Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of SSVEP-based intelligent wheelchair brain computer interface assisted by reactive obstacle avoidance

This paper proposed a SSVEP-based brain-computer interface (BCI) for wheelchair controls. SSVEP is an evoked signal which responds to visual flickering stimuli at a specific frequency. A stimulus panel containing 12, 15, 18 and 28-Hz flickering stimuli was presented in front of users. Each flickering stimulus was used to evoke SSVEP and responded to a particular command for the wheelchair control. The power spectrum densities (PSDs) for the specific frequency bands were analyzed. A target stimuli was triggered when the PSD exceeded a defined threshold. Users were able to drive the wheelchair with forward, stop, left-turn and right-turn commands according to their intentions. Additionally, a reactive navigation scheme based on artificial potential field (APF) approach was implemented to improve the security of the proposed system. A laser scanner was outfitted for obstacle detections. The proposed wheelchair system is expected to provide a convenient, safe and comfortable mobile assistance to users suffering spinal cord injuries (SCIs).
The Effects of Materiality Threshold and Managersۥ Voluntary Incentives on Disclosure of Information in the Financial Statement of Companies Listed in Tehran Stock Exchange

In this research, mandatory and voluntary incentives of disclosure, in the financial statement as a whole, have been tested. A sample of 98 companies active in Tehran stock exchange (TSE) and audited by Iran Auditing Organization (IAO) selected to test the research hypotheses. Study period selected, 1379 and 1380, as the fiscal year of before and after of the obligation to comply audit manual partially revised to include audit risk management as a base for materiality threshold. Research results is showed statistically significant impact of disclosure variables, include materiality threshold, earning response coefficient (ERC), proprietary cost (pc), on the disclosure in the financial statements. But the impact for the amount of capital provided by the company was no statistically significant.
Effect of lamotrigine and environmental enrichment on spatial memory and other behavioral functions in rats

Abstract Epileptic patients are at risk of experiencing cognitive deficits as a result of pharmacotherapy as well as etiology of epilepsy. Antiepileptic drugs increase inhibitory neurotransmission and reduce the responsiveness of neurons, and thereby may have a negative impact on memory. The enriched environment intensifies exploration of the new area behavior, which may have a positive impact on spatial memory in rats. Depression is among the most common affective disorders in epileptic patients, and using antidepressant drugs together with antiepileptics brings about the risk of interactions and intensifying side effects. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of lamotrigine (CAS 84057-84-1, LTG) (10 mg/kg i. p.), a new anticonvulsant with antidepressant and neuroprotective properties, for memory and other behavioral functions in rats in standard and enriched environments (EE). LTG improved spatial memory upon repeated administration of the drug both in the rats housed in standard conditions and those housed in EE. Exposure to an enriched environment significantly improved spatial learning. LTG showed antidepressant effect on the forced swimming test both in the rats housed in standard conditions and those housed in EE. In rats housed in EE the antidepressant effect occurred earlier. LTG had a low profile of adverse effects (activity meter, chimney test).
Inhibitory effects of gastric electrical stimulation on ghrelin-induced excitatory effects on gastric motility and food intake in dogs

Objective. To investigate the effects of ghrelin on food intake, gastric motility and whether gastric electrical stimulation (GES) is capable of reversing these effects of ghrelin in dogs. Material and methods. Seven healthy dogs were equipped with a gastric cannula and electrodes for the measurement of antral motility and gastric myoelectrical activity (GMA). Both food intake and gastric motility studies were performed in three sessions (control, ghrelin, 20 µg and ghrelin plus GES) in randomized order, respectively. After a 28-h fast, the animals were provided with unlimited solid food for 1.5 h, 30 min after saline or ghrelin injection. Recordings of antral contractions and GMA in each session were recorded for 30 min at baseline and 45 min after ghrelin/saline injection in the fasting state. GES was performed throughout the experiment initiated 30 min prior to the injection. Results. 1) Ghrelin significantly increased food intake from 475.6±75.5 g in the controls to 535.9±90.3 g with ghrelin (p=0.04); this excitatory effect was reversed by GES. 2) Ghrelin significantly increased the motility index from 8.6±1.6 in the controls to 16.1±2.4 with ghrelin (p=0.01) and this effect was also reversed by GES. 3). There were no effects of ghrelin on GMA. Conclusions. Ghrelin induces antral contractions and increases food intake. GES is capable of blocking these excitatory effects of ghrelin. These findings suggest that GES may inhibit the resistant effect of ghrelin on weight loss.
Binding site of human IgG subclasses and their domains for Fc receptors of activated murine T cells.

A subpopulation of activated murine T cells (25%) were found to bear Fc receptors for mouse, rabbit, and human IgG. Studies, by rosette inhibition and indirect immunofluorescence, of their specificity for human IgG subclasses have shown that these receptors bound nonaggregated IgG1, IgG2, and IgG3 in a comparable fashion, but did not bind IgG4. The binding site has been localized exclusively to the Fc region and the binding capacity of this fragment was not affected by mild reduction. Binding of the Fc fragment of IgG4 could not be demonstrated. Using isolated Cγ2 and Cγ3 (pFc′) domains from IgG1 and a Cγ3-derived fragment (Fc′), a major binding site was localized to the Cγ3 domain between residues Gln342 and His433. A 10-fold molar excess of Cγ3 dimer over native Fc was, however, required to show comparable activity. The monomeric Cγ2 domain was 10-fold less active than the Cγ3 fragment. Human urine β2-microglobulin was not cytophilic. These data are discussed and it is suggested that the Cγ2 and Cγ3 domains may contribute to the formation of a cooperative binding site through quaternary interdomain interactions. By redistribution experiments, it was demonstrated that the three human IgG subclasses shown to be cytophilic share common or linked receptors, which were not associated with the H-2 alloantigens.
Customer Reviews of Hotel Experiences through Consumer Generated Media (CGM)

ABSTRACT As consumer generated media (CGM) are burgeoning online marketing techniques as a form of interpersonal and informal communications, many hotel guests have a chance to provide their candid and voluntary reviews of hotel experiences through these channels. However, little research has been documented to evaluate the overall theme of guests' reviews posted through CGM such as Tripadvisor. com. This study explores how consistent the posted reviews (i.e., compliments and complaints) were with the expected level of service and room rate. Examining guests' reviews of hotels in New York City posted on TripAdvisor. com, this study attempts to uncover generalizable suggestions for hotel management. Results of this study indicated that value was one of the key predictors for guest satisfaction, which leads to return intentions. Regardless of hotel classes and average daily rate (ADR), location appeared to have the highest mean value among seven performance attributes. Obviously, hotel classes (i.e., star ratings) and ADR appeared to influence the relationships of selected hotel performance attributes with both overall guest satisfaction and return intentions. Some managerial implications surrounding this new online marketing media are discussed.
Model-Free Multi-Kernel Learning control for nonlinear discrete-Time Systems

Reinforcement learning (RL) has become an important research topic to solve learning control problems of nonlinear dynamic systems. In RL, feature representation is a critical factor for improving the performance of online or oﬄine learning controllers. Although multi-kernel learning has been studied in supervised learning problems, there is little work on multi-kernel-based feature representation in RL algorithms. In this paper, a model-free multi-kernel learning control (MMLC) approach is proposed for a class of nonlinear discrete-time systems. MMLC has advantages over other single-kernel-based RL algorithms in that the parameters in the kernel functions can be learned adaptively. Furthermore, MMLC uses a model-free actor–critic learning structure, where the critic is designed to approximate the derivatives of value functions. Diﬀerent from the popularly studied dual heuristical programming algorithm, the proposed MMLC approach can learn the dynamics of the nonlinear system in a data-driven way. To evaluate the performance of MMLC, single-link and double-link inverted pendulums are employed as two benchmarks. The eﬀectiveness of the MMLC algorithm has been demonstrated in simulation. It is shown that MMLC can achieve better performance than previous kernel-based dual heuristic programming with partial model information.
Biotechnological potential of marine sponges

Marine sponges (Porifera) have attracted significant attention from various scientific disciplines. Remarkable traces, left by sponges in the fossil records have been studied by paleontologists and evolutionary biologists. As sponges produce various novel chemical molecules, they have been a goldmine to chemists and also found their way into biotechnological applications. Microbiologists became fascinated by these unique animals with the discovery that sponges contain an abundance of unusual microorganisms, having potential for drug discovery. Cell biologists are investigating these simple animals to understand their basic organization on the cellular and skeletal level. Since the last few years, molecular biologists are working on sponge genome, which will contribute to the understanding of the evolution of molecular mechanism of metazoan genes and diseases. This review aims to provide an overview of the different interdisciplinary approaches involved in the exploration of marine sponges for their biotechnological potential.
CLINICAL VALUE OF TWO SCORING SYSTEMS, C-REACTIVE PROTEIN AND LACTATE CLEARANCE IN PATIENTS WITH SEVERE SEPSIS AT THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT -

Introduction: More recently the grading system of sepsis was modified to include severe sepsis, septic shock, and refractory septic shock. Several indexes were found to be significantly related to short-term clinical outcome; as sequential organ failure assessment score (SOFA) and the mortality in emergency department sepsis (MEDS) score. Methods: Observational cohort study with prospective data collection. Severity of sepsis was assessed according to SOFA score, MEDS score. C-reactive protein (CRP) and 6 hours lactate clearance were measured. The outcome of patients was noticed according to the detected SOFA score, MEDS score, CRP, and lactate clearance levels in the survivors and non-survivors as well as their correlation with the severity of the disease. Results: Fifty patients with age range from 20 to 92 years. The mortality rate was 24% (12 patients). Six hours lactate clearance mean value was 21.04 ± 9.48%. Mean SOFA score at presentation was 6.56 ± 2.99 while after 72 hours, it was 5.28 ± 3.94. Mean MEDS score was 2.72. Six hours lactate clearance was significantly lower among the dead cases. MEDS score was significantly higher among the mortality cases. SOFA score whether measured at admission or after 72 hours and MEDS score were significantly higher among the dead cases. Both delta SOFA score and 6 hour lactate clearance were found to have the highest predictive characteristics with 100% sensitivity and specificity. There was statistically significant difference between area under the curve of SOFA 72 hours and 6 hours-lactate clearance when compared to CRP area under the curve. Conclusion: Both delta SOFA score and six hour lactate clearance had the highest predictive characteristics with 100% sensitivity and specificity.
Constraints on the Adoption of the Marketing Concept: The Case of the Former Soviet Union

Suggests that the process of transition and the hardening of the budget constraint in the former centrally‐planned economies of Eastern Europe recreates the link between an effective exchange process and business performance. Points out that this in itself creates the potential for marketing to play a significant role in business activity. Reports on a case study of the Russian experience which shows that there are still considerable barriers to the development of a marketing‐oriented approach to business. In addition to the obvious institution and infrastructure problems, there is still considerable progress to be made in relation to managerial attitudes and experience.
TGFβ signaling induces expression of Gadd45b in retinal ganglion cells.

PURPOSE Growth arrest and DNA damage protein 45b (Gadd45b) functions as an intrinsic neuroprotective molecule protecting retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) from injury. This study was performed to elucidate further the induction pathway of Gadd45b expression in RGCs. METHODS The induction of Gadd45b expression in response to TGFβNFκB signaling was investigated in RGC5 cultures in vitro and murine retina in vivo. Gadd45b mRNA and protein expression were detected by quantitative real-time RT-PCR, immunoblot assay, immunohistochemistry, and immunocytochemistry. Activation of NFκB and TGFβ/Gadd45b signaling were assessed by measuring phosphorylation of NFκB and using specific inhibitors. Gadd45b siRNA was transfected into RGC5 to silence Gadd45b mRNA expression. RESULTS Expression of TGFβ receptors I and II was detected in RGC5 in vitro and RGCs in vivo. TGFβ induced abundant Gadd45b mRNA and protein expression, exhibiting a dose-dependent response in vitro. Exogenous TGFβ1 induced upregulation of Gadd45b expression in RGCs in murine retina in vivo. TGFβ stimulated phosphorylation of NFκB, and inhibition of NFκB phosphorylation blocked induction of Gadd45b by TGFβ in RGC5 cells. Induction of Gadd45b by TGFβ increased the resistance of RGC5 cells against TNFα cytotoxicity and paraquat oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS TGFβ signaling induced Gadd45b expression in RGCs. Modulation of the TGFβ/NFκB/Gadd45b signaling pathway may provide a means to enhance the neuroprotective effect of Gadd45b in RGCs.
The performance of the EU in international institutions

1. Assessing the EU's Performance in International Institutions - Conceptual Framework and Core Findings 2. The Legal Framework for the Participation of the European Union in International Institutions 3. The EU at the World Bank: Institutional and Policy Performance 4. The Performance of the European Union in the International Labour Organization 5. The European Union's Performance in the International Climate Change Regime 6. The European Union's Performance in the International Telecommunication Union 7. The EU's Performance in the World Health Organization: Internal Cramps after the 'Lisbon cure' 8. The Rise and Fall(? ) of the EU's Performance in the Multilateral Trading System 9. The EU's Performance in the United Nations Security Council 10. The EU's Performance with and within NATO: Assessing Objectives, Outcomes and Organisational Practices
Expectations as a Comparison Standard in Measuring Service Quality: An Assessment of a Reassessment

The author responds to issues raised by Parasuraman, Zeithaml, and Berry (1994) concerning his 1993 article that outlines theoretical and operational problems associated with the SERVQUAL model of perceived service quality. Because theoretical problems and ambiguities must be resolved before operational issues can be addressed effectively, his response focuses on the Parasuraman, Zeithaml, and Berry (1994) comments concerning (1) the theoretical problems associated with the SERVQUAL P – E model and (2) the Teas (1993) evaluated performance (EP) and normed quality (NQ) models. In addition, he assesses the theoretical merit of the Parasuraman, Zeithaml, and Berry (1994) SERVQUAL “mixed-model. ” His primary conclusions are that the conclusions reached by Parasuraman, Zeithaml, and Berry (1994) with respect to the Teas (1993) EP and NQ models are incorrect and that the proposed SERVQUAL mixed-model is merely a restricted version of (i.e., a re-expression that is less general than) the Teas (1993) NQ model.
Time-Effect Relationship of Toxicity Induced by Roundup® and Its Main Constituents in Liver of Carassius Auratus

In order to evaluate the eco-toxicological effects of Roundup® on Carassius auratus (C. auratus), fish were exposed to 32 μg/L Roundup®, isopropylamine salt of glyphosate (G.I.S) and polyoxyethylene amine (POEA) over different periods (0.5, 1, 3, 7 and 14 d). Hydroxyl radical (·OH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in liver were detected in this study. Results showed that the generation of ·OH increased before 7 d, but without significantly difference. ·OH was induced at 1 d for POEA group, 3 d for Roundup® group and 7 d for G.I. S group. At 14 d, ·OH generation returned to normal levels. MDA contents all increased significantly (p ＜ 0.01) during 7 days and then reached a normal level at 14 d. AChE activity in all group tests revealed a significant inhibition (p ＜ 0.01) after 7 days exposure and then rebounded a little, but remained below the control after 14 days exposure. The rate of AChE inhibition range from 13% - 42% in Roundup®, 6% - 40% in G.I. S, and 21% - 54% in POEA, suggesting that POEA was more toxic compared to Roundup® and G.I. S. 32 μg/L Roundup® exposure led to the change of physiological and biochemical indexes in C. auratus, which was a reversible process in the long run.
Antigen induced arthritis (AIA) can be transferred by bone marrow transplantation: evidence that interleukin 6 is essential for induction of AIA.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of bone marrow cells (BMC) in the induction of antigen induced arthritis (AIA), the expression of 3 major proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and IL-6, was examined in the bone marrow (BM) of mice with AIA. We also examined whether AIA could be transferred by bone marrow transplantation (BMT). METHODS Expression of IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 in BMC was assessed by immunohistochemistry throughout the course of AIA. BMT experiments were performed using 2 different mouse genotypes, wild type (IL-6+/+) and IL-6 deficient (IL-6-/-) mice, as a donor. The gradation of AIA was evaluated histologically. RESULTS IL-6 was highly expressed in the BM at induction as well as during progression of AIA, while TNF-alpha showed a marginal expression, and no significant expression of IL-1beta was detected throughout the course of AIA. In BMT experiments, all irradiated IL-6+/+ mice developed typical AIA by transplantation of BMC from immunized IL-6+/+ mice, whereas almost no irradiated IL- 6+/+ mice transplanted with BMC from the immunized IL-6-/- mice developed definite arthritis. CONCLUSION These results suggest that BMC play a critical role and IL-6 is a key cytokine for the induction and progression of AIA. There may be clinical benefits in the blockade of IL-6 and BMT in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Controversies And Comparisons Of Definition For Small And Medium-Sized Entreprises At Level Of European Union

Delimitation of SMEs in the economic landscape has been, over time, a difficult and controversial topic. For large firms, SMEs are world who have come and where their competition emerged today. For individuals, SMEs are often a first job, a first step in their careers. They are also the first step towards world entrepreneurs. For the economy as a whole, SMEs are launched assembly of new ideas and processes that accelerate growth based on a more efficient use of resources. Due to the economic environment in constant change, SMEs are flexible and have a great capacity for adaptation, facilitated by the small size and rapid decision making. They easily adapt to the requirements and demands of consumers, being closer to the market. All this is an argument to support the claim that SMEs are a separate area of research.
Antigen Binding to Secretory Immunoglobulin A Results in Decreased Sensitivity to Intestinal Proteases and Increased Binding to Cellular Fc Receptors*

In intestinal secretions, secretory IgA (SIgA) plays an important sentinel and protective role in the recognition and clearance of enteric pathogens. In addition to serving as a first line of defense, SIgA and SIgA·antigen immune complexes are selectively transported across Peyer's patches to underlying dendritic cells in the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, contributing to immune surveillance and immunomodulation. To explain the unexpected transport of immune complexes in face of the large excess of free SIgA in secretions, we postulated that SIgA experiences structural modifications upon antigen binding. To address this issue, we associated specific polymeric IgA and SIgA with antigens of various sizes and complexity (protein toxin, virus, bacterium). Compared with free antibody, we found modified sensitivity of the three antigens assayed after exposure to proteases from intestinal washes. Antigen binding further impacted on the immunoreactivity toward polyclonal antisera specific for the heavy and light chains of the antibody, as a function of the antigen size. These conformational changes promoted binding of the SIgA-based immune complex compared with the free antibody to cellular receptors (FcαRI and polymeric immunoglobulin receptor) expressed on the surface of premyelocytic and epithelial cell lines. These data reveal that antigen recognition by SIgA triggers structural changes that confer to the antibody enhanced receptor binding properties. This identifies immune complexes as particular structural entities integrating the presence of bound antigens and adds to the known function of immune exclusion and mucus anchoring by SIgA.
MODELING THE 360° INNOVATING FIRM AS A MULTIPLE SYSTEM OR COLLECTIVE BEING

Confronted with fast changing technologies and markets and with increasing competitive pressures, firms are now required to innovate fast and continuously. In order to do so, several firms superpose an intrapreneurial layer (IL) to their formal organization (FO). The two systems are in complex relations: the IL is embedded in the FO, sharing human, financial and technical components, but strongly diverges from it when it comes to representation, structure, values and behavior of the shared components. Furthermore, the two systems simultaneously cooperate and compete. In the long run, the organizational dynamics usually end to the detriment of the intrapreneurial layer, which remains marginal or regresses after an initial period of boom. The concepts of Multiple Systems and Collective Beings, proposed by Minati and Pessa, can help students of the firm adopt a different viewpoint on this issue. These concepts can help them move away from a rigid, Manichean view of the two systems’ respective functions and roles towards a more fluid and elaborate vision of their relations, allowing for greater flexibility and coherence.