Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A geometric analysis of the AWGN channel with a (σ, ρ)-power constraint

We consider the additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel with a (σ, ρ)-power constraint, which is motivated by energy harvesting communication systems. This constraint imposes a limit of σ + kρ on the total power of any k ≥ 1 consecutive transmitted symbols in a codeword. We analyze the capacity of this channel geometrically, by considering the set S<sub>n</sub>(σ, ρ) ⊆ ℝ<sup>n</sup> which is the set of all n-length sequences satisfying the (σ, ρ)-power constraints. For a noise power of ν, we obtain an upper bound on capacity by considering the volume of the Minkowski sum of S<sub>n</sub>(σ, ρ) and the n-dimensional Euclidean ball of radius √(nν). We analyze this bound using a result from convex geometry known as Steiner's formula, which gives the volume of this Minkowski sum in terms of the intrinsic volumes of S<sub>n</sub>(σ, ρ). We show that as n increases, the logarithms of the intrinsic volumes of {S<sub>n</sub>(σ, ρ)} converge to a limit function under an appropriate scaling. An upper bound on capacity is obtained in terms of the limit function, thus pinning down the asymptotic capacity of the (σ, ρ)-power constrained AWGN channel in the low-noise regime. We derive stronger results when σ = 0, corresponding to the amplitude-constrained AWGN channel.
Drivers of farmers' income: The role of farm size and diversification

The study finds that a U-shaped relationship exists between farm size and farm / farmer's income. The results also show that both on-farm and off-farm diversification have an inverted U-shape relationship with farm / farmer's income. That is, diversification up to some level helps improve income but excessive diversification might lead to misallocation of resources and hence a fall in income. The results also show that engagement in public works programme such as MGNREGA has an adverse impact on farm / farmer's income, possibly due to the opportunity cost of time spent in such programmes. Finally, positive effect of education on income is seen only at somewhat high education levels.
Influence of smoking and race on immunoglobulin G subclass concentrations in early-onset periodontitis patients

Recent data indicate that smoking is an important risk factor for the development of periodontitis. Smoking is also known to reduce serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels. Interestingly, patients with the localized form of early-onset periodontitis (LJP) have elevated levels of serum IgG2, and those who smoke are not clinically different from nonsmoking LJ subjects. In contrast, patients with the generalized form of early-onset periodontitis (G-EOP) who smoke have more extensive destruction than their nonsmoking counterparts. Given the effects of smoking on EOP and the association of IgG2 with less severe disease, we hypothesized that smoking might reduce serum IgG2 and that this might be most apparent in G-EOP. We therefore examined the effects of smoking on serum IgG subclass concentrations in race-matched groups: LJP, G-EOP, and age-matched periodontally healthy controls (NPs). Smoking status was established from serum cotinine levels, and serum IgG subclass concentrations were determined by using radial immunodiffusion. The data indicated that the effects of smoking were remarkably selective with respect to both IgG subclass and race. Smoking did not appear to have any effect on the concentration of IgG1 or IgG3 in either black or white subjects. In contrast, smoking was associated with depressed serum IgG2 concentrations in both white NP and G-EOP subgroups. Serum IgG2 levels in black subjects did not appear to be depressed by smoking, with the single striking exception of the black G-EOP subgroup which also had depressed serum IgG4 levels. The results here confirm that smoking has effects on serum immunoglobulin levels, but the effects were both race and serum IgG subclass specific. Furthermore, the periodontal diagnosis of EOP subjects appeared to be important, as indicated by the fact that IgG2 and IgG4 levels were reduced in smoking black G-EOP subjects whereas the IgG2 and IgG4 levels in black LJP and NP subjects were not reduced by smoking.
The Integrative Effects of Flexible Work Arrangements and Preferences for Segmenting or Integrating Work and Home Roles

Flexible work arrangements are being offered by an increasing number of organizations for recruitment and retention purposes. However, Person-Environment Fit theory (Edwards, 1996) suggests that flexible work arrangements may not be beneficial for all employees. This study examined the relationship of flexible work arrangement use with employee performance, affective commitment, and turnover intentions, while taking into consideration the moderating effects of employees’ preferences for segmenting or integrating their work and home lives. The sample consisted of 172 employees from eight organizations in Ireland. Marginally significant effects for compressed workweeks were found. Implications for future practitioners and future research are discussed.
Use of standards for implementing a multimedia information protection and management system

In the multimedia content life cycle, the provision of trust to content creators, content providers and distributors is a key issue. The fight against piracy, and, in general, against unauthorized usage of multimedia content should lie on the protection of content, that helps to guarantee only authorized usage, respecting the rights that users have over the content. Some standard initiatives, like MPEG-21, are trying to provide a framework where trust and protection can be defined and associated to multimedia content. The MIPAMS (multimedia information protection and management system) architecture is our starting point to address the solution to this problem. We are enhancing our initial MIPAMS by adding standards-conformant tools for content protection. In some cases, we conclude that current standards need to be adapted to new applications. In this context, the FP6 programme AXMEDIS project will provide tools and demonstrators to show how to provide trust and protection for the whole distribution chain.
Herbal fortification of bread with fennel seeds.

Fennel seeds are a source of many nutrients, i.e. sugars, minerals, essential fatty acids, vital vitamins, protein and fibre. They are also rich in essential oil and many flavonoids. The sweet-flavoured fennel seeds are very popular worldwide and are extensively used in culinary and therapeutic fields. Bread fortified with fennel seed powder is thus likely to have higher consumer acceptability than white or other fortified bread. In this study, bread samples were prepared by supplementing white flour with fennel seed powder at the levels of 3.0, 5.0, 7.0, 10.0 and 15.0 % and their physical, sensory, antioxidant and staling characteristics were determined. Crumb moisture increased and reached the maximum at 7.0 % level of supplementation with gradual increase in crumb firmness. An attempt has been made to understand the role of fennel seed powder in the bread samples during storage. Antioxidant activity (i.e. total phenolic content, ferric reducing antioxidant power and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging) showed an increase up to 7.0 % level of supplementation. Bread with fennel seed content between 5.0 and 7.0 % showed the highest acceptability among the fortified bread samples.
"M" cell distribution in follicle-associated epithelium of mouse Peyer's patch.

The distribution of "M" cells within the follicle-associated epithelium (FAE) of mouse Peyer's patches has been estimated from a series of SEM micrographs. "M" cells are found generally to be distributed evenly throughout the higher regions of the FAE. The frequency with which "M" cells occur decreases in the lower regions of the FAE. No "M" cells are found in the follicle-associated crypts. "M" cell microvilli are longer than those of enterocytes found at the base of the follicle-associated crypts and shorter than those found on enterocytes in other parts of the FAE. No lymphoid cells occur within the epithelium of the follicle-associated crypt. Lymphoid cells in the higher regions of the FAE are associated closely with "M" cells. There is, in the lower regions of the FAE, a transitional zone where lymphoid cells occur both free within the epithelium and closely associated with "M" cells. It is suggested that an initial close association of lymphoid cells with young, fully differentiated enterocytes is responsible for the latter's subsequent transformation to "M" cells.
Automated serum calcium analyses corrected for dialysis effects.

Serum calcium assays by conventional continuous flow methods use aqueous standards. Less calcium diffuses across the dialyzer from aqueous standards than from the serum samples, producing falsely elevated serum values, especially when a miniature manifold and dialyzer are employed. The difference between the rates of dialysis of calcium in serum and in water has been attributed to the Donnan effect of polycationic protein at an acid pH. The differences in electrical potential across the dialyzer membrane were measured directly. Serum produced a negative difference in potential, the opposite of that required by the Donnan effect. Therefore, other factors, such as osmotic pressure, must be considered. For the continuous flow cresolphthalein complexone (CPC) method, the dialysis error can be corrected by 8% polyvinylpyrrolidone in the calcium standards, and an HC1 concentration of 0.3 N in the diluent stream and 1 N in the recipient stream. Ethylene diamine-tetraacetate (EDTA) in the base reagent subtracts a constant amount of calcium (about 3 mg. per dl.) from all the samples, allows the recorder scale to be expanded, and reduces sample carryover. A revised miniature manifold, used with a one-piece Gilford debubbler flow cell and a linear absorbance spectrophotometer, allows analysis of 100 samples per hour. Peak heights are directly proportional to concentration, thereby eliminating logarithmic conversion.
Combination of multiphoton and reflective confocal imaging of cornea

We combine reflective confocal microscopy with multiphoton microscopy to form a minimally invasive technique to observe the cornea. The two imaging modalities allow detection of complementary information from the cornea. The autofluorescence signal shows the cytoplasm of epithelial cells, and the second harmonic generation signal is used to detect collagen, found mostly in the stroma of the cornea. The reflective confocal imaging allows detection of epithelial cells and keratocytes in the stroma. The system is first tested on bovine cornea. Assessment of the result on the bovine eye will be used to evaluate the potential of the system as a technique for in vivo clinical application. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Private placements of equity and transactions with existing blocks of shares: evidence from UK listed companies

Prior studies suggest that theories on equity offerings applicable to the US are not always applicable to the UK. Further, to my knowledge, little evidence exists on pure UK private placings and, no evidence on blocks o f already listed shares (secondary offers). This study considers this lack o f evidence and contributes to the extant literature by investigating these two types o f equity offerings. More specifically, the study focuses on three main themes: the placing offered discount or premium, the long-run abnormal performance surrounding the offers and, whether the US puzzling reversal of private placement abnormal returns (AR) is also valid in the UK. With regards to the first theme, OLS analysis suggests that information costs and liquidity costs are the main determinants o f the discount o f private placements. Concerning the secondary offerings, they are also mainly priced at discount. However, the secondary offering discount appears to reflect uncertainty about the stock value. The findings contradict the US evidence that imply stonger monitoring costs, especially for the secondary sample. Premiums reflect extraction o f private benefits, regardless o f the offer type. Regarding the second theme, the performance of private placing firms peaks at the offer year and turns negative few years later. The findings suggest the firms time the offer when the stock is overvalued and indicates high selling growth opportunities. While the findings for secondary offers suggest post-offer underperformance, the firms also engage into downwards earnings management the year before the offer. These factors explain the post-offer underperformance. Finally, concerning the third theme, the reversal is also observed in the UK. However, when liquidity and pre-event momentum risk factors are taken into account, the post-offer underperformance disappears. The findings strongly suggest that the traditional models used to measure long-run AR are misspecified. They are unable to adjust for reduction in liquidity risk which changes the risk factor loadings. Hence, the reported AR are downwards biased. As a conclusion, the study adds to the body of knowledge within the equity offerings area. It also contributes to theories such as signalling, agency and market efficiency. Finally, it provides methodological suggestions.
‘Getting on’: older New Zealanders’ perceptions of computing

This article explores older New Zealanders’ perceptions of the barriers to, benefits and negative consequences of computer-based information and communication technologies (ICTs) through the analysis of focus group discussions involving 98 respondents. Older people engage with computers in a context constituted by discourses positioning them as declining in the ability to learn skills such as computing, but creating a burden on society if they do not. In this paradoxical context, participants identified emotional and material barriers, as well as benefits and negative consequences to computer use that are shaped by age and gender. Significant gaps between the New Zealand Government’s identification of the benefits of computing for older people and the benefits identified by older people themselves are highlighted. The article argues for the need for a more balanced approach acknowledging potential negative consequences, promoting the ‘people-centred’ benefits of computer use over and above the national economic benefits emphasized in the government’s drive to encourage older people’s uptake of computer-based ICTs.
Glucosylceramide Biosynthesis is Involved in Golgi Morphology and Protein Secretion in Plant Cells

Lipids have an established role as structural components of membranes or as signalling molecules, but their role as molecular actors in protein secretion is less clear. The complex sphingolipid glucosylceramide (GlcCer) is enriched in the plasma membrane and lipid microdomains of plant cells, but compared to animal and yeast cells, little is known about the role of GlcCer in plant physiology. We have investigated the influence of GlcCer biosynthesis by glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) on the efficiency of protein transport through the plant secretory pathway and on the maintenance of normal Golgi structure. We determined that GlcCer is synthesized at the beginning of the plant secretory pathway [mainly endoplasmic reticulum (ER)] and that d,l‐threo‐1‐phenyl‐2‐decanoyl amino‐3‐morpholino‐propanol (PDMP) is a potent inhibitor of plant GCS activity in vitro and in vivo. By an in vivo confocal microscopy approach in tobacco leaves infiltrated with PDMP, we showed that the decrease in GlcCer biosynthesis disturbed the transport of soluble and membrane secretory proteins to the cell surface, as these proteins were partly retained intracellularly in the ER and/or Golgi. Electron microscopic observations of Arabidopsis thaliana root cells after high‐pressure freezing and freeze substitution evidenced strong morphological changes in the Golgi bodies, pointing to a link between decreased protein secretion and perturbations of Golgi structure following inhibition of GlcCer biosynthesis in plant cells.
Prevalence of Hypodontia in the Permanent Dentition of Macedonian Population

SUMMARY Hypodontia or tooth agenesis is a condition at which the patient is missing one or more teeth due to a failure of those teeth to develop. This is not only an aesthetic, but also a functional deficiency. The incidence of congenitally missing teeth depends on etiological factors that affect tooth development, as well as which dentition is concerned, sex or race and geographic distribution. The tooth agenesis is mostly seen in teeth that are formed last in a given class (lateral incisors, second premolars and third molars). The aim of this study was to calculate the prevalence of congenitally missing teeth in population of FYROM and, through a review of the literature, to compare these results to other populations in the world. For this purpose a retrospective, transversal and cross-sectional study was made, where dental history and anamnesis of 8160 patients (3671 males and 4489 females) were examined, as well as their panoramic radiographs. The patients were 8-18 years old. The data was statistically analyzed with programme Statistica 7.0. The prevalence of hypodontia population of FYROM was 7.52%. Most commonly congenitally missing tooth in patients with hypodontia was mandibular second premolar (35.5% left and 34.53% right). Tooth agenesis predominated in females and in ethnic Albanian population, without significance.
Graves' Disease Affecting one Thyroid lobe (Unilateral Graves' Disease): Case Report

We report a 63-year-old male who was referred to nuclear medicine unit for thyroid scanning with provisional diagnosis of Graves' disease. The patient presented to endocrinology clinic few days before referral with clinical features of heart failure and bilateral exophthalmos, with no history of previous thyroid surgery or anti-thyroid medication. Clinically there awas diffuse enlargement of the right thyroid lobe with no definite nodules and no palpable left lobe. His thyroid hormonal profile revealed evidently elevated free T3 and free T4 [12.9 pmol/L (N: 3.1-6.8) and 38.4 pmol/L (N:12-22) respectively] associated with markedly suppressed serum TSH level (< 0.005mIu/ml). Antimicrosomal antibodies (thyroid peroxidase antibodies) were positive with negative antithyroglobulin antibodies. Tc99m pertechnetate thyroid scan revealed diffuse enlargement of the right lobe with intense homogenous tracer uptake pattern, and more intense tracer uptake in its mid substance due to thicker thyroid tissue rather than true nodule. The upper and lower poles showed intense uptake, more than would be expected for such thinner parts of the lobe. On the other hand the left lob was not functionally suppressed. It is of average size with evidently less tracer uptake in a homogenous pattern, again it harbors no nodules (Fig1). The total thyroid uptake level was 11.5%, the right lobe uptake was 9.9 % while left lobe uptake was 1.6% (Fig1). High resolution thyroid ultrasound (Fig2) revealed average size of the left lobe (14x12x34mm) with decreased echogenicity and no increase in vascularity. On the other hand, the right lobe is enlarged (22x24x46) with coarse texture and no nodules. The combined scintigraphic and sonographic data exclude the presence of toxic nodule occupying the whole right thyroid lobe. The patient was diagnosed as Graves' disease affecting only the right thyroid lobe (unilateral Graves' disease). Fig1: Tc99m thyroid scan showing enlarged right thyroid lobe with intense tracer uptake and no nodules and normal scintigraphic appearance of the left lobe. Total thyroid uptake =11.5%, right lobe =9.9%, Left
Neurobiology of Deep Brain Stimulation Mechanisms of deep brain stimulation

Herrington TM, Cheng JJ, Eskandar EN. Mechanisms of deep brain stimulation. J Neurophysiol 115: 19–38, 2016. First published October 28, 2015; doi:10.1152/jn.00281. 2015. —Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is widely used for the treatment of movement disorders including Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and dystonia and, to a lesser extent, certain treatment-resistant neuropsychiatric disorders including obsessive-compulsive disorder. Rather than a single unifying mechanism, DBS likely acts via several, nonexclusive mechanisms including local and network-wide electrical and neurochemical effects of stimulation, modulation of oscillatory activity, synaptic plasticity, and, potentially, neuroprotection and neurogenesis. These different mechanisms vary in importance depending on the condition being treated and the target being stimulated. Here we review each of these in turn and illustrate how an understanding of these mechanisms is inspiring next-generation approaches to DBS.
Value Relevance of Accounting Information During IFRS Convergence Process In Indonesia

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the value relevance of accounting information in Indonesian market during the IFRS convergence process. Specifically, we investigate whether value relevance improves after significant revisions of standards during the period from 2005 to 2012. Using the price model and return model, we examine the accounting information value relevance of Indonesia listed firms. As predicted, we find that the value relevance of accounting information increases after the accounting standards change. We further document some determinants of value relevance, such as the less informativeness of negative earnings and the more value relevance both of large firms and firms with a higher level of good corporate governance before and after accounting standard change. Finally, these findings contribute to the ongoing debate of IFRS convergence effect on accounting quality, especially the case in emerging markets. Abstrak: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji relevansi nilai dari informasi akuntansi di pasar modal Indonesia selama proses konvergensi IFRS. Secara khusus, penelitian ini menginvestigasi adanya peningkatan relevansi nilai setelah adanya revisi standar akuntansi secara signifikan selama periode tahun 2005 sampai 2012. Dengan menggunakan price model dan return model, penelitian ini menguji relevansi nilai informasi akuntansi dari perusahaan-perusahaan yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia. Sebagaimana telah diprediksi, penelitian ini menemukan bahwa relevansi nilai informasi akuntansi meningkat setelah perubahan standar akuntansi. Dari analasis tambahan, penelitian ini juga menemukan beberapa determinan relevansi nilai akuntansi yaitu laba positif vs laba negatif, ukuran perusahaan dan tingkat penerapan good corporate governance. Temuan dalam penelitian ini memberikan kontribusi pada isu tentang efek konvergensi IFRS pada kualitas informasi akuntansi yang masih menjadi perdebatan terutama untuk kasus pada pasar modal di negara sedang berkembang.