Hull Problem

An algorithm is presented that constructs the convex hull of a set of n points in three dimensions in worst-case time $O(n\log ^2 h)$and storage $O(n)$, where h is the number of extreme points. This is an improvement of the $O(nh)$ time gift-wrapping algorithm and, if $h = o(2^{\sqrt {\log _2 n} } )$, of the $O(n\log n)$ time divide-and-conquer algorithm.
Inference Approach to Enhance a Portuguese Open Information Extraction

Open Information Extraction (Open IE) enables the extraction of facts in large quantities of texts written in natural language. Despite the fact that almost research has been doing in English texts, methods and techniques for other languages have been less frequent. However, those languages other than English correspond to 48% of content available on websites around the world. In this work, we propose a method for extracting facts in Portuguese without pre-determining the types of the facts. Additionally, we increased the quantity of those extracted facts by the use of an inference approach. Our inference method is composed of two issues: a transitive and a symmetric mechanism. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that inference approach is used to extract facts in Portuguese texts. Our proposal allowed an increase of 36% in quantity of valid facts extracted in a Portuguese Open IE system, and it is compatible in the quality of facts with English approaches.
Near Infrared InAs/GaAsSb Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diodes

A series of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with active layers based on InAs quantum dots (QDs) covered by GaAsSb capping layers is presented. Varying the Sb content in the capping layer from ~2 to ~28%, room temperature electroluminescence (EL) from 1.15 to 1.5 μm is obtained. The external efficiency of the devices, next, increases as the Sb is increased up to ~15% and then decreases for higher Sb contents, consistently with the reported increase of QD height with the Sb content up to ~15% and the band alignment transition from type I to type II above ~15% Sb. An analysis of the EL and photocurrent spectra shows that the emission from type I LEDs originates from the recombination between electrons and holes confined in the QDs. On the other hand, the EL from the type II devices is the combination of two different processes. First, recombination between electrons confined in the QDs and holes at the capping layer. Second, a type I-like recombination of electrons from the QDs and holes residing in extended levels of the quantum well composed by the capping layer and the QDs. The mechanisms responsible for the thermal quenching of the EL are also studied. Escape of holes from the QD to the capping layer is identified as the dominant mechanism for the type I devices, whereas in type II structures it is the escape of electrons from QD excited levels to the barrier which dominates.
Value Creation for SMES Using Collaborative Commerce Marketplaces

This shower head is designed to allow hot and cold water to shut off completely, when persons are soaping themselves, or when not in use, and it consists primarily of a main body, in which water flows into a channel, and proceeds into a minimum metering channel, that is designed to allow the minimum flow needed to operate the device. It further includes a plunger, which is compressed by water pressure in an upper chamber, so as to move it down to the closed position, and a manually operated release mechanism will tilt a valve, which will release the water pressure in the upper chamber, and cause it to flow out of the sprayer plate of the device.
Effects of MagPro™ on Muscle Performance

Abstract Gulick, DT, Agarwal, M, Josephs, J, Reinmiller, A, and Zimmerman, B. Effects of MagPro™ on muscle performance. J Strength Cond Res 26(9): 2478–2483, 2012—Athletes are on an endless quest to enhance performance and are frequently barraged by products that purport to contribute to various components of athletic activity. The purpose of this study was to determine if MagPro™ influenced muscle flexibility or muscle endurance. This was a double-blind, randomized, controlled study using a repeated-measures design. The Institutional Review Board approved consent was obtained. The participants were healthy, physically active adults (n = 38 for phase 1; n = 18 for phase 2). Two creams were used: MagPro™ (Mg2+ cream) and a placebo. In phase 1, each cream was applied to the gastroc-soleus muscles. A stretching protocol was completed, and ankle dorsiflexion was compared. In phase 2, 1 cream was applied to both quadriceps muscles. An endurance protocol using a Life Fitness bicycle was completed. The procedure was repeated with the other cream on the quadriceps muscle 1 week later. For the flexibility phase, an analysis of variance with repeated measures revealed no difference between the 2 creams (p = 0.50), but there was a change in the flexibility over time (p = 0.00). For the endurance phase, paired t-tests revealed that there was no significant difference between the first (p = 0.26) or second (p = 0.35) cycling bouts of either cream. Likewise, there were no differences between the first and second cycling bouts of both the creams (MagPro™ p = 0.46; Placebo p = 0.08). Despite previous studies demonstrating improved performance with Mg2+ supplements, MagPro™ did not enhance the outcome measures of this study. Examination of alternative application techniques and other outcome measures would be appropriate.
The prevalence of Mycoplasma fermentans in patients with inflammatory arthritides.

OBJECTIVES To search for evidence that Mycoplasma fermentans is involved in the pathogenesis of some forms of human arthritis by testing for the presence of mycoplasmal DNA in joint material. METHODS M. fermentans DNA was detected by the identification of a 104-base pair amplification product of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS M. fermentans DNA was detected in synovial fluid samples from six (17%) of 35 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 18 (21%) of 85 patients with seronegative arthritis. These detection rates were significantly greater than in samples from patients with osteoarthritis or crystal synovitis, none of 26 of these being positive. CONCLUSIONS M. fermentans could be involved in the pathogenesis of some forms of inflammatory arthritis and this possibility is worthy of further study.
Openloop Gain Criteria of Sampled-data Control Systems with Mechanical Resonant modes above the Nyquist Frequency

For some sampled-data systems such as hard disk drives, which have mechanical resonant modes above the Nyquist frequency, suppressing the gain of these modes is a trade-off issue in mechanical/control design. In this paper, we propose a new method to determine openloop gain criteria above the Nyquist frequency. It clarifies the upper limit of the gain so that helps to design less conservative controllers. The method is derived from a frequency response analysis of multi-rate sampled system using frequency response matrix. The validity of the method is demonstrated by numerical simulations
Evaluation of asset replacement strategies considering economic cycles: lessons from the machinery rental business

In businesses with heavy capital investments, the effective management of assets is crucial, in particular in the fleet rental business where assets are the major source of revenues. One important question in this regard concerns the replacement of used assets and the purchase of new assets. Thus, the objective of this study is to evaluate performance effects of asset replacement strategies. In order to maximise net cash flow of a rental company for construction machinery, a range of scenarios investigating the timing and nature of policies for replacing the fleet are analysed. Simulation findings are then discussed to generalise results beyond the insights for the case study company.
The influence of age on the results of reoperative coronary artery bypass grafting

BackgroundWith a steady increase in the number of elderly patients requiring coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), a larger portion of elderly patients will also become candidates for reoperative CABG. Scepticism still exists as to whether this operation is justified in older patients. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of increasing age on the outcome after reoperative CABG. MethodsBetween January 1, 1990 and June 30, 1996 563 patients underwent isolated reoperative CABG, and were included in this retrospective analysis. Patients who had combined procedures were excluded. The patients were divided by age into two groups: those aged 69 years or less (n = 507), and those older than 70 years (n = 56). Hospital mortality and morbidity for each group was compared. Medium-term survival for each group was compared with that of their age-matched population derived from Swiss life tables. ResultsThe patients aged 70 years and older had a higher New York Health Association functional class, and more patients had unstable angina requiring urgent surgery than did the younger patients. The elderly also showed an over-representation of diabetes and multifocal vascular disease (generalized arteriosclerotic disease), and there was a higher number of patients with triple-vessel disease and left stenosis (≥ 70%) in this group. Patients aged 70 years and older received fewer distal anastomoses (3.0 versus 3.6; P<0.01), and had a longer cardiopulmonary bypass time compared with the younger patients, but the ischemia time was similar in both groups. Hospital mortality was higher in patients older than 70 years (7.1 versus 1 7.9%). There was an increased frequency of postoperative low cardiac output and a higher incidence of gastrointestinal complications and transient renal failure amongst the elderly patients (≥ 70 years). Despite a higher hospital mortality rate and slightly increased morbidity the 5-year survival was excellent, and comparable with the age-matched population in both groups [89.6% (≤ 70 years) and 76.2% (≥ 70 years)]. The cardiac event-free survival was 79.8% (< 70 years), and 69.9% (> 70 years) after 5 years. ConclusionAn acceptable early mortality and long-term survival together with good functional long-term results support the justification of reoperative CABG in older patients, at least up to the age of 80 years.
Energy-Efficient Dimensioning with Traffic Engineering for Municipal Mesh Access Networks

We target energy efficiency of municipal access networks. A municipal access network typically provides coverage for city-wide area, and is characterized by diverse and dynamic traffic profiles. Most existing approaches to energy savings adapt network state to traffic variation. However, these approaches fail to capture the potential of energy savings by exploiting the traffic that has already existed in the network. We study network dimensioning for municipal mesh access networks to save energy by rearranging existing traffic and adjusting link rate. The problem of energy-efficient network dimensioning is formulated using mixed integer linear programming. We also propose an efficient heuristic algorithm that consists of both traffic engineering and link-rate adaptation. Numerical experimental results show that our scheme is more effective than link-rate adaptation in saving energy, and achieves a good balance between energy efficiency and resource efficiency.
Incorporation of thymol into corncob granules for reduction of odor and pathogens in feedlot cattle waste.

Confined animal feeding operations can be a source of odor emissions, global warming gases, water pollution, and food contamination. Laboratory studies have indicated that plant oils with antimicrobial activity can be used to control pathogens and odor emissions from cattle and swine wastes. However, these oils are aromatic and may volatilize when applied topically. Our objectives were to evaluate the volatility of thymol from a feedlot surface and the effectiveness of topically applying thyme oil (2.5% thymol), incorporated into corncob granules and added once per week, to control odor emissions and total coliforms in feedlot manure. In the first study, thymol either volatilized or was degraded within 28 d after topical application. In a second study, thyme oil (2.5% thymol) was incorporated into corncobs and applied to pen surfaces weekly. Manure samples from 6 locations in each pen were collected from 3 untreated and 3 thymol-corncob-treated pens (15 x 150 m; fifty 400-kg cattle/pen), 3 times per week for 8 wk. Samples were analyzed for thymol concentration, total VFA, branched-chain VFA, aromatic compounds, and the number of Escherichia coli and total coliform bacteria. Over the 8 wk, with the exception of wk 7, the desired thymol concentration of 15 to 20 micromol/g DM was maintained in the manure. Concentrations of VFA and branched chain-VFA increased over time in untreated and treated pens. However, the rate of VFA accumulation in treated pens (7.5 +/- 1.3 micromol.g DM(-1). wk(-1)) was less (P < 0.01) than the rate of accumulation in untreated pens (18.0 +/- 2.1 micromol.g DM(-1). wk(-1)). Likewise, the rate of branched-chain VFA accumulation in treated pens (0.31 +/- 0.04 micromol.g DM(-1). wk(-1)) was less (P < 0.01) than in untreated pens (0.55 +/- 0.06 micromol.g DM(-1). wk(1)). The concentrations of E. coli in treated pens (2.9 +/- 1.2 x 10(5) cfu.g DM(-1)) were 91% less (P < 0.04) than in untreated pens (31.1 +/- 4.0 x 10(5) cfu.g DM(-1)). Similarly, concentrations of coliforms in treated pens (3.7 +/- 1.3 x 10(5) cfu.g DM(-1)) were 89% less (P < 0.04) than those of untreated pens (35.3 +/- 4.2 x 10(5) cfu.g DM(-1)). These results indicate that odor emissions and total coliforms can be reduced in feedlot manure with a once per week application of thymol incorporated in a granular form. However, corncobs are bulky, and other granular carriers with a greater carrying capacity for thyme oil should be explored.
Securing QoS signaling in IP-based military Ad Hoc networks

QoS qualifiers in the IP header are prone to attacks. Malicious modifications may lead to theft of service as well as denial of service. Standard IPsec does not cover these header fields, leaving them prone to attacks. The article proposes a variant of the IPsec authentication header that includes protection of these fields. The solution is designed for single-domain networks with planned origin, such as military ad hoc networks.
Image Tranformation Using Variational Autoencoders

The way data are stored in a computer is definitively not the most intelligible approach that one can think about even though it makes computation and communication very convenient. This issue is essentially equivalent to dimensionality reduction problem under the assumption that the data can be embedded into a low-dimensional smooth manifold (Olah [2014]). We have seen couple of examples in the development of deep neural networks to embed dimension reduction problems:
Advanced object-oriented methods and concepts for simulations of multi-body systems

A common way to simulate the motion and behaviour of a complex system is to approximate it with a multi-body system based on particles, and to evaluate the particle interactions over time. Normally, the calculations require such a large amount of computer power that methods have been developed to decrease computation time by taking advantage of new computer architectures. These methods have been in use since the early 1980s, but there is still a lack of concepts supporting the application of these methods, to build highly efficient simulation systems with reusable entities. In this paper we describe a new approach for the development of flexible, efficient methods and techniques to control multi-body systems. The major goal of our concept is the integration of advanced modern simulation techniques such as particle-based modelling and simulated annealing, and efficient data structures such as octrees and the Greengard algorithm. We introduce high-level concepts represented by agents, environments, and controllers based on and supported by the object-oriented paradigm. We demonstrate the flexibility of our new simuation system for applications related to environmental research and air quality control.
Fatty acid desaturation and chain elongation in eukaryotes

Although the contribution of lipid molecules to the hydrophobic character of membranes was recognized late in the nineteenth century, the nutritional importance of specific lipid molecules was first revealed through the pioneering work of Burr and Burr in 1929. They fed rats a fat-free diet and observed that retarded growth, scaly skin, tail necrosis and eventual death were reversed by feeding specific fats. Linoleic acid was recognized as the active agent and the term 'essential fatty acid' was coined. During the 1950s, the advent of chromatographic techniques (gas-liquid and thinlayer chromatography) and greater availability of appropriate substrates and precursors labelled with radioisotopes contributed in a major way to current understanding of fatty acid metabolism. In the 1960s, studies focused on in vitro assays of specific enzymatic steps [ 1 ]. A9 desaturase was measured in yeast, rat liver microsomes and plants. It was determined that polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) formation in animal tissues involved A6 and A5 desaturation. Chain elongation of long chain fatty acids was found in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria [2,3]. Relationships between essential fatty acids and prostaglandins (Chapter 13) were elucidated. Subsequent work led to an understanding of primary, alternate and competitive pathways of desaturation and chain elongation and of factors that regulate fatty acid metabolism. The 1990s and 21st century have seen the advent of molecular and genetic systems that support in-depth analysis of the regulation of fatty acid elongation and desaturation pathways [4-9]. More complete understanding of the roles of particular unsaturated fatty acids in the regulation of cell biology and human health and disease continues to evolve.