Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Training fMRI Classifiers to Discriminate Cognitive States across Multiple Subjects

We consider learning to classify cognitive states of human subjects, based on their brain activity observed via functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). This problem is important because such classifiers constitute "virtual sensors" of hidden cognitive states, which may be useful in cognitive science research and clinical applications. In recent work, Mitchell, et al. [6,7,9] have demonstrated the feasibility of training such classifiers for individual human subjects (e.g., to distinguish whether the subject is reading an ambiguous or unambiguous sentence, or whether they are reading a noun or a verb). Here we extend that line of research, exploring how to train classifiers that can be applied across multiple human subjects, including subjects who were not involved in training the classifier. We describe the design of several machine learning approaches to training multiple-subject classifiers, and report experimental results demonstrating the success of these methods in learning cross-subject classifiers for two different fMRI data sets.
Clinical Characteristics of Sphenoid Sinus Fungal Ball Patients With Visual Disturbance

Objectives A sphenoid sinus fungal ball is a rare disease that can cause visual disturbances. Most afflicted patients remain in an indolent state. However, once the visual disturbance has occurred, the recovery rate is very low. The purpose of this study was to overview the clinical characteristics of patients with a sphenoid sinus fungal ball and ascertain factors possibly related to the occurrence of a visual disturbance. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery for a sphenoid sinus fungal ball at our hospital. We enrolled 47 patients in this study. Results Old age and a female predominance were noted. Nasal symptoms were the most common symptom. Eight patients showed visual disturbances. We also compared the clinical characteristics between patients with and without visual disturbances in univariate analysis. Old age, underlying diabetes mellitus, and a sphenoid sinus wall defect visible by computed tomography were factors significantly related to the occurrence of visual disturbances. But only sphenoid sinus wall defect showed significance in multivariate analysis. Conclusion It is important to prevent complications, such as visual disturbance, in patients with a sphenoid sinus fungal ball. This study describes an early surgical treatment that may be required for patients with a sphenoid sinus fungal ball and particularly patients with a sphenoid sinus wall defect.
Financial Development, Economics Growth, Income Inequality Nexus: A Case Study of Pakistan

The purpose of this study is to examine the interrelationship between financial development, economic growth and income inequality in case of Pakistan. The study has been divided into three linkages; one linkage is between financial development, financial instability and economic growth; second is between financial development, financial instability and income distribution or income inequality, and the last one is between financial development, financial instability and poverty via economic growth. The ARDL bounds testing approach to cointegration has been applied. Our results indicate that the variables are cointegrated for long run. Furthermore, a positive relationship exists between financial development and economic growth. Financial instability not only retards economic growth directly but also weakens finance-growth nexus. The impact of financial development on income inequality is negative. It shows that a rise in financial development improves income distribution or declines income inequality. Financial development improves the incomes of poor segment of population. This empirical evidence confirms the existence of McKinnon Conduit Effect (MCE) in Pakistan. The present study suggests suitable policy options to policy makers in declining income inequality by using financial sector as a policy tool in Pakistan.
MHC-I Affects Infection Intensity but Not Infection Status with a Frequent Avian Malaria Parasite in Blue Tits

Host resistance against parasites depends on three aspects: the ability to prevent, control and clear infections. In vertebrates the immune system consists of innate and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity is particularly important for preventing infection and eradicating established infections at an early stage while adaptive immunity is slow, but powerful, and essential for controlling infection intensities and eventually clearing infections. Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules are central in adaptive immunity, and studies on parasite resistance and MHC in wild animals have found effects on both infection intensity (parasite load) and infection status (infected or not). It seems MHC can affect both the ability to control infection intensities and the ability to clear infections. However, these two aspects have rarely been considered simultaneously, and their relative importance in natural populations is therefore unclear. Here we investigate if MHC class I genotype affects infection intensity and infection status with a frequent avian malaria infection Haemoproteus majoris in a natural population of blue tits Cyanistes caeruleus. We found a significant negative association between a single MHC allele and infection intensity but no association with infection status. Blue tits that carry a specific MHC allele seem able to suppress H. majoris infection intensity, while we have no evidence that this allele also has an effect on clearance of the H. majoris infection, a result that is in contrast with some previous studies of MHC and avian malaria. A likely explanation could be that the clearance rate of avian malaria parasites differs between avian malaria lineages and/or between avian hosts.
Regulation Theories in Retrospect and Prospect.

This chapter critically assesses the regulation approach to the critique of political economy. It starts with the theoretical background to regulation theories; moves on to compare the main approaches and their various fields of application; and then offers some methodological and epistemological criticisms of the leading schools. Then come some more general methodological remarks on the object and subject of regulation and some specific comments on one of the weakest areas of regulation theory - its account of the state. Thus this chapter focuses on methodology and general theory rather than empirical analysis.
Filtering Time Series with Penalized Splines

The decomposition and filtering of time series is an important issue in economics and econometrics and related fields. Even though there are numerous competing methods on the market, in applications one often meets one of the few favorites, like the Hodrick-Prescott filter or the bandpass filter.In this paper, we suggest to employ penalized splines fitting for detrending. The approach allows to take correlation of the residuals into account and provides a data driven setting of the smoothing parameter, none of which the classical filters allow. We show the simplicity of the penalized spline filter using the open source software R and demonstrate differences and features with numerous data examples.
Analysis of error sources in L2 written English by Indonesian undergraduate students

This study investigates second language learners’ production in writing, aiming to understand common problems the learners frequently have with English. The study focuses on the analysis of errors in 100 essays written by 50 Indonesian undergraduate students of English, which is aimed at identifying the commonly occurring errors, classifying them according to a linguistic category, and explaining the causes of the occurring errors. The study shows that a large number of the occurring errors resulted from intralingual sources, the proportion of which account for more than 60% of the total errors. The results conform to a number of earlier studies in this research field which concluded that the majority of errors L2 learners make stem from intralingual interference. Another possible explanation for the phenomena is that because the subjects participating in this study are university students majoring in English, they had at least mastered the basics of English when entering university. As a result, they are more likely to make fewer interlingual errors than students at elementary level who tend to rely more on their native language when dealing with the aspects of the target language which they have not yet mastered.
Quantum measurements for hidden subgroup problems with optimal sample complexity

One of the central issues in the hidden subgroup problem is to bound the sample complexity, i.e., the number of identical samples of coset states sufficient and necessary to solve the problem. In this paper, we present general bounds for the sample complexity of the identification and decision versions of the hidden subgroup problem. As a consequence of the bounds, we show that the sample complexity for both of the decision and identification versions is Θ(log |H|/ log p) for a candidate set H of hidden subgroups in the case where the candidate nontrivial subgroups have the same prime order p, which implies that the decision version is at least as hard as the identification version in this case. In particular, it does so for the important cases such as the dihedral and the symmetric hidden subgroup problems. Moreover, the upper bound of the identification is attained by a variant of the pretty good measurement. This implies that the concept of the pretty good measurement is quite useful for identification of hidden subgroups over an arbitrary group with optimal sample complexity.
Deconstructing Abell 3266: A Major Merger in a Quiet Cluster

We present results of simple N-body simulations that strengthen the suggestion that Abell 3266 is composed of two subunits of comparable mass that have merged recently. Both the real cluster and the N-body dark-matter cluster show mixed signals of substructure under statistical tests. However, in a decidedly nonstatistical approach allowed by the wide-area coverage and the large number of redshifts Quintana, Ramírez, & Way measured in A3266, they sliced the real cluster in redshift space to uncover a peculiar spatial distribution of galaxies that they suggested was the result of a recent merger. In our simulations, a similar distribution is the result of an ongoing merger between two comparable-mass units that started about 2 × 109 yr ago in the N-body simulations. We also find that the distribution of emission-line galaxies in A3266 traces the same structure. We discuss further tests of our merger hypothesis and speculate on the possibility that a similar process might be occurring in other, apparently relaxed clusters at the present epoch.
Sustainable supplier selection : the effect of logistical collaboration on logistical performance

This research assesses the effect of buyer-supplier collaboration on logistical performance by considering sustainable criteria. The paper presents the results of a survey with 124 respondents of the Brazilian organizations to understand the relationship among Third-Party Logistical (3PL), Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry and Carriers. The results disclose that elements of logistical collaboration (interpersonal, tactical and strategic) exert positive influence in logistical performance (reliability, transport and risk). The interpersonal and strategic collaboration indices positively influence the reliability, which performs the highest-level performance index.
Making a “Completely Blind” Image Quality Analyzer

An important aim of research on the blind image quality assessment (IQA) problem is to devise perceptual models that can predict the quality of distorted images with as little prior knowledge of the images or their distortions as possible. Current state-of-the-art “general purpose” no reference (NR) IQA algorithms require knowledge about anticipated distortions in the form of training examples and corresponding human opinion scores. However we have recently derived a blind IQA model that only makes use of measurable deviations from statistical regularities observed in natural images, without training on human-rated distorted images, and, indeed without any exposure to distorted images. Thus, it is “completely blind. ” The new IQA model, which we call the Natural Image Quality Evaluator (NIQE) is based on the construction of a “quality aware” collection of statistical features based on a simple and successful space domain natural scene statistic (NSS) model. These features are derived from a corpus of natural, undistorted images. Experimental results show that the new index delivers performance comparable to top performing NR IQA models that require training on large databases of human opinions of distorted images. A software release is available at http://live.ece. utexas.edu/research/quality/niqe_release. zip.
Interactive Concept Maps and Learning Outcomes in Guru

Concept maps are frequently used in K 12 educational settings. The purpose of this study is to determine whether students’ performance on interactive concept map tasks in Guru, an intelligent tutoring system, is related to immediate and delayed learning outcomes. Guru is a dialogue based system for high school biology that intersperses concept map tasks within the tutorial dialogue. Results indicated that when students first attempt to complete concept maps, time spent on the maps may be a good indicator of their understanding, whereas the errors they make on their second attempts with the maps may be an indicator of the knowledge they are lacking. This pattern of results was observed for one cycle of testing, but not replicated in a second cycle. Differences in the findings for the two testing cycles are most likely due to topic variations.
The advantages of an ADHD classification from the perspective of teachers

ABSTRACT In Western countries, the number of ADHD diagnoses and medical treatments of children has risen spectacularly over the last decennia, as has the amount of criticism about this trend. Various studies have shown that children receiving an ADHD classification often follow from initial signals that were raised in a school context. Hence, it becomes important to investigate precisely what advantages attach to ADHD classification in educational practice. In this qualitative study, 30 teachers were interviewed about their experiences and views of ADHD. The results suggest that a small number of interviewees sees no advantages to ADHD classification: the classification does not practically help them as teachers, they are familiar with the drawbacks of ADHD classification, and they take issue with the idea of labelling children. The greater number of interviewees, however, suggest ambivalence about ADHD classification: they are aware of its drawbacks while experiencing mainly advantages. According to the interviewees, ADHD classification explains undesirable behaviours and disappointing academic achievement. Classification thereby removes blame from pupils, parents and teachers, and so can be a starting point for productive agreement and collaboration. We will discuss the implications of these findings in the light of the concept of reification, child-centred problematisation and the development of more inclusive education.
On a Class of Uniformly Accurate IMEX Runge--Kutta Schemes and Applications to Hyperbolic Systems with Relaxation

In this paper we consider hyperbolic systems with relaxation in which the relaxation time $\varepsilon$ may vary from values of order one to very small values. When $\varepsilon$ is very small, the relaxation term becomes very strong and highly stiff, and underresolved numerical schemes may produce spurious results. In such cases it is important to have schemes that work uniformly with respect to $\varepsilon$. IMplicit-EXplicit (IMEX) Runge-Kutta (R-K) schemes have been widely used for the time evolution of hyperbolic partial differential equations but the schemes existing in literature do not exhibit uniform accuracy with respect to the relaxation time. We develop new IMEX R-K schemes for hyperbolic systems with relaxation that present better uniform accuracy than the ones existing in the literature and in particular produce good behavior with high order accuracy in the asymptotic limit, i.e., when $\varepsilon$ is very small. These schemes are obtained by imposing new additional order conditions to guarantee better accuracy over a wide range of the relaxation time. We propose the construction of new third-order IMEX R-K schemes of type CK [S. Boscarino, SIAM J. Numer. Anal. , 45 (2008), pp. 1600-1621]. In several test problems, these schemes, with a fixed spatial discretization, exhibit for all range of the relaxation time an almost uniform third-order accuracy.
Lexical Abstractness and Other Factors in the Comprehension and Appreciation of Poetry in English

In this paper, we define lexical abstractness and examine the part which it plays in the comprehension and appreciation of poetry in English. The paper gives the formula for calculating the lexical abstractness of a poem and, indeed, of any text, and argues that the more lexically abstract a poem, the more difficult it is most likely to be for students to comprehend and appreciate. Other factors seen as affecting students’ comprehension and appreciation of poetry are lexical density and new word density. The paper then defines these factors and gives the formula for measuring each of them. Three assumptions underline the study: the higher the lexical abstractness of a poem or text, the more difficult it will be for students to comprehend and appreciate; the higher the lexical density of a poem or text, the easier it will be for them to comprehend and appreciate; and lastly, the more the new or unknown words in a poem, the more difficult the poem will be for students to comprehend and appreciate. In view of the above, therefore, we recommend that teachers that handle the poetry aspect of Literature either at the secondary or tertiary level of education should consider all these factors before presenting this genre of literature to their students.
Una estimación de la economía informal en España, según un enfoque monetario, 1964-2001

This article is about an estimation of the evolution and level of hidden economy between 1964 and 2001 in Spain. The application of a monetary modeling to the Spanish’s economy evolution allows us to estimate the quantity of hidden economic activities, in case the majority of these activities are the result of the Spanish’s Public sector regulations and fiscal actions, and then they are responsible of excess in the effective demand. Results between 1964 and 2001, indicate that Spanish’s economy hidden GDP is between a minimum of 12.37 per cent in 1976 of the official GDP and maximum of 26.92 per cent in 1995. Spanish’s hidden economy has decreased between 1995 and 2001 to a 17.75 per cent of the official GDP in 2001, situation that is similar to the final eighties. // En este trabajo se realiza una estimacion de la evolucion y el nivel de la economia informal en Espana durante el periodo 1964-2001. la aplicacion de una modelizacion monetaria a la evolucion de la economia espanola ha permitido estimar el volumen de las actividades informales en el supuesto de que estas actividades son inducidas, en buena medida, por las actividades reguladora y fiscal del sector publico y se traducen en un exceso de demanda de efectivo. Los resultados en el periodo 1964-2001 indican que el PIB informal de la economia espanola se habria movido en un rango comprendido entre un valor minimo de 12.37% en 1976 y un valor maximo de 26.92% en 1995 del PIB oficial. Desde este ultimo ano hasta 2001 se han producido descensos en la economia informal que permiten recuperar una situacion similar a la de fines del decenio de los ochenta, situandose en 17.75% del PIB oficial en 2001.
The Role of Bond Markets When Portfolio Choice is Constrained

We develop a two-country international asset pricing model in which some investors face leverage constraints. In contrast to models with a single `world' bond, we show that tightening regulation can lead to the risk free interest rate rising. When demand for borrowing is high, a tightening of the constraint causes the investor to shift his loans from international more into local bond markets, putting upwards pressure on local interest rates. Indeed, he sacrifices diversification to gain more risk exposure, by under diversifying currency risk through international bonds. Exchange rate dynamics give rise to a currency risk premium, making carry trades profitable - even in the benchmark unconstrained economy. Consistent with empirical findings, a sudden binding of constraints can significantly shift exchange rate dynamics, rendering previously set up carry trades unprofitable.
Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman Equations for the Optimal Control of the Duncan–Mortensen–Zakai Equation☆☆☆

Abstract We study a class of Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (HJB) equations associated to stochastic optimal control of the Duncan–Mortensen–Zakai equation. The equations are investigated in weighted L 2 spaces. We introduce an appropriate notion of weak (viscosity) solution of such equations and prove that the value function is the unique solution of the HJB equation. We apply the results to stochastic optimal control problems with partial observation and correlated noise.
Experimental evaluation of the impact of network frequency synchronization on GSM quality of service during handover

Poor accuracy of frequency references used in GSM base transceiver stations (BTS) can lead to dropped calls, slow handover between cells and even co-channel interference. In this paper, we report some results of an experimental trial carried out in the Omnitel-Vodafone test plant in Milano (Italy). In authors' knowledge, this is the first paper confirming with experimental data that lack of BTS synchronization affects GSM handover performance, leading to some degradation of quality of service. The speech quality of calls between two GSM handsets, undergoing handover between two BTSs synchronized with variable frequency offset, was measured in terms of mean opinion score (MOS) and speech clipping. For values of fractional frequency offset /spl Delta/f/f/sub n/=0 and 10/sup -7/, all completed calls featured optimal quality in spite of handover. On the contrary, for /spl Delta/f/f/sub n/=10/sup -6/ and 10/sup -5/, performance degradation was experienced: about 40% of completed calls exhibited unpleasant MOS values and high speech-clipping percentages. Such experimental results confirm the importance of GSM network synchronization and warn GSM operators about leaving BTS clocks to operate in free-run: frequency accuracy in the order of 10/sup -6/ to 10/sup -5/ is typical for quartz oscillators commonly used in this equipment.
Directors' Multiple Identities, Identification, and Board Monitoring and Resource Provision

Scholars and practitioners are interested in board effectiveness, yet we know relatively little about directors' engagement in the boardroom. We integrate identity theory and social identity theory research with literature on board monitoring and resource provision to model how directors' multiple identities affect their behavior. We propose that directors' strength of identification with multiple identities affects the extent to which they engage in monitoring and resource provision. We discuss implications for corporate governance research and practice.