Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Respiratory Microbiome of New-Born Infants

The respiratory tract, once believed to be sterile, harbors diverse bacterial communities. The role of microorganisms within health and disease is slowly being unraveled. Evidence points to the neonatal period as a critical time for establishing stable bacterial communities and influencing immune responses important for long-term respiratory health. This review summarizes the evidence of early airway and lung bacterial colonization and the role the microbiome has on respiratory health in the short and long term. The challenges of neonatal respiratory microbiome studies and future research directions are also discussed.
Eclipsing Binaries: Tools for Calibrating the Extragalactic Distance Scale

Abstract In the last decade, over 7000 eclipsing binaries have been discovered in the Local Group through various variability surveys. Measuring fundamental parameters of these eclipsing binaries has become feasible with 8 meter class telescopes, making it possible to use eclipsing binaries as distance indicators. Distances with eclipsing binaries provide an independent method for calibrating the extragalactic distance scale and thus determining the Hubble constant. This method has been used for determining distances to eclipsing binaries in the Magellanic Clouds and the Andromeda Galaxy and most recently to a detached eclipsing binary in the Triangulum Galaxy by the DIRECT Project. The increasing number of eclipsing binaries found by microlensing and variability surveys also provide a rich database for advancing our understanding of star formation and evolution.
Stock market efficiency: an autopsy?

This article assesses the current state of the efficient market hypothesis, which was the conventional wisdom among academic economists in the 1970s and most of the 1980s. It concludes that empirical evidence provides an overwhelming case against the efficient market hypothesis. The evidence exists in the form of a number of well-established anomalies--the small firm effect, the closed-end fund puzzle, the Value Line enigma, the loser’s blessing and winner’s curse, and the January and weekend effects. ; These anomalies can be explained by resorting to a model of "noise trading," in which markets are segmented with the "smart money" enforcing a high degree of efficiency in the pricing of stocks of large firms while less informed traders dominate the market for small firms. This model can generate cycles in stock prices similar to those observed in the real world. The evidence suggests that in an inefficient market, policies designed to mitigate price changes might be appropriate.
On the Ramanujan AGM Fraction, II: The Complex-Parameter Case

The Ramanujan continued fraction is interesting in many ways; e.g., for certain complex parameters (η, a, b) one has an attractive AGM relation R η (a, b) + R η(b, a) = 2R η ((a + b)/2, √ab). Alas, for some parameters the continued fraction R η does not converge; moreover, there are converging instances where the AGM relation itself does not hold. To unravel these dilemmas we herein establish convergence theorems, the central result being that R 1 converges whenever |a| ≠ |b|. Such analysis leads naturally to the conjecture that divergence occurs whenever a = be iφ with cos2 φ ≠ 1 (which conjecture has been proven in a separate work) [Borwein et al. 04b. ] We further conjecture that for a/b lying in a certain—and rather picturesque—complex domain, we have both convergence and the truth of the AGM relation.
Making sense of the Master Data Management (MDM) concept: old wine in new bottles or new wine in old bottles?

This paper presents an insight into the emerging concept of master data management (MDM) and highlights issues that both academics and business managers should consider to better understand the meaning of this ‘hot topic’. This critical reflection paper is forward-looking and uses the concept of the knowledge discovery in databases (KDD) process to present an abstracted view of the potential steps constituting an organisation’s business intelligence (BI) initiative, in an effort to make sense of the MDM concept. We argue that MDM is effectively data warehousing branded with enterprise resource planning (ERP) market rhetoric and contains an added repository of ‘master data’. Furthermore, we view an organisational implementation of MDM as another attempt at data quality/integration due to the failure of previous data warehousing, and ERP and ERPII initiatives within the organisation. Finally, we argue that more research should be conducted to fully appreciate the true meaning of the concept of MDM.
A space-time process model for the evolution of DNA sequences.

We describe a model for the evolution of DNA sequences by nucleotide substitution, whereby nucleotide sites in the sequence evolve over time, whereas the rates of substitution are variable and correlated over sites. The temporal process used to describe substitutions between nucleotides is a continuous-time Markov process, with the four nucleotides as the states. The spatial process used to describe variation and dependence of substitution rates over sites is based on a serially correlated gamma distribution, i.e., an auto-gamma model assuming Markov-dependence of rates at adjacent sites. To achieve computational efficiency, we use several equal-probability categories to approximate the gamma distribution, and the result is an auto-discrete-gamma model for rates over sites. Correlation of rates at sites then is modeled by the Markov chain transition of rates at adjacent sites from one rate category to another, the states of the chain being the rate categories. Two versions of nonparametric models, which place no restrictions on the distributional forms of rates for sites, also are considered, assuming either independence or Markov dependence. The models are applied to data of a segment of mitochondrial genome from nine primate species. Model parameters are estimated by the maximum likelihood method, and models are compared by the likelihood ratio test. Tremendous variation of rates among sites in the sequence is revealed by the analyses, and when rate differences for different codon positions are appropriately accounted for in the models, substitution rates at adjacent sites are found to be strongly (positively) correlated. Robustness of the results to uncertainty of the phylogenetic tree linking the species is examined.
CMV2b-AGO Interaction Is Required for the Suppression of RDR-Dependent Antiviral Silencing in Arabidopsis

Using a transient plant system, it was previously found that the suppression of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) 2b protein relies on its double-strand (ds) RNA binding capacity, but it is independent of its interaction with ARGONAUTE (AGO) proteins. Thus, the biological meaning of the 2b-AGO interaction in the context of virus infection remains elusive. In this study, we created infectious clones of CMV mutants that expressed the 2b functional domains of dsRNA or AGO binding and tested the effect of these CMV mutants on viral pathogenicity. We found that the mutant CMV2b(1–76) expressing the 2b dsRNA-binding domain exhibited the same virulence as wild-type CMV in infection with either wild-type Arabidopsis or rdr1/6 plants with RDR1- and RDR6-deficient mutations. However, remarkably reduced viral RNA levels and increased virus (v)siRNAs were detected in CMV2b(1–76)-infected Arabidopsis in comparison to CMV infection, which demonstrated that the 2b(1–76) deleted AGO-binding domain failed to suppress the RDR1/RDR6-dependent degradation of viral RNAs. The mutant CMV2b(8–111) expressing mutant 2b, in which the N-terminal 7 amino acid (aa) was deleted, exhibited slightly reduced virulence, but not viral RNA levels, in both wild-type and rdr1/6 plants, which indicated that 2b retained the AGO-binding activity acquired the counter-RDRs degradation of viral RNAs. The deletion of the N-terminal 7 aa of 2b affected virulence due to the reduced affinity for long dsRNA. The mutant CMV2b(18–111) expressing mutant 2b lacked the N-terminal 17 aa but retained its AGO-binding activity greatly reduced virulence and viral RNA level. Together with the instability of both 2b(18–111)-EGFP and RFP-AGO4 proteins when co-expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves, our data demonstrates that the effect of 2b-AGO interaction on counter-RDRs antiviral defense required the presence of 2b dsRNA-binding activity. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the dsRNA-binding activity of the 2b was essential for virulence, whereas the 2b-AGO interaction was necessary for interference with RDR1/6-dependent antiviral silencing in Arabidopsis.
Optimal Edge Perservation in Volume Rendering Using Canny Edge Detector

This paper presents a method to preserve sharp edge details in splatting for volume rendering. Conventional splatting algorithms produce fuzzy images for views close to the volume model. Computing the weighted average of the pixel values in a window is a basic module in many computer vision operators. The process is reformulated in a linear vector space and the role of the different subspaces is emphasized Within this framework well known artifacts of the gradient-based edge detectors, such as large spurious responses can be explained quantitatively. Initialization of weights between the input and lone hidden layer by transforming pixel coordinates of the input pattern block into its equivalent one-dimensional representation. Initialization process exhibits better rate of convergence of the back propagation training compare to the randomization of initial weights. We propose a new guide edge linear interpolation technique via address filter and data fusion. For a pixel two sets of observation are defined in two orthogonal directions, and each set produces an estimated value of the pixel. Both multispectral (MS) and panchromatic (PAN) images are provided with different spatial and spectral resolutions. Multispectral classification detects object classes only according to the spectral property of the pixel. These estimates of direction, following the model the different measures of the lack of noisy pixels are fused by linear least mean square estimation error (LMMSE) technique in a more robust estimate, and statistics two sets of observations. Panchromatic image segmentation enables the extraction of detailed objects, like road networks, that are useful in map updating in Geographical Information Systems (GIS), environmental inspection, transportation and urban planning, etc. It also presents a simplified version to reduce computational cost without sacrificing much the interpolation performance.
Mechanisms involved in the vasorelaxant effects produced by the acute application of amfepramone in vitro to rat aortic rings

Amfepramone (diethylpropion) is an appetite-suppressant drug used for the treatment of overweight and obesity. It has been suggested that the systemic and central activity of amfepramone produces cardiovascular effects such as transient ischemic attacks and primary pulmonary hypertension. However, it is not known whether amfepramone produces immediate vascular effects when applied in vitro to rat aortic rings and, if so, what mechanisms may be involved. We analyzed the effect of amfepramone on phenylephrine-precontracted rat aortic rings with or without endothelium and the influence of inhibitors or blockers on this effect. Amfepramone produced a concentration-dependent vasorelaxation in phenylephrine-precontracted rat aortic rings that was not affected by the vehicle, atropine, 4-AP, glibenclamide, indomethacin, clotrimazole, or cycloheximide. The vasorelaxant effect of amfepramone was significantly attenuated by NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and tetraethylammonium (TEA), and was blocked by removal of the vascular endothelium. These results suggest that amfepramone had a direct vasorelaxant effect on phenylephrine-precontracted rat aortic rings, and that inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and the opening of Ca2+-activated K+ channels were involved in this effect.
Analysis of economic growth in Germany based on the growth models of Solow-Swan, Kaldor and Romer

This thesis analyses West Germany's economic growth from 1971 to 1990 and the economic growth of the reunited Germany from 1992 to 2011 using the growth models of Solow (1956) - Swan (1956), Kaldor (Kaldor 1957; Kaldor and Mirrlees 1962; Kaldor 1966) and Romer (1986). Applying the Solow (1956) - Swan (1956) model, it was found that TFP growth was the main driver of Germany's growth during both time periods. However, Germany's economic growth after the reuni_cation was signi_cantly weaker than it had been before the reuni_cation, mainly because TFP growth and capital accumulation was lower. The _ndings of this thesis also show that uctuations in TFP can be explained by the propositions put forward by the Real Business Cycle theory. The German's experience based on the both periods of study is consistent with the analysis found in Plosser (1989) in that there is a positive relationship between GDP growth and TFP growth. The application of the technical progress function of Kaldor and Mirrlees (1962) suggested that Germany experienced more technical progress during the second time period than during the _rst one. For the reunited Germany capital accumulation contributed 0.68 to every one percent increase in RGDP, whereas for West Germany it contributed 0.44 to every one percent increase in RGDP. The regression (Kaldor's technical progress function) results suggested that lower TFP growth for the second time period was due to lower capital investments. In addition, it was found that West Germany's production process from 1971 to 1990 was slightly more capital intensive than the production process of Germany from 1992 to 2011. The thesis also tested Kaldor's (1966) three growth laws on the growth experience of the reunited Germany. It was found that only the _rst proposition was con_rmed, suggesting that the manufacturing sector was the driver of Germany's economic growth. No evidence was found for Kaldor's (1966) second and third propositions. The application of Romer's (1986) growth model was unsuccessful. Neither the use of the number of patents granted, R&D expenditure or R&D personnel as a proxy for knowledge did show a statistically signi_cant relationship with TFP growth or with the evolution of the net capital stock. Therefore, it is concluded that in Germany knowledge accumulation does not lead to technological progress or capital accumulation. If the number of patents granted, R&D expenditure or R&D personnel did not played a positive impact on TFP growth, then what is a signi_cant sector? One such sector could be "learning-by-doing" as proposed by Arrow (1962).
Economic impact of the European Union Emission Trading Scheme : evidence from the refining sector

I study the economic impact of the European Union Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS) on the refining industry in Europe. I contrast previous ex-ante studies with the lessons from a series of interviews I conducted with industrials, and the public data available on the first phase of the scheme, effective from January 1st, 2005 to December 31st, 2007. I conclude that because of organizational inertia, weak incentives linked to the low emission permit price that prevailed during its second part, and important industrial and regulatory constraints, the Phase I of EU ETS has had a limited economic impact on firms. However, this first trading period was instrumental in allowing the refining sector to build the capabilities needed to respond efficiently to the carbon price signal in the long run. I argue that the internal and external constraints that this first phase revealed will shape the future outcome of the scheme. Based on evidence from the refining sector under EU ETS, I take position in the current debate over policy design to suggest ways for regulators to improve the economic impact and environmental effectiveness of carbon markets. Thesis Supervisor: A. Denny Ellerman Title: Senior Lecturer, Sloan School of Management
Relationship between personality traits and cooperation of adolescent orthodontic patients.

OBJECTIVE To establish the relationship between the personality traits of the adolescent and his or her cooperation with the orthodontic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS From a sample of 70 adolescent orthodontic patients (46 girls and 24 boys) between 12 and 15 years of age (average age, 13.4 +/- 1.1 years), the patients' personality traits were evaluated by using a personality questionnaire (16 Personality Factors-Adolescent Personal Questionnaire) and the degree of patient cooperation was assessed through the cooperation test (Orthodontic Patient Cooperation Scale [OPCS]). The cutting point for the assessment of cooperation on the OPCS questionnaire (noncooperation vs cooperation) was carried out through the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of curves. A chi2 test with Yates correction (P < or = .05) was applied to evaluate the associations between the degree of cooperation and the scales of personality, gender, or age. RESULTS The cutting point for cooperation as assessed by the OPCS by means of ROC analysis was 380. No statistically significant relations were found between the degree of cooperation and the scales of personality, gender, or age. CONCLUSIONS The results of the current study indicate that the personality traits alone of adolescents do not predict cooperation during treatment.
Commitment, Discretion and Fixed Exchange Rates in an Open Economy

Within a small open economy we derive a tractable framework for the analysis of the optimal monetary policy design problem as well as of simple feedback rules. The international relative price channel is emphasized as the one peculiar to the open economy dimension of monetary policy. Hence flexibility in the nominal exchange rate enhances such channel. We first show that a feature of the optimal policy under commitment, unlike the one under discretion, is to entail stationary nominal exchange rate and price level. We show that this property characterizes also a regime of fixed exchange rates. Hence, in evaluating the desirability of such a regime, this benefit needs to be weighed against the cost of excess smoothness in the terms of trade. We show that there exist combinations of the parameter values that make a regime of fixed exchange rates more desirable than the discretionary optimal policy. When the economy is sufficiently open, this happens for a high relative weight assigned to output gap variability in the Central Bank’s loss function and for high values of the elasticity substitution between domestic and foreign goods. We draw from this interesting conclusions for a modern version of the optimal currency area literature.
Hyaluronidase Inhibitory Activity of Pentacylic Triterpenoids from Prismatomeris tetrandra (Roxb.) K. Schum: Isolation, Synthesis and QSAR Study

The mammalian hyaluronidase degrades hyaluronic acid by the cleavage of the β-1,4-glycosidic bond furnishing a tetrasaccharide molecule as the main product which is a highly angiogenic and potent inducer of inflammatory cytokines. Ursolic acid 1, isolated from Prismatomeris tetrandra, was identified as having the potential to develop inhibitors of hyaluronidase. A series of ursolic acid analogues were either synthesized via structure modification of ursolic acid 1 or commercially obtained. The evaluation of the inhibitory activity of these compounds on the hyaluronidase enzyme was conducted. Several structural, topological and quantum chemical descriptors for these compounds were calculated using semi empirical quantum chemical methods. A quantitative structure activity relationship study (QSAR) was performed to correlate these descriptors with the hyaluronidase inhibitory activity. The statistical characteristics provided by the best multi linear model (BML) (R2 = 0.9717, R2cv = 0.9506) indicated satisfactory stability and predictive ability of the developed model. The in silico molecular docking study which was used to determine the binding interactions revealed that the ursolic acid analog 22 had a strong affinity towards human hyaluronidase.
An Effective Broadcast Scheme for Alert Message Propagation in Vehicular Ad hoc Networks

In this paper, we focus on a vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) that makes use of 802.11-like wireless interfaces for Inter Vehicular Communication (IVC). We propose a distributed position-based broadcast protocol, named Smart Broadcast (SB), that aims at i) maximizing the progress of the message along the propagation line, and ii) minimizing the re-broadcast delay. The protocol is analyzed through a mathematical model that permits to determine the optimal parameter setting for a given scenario. Simulations are then used to validate the mathematical model and to compare SB with other broadcast algorithms.
A Continuous Model of Multilateral Bargaining with Random Arrival Times

This paper proposes a continuous-time model framework of bargaining, which is analytically tractable even in complex situations like coalitional bargaining. The main ingredients of the model are: (i) players get to make offers according to a random arrival process; (ii) there is a deadline that ends negotiations. In the case of n-player group bargaining, there is a unique subgame-perfect Nash equilibrium, and the share of the surplus a player can expect is proportional to her arrival rate. In general coalitional bargaining, existence and uniqueness of Markov perfect equilibrium is established. In convex games, the set of limit payoffs as the deadline gets infinitely far away exactly corresponds to the core. The limit allocation selected from the core is determined by the relative arrival rates. As an application of the model, legislative bargaining with deadline is investigated.
Security Threats and Countermeasures in Cloud Computing

Security concerns have given rise to immerging an active area of research due to the many security threats that many organizations have faced at present. Addressing these issues requires getting confidence from user for cloud applications and services. In this paper, we have cast light over the major security threats of cloud computing systems, while introducing the most suitable countermeasures for them. We have also cited the aspect to be focused on when talking about cloud security. We have categorized these threats according to different viewpoints, providing a useful and little-known list of threats. After that some effective countermeasures are listed and explained.