Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Guiding Blind Transmitters : Relay-aided Topological Interference Alignment for KUser Downlink MIMO Channel

In this paper, we characterize multi-user broadcast interference relay channels that are managed using multi-antenna interference alignment strategies. A new transmission method is proposed, which we refer to as the relay space-time interference alignment (R-STIA) technique, that supports K-user multipleinput and multiple-output (MIMO) interference relay channels with multiple antennas at the transmitter and relay. By introducing additional receivers and limited channel state information at the relay (CSIR), knowledge of the network settings is used to recover interference signals from the source and relay. Conventional approaches that detect symbols in the presence of interference require the use of optimal reception techniques at the transmitter, such as the linear minimum mean square error (MMSE) technique. In contrast, the R-STIA technique is applied to the interference signals so that the received signal information can be aligned and decoded perfectly at all receivers. We implement the Chordal distance scheduling algorithm at the destination to minimize the distance between the source and relay precoders, which aids in the measurement of the orthogonality between different users. Since the proposed scheme relies on limited CSIR knowledge, it can be used to efficiently reconstruct the interference signals at additional unintended receivers. Furthermore, we show that the computational complexity analysis for the proposed Chordal distance scheduling algorithm is compared with existing optimal, suboptimal scheduling algorithms. The numerical results show that the proposed R-STIA technique and Chordal distance scheduling algorithm significantly increase the sum-rate performance and reduces run time compared with existing MIMO broadcast channel schemes.
HIV care continuum among men who have sex with men and persons who inject drugs in India: barriers to successful engagement.

BACKGROUND We characterize the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care continuum for men who have sex with men (MSM) and persons who inject drugs (PWID) across India. METHODS We recruited 12 022 MSM and 14 481 PWID across 26 Indian cities, using respondent-driven sampling (September 2012 to December 2013). Participants were aged ≥18 years and either self-identified as male and reported sex with a man in the prior year (MSM) or reported injection drug use in the prior 2 years (PWID). Correlates of awareness of HIV-positive status were characterized using multilevel logistic regression. RESULTS A total of 1146 MSM were HIV infected, of whom a median of 30% were aware of their HIV-positive status, 23% were linked to care, 22% were retained before antiretroviral therapy (ART), 16% had started ART, 16% were currently receiving ART, and 10% had suppressed viral loads. There was site variability (awareness range, 0%-90%; suppressed viral load range, 0%-58%). A total of 2906 PWID were HIV infected, of whom a median of 41% were aware, 36% were linked to care, 31% were retained before ART, 20% had started ART, 18% were currently receiving ART, and 15% had suppressed viral loads. Similar site variability was observed (awareness range: 2%-93%; suppressed viral load range: 0%-47%). Factors significantly associated with awareness were region, older age, being married (MSM) or female (PWID), use of other services (PWID), more lifetime sexual partners (MSM), and needle sharing (PWID). Ongoing injection drug use (PWID) and alcohol use (MSM) were associated with lower awareness. CONCLUSIONS In this large sample, the major barrier to HIV care engagement was awareness of HIV-positive status. Efforts should focus on linking HIV testing to other essential services. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT01686750.
A New Biologically Inspired Feature for Scene Image Classification

Scene classification is a hot topic in pattern recognition and computer vision area. In this paper, based on the past research on vision neuroscience, we proposed a new biologically inspired feature method for scene image classification. The new feature accounts for the visual processing from simple cell to complex cell in V1 area, and also the spatial layout for scene gist signature. It provides a different line and model revision to consider some nonlinearities inV1 area. We compare it with traditional HMAX model and recently proposed ScSPM model, and experiment on a popular 15 scenes dataset. We show that our proposed method has many important differences and merits. The experiment results also show that our method outperforms the state-of-the-art like ScSPM and KSPM model.
Using a self-report depression scale to identify remission in depressed outpatients.

OBJECTIVE Some have suggested that standardized rating scales be used in clinical practice to monitor the course of treatment; however, the time demands of clinical practice make it difficult to use such measures. This study derived a cutoff on a self-report depression questionnaire corresponding to the most widely used definition of remission (a score < or =7 on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale). METHOD Two hundred sixty-seven depressed outpatients were rated on the Hamilton depression scale and completed the Clinically Useful Depression Outcome Scale (CUDOS). The authors used receiver operating curve analysis to examine the ability of the CUDOS to identify remission on the Hamilton depression scale. RESULTS A high level of agreement was found between the self-report and Hamilton depression scale assessments of remission. CONCLUSIONS Self-report questionnaires represent a practical option for thoroughly and objectively evaluating the course of treatment and determining remission in depressed patients.
Position Ranking and Auctions for Online Marketplaces

Online e-commerce platforms, such as Amazon and Taobao, connect thousands of sellers and consumers every day. In this work, we study how such platforms should rank products displayed to consumers and utilize the top and most salient slots. We present a model that considers consumers’ search costs and the externalities sellers impose on each other. This model allows us to study a multiobjective optimization, whose objective includes consumer and seller surplus as well as the sales revenue, and derive the optimal ranking decision. In addition, we propose a surplus-ordered ranking mechanism for selling some of the top slots. This mechanism is motivated in part by Amazon’s sponsored search program. We show that the Vickrey–Clarke–Groves mechanism would not be applicable to our setting and propose a new mechanism. This mechanism is near optimal, performing significantly better than those that do not incentivize sellers to reveal their private information regarding each consumer purchase, such as their profit. Moreover, we generalize our model to settings in which platforms can provide partial information about the products and facilitate the consumer search and show the robustness of our findings. This paper was accepted by David Simchi-Levi, operations management.
Argument structure constructions and syntactic productivity The case of Swedish motion constructions

This article investigates the productivity of the Swedish intransitive motion construction verb.intr-iväg ‘off’, which contains a verb, the directional adverb iväg ‘off’ and an optional PP. In a usage-based construction grammar (Goldberg 1995; Goldberg 2006; Barðdal 2008; Bybee 2010) syntactic productivity concerns the possibility of using argument constructions with new verbs (or other argument taking heads) as well as with ordinary verbs with a new function. This notion of productivity is based on type frequency, semantic variability and similarity. The article is based on two case studies. The first study investigates this construction in a corpus of blogs. The study gave 17,330 hits, with a type frequency of 193 verbs and a semantic variability of 41 frames. These usage findings are incorporated into a formal description of the construction. The second study investigates the semantic variability of the construction by using lexical units associated with six semantic frames in the Swedish FrameNet. The study accounts for 135 verbs, the majority of which are considered rare. The article shows that even though speakers tend to use the same small prototypical set of verbs in this construction, it is also possible to use the construction with a wide variety of verbs, which are used with the same functions as the more established ones.
A Clustering Algorithm Based on Fuzzy-Type Linear Discriminant Analysis and Spatial-Contextual Support Vector Machines

Statistical learning is trying to develop computer algorithms to recognize complex patterns and make decisions based on empirical data automatically. Two major issues are clustering and classification. Clustering organizes patterns into sensible clusters for patterns in the same cluster to be similar in a sense, whereas classification identifies the categories to which new patterns belong based on an available training set of data containing patterns of known categories. This thesis introduces a fuzzy-based clustering and a spatial-contextual classifier. Fuzzy-based clustering defines withinand between-cluster scatter matrices of a fuzzy-type linear discriminant analysis, and the clustering results are based on the Fisher criterion. The proposed clustering algorithm minimizes the within-cluster information and simultaneously maximizes the between-cluster information. For the classification part, a spatial-contextual term was used to modify the decision function and constraints of a support vector machine. Experimental results show that the proposed methods achieve good clustering and classification performance on famous real data sets.
histological effects of enamel matrix derivative proteins emdogain on the healing of rats wounds

The regeneration of tooth supporting tissues lost to periodontal disease has been an important goal of periodontal treatment [1]. Several approaches have been classically proposed to achieve this goal including the use of grafting materials and barrier membranes [1]. More recently, biologic mediators, such as Enamel Matrix Derivative (EMD), have also been applied for periodontal regeneration [2-4]. EMD was originally described as a protein extract capable of regenerating root cementum and consequently promoting the formation of a new periodontal ligament and alveolar bone [2,3,5,6]. In fact, a number of animal and clinical studies have demonstrated that EMD can successfully regenerate lost periodontal tissues in intrabony defects, class II furcation defects, and dehiscence defects [1,3,7,8]. Furthermore, EMD has been combined with coronally advanced flap for root coverage procedures, and recent evidence has demonstrated that this combined approach yields predictable long-term results [9,10].
PYROLYSIS OF PINE BARK, WHEAT STRAW AND RICE HUSK: THERMOGRAVIMETRIC ANALYSIS AND KINETIC STUDY

This manuscript focuses on the pyrolysis of pine bark, wheat straw and rice husk. Thermogravimetric curves were obtained for the three biomass fuels for heating rates of 5, 10 and 15 K/min in an inert atmosphere of Argon to investigate the impact of the type of biomass in the pyrolysis behaviour under different heating conditions. Distinctive thermogravimetric and differential thermogravimetric curves were obtained owing to the different composition of the biomass fuels, but the impact of the heating rates was marginal. In order to better understand the impact of the biomass composition in the pyrolysis, their main components were estimated. Additionally, a two-step algorithm was used to optimize the global kinetic parameters of a single reaction model (SFOM) and of a three parallel reaction model (3PM). The activation energies obtained by fitting each model to the experimental data are within the values reported in the literature. For each biomass fuel, all heating rates were globally fitted, with errors of the order of 5%-7% for the SFOM and of ~ 2% for the 3PM.
The Effects of Quince Seed Mucilage and Carboxymethyl Cellulose Coating on the Chemical Properties of French Fries

Potato variety Satina after slicing (6 × 1 × 1 dimensions) was coated by dipping in 0.5, 1 and 1.5 percent of quince seed mucilage and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). These samples with a control group, which was not covered, were fried in oil, then acid and peroxide values of samples were measured. Use of hydrocolloid coating caused a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the peroxide and acid values due to the heating. The control sample revealed the highest acid value and mucilage 1.5% had the lowest acid value. In general the value of acidity was decreased as the result of increasing the concentration of hydrocolloids. Results showed that the use of the selected hydrocolloid coatings significantly reduced the peroxide value in comparison with the control group. Mean comparison of coating factor effect on peroxide value showed that peroxide value in control group had the highest amount in the entire testing process.
Kinetic , equilibrium and thermodynamic studies for the removal of lead ions from aqueous solutions by using low cost adsorbents : a comparative study

Adsorption and desorption of Pb(II) on two natural minerals (natural calcite and eggshell) were studied. The ability of the natural materials in removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solutions had been examined in a batch adsorption process with respect to several experimental conditions including initial solution pH, contact time, initial metal ion concentration, temperature and adsorbent concentration. The absorption isotherms showed that the adsorption capacity of substrates varied as follows: natural calcite>eggshell. Desorption kinetics show a complete hysteresis testify to the irreversibility of the bonds formed between Pb and the substrates. Thus, the uptake of lead was reproduced by a cation exchange model and by a surface complexation model for the mineral-aqueous solution interface. The thermodynamic study demonstrated that lead adsorption is endothermic for both adsorbents. It is spontaneous and non-spontaneous for natural calcite and eggshell, respectively. All these results indicate that eggshell and natural calcite could be employed as efficient low-cost and eco-friendly adsorbents for lead removal from industrial wastewaters.
Effects of long term fertilizer use on trace metal levels of soils in a farm settlement

Long term use of fertilizers for agricultural purposes has been an issue of concern to researchers. The presence of metals in some agricultural fertilizers raised fears that continued use could lead to accumulation of these metals to toxic levels in the soil. We investigated the effects of long term fertilizer use on the distribution of selected trace metals in soils at the National Institute for Horticultural research (NIHORT), Ibadan, Oyo state where extensive agricultural practices have taken place for over 33 years. Results indicate that the total metal concentration after prolonged fertilizer use is of the order Mn>Zn>Pb>Cu>Cd. Metal concentrations obtained from the fertilized sites of the plots studied were higher than that of the unfertilized site. However, testing at P < 0.05 indicate that there has not been significant accumulation of these metals due to prolonged fertilizer use. This indicates that the distribution of metals among the various metal fractions between fertilized/unfertilized sites have not changed significantly following the long-term use of fertilizers in the Institute(NIHORT). Recovery studies establish the accuracy of the results at 97% for copper and 84% for zinc in the carbonate fraction of typical fertilized and unfertilized soil samples.
Unfolding of quadruplex structure in the G-rich strand of the minisatellite repeat by the binding protein UP1

The mouse hypervariable minisatellite (MN) Pc-1 consists of tandem repeats of d(GGCAG) and flanked sequences. We have previously demonstrated that single-stranded d(GGCAG)n folds into the intramolecular folded-back quadruplex structure under physiological conditions. Because DNA polymerase progression in vitro is blocked at the repeat, the characteristic intramolecular quadruplex structure of the repeat, at least in part, could be responsible for the hypermutable feature of Pc-1 and other MNs with similar repetitive units. On the other hand, we have isolated six MN Pc-1 binding proteins (MNBPs) from nuclear extracts of NIH 3T3 cells. Here, we describe one of those MNBPs, MNBP-B, that binds to the single-stranded d(GGCAG)n. Amino acid sequences of seven proteolytic peptide fragments of MNBP-B were determined, and the cDNA clones were isolated. MNBP-B was proven identical to the single-stranded DNA-binding protein, UP1. Recombinant UP1 bound to single-stranded d(GGCAG)n and other G-rich repetitive sequences, such as d(GTCAGG)n and d(GTTAGG)n. In addition, UP1 was demonstrated by CD spectrum analysis to unfold the intramolecular quadruplex structure of d(GGCAG)5 and d(TTAGGG)4 and to abrogate the arrest of DNA synthesis at the d(GGG)n site. This ability of UP1 suggests that unfolding of quadruplex DNA is required for DNA synthesis processes.
Hello? Who is posting, who is answering, and who is succeeding in Massive Open Online Courses

Research has shown that participating in online discussion forums is tied to improved learning outcomes, but in the case of Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs), very few students utilize this resource. This paper presents a preliminary investigation of demographic differences in the relationship between participation (using four different measures related to students production in the forum and the responses they receive) and course completion, demonstrating the need of further research into the potential causes for these differences.
Soap preparation from soxhlet extracted Nigerian cotton seed oil.

The large scale industrial production of cotton seed oil in Nigeria has unrestricted its use for only food application. A journey has started towards the utilization of this seed oil for soap production. Physicochemical analysis of the extracted seed oil was carried out in order to justify its usefulness in soap industry. The following values were obtained for the various parameters measured; Saponification value 199.42 ± 0.53 mgKOH/g, Iodine value 119.78 ± 0.81g I2/100g and Acid value 0.81± 0.01mgKOH/g. The oil yield was 48%. The analytical values obtained were significantly in favour of the utilization of the indigenous cotton seed for soap production on commercial scale. The pH of the soap was 9.38, comparably within the higher pH range of 9- 11 set by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), mostly due to incomplete alkali hydrolysis resulting from the saponification process. The foam height of the soap was 4.5cm lower than that of Jatropha, sesame and cotton seed soaps analyzed higher than that of Neem, castor and castor superfatted with glycerine soaps. The soap was white and slightly soluble in distilled water.
Adaptive Rate Control and Frame Length Adjustment for IEEE 802.11n Wireless Networks

In order to improve the utilization of the fading channel of the high-rate IEEE 802.11n wireless networks, an adaptive rate control and frame length adjustment scheme (i.e., ARCLA) is proposed in this paper. In ARCLA, the subframe error rate (SFER) of the aggregate MAC protocol data unit (A-MPDU) is used for the estimation of the link quality, and the channel air time is fairly allocated over the data transmissions based on the channel coherent time to ensure the uniformity of the link quality during one frame transmission. According to that, the data rate and the data frame length are adaptively adjusted in two-dimensions to fit the fluctuant channel condition. Furthermore, an analytical framework based on the semi-Markov process is formulated to evaluate the performance of our scheme. Simulations results verify the theoretical analysis and show the superiority of ARCLA in respect to throughput performance.
Tribological studies of thermally and chemically modified vegetable oils for use as environmentally friendly lubricants

Boundary lubrication in a dynamic mechanical system is primarily governed by the formation of a stable tribochemical film. Polar functional groups in the triacylglycerol molecule of vegetable oil in conjunction with oil–additive–metal interaction during the metal rubbing process can significantly improve the wear resistance and extreme-pressure lubrication. Increasing the polar functionality of vegetable oil structure has a positive impact on wear protection resulting from stronger adsorption on metal surface as well as greater lateral interaction between the ester chains. The results reveal that ester groups of triacylglycerol molecule react with phosphate groups to form a protective fatty-phosphite layer. Antimony impregnation into the metal surface following strong complexation reaction with metal sulfide results in significant improvement in extreme-pressure characteristics due to alteration in surface metallurgy. In this case, seizure is averted even when the fluid adsorbed layer and phosphite coating is removed because of antimony induced surface hardness. The difference can be observed by analyzing the metal surface using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Selected bio fluids viz. soybean oil (SBO), thermally modified soybean oil (TMSBO) and chemically modified soybean oil (CMSBO) were investigated for potential application as industrial fluids. © 2004 Published by Elsevier B.V.
Perceived Parental Involvement: Impact on Student Involvement in Higher Education

Parental involvement in the college student experience has been perceived previously as negative and debilitating to growth and the development of the student’s autonomy and involvement within the institution. While this is confirmed in certain cases, the complexity of the parent/student relationship makes it difficult to generalize all parental involvement as negative. Mattanah et al. (2004) summarized a growing body of evidence proposing that both a secure attachment relationship to parents and a healthy level of separation-individuation are foretelling of constructive academic, social, and personalemotional adjustment to college. This research looks to explore the correlation between a student’s perceived parental involvement and the level of engagement with the institution academically and socially. Quantitative data was collected and correlated using the Parental Involvement Survey and the NSSE 2.0 Pilot survey. Results indicated a zero to slightly positive correlation between the two scales, suggesting healthy parental involvement as a potential asset for an institution looking to promote student involvement.
THE STUDY OF INDIAN OCEAN TSUNAMI 26 DECEMBER 2004 : ANALYSIS OF NATURE OF SEISMIC SOURCE FOR THE EARTHQUAKE

In this work, it is performed an analysis of physical aspects of underwater earthquake of 26 December 2004 in Indian Ocean on the basis of keyboard model of tsunamigenic earthquakes. For numerical simulation of generation and propagation of surface water waves in the Indian Ocean basin it is used a simplified keyboard model of tsunamigenic earthquakes with vertical displacements of keyboard blocks, from which the seismic source consists, taking into account the real bathymetry. It was performed the numerical simulation for 26 December 2004 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake with taking into account the oblique character of the subduction zone characteristic for this earthquake. There were considered different scenarios of keyboard blocks motion, corresponding to real seismic and hydroacoustic studies of given earthquake process presented in a number of works on given earthquake. Adequateness of the calculations performed was verified by comparison of real altimetric records of satellite “Yason-1” with virtual altimetric record obtained by us for each calculation. The computations performed explain the complex character of tsunami wave propagation for given earthquake.