Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exact and asymptotic analysis of an infinite grid of metal strips using G1DMULT

The scattering properties of an infinite grid of conducting strips in a multilayer structure is studied by a spectral domain technique. To calculate the scattered field we Fourier expand the induced currents on the strips and use the numerical algorithm G1DMULT to evaluate the spectral domain Green's functions. The results are compared with data obtained using the asymptotic strip boundary condition (ASBC). We have shown that the exact numerical results approach the ASBC results when the strip period decreases for all relative strip widths.
Development of a selective plating technique for the recovery of Escherichia coli O157: H7 after heat stress

The use of Sorbitol MacConkey Agar supplemented with 4‐methylumbelliferyl β‐D‐glucuronide (MSMA), which is commonly used in the isolation of Escherichia coli O157: H7, has been shown to perform poorly when stressed cells of the pathogen are present. The incorporation of a resuscitation period (2 h at 25°C) on Trypticase Soy Agar (TSA) before overlay with MSMA was found to significantly (P 0·01) improve recovery of heat‐stressed (52°C/60 min) cells. Maximal recovery was, however, obtained by adding catalase (1000 U) to the TSA before overlaying with MSMA. This recovery protocol was shown not to result in the loss of the major known virulence factors of E. coli O157: H7 (genes encoding eae, VT1 and VT2).
‘Triglyceride effect’ on the dynamics of plasma lipoproteins and its possible link to atherogenesis

To the Editor, The metabolic link between cholesterol and atherogenesis is a fundamental premise on which scientific literature abound with results and publications. Apart from cholesterol, many other analytes are now considered to act as the driving force behind cholesterol uptake by the arterial intima. Among them plasma triglycerides have gained significant importance as atherogenic accelerator, by driving cholesterol into arterial intima. It is appropriate to evaluate and understand the role of ‘triglyceride effect’ on lipid metabolism and its clinical outcome. (Published: 3 August 2012) Citation: Libyan J Med 2012, 7: 18909 - http://dx.doi. org/10.3402/ljm.v7i0. 18909
Positioning Malaysia in Medical Tourism: Implication on Economic Growth in ASEAN Integration

With a rapid growth of medical tourism in the country, the Malaysian Government is under pressure to make the sector of benefit to the public healthcare services. Purpose: This paper attempts to deepen the understanding of the development of medical tourism on destination countries� healthcare systems and the effect toward economy growth. Methodology: Mix methods were applied in the paper with data for the duration of 2000 � 2015 obtained from sources including Malaysia Health Tourism Council (MHTC) and World Bank Indicators. Analysis of the paper includes t-test of gross national products and medical tourism receipts. The paper also shares strategies needed for effective promotion of medical tourism in a medical tourism decision model. Findings: The result shows that ASEAN Economic Community is likely to bring in higher trade volumes in health services. This paper concludes that medical tourism plays an important role in economy by tripling medical tourism receipts to RM900 million in tandem with the economic growth. Limitations: The findings should be interpreted with caution. Practical implications: Upcoming opportunities are potential medical travellers from less advanced ASEAN countries. Social implications: Growth of medical tourism should not lead to �brain drain�. Originality: The study is one of its kinds as it highlights by the use of mix mode in analysing the sector�s economic contribution in a trans-boundary tourism context in a modified medical tourism model. Limitations: For the qualitative analysis of this paper on top of limited length of data for quantitative analysis, the findings should be interpreted with caution.Keywords: Decision Process, Economic Integration, Healthcare, Education & Welfare, Health Tourism, Marketing Strategy, Medical Tourism
Management of asthma in patients supervised by primary care physicians or by specialists

French asthma patients may be supervised by general practitioners (GPs) and/or specialists. Therefore, this study examined asthma management in patients exclusively supervised by specialists (SPE), GPs, (GP) and both (GP+SPE group), and compared the findings. Asthma patients were consecutively recruited in 348 pharmacies. Each patient completed a questionnaire providing data on personal characteristics, asthma management, perception of disease and asthma supervision. Asthma control was measured using the Asthma Control Test. Questionnaires were linked to computerised records of medications which had been dispensed before inclusion in the study. From the 1,256 patients (mean age = 36.1 yrs, 54.3% females), 11.4, 36.6, and 52.0% were placed in the SPE, GP, and GP+SPE groups, respectively. During the previous 4 weeks, most patients in the SPE group were properly controlled (52.2 versus 26.4 and 21.5% in GP and GP+SPE groups, respectively). The SPE group made more use of fixed combinations of long-acting beta agonist and inhaled corticosteroid, while receiving less short-acting beta agonists, antitussives and antibiotics. Striking differences in symptoms and asthma management were observed according to the type of asthma supervision. The current results strongly support the need to improve the management of asthma in primary care, and the coordination of care between general practitioners and specialists.
MicroRNA‐29b promotes the adipogenic differentiation of human adipose tissue‐derived stromal cells

Obesity is primarily characterized by the accumulation of large amounts of fat in adipose tissue. Within the adipose tissue, adipocytes are derived from adipose tissue‐derived stromal cells (ADSCs) via a specialized cell lineage differentiation process, and ADSCs play a key role in the generation and metabolism of adipose tissue. This study investigated whether microRNAs (miRNAs) play a role in adipocyte differentiation.
The Effect of Movie Portrayals on Audience Attitudes About Nontraditional Families and Sexual Orientation

Abstract This study examined the impact of motion pictures about the family on viewers' attitudes about family life and sexual orientation. Viewers were randomly assigned to view either Father of the Bride II(control group) or Object of My Affection(treatment group). Viewers' attitudes toward nontraditionalism and homosexuality were assessed before and after viewing their respective film. Treatment and control groups significantly differed in their attitudes toward nontraditionalism, but did not significantly differ in their attitudes toward homosexuals after viewing their respective films. However, the treatment group experienced more favorable attitudes toward homosexuals than the control group after viewing the film. Gender differences were also observed. Men were less tolerant of homosexuals and held fewer nontraditional beliefs about the family than women. Implications and discussion follow.
Efficacy of topical nonsteroidal drops as pain relief after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy.

PURPOSE To compare the efficacy of topical aqueous indomethacin and ketorolac for pain relief following excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). METHODS We conducted a double masked, randomized trial involving 120 patients. All patients received a standard regimen of one of the trial drugs and chloramphenicol ointment to be used four times daily for 2 days. Pain levels and quality were assessed on a 10 cm linear analogue scale prior to each instillation of the topical medication with the McGill pain questionnaire. Pain threshold was evaluated using a modified State Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire. Patients were advised to use paracetomol for additional pain relief but were allowed to use any oral analgesic (except nonsteroidal agents) which they documented (type and quantity). RESULTS There was no significant difference in pain scores between the groups using indomethacin and ketoralac. CONCLUSION We found no significant difference between topical ketoralac and aqueous indomethacin as pain relief following excimer laser PRK. Both drugs seemed to significantly reduce pain.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: predictors of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis in the severely obese.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is common in severely obese subjects and can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure. Predicting advanced or progressive disease may help in selecting patients for liver biopsy and assist the development of therapeutic options. METHODS Liver biopsies were taken at laparoscopic obesity surgery in 105 consecutive patients. The clinical and biochemical variables were analyzed for correlation with specific histologic features. RESULTS Twenty-six patients (25%) were found to have nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and 11 (42%) of these had advanced fibrosis. A raised index of insulin resistance (odds ratio [OR] 9.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.4-26), systemic hypertension (OR 5.2, 95% CI 2.0-13.5), and raised alanine aminotransferase (OR 8.6, 95% CI 3.1-23.5) were independent predictors of NASH. A combination of 2 or 3 of these predictors allows a sensitivity of 0.8 and specificity of 0.89 for NASH. Alcohol consumption was associated with a reduction in NASH (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.12-1.00) and diabetes (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.047-0.67). CONCLUSION Insulin resistance and systemic hypertension, features of the metabolic syndrome, are independently associated with advanced forms of NAFLD. Moderate alcohol consumption seems to reduce the risk of NAFLD in the severely obese, possibly by reducing insulin resistance.
Enrolee outcomes after health insurance plan terminations: a diagnosis of default effects

Abstract Behavioural economic research has established that defaults, one form of nudge, powerfully influence choices. In most policy contexts, all individuals receive the same nudge. We present a model that analyses the optimal universal nudge for a situation in which individuals differ in their preferences and hence should make different choices and may incur a cost for resisting a nudge. Our empirical focus is on terminated choosers (TCs), individuals whose prior choices become no longer available. Specifically, we examine the power of defaults on individuals who had enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage and whose plans were then discontinued. Currently, if these TCs fail to actively choose another Medicare Advantage plan, they are defaulted into traditional fee-for-service Medicare (TM) without drug coverage. Overall, the rate of transition of TCs into TM is low, implying that original preferences and status quo bias overpower the default. Increasing numbers of Americans are choosing plans in health insurance exchange settings such as Medicare, the Affordable Care Act and private exchanges. Plan exits and large numbers of TCs are inevitable, along with other forms of turmoil. Any guidance and defaults provided for TCs should factor in their past revealed preferences.
What do parents think, and do, about their children’s online privacy?

Debates about personal data and online privacy often make assumptions about parents’ digital skills and sharing practices, how they view their children’s online privacy, and whether parents have the skills to translate concerns about privacy into practical action. This report, the third in a series, is based on a nationally representative survey of 2032 UK parents of children aged 0-17 years old. We examine how UK parents view their own and their children’s digital privacy, whether and how they share images of their children online, and how they negotiate new norms about parents’ roles in supporting their child’s safety and fostering their independence online.
Treatment of myasthenia gravis with mestinon bromide.

• The diagnosis of myasthenia gravis was made in 165 patients whose symptoms were either aggravated by one-tenth of the minimal curarizing dose of tubocurarine chloride or objectively improved by intravenously administered neostigmine. Most patients satisfied both criteria. Mestinon was compared with neostigmine in these patients. Mestinon was effective in controlling the myasthenic symptoms, particularly the dysphagia. Its action was smoother because more prolonged, and no distressing sideeffects were observed even in patients who used it as long as 17 months.
Company Productivity Increases with More Knowledge-Based Capital

In Germany, around 200 billion euros are invested every year in knowledge-based capital, which encompasses assets such as research and development, software and databases, organizational capital, marketing and advertising, and technical design. Yet investments in traditional capital (such as machinery and non-residential buildings) still significantly outweigh knowledge investments, standing at over 320 billion euros across the whole economy. Nevertheless, at the sector level, manufacturing, information and communication services, professional services, and financial services stand out: Investments there are dominated by knowledge-based capital. More importantly, in the years since the financial crisis, there has been no increase in the investment intensity in knowledge-based assets. DIW Berlin compiled a novel dataset on company investments in knowledge-based capital covering almost 2 million records to explore the relationship between investments and company productivity. Initial results show that knowledge-based capital has a positive effect on productivity of comparable magnitude for all the different assets measured. Furthermore, intangible assets complement material assets—therefore, investments in traditional capital goods should always be accompanied by investments in intangible assets. An economic policy to increase investment needs to take these interdependencies into account and emphasize the importance of strengthening intangible assets.
Fully integrated 1.7GHz, 188dBc/Hz FoM, 0.8V, 320/spl mu/W LC-tank VCO and frequency divider

This paper presents a 0.13/spl mu/m CMOS 1.7GHz VCO with frequency divider, suitable for ultra-low-power hearing-aid applications. The circuit has a 16% tuning range, a minimum power consumption of 320/spl mu/W from a 0.8V power supply, power-supply and temperature compensation, an excellent 188dBc/Hz figure-of-merit without the need of off-chip components, and an area of 0.2mm/sup 2/.
Defining the role of the business analyst : the Business Analysis Service Framework

This thesis reports on an empirical study into business analysis (BA), a professional IS discipline. This subject is deemed relevant for investigation for three reasons: the volume of BA practitioners employed worldwide; the continuing problems reported regarding IS project outcomes; and the lack of empirical research that has been conducted into BA. A key area of concern for IS projects is the definition of requirements, an area that falls within the BA remit. However, there is limited extant literature concerning BA and there is ambiguity with regard to the business analyst role. Role theory (Solomon et al. 1985) suggests that a lack of role clarity can diminish performance and cause uncertainty on the part of practitioners and customers. Therefore, the aim of this research is to clarify the role of the IS business analyst and offer a service definition that will support the effective conduct of BA work. A conceptual framework for this study, adapted from the work of Pettigrew et al (2001), is used to examine the business analyst role from four dimensions: the organisational and personal context for BA; the content of IS projects; the process standards, skills and techniques for performing BA; and the outcomes from BA. Case study research has been carried out to explore perspectives on BA. The case is the Business Analysis Manager Forum (BAMF), a professional organisation for managerial-level business analysts. Selected BAMF representatives, all designated BA specialists, shared their experiences and observations regarding the business analyst role, activities and work practices. The data provided by the BA specialists was analysed using template analysis in order to identify themes within the data. Service science provided a theoretical basis for examining the activities performed by business analysts, the skills and techniques used, and the potential for value co-creation with business stakeholders. This enabled the identification and definition of the core services offered by business analysts. The study resulted in the development of two artefacts that are intended to support understanding and recognition of BA: the Business Analysis Service Framework, which defines six services and their corresponding activities, techniques and value proposition; and the business analyst T-shape, which has applied the T-shaped professional concept (Spohrer and Maglio, 2010) to define the skills and techniques required of professional business analysts. These artefacts are proposed as a means of clarifying the business analyst role for practitioners, their business stakeholders and future researchers and, as such, offer a positive contribution to BA theory and practice.
A sealed cavity TFR process for RF bandpass filters

Thin film bulk acoustic wave resonators (TFRs) show considerable promise as a silicon compatible integrated solution for RF bandpass filters with center frequencies in the 1-2 GHz range. This paper presents a VLSI compatible sealed cavity TFR process using reactively sputtered AlN as the piezoelectric film. The devices are free-standing and have a fundamental longitudinal resonance at 1.36 GHz with an insertion loss of 3.5 dB, a K/sub eff//sup 2/ of . 4 %, and a Q/sub series/ of 210.
Hybrid Approach for Modeling and Solving of Kinematics of a Compact Bionic Handling Assistant Manipulator

This paper deals with a methodology for real-time solving of a complex kinematics of a class of continuum manipulators, namely the compact bionic handling assistant (CBHA). First, a quantitative approach is used to model kinematically the CBHA inspired from the modeling of parallel rigid manipulators. For this case, the CBHA is modeled as a series of vertebrae, where each vertebra is connected to the next one through a flexible link. The latter named an intervertebra is modeled by three universal-prismatic-spherical and one universal-prismatic joints. The kinematic models of the CBHA are derived from the inverse kinematic equations (IKE) of each intervertebra. A qualitative approach based on neural networks is used to provide approximated solutions of the IKE for real-time implementation. Thus, the combination of the advantages of quantitative and qualitative approaches allows proposing a hybrid methodology for accurate modeling and solving the kinematics of this class of continuum robots. A set of experiments is conducted using a CBHA in order to evaluate the level of efficiency of the proposed hybrid approach.
Nonequilibrium probabilistic dynamics of the logistic map at the edge of chaos.

We consider nonequilibrium probabilistic dynamics in logisticlike maps x(t+1)=1-a|x(t)|(z), (z>1) at their chaos threshold: We first introduce many initial conditions within one among W>>1 intervals partitioning the phase space and focus on the unique value q(sen)<1 for which the entropic form S(q) identical with (1- summation operator Wp(q)(i))/(q-1) linearly increases with time. We then verify that S(q(sen))(t)-S(q(sen))( infinity ) vanishes like t(-1/[q(rel)(W)-1]) [q(rel)(W)>1]. We finally exhibit a new finite-size scaling, q(rel)( infinity )-q(rel)(W) proportional, variant W(-|q(sen)|). This establishes quantitatively, for the first time, a long pursued relation between sensitivity to the initial conditions and relaxation, concepts which play central roles in nonextensive statistical mechanics.
Artificial amplification of warming trends across the mountains of the western United States

Observations from the main mountain climate station network in the western United States (U.S.) suggest that higher elevations are warming faster than lower elevations. This has led to the assumption that elevation‐dependent warming is prevalent throughout the region with impacts to water resources and ecosystem services. Here we critically evaluate this network's temperature observations and show that extreme warming observed at higher elevations is the result of systematic artifacts and not climatic conditions. With artifacts removed, the network's 1991–2012 minimum temperature trend decreases from +1.16°C decade−1 to +0.106°C decade−1 and is statistically indistinguishable from lower elevation trends. Moreover, longer‐term widely used gridded climate products propagate the spurious temperature trend, thereby amplifying 1981–2012 western U.S. elevation‐dependent warming by +217 to +562%. In the context of a warming climate, this artificial amplification of mountain climate trends has likely compromised our ability to accurately attribute climate change impacts across the mountainous western U.S.
Global Sea Level Rise and the Greenhouse Effect: Might They Be Connected?

Secular sea level trends extracted from tide gauge records of appropriately long duration demonstrate that global sea level may be rising at a rate in excess of 1 millimeter per year. However, because global coverage of the oceans by the tide gauge network is highly nonuniform and the tide gauge data reveal considerable spatial variability, there has been a well-founded reluctance to interpret the observed secular sea level rise as representing a signal of global scale that might be related to the greenhouse effect. When the tide gauge data are filtered so as to remove the contribution of ongoing glacial isostatic adjustment to the local sea level trend at each location, then the individual tide gauge records reveal sharply reduced geographic scatter and suggest that there is a globally coherent signal of strength 2.4 � 0.90 millimeters per year that is active in the system. This signal could constitute an indication of global climate warming.
How is the United States’s international HIV prevention programme evolving?

The President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is a 1998 United States governmental initiative to prevent the spread of AIDS, primarily in Africa. The PEPFAR program has provided antiretroviral treatment to over 11 million HIV-infected people in Africa and it has been called the largest health initiative ever initiated by one country to address a disease, with a budget exceeding $70 billion since its creation. While PEPFAR has been praised for having saved millions of lives, diminishing media attention to AIDS as well as potential policy changes are likely to negatively impact the progress of the organization in the future. Thus a number of questions arise: How has PEPFAR’s policy been driven and assessed so far? What are the key factors which have led to PEPFAR’s success? How does it measure its own efficiency? How does PEPFAR compare to other international organizations? What are its links with local organizations? How does it relate to its partners? The aim of this paper is to consider these important questions and to map out the shifting balance of HIV prevention in the next decade. This study is based on the institutional documentation, press articles as well as on a series of interviews conducted with local members of HIV/AIDS Disease Control and Prevention programmes in Africa