Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Wireless LAN access network system for moving vehicles

Several Wireless LAN handover schemes have been proposed for access networks. These efforts have not yet, however, produced a satisfactory solution for access networks that provide broadband Internet services to moving vehicles such as express buses, trucks and high-speed trains. In this paper, we propose a WLAN access network system for high-speed moving vehicles. The proposed system achieves a short handover time and no packet loss during handover. A daisy-chain network architecture reduces construction costs to enable the wide deployment of many WLAN access points. We also present a performance evaluation of the prototype system.
Twist1 correlates with poor differentiation and progression in gastric adenocarcinoma via elevation of FGFR2 expression.

AIM To explore the correlation between Twist-related protein (Twist)1, fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)2 and gastric adenocarcinoma differentiation and progression. METHODS We evaluated Twist1 and FGFR2 in 52 gastric adenocarcinoma samples by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction, and analyzed the correlation between Twist1, FGFR2 and cancer differentiation. We also detected Twist1 and FGFR2 expression in gastric adenocarcinoma cell lines, and evaluated Twist1 influence on FGFR2 expression. In addition, we studied the role of FGFR2 in Twist1-promoted cancer progression, including proliferation, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). RESULTS Twist1 and FGFR2 were detected in almost all the gastric adenocarcinoma samples. Twist1 (P = 0.0213) and FGFR2 (P = 0.0310) mRNA levels had a significant association with gastric adenocarcinoma differentiation. Moreover, Twist1 and FGFR2 expression in poorly differentiated cells (SNU-1 and SNU-16) was notably higher than in well-differentiated cells (MKN-7 and MKN-28). In poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinomas, FGFR2 mRNA level was significantly positively correlated with Twist1 mRNA level (P = 0.004). Twist1 was proved to promote FGFR2 by regulating Twist1 expression by knockdown and overexpression. Additionally, Twist1 could induce proliferation, invasion and EMT in gastric cancer; of these, FGFR2 was required for invasion and EMT, rather than proliferation. CONCLUSION Twist1 and FGFR2 are highly associated with differentiation of gastric adenocarcinoma; Twist1 can facilitate invasion and EMT in gastric adenocarcinoma via promotion of FGFR2 expression.
Influence of an algal triacylglycerol containing docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) and docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n-6) on cardiovascular risk factors in healthy men and women

The intake of long-chain n-3 PUFA, including DHA (22:6n-3), is associated with a reduced risk of CVD. Schizochytrium sp. are an important primary source of DHA in the marine food chain but they also provide substantial quantities of the n-6 PUFA docosapentaenoic acid n-6; DPA). The effect of this oil on cardiovascular risk factors was evaluated using a double-blind randomised placebo-controlled parallel-design trial in thirty-nine men and forty women. Subjects received 4g oil/d for 4 weeks; the active treatment provided 1·5g DHA and 0·6g DPA. Active treatment increased plasma concentrations of arachidonic acid, adrenic acid, DPA and DHA by 21, 11, 11 and 88mg/l respectively and the proportions of DPA and DHA in erythrocyte phospholipids by 78 and 27% respectively. Serum total, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol increased by 0·33mmol/l (7·3%), 0·26mmol/l (10·4%) and 0·14mmol/l (9·0%) compared with placebo (all p≤0·001). Factor VII (FVII) coagulant activity increased by 12% following active treatment (P=0·006). There were no significant differences between treatments in LDL size, blood pressure, plasma glucose, serum C-reactive protein, plasma FVII antigen, FVII activated, fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, tocopherol or carotenoid concentrations, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, creatine kinase or troponin-I activities, haematology or liver function tests or self-reported adverse effects. Overall, the oil was well tolerated and did not adversely affect cardiovascular risk.
Timing and risk factors associated with relapse among smokers attempting to quit in Malaysia.

BACKGROUND Many smokers attempt to quit smoking, but very few succeed. OBJECTIVE To identify the timing and risk factors involved in smoking relapse. METHODS We conducted a prospective cohort study among staff in two public universities in Malaysia. Behavioural therapy with free nicotine replacement therapy was given as treatment. Participants were followed up for 6 months. Relapse was defined as returning to smoking after having quit for at least 24 h. RESULTS Of 185 smokers who volunteered to participate, 120 achieved at least 24-h abstinence, and 80% of these relapsed within 2 months. Compared to participants who attended a single smoking cessation session, participants who attended three sessions had a lower likelihood of relapse within 6 months of quitting. In contrast, smokers with a much longer exposure to cigarette smoking in the workplace (>3 h per week) had a greater chance of relapse compared to those with no exposure. CONCLUSIONS Frequent attendance at clinic sessions and less exposure to other people smoking in the workplace can potentially reduce the likelihood of relapse among smokers who have recently quit.
Globalization of Equity Policy Portfolios, October 2009

Globalization has brought about a major rethinking of the equity investment. Thought leaders in the industry are questioning the merit of the existing equity allocation practices and are increasingly looking towards an integrated global equity investment process. The partitioned domestic/non-domestic approach to equity investing may have been built on the grounds of segmented economies, high levels of foreign investment restrictions, and heavily domestically-focused companies but its validity is being challenged by a changing and more integrated global equity landscape. Traditional arguments supporting a home bias equity allocation are less defensible and certain leading institutional investors are realizing that the segmentation between domestic and international equities at a strategic level is a legacy that may come with important market timing risks and opportunity costs. A more integrated approach to equity investing may be the next stage in the evolution of investment processes and a natural consequence of globalization. A broad and investable global equity benchmark is an integral part of such a process.
Evaluating the Antecedents of the Technology Acceptance Model in Saudi Arabia

Antecedents of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) have been the focus of research on user intentions toward new technology in developed countries for years. Findings from these studies can potentially reveal new methods to improve employee acceptance and use of new systems. The present study investigates whether the antecedents of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use also apply in developing countries, specifically in Saudi Arabia. Findings indicate that the antecedents of TAM do, in fact, apply in Saudi Arabia, and therefore also have implications for businesses in developing countries to improve the user acceptance and use of new technologies.
A conceptual framework for examining HRD and NHRD linkages and outcomes: Review of TVET literature

Purpose – This paper aims to review technical vocational education and training (TVET) literature, identify different components of the TVET system and develop a conceptual framework that integrates human resource development (HRD) and national human resource development (NHRD) outcomes. The renewed focus on technical vocational education and training (TVET) is important for human resource development (HRD), as it expands current understanding of its role in economic development through workforce training. National human resource development (NHRD) perspectives recognize the role of TVET in linking regional and national economic development strategies. Furthermore, TVET’s focus on literacy education, poverty alleviation and inclusion of marginalized and vulnerable populations emphasizes social development outcomes that are critical for NHRD. Using this background, the integration of HRD and NHRD outcomes into one conceptual TVET framework for addressing workforce, economic and social development outcomes .
An analysis of the factors affecting the adoption of electronic commerce by SMEs

Purpose – The study investigates the internet‐based electronic commerce (EC) adoption profile of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in Turkey as well as the factors affecting their willingness to adopt EC usage.Design/methodology/approach – EC adoption is measured by a composite index of the usage frequency of 14 EC application tools. The study draws on the data obtained from a sample of 237 manufacturing SMEs with internet connection.Findings – In was discovered that EC adoption was significantly influenced by its perceived benefits. However, the perceived limitations of EC applications were found to have no statistically significant effect on EC adoption. The analysis also showed that company and industry‐specific factors, with the exception of amount of resources allocated for export development, did not appear to have any significant impact on EC adoption.Research limitations/implications – More efforts have to be made to remove or at least mitigate the impediments to a SME's willingness to ado.
Bioavailability of dietary iron in man.

INTRODUCTION 123 MEASUREMENTS OF DIETARY BIOAVAILABILITY OF IRON 124 Earlier Methods 124 Extrinsic Tag Method 125 BIOAVAILABILITY OF NON-HEME IRON 126 Individual Factors Influencing Bioavailability 126 Iron status 126 Pregnancy 127 Disease states 128 Dietary Factors Influencing lron Bioavailability 128 Bioavailability of iron in single foods 128 Pool concept and concept of bioavailability 129 Diet factors that particularly influence bioavailability of non-heine iron 130 Bioavailabilio~ of iron in meals from different countries 132 Bioavailability of fortification iron 133 BIOAVAILABILITY OF HEME IRON 140 Individual Factors 140 Dietary Factors 141 ASSESSMENT OF BIOAVAILABILITY OF IRON IN THE WHOLE DIET . 141 Earlier Studies 141 Implications of the Pool Concept 142 Estimations Based on Bioavailable Nutrient Density 143 CONCLUSIONS 144
National Venture Competition and Technopreneurship Development in Malaysia

In the global slowdown, there is a revived interest in entrepreneurship development particularly in new startups based on technology. Many countries see this as a basis for future growth and competitiveness. To encourage technology-based entrepreneurship, also called technopreneurship, business plan competitions could be one strategy. Typically one finds business plan competitions either for members of a region of a country (e.g., SW Pennsylvania); or, as an extension of University programs in business and entrepreneurship (e.g., MIT). Certainly such competitions can generate and exploit interest in entrepreneurship. In Malaysia, beginning in 2001, a business plan competition with a difference has been established. It is not organized to draw participation from educational institutions. It was not a competition initiated by venture capitalists, but a national effort. The three parties organizing it included a consulting firm (McKinsey), a stock exchange (Mesdaq/KLSE), and a nonprofit business organization (the Malaysian Institute of Management). Of course it had the support of the government and many others. Its goal is to show-case technology oriented new startups to suppliers of capital and to suppliers of know how and who. But its goal also is help foster an entrepreneurial buzz in the nation. In this sense, it is a national business plan competition that merges three functions: a business plan competition, a venture capital forum, and a network building venue. The paper considers the case for such a competition, and reports on who were the initial contestant participants.
Ultra low power, harsh environment SOI-CMOS design of temperature sensor based threshold detection and wake-up IC

An ultra-low-power temperature-sensor-based silicon-on-insulator (SOI) CMOS Integrated Circuit (IC) for harsh environment application is presented. It first detects a temperature threshold, secondly generates a wake-up signal that turns on a data-acquisition microprocessor once the threshold has been detected and thirdly operates as a temperature sensor in a harsh environment while being wired to the microprocessor kept in a safe area. The IC is continuously on for a very long period of time and is required to be powered from a ultrathin battery type, hence must be an ultra low power design. It includes a diode-based temperature sensor, a quasi-temperature independent voltage generator, a comparator and a power switch to limit the microprocessor stand-by consumption. Since our application is mainly for harsh environment (e.g. high temperature, radiation), the chip has been designed using the 1-µm high-temperature SOI-CMOS XFAB technology; it occupies an area of 560µm×165µm. The biasing current and power dissipation are 4.12 µA and 20.6 µW respectively at a supply voltage of 5V and temperature of 27°C, according to the post-layout transistor level simulation results.
Confined dynamics of a ribosome‐bound nascent globin: Cone angle analysis of fluorescence depolarization decays in the presence of two local motions

We still know very little about how proteins achieve their native three-dimensional structure in vitro and in the cell. Folding studies as proteins emerge from the mega Dalton-sized ribosome pose special challenges due to the large size and complicated nature of the ribosome-nascent chain complex. This work introduces a combination of three-component analysis of fluorescence depolarization decays (including the presence of two local motions) and in-cone analysis of diffusive local dynamics to investigate the spatial constraints experienced by a protein emerging from the ribosomal tunnel. We focus on E. coli ribosomes and an all-α-helical nascent globin in the presence and absence of the cotranslationally active chaperones DnaK and trigger factor. The data provide insights on the dynamic nature and structural plasticity of ribosome-nascent chain complexes. We find that the sub-ns motions of the N-terminal fluorophore, reporting on the globin dynamics in the vicinity of the N terminus, are highly constrained both inside and outside the ribosomal tunnel, resulting in high-order parameters (>0.85) and small cone semiangles (<30°). The shorter globin chains buried inside the tunnel are less spatially constrained than those of a reference sequence from a natively unfolded protein, suggesting either that the two nascent chain sequences have a different secondary structure and therefore sample different regions of the tunnel or that the tunnel undergoes local structural adjustments to accommodate the globin sequence. Longer globins emerging out of the ribosomal tunnel are also found to have highly spatially constrained slow (ns) motions. There are no observable spectroscopic changes in the absence of bound chaperones.
Texture Segmentation Based on Pattern Maps Obtained by Independent Component Analysis

In this paper, we propose a new feature for texture segmentation that is based on the pixel patterns and thus is independent of the variance of illumination. A gray scale image is transformed into a pattern map in which edges and lines (bars) used to characterize the texture information are classified by pattern matching. The Gabor filters can enhance edge features, however, are not effective in edge pattern classification. We extract the pattern templates from image patches by Independent Component Analysis. Based on the pattern maps, the feature vector is comprised of the numbers of the pixels belonging to each pattern. The calculation of the featurs is simple and not related to the number of the components, so the proposed method is quite time saving compared with other multichannel segmentation algorithms.
Hes3 Is Expressed in the Adult Pancreatic Islet and Regulates Gene Expression, Cell Growth, and Insulin Release*

Background: The transcription factor Hes3 regulates the growth of neural and brain cancer stem cells. Results: Hes3 regulates growth, gene expression, evoked insulin release in cultured insulinoma cells, and sensitivity to streptozotocin in vivo. Conclusion: Hes3 is a novel regulator of cellular functions of importance in diabetes. Significance: Introducing Hes3 and its regulators in diabetes research may provide new opportunities for the design of novel therapeutics. The transcription factor Hes3 is a component of a signaling pathway that supports the growth of neural stem cells with profound consequences in neurodegenerative disease models. Here we explored whether Hes3 also regulates pancreatic islet cells. We showed that Hes3 is expressed in human and rodent pancreatic islets. In mouse islets it co-localizes with alpha and beta cell markers. We employed the mouse insulinoma cell line MIN6 to perform in vitro characterization and functional studies in conditions known to modulate Hes3 based upon our previous work using neural stem cell cultures. In these conditions, cells showed elevated Hes3 expression and nuclear localization, grew efficiently, and showed higher evoked insulin release responses, compared with serum-containing conditions. They also exhibited higher expression of the transcription factor Pdx1 and insulin. Furthermore, they were responsive to pharmacological treatments with the GLP-1 analog Exendin-4, which increased nuclear Hes3 localization. We employed a transfection approach to address specific functions of Hes3. Hes3 RNA interference opposed cell growth and affected gene expression as revealed by DNA microarrays. Western blotting and PCR approaches specifically showed that Hes3 RNA interference opposes the expression of Pdx1 and insulin. Hes3 overexpression (using a Hes3-GFP fusion construct) confirmed a role of Hes3 in regulating Pdx1 expression. Hes3 RNA interference reduced evoked insulin release. Mice lacking Hes3 exhibited increased islet damage by streptozotocin. These data suggest roles of Hes3 in pancreatic islet function.
Does Asymmetric Information Cause the Home Equity Bias?

The home equity bias is one of the many puzzles existing in international finance. This puzzle is characterized by the concentration of domestic equity in any investor's portfolio, which is in contradiction with the benchmark of full diversification in a world mutual fund. Based on Admati's (1985) and Gehrig's (1993) noisy rational expectation models, the author tries to explain the effect of asymmetric information in the home equity bias puzzle. While asymmetric information helps to explain the puzzle for the case of one domestic, and one foreign equity, this result relies on very restrictive assumptions. Using a model with one domestic asset and two foreign assets, the author illustrates that asymmetries of information are also consistent with home equity bias reversals. One proposition generalizes these results. Simulations corroborate the main theoretical predictions of the model presented by the author.
Characterization of the dependency across foreign exchange markets using copulas

Though Pearson’s correlation coefficient provides a convenient approach to measuring the dependency between two variables, in the last few years, there has been a significant amount of literature warning against the use of Pearson’s correlation coefficient, as it does not remain invariant under transformations of the underlying distribution functions. Since we are interested in examining the dependency pattern observed by the return on the Sterling Pound with that of the Japanese Yen, we will use the notion of a copula to approximate the joint density function between the daily returns on the Sterling Pound and the Japanese Yen. In particular, we use a result that is fundamental to the development of copula theory, namely Sklar’s Theorem, to examine the observed joint density function between the daily returns on the Sterling Pound and the Japanese Yen. We will attempt to capture the approximated joint density function using a theoretical Gaussian Copula Model. This comparison is performed in the case where the underlying marginal distributions are both uniform, as well as the case where the underlying marginal distributions are both gaussian.
Malaysian Corporate Spin-Offs: Wealth Redistribution Relations with Debt and Liquidity

The reviewed corporate spin-offs studies mostly in US, delved into wealth impact in the stock market. Different researchers espouse wealth creation on the various market models. This study also examines the wealth impacts of spin-off events, but in Malaysia, an emerging market place which is rare and further analyses the links between the wealth impact and parent company’s pre-event debt levels and post-event liquidity position to explain wealth redistribution from debtors to shareholders due to spin-offs. Using Market Model, we found wealth impacts are generally positive. Whilst, after regrouping the sample based on their performance level, we observed that the impact materialised through cumulative positive abnormal returns prior and after the event as well as reduced trend in abnormal lost post spin-off. Whereas, wealth redistribution effect is only apparent in poorly performed firms where a strong positive relationship between Cumulative Abnormal Return and debt levels is found, but not for firms that have good financial health thus the ability to repay debts.
Exploring critical usability factors for handsets

Handsets are being transformed from the traditional cellular phone to an integrated content delivery platform for communications. Their increasing capabilities and value-added features provide more utilities, and at the same time, make the design more complicated and the devices more difficult to use. The objective of this study was to explore and identify the critical factors that predicate the handset's perceived usability. An online survey was conducted by using a seven-point Likert-scale structured questionnaire tailored to measure the user's perception of the usability level of their current handset. A total of nine usability dimensions were derived from the results of exploratory factor analysis. The total variance explained by these nine factors was 65.20% of the overall variance of the data. Relationships between the nine usability factors and handset design features were described by regression models.
How Many Antennas Should Be Activated in Keyhole Channels Under a Holistic Power Model

In this letter, we investigate the problem of how many transmit or receive antennas should be activated in keyhole channels with the consideration of a holistic power model. In conventional works where the circuit power is ignored, the system performance in terms of both ergodic capacity and outage probability improves with the increase of active antennas. However, when a holistic power model which includes the circuit power of RF chains as well as the transmission power is considered, there will exist a fundamental trade-off between the number of active antennas and the residual transmission power. Based on this trade-off, we derive a closed-form formula for the optimal number of active transmit or receive antennas in keyhole channels. In particular, by adopting the Meijer's G-function, we present concise expressions for the optimal numbers of active antennas that maximize the ergodic capacity and minimize the outage probability. Simulations will be shown in agreement with the theoretical results in a large extent.