Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Product and Pricing Decisions in Crowdfunding

This paper studies the optimal product and pricing decisions in a crowdfunding mechanism by which a project between a creator and many buyers will be realized only if the total funds committed by the buyers reach a specified goal. When the buyers are sufficiently heterogeneous in their product valuations, the creator should offer a line of products with different levels of product quality. Compared to the traditional situation where orders are placed and fulfilled individually, with the crowdfunding mechanism, a product line is more likely than a single product to be optimal and the quality gap between products is smaller. This paper also shows the effect of the crowdfunding mechanism on pricing dynamics over time. Together, these results underscore the substantial influence of the emerging crowdfunding mechanisms on common marketing decisions.
Fast Model Predictive Control for Urban Road Networks via MILP

In this paper, an advanced control strategy, i.e., model predictive control (MPC), is applied to control and coordinate urban traffic networks. However, due to the nonlinearity of the prediction model, the optimization of MPC is a nonlinear nonconvex optimization problem. In this case, the online computational complexity becomes a big challenge for the MPC controller if it is implemented in a real-life traffic network. To overcome this problem, the online optimization problem is reformulated into a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) optimization problem to increase the real-time feasibility of the MPC control strategy. The new optimization problem can be very efficiently solved by existing MILP solvers, and the global optimum of the problem is guaranteed. Moreover, we propose an approach to reduce the complexity of the MILP optimization problem even further. The simulation results show that the MILP-based MPC controllers can reach the same performance, but the time taken to solve the optimization becomes only a few seconds, which is a significant reduction, compared with the time required by the original MPC controller.
Reversible Integer Principal Component Transform for Hyperspectral Imagery Lossless Compression

Hyperspectral imagery has very high spectral and spatial correlations. The principal component transform (PCT) is theoretically the optimal transform to decorrelate hyperspectral data. However, since its transformed signal is real number, PCT is hardly applied in the field of lossless compression. The integer PCT based on factorization of the transform matrix in triangular elementary reversible matrices (TERM) is computed in place and perfectly reversible. We investigate a compression technique combining the modified integer PCT and the integer wavelet transform (IWT). The modified integer PCT is constructed by complete-maximum pivoting that leads to only limited error and improved computational efficiency. Differing from the conventional PCT, the modified integer PCT is a segmented version for saving computation resources in real-time circumstances. Finally, an integer wavelet transform implemented by the lifting scheme is adopted as the spatial decorrelating transform, given its promising performance in still image compression. The experimental results of different coders and imagery from different scenes show that the proposed compression technique enhances compression ratio significantly.
Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging at 3 Tesla Using BLADE Compared With Standard Rectilinear Data Sampling

Objectives:We sought to evaluate Periodically Rotated Overlapping ParallEL Lines with Enhanced Reconstruction (PROPELLER; BLADE) data acquisition in comparison with standard k-space sampling techniques for axial and sagittal brain imaging at 3 T regarding imaging artifacts. Material and Methods:Forty patients who gave consent were included in a prospective comparison of standard and PROPELLER (BLADE) k-space sampling techniques. All examinations were performed at 3 T with comparison of standard T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) to PROPELLER T2-weighted FLAIR in the axial image orientation and standard T1-weighted gradient echo to PROPELLER T1-weighted FLAIR in the sagittal image orientation. Imaging protocols were matched for spatial resolution, with data evaluation performed by 2 experienced neuroradiologists. Image data were compared regarding various image artifacts and overall image quality. Reader agreement was assessed by Cohen's kappa statistics. Results:PROPELLER T2-weighted axial data acquisition showed significantly less pulsation and Gibb's artifacts than the standard T2-weighted scan. Even without motion correction, the frequency of ghosting (motion) artifacts was substantially lower in the PROPELLER T2-weighted data and readers concordantly (κ = 1) rated PROPELLER as better than or equal to the standard T2-weighted scan in the majority of cases (95%; P < 0.0001). In the comparison of sagittal T1-weighted data sets, readers showed only fair agreement (κ = 0.24) and noted consistent wrap artifacts in PROPELLER T1-weighted FLAIR. Conclusion:PROPELLER (BLADE) brain magnetic resonance imaging is also applicable at 3 T. In addition to minimizing motion artifacts, the PROPELLER acquisition scheme reduces other magnetic resonance artifacts that would otherwise degrade scan quality.
A comparison of enzyme-active membrane antigens from two different 4-dimethylaminoazobenzene-induced rat hepatomas with those of adult and fetal rat liver.

Neoplastic transformation is accompanied by losses of macromolecules typical for the fully differentiated adult cells, as well as by gains of tumor-specific or tumor-associated components, often related to components present in less differentiated fetal cells. The aim of this study was to investigate possible differences in the pattern of enzyme-active antigens included in the membranes of two different 4-dimethylaminoazobenzene-induced rat hepatomas (D23 and D33), and to compare these patterns with those found in the membranes of normal adult and fetal liver cells. Detergent-solubilized microsomal and plasma membrane fractions were analyzed by means of antisera from rabbits, making use of immunodiffusion methods combined with enzyme-staining reactions. Only one of the nine immunologically different esterase-active antigens present in adult liver microsomes was detected in the D23 and D33 microsomes. The plasma membrane fractions from the two hepatomas contained one esterase different from the microsomal or liver plasma membrane antigens. Multienzyme complexes containing nucleoside di- and triphosphatase (NDP-NTPase), acid phosphatase, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-neotretrazolium reductase activities were seen in the microsomal fractions from both hepatomas. Similar complexes were also detected in the plasma membrane fractions of the tumors. However, the latter had only NDP-NTPase and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-neotetrozolium reductase activities. Only a few of the multienzyme complexes found in membrane extracts of normal adult liver were detected in the hepatomas. However, one NDP-NTPase-active antigen typical for fetal liver was found also in D23 and D33 microsomes. No γ-l-glutamyl-β-naphthylamidase-active antigens were detected in any of the D23 fractions. However, in striking similarity to fetal liver but in contrast to normal adult liver, membrane extracts of tumor D33 contained four antigens with significantly elevated activities of this kind. l-Leucyl-β-naphthylamidase-active antigens which also expressed NDP-NTPase activity were found in the plasma membrane fractions from liver and the two hepatomas. No association to NDP-NTPase activity was found in the l-leucyl-β-naphthyl-amidase-active antigens present in the other membrane fractions. In conclusion, the two hepatomas were strikingly similar in regard both to deletions and to preservation of certain enzyme-active membrane antigens. Furthermore, at least one enzyme-active antigen of fetal origin was common for both tumors. These results suggested that similar dedifferentiation events take place during tumorigenesis. However, a marked difference between the tumors was also found, in that fetal antigens with γ-l-glutamyl-β-naphthylamidase activity were present in only one of them. The meaning of this latter finding remains to be established.
Comparison of the root system architecture between windthrown and undamaged spruces growing in poorly drained sites

In the locality Hnilé Blatá (High Tatras Mts.) the parameters of root plates and the number, length and diameter of the individual root branches in windthrows and standing Norway spruces (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) were measured. Individual root branches were classified to 12 diameter classes according to their diameter measured in the middle of the root branch length. Using random sampling, 21 windthrows were selected. In their neighbourhood, another 21 undamaged trees were selected on the basis of their similarity in aboveground parameters and they were uprooted by a tractor winch. We found out significantly higher mean values of the vertical radius, the average width and theoretical surface of root plates in undamaged spruces. Mean values of root branch frequency in the first six diameter classes (up to 6 cm) were higher in undamaged spruces, but mean values of root branch frequency in the last five diameter classes (12.1–30.0 cm) were higher in windthrows. Mean values of the root branch length in the first six diameter classes were higher in undamaged spruces. Similarly, mean values of the total root branch length were higher in the first six diameter classes in undamaged spruces, but the mean values of the total root branch length were higher in the last six diameter classes (9.1–30.0 cm) in windthrows.
Dose and Image Quality of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography as Compared With Conventional Multislice Computed Tomography in Abdominal Imaging

ObjectivesRecent technical developments have facilitated the application of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for interventional and intraoperative imaging. The aim of this study was to compare the radiation doses and image quality in CBCT with those of conventional multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) for abdominal and genitourinary imaging. MethodsDifferent CBCT and MSCT protocols for imaging soft tissues and hard-contrast objects at different dose levels were investigated in this study. Local skin and organ doses were measured with thermoluminescent dosimeters placed in an anthropomorphic phantom. Moreover, the contrast-to-noise ratio, the noise-power spectrum, and the high-contrast resolution derived from the modulation transfer function were determined in a phantom with the same absorption properties as those of anthropomorphic phantom. ResultsThe effective dose of the examined abdominal/genitourinary CBCT protocols ranged between 0.35 mSv and 18.1 mSv. As compared with MSCT, the local skin dose of CBCT examinations could locally reach much higher doses up to 190 mGy. The effective dose necessary to realize the same contrast-to-noise ratio with CBCT and MSCT depended on the MSCT convolution kernel: the MSCT dose was smaller than the corresponding CBCT dose for a soft kernel but higher than that for a hard kernel. The noise-power spectrum of the CBCT images at tube voltages of 85/90 kV(p) is at least half of that of images measured at 103/115 kV(p) at any arbitrarily chosen spatial frequency. Although the pixel size and slice thickness of CBCT were half of those of the MSCT images, high-contrast resolution was inferior to the MSCT images reconstructed with a hard convolution kernel. ConclusionsAs compared with MSCT using a medium-hard convolution kernel, CBCT produces images at medium noise levels and, simultaneously, medium spatial resolution at approximately the same dose. It is well suited for visualizing hard-contrast objects in the abdomen with relatively low image noise and patient dose. For the detection of low-contrast objects at standard tube voltages of approximately 120 kV(p), however, MSCT should be preferred.
Evaluating Children's Hearing by DPOAEs at 1-10 kHz

The efficacy of application of DPOAE (distortion product otoacoustic emission) in the evaluation of hearing in children was assessed. 106 children were checked by both DPOAE and ABR. The results show that DPOAE is highly effective in discriminating between hearing disorders and normal hearing. The correct classification rate of normal ears varied between 86.8-96.8% and ears with hearing loss (ABR threshold equal or above 20 dB HL) 87-100%. At the lower frequencies (1-2 kHz) the hit rate was lower. The results of this study suggest that the DPOAE can be used as a rapid hearing screening test for infants and children providing frequency specific information, mostly in the 3-10 kHz frequency range. The effectiveness of DPOAE at 1-10 kHz was evident in children with middle ear dysfunction and in detecting infants with possible high frequency hearing loss. In addition, high frequency DPOAE broadens the range typically available from click-evoked ABR measurements. This information is of increased clinical value not only in terms of speech and language development but also for detecting children who are at high-risk for possible hearing deterioration and who require early intervention.
Psychosocial functioning in youths at high risk to develop major depressive disorder.

OBJECTIVE To compare the psychosocial functioning of children and adolescents at high risk of major depressive disorder with youths with acute major depressive disorder and healthy controls. METHOD High-risk (n = 57), major depressive disorder (n = 71), and healthy control (n = 48) youths and their families were recruited from 1987 to 1996 and assessed for psychopathology using standardized instruments. Except for 16 children who had disruptive disorders, the high-risk children were free of psychopathology. A parent completed the Psychosocial Schedule to evaluate the mother-child, father-child, marital relationships, and child-friend relationships and the child's school performance. RESULTS Overall, high-risk and healthy controls had similar psychosocial functioning. Marital relationships were worse in the high-risk children with psychopathology. Youths with major depressive disorder had significantly more psychosocial problems and school difficulties than those at high risk and healthy controls in most domains measured. Controlling for age, pubertal stage, race, sex, family composition, current and lifetime parental depression, and current and lifetime parental nonmood psychopathology yielded similar results. CONCLUSIONS The family and peer interactions of high-risk youths were similar to the interactions of healthy controls. Although family dysfunctional patterns seem to mainly depend on the child's depressive symptoms, longitudinal studies are needed to establish causality.
Systematic Serological Testing for Hepatitis E Virus in Kidney Transplant Recipients

ABSTRACT Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 is endemic in Europe and hyperendemic in southern France. Recent reports of a high prevalence of HEV RNA in blood donations and in culinary specialties from this geographical area confirmed the endemicity of HEV and sources of viral transmission in this geographical area. HEV causes acute and chronic hepatitis in solid organ transplant recipients. Since March 2012, we have implemented systematic HEV serological testing in our cohort of kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) in Marseille in southeastern France. The aim of our study was to assess HEV exposure in this cohort between March 2012 and May 2014. During these 27 months, we found that 39% of the patients who underwent kidney transplantation had an anti-HEV IgG response using a sensitive microplate enzyme immunoassay. This seroprevalence was approximately 43% at both 1 and 8 years after, using the same assay. In addition, systematic HEV serological testing detected 6 cases of HEV infection among 578 KTRs (1%) during the 27 months of the study, with 5 at an acute stage and 1 at a chronic stage. In conclusion, continuous HEV monitoring in this population is useful for better understanding the epidemiology of HEV in France, because these patients are a well-monitored population. Moreover, HEV monitoring in KTRs is clinically relevant because HEV represents a clinical threat in these patients. Nevertheless, HEV serological testing may be more fruitful for identifying HEV infections when performed in cases of biological liver abnormalities than when performed systematically.
Survey on QoE\QoS Correlation Models For Multimedia Services

This paper presents a brief review of some existing correlation models which attempt to map Quality of Service (QoS) to Quality of Experience (QoE) for multimedia services. The term QoS refers to deterministic network behaviour, so that data can be transported with a minimum of packet loss, delay and maximum bandwidth. QoE is a subjective measure that involves human dimensions; it ties together user perception, expectations, and experience of the application and network performance. The Holy Grail of subjective measurement is to predict it from the objective measurements; in other words predict QoE from a given set of QoS parameters or vice versa. Whilst there are many quality models for multimedia, most of them are only partial solutions to predicting QoE from a given QoS. This contribution analyses a number of previous attempts and optimisation techniquesthat can reliably compute the weighting coefficients for the QoS/QoE mapping.
ANALISIS PENDAPATAN USAHA PETERNAK SAPI POTONG DI KECAMATAN WEDA SELATAN KABUPATEN HALMAHERA TENGAH

ABSTRACT INCOME ANALYSIS OF SMALLHOLDER FARMERS FOR BEEF CATTLE IN SOUTH WEDA DISTRICT OF CENTRAL HALMAHERA REGENCY. Objective of this study was to evaluate the income and factors affecting income of smallholder farmer of beef cattle on the high land and low land at South Weda district of Central Halmahera regency. Samples of these smallholder farmers were defined by purposive method based on high population of beef cattle. Quantitative data were analyzed by multiple regression model. Results showed that the average production costs were IDR 37,310,606.00 on high land location and IDR 25,597,372.00 on low land location. The average output of smallholder farmers from beef cattle were IDR 56,397,059.00 on high land location and IDR 38,475,000.00 on low land location. Therefore, their incomes were IDR 19,086,453.00/year on high land location and IDR 12,877,628.00/year on low land location. Result of multiple regression analysis showed that beef cattle stock variable (animal value at end of year) affected on the smallholder farmer income of beef cattle, while education and age of smallholders did not affect on their income at South Weda district of Central Halmahera regency. Key words : Smallholder farmer income, South Weda district Central Halmahera regency.
Network Awareness of P2P Live Streaming Applications: A Measurement Study

Early P2P-TV systems have already attracted millions of users, and many new commercial solutions are entering this market. Little information is however available about how these systems work, due to their closed and proprietary design. In this paper, we present large scale experiments to compare three of the most successful P2P-TV systems, namely PPLive, SopCast and TVAnts. Our goal is to assess what level of "network awareness" has been embedded in the applications. We first define a general framework to quantify which network layer parameters leverage application choices, i.e., what parameters mainly drive the peer selection and data exchange. We then apply the methodology to a large dataset, collected during a number of experiments where we deployed about 40 peers in several European countries. From analysis of the dataset, we observe that TVAnts and PPLive exhibit a mild preference to exchange data among peers in the same autonomous system the peer belongs to, while this clustering effect is less intense in SopCast. However, no preference versus country, subnet or hop count is shown. Therefore, we believe that next-generation P2P live streaming applications definitively need to improve the level of network-awareness, so to better localize the traffic in the network and thus increase their network-friendliness as well.
Assessment and cross-product prediction of SPL quality : accounting for reuse across products , over multiple releases

The goals of cross-product reuse in a software product line (SPL) are to mitigate production costs and improve the quality. In addition to reuse across products, due to the evolutionary development process, a SPL also exhibits reuse across releases. In this paper, we empirically explore how the two types of reuse reuse across products and reuse across releases affect the quality of a SPL and our ability to accurately predict fault proneness. We measure the quality in terms of post-release faults and consider different levels of reuse across products (i.e., common, highreuse variation, low-reuse variation, and single-use packages), over multiple releases. Assessment results showed that quality improved for common, low-reuse variation, and single-use packages as they evolved across releases. Surprisingly, within each release, among preexisting (‘old’) packages, the cross-product reuse did not affect the change and fault proneness. Cross-product predictions based on pre-release data accurately ranked the packages according to their post-release faults and predicted the 20% most faulty packages. The predictions benefited from data available for other products in the product line, with models producing better results (1) when making predictions on smaller products (consisting mostly of common packages) rather than on larger products and (2) when trained on larger products rather than on smaller products.
On autoencoder scoring

Autoencoders are popular feature learning models because they are conceptually simple, easy to train and allow for efficient inference and training. Recent work has shown how certain autoencoders can assign an unnormalized "score" to data which measures how well the autoencoder can represent the data. Scores are commonly computed by using training criteria that relate the autoencoder to a probabilistic model, such as the Restricted Boltzmann Machine. In this paper we show how an autoencoder can assign meaningful scores to data independently of training procedure and without reference to any probabilistic model, by interpreting it as a dynamical system. We discuss how, and under which conditions, running the dynamical system can be viewed as performing gradient descent in an energy function, which in turn allows us to derive a score via integration. We also show how one can combine multiple, unnormalized scores into a generative classifier.
Comparative Performance Evaluation of Non-Contiguous Allocation Algorithms in 2D Mesh-Connected Multicomputers

Several noncontiguous allocation policies have been proposed for 2D mesh-connected multicomputers. These allocation policies differ in their ability to detect free submeshes and in the degree of contiguity that exists among the submeshes they allocate to the same job. The previous Adaptive Noncontiguous Allocation (ANCA) policy was evaluated based on a proposed formula that estimates the job execution time when the job is allocated noncontiguous submeshes. Using this formula, simulation results had shown that ANCA could outperform the preceding Multiple Buddy Strategy (MBS). However, the execution times of jobs under noncontiguous allocation depend on message sizes, the number of messages sent, message contention and distances messages traverse. In this paper, we evaluate ANCA for different communication patterns using an event-driven simulator operating at the flit level, which allows for a more realistic evaluation that takes into account the shape of allocation and contention among messages. Moreover, we compare the performance of ANCA with that of other noncontiguous allocation strategies (MBS, GABL, and Paging(0)). The results show that ANCA is inferior to the remaining policies, and that GABL has the best performance results, expressed in terms of the average turnaround time and mean system utilization performance parameters.