Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Performance Analysis and Design of Maximum Ratio Combining in Channel-Aware MIMO Decision Fusion

In this paper we present a theoretical performance analysis of the maximum ratio combining (MRC) rule for channel-aware decision fusion over multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channels for (conditionally) dependent and independent local decisions. The system probabilities of false alarm and detection conditioned on the channel realization are derived in closed form and an approximated threshold choice is given. Furthermore, the channel-averaged (CA) performances are evaluated in terms of the CA system probabilities of false alarm and detection and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) through the closed form of the conditional moment generating function (MGF) of the MRC statistic, along with Gauss-Chebyshev (GC) quadrature rules. Furthermore, we derive the deflection coefficients in closed form, which are used for sensor threshold design. Finally, all the results are confirmed through Monte Carlo simulations.
Simplified High-Rate Punctured Convolutional Self-Doubly Orthogonal Codes

In this paper a new class of high-rate punctured convolutional codes that can be decoded using an iterative threshold algorithm is proposed. These codes are called simplified punctured convolutional self-doubly orthogonal codes (S-PCSO2C) of rate-R=b/(b+1), b>1 and are obtained by puncturing a rate 1/2 systematic convolutional mother code. S-PCSO2C are codes for which the original set of conditions, respected by PCSO2C, is simplified. Relaxing the doubly orthogonal conditions yields an important reduction of the constraint length of the systematic convolutional encoder which in turn reduce the implementation complexity and the total decoding latency at the cost of a very small performance degradation.
Enhanced bearing fault diagnosis using adaptive stochastic resonance

Signal filtering approaches are always used to attenuate noise and enhance useful signal in bearing fault diagnosis. Stochastic resonance (SR) is a nonlinear filter that can utilize noise to enhance weak periodic signal. This study proposes an adaptive SR method which can automatically enhance the bearing fault characteristic frequency (FCF). First, a second-order SR filter is utilized to purify the demodulated vibration signal. Second, a new criterion that measures both the power spectrum kurtosis and the correlation coefficient is proposed to tune the filter parameters in the SR procedure. Finally, the FCF is enhanced, which facilitates bearing fault identification. Experimental verification is conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Hubungan Tingkat Kecemasan Dengan Mekanisme Koping Pada Pasien Ckd (Chronic Kidney Disease) Yang Menjalani Hemodialisa Di RS Condong Catur YOGYAKARTA.

Latar Belakang : Gagal ginjal kronik merupakan gangguan fungsi renal dimana kemampuan tubuh gagal untuk mempertahankan metabolisme, keseimbangan cairan dan elektrolit. Pada pasien gagal ginjal sering mengalami khawatir karena kondisi sakit yang dialaminya hal ini dapat menjadi stressor fisik yang mampu mengarahkan pasien pada tingkat stress, cemas bahkan depresi. Pada saat menghadapi keadaan yang penuh stress pasien gagal ginjal harus beradaptasi dengan stressor. Hal yang dilakukan tersebut merupakan bagian dari koping. Tujuan Penelitian : Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan tingkat kecemasan dengan mekanisme koping pada pasien CKD ( Chronic Kidney Disease) yang menjalani hemodialisa di RS Condong catur Yogyakarta. Metode Penelitian: Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian non eksperimen dengan rancangan survey analitik dengan pendekatan cross sectional yang dilakukan pada bulan Februari- Mei 2016. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah pasien hemodialisa di RS Condong catur Yogyakarta. Teknik pengambilan sampel dengan total sampling, didapat 36 responden. Analisa data yang digunakan adalah chi square untuk mengetahui hubungan tingkat kecemasan dengan mekanisme koping. Hasil Penelitian: Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa terdapat hubungan antara tingkat kecemasan dengan mekanisme koping pada pasien CKD yang menjalani hemodialisa di RS Condong catur Yogyakarta, dengan nilai dari chi square 3,333 atau P>0,05. Kesimpulan: Terdapat hubungan antara tingkat kecemasan dengan mekanisme koping pada pasien CKD yang menjalani hemodialisa di RS Condong catur Yogyakarta. Kata Kunci : Kecemasan ,Mekanisme koping, CKD, Hemodialisa.
Management of Environmental Quality : An International Journal Use of waste derived fuels in cement industry : a review

Purpose – Cement production has advanced greatly in the last few decades. The traditional fuels used in traditional kilns include coal, oil, petroleum coke, and natural gas. Energy costs and environmental concerns have encouraged cement companies worldwide to evaluate to what extent conventional fuels can be replaced by waste materials, such as waste oils, mixtures of non-recycled plastics and paper, used tires, biomass wastes, and even wastewater sludge. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The work is based on literature review. Findings – The clinker firing process is well suited for various alternative fuels (AF); the goal is to optimize process control and alternative fuel consumption while maintaining clinker product quality. The potential is enormous since the global cement industry produces about 3.5 billion tons that consume nearly 350 million tons of coal-equivalent fossil and AF. This study has shown that several cement plants have replaced part of the fossil fuel used by AF, such waste recovered fuels. Many years of industrial experience have shown that the use of wastes as AF by cement plants is both ecologically and economically justified. Originality/value – The substitution of fossil fuels by AF in the production of cement clinker is of great importance both for cement producers and for society because it conserves fossil fuel reserves and, in the case of biogenic wastes, reduces greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the use of AF can help to reduce the costs of cement production.
Global Optimization for the Design of Space Trajectories

The problem of optimally designing a trajectory for a space mission is considered in this paper. Actual mission design is a complex, multidisciplinary and multi-objective activity with relevant economic implications. In this paper we will consider some simplified models proposed by the European Space Agency as test problems for global optimization. We show that many trajectory optimization problems can be quite efficiently solved by means of relatively simple global optimization techniques relying on standard methods for local optimization. We show in this paper that our approach has been able to find trajectories which in many cases outperform those already known. We also conjecture that this problem displays a “funnel structure” similar, in some sense, to that of molecular optimization problems.
Functional Cooperation of the Proapoptotic Bcl2 Family Proteins Bmf and Bim In Vivo

ABSTRACT Bcl2-modifying factor (Bmf) is a member of the BH3-only group of proapoptotic proteins. To test the role of Bmf in vivo, we constructed mice with a series of mutated Bmf alleles that disrupt Bmf expression, prevent Bmf phosphorylation by the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) on Ser74, or mimic Bmf phosphorylation on Ser74. We report that the loss of Bmf causes defects in uterovaginal development, including an imperforate vagina and hydrometrocolpos. We also show that the phosphorylation of Bmf on Ser74 can contribute to a moderate increase in levels of Bmf activity. Studies of compound mutants with the related gene Bim demonstrated that Bim and Bmf exhibit partially redundant functions in vivo. Thus, developmental ablation of interdigital webbing on mouse paws and normal lymphocyte homeostasis require the cooperative activity of Bim and Bmf.
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Intake and Risk of Lung Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies

Background Studies have reported inconsistent results for the existence of an association between polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake and risk of lung cancer. The purpose of this study is to summarize the evidence regarding this relationship using a dose response meta-analytic approach. Methodology and Principal Findings We searched the PubMed, EmBase, and Cochrane Library electronic databases for related articles published through July 2013. Only prospective studies that reported effect estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of lung cancer incidence for greater than 2 categories of PUFA intake were included. We did random-effects meta-analyses of study-specific incremental estimates to determine the risk of lung cancer associated with a 5 g per day increase in PUFA intake. Overall, we included 8 prospective cohort studies reporting data on 1,268,442 individuals. High PUFA intake had little or no effect on lung cancer risk (risk ratio [RR], 0.91; 95% CI, 0.78–1.06; P = 0.230). Furthermore, the dose-response meta-analysis also suggested that a 5 g per day increase in PUFA has no significant effect on the risk of lung cancer (RR, 0.98; 95%CI: 0.96–1.01; P = 0.142). Finally, the findings of dose response curve suggested that PUFA intake of up to 15 g/d seemed to increase the risk of lung cancer. Furthermore, PUFA intake greater than 15 g/d was associated with a small beneficial effect and borderline statistical significance. Subgroup analyses for 5 g per day increment in PUFA indicated that the protective effect of PUFA was more evident in women (RR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.87–1.01; P = 0.095) than in men (RR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.98–1.02; P = 0.784). Conclusion/Significance Our study indicated that PUFA intake had little or no effect on lung cancer risk. PUFA intake might play an important role in lung cancer prevention in women.
When Feelings Matter: Affect as a Mediator Between Motivational Regulation and Work Intentions

The Problem. Human resource development (HRD) scholars and practitioners alike are faced with the challenging task of accounting for the variables that influence the efficacy of the person in the workplace. Without a better understanding of the nature of the relationships between cognition and affect within the work domain, practitioners continue to struggle with accurately understanding how an individual’s motivational regulation impacts work intentions and organizational performance. The Solution. This study aims to provide new information on the mediating role state-specific affect plays in workplace-specific motivational outlooks to aid scholars and practitioners in more effectively diagnosing performance deficiencies, as well as influencing the selection and design of more-appropriate and sustainable performance improving interventions. The Stakeholders. Professionals in positions of power and influence are tasked with leading their people to meet organizational goals and outcomes. Without consideration of the various factors that may influence employee behaviors, such as motivational outlooks and state affect, leaders risk misappropriating valuable resources, such as time and energy.
PET and PVC Separation with Hyperspectral Imagery

Traditional plants for plastic separation in homogeneous products employ material physical properties (for instance density). Due to the small intervals of variability of different polymer properties, the output quality may not be adequate. Sensing technologies based on hyperspectral imaging have been introduced in order to classify materials and to increase the quality of recycled products, which have to comply with specific standards determined by industrial applications. This paper presents the results of the characterization of two different plastic polymers—polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)—in different phases of their life cycle (primary raw materials, urban and urban-assimilated waste and secondary raw materials) to show the contribution of hyperspectral sensors in the field of material recycling. This is accomplished via near-infrared (900–1700 nm) reflectance spectra extracted from hyperspectral images acquired with a two-linear-spectrometer apparatus. Results have shown that a rapid and reliable identification of PET and PVC can be achieved by using a simple two near-infrared wavelength operator coupled to an analysis of reflectance spectra. This resulted in 100% classification accuracy. A sensor based on this identification method appears suitable and inexpensive to build and provides the necessary speed and performance required by the recycling industry.
Nonparametric denoising Signals of Unknown Local Structure, II: Nonparametric Regression Estimation

We consider the problem of recovering of continuous multi-dimensional functions from the noisy observations over the regular grid. Our focus is at the adaptive estimation in the case when the function can be well recovered using a linear filter, which can depend on the unknown function itself. In the companion paper "Nonparametric Denoising of Signals with Unknown Local Structure, I: Oracle Inequalities" we have shown in the case when there exists an adapted time-invariant filter, which locally recovers "well" the unknown signal, there is a numerically efficient construction of an adaptive filter which recovers the signals "almost as well". In the current paper we study the application of the proposed estimation techniques in the non-parametric regression setting. Namely, we propose an adaptive estimation procedure for "locally well-filtered" signals (some typical examples being smooth signals, modulated smooth signals and harmonic functions) and show that the rate of recovery of such signals in the $\ell_p$-norm on the grid is essentially the same as that rate for regular signals with nonhomogeneous smoothness.
Enhanced Crash Reporting to Explore Workzone Crash Patterns

This work analyzes patterns and factors in workzone crashes. In response to actual and suspected deficiencies in the quality of workzone crash reporting from standard police crash reports, an enhanced crash report form and procedure was developed and applied by police agencies in a small sample of workzones in Illinois. Analysis of 110 workzone crashes revealed differences between what the police were recording using enhanced and standard crash report forms. Most important was that workzone crashes appeared to be no more likely to produce injuries than those occurring on the same type of roadways when no workzone was present. The enhanced data provided better insight into the manner of collision and contributing factors of crashes occurring in various locations within the workzone. Approximately 40% of crashes recorded occurred outside the working area, in the taper and approach. Crashes in the working area usually involved more than two vehicles but most commonly resulted in propertydamage-only. In the approach and taper portion, more than 30% were injury-producing and involved two vehicles. Approximately 40% of all crashes occurred when work was not in progress. Distraction from work in progress was an important contributor, but lack of escape was the leading contributing factor. Outside the working area, failure to yield and excessive speed were principal contributors (but speed was not a contributor inside the working area). Videotaping drivers approaching workzones provided visual evidence of actions which could lead to crashes. Most important was improper merging behavior in the approach portion, and drivers approaching queues at high speeds. Recommendations include moving enforcement outside the working area and concentrating on speeding and failure to yield, along with requiring alternate merging in areas of lane reductions.
On Tracking the Behaviour of an Output-Queued Switch using an Input-Queued Switch with Unity Speedup

We address the problem of fair scheduling of packets in Internet routers with input-queued (IQ) switches and unity speedup. Scheduling in IQ switches is formulated as tracking the behaviour of an outputqueued (OQ) switch that provides optimal performance. We present the notion of “lag” as a performance metric that measures the difference between a packet’s departure time in an IQ switch over that 1 provided by an OQ switch. We prove that per packet mean lag is bounded for a maximum weight matching scheduling policy that uses lag values for its weights and derive a bound on the mean lag value using a Lyapunov function technique. Furthermore, we propose a simple heuristic tracking scheduling policy and evaluate its performance by simulation.
Intelligent interfaces for locomotory prosthesis

This paper presents a software medium for design and testing the intelligent interfaces for locomotory prosthesis. This simulator was realized in a modular conception, each module having a very well defined task: module for generating the working environments, module for describing the prosthesis (cinematic and dynamic design part), module for describing the controlling program and module of coordinating and synchronizing the functioning of the other components of the simulation environment. On the base of this interactive software environment it is possible to realize prosthesis (after experimenting in virtual environment different types of architectures and prosthesis) for which exists the certitude that complex abilities can be implemented.
What Makes Residential Different from Non-Residential REITs? Evidence from Multi-Factor Asset Pricing Models

We use Bayesian methods to estimate a multi-factor linear asset pricing model characterized by structural instability in factor loadings, idiosyncratic variances, and factor risk premia. We use such a framework to investigate the key differences in the pricing mechanism that applies to residential vs. non-residential (such as office space, industrial buildings, retail property) REITs. Under the assumption that the subprime crisis has had its epicentre in the housing/residential sector, we interpret any differential dynamics as indicative of the propagation mechanism of the crisis towards business-oriented segments of the US real estate market. We find important differences in the structure as well as the dynamic evolution of risk factor exposures across residential vs. non-residential RE-ITs. An analysis of cross-sectional mispricings reveals that only retail, residential, and mortgage-specialized REITs have been over-priced over the initial part of our sample, i.e.,1999-2006. However, the strongest mispricings occurred and may be still persisting in the office and regional mall-specialized REIT subsectors.
Changes in serum insulin-like factor 3 during normal male puberty.

CONTEXT Insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) is produced by the Leydig cells, and in adults, its secretion is dependent on the state of differentiation of these cells, which, in turn, is dependent on LH. However, the secretion and regulation of INSL3 during puberty is unknown. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to evaluate INSL3 concentrations during normal male puberty and the relation of INSL3 to LH, FSH, and testosterone. DESIGN AND SETTING We conducted a cross-sectional study from January to December 2005 at academic clinics. PATIENTS Participating in the study were 75 healthy male subjects aged 9.5-17.5 yr, homogeneously distributed into five pubertal groups of 15 according to Tanner stages. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We assessed mean testicular volume and LH, FSH, testosterone, and INSL3 concentrations in relation to age and pubertal stage. RESULTS We observed an increase of INSL3 and LH levels from Tanner stage 2 to 4, and an increase of FSH from stage 2 to 3. Testosterone levels increased from stage 3 to 4. No differences were seen for all measured hormones between stages 4 and 5. The increase in INSL3 seemed therefore to anticipate the increase in testosterone. However, INSL3 plasma concentrations at pubertal stages 4 and 5 are about one fourth of adult levels, whereas FSH, LH, and testosterone reached adult levels by stage 4. Positive significant correlations were found between INSL3 and LH for all pubertal stages. CONCLUSIONS This study provides information on the physiological dynamics of INSL3, showing that the serum concentrations of this hormone increased progressively throughout puberty under the differentiating action of LH on Leydig cells. INSL3 is therefore confirmed to represent a marker of Leydig cell differentiation and function. However, a prolonged exposure to LH seems to be necessary to reach INSL3 concentrations of adults. A possible use of INSL3 in puberty disorders is promising.
Functional Roles and Career Paths in Wikipedia

An understanding of participation dynamics within online production communities requires an examination of the roles assumed by participants. Recent studies have established that the organizational structure of such communities is not flat; rather, participants can take on a variety of well-defined functional roles. What is the nature of functional roles? How have they evolved? And how do participants assume these functions? Prior studies focused primarily on participants' activities, rather than functional roles. Further, extant conceptualizations of role transitions in production communities, such as the Reader to Leader framework, emphasize a single dimension: organizational power, overlooking distinctions between functions. In contrast, in this paper we empirically study the nature and structure of functional roles within Wikipedia, seeking to validate existing theoretical frameworks. The analysis sheds new light on the nature of functional roles, revealing the intricate "career paths" resulting from participants' role transitions.
Do Stem Cells Exist in the Adult Kidney?

Adult stem cells exist in many organs and play a critical role in normal cell turnover and the response to injury. The existence of adult stem cells in the mammalian kidney remains controversial. Kidney stem cells have been isolated and characterized by many groups, often with discrepant results. This article will review the current state of knowledge regarding adult kidney stem cells and discuss future directions for kidney stem cell research.
Bryophyte-Cyanobacteria Associations during Primary Succession in Recently Deglaciated Areas of Tierra del Fuego (Chile)

Bryophyte establishment represents a positive feedback process that enhances soil development in newly exposed terrain. Further, biological nitrogen (N) fixation by cyanobacteria in association with mosses can be an important supply of N to terrestrial ecosystems, however the role of these associations during post-glacial primary succession is not yet fully understood. Here, we analyzed chronosequences in front of two receding glaciers with contrasting climatic conditions (wetter vs drier) at Cordillera Darwin (Tierra del Fuego) and found that most mosses had the capacity to support an epiphytic flora of cyanobacteria and exhibited high rates of N2 fixation. Pioneer moss-cyanobacteria associations showed the highest N2 fixation rates (4.60 and 4.96 µg N g−1 bryo. d−1) very early after glacier retreat (4 and 7 years) which may help accelerate soil development under wetter conditions. In drier climate, N2 fixation on bryophyte-cyanobacteria associations was also high (0.94 and 1.42 µg N g−1 bryo. d−1) but peaked at intermediate-aged sites (26 and 66 years). N2 fixation capacity on bryophytes was primarily driven by epiphytic cyanobacteria abundance rather than community composition. Most liverworts showed low colonization and N2 fixation rates, and mosses did not exhibit consistent differences across life forms and habitat (saxicolous vs terricolous). We also found a clear relationship between cyanobacteria genera and the stages of ecological succession, but no relationship was found with host species identity. Glacier forelands in Tierra del Fuego show fast rates of soil transformation which imply large quantities of N inputs. Our results highlight the potential contribution of bryophyte-cyanobacteria associations to N accumulation during post-glacial primary succession and further describe the factors that drive N2-fixation rates in post-glacial areas with very low N deposition.