Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stock price prediction using dynamic mode decomposition

Stock price prediction is a challenging problem as the market is quite unpredictable. We propose a method for price prediction using Dynamic Mode Decomposition assuming stock market as a dynamic system. DMD is an equation free, data-driven, spatio-temporal algorithm which decomposes a system to modes that have predetermined temporal behaviour associated with them. These modes help us determine how the system evolves and the future state of the system can be predicted. We have used these modes for the predictive assessment of the stock market. We worked with the time series data of the companies listed in National Stock Exchange. The granularity of time was minute. We have sampled a few companies across sectors listed in National Stock Exchange and used the minute-wise stock price to predict their price in next few minutes. The obtained price prediction results were compared with actual stock prices. We used Mean Absolute Percentage Error to calculate the deviation of predicted price from actual price for each company. Price prediction for each company was made in three different ways. In the first, we sampled companies belonging to the same sector to predict the future price. In the latter, we considered sampled companies from all sectors for prediction. In the first and second method, the sampling as well as the prediction window size were fixed. In the third method the sampling of companies was done from all sectors considered. The sampling window was kept fixed, but predictions were made until it crossed a threshold error. Prediction was found to be more accurate when samples were taken from all the sectors, than from a single sector. When sampling window alone was fixed; the predictions could be made for longer period for certain instances of sampling.
On the Equivalence of Linear Discriminant Analysis and Least Squares

Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) is a popular dimensionality reduction and classification method that simultaneously maximizes between-class scatter and minimizes within-class scatter. In this paper, we verify the equivalence of LDA and least squares (LS) with a set of dependent variable matrices. The equivalence is in the sense that the LDA solution matrix and the LS solution matrix have the same range. The resulting LS provides an intuitive interpretation in which its solution performs data clustering according to class labels. Further, the fact that LDA and LS have the same range allows us to design a two-stage algorithm that computes the LDA solution given by generalized eigenvalue decomposition (GEVD), much faster than computing the original GEVD. Experimental results demonstrate the equivalence of the LDA solution and the proposed LS solution.
Shape and Reflectance from RGB-D Images using Time Sequential Illumination

In this paper we propose a method for recovering the shape (geometry) and the diffuse reflectance from an image (or video) using a hybrid setup consisting of a depth sensor (Kinect), a consumer camera and a partially controlled illumination (using a flash). The objective is to show how combining RGB-D acquisition with a sequential illumination is useful for shape and reflectance recovery. A pair of two images are captured: one non flashed (image under ambient illumination) and a flashed one. A pure flash image is computed by subtracting the non flashed image from the flashed image. We propose an novel and near real-time algorithm, based on a local illumination model of our flash and the pure flash image, to enhance geometry (from the noisy depth map) and recover reflectance information.
Youth at Risk or Terms at Risk?

In this article, I ask how the two terms youth and risk are connected to each other. What are the predominant descriptions for this collective term, and what consequences can such descriptions lead to? In conclusion, I ask if there may be alternative terms that could be used to encourage understanding and active movement in other directions. My hope is to challenge predominant understandings of ‘youth at risk’. To achieve this, we must ask new questions and search for alternative terms. In order to succeed, we need to include those who are affected by the terminology—those who have to wear the label. In so doing, we may search for and find terms that that are open, inclusive and make it possible to take positive new actions.
Hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extract of Portulaca oleracea in combination with lycopene in rats

Objective: To investigate the hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous extract of the aerial parts of Portulaca oleracea (P. oleracea) in combination with lycopene against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Materials and Methods: Hepatotoxicity was induced in male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (0.1 ml/kg b.w for 14 days). The aqueous extract of P. oleracea in combination with lycopene (50 mg/kg b.w) was administered to the experimental animals at two selected doses for 14 days. The hepatoprotective activity of the combination was evaluated by the liver function marker enzymes in the serum [aspartate transaminases (AST), alanine transaminases (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (Alk.P), total bilirubin (TB), total protein (TP) and total cholesterol (TC)], pentobarbitone induced sleeping time (PST) and histopathological studies of liver. Results: Both the treatment groups showed hepatoprotective effect against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity by significantly restoring the levels of serum enzymes to normal which was comparable to that of silymarin group. Besides, the results obtained from PST and histopathological results also support the study. Conclusions: The oral administration of P. oleracea in combination with lycopene significantly ameliorates CCl4 hepatotoxicity in rats.
MRP 8/14 as marker for Plasmodium falciparum-induced malaria episodes in individuals in a holoendemic area

Presence of Plasmodium falciparum parasites in the peripheral blood of patients in a holoendemic area does not necessarily show that their illness is due to malaria. The aim of the present project was therefore to look for biological markers related to symptomatology or clinical events during a malaria episode. We focused our work on a complex of heterodimeric calcium-binding proteins secreted by stimulated neutrophils and monocytes, named MIF or myeloid-related proteins (MRP 8/14). In a longitudinal study including 51 adults from Ifakara, Tanzania (84.7% prevalence for P. falciparum in adults during the study), the level of MRP 8/14 in the serum was significantly related to the parasite load (Spearman correlation coefficient, 0.52; P < 0.0001). In the serum from children up to 6 years admitted at a health post the MRP 8/14 levels were closely related to parasitemia but also to fever episodes (Spearman correlation coefficients, 0.96 and 0.736; P < 0.0001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Although not specific to malaria, the measurement of MRP 8/14 could be an additional tool in assessing malaria-related morbidity.
Simian immunodeficiency virus envelope compartmentalizes in brain regions independent of neuropathology

Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) gp160s obtained from the brain are often genetically distinct from those isolated from other organs, suggesting the presence of brain-specific selective pressures or founder effects that result in the compartmentalization of viral quasispecies. Whereas HIV has also been found to compartmentalize within different regions of the brain, the extent of brain-regional compartmentalization of SIV in rhesus macaques has not been characterized. Furthermore, much is still unknown about whether phenotypic differences exist in envelopes from different brain regions. To address these questions, env DNA sequences were amplified from four SIVmac239-infected macaques and subjected to phylogenetic and phenetic analysis. The authors demonstrated that sequences from different areas of the brain form distinct clades, and that the long-term progressing macaques demonstrated a greater degree of regional compartmentalization compared to the rapidly progressing macaques. In addition, regional compartmentalization occurred regardless of the presence of giant-cell encephalitis. Nucleotide substitution rates at synonymous and nonsynonymous sites (ds:dn rates) indicated that positive selection varied among envelopes from different brain regions. In one macaque, envelopes from some but not all brain regions acquired changes in a conserved CD4-binding motif GGGDPE at amino acids 382 to 387. Furthermore, gp160s with the mutation G383E were able to mediate cell-to-cell fusion in a CD4-independent manner and were more susceptible to fusion inhibition by pooled plasma from infected macaques. Reversion of this mutation by site-directed mutagenesis resulted in reduction of CD4-independence and resistance to fusion inhibition in cell fusion assays. These studies demonstrate that SIV evolution within the brain results in a heterogeneous viral population with different phenotypes among different regions.
Models to Predict Unbound Intracellular Drug Concentrations in the Presence of Transporters

Knowledge of free drug intracellular concentration is necessary to predict the impacts of drugs on intracellular targets. The goal of this study was to develop models to predict free intracellular drug concentrations in the presence of apical efflux transporters. The apical efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp), encoded by human gene multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1), was studied. Apparent permeabilities for 10 compounds in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) and MDR1-MDCK cell monolayers were obtained experimentally. Six of these compounds were evaluated additionally in the presence of the P-gp inhibitor cyclosporine A. A three-compartment model was developed, and passive and apical efflux clearances (CLd and CLae, respectively) were estimated. Endogenous canine transporters also were delineated. The three-compartment model was unable to simulate experimentally observed lag times and exhibited systematic bias across the simulations. Next, a five-compartment model with explicit membrane compartments was developed. This model resulted in lower systematic errors and simulated the lag time observed experimentally. Apical efflux was modeled out of the cell or out of the membrane. The five-compartment model with apical efflux out of the membrane predicted marked differences in unbound intracellular concentrations between the apical-to-basolateral and the basolateral-to-apical directions. Upon apical drug addition, large decreases in intracellular concentrations were observed with the efflux transporter. No such difference was predicted upon basolateral drug addition. This is consistent with experimental differences in the impact of P-gp on hepatic and brain distribution and supports the hypothesis that apical efflux occurs out of the apical membrane.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: Is vestibular evoked myogenic potential testing useful?

Abstract Conclusions: In benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) help to better define the extent of saccular damage and the patient's prognosis. Objectives: To report the results of VEMPs in patients affected by BPPV of the posterior semicircular canal (PSC) in order to evaluate the presence of signs of saccular dysfunction compared to the normal population and to correlate them with the clinical picture. Methods: This was a prospective study in a tertiary referral center; 23 patients affected by BPPV of the PSC and 24 controls were evaluated. All patients underwent complete clinical history and otoneurologic and audiovestibular evaluation consisting of pure-tone audiometry, caloric testing, and registration of VEMPs. Results: VEMP thresholds and latencies were not different between patients and controls. As a group BPPV patients presented significantly higher abnormal VEMPs compared with controls (p < 0.001). Age positively correlated with VEMP threshold in the affected ear of patients and in controls; the number of BPPV attacks positively correlated with threshold and negatively with amplitude of VEMPs in the affected ear; duration of the last attack was negatively correlated with the effect of the maneuver performed.
Political parties in conflict-prone societies: encouraging inclusive politics and democratic development

There is a growing trend for developing democracies to attempt to shape their party systems by regulating the way parties can form, organize and behave. This policy brief surveys attempts at party regulation and considers how to promote stable, non-sectarian political parties -- an essential component of democracy -- whilst also allowing free political expression and minority representation.
Laser reshaping of costal cartilage for transplantation

Laser reshaping of cartilage is a new effective and safe technique for correction of nasal septum and ear deformities. Costal cartilage is a most suitable natural material for transplantation. The problem is to obtain stable proper shape of cartilage implants. The objective of this article is to study reshaping of porcine costal cartilage for larynx stenosis surgery using Erbium glass fiber laser.
Evaluating the type and state of Alaska taiga forests with imaging radar for use in ecosystem models

Changes in the seasonal CO/sub 2/ flux of the boreal forests may result from increased atmospheric CO/sub 2/ concentrations and associated global warming patterns. To monitor this potential change, a combination of information derived from remote sensing data, including forest type and growing season length, and ecophysiological models which predict the CO/sub 2/ flux and its seasonal amplitude based on meteorological data, are required. The authors address the use of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) to map forest type and monitor canopy and soil freeze/thaw, which define the growing season for conifers, and leaf on/off, which defines the growing season for deciduous species. Aircraft SAR (AIRSAR) data collected in March 1988 during a freeze/thaw event are used to generate species maps and to determine the sensitivity of SAR to canopy freeze/thaw transitions. These data are also used to validate a microwave scattering model which is then used to determine the sensitivity of SAR to leaf on/off transitions and soil freeze/thaw. Finally, a CO/sub 2/ flux algorithm is presented which utilizes SAR data and an ecophysiological model to estimate CO/sub 2/ flux. CO/sub 2/ flux maps are generated, from which areal estimates of CO/sub 2/ flux are derived. >
Identification of chaotic system using recurrent compensatory neuro-fuzzy systems

In this paper, a recurrent compensatory neuro-fuzzy system (RCNFS) is proposed for identification and prediction. The compensatory-based fuzzy reasoning method is using adaptive fuzzy operations of neuro-fuzzy systems that can make the fuzzy logic systems more adaptive and effective. The recurrent network is embedded in the RCNFS by adding feedback connections in the second layer, where the feedback units act as memory elements. Also, an online learning algorithm is proposed to automatically construct the RCNFS. They are created and adapted as online learning proceeds via simultaneous structure and parameter learning. Finally, the RCNFS is applied in several simulations. The simulation results of the dynamic system modeling have shown that 1) the RCNFS model converges quickly; 2) the RCNFS model requires a small number of tuning parameters; 3) the RCNFS model can solve the temporal problems and approximate a dynamic system.
Genetic Validation of Trypanosoma brucei Glutathione Synthetase as an Essential Enzyme

ABSTRACT Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a debilitating and fatal vector-borne disease. Polyamine biosynthesis is the target of one of the key drugs (eflornithine) used for the treatment of late-stage disease, suggesting that the pathway might be exploited for the identification of additional drug targets. The polyamine spermidine is required in trypanosomatid parasites for formation of a unique redox cofactor termed trypanothione, which is formed from the conjugation of glutathione to spermidine. Here we characterize recombinant Trypanosoma brucei glutathione synthetase (TbGS) and show that depletion of TbGS in blood-form parasites using a regulated knockout strategy leads to loss of trypanothione and to cell death as quantified by fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis. These data suggest that >97% depletion of TbGS is required before trypanothione is depleted and cell growth arrest is observed. Exogenous glutathione was able to partially compensate for the loss of TbGS, suggesting that parasites are able to transport intact glutathione. Finally, reduced expression of TbGS leads to increased levels of upstream glutathione biosynthetic enzymes and decreased expression of polyamine biosynthetic enzymes, providing evidence that the cells cross regulate the two branches of the trypanothione biosynthetic pathway to maintain spermidine and trypanothione homeostasis.
An updated systematic review and meta-analysis on impedance threshold devices in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Introduction Uncertainty persists on the clinical impact of impedance threshold devices in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. We conducted an updated systematic review on impedance threshold devices. Methods Several databases were searched for studies testing the effectiveness of impedance threshold devices in patients with cardiac arrest. The primary endpoint was long-term survival. Results Seven trials (11,254 patients) were included. In 4 studies (2,284 patients) impedance threshold devices were used with active compression-decompression-cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and in the others alone. Overall, impedance threshold devices did not impact on the rate of return of spontaneous circulation (odds ratio=1.17 [0.96-1.43], p=0.114), favorable neurologic outcome (odds ratio=1.56 [0.97-2.50], p=0.065), or long-term survival (odds ratio=1.22 [0.94-1.58], p=0.127). These analyses were fraught with heterogeneity (respectively, p=0.055, p=0.236, and p=0.011) and inconsistency (respectively, I-squared=51% , I-squared=27% , and I-squared=67%). Exploratory analysis showed that combined use of impedance threshold devices with active compression-decompression significantly increased the likelihood of return of spontaneous circulation (odds ratio=1.19 [1.00-1.40], p=0.045), favorable neurologic outcome (odds ratio=1.60 [1.14-2.25], p=0.006), and long-term survival (odds ratio=1.52 [1.11-2.08], p=0.009). The favorable impact of the interaction between impedance threshold devices and active compression-decompression was also confirmed at meta-regression analysis (respectively, b=0.195 [0.004-0.387], p=0.045, b=0.500 [0.079-0.841], p=0.018, b=0.413 [0.063-0.764], p=0.021). Conclusions The evidence base on impedance threshold devices is apparently inconclusive, with a neutral impact on clinically relevant outcomes. However, exploratory analysis focusing on the combined use of impedance threshold devices with active compression-decompression suggests that this combo treatment may be useful to improve patient prognosis.
Proposals for Activity Collaboration

ABSTRACT This article examines two common ways that speakers propose a new joint activity—“Let’s X” and “How about X”—in an examination of video recordings of children playing. Whereas Let’s constructions treat the proposed activity as disjunctive with the prior, How about constructions treat the proposed activity as modifying the ongoing activity. We rely on distributional as well as turn-design evidence including phonetic and bodily resources of turn design. We also analyze deviant cases where we argue that speakers are working to either increase or decrease the distance between the new activity and the prior activity. Data are in Canadian English.
Low-Energy Reporters: Evaluation of Potential Differential Reporting in Case-Control Studies

Errors in measuring dietary intake can threaten validity of data. Low-energy reporters (LER) are individuals who report lower levels of energy intake than deemed feasible given their basal metabolic rate and physical activity level (PAL). The purpose of this study was to determine whether LER differ by case/control status or by extent of disease of cases. Data from a large population-based case-control study of colon cancer were used to identify LER. Dietary data were collected using a diet history questionnaire. Age- and gender-specific basal metabolic rate was estimated, and Goldberg cut points were used to estimate plausible energy intake and adjusted for PAL. On the basis of standard methods that do not take PAL into account, 16.7% of male cases, 19.8% of male controls, 20.9% of female cases, and 22.2% of female controls were considered LER. There were no case-control differences in the proportion of LER in men or women when PAL-adjusted cut points were used, although more individuals were considered LER. Likewise, there were no differences in LER by colon cancer disease stage. Excluding LER from the population and assessing associations between energy intake and colon cancer yielded results similar to those observed for the total population. In this population, LER were significantly more likely to be older, never to have smoked cigarettes, to be more physically active, and to be overweight or obese. LER reported fewer total food items than non-LER. There does not appear to be differential reporting of low energy intake by cases and controls or by disease stage among cases. However, LER appear to differ depending on exposure characteristics that may be importantly associated with cancer.
Evidence of Subterranean Termite Feeding Deterrent Produced by Brown Rot Fungus Fibroporia radiculosa (Peck) Parmasto 1968 (Polyporales, Fomitopsidaceae)

We found that decayed wood stakes with no termite damage collected from a termite-infested field exhibited a deterrent effect against the termite Reticulitermes speratus, Kolbe, 1885. The effect was observed to be lost or reduced by drying. After identification, it was found that the decayed stakes were infected by brown rot fungus Fibroporia radiculosa (Peck) Parmasto, 1968. In a no-choice feeding test, wood blocks decayed by this fungus under laboratory condition deterred R. speratus feeding and n-hexane extract from the decayed stake and blocks induced termite mortality. These data provided an insight into the interaction between wood-rot fungi and wood-feeding termites.
Specific Language Impairment (SLI) is not specific enough: Sub-types of SLI and their implications for the theory of the disorder

There is an ongoing debate in the SLI field which test should be used as thegold standard test and which markers are the best for the diagnosis of SLI. Inthe current paper an approach of defining subtypes of SLI based on linguisticdomains is suggested. This approach is supported by findings of dissociationbetween language domains within the group of SLI and by similar dissociationsin children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This approach is suggested as abetter method for clinicians seeking assessment tools and for researchers investigatingthe origin of the deficit.