Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Avian influenza virus: prospects for prevention and control by vaccination

Abstract Although vaccination does not always prevent infection of avian influenza (AI) virus, the clear benefit of vaccination is in its ability to prevent disease and to reduce the amount of virus in circulation. Thus, judicious use of vaccination can be an important component of an AI control program. However, the long-term use of vaccination without eradication may result in the selection of the antigenically divergent strains, which compromises the value of vaccination. In this review, the effectiveness of currently available and future AI vaccines is discussed with suggestions for the ideal use of vaccination even with antigenic drift of the virus.
The Effect Of Advertising Content Control On Advertising Effectiveness In The Different Forced Exposure Circumstance

ABSTRACT With advances in new technology, various formats of online advertising (e.g., in-stream video advertising) often force e-consumers to watch the advertisement during their goal-oriented activities, and this advertising interruption often makes them feel intruded upon and irritated. To reduce such negative reactions toward involuntary advertising exposures, this study examines whether offering e-consumers the option to choose advertising content can influence ad effectiveness in different degrees of forced exposure circumstance. Using a 2 (advertising content control: customization option vs. no option) × 2 (level of forced exposure: pre-rolls vs. rich media banners) factorial experiment, the researcher noted that advertising customization features generate a greater sense of relevance and increased advertising memory, which in turn may lead to more positive attitudes toward the ad regardless of the levels of forced exposure. The findings have theoretical and practical implications on the use of involuntary advertising interruptions in the web interface.
Longitudinal effects of personality disorders on psychosocial functioning of patients with major depressive disorder.

OBJECTIVE No previous research has focused on psychosocial functioning in understanding how personality disorders compound the impairment caused by major depressive disorder over time. This report describes the effects of persistent and remitting comorbid personality disorders on the depressive status and functioning of patients with major depressive disorder over the course of 2 years. METHOD Longitudinal data on functioning from the first 2 years of the Collaborative Longitudinal Personality Disorders Study were evaluated for 3 groups of subjects with major depressive disorder: subjects with major depressive disorder alone (N = 103), those with persistent comorbid personality disorders (N = 164), and those with comorbid personality disorders that remitted (N = 69). DSM-IV criteria were used for mood and personality disorder diagnoses. The data were gathered from September 1996 to August 2000 and from September 2001 to September 2004. RESULTS Subjects whose personality disorders remitted were more likely than those with persisting personality disorders to have major depressive disorder remit. Social functioning, as measured by the Longitudinal Interval Follow-up Evaluation and the Global Assessment of Functioning, improved across a range of domains over time, with most gains occurring in the first 6 months of follow-up and with differential improvement by group. As hypothesized, subjects whose personality disorders remitted fared nearly as well as did subjects without personality disorders, whereas subjects whose personality disorders persisted functioned most poorly. CONCLUSIONS Outcome research on major depressive disorder has often ignored Axis II disorders. Our data indicate that the longitudinal course of personality psychopathology meaningfully influences depressive outcome and psychosocial functioning in patients with major depressive disorder. The findings indicate the need to target both symptom relief and psychosocial functioning and to treat both personality and mood disorders in comorbid patients.
Impact of Social Networking Sites on Financial Performance: A Case Study of Indian Banks

The paper examines the presence and usage of Social Networking Sites particularly Facebook by banks in India. It primarily focuses on establishing the impact of Social networking sites on financial performance of banks in India. The data for this study is drawn from a survey of Facebook pages of 47 banks during the period of Feb-March 2015. The data set is limited to the banks that are operating as commercial banks as on March end 2014. Finally, a panel data of 47 commercial banks (Domestic only) turned out to be the sample of the study over the period 2012-2014. Independent sample t-test is used to find differences in the profile of banks that have Facebook pages and banks that do not and multiple regression is applied to find the impact of Facebook presence on profitability. The results show that of the banks observed, only 48.9 percent had their official Facebook page. The results of Independent sample t-test found several significant differences in the profile of banks that have Facebook pages and banks that do not. On an average, Facebook user banks are more profitable, rely less on traditional source of financing i.e. deposits, have higher asset quality in terms of lower NPA ratio and higher proportion of their income from non-traditional activities, although having higher expenses for fixed assets than Non-Facebook banks. Hence, Facebook user banks have shown a superior financial performance. However, the multiple regression results reveal that the profitability and having Facebook presence does not have any significant association.
A review of ethical theory in the 'upper echelons' of information systems research

Despite some notable and rare exceptions and after many years of relatively neglect (particularly in the ‘upper echelons’ of IS research), there appears to be some renewed interest in Information Systems Ethics (ISE). This paper reflects on the development of ISE by assessing the use and development of ethical theory in contemporary IS research with a specific focus on the ‘leading’ IS journals (according to the Association of Information Systems). The focus of this research is to evaluate if previous calls for more theoretically informed work are permeating the ‘upper echelons’ of IS research and if so, how (Walsham 1996; Smith and Hasnas 1999; Bell and Adam 2004). For the purposes of scope, this paper follows on from those previous studies and presents a detailed review of the leading IS publications between 2005 to 2007 inclusive. After several processes, a total of 32 papers are evaluated. This review highlights that whilst ethical topics are becoming increasingly popular in such influential media, most of the research continues to neglect considerations of ethical theory with preferences for a range of alternative approaches. Finally, this research focuses on some of the papers produced and considers how the use of ethical theory could contribute.
Distribution of Serotonin 2A and 2C Receptor mRNA Expression in the Cervical Ventral Horn and Phrenic Motoneurons Following Spinal Cord Hemisection

Cervical spinal cord injury leads to a disruption of bulbospinal innervation from medullary respiratory centers to phrenic motoneurons. Animal models utilizing cervical hemisection result in inhibition of ipsilateral phrenic nerve activity, leading to paralysis of the hemidiaphragm. We have previously demonstrated a role for serotonin (5-HT) as one potential modulator of respiratory recovery following cervical hemisection, a mechanism that likely occurs via 5-HT2A and/or 5-HT2C receptors. The present study was designed to specifically examine if 5-HT2A and/or 5-HT2C receptors are colocalized with phrenic motoneurons in both intact and spinal-hemisected rats. Adult female rats (250-350 g; n = 6 per group) received a left cervical (C2) hemisection and were injected with the fluorescent retrograde neuronal tracer Fluorogold into the left hemidiaphragm. Twenty-four hours later, animals were killed and spinal cords processed for in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Using (35)S-labeled cRNA probes, cervical spinal cords were probed for 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptor mRNA expression and double-labeled using an antibody to Fluorogold to detect phrenic motoneurons. Expression of both 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptor mRNA was detected in motoneurons of the cervical ventral horn. Despite positive expression of both 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptor mRNA-hybridization signal over phrenic motoneurons, only 5-HT2A silver grains achieved a signal-to-noise ratio representative of colocalization. 5-HT2A mRNA levels in identified phrenic motoneurons were not significantly altered following cervical hemisection compared to sham-operated controls. Selective colocalization of 5-HT2A receptor mRNA with phrenic motoneurons may have implications for recently observed 5-HT2A receptor-mediated regulation of respiratory activity and/or recovery in both intact and injury-compromised states.
Method for providing reliable peer activity report for managed P2P communications

In P2P-based contents distribution, an overlay network is constructed by peers that reside in user domain not service provider domain, and each peer shares data with each other. Due to the unmanageability characteristics of P2P networking, it tends to lead to inefficiency due to ignorance of underlying network in spite of its advantages and unfairness caused by absence of incentives to contributing peers. In order to solve several issues regarding P2P networking and making use of its advantages compared to existing server-client model, ITU-T Q.9/11 is developing a series of MP2P (Managed P2P communications) standards. In order to figure out the status of overlay network and gathering activities information of peers, it aggregates the information from peers that may not be trusted due to the possibility of forgery. It is important to assure the integrity and non-forgery of reports from peers. In this paper, we propose a method for gathering reliable peer activity report by use of digital signatures.
SOD2-Mediated Effects Induced by WR1065 and Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation on Micronucleus Formation in RKO Human Colon Carcinoma Cells

Abstract RKO36 cells exposed to either WR1065 or 10 cGy X rays show elevated SOD2 gene expression and SOD2 enzymatic activity. Cells challenged at this time with 2 Gy exhibit enhanced radiation resistance. This phenomenon has been identified as a delayed radioprotective effect or an adaptive response when induced by thiols or low-dose radiation, respectively. In this study we investigated the relative effectiveness of both WR1065 and low-dose radiation in reducing the incidence of radiation-induced micronucleus formation in binucleated RKO36 human colon carcinoma cells. The role of SOD2 in this process was assessed by measuring changes in enzymatic activity as a function of the inducing agent used, the level of protection afforded, and the inhibitory effects of short interfering RNA (SOD2 siRNA). Both WR1065 and 10 cGy X rays effectively induced a greater than threefold elevation in SOD2 activity 24 h after exposure. Cells irradiated at this time with 2 Gy exhibited a significant resistance to micronucleus formation (P < 0.05; Student's two-tailed t test). This protective effect was significantly inhibited in cells transfected with SOD2 siRNA. SOD2 played an important role in the adaptive/delayed radioprotective response by inhibiting the initiation of a superoxide anion-induced ROS cascade leading to enhanced mitochondrial and nuclear damages.
Orthogonal Isometric Projection

In contrast with Isomap, which learns the low-dimension embedding, and solves problem under the classic Multi-dimension Scaling (MDS) framework, we propose a dimensionality reduction technique, called Orthogonal Isometric Projection (OIP), in this paper. We consider an explicit orthogonal linear projection by capturing the geodesic distance, which is able to handle new data straightforward, and leads to a standard eigenvalue problem. And we extend our method to Sparse Orthogonal Isometric Projection (SOIP), which can be solved efficiently using LARS. Numerical experiments are reported to demonstrate the performance of OIP by comparing with a few competing methods.
The situation of sleeping sickness in Angola: a calamity

Although nearly one‐fifth of the Angolan population is at risk of becoming infected with trypanosomiasis, only 6% currently have access to surveillance and treatment because of the war and its resultant destruction of the country’s infrastructure. The paper outlines the history of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) control activities in Angola and sums up what measures need to be taken to re‐establish them.
Combined models for day-ahead electricity price forecasting based on improved gray correlation methodology

Purpose – To combine the forecasting by single method using influence information fully, other than regular combined methods only focusing on historical forecasting errors. Design/methodology/approach – To combine the single methods based on the analysis of improved gray correlation, with more related information being considered to enhance the price forecasting precision, such as the trend of the prices, the historical forecasting errors, and the temporal influence factors on prices. Findings – A case of PJM market of USA shows that the proposed method has better performance than any other combined methods, and all single models as well. Research limitations/implications – The combined performance depends on the forecasting precision of single methods, and the correlation between the single methods, as well as the number of single method that to be combined. Practical implications – It is a novel idea for combined method to forecasting the time series data, such as electricity prices, electric power loads. Originality/value – The proposed method considers all the following factors: the similarity between the trends of the single forecasting, the errors of the single models and the temporal influence.
Mutually helping microbes can evolve by hitchhiking

Groups of cooperating organisms can obtain advantages in foraging, predator defense, and environmental manipulation that are impossible for individuals to achieve on their own. Although classically studied in the context of animals, cooperation is now understood to be common among microscopic organisms, ranging from viruses (1) to bacteria (2) to unicellular eukaryotes (3). Every system of cooperative agents is potentially susceptible to cheating, and biologists have devoted tremendous effort to understanding how cooperation resists exploitation (4). In PNAS, Waite and Shou (5) demonstrate that cooperation can avoid cheater exploitation by hitchhiking with beneficial mutations (6, 7).
The role of the relational dimension on customer loyalty: The case of the telecommunications sector in Morocco

Nowadays, commercial enterprises confront a clientele increasingly informed and therefore demanding and volatile, especially in the telecoms sector in Morocco. For that purpose, the customer capital becomes a central concern of these companies. Furthermore, the solution that seems most effective to deal with these challenges is to set up a relational dimension. In order to verify the impact of the relational dimension of marketing on customer loyalty, an empirical study was conducted with 138 customers of Moroccan telecom operators (Maroc Telecom, Meditel and Wana Corporate). The results of this study confirm that all elements of relational marketing have a positive and significant effect statistically on customer loyalty. Found and develop a customer capital is the aim of any business. To this end, Moroccan telecom operators must establish trust with customers, to notify their customers of any information deemed useful and satisfy their expectations while being close to the customer as well as personalizing the customer-company relationship.
Global Copy protection system for digital home network

(57) Abstract: how to ensure local security transmission and audio during storage and video content in digital home network. Scrambled content is recorded under all conditions, only copy authorized is processed for descrambling and viewing. Content, for example, be protected in the network by rebundle keys needed to descramble the TDES key to a new ECM (LECM) protected by a local public key.
The link between provider payment and quality of maternal health services: Case studies on provider payment mechanisms in Kyrgyz Republic Nigeria and Zambia.

This paper presents case studies of provider payment systems in the Kyrgyz Republic Nigeria and Zambia that link a quality improvement initiative with provider payment. It documents these programs’ experience with design and implementation and lessons learned for other health care payers seeking to improve quality at the point of care through redesign of a provider payment system. There are multiple ways to design and implement provider payment systems that align incentives so as to encourage high quality of maternal health services. The architects of future provider payment programs should consider how certain design features of the system will or will not incentivize providers in the specific context to deliver high-quality health services. Considering what is feasible to implement in the immediate to medium term will also guide mechanism selection. The experiences of the Kyrgyz Republic Nigeria and Zambia demonstrate ways to use financial incentives to motivate health workers and managers to each do their part to improve quality at the point of care. Frequent quality measurement with results tied to a provider payment was a design feature common to all three cases. While financial incentives in the provider payment mechanism was the element that gave the quality improvement initiative “teeth” a number of system changes occurred in the process of implementing payment mechanisms that are linked to high quality. Redesigning the conventional provider payment system can better align payment with the types of health system outputs and outcomes that policymakers and quality of care advocates desire. However poor program management can easily become a bottleneck and needs close monitoring.
The 2009 Hurricane Season in the Eastern North Pacific Basin: An Analysis of Environmental Conditions

AbstractDespite the presence of an intensifying El Nino event, the 2009 eastern North Pacific hurricane season was near normal when considering overall hurricane activity. This is in contrast to the relative lull in activity observed between 1998 and 2008. Previous research has noted that the eastern North Pacific should be subdivided into two development regions, the western development region (WDR; 10°–20°N, 116°W–180°) and the eastern development region (EDR; 10°–20°N, North American coastline to 115.9°W), when examining interannual hurricane variability. In 2009, the EDR saw below average numbers of tropical cyclones of all intensities, while the WDR saw near-normal activity. However, activity in both regions varied sharply from month to month with periods of high activity in August and October and lower activity in July and September. This monthly variability was also observed in primary environmental forcing factors such as total precipitable water, tropospheric vertical wind shear, and low-level re.
Dynamical clustering of streaming data with a growing neural gas network

One of characteristic feature of contemporary data bases is their growing dynamics. The number of registered entities as well as their group structure tends to dynamically grow. In order to effectively determine the rapidly changing number and structure of clusters, appropriate methods of cluster analysis have to be applied. The paper presents the results of simulation research concerning the possibility of applying self-learning GNG neural networks in clustering data from data streams.
Terahertz frequency quantum cascade lasers for use as waveguide-integrated local oscillators

Since their first demonstration in 2002, the performance of terahertz frequency quantum cascade lasers has developed extremely rapidly. We consider the potential use of terahertz frequency quantum cascade lasers as local oscillators in satellite-borne instrumentation for future Earth observation and planetary science missions. A specific focus will be on the development of compact, waveguide-integrated, heterodyne detection systems for the supra-terahertz range.
Análisis cualitativo del impacto de la respuesta de la demanda en los cargos por uso del sistema de distribución

Electric power systems are subject to high electricity demand variations during short periods due to consumption habits of end-users. In these periods, the operation of distribution networks is expensive, energy losses are increased and voltages may drop for buses located far from feeders. These negative effects can be avoided when Demand Response (DR) schemes are considered. Currently, policies for promoting DR in Colombia rise and it is fundamental the establishment of criteria for identifying the impact of DR in Colombian electricity market. This work tends to classify and identify the impact of DR on Usage Costs of Distribution Systems. Based on the current rate scheme, results show that this impact can be classified in five aspects: equipment capacity, energy sales, energy losses, payments between network operators and energy service quality. Finally, parameters of current methodology for the calculation of Usage Costs that are sensitive to DR are identified and classified.
A Rare Variant (rs933717) at FBXO31‐MAP1LC3B in Chinese Is Associated With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Recent evidence from genetic, cell biology, and animal model studies has suggested a pivotal role of autophagy in mediating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the genetic basis has not yet been thoroughly examined. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify additional susceptibility variants in autophagy‐related genes along with their functional significance.
Impact of Capital Structure on Performance of Listed Manufacturing Companies in Sri Lanka

This research investigates the impact of capital structure on performance of manufacturing companies’ listed Colombo stock exchange (CSE). Capital structure is the combination of debt and owners’ equity. Objective of this study is to find out relationship between capital structure and firm performance while searching factors which are significantly affect performance of listed manufacturing companies. This study uses panel data of 16 manufacturing sector companies listed in CSE for the period of 8 years (2009 to 2016). The researcher is use descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple regressions for analysis purpose. The researcher develops five models by considering five different performance measurements as dependent variable. Namely; Net profit ratio (NPR), Gross profit ratio (GPR), Return on asset (ROA), Return on equity (ROE) and Return on capital employed (ROCE). Further researcher is uses Debt to equity ratio (DTE), Debt to asset ratio (DTA), Long term debt ratio (LTDR) and Short term debt ratio (STDR) as explanatory variables for the study. Results reveals except long term debt ratio, other explanatory variables have negative relationship with firm performance and all five regression models accept long term debt ratio as significantly effects to firm performance.
Extension of prefix span approach with GRC constraints for sequential pattern mining

Prefixspan algorithm with GRC constraints which generates sequential patterns by using prefix projected pattern growth approach is implemented. Other than frequency this algorithm also uses gap, compactness and recency constraints during sequential pattern mining process. The gap constraint applies limit on the separation of two consecutive transactions of discovered patterns, recency constraint makes patterns to quickly adapt the latest behaviors and compactness constraint make sure reasonable time spans for the discovered patterns.