Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Solving Multiple-Block Separable Convex Minimization Problems Using Two-Block Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers

In this paper, we consider solving multiple-block separable con- vex minimization problems using alternating direction method of multipli- ers (ADMM). Motivated by the fact that the existing convergence theory for ADMM is mostly limited to the two-block case, we analyze in this paper, both theoretically and numerically, a new strategy that first transforms a multi- block problem into an equivalent two-block problem (either in the primal do- main or in the dual domain) and then solves it using the standard two-block ADMM. In particular, we derive convergence results for this two-block ADMM approach to solve multi-block separable convex minimization problems, includ- ing an improved O(1/ǫ) iteration complexity result. Moreover, we compare the numerical efficiency of this approach with the standard multi-block ADMM on several separable convex minimization problems which include basis pursuit, robust principal component analysis and latent variable Gaussian graphical model selection. The numerical results show that the multiple-block ADMM, although lacks theoretical convergence guarantees, typically outperforms two- block ADMMs.
COHERENT NOISE FILTERING USING RECONSTRUCTED PHASE SPACE

Within the framework of coherent noise attenuation, this paper describes an original filtering approach based on the dynamical system theory. The reconstructed phase space is used to interpret dynamical behavior of image measurements, i.e. of local pixel amplitudes. Originaly developed for time series, the method of delays allows reconstructing steady-state trajectories from measurements of a physical system. This contribution suggests a method of delays adapted to the 2D data issue. The phase space of an image is defined as vectors-axes in a Cartesian plane, containing the pixel amplitude at spatially delayed coordinates, the latter selected according to a directional neighborhood criterion. The space proposed helps to evaluate the statistical properties of local structures within the image. Structures with similar local dynamics occupy nearby locations in phase space. These dynamical properties allow modelling local periodic patterns corrupting the image, such as the coherent noise. The Average Phase Space (APS) is a modified frequency distribution map that consists of the amplitude mean of trajectories points. For the proposed filter, each pixel value of the output image corresponds directly to the APS magnitude at the location associated with the original pixel image. APS method is applied to synthetic and real noisy images. Findings indicate that APS filtering is a low-cost algorithm for coherent noise attenuation that preserves the quality of edges in images.
Improving word accuracy with Gabor feature extraction

A novel type of feature extraction for automatic speech recognition is investigated. Two-dimensional Gabor functions, with varying extents and tuned to different rates and directions of spectro-temporal modulation, are applied as filters to a spectro-temporal representation provided by mel spectra. The use of these functions is motivated by findings in neurophysiology and psychoacoustics. Data-driven parameter selection was used to obtain Gabor feature sets, the performance of which is evaluated on the Aurora 2 and 3 datasets both on their own and in combination with the Qualcomm-OGI-ICSI Aurora proposal. The Gabor features consistently provide performance improvements.
Developing Entrepreneurial Behavior

Can nascent entrepreneurs learn how to behave so as to achieve their ambition of creating new ventures? This thesis explores how the development of entrepreneurial behavior can be facilitated through investigating nascent entrepreneurship taking place at the university. The focus is on the influence of environmental factors and the processes involved as a new opportunity-based venture is created need to be considered when addressing entrepreneurial behavior development. The university is chosen to be an appropriate empirical setting as it is capable of facilitating activity resulting in the creation of new opportunity-based, high-growth potential ventures. An action research approach is used to study an intrinsic case, which is then compared to other environments in order to understand how behavior development is facilitated. A systems perspective allows for study of entrepreneurial behavior through contributions from different levels of analysis in a micro-aggregate mix, from the individual to society. Social Learning Theory, additional learning theories, and Positioning Theory are used to investigate how behaviors are developed and confirmed or rejected during interaction between the nascent entrepreneur and the role-set. Nascent entrepreneurs are hampered by liability of newness and lack of social networks. They benefit from training and support that facilitates establishing legitimacy as entrepreneur, and reducing uncertainty and ambiguity, thereby preparing for and making decisions as a new venture is created. Both structural and social components of environmental factors facilitate behavior development, as policies or norms are discussed and negotiated with a role-set. Learning through interaction with the role-set also facilitates hypothesis testing and feedback loops, allowing the nascent entrepreneur to take pre-emptive action, and reduce uncertainty and ambiguity. Nascent entrepreneurs can train in future business activities, while in the process of emergence, in order to develop behaviors for an entrepreneurial career.
Resource allocation across multiple cloud data centres

Web applications with rich AJAX-driven user interfaces make asynchronous server-side calls to switch application state. To provide the best user experience, the response time of these calls must be as low as possible. Since response time is bounded by network delay, it can be minimised by placing application components closest to the network location of the majority of anticipated users. However, with a limited budget for hosting applications, developers need to select data centre locations strategically. In practice, the best choice is difficult to achieve manually due to dynamic client workloads and effects such as flash crowds. In this paper, we propose a cloud management middleware that automatically adjusts the placement of web application components across multiple cloud data centres. Based on observations and predictions of client request rates, it migrates application components between data centres. Our evaluation with two data centres and globally distributed clients on PlanetLab shows that our approach can decrease median client response times by 21% for a realistic multi-tier web application.
Validation of EGSYS Score in Prediction of Cardiogenic Syncope

Introduction. Evaluation of Guidelines in Syncope Study (EGSYS) is designed to differentiate between cardiac and noncardiac causes of syncope. The present study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of this predictive model. Methods. In this prospective cross-sectional study, screening performance characteristics of EGSYS-U (univariate) and EGSYS-M (multivariate) in prediction of cardiac syncope were calculated for syncope patients who were referred to the emergency department (ED). Results. 198 patients with mean age of 59.26 ± 19.5 years were evaluated (62.3% male). 115 (58.4%) patients were diagnosed with cardiac syncope. Area under the ROC curve was 0.818 (95% CI: 0.75–0.87) for EGSYS-U and 0.805 (CI 95%: 0.74–0.86) for EGSYS-M (p = 0.53). Best cut-off point for both models was ≥3. Sensitivity and specificity were 86.08% (95% CI: 78.09–91.59) and 68.29% (95% CI: 56.97–77.86) for EGSYS-U and 91.30% (95% CI: 84.20–95.52) and 57.32% (95% CI: 45.92–68.02) for EGSYS-M, respectively. Conclusion. The results of this study demonstrated the acceptable accuracy of EGSYS score in predicting cardiogenic causes of syncope at the ≥3 cut-off point. It seems that using this model in daily practice can help physicians select at risk patients and properly triage them.
Identity Processing Style and Depression: The Mediational Role of Experiential Avoidance and Self-Regulation

ABSTRACT This study investigated the role experiential avoidance and self-regulation play in mediating relationships between stylistic differences in the way college students engage or attempt to evade the process of constructing a personal sense of identity and depressive symptoms. Two hundred seven 18- to 23-year-old undergraduate students completed measures of identity processing style, self-regulation, experiential avoidance, and depressive symptoms. Consistent with previous research, a diffuse-avoidant identity style was positively associated with depression, which was completely mediated by self-regulation and experiential avoidance. Contrary to prediction, an informational identity style was not directly related with experiential avoidance or depression. However, an informational style indirectly predicted low depressive symptoms via self-regulation. Unexpectedly, when the contribution of self-regulation was controlled, an informational style was positively associated with experiential avoidance, which indirectly predicted high depressive symptoms. The pattern of relationships was not moderated by the sex of the participants. Implications of the results for intervention programs and counseling practices that may enhance the mental health of college students are considered.
Least Square Error Detection for Noncoherent Cooperative Relay Systems

In this paper, noncoherent cooperative amplify-and-forward (AF) half-duplex relay systems are considered. For such systems, an asymptotic formula of pairwise error probability (PEP) for the least square error (LSE) detector is derived by using the perturbation theory on the eigenvalues. The result shows that the full-diversity-gain function mimics coherent cooperative AF half-duplex relay systems, whereas the coding gain function mimics noncoherent multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) systems. In addition, it is proved that, for any given nonzero received signal, the unique blind identification of both the equivalent channel and the transmitted signals in a noise-free case is equivalent to full diversity with the LSE detector in a Gaussian noisy environment. In particular, for the noncoherent AF half-duplex protocol with three nodes, a full-diversity unitary diagonal distributed space-time block code (STBC) is designed by utilizing the full-diversity criterion established in this paper and recently developed uniquely factorable constellation. Furthermore, the generalized likelihood ratio test receiver is derived for this specific coded protocol. Simulation results show that the code presented in this paper substantially outperforms the differential code and the optimally precoded training scheme in the current literature.
Optimal Bandwidth and Power Allocation for Sum Ergodic Capacity Under Fading Channels in Cognitive Radio Networks

This paper studies optimal bandwidth and power allocation in a cognitive radio network where multiple secondary users (SUs) share the licensed spectrum of a primary user (PU) under fading channels using the frequency division multiple access scheme. The sum ergodic capacity of all the SUs is taken as the performance metric of the network. Besides the peak/average transmit power constraints at the SUs and the peak/average interference power constraint imposed by the PU, total bandwidth constraint of the licensed spectrum is also taken into account. Optimal bandwidth allocation is derived in closed-form for any given power allocation. The structures of optimal power allocations are also derived under all possible combinations of the aforementioned power constraints. These structures indicate the possible numbers of users that transmit at nonzero power but below their corresponding peak powers, and show that other users do not transmit or transmit at their corresponding peak powers. Based on these structures, efficient algorithms are developed for finding the optimal power allocations.
Correlation between anti-PD-L1 tumor concentrations and tumor-specific and nonspecific biomarkers in a melanoma mouse model

Blockade of PD-L1 with specific monoclonal antibodies (anti-PD-L1) represents a therapeutic strategy to increase the capability of the immune system to modulate the tumor immune-resistance. The relationship between anti-PD-L1 tumor exposition and anti-tumor effect represents a challenge that has been addressed in this work through the identification of certain biomarkers implicated in the antibody's mechanism of action, using a syngeneic melanoma mouse model. The development of an in-vitro/in-vivo platform has allowed us to investigate the PD-L1 behavior after its blockage with anti-PD-L1 at cellular level and in animals. In-vitro studies showed that the complex PD-L1/anti-PD-L1 was retained mainly at the cell surface. The antibody concentration and time exposure affected directly the recycling or ligand turnover. In-vivo studies showed that anti-PD-L1 was therapeutically active at all stage of the disease, with a rapid onset, a low but durable efficacy and non-relevant toxic effect. This efficacy measured as tumor shrinkage correlated with tumor-specific infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), which increased as antibody tumor concentrations increased. Both, TILS and antibody concentrations followed similar kinetic patterns, justifying the observed anti-PD-L1 rapid onset. Interestingly, peripheral lymphocytes (PBLs) behave as infiltrating lymphocytes, suggesting that these PBLs might be considered as a possible biomarker for antibody activity.
Scale and Heterogeneity in Hydraulic Properties of the Fractured Granitic Boise Front, Boise, Idaho

A continuum approach model was used to determine the permeability of the fractured granite Idaho Batholith underlying the Dry Creek Experimental Watershed east of Boise, Idaho and characterization of the fracture network was completed. A technique for applying the apertures of fractures measured in a less weathered area to the fracture network in the (DCEW) is described. A Monte Carlo simulation of permeability showed that a Representative Elemental Volume (REV) does exist in the DCEW. Plotting the permeability calculated stochastically in the Monte Carlo simulation against the summed outcrop area shows a distinct plateau around 10 m which is larger than the estimate of the permeability, 10 m, using the traditional REV plot but very similar to the deterministic calculation of the permeability of 1.49 x 10 m using the continuum model. The Monte Carlo simulation has the advantage over the traditional REV plot in that outcrops with large area are well represented and the estimate of the plateau is based on more than just a few measurements.
Gambling involvement, type of gambling and grade point average among 18–29-year-old Finnish men and women

Aims: This study explores the associations between gambling involvement, type of gambling, at-risk and problem gambling (ARPG) and register-based grade point average (GPA), among Finnish people aged 18–29 years (N = 676). It is assumed that high gambling involvement and engaging in certain types of gambling are linked to ARPG, and that low school achievement is positively associated with these measures. Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional random sample was collected in 2015. The data were weighted based on gender, age and region. Analyses were carried out using logistic regression models. Results: Frequent gambling, playing several game types, online gambling and ARPG were more common among men than women. Those with low GPA played fast and low-paced daily lottery games and used online casinos significantly more often than men and women with average/high GPA. Men with a low GPA were also more likely to gamble on a weekly basis and played casino games and online poker more often. For women with a low GPA online gambling and playing slot machines were more common than for women with an average/high GPA. When controlling for sociodemographic variables and gambling involvement, men’s participation in daily lottery games and online poker was significantly associated with a low GPA, but among women none of the game types remained statistically significant. Among women, playing several different game types was linked with a low GPA. Conclusions: It seems that poorer school achievement is associated not only with frequent gambling, a large number of game types played and online gambling, but also, to some extent at least, with game type preferences.
Trap-loaded pyramidal Tri-band antenna for satellite applications

A novel multi-band circular polarization antenna based on pyramidal structure and trap-loads was designed and tested experimentally. The measured Sparameters of trap-loads have been taken into account in the design for obtaining the technical requirements of the antenna. The measurement results confirm the tri-band behavior of the antenna in the GPS/Galileo and TM MicroSat frequency bands. The proposed radiating structure can also be adapted to combine other satellite applications, like S-band Digital Multimedia Broadcasting.
Mediterranean Diet and Cardiodiabesity: A Review

Cardiodiabesity has been used to define and describe the well-known relationship between type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), obesity, the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The objective of this study was to perform a scientific literature review with a systematic search to examine all the cardiovascular risk factors combined and their relationship with adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) pattern as primary prevention against cardiodiabesity in a holistic approach. Research was conducted using the PubMed database including clinical trials, cross-sectional and prospective cohort studies. Thirty-seven studies were reviewed: fourteen related to obesity, ten to CVD, nine to MetS, and four to T2DM. Indeed 33 provided strong evidence on the association between adherence to a MedDiet and a reduced incidence of collective cardiodiabesity risk in epidemiological studies. This scientific evidence makes the MedDiet pattern very useful for preventive strategies directed at the general population and also highlights the need to consider all these diet-related risk factors and health outcomes together in daily primary care.
Factors influencing engagement of patients in a novel intervention for CFS/ME: a qualitative study

Aim To establish what factors are important for patients to engage in a new intervention for chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and make recommendations to general practitioners (GPs) on preparing a patient for referral to such a service. Background NICE guidelines recommend a prominent role for primary care in the management of patients with CFS/ME, with prompt diagnosis and appropriate referral for evidence-based treatments. Methods A qualitative study nested within a multi-centre randomised controlled trial of two new nurse therapist delivered interventions. Semi-structured interviews carried out with 19 patients who had received pragmatic rehabilitation (PR) in the trial. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and an iterative approach used to develop themes from the data set. Findings Factors that influence whether or not a patient engages with PR for CFS/ME are ensuring that the patient feels accepted and believed, that they accept the diagnosis, and that the model implicated by the treatment offered to the patient matches the model of illness held by the patient. If patients hold a clearly incompatible model of their illness, it is unlikely that they will engage with, and successfully complete, therapy. It is vital that the GP elicits and explores such illness beliefs either before making a referral to maximise patient engagement in therapy, or that an initial session with the therapist explores attitudes to the treatment model offered and then works with the patient’s model.
A 77-GHz Cooperative Radar System Based on Multi-Channel FMCW Stations for Local Positioning Applications

In this paper, a radar system for local positioning applications is presented. The system consists of frequency modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) stations operating in W-band that are loosely coupled using time-delayed ramp start signals. A centralized signal processing approach allows to relax the required synchronization accuracy between the stations and further leads to a cancellation of phase noise and phase distortions caused by imperfect FMCW ramps. All stations are equipped with an antenna array and multiple receivers. Thus, a signal processing approach is developed in this work that combines the positive effects from the centralized processing with the information from the antenna array in a digital-beamforming based approach to improve the multipath robustness of the overall system. The developed theory is confirmed in measurements carried out with a prototype system consisting of two stations. Various measurements in multipath environments confirm the improved robustness leading to a worst-case root-mean-square position error of 15 mm under strong multipath conditions which were simulated inside an anechoic chamber.
LOCALIZATION OPERATOR REPRESENTATION OF MODULATION SPACES

For each weight functions ω, ω 0 , we prove that the Toeplitz operator (i. e. localization operator) Tp(ω) is a bijective map from M p,q (ω0) to M p,q (ω0/ω). In this paper we establish invariance properties for modulation spaces under actions of Toeplitz operators (i. e. localization operators) and pseudo-differential operators. Especially we show that the Toeplitz operator Tp ϕ (ω), with the weight function ω as symbol and window function ϕ in appropriate modulation spaces, is continuous and bijective from the modulation space M p,q (ω 0) to M p,q (ω 0 /ω). Furthermore, if in addition ω is smooth and satisfies an ellipticity conditions, then we prove that similar bijectivity properties are valid for more general modulation spaces. In particular we generalize in several ways the corresponding results in [4]. In fact, the same type of bijectivity is proved in [4], under the stronger assumptions that the weight ω here above should be smooth and strictly hypoelliptic, and that the involved window functions should be Schwartz functions. The hypoellipticity condition is combined with a convenient expansion of the Toeplitz operators to approximate these operators with corresponding pseudo-differential operators , and for proving that these operators are Fredholm operators with index 0. (See also [8] for convenient expansions of Toeplitz operators.) From these expansions it also follows that the Toeplitz operators are injective, and then they have to be bijective, since the index is equal to 0. In this paper we use other methods. More precisely, we start to prove that the (Hilbert) modulation space M 2,2 (ω) agrees with the Sobolev space H(ω, g) of Bony-Chemin type, when g is the constant euclidean metric on the phase space. This makes it possible to apply the whole mashinery in [5] on modulation spaces of Hilbert type, and using this in combination with the Wiener properties for appropriate symbol classes and modulation space (cf. [20, 21, 28]), we obtain the following principle: