Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Non-government Organisations and the Australian Government: A Dual Strategy of Public Advocacy for NGOs

This thesis asks the question, ‘What are the most effective, long-term strategies for engagement with the state by non-government organisations’ (NGOs’) and how might such strategies be conceptualised? ’ A ‘dual strategy’ of NGOs working both outside the state and in conjunction with it has been suggested by a number of authors as an effective strategy for NGOs, and a specific formulation of a ‘dual strategy’ that also includes NGOs maintaining their independence of political parties is developed by the author. The case study examined by the thesis is the relationship between the Australian government and two environment organisations, the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) and The Wilderness Society (TWS), during the Hawke, Keating and Howard governments (1983–2007). Using primary and secondary research, the thesis seeks to test its formulation of a ‘dual strategy’ by researching the extent to which ACF and TWS adopted or moved away from it and how this impacted on their advocacy. The various orientations that the Hawke, Keating and Howard governments expressed in their relationships with NGOs, and with ACF/TWS in particular, are conceptualised within three analytical frameworks: pluralism, corporatism and public choice theory. The primary research includes interviews with 21 former federal ministers, shadow ministers, parliamentary advisors and non-government leaders who were significantly involved in the relationship between ACF/TWS and the federal government during the 24-year period. The conclusions of the thesis confirm the effectiveness of a ‘dual strategy’, but also refine its application. These findings aim to extend contemporary debate on the democratic role of NGOs in Australia and to suggest some principles and practices in relation to public advocacy for the sector to consider.
Immunosuppressive Properties of Epidermal Keratinocytes Differ According to Their Immaturity Status

Preservation of a functional keratinocyte stem cell pool is essential to ensure the long-term maintenance of epidermis integrity, through continuous physiological renewal and regeneration in case of injury. Protecting stem cells from inflammation and immune reactions is thus a critical issue that needs to be explored. Here, we show that the immature CD49fhigh precursor cell fraction from interfollicular epidermis keratinocytes, comprising stem cells and progenitors, is able to inhibit CD4 + T-cell proliferation. Of note, both the stem cell-enriched CD49fhigh/EGFRlow subpopulation and the less immature CD49fhigh/EGFRhigh progenitors ensure this effect. Moreover, we show that HLA-G and PD-L1 immune checkpoints are overexpressed in CD49fhigh precursors, as compared to CD49flow differentiated keratinocytes. This potency may limit immune reactions against immature precursors including stem cells, and protect them from exacerbated inflammation. Further exploring this correlation between immuno-modulation and immaturity may open perspectives in allogenic cell therapies.
Approach of the Task Assign to the Alliances of Virtual Manufacture

Based on the models of multi decision-making and bidding-tendering for alliances, it presents the evaluation method and network-based compacts management to assign the tasks for virtual organization. It researches the protocol of bidding and tendering, defines the negotiation language and process strategy. The models can obtain the maximum behalf for both factories. A prototype of the system is developed with multi-agent and CORBA.
ORCHESTRA - Optical performance monitoring enabling flexible networking

An optical network, like any system, has to be observable before it can become subject to optimization, and this is the main capability that ORCHESTRA project introduces. ORCHESTRA's high observability will rely on information provided by the coherent transceivers that can be extended, almost for free, to operate as software defined optical performance monitors (soft-OPM). Novel digital signal processing (DSP) OPM algorithms will be developed and combined with a novel hierarchical monitoring plane, cross-layer optimization algorithms and active-control functionalities. ORCHESTRA vision is to close the control loop, enabling true network dynamicity and unprecedented network capacity efficiency.
Quercetin Administration Following Hypoxia-Induced Neonatal Brain Damage Attenuates Later-Life Seizure Susceptibility and Anxiety-Related Behavior: Modulating Inflammatory Response

Background Neonatal seizures commonly caused by hypoxia could lead to brain injury and cognitive deficits. Quercetin could cross the blood brain barrier and exerts neuroprotective effects in many neurological disease settings. In this study, we aim to investigate the role of quercetin in attenuating cognitive impairment following hypoxia-induced neonatal seizure (HINS). Method Sprague-Dawley rats at P7 were exposed to a premixed gas in a hypoxic chamber to induce brain injury, and then continuously administered with quercetin for 21 days. Pentylenetetrazol kindling was used to induce seizures in the evolution. After the hypoxic lesion was stablished, anxiety-related behavior of rats after HINS was assessed using open field test. Memory impairment of rats after HINS was evaluated using novel object-recognition test and elevated plus maze test. The serum and hippocampal concentrations of TNF-a, iNOS, IL-6 MCP-1, and IL-1β were measured using ELISA. The mRNA expression levels of TNF-a, iNOS, IL-6 in the hippocampus were determined using qRT-PCR. The protein levels of TLR4, NF-κB p65, and p-NF-κB p65 in the hippocampus were determined using Western blot. Results Quercetin administration significantly reduced later-life seizure susceptibility, anxiety-related behavior, and memory impairments in the rats following the HINS when compared to the HINS group without treatment. Both serum and hippocampal proinflammatory cytokines levels were significantly elevated in the rat after HINS. TLR4 protein expressions were increased in the HINS group when compared to control group, and decreased in the group of quercetin. The protein level of p-NF-κB p65 was significantly lower in the quercetin group compared to the HINS group. Conclusion We demonstrated that Quercetin significantly reduced susceptibility to later-life seizures. Quercetin could downregulate inflammatory response through TLR4/ NF-κB pathway, thereby attenuating HINS-induced anxiety, hippocampal memory impairment, and cognitive impairment in later life following HINS.
Exploring the determinants of retail service quality on the Internet

A multidimensional measure of perceived online service quality was developed based on consumers’ comments about their experiences with online retailers. These comments were organized and compared to the SERVQUAL scale. A survey was administered to adults who had made online purchases or role‐played the experience. While reflective of the SERVQUAL dimensions, the new measures became less reliant on interpersonal interactions and more technologically relevant. A new dimension also emerged that reflects consumers’ concerns for the geographic distance and facelessness of their experience. The study points to areas of improvement for online service quality.
Heterogeneity of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system response to a combined dexamethasone-CRH test in multiple sclerosis.

The endocrine system participates in the regulation of the immune and neural systems and therefore hormonal factors probably play an important role in the development and course of multiple sclerosis (MS). Specifically, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system seems crucial because (a) the inflammatory response is accompanied by HPA activation; (b) animal models with an inherited HPA defect are prone to developing experimental autoimmune encephalitis; and (c) most important, corticosteroids are still the most widely used treatment. We administered a recently developed neuroendocrine function test that combines dexamethasone suppression (1.5 mg orally at 2300 h) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) stimulation (100 micrograms i.v. at 1500 h the following day) and measured the response of plasma cortisol and corticotrophin (ACTH) secretion in 19 patients with an acute exacerbation of MS. These patients had a significantly higher mean plasma cortisol response than age-matched controls (peak minus baseline; 48.1 +/- 10.5 ng/ml [mean +/- SEM] versus 19.8 +/- 4.2 ng/ml; p < 0.05), but the corresponding ACTH values for the two groups were indistinguishable (13.4 +/- 1.4 pg/ml [mean +/- SEM] versus 11.3 +/- 1.4 pg/ml; n.s.). The response range in the patients was broader and we identified six patients with excessive cortisol release (peak minus baseline: 100.5 +/- 14.4 ng/ml [mean +/- SEM]), whereas four patients failed to respond at all. The hormonal response patterns were not related to previous treatments with corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants or to psychopathological features. These results point to a heterogeneity of HPA system function, most likely at the corticosteroid receptor level, which has clinical implications for all those treatments that affect the HPA system and the course of MS.
DNA microarray technology for simultaneous detection and species identification of seven human herpes viruses

The aim of the study was to develop a multiplex PCR‐based DNA microarray technology for simultaneous detection and species identification of seven human herpes viruses, namely herpes simplex virus type 1, type 2 (HSV‐1, HSV‐2), varicella‐zoster virus (VZV), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and human herpes virus 6 (HHV‐6A, HHV‐6B), and to apply this technology to accurate diagnosis of herpesvirus‐associated diseases. Primers and oligonucleotide probes were designed and synthesized based on the highly conserved regions of the DNA polymerase gene in human herpes viruses. DNA microarrays were made by printing the oligonucleotide probes onto special glass slides. After amplification and labeling with CY5, the PCR products were hybridized with the DNA microarrays and species identified. Sixty‐one cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and 132 blood specimens were analyzed by this technique, and the results were compared with those of TaqMan PCR. Several specimens were sequenced further after cloning. The PCR products of the seven human herpes viruses ranged from 224 to 252 bp, and could be species identified with DNA microarrays. The detection limits were 101 copies/µl for each virus. And the test showed no cross‐reaction to DNA extracted from S. aureus, E. coli, hepatitis B virus, Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida albicans and human genome. Among 132 blood and 61 CSF specimens, 55 were tested positive for human herpes virus DNA. Compared with the results of TaqMan PCR, the sensitivity and specificity of the DNA microarray technology was 96.2% and 99.3%, respectively. This multiplex PCR‐based DNA microarray technology, which is rapid, specific and sensitive, serves as an effective technique for simultaneous detection and species identification of seven human herpes viruses. J. Med. Virol. 80:1042–1050, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A phase I study of concurrent chemoradiotherapy and cetuximab for locally advanced esophageal cancer.

AIM To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) of concurrent chemoradiotherapy and cetuximab in patients with non-resectable locally advanced esophageal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Escalating doses of oxaliplatin every second week and daily tegafur/uracil were given concurrently with radiotherapy, 59.4 Gy in 33 fractions. Cetuximab was given on day 15 (400 mg/m(2)) and weekly (250 mg/m(2)) during radiotherapy. Fixed doses of oxaliplatin (130 mg/m(2)) and tegafur/uracil (300 mg/m(2)) were administered before, and after radiotherapy. RESULTS Eleven patients were included in the study; two were excluded due to allergic reactions to cetuximab. In DL2 (tegafur/uracil 300 mg/m(2), oxaliplatin 30 mg/m(2)) two grade 3/4 fistula and one grade 3 neuropathy were observed. Six patients were enrolled in DL1 (tegafur/uracil 150 mg/m(2)/, oxaliplatin 30 mg/m(2)) with no DLTs. Four out of 9 patients had complete response. CONCLUSION Concomitant chemoradiotherapy and cetuximab had significant activity. DL1 was established as the MTD.
Cognitive Agents for Web Based Search Engines: A Review

Search Engine (SE) is the most used information retrieval tool in the present scenario. In spite of the huge involvement of users in search engines, their limited capabilities to understand the user context and emotions places high load on the user to maintain the search momentum. Thus the research is being done on the web search process including the users. The aim is to reduce the contextual and emotional mismatch between the SE's and users. Personalized user query processing, current knowledge updation on users, information retrieval effectiveness and user satisfaction are the major challenges to be addressed in this field. To meet the high level requirements of the users and to improve the intellectualization level of the search, various cognitive agent based SE models are proposed in the literature. The challenges of the cognitive agents in present search engine scenario are obtaining sufficient percepts from the environment, understanding it, gathering the knowledge and retrieving the information from the huge volume of data. Recent advancements in the field of semantic search engines, knowledge gathering techniques and information retrieval methods are discussed which can better the cognitive agent based search engines by addressing the challenges. Overall the goal is to enhance the search experience by fewer repetitions of queries and making it easier for the users to retrieve the highly relevant documents of their interest.
Necessary and sufficient condition for uniqueness of solutions of certain piecewise linear resistive networks containing transistors and diodes

Equations of the form F(x)=f(x)+Ax=y where f(x)=(f/sub 1/(x/sub 1/) f/sub 2/(x/sub 2/) . f/sub n/(x/sub n/))/sup T/, A is a P/sub 0/ matrix and for all i=1,2, . , n, f/sub i/(x/sub i/), are monotonic and piecewise linear but not necessarily strictly monotonic, are studied. Such networks are shown to have a unique solution if the Jacobian determinant has the same sign in all the regions. This is much more general than several sufficient conditions available in the papers by Sandberg and Willson (1969) and by Chien (1977). Furthermore it is not possible to improve this any further as the condition is both necessary and sufficient. A new sufficient condition is proposed to quickly check the sign condition on the Jacobians. >
Theory and Experiments. (+) Add Reading Glasses to Prevent Myopia

Basic control theory equations are developed showing conventional exponential system response of refraction vs. time R (t) with a characteristic system time constant, in response to a step change of near work environmental conditions. Details from preliminary experimental design using reading glasses at the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis are discussed. The conclusion is that (+) add lenses, used as reading glasses during study, can prevent the development of myopia for college students in pilot training. Research Article Theory and Experiments. (+) Add Reading Glasses to Prevent Myopia Peter R Greene1* and Brown OS2 1B.G. K.T. Consulting Ltd. Bioengineering Huntington, New York 2Optics C & O Research Waynesboro, Penn *Address for Correspondence: Peter R Greene, B.G. K.T. Consulting Ltd. Bioengineering Huntington, New York 11743, Tel: +1 631 935 56 66; E-mail: Submitted: 26 October 2016 Approved: 16 February 2017 Published: 20 February 2017 Copyright: 2017 Greene PR, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Allergenicity testing of supermethrin, phenoxyacetic acid and DNCB using in vivo and in vitro modifications of the local lymph node assays, maximization and epicutaneous testing

The purpose of this study was to compare two methods of testing for allergenicity: in vivo and in vitro modifications of local lymph node assays (LLNA) in mice and the maximization and epicutaneous skin tests in guinea pigs as per the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (1981). Two pesticides—the synthetic pyrethroid insecticide supermethrin (SM) and the herbicide phenoxyacetic acid (PAA)—were evaluated using this testing battery. 1‐Chloro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene (DNCB) was selected as a reference allergen for the local lymph node assay.
Deposit Insurance, Bank Risk Taking, and Failures: Evidence from Early Twentieth-Century State Deposit Insurance Systems

I use the introduction of deposit insurance in eight U.S. states in the early twentieth-century to study its effects on the banking system. Using a triple-difference approach exploiting regulatory differences between national and state banks and between states, I find that insured banks experienced higher deposit growth and a decrease in funding costs. I also observe a replacement of demand deposits by riskier time deposits. However, I find no effects on failure rates or risk taking. Using hand-collected micro-level data, I show that larger banks became riskier relative to smaller banks and that banks facing funding problems especially benefited.
How Useful Are Banks' Earnings-At-Risk And Economic Value Of Equity-At-Risk Public Disclosures?

This paper examines the information content and the usefulness of banks' interest rate risk public disclosures. ALM managers use Earnings at Risk ( EAR ) and Economic Value of Equity at Risk ( EVEAR ) as measures of the dollar amount of potential loss to net interest income and common shareholders' equity as a result of unforeseen interest rate changes. These two interest rate risk management metrics are now recognized benchmarks for measuring interest rate risk exposure, and its potential impact on a bank's financial position. At the explicit request of regulators, financial analysts and competitive pressures, more commercial banks are now reporting EAR and EVEAR numbers in their annual financial reports. To examine preliminary evidence on the information content of such public disclosures, we composed a sample of some of North America's largest commercial banks. The Canadian peer group is based on Canada's seven largest banks, and the U.S. peer group is composed of twelve of its largest banks. In particular, we investigate if "ex ante" EAR and EVEAR numbers help regulators, financial analysts and investors to explain the subsequent variability of commercial banks' net interest income and net income over time.
Brand naming in China: a linguistic approach

Brand names contribute to product success. Studies on brand naming have been mainly conducted in western countries with western European languages and few researchers have focused on how cultural and linguistic diversity is related to brand naming. Attempts to fill the gap by investigating the linguistic content of brand names in the People’s Republic of China. Analyses over 500 brand names of Chinese award‐winning products. Generalizes the characteristics of Chinese brand naming and identifies the preferred syllabic, tonic, semantic and morphological structures. Aims to provide guidance to local marketers to generate a good Chinese brand name in their culture and international marketers to properly localize an international brand in Chinese words in order to enhance business success in the Chinese market.
Human Capital and Inclusive Growth : A tentative framework and an application to Zambia

1. The purpose of this note is to sketch a simple framework for the analysis of the interaction of human capital and demographic developments to be used in inclusive growth analytics (see Ianchovichina and Lundstrom, 2009, for a discussion on the meaning of inclusive growth and the role of inclusive growth diagnostics), as well as to provide an example based on the analysis of educational attainment data for Zambia. The focus that the inclusive growth approach has on productive employment places human capital accumulation in a privileged position when it comes to analyzing the potential constraints to economic growth and its distribution across economic agents. This is particularly true since educational attainment is a key determinant of exclusion from the labor market (from the labor supply perspective) and labor demand mismatch.
Sharing information strategically in a supply chain: antecedents, content and impact

Information sharing has been an important research issue in supply chain management. Although it has been studied frequently, our understanding of sharing information strategically and appropriately remains limited. To fill the gap, this study aims to understand the content of information sharing strategy (ISS) in a supply chain, and specifically how ISS influences supply chain uncertainty and performance. A survey of the Taiwanese manufacturing industry was carried out in order to test a proposed model. Results indicated that ISS includes information sharing and coordination aspects, and that these aspects have a strong impact on reducing supply chain uncertainty and enhancing chain performance. While a supply chain partner must share high-quality information to assist its supply chain partners’ decision-making, it is also clear that a supply chain partner must rely on mutual adjustment and formalised inter-organisational processes to cope with demands. Future research directions and contributions to theory are provided.
Significance of controlling the intensity of various types of effort in football

The problem of evaluating and defining physical endurance of athletes has been the subject of a great body of research and scientific discussion. In team sports, especially football, the energy protection of working muscles in players requires the use of almost all metabolic pathways: aerobic, anaerobic and aerobic-anaerobic. Because of the varying pace of action, the share of energy conversions in muscle cells changes rapidly during a match. Another concern voiced by scientists and football coaches is the question of whether fitness training should always be performed with football balls. The aim of this paper was to present the necessity of monitoring the development of aerobic fitness in football players, and also to answer the question of whether motoric training in football may be performed with balls.
Overview of protecting user privacy in social networks

Some social network sites publish anonymized social network data for special purposes. However,such kind of data publishing may cause potential privacy leak. But research on protecting user privacy has just started. This paper surveyed and discussed existing research on privacy protection in social networks and its privacy leak,information revelation,reidentification attack,mass attack,logic attack,etc. The article tried to predict future trends and pointed out study directions for the social networks.