Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Single Value Decomposition and Degree-of-ill-posedness Assessment in Microwave Imaging

In all Gauss-Newton iterative microwave imaging scenarios, there are a number of parameters related to the overall configuration that can impact the resultant image quality. These include signal frequency, amount of measurement data, number of property parameters reconstructed, etc. Overall, the four most important constituents comprising the system and algorithms are the measurement data, accurate forward solution, parameter update and the sensitivity map in the form of the Jacobian matrix. The latter encodes rich information regarding system performance and algorithm efficiency. In this presentation we explore the singular value decomposition (SVD) of the Jacobian matrix and adopt the notion of degree-of-ill-posedness, α [1], developed by Brander and DeFacio [2] for the inverse Born approximation. While these previous discussions were developed for analytical expressions of the Jacobian matrix, we have applied minor approximations to our standard imaging algorithms to generate the numerically-based nodaladjoint expression for constructing the Jacobian matrix [3]. This has facilitated convenient computation of the degree-of-ill-posedness for multiple system parameter studies. We have also applied this only to the first iteration of the Jacobian matrix to simplify the overall discussion while being able to observe important trends with respect to parameter variation. We have also restricted this analysis to a circular antenna array geometry with the single point sources configured close to the target under investigation. We have studied three important algorithm parameters in simulation which have important implications with respect to hardware implementation and overall system performance: signal frequency, amount of measurement data and number of property parameters reconstructed. In general, the results match previous intuitive notions; i.e., that increased frequency and increased measurement data improve α. However the results with respect to the number of inverse parameters are somewhat counter-intuitive in that α improves even well after the number of parameters has exceeded the amount of independent measurements (Nsources × Nreceivers/2). Historically, groups have worked to collect more independent data than parameters reconstructed at considerable system expense. This latter result confirms observations we have made with our microwave system in both phantom and clinical imaging sessions and also for the near infrared imaging system being developed at Dartmouth College [4, 5]. These analyses have provided important insights as we work toward robust clinical implementation.
What motivates consumers to review a product online ? A study of the product-specific antecedents of online movie reviews

In recent years online product review forums have been exerting an increasingly powerful influence on consumer choice. Not surprisingly, several firms are becoming interested in leveraging this phenomenon, proactively trying to induce consumers to “spread the word” about their products online (Godes et al. 2005). Interestingly, however, even after one controls for the variance in sales volumes, there appears to be substantial variance in consumers’ propensity to discuss different products online. A deeper understanding of the forces that motivate consumers to write online reviews is, therefore, emerging as a question of both theoretical and practical significance. Most recent research on online reviews has focused on assessing the relationship between such user-generated content and product sales (Chevalier and Mayzlin 2006; Senecal and Nantel 2004; Liu 2006; Dellarocas et al. 2005; Godes and Mayzlin 2004). Little attention has, so far, been devoted to the antecedents of online product reviews. The only relevant study that we are aware of (Hennig-Thurau et al. 2004) uses a traditional survey methodology in which respondents were explicitly asked to report the motives behind their online communication habits. Our work adds to this emerging body of knowledge by looking at the productspecific antecedents of online product reviews. While Hennig-Thurau et al. look at what motivates consumers to post online reviews in general, our study focuses on understanding what product-specific attributes explain the variance in a purchasing population’s average propensity to post online reviews about individual products of a given category (motion pictures). Furthermore, while most prior literature on this topic is based on surveys, our work uses secondary data collected from the Internet and draws inferences from observations of actual behavior. Finally, our study pays special attention to how some unique properties of the online medium, such as the visibility and persistence of previously posted comments, affect subsequent visitors’ willingness to review a product online.
FlexiTP: A Flexible-Schedule-Based TDMA Protocol for Fault-Tolerant and Energy-Efficient Wireless Sensor Networks

FlexiTP is a novel TDMA protocol that offers a synchronized and loose slot structure. Nodes in the network can build, modify, or extend their scheduled number of slots during execution, based on their local information. Nodes wake up for their scheduled slots; otherwise, they switch into power-saving sleep mode. This flexible schedule allows FlexiTP to be strongly fault tolerant and highly energy efficient. FlexiTP is scalable for a large number of nodes because its depth-first-search schedule minimizes buffering, and it allows communication slots to be reused by nodes outside each other's interference range. Hence, the overall scheme of FlexiTP provides end-to-end guarantees on data delivery (throughput, fair access, and robust self-healing) while also respecting the severe energy and memory constraints of wireless sensor networks. Simulations in ns-2 show that FlexiTP ensures energy efficiency and is robust to network dynamics (faults such as dropped packets and nodes joining or leaving the network) under various network configurations (network topology and network density), providing an efficient solution for data-gathering applications. Furthermore, under high contention, FlexiTP outperforms 2-MAC in terms of energy efficiency and network performance.
Logarithmic Time One-Against-Some

We create a new online reduction of multiclass classification to binary classification for which training and prediction time scale logarithmically with the number of classes. Compared to previous approaches, we obtain substantially better statistical performance for two reasons: First, we prove a tighter and more complete boosting theorem, and second we translate the results more directly into an algorithm. We show that several simple techniques give rise to an algorithm that can compete with one-against-all in both space and predictive power while offering exponential improvements in speed when the number of classes is large.
The Effect of Tacrolimus and Mycophenolic Acid on CD14+ Monocyte Activation and Function

Monocytes and macrophages play key roles in many disease states, including cellular and humoral rejection after solid organ transplantation (SOT). To suppress alloimmunity after SOT, immunosuppressive drug therapy is necessary. However, little is known about the effects of the immunosuppressive drugs tacrolimus and mycophenolic acid (MPA) on monocyte activation and function. Here, the effect of these immunosuppressants on monocytes was investigated by measuring phosphorylation of three intracellular signaling proteins which all have a major role in monocyte function: p38MAPK, ERK and Akt. In addition, biological functions downstream of these signaling pathways were studied, including cytokine production, phagocytosis and differentiation into macrophages. To this end, blood samples from healthy volunteers were spiked with diverse concentrations of tacrolimus and MPA. Tacrolimus (200 ng/ml) inhibited phosphorylation of p38MAPK by 30% (mean) in CD14+ monocytes which was significantly less than in activated CD3+ T cells (max 60%; p < 0.05). This immunosuppressive agent also partly inhibited p-AKT (14%). MPA, at a therapeutic concentration showed the strongest effect on p-AKT (27% inhibition). p-ERK was inhibited with a maximum of 15% after spiking with either tacrolimus or MPA. The production of IL-1β and phagocytosis by monocytes were not affected by tacrolimus concentrations, whereas MPA did inhibit IL-1β production by 50%. Monocyte/macrophage polarization was shifted to an M2-like phenotype in the presence of tacrolimus, while MPA increased the expression of M2 surface markers, including CD163 and CD200R, on M1 macrophages. These results show that tacrolimus and MPA do not strongly affect monocyte function, apart from a change in macrophage polarization, to a clinically relevant degree.
How Automated Testing Tools Are Showing Its Impact In The Field Of Software Testing

As, we know that Software testing is a very vast field in Software development life cycle. In this paper, we describe that how automated testing tools are very much convenient and easy to use which also makes testing faster and more effective in less time. Actually the world of technology revolves at fast pace today and among all Testing tools only automated testing tools makes Software testing more significant and effective.
EXPERIMENTAL DATA FROM THREE NATIVE REPRESENTATIVES OF NATURAL COMMUNITIES IN NORTH-EAST RUSSIA: DOES THE ACTIVITY OF THE ALTERNATIVE RESPIRATORY PATHWAY IN LEAVES DEPEND ON THE CARBOHYDRATE STATUS?

Summary. The relationship between respiratory alternative pathway and carbohydrate status was studied in mature leaves of three native representatives of forest and meadow communities of north-east Russia – Ajuga reptans L. , Achillea millefolium L. and Calla palustris L. All experiments were carried out on plants growing in natural habitats. The activity of the alternative respiratory pathway was studied using method of specific inhibitors. 25.0 mmol benzhydroxamic acid (BHAM) was used as inhibitor of alternative oxidase (AOX). Our results showed a clear positive relationship between the activity of the alternative respiratory pathway and carbohydrate content in the leaves of the plants studied. The possibile regulation of the activity of alternative pathway by carbohydrate concentrations in mature leaves is discussed.
COMPUTATIONAL PROCESS MODELING OF DISAGGREGATE TRAVEL BEHAVIOR

In this paper we review attempts to develop CPM of individual travel behavior. CPM represent a linked set of computer programs together with appropriate databases which are designed to capture the essence of human decision making in different spatial situations. Used primarily for wayfinding and to simulate and predict travel behavior, CPMs bypass the difficult problems of IIA typically attributed to discrete choice models. They also allow greater emphasis on the cognitive components of decision making including cognitive maps, preferences, and departure from utility maximizing and linearity in the considerations of alternative paths and alternative destinations. The CPM illustrated herein focuses on multiperson households and models travel behavior before and after telecommuting takes place in the householdÂ° Sets of feasible alternative destinations for travel purposes are derived using GIS procedures such as buffering and path selection. Shortcomings and possible future developments of such models are then discussed.
A Fourier transform method for nonparametric estimation of multivariate volatility

We provide a nonparametric method for the computation of instantaneous multivariate volatility for continuous semi-martingales, which is based on Fourier analysis. The co-volatility is reconstructed as a stochastic function of time by establishing a connection between the Fourier transform of the prices process and the Fourier transform of the co-volatility process. A nonparametric estimator is derived given a discrete unevenly spaced and asynchronously sampled observations of the asset price processes. The asymptotic properties of the random estimator are studied: namely, consistency in probability uniformly in time and convergence in law to a mixture of Gaussian distributions.
A new interstitial species of the Hydroporus ferrugineus group from north-western Turkey, with a molecular phylogeny of the H. memnonius and related groups (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae: Hydroporinae)

We describe Hydroporus bithynicus sp. n. (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Hydroporinae) from the Bolu province in north-western Turkey. The species belongs to the newly defined H. ferrugineus group, and can be separated from the other two members (H. ferrugineus Stephens, 1829 and H. sanfilippoi Ghidini, 1958) by its more flattened shape, less developed eyes and shape of male genitalia. Its external morphology and the habitat in which all specimens were found (a small pool with upwelling spring water next to a stream) suggest an interstitial habitat, similar to that reported for other species of the group. We present a molecular phylogeny of the species of the H. memnonius and H. longulus groups, including some representatives of the main lineages within the genus, based on ca. 2 kb of four mitochondrial genes. We redefine the H. memnonius group and recognise the H. ferrugineus, H. obsoletus and H. morio groups of species as separate entities. Hydroporus neglectus Schaum, 1845 was found to be related to the species of the H. angustatus, but not the H. memnonius group.
Glycosylation of Serum Proteins in Inflammatory Diseases

Inflammatory diseases are accompanied by numerous changes at the site of inflammation as well as many systemic physiological and biochemical changes. In the past two decades more and more attention is being paid to changes in glycosylation and in this review we describe some of the changes found on main serum proteins (α1-acid glycoprotein, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin A, transferrin, haptoglobin, α2-macroglobulin, C-reactive protein, and others). Molecular background and physiological importance of most of these changes are yet to be discovered, but it is evident that glycosylation plays an important role in the inflammatory response. Maybe the greatest value of these changes currently lays in their potential diagnostic and prognostic usage, either in combination with current diagnostic markers or on their own. However, determining glycan structures is still technically too complex for most clinical laboratories and further efforts have to be made to develop simple analytical tools to study changes in glycosylation.
Is the Determination of Specific IgE against Components Using ISAC 112 a Reproducible Technique?

Background The ImmunoCAP ISAC 112 is a fluoro-immunoassay that allows detection of specific IgE to 112 molecular components from 51 allergenic sources. We studied the reliability of this technique intra- and inter- assay, as well as inter-batch- and inter-laboratory-assay. Methods Twenty samples were studied, nineteen sera from polysensitized allergic patients, and the technique calibrator provided by the manufacturer (CTR02). We measured the sIgE from CTR02 and three patients' sera ten times in the same and in different assays. Furthermore, all samples were tested in two laboratories and with two batches of ISAC kit. To evaluate the accuracy of ISAC 112, we contrasted the determinations of CTR02 calibrator with their expected values by T Student test. To analyse the precision, we calculated the coefficient of variation (CV) of the 15 allergens that generate the calibration curve, and to analyse the repeatability and the reproducibility, we calculated the intraclass coefficient correlation (ICC) to each allergen. Results The results obtained for CTR02 were similar to those expected in 7 of 15 allergens that generate the calibration curve, whereas in 8 allergens the results showed significant differences. The mean CV obtained in the CTR02 determinations was of 9.4%, and the variability of sera from patients was of 22.9%. The agreement in the intra- and inter-assay analysis was very good to 94 allergens and good to one. In the inter-batch analyse, we obtained a very good agreement to 82 allergens, good to 14, moderate to 5 allergens, poor to one, and bad to 1 allergen. In the inter-laboratory analyse, we obtained a very good agreement to 73 allergens, good to 22, moderate to 6 and poor to two allergens. Conclusion The allergen microarray immunoassay, ISAC 112, is a repeatable and reproducible in vitro diagnostic tool for determination of sIgE beyond the own laboratory.
Binary-Level Fault Injection for AUTOSAR Systems (Short Paper)

Continuously growing complexity of the automotive Electrical and/or Electronic (E/E) systems has prompted major manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers to embrace the AUTOSAR (Automotive Open System Architecture) standard. Furthermore, recent introduction of ISO 26262, a functional safety standard for road vehicles, has confronted the automotive industry with rigorous requirements. This has become even more challenging as AUTOSAR highly promotes COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) software for which access to source code is either restricted or non-existent. This paper contributes with a method and prototype tool for binary-level fault injection (BLFI) for AUTOSAR-based systems. The proposed BLFI tool can assist in achieving functional safety by evaluating robustness of software at any AUTOSAR layer even though only binaries are available. The proposed technique is quite generic and is evaluated with a proof-of-concept implementation of an AUTOSAR-based application.
Common facets of religion, unique facets of religion, and life satisfaction among older African Americans.

OBJECTIVES Common facets of religion are those aspects of religion that can be shared by people from any racial group. In contrast, unique facets of religion are available only to people in specific racial groups. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the interface among common facets of religion, unique facets of religion, and life satisfaction in a nationwide sample of older Black people. METHODS Interviews were conducted with a nationally representative sample of older African Americans. Survey items were administered to assess common religious factors (e.g., the frequency of church attendance) and unique religious factors (i.e., the belief that religion sustains Black people in the face of racial adversity). Subjective well-being was measured with a life satisfaction index. RESULTS The findings reveal that both the common and the unique aspects of religion contribute to life satisfaction among older African Americans. DISCUSSION Most studies on race differences in religion focus solely on common religious factors that may enhance the subjective well-being of older Whites as well as older Blacks. The findings from this study are important because they call attention to the insight that can be obtained by also taking the unique facets of religion for older Black people into consideration.
BAYESIAN APPROACHES TO MUSICAL INSTRUMENT CLASSIFICATION USING TIMBRE SEGMENTATION

The task of identifying musical instruments in an audio recording is a difficult problem. While there exists a body of literature on single instrument identification, little research has been performed on the more complex, but real-world, situation of more than one instrument present in the signal. This work proposes a Bayesian method for multi-label classification of musical instrument timbre. Preliminary results demonstrate the efficacy of Bayesian networks on the single instrument classification problem. Peak spectral amplitude in ten frequency windows were extracted for each of twenty time windows to be used as features. Over a dataset of 24,000 audio examples covering the full musical range of 24 different common orchestral instruments, four different Bayesian network structures, including näıve Bayes, were examined and compared to two support vector machines and a k-nearest neighbor classifier. Classification accuracy was examined by instrument, instrument family, and dataset size. Bayesian networks with conditional dependencies in the time and frequency dimensions achieved 98% accuracy in the instrument classification task and 97% accuracy in the instrument family identification task. These results demonstrated a significant improvement over the previous approaches in the literature on this dataset. The remainder of this proposal outlines my approach for the identification of musical instrument timbre when more than one instrument is present in the signal. First, signature matching Bayesian networks will be trained on single instruments to recognize the timbral signature of individual instruments. Secondly, those signatures will be used to extract the features relevant to a single instrument from the spectral analysis of a multi-instrument signal. Finally, a binary-relevance Bayesian classifier will determine if each specific instrument is present in the signal. This system proposes a novel approach to template matching allowing for probabilistic segmentation of musical spectra. Furthermore the proposed approaches outline a novel approach to multi-label classification of music instrument timbre which supports both harmonic and inharmonic instruments, scales to a large number of musical instruments, and allows for efficient classification of new examples given the trained models.
Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio: Novel Markers for Diagnosis and Prognosis in Patients with Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Background. We aim to provide useful evidence about the association of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) and its possibility of emerging as a cheap, reliable, and independent prognostic marker of ISSNHL. Methods. 348 patients diagnosed with ISSNHL were included in our retrospective data analysis. Blood samples and the hearing assessments of the patients were carried out. Then, the patients were divided into 2 groups as “recovered” and “unrecovered” according to their response to the treatment. Results. Both mean NLR and PLR values of the ISSNHL patients were significantly higher than the control group (both P < 0.001). The NLR value was 5.98 ± 4.22 in the unrecovered group and 3.50 ± 3.38 in the recovered group (P < 0.001). After adjustment in a binary logistic regression model, only NLR value was associated with the recovery of ISSNHL (P = 0.001). Discussion. We demonstrated for the first time that NLR and PLR values were significantly high in ISSNHL patients. Also the NLR level might be taken into account as a novel potential marker to predict the patients' prognosis in terms of recovery.