Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gauss-Markov processes as space-time scaled stationary Ornstein-Uhlenbeck processes

We present a class of Gauss-Markov processes which can be represented as space-time scaled stationary Ornstein-Uhlenbeck processes defined on the real line. To give examples, we study scaled Wiener bridges, Ornstein-Uhlenbeck type bridges, weighted Wiener bridges and so called F-Wiener bridges. By giving counterexamples, we also point out that this kind of representation does not hold in general, e.g., for a zero area Wiener bridge. To give a possible application, we show that our results can be useful to calculate the distribution of the supremum location of certain standardized Gauss-Markov processes on compact time intervals.
Production of Defatted Palm Kernel Cake Protein Hydrolysate as a Valuable Source of Natural Antioxidants

The aim of this study was to produce a valuable protein hydrolysate from palm kernel cake (PKC) for the development of natural antioxidants. Extracted PKC protein was hydrolyzed using different proteases (alcalase, chymotrypsin, papain, pepsin, trypsin, flavourzyme, and bromelain). Subsequently, antioxidant activity and degree of hydrolysis (DH) of each hydrolysate were evaluated using DPPH• radical scavenging activity and O-phthaldialdehyde spectrophotometric assay, respectively. The results revealed a strong correlation between DH and radical scavenging activity of the hydrolysates, where among these, protein hydrolysates produced by papain after 38 h hydrolysis exhibited the highest DH (91 ± 0.1%) and DPPH• radical scavenging activity (73.5 ± 0.25%) compared to the other hydrolysates. In addition, fractionation of the most effective (potent) hydrolysate by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography indicated a direct association between hydrophobicity and radical scavenging activity of the hydrolysates. Isoelectric focusing tests also revealed that protein hydrolysates with basic and neutral isoelectric point (pI) have the highest radical scavenging activity, although few fractions in the acidic range also exhibited good antioxidant potential.
Equivalence in functional languages with effects

Abstract Traditionally the view has been that direct expression of control and store mechanisms and clear mathematical semantics are incompatible requirements. This paper shows that adding objects with memory to the call-by-value lambda calculus results in a language with a rich equational theory, satisfying many of the usual laws. Combined with other recent work, this provides evidence that expressive, mathematically clean programming languages are indeed possible.
Candidate pathogenicity islands in the genome of ‘Candidatus Rickettsiella isopodorum’, an intracellular bacterium infecting terrestrial isopod crustaceans

The bacterial genus Rickettsiellabelongs to the order Legionellales in the Gammaproteobacteria, and consists of several described species and pathotypes, most of which are considered to be intracellular pathogens infecting arthropods. Two members of this genus, R. grylliand R. isopodorum, are known to infect terrestrial isopod crustaceans. In this study, we assembled a draft genomic sequence for R. isopodorum, and performed a comparative genomic analysis with R. grylli. We found evidence for several candidate genomic island regions in R. isopodorum, none of which appear in the previously available R. grylli genome sequence.Furthermore, one of these genomic island candidates in R. isopodorum contained a gene that encodes a cytotoxin partially homologous to those found in Photorhabdus luminescensand Xenorhabdus nematophilus (Enterobacteriaceae), suggesting that horizontal gene transfer may have played a role in the evolution of pathogenicity in Rickettsiella. These results lay the groundwork for future studies on the mechanisms underlying pathogenesis in R. isopodorum, and this system may provide a good model for studying the evolution of host-microbe interactions in nature.
A comparison of volumetric and circumferential penile plethysmographic methods, the effect of response magnitude on method agreement

Penile circumference and penile volume measurements are valuable methods of assessing sexual preferences. Following a preliminary investigation confirming the equivalency of circumferentially recorded penile base and midshaft measures, the volume and circumference methods were compared simultaneously. Forty-two volunteers were assessed using a standard test for pedophilia. Test outcome profiles between methods agreed highly when penile response was at least 2.5 mm circumferential increase (10% full erection; 1 > -80). However, among subjects responding below this level, agreement dropped precipitously (rnean r = .15). ANOVA indicated subjects responding at least 2.5 mm discriminated relevant stimulus categories with either method; however, among lower responders the volumetric method was clearly superior. It is concluded: 1) 10% FE, or 2.5 mm increase should the minimum circumferential response criterion, and 2) because of the large number of low responders, volumetric plethysmography is superior for assessing the most cases. The work presented here reflects the input and support of many coworkers and friends at the Clarke lnstitute of Psychiatry. Most notably, this research project began under the tremendous influence of the late Dr. Kurt Freund, a model person and scientist whose enthusiasm, rigour and spark for sexological research imbued in me a passion for understanding sexual disorders. I count myself lucky to be among those whose lives have been influenced by such a significant figure. I also thank Dr. Howard Baïbaree, my supervisor, for his intellectual input into this project, and for his encouragement and support throughout the difficult process of completing a thesis. Also, I thank Dr. Ray Blanchard for his discussions of the technical details of phallometric assessment and for his expertise in sexological research, and my other committee rnembers Drs. Lana Stermac and Russell Schachar for their constructive comments and participation in this study. I must also acknowledge the daily influence of Drs. Dickey, Klassen, Fedoroff, and Gojer, and al1 the other Clarke Forensic staff, whose expertise in areas of forensics and sexology contributed to rny understanding of this field. Thanks and appreciation also go to George Whiting, Cathy Spegg, Dina Valente, and Barry Smith of the Computer Services and Biomedical Engineering Departments at the Clarke, and to the staff of the Audiovisual Department. Without the assistance of these helpful people this project would not have been possible. Thanks also to Michael Seto and Tim Sinha for statistical advice. Finally, I thank my mother, my nephew Brian, and Dr. Likwornik who provided support and encouragement throughout my past years of employment and schooling at the Clarke and the University of Toronto.
Unstable Cold Dark Matter and the Cuspy Halo Problem in Dwarf Galaxies

We speculate that the dark halos of dwarf galaxies and low surface brightness galaxies soften their central cusps by the decay of a fraction of cold dark matter (CDM) particles to stable particles with a recoiling velocity of a few tens of kilometers per second, after they have driven the formation of galactic halos. This process, however, does not necessarily produce a significant reduction of the central dark matter density of satellite dwarf spheroidals such as Draco or Fornax. It is shown that the recovered distribution of concentration parameters c for the initial (before decay) Navarro-Frenk-White halos is in good agreement with CDM predictions. Other interesting potentials of unstable CDM are highlighted.
Developing an instrument for measuring user satisfaction with knowledge management systems

The shift from a product-based to a knowledge-based economy results in an increased demand for knowledge workers who are capable of higher-order thinking and reasoning to solve intricate problems in the work place. This requires organizations to introduce knowledge management systems (KMS) to employees. The purpose of this paper is to develop a validated instrument, which argues that current models and instruments are not fully applicable for evaluating user satisfaction with knowledge management systems. Based on a survey of 120 in Taiwan suggests a 21-item instrument that measures five dimensions of user satisfaction with knowledge management systems (USKMS) is well-validated. The instrument and comprehensive model proposed in this paper would be valuable to researchers and practitioners interested in designing, implementing, and managing knowledge management systems.
Advances in Understanding Energy Consumption Behavior and the Governance of Its Change – Outline of an Integrated Framework

Transforming today’s energy systems in industrialized countries requires a substantial reduction of the total energy consumption at the individual level. Selected instruments have been found to be effective in changing people’s behavior in single domains. However, the so far weak success story on reducing overall energy consumption indicates that our understanding of the determining factors of individual energy consumption as well as of its change is far from being conclusive. Among others, the scientific state of the art is dominated by analyzing single domains of consumption and by neglecting embodied energy. It also displays strong disciplinary splits and the literature often fails to distinguish between explaining behavior and explaining change of behavior. Moreover, there are knowledge gaps regarding the legitimacy and effectiveness of the governance of individual consumption behavior and its change. Against this backdrop, the aim of this paper is to establish an integrated interdisciplinary framework that offers a systematic basis for linking the different aspects in research on energy related consumption behavior, thus paving the way for establishing a better evidence base to inform societal actions. The framework connects the three relevant analytical aspects of the topic in question: (1) It systematically and conceptually frames the objects, i.e. the energy consumption behavior and its change (explananda); (2) it structures the factors that potentially explain the energy consumption behavior and its change (explanantia); (3) it provides a differentiated understanding of change inducing interventions in terms of governance. Based on the existing states of the art approaches from different disciplines within the social sciences the proposed framework is supposed to guide interdisciplinary empirical research.
Social capital and self-rated health: experiences from Makete district, Tanzania

Background: It is almost two decades since various research works started documenting the debate surrounding the role of social capital on individual health outcomes in different contexts. However, in Tanzania there is a dearth of empirical evidence showing how social capital influences health outcomes. The objective of this study was to investigate the links between individual social capital and self-rated health by selected socio-demographic factors. Methods: We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study in Makete district in the south-western Tanzania. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data using face to face interviews with the study participants. We collected information on individual structural social capita, which include memberships in organizations, giving social support, receiving social support and participation in voluntary activities. We also collected information on individual cognitive social capital including visiting neighbour, trusting neighbour, interaction with neighbour and ability to influence in decisions. Results: A total of 862 individuals from four villages participated in the study with the mean age of 31.3 years. Factor analysis (using principal components analysis) with varimax determined four domains of structural social capital: participation in collective activities, giving social support, membership in formal and informal organizations and receiving social support (factor loadings: 0.65 to 0.55). Four domains of cognitive social capital were also identified: visiting a sick neighbour, trusting a neighbour, and interacting with neighbour and ability to influence decisions (Factors loadings: 0.78 to 0.52). The multivariable logistic regression analysis shows that individuals with access to medium and high levels of structural social capital were almost 2 and 3 times more likely to report good health than individuals with low social capital [OR 2.3 (CI: 1.6-3.4)] and [OR 3.4 (CI: 2.3-5.1)], respectively. Conclusion : Our study findings support the argument that high level of structural social capital has positive health outcomes in rural Tanzania’ setting. Therefore, village leaders in particular and community members in general should promote social capital in their communities as one of the health interventions towards improving individual health.
The AdS5xS5 Superstring in Light-Cone Gauge and its Bethe Equations

We use the uniform light-cone gauge to derive an exact gauge-fixed Lagrangian and light-cone Hamiltonian for the Green–Schwarz superstring in AdS5 × S5. We then quantize the theory perturbatively in the near plane wave limit, and compute the leading 1/J correction to a generic string state from the rank-1 subsectors. These investigations enable us to propose a new set of light-cone Bethe equations for the quantum string. The equations have a simple form and yield the correct spinning string and flat space limits. Finally, we clarify the notion of closed sectors in string theory by proving the existence of perturbative effective string Hamiltonians which are direct analogues of (all-loop) dilatation operators in the dual N = 4 gauge theory.
Tools for Geographically Distributed Work

In the current globalized business environment, companies face increasing collaboration challenges at different levels of operation. Economic factors, as well as advancements in technology, have led to the globalization of design and production, which are organized into distributed projects. Information management and communication system issues are highlighted in collaboration within global companies with different branch offices and between organizations in business networks. In this paper, we tackle these communication and collaboration challenges by studying how different communication technologies can support geographically distributed work. We address this question by identifying from the literature the key categories of collaboration challenges and by conducting an empirical, multiple-case study of three companies from 2009 to 2011. The companies consisted of a small consulting company, a medium-sized software company, and a company-driven large R&D project. In this paper, we present our findings concerning the suitability of different communication tools in various working contexts.
Patterns of Product Development Interactions

Development of complex products and large systems is a highly interactive social process involving hundreds of people designing thousands of interrelated components and making millions of coupled decisions. Nevertheless, in the research summarized by this paper, we have created methods to study the development process, identify its underlying structures, and critique its operation. In this article, we introduce three views of product development complexity: a process view, a product view, and an organization view. We are able to learn about the complex social phenomenon of product development by studying the patterns of interaction across the decomposed elements within each view. We also compare the alignment of the interaction patterns between the product, process, and organization domains. We then propose metrics of product development complexity by studying and comparing these interaction patterns. Finally, we develop hypotheses regarding the patterns of product development interactions, which will be helpful to guide future research.
Secure Nested Codes for Type II Wiretap Channels

This paper considers the problem of secure coding design for a type II wiretap channel, where the main channel is noiseless and the eavesdropper channel is a general binary-input symmetric-output memoryless channel. The proposed secure error-correcting code has a nested code structure. Two secure nested coding schemes are studied for a type II Gaussian wiretap channel. The nesting is based on cosets of a good code sequence for the first scheme and on cosets of the dual of a good code sequence for the second scheme. In each case, the corresponding achievable rate-equivocation pair is derived based on the threshold behavior of good code sequences. The two secure coding schemes together establish an achievable rate-equivocation region, which almost covers the secrecy capacity-equivocation region in this case study. The proposed secure coding scheme is extended to a type II binary symmetric wiretap channel. A new achievable perfect secrecy rate, which improves upon the previously reported result by Thangaraj et al., is derived for this channel.
The Family Game: A Parent Education Intervention to Increase Positive Parent-Child Interactions in Parents with Learning Difficulties

Children of parents with learning difficulties (LD) are at risk for a variety of developmental problems including behavioural and psychiatric disorders. However, there are no empirically supported programs to prevent behavioural and psychiatric problems in these children. The purpose of the study was to test the effectiveness of a parenting intervention designed to teach parents with learning difficulties positive child behaviour management strategies. A multiple baseline across skills design was used with two parents, who were taught three skills: 1) clear instructions, 2) recognition of compliance and 3) correction of noncompliance. Training scores improved on each skill and maintained at a 1-month follow-up. Scores on generalization cards were high and showed maintenance, but improvements in parenting skills in the naturalistic environment were low at posttest and follow-up. Increases were seen in child compliance at posttest and 1-month follow-up. Results of pre-post social validity measures were also generally positive.
Impact of voluntary accreditation on deficiency citations in U.S. nursing homes.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY This study examines the association between nursing home accreditation and deficiency citations. DESIGN AND METHODS Data originated from a web-based search of The Joint Commission (TJC) accreditation and On-line Survey Certification of Automated Records from 2002 to 2010. Deficiency citations were divided into 4 categories: resident behavior and facility practices, quality of life, quality of care, and the most severe citations. Data were analyzed through negative binomial regression, where the number of residents at risk for each measure was the exposure level for that measure. RESULTS TJC-accredited nursing homes had fewer deficiency citations in all 4 deficiency categories examined. Comparing citations in the year of accreditation with the first year after accreditation, 3 of the 4 deficiency categories were significant. In comparing deficiency citations after 8 years of accreditation, all 4 categories of deficiencies were significant. In all cases, accreditation was associated with fewer deficiency citations. IMPLICATIONS Our results indicate that TJC-accredited nursing homes improve their quality immediately after accreditation and continue to maintain these improvements over the long-term. These findings support the need for further discussion and facilitation of voluntary accreditation in nursing homes.
Q-caching: an integrated reinforcement-learning approach for caching and routing in information-centric networks

Content delivery, such as video streaming, is one of the most prevalent Internet applications. Although very popular, the continuous growth of such applications poses novel performance and scalability challenges. Information-centric networks put content at the center, and propose novel solutions to such challenges but also pose new questions on the interface between caching and routing. In this paper, building on top of Q-routing we propose a caching strategy, namely Q-caching, which leverages information that is already collected by the routing algorithm. Q-caching promotes content diversity in the network, reducing the load at custodians and average download times for clients. In stylized topologies, we show that the gains of Q-caching against state-of-the-art algorithms are significant. We then consider the RNP topology, and show that Q-caching performance is more flexible while competitive when compared against existing algorithms.
Electrophysiological studies on visual information processing in dyslexia and ADHD

Objective: A visuo-spatial orienting task was used to investigate the individual and joint contribution of the presence of dyslexia and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to information processing. Methods: Sixteen control, 17 dyslexic, 16 ADHD, and 15 comorbid adults performed the task, comprising a valid, invalid, and no-cue condition. Performance measures were errors and reaction time (RT). A negative potential in response to cues and targets (N2), and a positive potential in response to targets (P3) were derived from the EEG. A 2 x 2 design was used with the factors dyslexic/non-dyslexic, and ADHD/non-ADHD. Results: Dyslexic participants demonstrated a smaller cue-related N2, yet a greater target-related N2 in the valid condition. ADHD participants were discriminated by the P3 difference between the invalid and valid condition. Comorbids differed from ADHD mainly in invalid-valid RT, and were similar to dyslexics in target N2 processing. Conclusions: Dyslexics were impaired in early information processing, and participants with ADHD differed for later processing stages. Significance: This is the first ERP study of attentional processes in dyslexia to incorporate an ADHD and a comorbid group. Its results may contribute to differentiation of these clinical groups.
On 5D small black holes

Using higher order corrections we argue that five dimensional = 2 and = 4 small black holes exhibit supersymmetry enhancement in near horizon geometry leading to eight and sixteen supercharges, respectively. Using this enhancement at supergravity level we can identify the global supergroup of the near horizon geometry. In particular we show how this supergroup distinguishes between small and large black holes in = 2 case.
Eye movement statistics in humans are consistent with an optimal search strategy.

Most models of visual search are based on the intuition that humans choose fixation locations containing features that best match the features of the target. The optimal version of this feature-based strategy is what we term "maximum a posteriori (MAP) search. " Alternatively, humans could choose fixations that maximize information gained about the target's location. We term this information-based strategy "ideal search. " Here we compare eye movements of human, MAP, and ideal searchers in tasks where known targets are embedded at unknown locations within random backgrounds having the spectral characteristics of natural scenes. We find that both human and ideal searchers preferentially fixate locations in a donut-shaped region around the center of the circular search area, with a high density of fixations at top and bottom, while MAP searchers distribute their fixations more uniformly, with low density at top and bottom. Our results argue for a sophisticated search mechanism that maximizes the information collected across fixations.