Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On artificial magnetodielectric loading for improving the impedance bandwidth properties of microstrip antennas

The effect of artificial magnetodielectric substrates on the impedance bandwidth properties of microstrip antennas is discussed. We review the results found in the literature and then focus on practically realizable artificial magnetic media operating in the microwave regime. Next, a realistic dispersive behavior of a practically realizable artificial substrate is embedded into the model. It is shown that frequency dispersion of the substrate plays a very important role in the impedance bandwidth characteristics of the loaded antenna. The impedance bandwidths of reduced size patch antennas loaded with dispersive magnetodielectric substrates and high-permittivity substrates are compared. It is shown that unlike substrates with dispersion-free permeability, practically realizable artificial substrates with dispersive magnetic permeability are not advantageous in antenna miniaturization. This conclusion is experimentally validated.
Using cerium chloride to control soluble orthophosphate concentration and improve the dewaterability of sludge: Part I. Mechanistic understanding

Cerium chloride (CeCl3), being a superior orthophosphate (OP) precipitant, was found to be able to significantly improve sludge dewaterability in terms of sludge cake dryness and capillary suction time. In order to offer insights into the mechanism behind OP removal associated dewaterability improvement, the change in sludge specific resistance to filtration (SRF), compressibility (K), and bound water contents (Ub) in response to CeCl3 and CePO4 addition at the two cationic polymer doses was mathematically simulated. Results showed that 29.8 g/kg dry solid CePO4 addition was able to decrease the SRF by 52%, decrease the Ub by 42%, and reduce the K by 18%. Importantly, CeCl3 addition of equal cerium molarity showed even higher SRF and Ub reductions by 67% and 54%, respectively, but the same K reduction. A new theory depicting how the OP has outcompeted negatively charged sludge particles for cationic polymers is put forward in this study to interpret the effect of OP removal on sludge dewaterability improvement.
How CSMA/CA With Deferral Affects Performance and Dynamics in Power-Line Communications

Power-line communications (PLC) are becoming a key component in home networking, because they provide easy and high-throughput connectivity. The dominant MAC protocol for high data-rate PLC, the IEEE 1901, employs a CSMA/CA mechanism similar to the backoff process of 802.11. Existing performance evaluation studies of this protocol assume that the backoff processes of the stations are independent (the so-called decoupling assumption). However, in contrast to 802.11, 1901 stations can change their state after sensing the medium busy, which is regulated by the so-called deferral counter. This mechanism introduces strong coupling between the stations and, as a result, makes existing analyses inaccurate. In this paper, we propose a performance model for 1901, which does not rely on the decoupling assumption. We prove that our model admits a unique solution for a wide range of configurations and confirm the accuracy of the model using simulations. Our results show that we outperform current models based on the decoupling assumption. In addition to evaluating the performance in steady state, we further study the transient dynamics of 1901, which is also affected by the deferral counter.
MODELING THE INTERACTION OF TERAHERTZ PULSE WITH HEALTHY SKIN AND BASAL CELL CAR- CINOMA USING THE UNCONDITIONALLY STABLE FUNDAMENTAL ADI-FDTD METHOD

This paper presents the application of unconditionally stable fundamental finite-difference time-domain (FADI-FDTD) method in modeling the interaction of terahertz pulse with healthy skin and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The healthy skin and BCC are modeled as Debye dispersive media and the model is incorporated into the FADIFDTD method. Numerical experiments on delineating the BCC margin from healthy skin are demonstrated using the FADI-FDTD method based on reflected terahertz pulse. Hence, the FADI-FDTD method provides further insight on the different response shown by healthy skin and BCC under terahertz pulse radiation. Such understanding of the interaction of terahert pulse radiation with biological tissue such as human skin is an important step towards the advancement of future terahertz technology on biomedical applications.
Smartphone User Identity Verification Using Gait Characteristics

Smartphone-based biometrics offers a wide range of possible solutions, which could be used to authenticate users and thus to provide an extra level of security and theft prevention. We propose a method for positive identification of smartphone user’s identity using user’s gait characteristics captured by embedded smartphone sensors (gyroscopes, accelerometers). The method is based on the application of the Random Projections method for feature dimensionality reduction to just two dimensions. Then, a probability distribution function (PDF) of derived features is calculated, which is compared against known user PDF. The Jaccard distance is used to evaluate distance between two distributions, and the decision is taken based on thresholding. The results for subject recognition are at an acceptable level: we have achieved a grand mean Equal Error Rate (ERR) for subject identification of 5.7% (using the USC-HAD dataset). Our findings represent a step towards improving the performance of gait-based user identity verification technologies.
Neural correlates of cognitive ability

The challenge to neuroscientists working on intelligence is to discover what neural structures and mechanisms are at the basis of such a complex and variegated capability. Several psychologists agree on the view that behavioral flexibility is a good measure of intelligence, resulting in the appearance of novel solutions that are not part of the animal's normal behavior. This article tries to indicate how the supposed differences in intelligence between species can be related to brain properties and suggests that the best neural indicators may be the ones that convey more information processing capacity to the brain, i.e., high conduction velocity of fibers and small distances between neurons, associated with a high number of neurons and an adequate level of connectivity. The neural bases of human intelligence have been investigated by means of anatomical, neurophysiological, and neuropsychological methods. These investigations have led to two important findings that are briefly discussed: the parietofrontal integration theory of intelligence, which assumes that a distributed network of cortical areas having its main nodes in the frontal and parietal lobes constitutes a probable substrate for smart behavior, and the neural efficiency hypothesis, according to which intelligent people process information more efficiently, showing weaker neural activations in a smaller number of areas than less intelligent people. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Postnatal development of the phase-locked response to low frequency tones of auditory nerve fibers in the cat

The maturation of the auditory nerve's ability to encode temporal information in an acoustic signal was studied in young kittens, 7 to 23 days old, and in adult cats by measuring the degree to which auditory nerve fiber responses are synchronized (phase locked) to low frequency tones. The major findings include the following. In 7- to 10-day-old kittens thresholds are high (around 100 dB), and secure phase locking is observed only at frequencies below about 600 Hz. The upper frequency limit for phase locking in the adult, around 4 kHz, is reached gradually toward the end of the third postnatal week, a time when thresholds also reach their adult levels. The time course of development of the phase-locked response is similar for fibers with different characteristic frequencies (CFs). At all ages studied, the maximal phase synchrony at any given low frequency is generally obtained at stimulus intensities less than 20 dB above the rate threshold and some 10 to 30 dB below the saturation firing level of the fiber. Time delays, estimated from phase-versus-frequency plots, were similar across ages, although they tended to be longer and more variable at lower CFs during the first 2 postnatal weeks. Comparing the phase-locked response of auditory nerve fibers with that of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus neurons from a previous study suggested that the upper frequency limit for phase synchrony was reached later in the nucleus than in the nerve.
mTOR pathway and Ca2+ stores mobilization in aged smooth muscle cells

Aging is considered to be driven by the so called senescence pathways, especially the mTOR route, although there is almost no information on its activity in aged tissues. Aging also induces Ca2+ signal alterations, but information regarding the mechanisms for these changes is almost inexistent. We investigated the possible involvement of the mTOR pathway in the age-dependent changes on Ca2+ stores mobilization in colonic smooth muscle cells of young (4 month old) and aged (24 month old) guinea pigs. mTORC1 activity was enhanced in aged smooth muscle, as revealed by phosphorylation of mTOR and its direct substrates S6K1 and 4E-BP1. Mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ stores through IP3R or RyR channels was impaired in aged cells, and it was facilitated by mTOR and by FKBP12, as indicated by the inhibitory effects of KU0063794 (a direct mTOR inhibitor), rapamycin (a FKBP12-mediated mTOR inhibitor) and FK506 (an FKBP12 binding immunosuppressant). Aging suppressed the facilitation of the Ca2+ mobilization by FKBP12 but not by mTOR, without changing the total expression of FKBP12 protein. In conclusion, or study shows that in smooth muscle aging enhances the constitutive activity of mTORC1 pathway and impairs Ca2+ stores mobilization by suppression of the FKBP12-induced facilitation of Ca2+ release.
An improved scheme of audio watermarking based on turbo codes and channel effect modeling

Digital audio watermarking is adopted for many multimedia applications such as copyright management, music indexing, broadcast monitoring, etc. The watermarking techniques must ensure an imperceptible watermark and a reliable transmission with a maximized robustness to a various range of perturbations depending on the application purposes. This paper deals with an improved error correction strategy for digital audio watermarking. It uses a turbo coding algorithm, coupled with a Wiener filtering, that takes into account the equivalent corrupting noise of the watermarking channel and works with reliable soft metrics values. Experimental tests on real audio signals demonstrate improved bit error rates (BER) performances comparing to the reference generic system which uses a Wiener filter at the detection side.
Multiple KRAS mutations in the non‐mucinous epithelial lining in the majority of mucinous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas

Mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs) of the pancreas are cystic neoplasms lined by mucinous lining epithelium (MLE) with associated ovarian‐type stroma. Although a non‐MLE (NMLE) can be observed in some MCNs, whether cystic neoplasms with ovarian‐type stroma and NMLE should be classified as MCNs or separately designated is debated.
Economic Exchange During Hyperinflation

Historical evidence indicates that hyperinflations can disrupt individuals' normal trading patterns and impede the orderly functioning of markets. To explore these issues, we construct a theoretical model of hyperinflation that focuses on individuals and their process of economic exchange. In our model buyers must carry cash while shopping, and some transactions take place in a decentralized setting in which buyer and seller negotiate over the terms of trade of an indivisible good. Since buyers face the constant threat of incoming younger (hence richer) customers, their bargaining position is weakened by inflation, allowing sellers to extract a higher real price. However, we show that higher inflation also reduces buyers' search, increasing sellers' wait for customers. As a result, the volume of transactions concluded in the decentralized sector falls. At high enough rates of inflation, all agents suffer a welfare loss.
The determinants of credit rating: brazilian evidence

This study attempts to identify the determinant factors of credit rating in Brazil. The relevance of this proposal is based on the importance of the subject as well as the uniqueness of the Brazilian market. As for originality, the great majority of previous studies regarding credit rating have been developed in the US, UK and Australia; therefore the effect on other markets is still unclear, especially in emerging markets, like Brazil. We've used a Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) model considering a panel structure with a categorical dependent variable (credit rating) and ten independent variables: leverage, profitability, size, financial coverage, growth, liquidity, corporate governance, control, financial market performance and internationalization. The sample consisted of 153 rating observations during the period of 1997-2011 for a total of 49 public firms operating in the Brazilian Market. Results showed that leverage and internationalization are significant at the 1% level in explaining credit rating. Performance in the financial market was significant at a 5% level; profitability and growth were also statistically significant, but at a 10% significance level.
Advanced analytics: opportunities and challenges

– Advanced analytics‐driven data analyses allow enterprises to have a complete or “360 degrees” view of their operations and customers. The insight that they gain from such analyses is then used to direct, optimize, and automate their decision making to successfully achieve their organizational goals. Data, text, and web mining technologies are some of the key contributors to making advanced analytics possible. This paper aims to investigate these three mining technologies in terms of how they are used and the issues that are related to their effective implementation and management within the broader context of predictive or advanced analytics. , – A range of recently published research literature on business intelligence (BI); predictive analytics; and data, text and web mining is reviewed to explore their current state, issues and challenges learned from their practice. , – The findings are reported in two parts. The first part discusses a framework for BI using the data, text, and web mining technologies for advanced analytics; and the second part identifies and discusses the opportunities and challenges the business managers dealing with these technologies face for gaining competitive advantages for their businesses. , – The study findings are intended to assist business managers to effectively understand the issues and emerging technologies behind advanced analytics implementation.
Drivers for the Adoption of Eco-Innovations in the German Fertilizer Supply Chain

Use of fertilizers has enabled a massive increase in crop production yields. However, this has come with severe negative externalities (e.g., greenhouse gas emission; eutrophication of non-agricultural ecosystems). Eco-innovations are one option to reduce the environmental impact of fertilizers without compromising fertilizer productivity. Although numerous eco-innovations in the domain of fertilizers are available, they have not yet seen a sufficient adoption rate. In this paper we explore main drivers for adoption of eco-innovations in the German fertilizer supply chain based on empirical investigations at three levels of the fertilizer supply chain: producers, traders, and farmers. We strive to take a “chain perspective” on environmental concerns and knowledge of fertilizer specific eco-innovations. The study was carried out in two steps: initially we conducted exploratory expert interviews with eight actors of the fertilizer supply chain. The statements generated thereby fed into a questionnaire answered by 57 participants stemming from fertilizer production (n = 12), traders (n = 34) and farmers (n = 11) level. Findings suggest that drivers for eco-innovations are perceived differently by the various actors in the fertilizer supply chain. Overall knowledge on eco-innovations decreases downstream the chain. By taking a chain perspective on the adoption of eco-innovation, our paper contributes to the emerging body of literature on drivers for eco-innovation, and also maps out managerial implications of fostering the implementation of eco-innovations in the fertilizer supply chain.
Spatiotemporal gait characteristic changes with gait training using the hybrid assistive limb for chronic stroke patients

Background: Robotic rehabilitation has been attracting attention as a means to carry out "intensive", "repetitive", "task-specific", gait training. The newly developed robotic device, the Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL), is thought to have the possibility of having an excellent effect on gait speed improvement over the conventional automatic programed assist robot. The purpose of this study was to investigate the spatiotemporal characteristics related to gait speed improvement using the HAL in chronic stroke patients. Research question: To investigate the effects of robotic gait training on gait speed and gait parameters. Methods: An observational study with an intervention for single group was used. Intervention was conducted in University Hospital. Eleven chronic stroke patients were enrolled in this study. The patients performed 8 gait training sessions using the HAL, 2 - 5 sessions/week for 3 weeks. Gait speed, stride length, cadence, time of gait cycle (double-limb stance phases and single-limb stance phases) and time asymmetry index were measured before and after intervention. Results: After intervention, gait speed, stride length, and cadence were significantly improved (Effect size = 0.39, 0.29, and 0.29), the affected initial double-limb stance phase was significantly shortened (from 15.8±3.46% to 13.3±4.20%, p = .01), and the affected single-limb stance phase was significantly lengthened (from 21.8±7.02% to 24.5±7.95%, p < .01). The time asymmetry index showed a tendency to improve after intervention (from 22.9±11.8 to 17.6±9.62, p = .06). There was a significant correlation between gait speed and the stride length increase rate (r = .72, p = .01). Significance: This study showed that increasing stride length with lengthening of the affected single-stance phase by gait training using the HAL improved gait speed in chronic stroke patients. However, the actual contributions on HAL cannot be separated from gait training because this study is an observational research without a control group.
Deletion of N-Type Calcium Channels Alters Ethanol Reward and Reduces Ethanol Consumption in Mice

N-type calcium channels are modulated by acute and chronic ethanol exposure in vitro at concentrations known to affect humans, but it is not known whether N-type channels are important for behavioral responses to ethanol in vivo. Here, we show that in mice lacking functional N-type calcium channels, voluntary ethanol consumption is reduced and place preference is developed only at a low dose of ethanol. The hypnotic effects of ethanol are also substantially diminished, whereas ethanol-induced ataxia is mildly increased. These results demonstrate that N-type calcium channels modulate acute responses to ethanol and are important mediators of ethanol reward and preference.
An Infinite Family of Superconformal Quiver Gauge Theories with Sasaki-Einstein Duals

We describe an infinite family of quiver gauge theories that are AdS/CFT dual to a corresponding class of explicit horizon Sasaki-Einstein manifolds. The quivers may be obtained from a family of orbifold theories by a simple iterative procedure. A key aspect in their construction relies on the global symmetry which is dual to the isometry of the manifolds. For an arbitrary such quiver we compute the exact R-charges of the fields in the IR by applying a-maximization. The values we obtain are generically quadratic irrational numbers and agree perfectly with the central charges and baryon charges computed from the family of metrics using the AdS/CFT correspondence. These results open the way for a systematic study of the quiver gauge theories and their dual geometries.
Nontrivial Solutions for Singular Nonlinear Three-Point Boundary Value Problems 1

The singular nonlinear three-point boundary value problems � −(Lu)(t) = h(t)f (u(t)), 0 <t <1, βu(0) − γu � (0) = 0 ,u (1) = αu(η) are discussed under some conditions concerning the first eigenvalue corresponding to the relevant linear operator, where (Lu)(t) = (p(t)u � (t)) � +q(t)u(t) ,0 <η< 1, h(t) is allowed to be singular at both t = 0 and t = 1, and f need not be nonnegative. The associated Green function for the problem is first given, and some existence criteria of nontrivial solutions and positive solutions are established by using topological degree theory.
FILTER-BANK ENERGIES FOR ROBUST SPEECH RECOGNITION

Though Mel frequency cepstral coeÆcients (MFCCs) have been very successful in speech recognition, they have the following two problems: 1) They do not have any physical interpretation, and 2) Liftering of cepstral coefcients, found to be highly useful in the earlier dynamic warping-based speech recognition systems, has no e ect in the recognition process when used with continuous observation Gaussian density hidden Markov models. In this paper, we propose to use the lter-bank energies (FBEs) as features. The FBEs are physically meaningful quantities and amenable for applying human auditory processing such as masking. We describe procedures to decorrelate and lifter the FBEs and show that the FBEs perform at least as good as (and sometimes even better than) the MFCCs for robust speech recognition.
Delta-Hedged Gains and the Negative Market Volatility Risk Premium

We investigate whether the volatility risk premium is negative by examining the statistical properties of delta-hedged option portfolios (buy the option and hedge with stock). Within a stochastic volatility framework, we demonstrate a correspondence between the sign and magnitude of the volatility risk premium and the mean delta-hedged portfolio returns. Using a sample of S&P 500 index options, we provide empirical tests that have the following general results. First, the delta-hedged strategy underperforms zero. Second, the documented underperformance is less for options away from the money. Third, the underperformance is greater at times of higher volatility. Fourth, the volatility risk premium significantly affects delta-hedged gains, even after accounting for jump fears. Our evidence is supportive of a negative market volatility risk premium. Copyright 2003, Oxford University Press.
NMDA-dependent facilitation of corticostriatal plasticity by the amygdala

Emotions generally improve memory, and the basolateral amygdala (BLA) is believed to mediate this effect. After emotional arousal, BLA neurons increase their firing rate, facilitating memory consolidation in BLA targets. The enhancing effects of BLA activity extend to various types of memories, including motor learning, which is thought to involve activity-dependent plasticity at corticostriatal synapses. However, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Here we show that the NMDA-to-AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) ratio is nearly twice as high at BLA as compared with cortical synapses onto principal striatal neurons and that activation of BLA inputs greatly facilitates long-term potentiation induction at corticostriatal synapses. This facilitation was NMDA-dependent, but it occurred even when BLA and cortical stimuli were 0.5 s apart during long-term potentiation induction. Overall, these results suggest that BLA activity opens long time windows during which the induction of corticostriatal plasticity is facilitated.