Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Quantitative Model and Demonstration of Industrial Cluster Based on Social Network Analysis

In recent years, different insights have been offered by economic literature on the role of ′clusters′ of firms as (engines) of endogenous growth. (Social) Network analysis is explicitly interested in the relationships among social actors. This paper explores the relationship between the network positions of firm clusters. We adopt a systematic social network analysis and graph theoretical methodologies that allows us to construct cognitive linkages and relational data measuring the network positions of firms cluster. The paper is structured as follows: the first section will present the open issues in this (field) of clusters study. The second section will provide a theoretical framework of social network analysis. The third section will concentrate on the methodology applied to this current research.
Evidence that Blue‐on Cells are Part of the Third Geniculocortical Pathway in Primates

Colour vision in primates is mediated by cone opponent ganglion cells in the retina, whose axons project to the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus in the visual thalamus. It has long been assumed that cone opponent ganglion cells project to the parvocellular layers of the geniculate. Here, we examine the role of a third subdivision of the geniculocortical pathway: the interlaminar or koniocellular geniculate relay cells. We made extracellular recordings in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the common marmoset Callithrix jacchus, a New World monkey in which the interlaminar cells are well segregated from the parvocellular layers. We found that one group of colour opponent cells, the blue‐on cells, was largely segregated to the interlaminar zone. This segregation was common to dichromatic (‘red‐green colour‐blind’) and trichromatic marmosets. The result calls into question the traditional notion that all colour information passes through the parvocellular division of the retino‐geniculo‐cortical pathway in primates.
mHealth Adoption in Low-Resource Environments: A Review of the Use of Mobile Healthcare in Developing Countries

The acknowledged potential of using mobile phones for improving healthcare in low-resource environments of developing countries has yet to translate into significant mHealth policy investment. The low uptake of mHealth in policy agendas may stem from a lack of evidence of the scalable, sustainable impact on health indicators. The mHealth literature in low- and middle-income countries reveals a burgeoning body of knowledge; yet, existing reviews suggest that the projects yield mixed results. This article adopts a stage-based approach to understand the varied contributions to mHealth research. The heuristic of inputs-mechanism-outputs is proposed as a tool to categorize mHealth studies. This review (63 articles comprising 53 studies) reveals that mHealth studies in developing countries tend to concentrate on specific stages, principally on pilot projects that adopt a deterministic approach to technological inputs (n = 32), namely introduction and implementation. Somewhat less studied were research designs that demonstrate evidence of outputs (n = 15), such as improvements in healthcare processes and public health indicators. The review finds a lack of emphasis on studies that provide theoretical understanding (n = 6) of adoption and appropriation of technological introduction that produces measurable health outcomes. As a result, there is a lack of dominant theory, or measures of outputs relevant to making policy decisions. Future work needs to aim for establishing theoretical and measurement standards, particularly from social scientific perspectives, in collaboration with researchers from the domains of information technology and public health. Priorities should be set for investments and guidance in evaluation disseminated by the scientific community to practitioners and policymakers.
Effect of oral administration of tormentil root extract (Potentilla tormentilla) on rotavirus diarrhea in children: a randomized, double blind, controlled trial

Objectives. To determine the effectiveness of tormentil root extract (TRE) for treatment of rotavirus diarrhea in children. Background. Rotavirus, one of the most widely spread pathogens of acute, dehydrating diarrhea in children, is estimated to cause >800 000 annual deaths of young children in developing countries. Currently no rotavirus vaccine is available. Management involves rehydration therapy. Available antiperistaltic or antisecretory drugs to reduce the severity of diarrhea can cause serious side effects in children. Methods. A randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at Children’s Hospital for Infectious Diseases #3, St. Petersburg, Russia in 40 children ranging in age from 3 months to 7 years with rotavirus diarrhea. We constructed 2 groups for comparison: a treatment group that consisted of 20 children treated with tormentil root extract; and a control group of 20 children who received a placebo. All patients received 3 drops of tormentil root extract or placebo per year of life, three times daily until discontinuation of diarrhea, or a maximum of 5 days. An objective method was used to evaluate diarrhea, and physical examination was used to assess degree of dehydration in children. Results. The duration of diarrhea in the tormentil root extract treatment group was 3 days, compared with 5 days in the control group (P < 0.0001). In the treatment group 8 of 20 (40%) children were diarrhea-free 48 h after admission to the hospital, compared with 1 of 20 (5%) in the control group (P < 0.0001). Subjects in the treatment group received smaller volumes of parenteral fluids than subjects in the control group. Conclusions. The administration of tormentil root extract in controlled doses shortened the duration of rotavirus diarrhea and decreased the requirement for rehydration solutions. Tormentil root extract appears to be an effective measure to treat rotavirus diarrhea in children.
Validation of ANAM for cognitive screening in a mixed clinical sample

ABSTRACT The Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM) is a library of computer based tests designed to measure cognitive function at a single time-point or longitudinally for detection of cognitive change. This study sought to validate ANAM as a cognitive screening tool for presence of confirmed neuropsychological diagnosis in an outpatient setting. Retrospective data analysis was conducted for 139 patients referred for outpatient neuropsychological assessment. Clinical diagnosis was made independent of ANAM test results and resulted in a diagnostic mix of both neurologic and psychologic etiologies. ANAM scores predictive of presence of confirmed diagnosis were identified using multiple logistic regression and the predictive ability of the resulting model was quantified using receiver operator characteristic analysis. Sensitivity and specificity for the ANAM when combined with anger and depressive symptom scores were 71% and 91%, respectively, with a positive predictive value of 97.5 and negative predictive value of 40.4. This combined approach provided the greatest accuracy for individual tests as well as the composite score of the ANAM in identifying those who received a subsequent clinical diagnosis. Although data should be replicated in larger samples, these results suggest that ANAM may have predictive value and may be a useful screening tool for identifying those who would likely benefit from neuropsychological services.
Relationship between percentage of mean arterial pressure at the ankle and mortality in participants with normal ankle-brachial index: an observational study

Objectives Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is associated with all-cause mortality. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) is the most widely used tool for detecting PAD, but can yield false-negative results in patients with non-compressible vessels. Pulse volume recording may be an alternative tool for assessing PAD in such patients. However, the association between pulse volume recording and all-cause mortality has seldom been reported. We hypothesised that the percentage of mean arterial pressure (%MAP) and upstroke time (UT), which are indexes of the arterial wave obtained on pulse volume recording, can predict mortality. Design We conducted this as a retrospective cohort study. Setting Data were collected from the Taichung Veterans General Hospital. Participants We included 314 participants with complete data on ABI and pulse volume recording performed between June 2007 and November 2011. Primary outcome measure Mortality data served as the follow-up outcome. Mortality data were obtained from the Collaboration Center of Health Information Application, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Executive Yuan, Taiwan. Results Participants with ABI ≤0.9 showed a highest mortality rate (p<0.001 in the log-rank test), but the mortality rate was not significantly different between participants with 0.945%) group showed a higher risk of all-cause mortality than the low %MAP (≤45%) group (HR=5.389, p=0.004) after adjustment for ABI, pulse wave velocity, UT, age, sex, blood pressure, serum cholesterol, and history of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Conclusions We thus demonstrated that a high %MAP based on pulse volume recording in participants with 0.9
A QOS routing algorithm based on DPSO for wireless sensor networks in indoor environment

Adaptive QOS routing algorithm (DAQR) based on discrete particle swarm algorithm for wireless sensor networks is proposed to solve the problem that the existing QOS routing algorithms can't take count into both adaptive ability and network energy consumption in room environment. In the work, different QOS parameters are defined as different optimization objects on the research basis of AIRE and WAIER. The QOS routing setup process is abstracted to multi-objective optimization process. It works out multi-objective optimization strategy about routing based on classic particle swarm algorithm, genetic algorithm and niche algorithm. Simulation results prove that DAQR can effectively adapt to the change of environment, and show better expandability when network scale expands.
The Cost of Lower Emissions: An Appraisal for Five LAC Economies Using CGE Models

Climate change mitigation policies have begun to be discussed in Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries in recent years. However, the economic effects of such policies - i. e. , winners and losers - may vary significantly across countries. This paper attempts to shed light on some of these differences for a set of five LAC countries that may in the future adopt or be forced to accept some form of carbon mitigation policy. To this end a single-country CGE model is used to simulate a set of domestic carbon taxes that the countries could adopt or face. The results show that the costs of reducing 1 percent of emissions are in a range of 0. 18 to 0. 32 percent of GDP. Although in all instances the primary objective of reducing emissions is achieved, the sectors that win/lose vary, making this type of analysis relevant for countries to use before adopting a given policy. There is evidence, however, that those costs could become benefits when carbon taxes are compensated with reductions in general taxes.
Exploring Social Entrepreneurship for the Creation of Sustainable Livelihoods in South Africa

Although social entrepreneurship has grown rapidly in developed and many developing countries around the world, it is still in its infancy in South Africa. To date, there is limited research available about social entrepreneurship in South Africa. While there are many reasons for its slow development in this country, a significant reason is the poor understanding of the concept, which would preclude investment in programmes, policies and research. This chapter presents an overview of South African issues and analyses how social entrepreneurial development can address some of the problems and issues. The more pressing problems include extreme inequality, high poverty levels and unemployment, a weak Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) sector, fragmented communities and an economic system that needs to strengthen both social and economic development. The chapter presents the model developed as a result of research that contextualizes social entrepreneurial development for a South African market.
Primary response against cytomegalovirus during antiviral prophylaxis with valganciclovir, in solid organ transplant recipients

Antiviral prophylaxis has proved successful for prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in solid organ transplant (SOT) patients; though emerging data suggest that antiviral agents interfere with immunity, and may inhibit immune priming. In this context, we investigated levels and phenotype of primary CMV‐specific immune responses that developed during antiviral prophylaxis in a cohort of CMV seronegative recipients (R−) of a SOT from a seropositive donor (D+). We longitudinally monitored CMV viral load, antibodies and levels of the negative immuno‐modulator IL‐10. PBMC were stimulated with CMV‐specific peptide libraries to measure CD137 activation marker on CMV‐specific T‐cells and levels of PD‐1 receptor, which is over expressed on exhausted T‐cells. Unexpectedly, the majority (13/18) of D+R− patients who developed a primary CMV response showed early post‐transplant CMV‐specific responses, though levels of PD‐1 on CMV‐specific T‐cells remained elevated throughout prophylaxis. A strong inverse association was found between levels of plasma IL‐10 and CMV‐specific cellular immune responses. Our study suggests that during prophylaxis, subclinical CMV infection might have occurred in the D+R− patients, and primary CMV‐specific responses were detected early post‐transplant when levels of plasma IL‐10 were low. Extended prophylaxis or antiviral treatment did not appear to suppress CMV‐specific antibodies or T‐cells, which, however, showed exhaustion phenotypes.
Effect of folate and mecobalamin on hip fractures in patients with stroke: a randomized controlled trial.

CONTEXT Stroke increases the risk of subsequent hip fracture by 2 to 4 times. Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for both ischemic stroke and osteoporotic fractures in elderly men and women. Treatment with folate and mecobalamin (vitamin B12) may improve hyperhomocysteinemia. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether treatment with folate and vitamin B12 reduces the incidence of hip fractures in patients with hemiplegia following stroke. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS A double-blind, randomized controlled study of 628 consecutive patients aged 65 years or older with residual hemiplegia at least 1 year following first ischemic stroke, who were recruited from a single Japanese hospital from April 1, 2000, to May 31, 2001. Patients were assigned to daily oral treatment with 5 mg of folate and 1500 microg of mecobalamin, or double placebo; 559 completed the 2-year follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Incidence of hip fractures in the 2 patient groups during the 2-year follow-up. RESULTS At baseline, patients in both groups had high levels of plasma homocysteine and low levels of serum cobalamin and serum folate. After 2 years, plasma homocysteine levels decreased by 38% in the treatment group and increased by 31% in the placebo group (P<.001). The number of hip fractures per 1000 patient-years was 10 and 43 for the treatment and placebo groups, respectively (P<.001). The adjusted relative risk, absolute risk reduction, and the number needed to treat for hip fractures in the treatment vs placebo groups were 0.20 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.08-0.50), 7.1% (95% CI, 3.6%-10.8%), and 14 (95% CI, 9-28), respectively. No significant adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSION In this Japanese population with a high baseline fracture risk, combined treatment with folate and vitamin B12 is safe and effective in reducing the risk of a hip fracture in elderly patients following stroke.
Through-Silicon Vias Filled With Densified and Transferred Carbon Nanotube Forests

Through-silicon vias (TSVs) filled with densified and transferred carbon nanotube (CNT) forests are experimentally demonstrated. The filling is achieved by a postgrowth low-temperature transfer process at 200 instead of direct CNT growth in the vias normally requiring high temperature. A vapor densification method is also applied to densify the as-grown CNT forests, which allows for packing more CNTs in the vias to reduce their resistances. CNT-filled TSVs fabricated based on these two key steps show CMOS compatibility and roughly one order of magnitude reduction in resistivity compared to the TSVs filled with as-grown undensified CNT forests.
Morphology and physiology of neurons in the rat perirhinal‐lateral amygdala area

Neuronal structure‐function relationships were studied in rat brain slices containing the perirhinal cortex (PR) and immediately adjacent lateral nucleus of the amygdala (ALa). Using video microscopy, whole‐cell recordings were made from visually preselected neurons that were labeled with biocytin for subsequent anatomical reconstructions. Most cells were 1 of 4 primary neurophysiological types: fast‐spiking (FS), regular‐spiking (RS), late‐spiking (LS), and burst‐spiking (BS).
Characterizing the resolvability of real superluminescent diode sources for application to optical coherence tomography using a low coherence interferometry model

Abstract. The axial resolution is a critical parameter in determining whether optical coherent tomography (OCT) can be used to resolve specific features in a sample image. Typically, measures of resolution have been attributed to the light source characteristics only, including the coherence length and the point spread function (PSF) width of the OCT light sources. The need to cost effectively visualize the generated PSF and OCT cross-correlated interferogram (A-scan) using many OCT light sources have led to the extrinsic evolution of the OCT simulation model presented. This research indicated that empirical resolution in vivo, as well as depending on the light source’s spectral characteristics, is also strongly dependent on the optical characteristics of the tissue, including surface reflection. This research showed that this reflection could be digitally removed from the A-scan of an epithelial model, enhancing the stratum depth resolution limit (SDRL) of the subsurface tissue. Specifically, the A-scan portion above the surface, the front surface interferogram, could be digitally subtracted, rather than deconvolved, from the subsurface part of each A-scan. This front surface interferogram subtraction resulted in considerably reduced empirical SDRLs being much closer to the superluminescent diodes’ resolution limits, compared to the untreated A-scan results.
The electronic discussion group and the search for political engagement

This dissertation presents the possibility that the electronic Usenet discussion group can alleviate the lethargy that is currently plaguing American democracy by providing a medium (via electronic mail) through which individuals can become involved in a political network (or community) without leaving their home or office. Networks of political engagement foster sturdy norms of generalized reciprocity and encourage the emergence of social capital. "Social capital" are the features of social life--networks, norms, and trust--that enable participants to act together more effectively to pursue shared objectives. Studies have shown that in nations where social capital is high, governments tend to be more legitimate and have higher levels of political participation. In order to stem the declining tide of social capital in the United States, Political Scientist Robert Putnam argues that Americans need to be reacquainted with civic and political engagement. Putnam, however, is extremely skeptical that social capital can be garnered through contact that is not face-to-face (i.e. computer networks). He is waiting for empirical research to disprove his hypothesis. This study attempts to supply some empirical evidence. The research in this study, therefore, seeks to explore the possibility that social capital can be garnered through the use of on-line computer participation. This study also sets forth to expand upon Putnam's narrow definition of social capital to include two other benefits, which are coined collective goods. It is hypothesized that in an on-line environment, three basic collective goods form the prerequisite for political participation and an engaged citizenry. The first collective good, social capital, applies Putnam's notion of social capital to the world of Computer-Mediated Communications. Knowledge capital, the second collective good, is the acquisition of new quantities of knowledge. The third collective good, communion, gives an individual a sense of belonging in today's alienating world.
A common polymorphism in the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF) modulates human cortical plasticity and the response to rTMS

The brain‐derived neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF) is one of many genes thought to influence synaptic plasticity in the adult brain and shows a common single nucleotide polymorphism (BDNF Val66Met) in the normal population that is associated with differences in hippocampal volume and episodic memory. It is also thought to influence possible synaptic changes in motor cortex following a simple motor learning task. Here we extend these studies by using new non‐invasive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) techniques that directly test the excitability and plasticity of neuronal circuits in human motor cortex in subjects at rest. We investigated whether the susceptibility to TMS probes of plasticity is significantly influenced by the BDNF polymorphism. Val66Met carriers were matched with Val66Val individuals and tested on the following protocols: continuous and intermittent theta burst TMS; median nerve paired associative stimulation; and homeostatic plasticity in the TDCS/1 Hz rTMS model. The response of Met allele carriers differed significantly in all protocols compared with the response of Val66Val individuals. We suggest that this is due to the effect of BNDF on the susceptibility of synapses to undergo LTP/LTD. The circuits tested here are implicated in the pathophysiology of movement disorders such as dystonia and are being assessed as potential new targets in the treatment of stroke. Thus the polymorphism may be one factor that influences the natural response of the brain to injury and disease.