Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gait Changes in a Hemiplegic Patient Using an Ankle-Foot Orthosis with an Oil Damper: A Case Report

This study utilized a single case design to evaluate the effects of an ankle-foot orthosis with an oil damper (AFOOD) that was developed to assist heel rocker function during gait. The gait of a single patient with stroke-related hemiplegia was measured by a 3D motion analysis system. Gait without an AFO and then after training with the AFO-OD were compared. Results showed improvement in temporal and spatial parameters when the patient walked with the AFO-OD, and height and progressive velocity of the center of gravity showed the movement as an inverted pendulum as seen in ankle rocker movement during normal gait. Peak plantar flexion moment in late stance was increased despite the AFO-OD not assisting the plantar flexors. These results indicate that assistance of heel rocker function by the AFO-OD improved the gait of the hemiplegic patient.
A test for serial dependence using neural networks

Testing serial dependence is central to much of time series econometrics. A number of tests that have been developed and used to explore the dependence properties of various processes. This paper builds on recent work on nonparametric tests of independence. We consider a fact that characterises serially dependent processes using a generalisation of the autocorrelation function. Using this fact we build dependence tests that make use of neural network based approximations. We derive the theoretical properties of our tests and show that they have superior power properties. Our Monte Carlo evaluation supports the theoretical findings. An application to a large dataset of stock returns illustrates the usefulness of the proposed tests.
Trees with small spectral gap

Continuing the previous research, we consider trees with given number of vertices and minimal spectral gap. Using the computer search, we conjecture that this spectral invariant is minimized for double comet trees. The conjecture is confirmed for trees with at most 20 vertices; simultaneously no counterexamples are encountered. We provide theoretical results concerning double comets and putative trees that minimize the spectral gap. We also compare the spectral gap of regular graphs and paths. Finally, a sequence of inequalities that involve the same invariant is obtained.
Exact methods for variable selection in linear regression with sub-sets: Analysis of different tools and strategies

espanolEn este trabajo se analiza un problema de seleccion de variables para regresion lineal. En este caso el conjunto de variables independientes se particiona en grupos disjuntos. El problema consiste en la seleccion de variables, pero con la restriccion consistente en que el conjunto de variables que se seleccione debe de tener al menos una variable de cada grupo. Este problema tiene multiples aplicaciones, concretamente el diseno de los indicadores sinteticos en diferentes areas (sociologia y economia entre otras). Los diferentes grupos de variables corresponden a los diferentes puntos de vista del problema que se esta analizando. Por lo tanto estos indicadores deben de contener variables de todos los grupos. Para resolver este problema se propone un metodo de Branch & Bound que obtiene soluciones exactas. Ademas, se proponen y analizan diferentes estrategias para reducir los tiempos de calculo de este metodo. Se han realizado diferentes experimentos computacionales que muestran los buenos resultados de ambas estrategias, (tanto por separado como conjuntamente): consiguen reducir notablemente los tiempos de calculo del metodo Branch & Bound y permiten resolver problemas de tamano mayor. EnglishThe abstract should summarise the context, contents and conclusions of the paper in less than 200 words preferably in less than 150 words. It should not contain any references or displayed equations. Typeset the abstract in Times New Roman and indent the text. Type similarly the keywords below. A variable selection problem in the context of Linear Regression is analyzed. In this case, the set of original independent variables is partitioned into disjoint groups. The problem consists in the selection of independent variables, but with one restriction: the set of variables that is selected should at least have one variable from each group. This problem has a wide scope of application, specifically the design of composite indicators in different areas (sociology, and economy, among others). The different groups of variables correspond to different viewpoints of the problem under analysis. Therefore, these indicators should contain independent variables from all the groups. For this problem, a Branch & Bound method is proposed to obtain optimal solutions. Moreover, two strategies are proposed and analyzed, to reduce the calculation times of this method. Different computational experiments were completed that showed the good results of both strategies, (both separately and jointly): they managed to reduce the calculation times of the Branch and Bound method considerably, thereby offering solutions to moderated-sized problems.
Author ' s personal copy Respondable risk and incentives for CEOs : The role of information-collection and decision-making

Article history: Received 26 February 2008 Received in revised form 25 October 2010 Accepted 25 October 2010 Available online 3 November 2010 This paper examines the incentive provision when the agent can respond to risk by exerting effort to collect information about the underlying state and making corresponding decisions. Such effort is shown to be more valuable in a riskier environment and incentives can increase with “respondable” risk. The relation between incentives and risk is more positive when the agent's effort is more effective in collecting information or in acting upon it. Using data on chief executive officers (CEOs), I find that incentives for CEOs increase with industry-wide risk, a measure of respondable risk. The positive relation diminishes when the CEO is less able to collect information or is less effective in acting upon it. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. JEL classification:
Evaluation of Flocculation, Sedimentation, and Filtration for Dewatering of Scenedesmus Algae

Algae can be used as a feedstock for agricultural fertilizers, livestock and poultry feeds, anaerobic digestion, and biofuel production. For each end product, the requirements for moisture content (or solids content) vary, such that a desirable water removal strategy needs to be adaptable to varying levels of water removal. Flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration were evaluated as possible strategies for thickening and dewatering of algae. The goal of this study was to validate that algae cells treated by such means could be processed by vacuum belt filters and to determine the conditions under which the solids content could be increased to 5 to 25 wt%. The flocculation and sedimentation studies focused on conditions needed to thicken algae from a culture concentration range of 0.4 to 1 g L-1 to an end-product concentration range of 15 to 50 g L-1. Sedimentation rates of Scenedesmus actus were measured with varying flocculant dosages (0 to 25 ppm) for various flocculants. The highest level of compaction was achieved with a synthetic cationic polymeric flocculant with higher molecular weight at a dosage of 15 ppm, which provided 16.3 mL of compacted solids (3.3 wt% solids). Subsequently, solids were successfully separated as a cake via gravity and vacuum filtration. The filtration studies focused on the conditions needed to filter flocculated algae slurry from a concentration range of 15 to 50 g L-1 to a product at a concentration range of 50 to 250 g L-1. Filtration rates of Scenedesmus actus were measured on algae slurry treated with 10 to 15 ppm of a synthetic cationic polymeric flocculant. Processing parameters such as cake formation time, filtration rate, and mass throughput were evaluated against variables such as cake thickness, feed concentration, and processing time.
Semiparametric efficient adaptive estimation of the GJR-GARCH model

Abstract In this paper we derive a semiparametric efficient adaptive estimator for the GJR-GARCH ( 1 , 1 ) {(1,1)} model. We first show that the quasi-maximum likelihood estimator is consistent and asymptotically normal for the model used in analysis, and we secondly derive a semiparametric estimator that is more efficient than the quasi-maximum likelihood estimator. Through Monte Carlo simulations, we show that the semiparametric estimator is adaptive for the parameters included in the conditional variance of the GJR-GARCH ( 1 , 1 ) {(1,1)} model with respect to the unknown distribution of the innovation.
Non-convex optimization for self-calibration of direction-dependent effects in radio interferometric imaging

Radio interferometric imaging aims to estimate an unknown sky intensity image from degraded observations, acquired through an antenna array. In the theoretical case of a perfectly calibrated array, it has been shown that solving the corresponding imaging problem by iterative algorithms based on convex optimization and compressive sensing theory can be competitive with classical algorithms such as CLEAN. However, in practice, antenna-based gains are unknown and have to be calibrated. Future radio telescopes, such as the SKA, aim at improving imaging resolution and sensitivity by orders of magnitude. At this precision level, the direction-dependency of the gains must be accounted for, and radio interferometric imaging can be understood as a blind deconvolution problem. In this context, the underlying minimization problem is non-convex, and adapted techniques have to be designed. In this work, leveraging recent developments in non-convex optimization, we propose the first joint calibration and imaging method in radio interferometry, with proven convergence guarantees. Our approach, based on a block-coordinate forward-backward algorithm, jointly accounts for visibilities and suitable priors on both the image and the direction-dependent effects (DDEs). As demonstrated in recent works, sparsity remains the prior of choice for the image, while DDEs are modelled as smooth functions of the sky, i.e. spatially band-limited. Finally, we show through simulations the efficiency of our method, for the reconstruction of both images of point sources and complex extended sources. MATLAB code is available on GitHub.
Developments in Undernutrition in Indian Children Under Five: A Decompositional Analysis

This study uses two waves (2004–2005 and 2011–2012) of the nationally representative Indian Human Development Survey to conduct a systematic decompositional analysis of the demographic and socio-economic factors contributing to undernutrition among children under five in India. The analytic method combines three types of decomposition: Blinder-Oaxaca, non-linear, and unconditional quantile. Child undernutrition is measured by z-scores for height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-height (WHZ), weight-for-age (WAZ), and for the Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF). Although our results show modest improvements on some measures, undernutrition among India's young children remains widespread. The improvements we do identify are partly attributable to changes in household wealth and maternal characteristics like body mass index and education.
Effect of Nitric Oxide Inhalation in Acute Pain Crisis of Sickle Cell Disease: A Preliminary Report

Background and objectives: The Vaso-occlusive Crisis (VOC) is a very common manifestation of Sickle Cell Disease patients in India which is characterised by severe body, chest and joint pain. The patho-physiology of VOC is due to abnormal nitric oxide dependent regulation of vascular tone, adhesion of sickle cells (deoxygenated) to endothelium, platelet activation and inflammation. Therefore, nitric oxide inhalation may relieve such condition and also pain. Method: Twenty patients of SCD (Sickle Cell Disease) aged 10 years and above with acute pain admitted to Emergency Department of Apollo Hospitals, Bhubaneswar were given ‘NO’ inhalation for 6 hrs at 80 ppm. Pain was measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) initially and at hourly interval for 6 hrs. Results: Out of 20 cases of SCD, 18 patients responded to ‘NO’ inhalation and there was significant reduction in pain score compared to initial values. NO alteration in vital parameters like B.P., Pulse, Respiration seen and no rise in Methemoglobin level occurred during therapy. Interpretation and Conclusion: The Nitric oxide inhalation therapy in sickle cell VOC cases is effective and also safe. It controls the acute pain significantly. However, since it is a small study, multicentric trial in large number of patients is suggested.
INCREMENT-BASED ESTIMATORS OF FRACTAL DIMENSION FOR TWO-DIMENSIONAL SURFACE DATA

In a recent paper, Kent and Wood (1997) investigated some new increment- based estimators of the fractal dimension of a stationary Gaussian process. In the present paper, we extend this work by constructing increment-based estimators based on two-dimensional sampling of surface data (as opposed to the one dimen- sional, or line transect, sampling previously considered). Much of our attention is focussed on two new estimators based on the "square increment". The practical performance of these estimators is examined in the study of several real datasets and via simulation. We also provide a detailed theoretical study of their properties in both Gaussian and non-Gaussian settings. Perhaps surprisingly, it turns out that there are differences in the limit theory in the Gaussian and non-Gaussian cases.
A 9000-year record of Adélie penguin occupation and diet in the Windmill Islands, East Antarctica

We investigated 17 abandoned Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) colonies in the Windmill Islands, East Antarctica, in summer 2002/03. Forty radiocarbon dates on penguin bones and eggshells from 13 of these sites indicate a near continuous occupation by breeding penguins in this region for over 9000 years. These dates refine the recent geological record in this region and indicate that deglaciation of the northern islands occurred much earlier than previously suggested. Dietary remains from these sites include at least 23 taxa of cephalopods and teleost fish. Quantification of these remains indicates significant fluctuations in the relative abundance of two of the more common major prey taxa. The Antarctic silverfish (Pleuragramma antarcticum Boulenger) was the most common teleost prey during all time periods represented by the ages of the sites, but preservational factors may explain a gradual decrease in the remains of this species in increasingly older sites. The most common cephalopod in the sediments was the squid, Psychroteuthis glacialis Thiele, which occurred in low numbers in most sites except one (Site 75). An unusually high number of squid beaks preserved in Site 75, dating to approximately 5700–6100 cal. yr BP, does not correlate with a decrease in fish prey at that time. The high number of abandoned penguin colonies (> 200) in the Windmill Islands may be due to population cycles in the past in association with low nest-site fidelity and movement by breeding penguins to new sites within this region.
Effect of Organic Soil Amendments on Growth and Efficiency of Redbud (Cercis griffithii) Seedlings in Nurseries

Redbud (Cercis griffithii) is an Iranian native species that plays a crucial role in protecting soil and water in Zagros forests areas. Although many reforestation projects of this species in this area were unsuccessful, the restoration of redbud must continue using new applied studies to help conserve this precious resource. This can be achieved through increasing the quality and quantity of seedling production in nurseries. This study thus aimed to evaluate the effects of various organic amendments on growth and efficiency of redbud seedlings in a nursery. Four treatments viz. 1) control (standard nursery mix) (C) 2) control: cattle manure (5:1) (CCM), 3) control: leaf composts (5:1) (CLC) and 4) control: cattle manure - leaf composts (5:1:1) (CCML) were applied for the present study. After one year, all growth indices were significantly increased by organic soil treatments compared to the standard nursery mix. The growth characteristics such as height, root dry weight, length of the longest root, stem length to diameter ratio and relative height growth of redbud seedlings were associated with an organic soil treatment. These positive results on growth indices were explained by the reduction in EC and pH of planting bed induced by the organic soil amendments.
An accelerated hybrid TLM-IE method for the investigation of shielding effectiveness

Abstract. A hybrid numerical technique combining time-domain integral equations (TD-IE) with the transmission line matrix (TLM) method is presented for the efficient modeling of transient wave phenomena. This hybrid method allows the full-wave modeling of circuits in the time-domain as well as the electromagnetic coupling of remote TLM subdomains using integral equations (IE). By using the integral equations the space between the TLM subdomains is not discretized and consequently doesn't contribute to the computational effort. The cost for the evaluation of the time-domain integral equations (TD-IE) is further reduced using a suitable plane-wave representation of the source terms. The hybrid TD-IE/TLM method is applied in the computation of the shielding effectiveness (SE) of metallic enclosures.
Would Declining Exit Rates from Welfare Provide Evidence of Welfare Dependence in Homogeneous Environments

Negative duration dependence in the exit rate from social assistance is an important issue addressed in the dynamic welfare participation literature. If heterogeneity is properly modelled, the decline of the exit rate is ascribed to a progressive reduction of the capability to get off welfare due to the detrimental effects of the benefit as time in welfare increases (Blank, 1989; Sandefur and Cook, 1998; Dahl and Lorenzen; 2003; Gangl, 2003, Chay et al, 2005). The aim of this paper is to show that the potential corruptive effects of benefits are not easily identified with this analytical strategy. As a starting point we develop a model, coherent with the Bane and Ellwood (1994) theoretical framework, that describes the causal links occurring between work/unemployment, poverty and social assistance. A simulation study is carried out in order to show that negative duration dependence in the exit rate from welfare may arise in environments where no corruptive effects of benefits are at work, even in the absence of heterogeneity at the onset of the process. Thus, negative duration dependence in the exit rate from welfare does not imply ‘welfare dependence’: the observed pattern may be due to effects of persistence in poverty or in unemployment.
Short Review of QCC (Quality Control Circle) Implementation toward Productivity Improvement: Case Study

This paper will review on the implementation of Quality Control Circle in an organization that can improved productivity of the organization. Focus more on effect of Quality Control Circle implementation, process of implementation and factors that help to improve productivity to meet customer demand. A few case studies conducted to review the quality circle method implementation. Comparison of different organization conducted in order to understand the implementation of QCC in their work area. Keywords— Quality circle, Implementation, Organization, Objective, Benefits, Factors
Amelioration of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase, Insulin like Growth Factor-1 Gene Expression and Insulin Receptor Substrate-1 in Liver Tissue of Insulin Resistant Rats Treated With L-Carnitine

Problem statement: It has been reported that genes expression (inducible Nitric Oxide (iNOS). Insulin-like Growth Factor-1(IGF-1) have a role in both glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance. The aim of this study was designed to evaluate the amelioration of the iNOS, IGF-1 genes expression as well as IRS-1 in liver tissues of rats fed high fructose diet treated with Lcarnitine. Approach: About 24 male Wister rats of body weight 120-160 g were divided into 3 groups of 8 rats each. Group 1 received control diet, while group 2 and 3, rats received high fructose diet (60 g 100 g-1 diet). Group 3, after 2 weeks from fructose feeding animals were treated with L-carnitine (CA) (300 mg kg-1 body weight day-1 i. p). At the end of the experimental period (30 days), serum levels of glucose, insulin, Triacylglycerol (TG) and cholesterol were determined. Hepatic contents of cholesterol, triacylglycerol, Malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrogen oxide products were assayed. Genes expressions of iNOS, IGF-1 as well as IRS-1 were also determined in liver tissues of the experimental animals feeding high fructose diet. Results: Compared to control rats, the high fructose feeding in animals induces alterations in serum glucose, lipid metabolism and hepatic TG and MDA. In addition, fructose fed group develop marked increase in hepatic gene expression of iNOS and pronounced decreases in both IGF-1 mRNA and IRS-1 receptor. The administration of L-carnitine to rats fed high fructose diet mitigated the adverse effects of fructose load (insulin resistance) through the regulation of studied genes expression as well as insulin receptor substrate-1. Conclusion: The important findings of this context indicate the close association between hepatic gene expression (iNOS and IGF-1), IRS-1 receptor and insulin resistance. The exogenous CA to fructose fed rats improves the inflammation resulting from insulin resistance through the amelioration of the studied genes expression. This indicates that iNOS and IGF-1 have the characteristics to be marker of the metabolic syndrome.
How Important is Informed Trading for the Bid-Ask Spread? Evidence from an Emerging Market

The link between informed trading and the bid-ask spread has been the focus of abundant literature and some authors feared that a large amount of informed trading might lead to shutdown of markets. We explore this issue using data from the Czech Republic. Our estimates confirm that the share of informed trading and its variability is indeed high relative to developed markets, however, share of the adverse selection component is only 14% of the spread. Since the Czech Republic has been known in the financial community as being plagued by informed trading, our findings suggest that the relative importance of adverse selection as a determinant of the spread is generally low across markets.
Desarrollo de jalea de yacón de reducido valor calórico: caracterización físico-química, microbiológica y sensorial Development of a low calorie yacon jam: physico chemical, microbiological and sensory characterization

This study aimed to evaluate the physical-chemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics of four formulations of yacon jams. The following characteristics were analyzed: chemical composition, soluble solids, pH, microbiological presence of total coliforms and salmonella at 45 °C, and presence of fungi and yeasts. The yacon jams exhibited high moisture content (> 62%) as well as high concentrations of carbohydrates (> 28%) and total dietary fiber (2.5%), mainly fructooligosaccharides (> 0.9%). The average energy value was 124.6 kcal/100 g. The average pH was 3.8 and the soluble solids measured 27.6 °Brix. All yacon jams complied with standard microbiological requirements and received high acceptance scores, especially the yacon jam and yacon jam with cinnamon. Yacon jam products may offer an excellent alternative to more common jams due to their lower concentrations of simple sugar, lower calorie value, increased presence of dietary fibers, and desirable sensory characteristics.