Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Disease Unlike Any Other? Why HIV Remains Exceptional in the Age of Treatment

Since 1996, when effective antiretroviral-based therapies (ARTs) first became available to treat HIV, various discursive, legal, health policy, and institutional moves have been made to reframe HIV as a chronic disease that should be treated ‘like any other. ’ Arguments for this framing have come from diverse positions, including AIDS activists who want to challenge stigma; medical professionals who want HIV patients to be treated like other patients, with a diminished focus on consent and confidentiality; health administrators, who want to routinize and integrate HIV care into existing programs; public health policymakers who want to test and treat as many people as possible in the shortest period of time; and international donors who want to break with the 30-year-long crisis framing of HIV responses, and to push national governments to incorporate HIV care into existing public health budgets and strategies. Despite these efforts to ‘normalize’ HIV, the experiences of those infected, as well as many of those involved in providing care and support to the infected, demonstrate that the disease continues to be seen as exceptional. In this special issue, we explore the resulting tensions between individuals and institutions pressing for routinization and normalization of HIV in multiple settings in North America and east and southern Africa, by focusing on case studies of everyday practices of care that resist attempts at such normalization. We ask: What is it about HIV as a biosocial phenomenon and those it affects that limits its capacity to be subsumed in a chronic
Harmonic reduction of non-inverting buck – boost dc / dc converter by introducing LC filters in network

This paper displays an execution of versatile double current mode control (ADCMC) on non-altering buck-support converter. A confirmation of the converter operation with the proposed ADCMC has been performed in consistent state and amid the unsettling influences in the information voltage and the heap resistance and by presenting LC channels. The given recreation with LC channel can give preferable execution over customary converter comes about.
Information Disclosure on Social Networking Sites: An Exploratory Survey of Factors Impacting User Behaviour on Facebook

This chapter explores how six constructs—control, trust, perceived risk, risk propensity, perceived legal protection, and privacy disposition—affect information disclosure on the Social Networking Site (SNS) Facebook. Building upon previous related work, an extended causal model of disclosure behaviour is proposed. The hypothesised relationships in this model were tested using survey data collected from 278 social networking site users in Ireland. The results of the analysis provide strong support for the proposed model.
Eschar is associated with poor prognosis in scrub typhus

Scrub typhus occurs in almost all parts of India and is endemic1. Many researchers have reported the profile of scrub typhus from various parts of India with diagnosis based on IgM ELISA2-4. Eschar is pathognomonic for rickettsiosis including scrub typhus, but its presence has not been reported as a marker of disease severity. Kim et al5 found absence of eschar to have prognostic significance in their study. We report here results of a retrospective analysis of IgM positive adult patients with scrub typhus showing eschar as a marker of severe rickettsiosis.
The effect of perceived trust, perceived security and attitude on online purchase intention in Malaysia public universities

The popularity of online shopping in electronic commerce (e-commerce) is significantly tempered with concerns over perceived trust and perceived security in online purchasing. Lack of trust and security issue cause the online users to avoid participating in online purchasing and instead they use the online environment more for non-shopping activities more. Despite the increased awareness of trust and security issues, their antecedents in online purchase intentions have not been adequately examined. This study proposes a conceptual model to evaluate the effects of perceived trust, perceived security, attitude and their antecedents on online purchase intention. A quantitative methodology is used, and questionnaires were sent to students in six public universities in the Klang Valley of Malaysia. A total of 438 Malaysian students participated in this online survey. Structural Equation Modeling was used to evaluate the proposed model. The findings show that attitude, perceived trust and perceived security have a significant direct effect on online purchase intention. Customers’ attitude towards online purchasing is the most important factor in predicting online purchase intention. On the other hand, when the website is perceived as secure and trustworthy the intention to do online purchasing will increase. In addition, factors such as reputation, information quality, third party endorsement and familiarity are found to be the antecedents of perceived trust while factors such as controllability, reputation and familiarity are exhibited as antecedents of perceived security. Moreover, perceived ease of use and perceived security are two antecedents of attitude. Attitude mediates the effect of perceived security on online purchase intention partially. Hence, this study concludes that online vendors and online shop managers should give particular attention to online customers’ attitude towards online purchasing, their perception of trust, security and their antecedents, for having more potential online customers and increasing intention to do online purchasing.
Auras and subclinical seizures: Characteristics and prognostic significance

The characteristics and prognostic significance of subclinical seizures and independent auras were studied in 40 patients with partial epilepsy who had long‐term electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring with intracranial electrodes. Focal, restricted subclincal seizures were noted in 23 patients, and 11 patients experienced auras that were accompanied by ictal EEG discharges. Auras and subclinical seizures usually were identical in EEG appearance, but were distributed differently among patients. The subclinical seizures and auras usually had the same origin as complex partial seizures, but did not always reliably indicate complex partial seizure origin. Subclinical seizures and auras were of favorable prognostic significance for patients undergoing temporal lobectomy. A majority (>80%) of individuals with subclinical seizures and auras were free of complex partial seizures after surgery, whereas a minority (29%) of patients without subclinical seizures and auras became free of complex parital seizures.
HOW IMPORTANT IS THE DARK MATTER HALO FOR BLACK HOLE GROWTH?

In this paper, we examine whether the properties of central black holes in galactic nuclei correlate with their host dark matter halos. We analyze the entire sample of galaxies where black hole mass, velocity dispersion σ, and asymptotic circular velocity Vc have all been measured. We fit MBH–σ and MBH–Vc to a power law, and find that in both relationships the scatter and slope are similar. This model-independent analysis suggests that although the black hole masses are not uniquely determined by dark matter halo mass, when considered for the current sample as a whole, the MBH–Vc correlation may be as strong (or as weak) as MBH–σ. Although the data are sparse, there appears to be more scatter in the correlation for both σ and Vc at the low-mass end. This is not unexpected given our current understanding of galaxy and black hole assembly. In fact, there are several compelling reasons that account for this: (1) supermassive black hole (SMBH) formation is likely less efficient in low-mass galaxies with large angular momentum content, (2) SMBH growth is less efficient in low-mass disk galaxies that have not experienced major mergers, and (3) dynamical effects, such as gravitational recoil, increase scatter preferentially at the low-mass end. Therefore, the recent observational claim of the absence of central SMBHs in bulgeless, low-mass galaxies, or deviations from the correlations defined by high-mass black holes in large galaxies today is, in fact, predicated by current models of black hole growth. We show how this arises as a direct consequence of the coupling between dark matter halos and central black holes at the earliest epochs.
Cutaneous exposure to clinically-relevant pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) proteins promote TH2-dependent sensitization and IgE-mediated anaphylaxis in Balb/c mice

Abstract Epicutaneous (EC) sensitization to food allergens may occur when the skin has been lightly damaged. The study here tested whether cutaneous exposure to pigeon pea protein(s) may cause allergic sensitization. BALB/c mice were either orally gavaged or epicutaneously sensitized by repeated application of pigeon pea crude protein extract (CPE) on undamaged areas of skin without any adjuvant; afterwards, both groups were orally challenged with the pigeon pea CPE. Anaphylactic symptoms along with measures of body temperature, MCPT-1, TSLP, pigeon pea-specific IgE and IgG1, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, TH2 cytokines, TH2 transcription factors (TFs) and filaggrin expression were determined. Mast cell staining, eosinophil levels and histopathological analysis of the skin and intestines were also performed. In the epicutaneously-sensitized mice, elevated levels of specific IgE and IgG1, as well as of MCPT-1, TSLP, TH2 cytokines and TFs, higher anaphylactic scores and histological changes in the skin and intestine were indicative of sensitization ability via both routes in the pigeon pea CPE-treated hosts. Elevated levels of mast cells were observed in both the skin and intestine; increased levels of eosinophils and MPO activity were noted only in the skin. Decreased levels of filaggrin in skin may have played a key role in the skin barrier dysfunction, increasing the chances of sensitization. Therefore, the experimental data support the hypothesis that in addition to oral exposure, skin exposure to food allergens can promote TH2-dependent sensitization, IgE-mediated anaphylaxis and intestinal changes after oral challenge. Based on this, an avoidance of cutaneous exposures to allergens might prevent development of food anaphylaxis.
NFV-Bench: A Dependability Benchmark for Network Function Virtualization Systems

Network function virtualization (NFV) envisions the use of cloud computing and virtualization technology to reduce costs and innovate network services. However, this paradigm shift poses the question whether NFV will be able to fulfill the strict performance and dependability objectives required by regulations and customers. Thus, we propose a dependability benchmark to support NFV providers at making informed decisions about which virtualization, management, and application-level solutions can achieve the best dependability. We define in detail the use cases, measures, and faults to be injected. Moreover, we present a benchmarking case study on two alternative, production-grade virtualization solutions, namely VMware ESXi/vSphere (hypervisor-based) and Linux/Docker (container-based), on which we deploy an NFV-oriented IMS system. Despite the promise of higher performance and manageability, our experiments suggest that the container-based configuration can be less dependable than the hypervisor-based one, and point out which faults NFV designers should address to improve dependability.
The Prevalence of Constipation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Parkinson’s Disease Patients According to Rome III Diagnostic Criteria

Background: Gastrointestinal symptoms are one of the most common non-motor features of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Recently, a report from Taiwan revealed that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be associated with an increased risk of developing PD; however, the prevalence of IBS in PD patients has not been fully evaluated. Rome III criteria are widely assessed with a questionnaire to determine functional gastrointestinal disorders. Objective: We assessed the prevalence of constipation and IBS in PD patients in our cohort using Rome III criteria. Methods: Between October 2014 and April 2015, 118 patients with PD were treated at Fukuoka University Hospital and were enrolled in this study. Rome III criteria were used to diagnose constipation and IBS. Results: Constipation and IBS were detected in 32 (27.1%) and 20 patients (17.0%), respectively. The most common symptom related to constipation was straining during defecation (77.1%). Among constipation symptoms, patients’ self-awareness of constipation was mostly related to straining during defecation (odds ratio 5.27, 95% confidence interval 1.475–18.811). The number of constipation symptoms was correlated with the severity of the Hoehn-Yahr Stage (p < 0.05) and total levodopa equivalent dose (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This is the first report to investigate the prevalence of IBS in PD patients with Rome III criteria. We found a higher prevalence of IBS compared with the general population. The prevalence of constipation based on Rome III criteria was much lower than that reported in previous studies. Further studies are warranted to evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms in PD patients using comparable questionnaires.
Electronic Customer Relationship Management, Customer Satisfaction, and Customer Loyalty: A Comprehensive Review Study

: Electronic customer relationship management (E-CRM) is the implementation of E-technology or internet-based technology in order to attain customer relationship management (CRM) objectives. According to the literature, E-CRM is about technology, processes and people and E-CRM is to gain customer loyalty. The impact of E-CRM on customer satisfaction and customer loyalty has been investigated by previous scholars. The major purpose of current study is to review relevant studies of which have been conducted on determination of E-CRM on customer satisfaction and loyalty of customer. In order to achieve this, authors searched various related journals indexed in valid databases for collection of sufficient bibliography and then reviewing them in details. Findings provide information about each source, indicating what can be found there and how the information can be helpful. This article fulfills an identified information/resources need and offers practical help to an individual and academic starting out a research on E-CRM and its relationship with customer satisfaction and loyalty. Moreover, this study will bring helpful insights for the managers of service industries to implement the E-CRM in the best shape and match it with their organizations or industries’ culture to enhance level of customer loyalty and gaining more profitability and revenue for their own businesses.
So many meetings and things to learn and so little time.

As part of a quest to learn about energy-substrate partitioning in supporting human physiology, in a span of a month commencing at the end of September 2006, I attended three outstanding meetings to be described below. This has been an awesome experience that has been educational, inspirational, and humbling. Many things are encapsulated by the experience, not the least is the ever-increasing pace of discovery and the difficulties we experience in just trying to keep up, let alone get ahead. In the end, I came away feeling a bit like one of the heroes of Antarctic exploration, Apsley Cherry-Garrard. To refresh your memories, Cherry-Garrard was selected by Robert Falcon Scott to serve as the biologist on the 1912 British expedition to the South Pole. Afterward, CherryGarrard authored a memoir, The Worst Journey in the World 1910Y1913 (4). That chronicle and others of surviving expedition members tell us that Scott and four of his companions came second to the Norwegian Roald Amundsen and his team in the race to reach the South Pole. Another and far less trivial distinction is that the Norwegian made it home, whereas Scott and four companions froze on the way out and chill there still. Cherry-Garrard’s memoir is a testament to human aspiration, bravery, shortcomings, and mortality. In addition, after reading hundreds of pages of this book, there is the perception that Cherry-Garrard never figured out why he was selected to participate. CherryGarrard had no training in biology. He was very myopic, and his thick spectacles were often useless in the Antarctic. Still, in the complete darkness of the Antarctic winter when day and night were indistinguishable, Cherry-Garrard was selected to lead the team in the march to the Emperor penguin rookery. True to his upbringing, Cherry-Garrard carried on, never complaining even when he fell into crevasse after crevasse, each time leaving him to dangle on leather traces above the frozen abyss below. No, he was ever so thankful when his mates pulled him out to resume the lead. To reiterate, after attending the three meetings, I feel as Cherry-Garrard might have felt, that is, one person trekking on but sometimes left dangling out there.
Inhibitory effect of curcumin on invasion of skin squamous cell carcinoma A431 cells.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the regulatory effect of curcumin on expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in skin squamous cell carcinoma tissues as well as possible mechanisms of curcumin in prevention and treatment of skin squamous cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS Highly invasive A431 cells were treated with curcumin at various doses . The cytotoxic effects of treatment with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 50 umol/L curcumin for 24, 48 and 72 hours on A431 cells were measured by MTT assay. The invasion capacity of cells treated with 5, 10 and 15 umol/L curcumin was measured by Transwell test, while adhesive ability was assessed by cell adhesion assay. The effects of 5,10 and 15 umol/L curcumin on expression levels of STAT3 were determined by Western blotting and on transcription levels of STAT3 mRNA by RT-PCR. RESULTS Treatment with curcumin at a doses of more than 15 umol/L for more than 24 hour inhibited the growth of A431 cells in a time-and dose-dependent fashion (p<0.001). The doses of 15 umol/L and less for 24 hours showed no significant cytotoxic effects on the cells, survival rates being more than 85%. The invasion and adhesive abilities decreased gradually with the increasing curcumin concentration, 15 umol/L exerting the strongest inhibitory effects (p<0.05). Curcumin showed significant dose-dependent inhibitory effects on the transcription level of STAT3 mRNA (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Curcumin may reduce the invasive ability of A431 cells by inhibiting the activation of STAT3 signal pathway and expression of STAT3 as a target gene in the pathway.
The Stockton Farmers’ Market:

Abstract This paper investigates the social world of the predominantly Southeast Asian Stockton Farmers’ Market in Stockton, California. Through interviews and surveys with vendors and customers, their motivations for buying and selling at this market were analyzed. Respondents reported that affordable prices and access to profits were their primary motivations, though they were also interested in freshness, health, sustainability and community. For Southeast Asian vendors and customers, these were all inextricable from their cultural identities and foodways. This research sheds light on the relationship between race and sustainable agriculture.
A Token Scheduled High Throughput Multi-Channel Data Collection Protocol for Wireless Sensor Network

We present a high throughput data gathering protocol for wireless sensor network. Different from existing works we elaborate a token-scheduled multi-channel TDMA protocol named TKN-TWN that provides better scalability and topology adaptability. TDMA is more suitable for high throughput data collection than CSMA. However, TDMA-based protocols require complex scheduling of the transmission time slot. The scheduling burden is a primary stumbling block of topology adaptability. To ease the scheduling burden while exploiting the advantages of TDMA, we propose to use two tokens arbitrate transmission and associate the ownership of tokens with transmission slot assignment toward throughput optimization. Due to the simplified scheduling based on tokens, TKN-TWN is able to provide scalability and topology adaptability. In addition, TKN-TWN allows burst transmission by leveraging the contention-free nature of TDMA, and sustains high throughput with burst data transmission when sensor nodes have similar traffic pattern. An extensive simulation study indicates that TKN-TWN achieves robust data delivery even in densely deployed large scale sensor networks. Experimental results on Tmote Sky show that TKN-TWN is able to provide throughput over 10 KByte/s, an improvement of about 23% over a prior work.
The Impact of Mobile Phone Brands on Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty

Companies have to improve their performance to keep customers satisfied so as to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage in a highly competitive business environment, because the main result is customer satisfaction and loyalty. Customer loyalty can reduce marketing costs, attract more customers, and be effective in business. In addition, loyal customers promote the products by word of mouth and counteract rival strategies. The present study examines the impact of mobile phone brands on customer satisfaction and loyalty. The main question of this study is: What is the relationship between mobile phone brands and customer satisfaction and loyalty? Hence, the present study examines the relationship between customer satisfaction and loyalty on the one hand and effective factors related to mobile phone brands on the other. To achieve this objective, the relationship between customer satisfaction, trust and brand equity on the one hand and customer loyalty on the other was hypothesized based on the conceptual model of the research. Data were collected by administering a questionnaire in the target population of visitors to Alaeddin market – which is a professional mobile phone market in Tehran – among a random sample of 100 participants and were analyzed using the Spearman correlation coefficient and structural equation analysis. Finally, 100 questionnaires were analyzed by the SPSS software v. 20. The results suggest that trust and brand equity are the most important factors influencing behavioral and attitudinal patterns of customer satisfaction and loyalty.