Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the Analytical Performance Optimization of Wireless Data Broadcasting

The role of the push-based architecture in modern wireless telecommunication systems has been gaining momentum over the past few years. However, these systems pose a challenging problem: the creation of the optimal common broadcast schedule that best fits the needs of the totality of the available clients. To this end, various approaches have been proposed, with one of the most well known and widely accepted approaches being the broadcast disks method. This method ensures the periodicity and proportionality attributes of the broadcast schedule but leaves ample room for performance optimization, which is a task traditionally assigned to heuristic algorithms. This paper presents a mathematical analysis of the broadcast disks method, which establishes a new analytical performance-optimization procedure. Comparison with other related well-known algorithms yielded better performance in every client test case. Finally, the analysis showed that even small deviations from optimal parameter values may lead to significant performance degradation in terms of the clients' mean waiting time.
Campbell diagrams of weakly anisotropic flexible rotors

We consider an axi-symmetric flexible rotor perturbed by dissipative, conservative and non-conservative positional forces originated at the contact with the anisotropic stator. The Campbell diagram of the unperturbed system is a mesh-like structure in the frequency–speed plane with double eigenfrequencies at the nodes. The diagram is convenient for the analysis of the travelling waves in the rotating elastic continuum. Computing sensitivities of the doublets, we find that at every particular node the unfolding of the mesh into the branches of complex eigenvalues in the first approximation is generically determined by only four 2×2 sub-blocks of the perturbing matrix. Selection of the unstable modes that cause self-excited vibrations in the subcritical speed range is governed by the exceptional points at the corners of the singular eigenvalue surfaces—‘double coffee filter’ and ‘viaduct’—which are sharply associated with the crossings of the unperturbed Campbell diagram with the definite symplectic (Krein) signature. The singularities connect the problems of wave propagation in the rotating continua with that of electromagnetic and acoustic wave propagation in non-rotating anisotropic chiral media. As mechanical examples a model of a rotating shaft with two degrees of freedom and a continuous model of a rotating circular string passing through the eyelet are studied in detail.
Performance analysis of blind carrier phase estimators for general QAM constellations

Large quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) constellations are currently used in throughput-efficient high-speed communication applications such as digital TV. For such large signal constellations, carrier phase synchronization is a crucial problem because for efficiency reasons the carrier acquisition must often be performed blindly, without the use of training or pilot sequences. The goal of the present paper is to provide thorough performance analysis of the blind carrier phase estimators that have been proposed in the literature and to assess their relative merits.
Using Geonarratives to Explore the Diverse Temporalities of Therapeutic Landscapes: Perspectives from “Green” and “Blue” Settings

A growing evidence base highlights “green” and “blue” spaces as examples of “therapeutic landscapes” incorporated into people's lives to maintain a sense of well-being. A commonly overlooked dimension within this corpus of work concerns the dynamic nature of people's therapeutic place assemblages over time. This article provides these novel temporal perspectives, drawing on the findings of an innovative three-stage interpretive geonarrative study conducted in southwest England from May to November 2013, designed to explore the complex spatial–temporal ordering of people's lives. Activity maps produced using accelerometer and Global Positioning system (GPS) data were used to guide in-depth geonarrative interviews with thirty-three participants, followed by a subset of go-along interviews in therapeutic places deemed important by participants. Concepts of fleeting time, restorative time, and biographical time are used, alongside notions of individual agency, to examine participants' green and blue space experiences in the context of the temporal structures characterizing their everyday lives and the biographical experiences contributing to the perceived importance of such settings over time. In a culture that by and large prioritizes speed, dominated by social ideals of, for example, the productive worker and the good parent, participants conveyed a desire to shift from fleeting time to restorative time, seeking a balance between embodied stillness and therapeutic mobility. This was deemed particularly important during more stressful life transitions, such as parenthood, employment shifts, and the onset of illness or impairment, when participants worked hard to tailor their therapeutic geographies to shifting well-being needs and priorities.
Probing the Central Regions of Nearby Compact Elliptical Galaxies

K-band spectroscopic observations recorded with NIFS+ALTAIR on Gemini North are used to probe the central arcsecond of the compact elliptical galaxies NGC 4486B, NGC 5846A, and M32. The angular resolution of these data is ~0.1″ FWHM; this corresponds to a spatial scale of 12 pc in NGC 5846A, which is the most distant galaxy in the sample. Indices that probe the strengths of various atomic and molecular features are measured. The central stellar contents of NGC 4486B and NGC 5846A are similar in the sense that they occupy the same regions of the (Ca I,12CO), (Na I,12CO), and (13CO,12CO) diagrams. The NGC 4486B and NGC 5846A observations depart from the sequence defined by solar neighborhood giants in the (Na I,12CO) diagram in a sense that is consistent with both galaxies having nonsolar chemical mixtures. For comparison, the M32 data are consistent with a chemical enrichment history like that in the Galactic disk; M32 could not have formed from the stripping of a larger elliptical galaxy. The behavior of the near-infrared line indices as a function of radius is also investigated. The stellar content in the central arcsecond of M32 appears to be well mixed. However, the radial behavior of the indices in NGC 4486B and NGC 5846A show complicated behavior, with the gradients that are present at large radii breaking down or reversing within a few tenths of an arcsec of the nucleus. Based on the age gradients predicted from visible wavelength spectra, coupled with the radial behavior of the ⟨Fe I⟩ and 12CO(2, 0) indices, it is suggested that the nuclear regions of NGC 4486B and NGC 5846A harbor intermediate-age populations.
Left Hemisphere Lateralization for Language in Right-Handers Is Controlled in Part by Familial Sinistrality, Manual Preference Strength, and Head Size

We investigated the effects of familial sinistrality (FS+; presence of left-handedness in one's close relatives), manual preference strength (MPS), and head size on the hemispheric lateralization of language in right-handers. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to map 49 individuals while listening to a story in their mother tongue. We found that individuals who had both the FS+ trait and weak MPS had no left hemisphere dominance for this lexicosyntactic task, whereas others showed a leftward functional asymmetry. In addition, the smaller the brain size, the smaller the leftward asymmetry for language, independent of FS and MPS. None of these effects were observed when the same subjects performed a spatial attention task that elicited right hemispheric functional asymmetry. These results demonstrate that the left hemisphere dominance for language in right-handers is a variable controlled, in part, by a number of specific factors, including FS, MPS, and head size.
Carbon monoxide measured by the EOS Microwave Limb Sounder on Aura: First results

Atmospheric carbon monoxide (CO) is measured by the EOS Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) on NASA's recently‐launched Aura satellite. Descent has been observed in the 2004–2005 Northern Hemisphere winter polar mesosphere and upper stratosphere. During August and September 2004 enhanced CO was observed in the upper troposphere over India and Tibet. The MLS CO measurements are described and the radiance signal due to the enhanced CO in the upper troposphere is demonstrated.
Incidence and Prognosis of Stroke in the Valle d'Aosta, Italy: First‐Year Results of a Community‐Based Study

Background and Purpose: We sought to determine the incidence rate, risk factors, and prognosis of stroke in Valle d'Aosta, Italy, to provide information for planning regional health-care facilities. Methods: We undertook a prospective study of all new cases of stroke in the geographically defined population of 114,325 residents of Valle d'Aosta in northern Italy. Results: In the first year of the study (January 1-December 31, 1989), 254 cases of first stroke were registered. The crude annual incidence rate was 2.23/1,000,1.98/1,000 for men and 2.46/1,000 for women. After adjustment to the 1988 Italian population, the incidence rate for first stroke was 2.15/1,000 per year, 2.48/1,000 per year for men and 1.99/1,000 per year for women. The pathological diagnosis was cerebral infarction in 67%, intracranial hemorrhage in 15%, and unknown in 18%. The overall 30-day case-fatality rate was 31%. In survivors, Barthel Index Score recorded at 30 days from stroke onset showed that 100 patients (62%) were dependent in activities of daily living. Conclusions: Our results do not differ significantly from those reported in Umbria, the only similar study performed in Italy, and support non-Italian data as to risk factors in stroke.
Geometry based efficient decoding algorithms for underdetermined MIMO systems

In this paper, a novel decoder for underdetermined MIMO systems with low decoding complexity is proposed. The development of the proposed decoder consists of two stages. First, an improved slab decoding algorithm efficiently obtains all valid candidate points within a given slab. Next, a multi-slab based decoding algorithm finds the optimal solution by conducting intersections on the obtained candidate set with dynamic radius adaptation. The proposed decoder offers the advantages of low computational complexity and near-ML decoding performance for underdetermined MIMO systems. Simulation results indicate that it effectively reduces the complexity as compared to existing decoders, especially for large antenna numbers and/or constellations.
Nongenetic Factors as Modifiers of the Age of Onset of Familial Alzheimer's Disease

Objective: The purpose of this research was to identify environmental and personal factors that could be related to the variability in the age of onset of familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) (36–62 years). Methods: A sample was taken of 49 subjects with FAD and with the mutation E280A in the presenilin-1 gene on chromosome 14; the sample was divided into two subgroups: 27 individuals with age of onset of the disease between 36 and 46 years (early onset) and 22 individuals whose disease began between 47 and 62 years (late onset). Information on environmental and personal factors was collected by means of a questionnaire answered by the patients if their clinical condition allowed it, or by their relatives; such information was organized in a categorical way. Comparisons between the two groups for each categorical variable were done by means of the chi-square test. Noncollinear variables that showed statistical significance were included as independent variables in a logistic regression analysis to predict their association with early onset of the disease. Results: Only 5 of the 140 studied variables were different between the two groups in univariate analysis: education, surgical history, type of stressful event, depression, and affective losses. The logistic regression model was constituted by education, depression, and affective losses. High-level education had approximately 15 times more probability of association with an early onset of the disease; both the history of affective losses and depressive symptoms had 4 times more probability of a similar association. Conclusions: The association of high-level education and early onset of the disease could be related to an earlier detection of symptoms, in turn determined by greater intellectual and environmental demands. The occurrence of depression and affective losses has been considered a prodromic manifestation of the disease. Our findings are evidence of high clinical heterogeneity even in a genetically homogeneous group.
Detection of Circular Polarization in the Galactic Center Black Hole Candidate Sagittarius A*

We report here the detection of circular polarization in the Galactic center black hole candidate, Sagittarius A*. The detection was made at 4.8 and 8.4 GHz with the Very Large Array. We find that the fractional circular polarization at 4.8 GHz is mc = -0.36 ± 0.05% and that the spectral index of the circular polarization is α = -0.6 ± 0.3 (mc ∝ να). The systematic error in mc is less than 0.04% at both frequencies. In light of our recent lower limits on the linear polarization in Sgr A*, this detection is difficult to interpret with standard models. We consider briefly whether scattering mechanisms could produce the observed polarization. Detailed modeling of the source and the scattering medium is necessary. We propose a simple model in which low-energy electrons reduce linear polarization through Faraday depolarization and convert linear polarization into circular polarization. Circular polarization may represent a significant new parameter for studying the obscured centimeter wavelength radio source in Sgr A*.
Exploring Perceptions of A Priori Barriers to Entrepreneurship: A Multidisciplinary Approach

This exploratory study integrates the disciplines of economics, psychology, and sociology to identify perceptions of a priori barriers in the entrepreneurial environment. The Central-West of N.S. W. , Australia was surveyed to find the proportions of four groups in the general population—potential, intending, actual entrepreneurs, and no wish to start—and the barriers faced by each. A profile analysis across the three disciplines found that the more important barriers are largely non-economic and intractable to government policy. Barriers are different from other regions. Significant differences in importance between groups are identified and the pattern of group differences varies between barriers. Further, the issues of sequentiality and combinations of barriers are important, for there is no panacea to engendering venture creation.
Perspectives on the Potential Therapeutic Uses of Vesicles

The role of extracellular vesicles as an important mediator of cell-to-cell communication has been well established by many studies that have shown their capability for exchanging proteins, bioactive lipids and nucleic acids. Extracellular vesicles have been implicated in several physiological and pathological processes according to the cell of origin. Identification of the innate properties of extracellular vesicles derived from stem cells and from immune cells has led to the possibility of their exploitation in regenerative medicine and immune therapies. As extracellular vesicles are able to cross biological barriers, express surface receptors and contain defined cargoes able to target specific cells/tissues, they may represent a biocompatible and effective tool for drug delivery. Herein, we review and discuss the perspectives related to the therapeutic opportunities of extracellular vesicles.
Association of Self-Reported Weight Change and Quality of Life, and Exercise and Weight Management Behaviors Among Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: The SHIELD Study

Purpose. This study examined the association between self-reported weight change and quality of life, and exercise and weight management behaviors among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods. In the US SHIELD study, respondents reported whether they had lost or gained weight compared with 1 year earlier and completed the SHIELD-WQ-9 quality of life questionnaire as well as provided information on their exercise and weight management behaviors in the past 12 months. Results. Sixteen percent of the respondents reported gaining weight (n = 460), and 30% reported losing weight (n = 895). More respondents who reported losing weight exercised regularly, limited calorie and fat intake, and increased fiber, fruit, and vegetable intake compared with respondents who reported gaining weight (P < 0.01). For all nine aspects of daily life, a significantly greater proportion of respondents who reported losing weight reported improved well-being (12%–44%) compared with respondents who reported gaining weight (P < 0.0001). Conclusions. Self-reported weight loss was associated with improved well-being, better exercise, and weight management behaviors among individuals with T2DM.
Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells on Transplantation: Immunotherapy Based on Second Signal Blockage

Dendritic cells (DCs), the most important professional antigen-presenting cells (APC), play crucial role in both immunity and tolerance. It is well known that DCs are able to mount immune responses against foreign antigens and simultaneously tolerate self-antigens. Since DCs can be modulated depending on the surrounding microenvironment, they can act as a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity. However, the mechanisms that support this dual role are not entirely clear. Recent studies have shown that DCs can be manipulated ex vivo in order to trigger their tolerogenic profile, what can be a tool to be used in clinical trials aiming the treatment of various diseases and the prevention of transplant rejection. In this sense, the blockage of costimulatory molecules on DC, in the attempt of inhibiting the second signal in the immunological synapse, can be considered as one of the main strategies under development. This review brings an update on current therapies using tolerogenic dendritic cells modulated with costimulatory blockers with the aim of reducing transplant rejection. However, although there are current clinical trials using tolerogenic DC to treat allograft rejection, the actual challenge is to modulate these cells in order to maintain a permanent tolerogenic profile.
Verbal outcomes at school entry of monolingual and bilingual children with ASD who were minimally verbal at the time of diagnosis

Families of children with ASD raised in bilingual homes are often provided with mixed recommendations from professionals regarding language exposure. Many parents are advised to limit language exposure to the language of instruction, despite the familial, cultural, religious, or community challenges associated with forced monolingualism. Although previous research with verbal children with ASD has consistently shown that bilingual exposure does not have a negative impact on early language development, no study to date has examined this issue in minimally verbal (MV) children. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the extent to which home language exposure, in combination with other variables, predicted verbal outcome at the time of school entry (around age 6) in a sample of children with ASD who were MV (i.e., spoke five or fewer words) at the time of diagnosis. Participants were 34 MV children with ASD; of these, 24 monolingual-exposed (ME) children were exposed to only one language and 10 bilingual exposed (BE) children were exposed to a second language ≥ 20% of the time. Results of a logistic regression indicated that home language exposure was not a significant predictor of verbal status at the time of school entry, but nonverbal IQ (NVIQ) scores were. In the current sample, ME children were five times more likely to remain MV at age 6 after controlling for scores relating to NVIQ, imitation, responding to joint attention, and initiating joint attention. The results suggest that, in this sample, bilingual exposure did not negatively impact the verbal outcome of MV children with ASD, although this result cannot be generalized to the population at large. Limitations of the study are addressed, highlighting directions for future research and implications for clinical practice.
Lessons from applying experimentation in software engineering prediction systems

Within software engineering prediction systems, experiments are undertaken primarliy to investigate relationships and to measure/compare models' accuracy. This paper discusses our experience and presents useful lessons/guidelines in experimenting with software engineering prediction systems. For this purpose, we use a typical software engineering experimentation process as a baseline. We found that the typical software engineering experimentation process in software engineering is supportive in developing prediction systems and have highlighted issues more central to the domain of software engineering prediction systems.
Abnormal Subspace Sparse PCA for Anomaly Detection and Interpretation

The main shortage of principle component analysis (PCA) based anomaly detection models is their interpretability. In this paper, our goal is to propose an interpretable PCA-based model for anomaly detection and interpretation. The propose ASPCA model constructs principal components with sparse and orthogonal loading vectors to represent the abnormal subspace, and uses them to interpret detected anomalies. Our experiments on a synthetic dataset and two real world datasets showed that the proposed ASPCA models achieved comparable detection accuracies as the PCA model, and can provide interpretations for individual anomalies.
Retracted: Co‐fruiting plant species share similar fruit and seed traits while phylogenetic patterns vary through time

Co‐fruiting plant species are subject to a variety of biotic and abiotic processes that may influence patterns of fruiting phenology and the functional and phylogenetic diversity of co‐fruiting taxa in a community. Understanding the seasonal patterns of functional and phylogenetic diversity of fruiting in a community will shed new light on potential mechanisms structuring plant communities. Using rain forest trees in south‐eastern Madagascar as our system, we predicted there would be clustering of fruit and seed traits and phylogenetic relationships among co‐fruiting species because plants are vying for seed‐dispersal services from a limited set of generalist frugivore taxa. We also predicted that seasonal variations in rainfall would mediate fluctuations in functional trait and phylogenetic diversity of co‐fruiting assemblages. Despite fluctuating patterns in their functional trait diversity over time, co‐fruiting assemblages displayed consistent clustering of fruit/seed traits across time. Phylogenetic diversity was not clustered overall, but fluctuated non‐randomly in time, between clustered and overdispersed, such that strong shifts in rainfall were associated with the co‐fruiting of more closely related species. Synthesis. We suggest that it may be more beneficial for co‐fruiting plant species to share similar fruit and seed traits than to diversify traits, when they rely on a comparatively small set of generalist frugivorous taxa for seed dispersal. Results also demonstrate that rainfall‐driven environmental filtering may cause seasonal fluctuations in the phylogenetic patterns of phenology in a community. Results highlight the importance of a temporal context in examining structural patterns of communities.