Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Turbo packet combining strategies for the MIMO-ISI ARQ channel

This paper addresses the issue of efficient turbo packet combining techniques for coded transmission with a Chase-type automatic repeat request (ARQ) protocol operating over a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channel with intersymbol interference (ISI). First of all, we investigate the outage probability and the outage-based power loss of the MIMO-ISI ARQ channel when optimal maximum a posteriori (MAP) turbo packet combining is used at the receiver. We show that the ARQ delay (i.e., the maximum number of ARQ rounds) does not completely translate into a diversity gain. We then introduce two efficient turbo packet combining algorithms that are inspired by minimum mean square error (MMSE)-based turbo equalization techniques. Both schemes can be viewed as low-complexity versions of the optimal MAP turbo combiner. The first scheme is called signal-level turbo combining and performs packet combining and multiple transmission ISI cancellation jointly at the signal-level. The second scheme, called symbol-level turbo combining, allows ARQ rounds to be separately turbo equalized, while combining is performed at the filter output. We conduct a complexity analysis where we demonstrate that both algorithms have almost the same computational cost as the conventional log-likelihood ratio (LLR)-level combiner. Simulation results show that both proposed techniques outperform LLR-level combining, while for some representative MIMO configurations, signal-level combining has better ISI cancellation capability and achievable diversity order than that of symbol-level combining.
Unemployment and Subjective Well-being: Comparing Younger and Older Job Seekers

We examine the link between unemployment and subjective well-being by introducing historically sensitive variables related to neoliberal ideology and policies such as measures of self-blame, shame, work ethic and flexibility. Drawing on a survey study we find that young job seekers (N = 357) have a significantly lower self-reported subjective well-being than employed persons of the same age (N = 183). Young and older unemployed people (N = 52) report the same level of subjective well-being; however, older unemployed people score significantly higher on clinical measures of depression, anxiety and stress. In contrast, younger job seekers score significantly higher on measures relating to the neoliberal development. We identify a minority of people who do not perceive themselves as unemployed even though they formally are, and drawing on governmentality studies we infer them to be entrepreneurs. We highlight the need to recognize heterogeneity and historical sensitivity when addressing the complex relationship between subjective well-being and unemployment. The implications of this empirical study are that different groups might benefit from different interventions and that policy makers should take this into consideration.
Characterization of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae, Causal Agent of Citrus Blast of Mandarin in Montenegro

Citrus blast caused by bacterium Pseudomonas syringae is a very important disease of citrus occuring in many areas of the world, but with few data about genetic structure of the pathogen involved. Considering the above fact, this study reports genetic characterization of 43 P. syringae isolates obtained from plant tissue displaying citrus blast symptoms on mandarin (Citrus reticulata) in Montenegro, using multilocus sequence analysis of gyrB, rpoD, and gap1 gene sequences. Gene sequences from a collection of 54 reference pathotype strains of P. syringae from the Plant Associated and Environmental Microbes Database (PAMDB) was used to establish a genetic relationship with our isolates obtained from mandarin. Phylogenetic analyses of gyrB, rpoD, and gap1 gene sequences showed that P. syringae pv. syringae causes citrus blast in mandarin in Montenegro, and belongs to genomospecies 1. Genetic homogeneity of isolates suggested that the Montenegrian population might be clonal which indicates a possible common source of infection. These findings may assist in further epidemiological studies of this pathogen and for determining mandarin breeding strategies for P. syringae control.
“School banding”: Principals’ perspectives of teacher professional development in the school-based management context

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how principals’ leadership approaches to teacher professional development arise from school banding and may impact upon teacher professional capital and student achievement. Design/methodology/approach The case study is situated within the context of school-based management, comprising reflective accounts of nine school principals selected by stratified sampling from a sample of 56 Hong Kong schools to represent Bands One, Two, and Three schools. The reflective accounts were triangulated with observations of teachers and analysis of school websites. Findings First, under school-based management, principals remain obliged to recognize the power of state-defined examinations in determining the schools’ future priorities. Second, the exercise of school autonomy in response to this obligation varies, depending upon the competitive advantage schools have in the school banding system. Ideally, effective school-based management is dependent upon the principal’s capacity to facilitate good instructional practices. However, principals need to adjust their leadership practices to school contextual demands. Third, adaptations to contexts result in the varied developments of teacher capacities in schools, corresponding with the types of principal leadership adopted. Originality/value While statistical studies have identified attributes of exemplary principal leadership, few studies have examined the qualitative reasons for the exemplification of these attributes, and the influence of the school context in shaping these attributes. Departing from assumptions that leadership attributes are intrinsic to individuals, this paper considers how principals contextualize leadership in teacher professional development to the schools’ student academic achievement.
ANALISIS KONTRIBUSI SIKAP ILMIAH, MOTIVASI BELAJAR DAN KEMANDIRIANBELAJAR TERHADAP PRESTASI BELAJAR MAHASISWA PRODI PENDIDIKAN FISIKA STKIP PGRI PONTIANAK

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui seberapa besar kontribusi sikap ilmiah, motivasi berprestasi dan kemandirian belajar terhadap prestasi belajar mahasiswa prodi pendidikan fisika STKIP PGRI Pontianak. Sampel penelitian berjumlah 3 kelas yang diambil dengan teknik cluster random sampling dan mewakili semua mahasiswa Prodi Pendidikan Fisika tiap jenjang semester. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif-assosiatif yang menggambarkan korelasi dan kontribusi antara variabel bebas (sikap ilmiah, motivasi belajar dan kemandirian belajar) terhadap variabel terikat (prestasi belajar) terutama kontribusi variabel bebas terhadap variabel terikat. Instrumen pengumpul data berupa angket sikap ilmiah, motivasi belajar dan kemandirian belajar. Data pretasi belajar mahasiswa diambil dari data indeks prestasi komulatif mahasiswa. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan sikap ilmiah, motivasi belajar dan kemandirian belajar berkorelasi positif dan signifikan terhadap prestasi belajar. Sikap ilmiah berkontribusi 1,00%, motivasi belajar berkontribusi 7,10%, kemandirian belajar berkontribusi 5,10%, sikap ilmiah, motivasi dan kemandirian belajar berkontribusi 8,80% terhadap prestasi belajar mahasiswa. Disarankan bagi para dosen untuk memberikan motivasi mahasiswa dalam belajar, melatih sikap ilmiah mahasiswa dan berusaha membentuk karakter mahasiswa yang mandiri dalam belajar. Bagi penelitian lanjutan disarankan untuk melihat pengaruh sikap ilmiah, motivasi belajar dan kemandirian belajar terhadap prestasi belajar mahasiswa.
From business case to value case - Assessing the organizational value of it investments

Managers continually invest in new information technology (IT) but the question of organizational value still seems vague. One explanation is poor evaluation. In practice the Business Case including Return on Investment (ROI) still dominate. Information System research has noted for a long time that the Economic Approach is not sufficient and instead the Interpretative IT Evaluation Approach has been put forward. However, the approach has reached limited acceptance in practice and it has been noted that what to evaluate is a far more complex process than might first appear. The aim of this study is to articulate factors and criteria that are important to consider when assessing the organizational value of IT investments. This study is part of a Collaborative Practice Research project that took place 2005-2008 at three public organizations. The findings indicate that it is time to take a step from a Business Case to a Value Case. The Value Case is a pluralistic, a formative and a formalized approach that includes factors and criteria that have its base in prior research and have been further discussed and analyzed by the respondents. The Value Case also put management’s attention to effectiveness and efficiency, the task of management.
Analysis of intratumor heterogeneity unravels lung cancer evolution

Lung cancer is a disease with dismal outcome. We recently reported a detailed intratumor heterogeneity analysis in 7 non-small cell lung cancer samples, revealing spatially separated driver events as well as the temporal dynamics of mutational processes and demonstrating an important role for APOBEC-mediated heterogeneity later in disease evolution.
Candidate Features and Candidate Selection Patterns in Hungary, 1994–2010

Although 25 years have passed since the Hungarian transition of 1989–90, to date, there have been no systematic analyses of candidate characteristics and candidate selection patterns. This article asks: What candidate features do party selectorates value when deciding on candidate nominations from 1994 to 2010? I investigate the candidate selection patterns of Hungarian parties though candidates’ placement on the party lists. I use an original data set containing the whole universe of candidates running in democratic elections between 1994 and 2010. I describe the Hungarian candidate scene with regard to electoral and legislative experience, age and gender of the candidates. I apply multilevel linear regressions to obtain the net effect of these characteristics on party list placements. I find first, that parties place more experienced candidates higher on the party lists. Second, selectors punish older candidates by placing them lower on party lists. Third, women also face a disadvantage in list placements: parties place men in better positions on the lists.
Inhibition of angiogenesis and breast cancer in mice by the microtubule inhibitors 2-methoxyestradiol and taxol.

2-Methoxyestradiol (2-ME), an endogenous estrogen metabolite which disrupts microtubule function, has been shown to inhibit proliferating cells in vitro and suppress certain murine tumors in vivo. In vitro screening has determined that breast cancer cell lines are most sensitive to inhibition by 2-ME. Additionally, 2-ME has been shown to inhibit angiogenesis in vitro. We tested whether 2-ME suppresses cytokine-induced angiogenesis in vivo and inhibits growth of a human breast carcinoma in severe combined immunodeficient mice. A model of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced corneal neovascularization in C57BL/6 mice was used to evaluate the antiangiogenic effects of 2-ME and other microtubule inhibitors such as Taxol, vincristine, and colchicine. 2-ME (150 mg/kg p.o., n = 20) inhibited bFGF and VEGF-induced neovascularization by 39% and 54%, respectively. Taxol (6 mg/kg i.p., n = 17) inhibited bFGF and VEGF-induced neovascularization by 45% and 37%, respectively. Vincristine (0.2 mg/kg i.p., n = 8) and colchicine (0.25 mg/kg i.p., n = 8) had no effect. Treatment with 2-ME (75 mg/kg p.o., n = 9) for 1 month suppressed the growth of a human breast carcinoma in mice by 60% without toxicity. Recognition of the antiangiogenic and antitumor properties of 2-ME and Taxol may be crucial in planning clinical applications to angiogenesis-dependent diseases.
Stabilizing versus Destabilizing the Microtubules: A Double-Edge Sword for an Effective Cancer Treatment Option?

Microtubules are dynamic and structural cellular components involved in several cell functions, including cell shape, motility, and intracellular trafficking. In proliferating cells, they are essential components in the division process through the formation of the mitotic spindle. As a result of these functions, tubulin and microtubules are targets for anticancer agents. Microtubule-targeting agents can be divided into two groups: microtubule-stabilizing, and microtubule-destabilizing agents. The former bind to the tubulin polymer and stabilize microtubules, while the latter bind to the tubulin dimers and destabilize microtubules. Alteration of tubulin-microtubule equilibrium determines the disruption of the mitotic spindle, halting the cell cycle at the metaphase-anaphase transition and, eventually, resulting in cell death. Clinical application of earlier microtubule inhibitors, however, unfortunately showed several limits, such as neurological and bone marrow toxicity and the emergence of drug-resistant tumor cells. Here we review several natural and synthetic microtubule-targeting agents, which showed antitumor activity and increased efficacy in comparison to traditional drugs in various preclinical and clinical studies. Cryptophycins, combretastatins, ombrabulin, soblidotin, D-24851, epothilones and discodermolide were used in clinical trials. Some of them showed antiangiogenic and antivascular activity and others showed the ability to overcome multidrug resistance, supporting their possible use in chemotherapy.
Student-Teacher Racial Match and Its Association With Black Student Achievement: An Exploration Using Multilevel Structural Equation Modeling

This study examines student-teacher “racial match” for its association with Black student achievement. Multilevel structural equation modeling was used to analyze 2013 National Assessment for Educational Progress (NAEP) Grade 4 Reading Assessment data to examine interactions of teacher race and student race in their associations with student achievement (N = 165,410 students, 23,710 teachers). Effects on Level 1 random slope parameters suggest that a match of Black male students with Black teachers is associated with higher reading scores for this group, as is a match of Black female students with a Black or Hispanic teacher. Level 2 effects suggest that greater classroom composition of Black males is associated with lower reading achievement. Moderation by gender and implications for educational policy are discussed.
A framework for text categorization

The field of automatic Text Categorization (TC) concerns the creation of categorizer functions, usually involving Machine Learning techniques, to assign labels from a pre-defined set of categories to documents based on the documents’ content. Because of the many variations on how this can be achieved and the diversity of applications in which it can be employed, creating specific TC applications is often a difficult task. This thesis concerns the design, implementation, and testing of an ObjectOriented Application Framework for Text Categorization. By encoding expertise in the architecture of the framework, many of the barriers to creating TC applications are eliminated. Developers can focus on the domain-specific aspects of their applications, leaving the generic aspects of categorization to the framework. This allows significant code and design reuse when building new applications. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to automatic Text Categorization, Object-Oriented Application Frameworks, and Design Patterns. Some common application areas and benefits of using automatic TC are discussed. Frameworks are defined and their advantages compared to other software engineering strategies are presented. Design patterns are defined and placed in the context of framework development. An overview of three related products in the TC space, Weka, Autonomy, and Teragram, follows. Chapter 2 contains a detailed presentation of Text Categorization. TC is formally defined, followed by a detailed account of the main functional areas
Wilsonian proof for renormalizability of N = 1 / 2 supersymmetric field theories

We provide a Wilsonian proof for the renormalizability of four-dimensional quantum field theories with $\mathcal{N}=1/2$ supersymmetry. We argue that the non-Hermiticity inherent to these theories permits assigning a noncanonical scaling dimension both for the Grassman coordinates and superfields. This reassignment can be done in such a way that the non(anti)commutativity parameter is dimensionless, and then the rest of the proof amounts to power counting. The renormalizability is also stable against adding standard four-dimensional soft-breaking terms to the theory. However, with the new scaling dimension assignments, some of these terms are not just relevant deformations of the theory but become marginal.
Light extraction improvement of GaN-based light-emitting diodes using patterned undoped GaN bottom reflection gratings

The Gallium Nitride (GaN) Light-Emitting-Diode (LED) bottom refection grating simulation and results are presented. A microstructure GaN bottom grating, either conical holes or cylindrical holes, was calculated and compared with the non-grating (flat) case. A time monitor was also placed just above the top of the LED to measure both time and power output from the top of the LED. Many different scenarios were simulated by sweeping three parameters that affected the structure of the micro-structure grating: unit cell period (Α) from 1 to 6 microns, unit cell width (w) from 1 to 6 microns, and unit cell grating height (d) from 50 to 200nm. The simulation results show that the cylindrical grating case has a 98% light extraction improvement, and the conical grating case has a 109% light extraction improvement compared to the flat plate case.
The Decentralized Structure of Collective Attention on the Web

Background: The collective browsing behavior of users gives rise to a flow network transporting attention between websites. By analyzing the structure of this network we uncovered a nontrivial scaling regularity concerning the impact of websites. Methodology: We constructed three clickstreams networks, whose nodes were websites and edges were formed by the users switching between sites. We developed an indicator Ci as a measure of the impact of site i and investigated its correlation with the traffic of the site Ai both on the three networks and across the language communities within the networks. Conclusions: We found that the impact of websites increased slower than their traffic. Specifically, there existed a scaling relationship between Ci and Ai with an exponent gamma smaller than 1. We suggested that this scaling relationship characterized the decentralized structure of the clickstream circulation: the World Wide Web is a system that favors small sites in reassigning the collective attention of users.
How to quantify the impact of lossy transformations on change detection

To ease the proliferation of big data, it frequently is transformed, be it by compression, be it by anonymization. Such transformations however modify characteristics of the data, such as changes in the case of time series. Changes however are important for subsequent analyses. The impact of those modifications depends on the application scenario, and quantifying it is far from trivial. This is because a transformation can shift or modify existing changes or introduce new ones. In this paper, we propose MILTON, a flexible and robust Measure for quantifying the Impact of Lossy Transformations on subsequent change detectiON. MILTON is applicable to any lossy transformation technique on time-series data and to any general-purpose change-detection approach. We have evaluated it with three real-world use cases. Our evaluation shows that MILTON allows to quantify the impact of lossy transformations and to choose the best one from a class of transformation techniques for a given application scenario.
On the Application of Motivation Theory to Human Factors/Ergonomics

Objective: Motivation is a driving force in human–technology interaction. This paper represents an effort to (a) describe a theoretical model of motivation in human technology interaction, (b) provide design principles and guidelines based on this theory, and (c) describe a sequence of steps for the evaluation of motivational factors in human–technology interaction. Background: Motivation theory has been relatively neglected in human factors/ergonomics (HF/E). In both research and practice, the (implicit) assumption has been that the operator is already motivated or that motivation is an organizational concern and beyond the purview of HF/E. However, technology can induce task-related boredom (e.g., automation) that can be stressful and also increase system vulnerability to performance failures. Method: A theoretical model of motivation in human–technology interaction is proposed, based on extension of the self-determination theory of motivation to HF/E. This model provides the basis for both future research and for development of practical recommendations for design. Results: General principles and guidelines for motivational design are described as well as a sequence of steps for the design process. Conclusion: Human motivation is an important concern for HF/E research and practice. Procedures in the design of both simple and complex technologies can, and should, include the evaluation of motivational characteristics of the task, interface, or system. In addition, researchers should investigate these factors in specific human–technology domains. Application: The theory, principles, and guidelines described here can be incorporated into existing techniques for task analysis and for interface and system design.
Exploration strategies, performance, and error consequences when learning a complex computer task

When trying to learn a complex task, people can use different strategies. They can use systematic exploration in which they take on an active approach to discover the computer functions and make use of problem solving steps such as planning, evaluation of feedback, and control of emotion and motivation. Alternatively, they can use non-systematic strategies like trial-and-error, rigid exploration, and encapsulation in information seeking. This study examined whether the exploration strategies were related to error consequences and performance when people learned a new computer program. Strategies were assessed by means of coding. Analysis showed strong correlations between strategies, error consequences, and task performance. These results can have implications for training design and human reliability in dealing with complex devices.