Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Time delay estimation via cross-correlation in the presence of large estimation errors

The estimate of the difference in time of arrival of a common random signal received at two sensors, each of which also receives uncorrelated noise, is examined for both small and large estimation errors. It is shown that as the post-integration signal-to-noise ratio decreases, the correlator exhibits a thresholding effect; that is, the probability of a large error (an anomalous estimate) increases rapidly. Approximate theoretical results for the probability of an anomaly are presented and are verified experimentally. The variance of the time delay estimate is examined for both a gated mode, in which the time delay corresponding to the correlation peak closest to the true time delay is used as the estimate of time delay, and an ungated mode, in which the time delay corresponding to the largest peak over the full range of the correlator delay times is used as the estimate. The observed variance for both modes is compared with the theoretical variance based on a small error analysis. For the gated modes, the signal-to-noise ratio below which the observed variance begins to differ significantly from the small error theory can be reliably predicted from a linearity criterion. It is shown, however, that the expected variance for the ungated mode can depart from the small error theory at a higher signal-to-noise ratio than for the gated modes; thus the variance due to anomalies can be the most important factor in determining the region of applicability of the small error analysis.
Estimation of non-sharp support boundaries

Let X1, . , Xn be independent identically distributed observations from an unknown probability density f(Â·), such that its support G = supp f is a subset of the unit square in 2. We consider the problem of estimating G from the sample X1, . , Xn, under the assumption that the boundary of G is a function of smoothness [gamma] and that the values of density f decrease to 0 as the power [alpha] of the distance from the boundary. We show that a certain piecewise-polynomial estimator of G has optimal rate of convergence (namely, the rate n-[gamma]/(([alpha] + 1)[gamma] + 1)) within this class of densities.
Influence of Intra row spacing on growth and fodder yield of Lablab ( Lablab purpureus [L]) in Semi – Arid Sokoto Nigeria

A Field experiment was conducted in 2010 and repeated in 2011 cropping seasons at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching and Research Farm, Dabagi to determine the effect of intra row spacing on growth and yield of Lablab purpureus. Treatments consisted three intra row spacings (20, 30 and 40cm) laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated three times. The results of the trial showed that intra row spacing significantly (P 0.05) by intra row spacing. The longest leaf (9.9 cm) was produced by 30 cm intra row spacing. Leaf width was also not significantly affected (P > 0.05) by intra row spacing with 30 cm intra row spacing producing the widest leaf (8.9 cm). Dry matter yield was not affected (P > 0.05) by intra row spacing however, 30 cm intra row spacing produced the highest dry matter yield of 1707.7 kg/ha. It was concluded from this research that 30 cm intra row spacing produced the highest dry matter yield of Lablab purpureus (L) and is recommended for semi arid Sokoto environment.
Children and Snakebite: Snake Venom Effects on Adult and Paediatric Plasma

Snakebite is a globally neglected tropical disease, with coagulation disturbances being the primary pathology of many deadly snake venoms. Age-related differences in human plasma have been abundantly reported, yet the effect that these differences pose regarding snakebite is largely unknown. We tested for differences in coagulotoxic effects (via clotting time) of multiple snake venoms upon healthy human adult (18+) and paediatric (median 3.3 years old) plasma in vivo and compared these effects to the time it takes the plasmas to clot without the addition of venom (the spontaneous clotting time). We tested venoms from 15 medically significant snake species (from 13 genera) from around the world with various mechanisms of coagulotoxic actions, across the three broad categories of procoagulant, pseudo-procoagulant, and anticoagulant, to identify any differences between the two plasmas in their relative pathophysiological vulnerability to snakebite. One procoagulant venom (Daboia russelii, Russell’s Viper) produced significantly greater potency on paediatric plasma compared with adult plasma. In contrast, the two anticoagulant venoms (Pseudechis australis, Mulga Snake; and Bitis cornuta, Many-horned Adder) were significantly more potent on adult plasma. All other procoagulant venoms and all pseudo-procoagulant venoms displayed similar potency across both plasmas. Our preliminary results may inform future studies on the effect of snake venoms upon plasmas from different age demographics and hope to reduce the burden of snakebite upon society.
A Combinatorial Decomposition Theory

Given a finite undirected graph G and A ⊆ E(G), G(A) denotes the subgraph of G having edge-set A and having no isolated vertices. For a partition {E1, E2} of E(G), W(G; E1) denotes the set V(G(E1)) ⋂ V(G(E 2)). We say that Gis non-separable if it is connected and for every proper, non-empty subset A of E(G), we have |W(G; A)| ≧ 2. A split of a non-separable graph Gis a partition {E1, E2 } of E(G) such that |E1 | ≧ 2 ≧ |E2| and |W(G; E1)| = 2. Where {E1, E2 } is a split of G, W(G; E2) = {u, v}, and e is an element not in E(G), we form graphs Gi i= 1 and 2, by adding e to G(Ei) as an edge joining u to v.
Eph receptor A4 regulates motor neuron ferroptosis in spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

[INLINE:1] Previous studies have shown that the receptor tyrosine kinase Eph receptor A4 (EphA4) is abundantly expressed in the nervous system. The EphA4 signaling pathway plays an important role in regulating motor neuron ferroptosis in motor neuron disease. To investigate whether EphA4 signaling is involved in ferroptosis in spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury, in this study we established a rat model of spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury by clamping the left carotid artery and the left subclavian artery. We found that spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury increased EphA4 expression in the neurons of anterior horn, markedly worsened ferroptosis-related indicators, substantially increased the number of mitochondria exhibiting features consistent with ferroptosis, promoted deterioration of motor nerve function, increased the permeability of the blood-spinal cord barrier, and increased the rate of motor neuron death. Inhibition of EphA4 largely rescued these effects. However, intrathecal administration of the ferroptosis inducer Erastin counteracted the beneficial effects conferred by treatment with the EphA4 inhibitor. Mass spectrometry and a PubMed search were performed to identify proteins that interact with EphA4, with the most notable being Beclin1 and Erk1/2. Our results showed that inhibition of EphA4 expression reduced binding to Beclin1, markedly reduced p-Beclin1, and reduced Beclin1-XCT complex formation. Inhibition of EphA4 also reduced binding to p-Erk1/2 and markedly decreased the expression of c-Myc, transferrin receptor 1, and p-Erk1/2. Additionally, we observed co-localization of EphA4 and p-Beclin1 and of EphA4 and p-ERK1/2 in neurons in the anterior horn. In conclusion, EphA4 participates in regulating ferroptosis of spinal motor neurons in the anterior horn in spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury by promoting formation of the Beclin1-XCT complex and activating the Erk1/2/c-Myc/transferrin receptor 1 axis.
Gender Differences in the Empathy–Recidivism Relationship

A large body of criminological research often focuses on risk factors that propel individuals toward criminal activity rather than those that act as protective factors to reduce criminal involvement. In this study, we focus on a potentially important protective factor, empathy, which has long been considered an individual characteristic related to prosocial human behavior including non-offending. Specifically, we test the effects of empathy on juvenile recidivism and evaluate how empathy interacts with gender as a protective factor among a large sample of adjudicated youth followed for 1-year post-release from a residential treatment facility. Results show that empathy was associated with lower recidivism among the entire sample of youth, with a stronger protective effect against recidivism for justice-involved female youth. Findings contribute to the gendered literature on responses to crime and suggest empathy should be included in programming and interventions for youth involved in the juvenile justice system, particularly for females.
Stationary rossby‐wave propagation in a baroclinic atmosphere

Observational studies of teleconnections in both solsticial seasons have suggested various patterns of behaviour linked mainly to westerly jets and equatorial westerlies. These have been interpreted using barotropic Rossby‐wave theory, and simulated using stationary forcing in barotropic models linearized about 300 hPa flows. In this paper the relevant propagation behaviour is investigated using a baroclinic model with three‐dimensional, climatological basic states. Time integrations are performed using localized thermal forcing as a wavemaker. the propagation results are qualitatively very similar to those obtained with the barotropic model, though there are quantitative differences. the westerly jets still act as strong waveguides. the shorter wavelengths and smaller wave‐activity speeds found with the baroclinic model are generally in better agreement with observation. Propagation into and from the upper tropospheric equatorial westerlies in the east Pacific, propagation across North America and propagation from Europe across the Arabian Gulf are all found. the extent to which upper tropospheric westerlies reach towards the equator influences the propagation into those regions. Barotropic models can only represent such behaviour if the basic state reflects the near‐equatorial upper tropospheric zonal wind structure.
Human Omentin-1 Administration Ameliorates Hypertensive Complications without Affecting Hypertension in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Hypertension is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and is caused by various abnormalities including the contractility of blood vessels. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), whose systemic blood pressure increases with aging, are a frequently used animal model for investigating essential hypertension and related complications in humans due to the damage of several organs. Human omentin-1 is an adipocytokine consisting of 313 amino acids. Serum omentin-1 levels decreased in hypertensive patients compared with normotensive controls. Furthermore, omentin-1 knockout mice showed elevated blood pressure and impaired endothelial vasodilation. Taken together, we hypothesized that adipocytokine, human omentin-1 may improve the hypertension and its complications including heart and renal failure in the aged SHR (65–68-weeks-old). SHR were subcutaneously administered with human omentin-1 (18 μg/kg/day, 2 weeks). Human omentin-1 had no effect on body weight, heart rate, and systolic blood pressure in SHR. The measurement of isometric contraction revealed that human omentin-1 had no influence on the enhanced vasocontractile or impaired vasodilator responses in the isolated thoracic aorta from SHR. On the other hand, human omentin-1 tended to improve left ventricular diastolic failure and renal failure in SHR. In summary, human omentin-1 tended to improve hypertensive complications (heart and renal failure), while it had no influence on the severe hypertension in the aged SHR. The further study of human omentin-1 may lead to the development of therapeutic agents for hypertensive complications.
Use of Antiepileptic Drugs and Risk of Prostate Cancer: A Nationwide Case-Control Study in Prostate Cancer Data Base Sweden

An inverse association between use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and prostate cancer (PCa) has been suggested, putatively due to the histone deacetylases inhibitory (HDACi) properties of the AEDs. In a case-control study in Prostate Cancer data Base Sweden (PCBaSe), PCa cases diagnosed between 2014 and 2016 were matched to five controls by year of birth and county of residence. AED prescriptions were identified in the Prescribed Drug Registry. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals for risk of PCa were estimated using multivariable conditional logistic regression, adjusted for civil status, education level, Charlson comorbidity index, number of outpatient visits, and cumulative duration of hospital stay. Dose responses in different PCa risk categories and HDACi properties of specific AED substances were further explored. 1738/31591 (5.5%) cases and 9674/156802 (6.2%) controls had been exposed to AED. Overall, users of any AED had a reduced risk of PCa as compared to nonusers (OR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.87–0.97) which was attenuated by adjustment to healthcare utilisation. A reduced risk was also observed in all models for high-risk or metastatic PCa in AED users compared to nonusers (OR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.81–0.97). No significant findings were observed for dose response or HDACi analyses. Our findings suggest a weak inverse association between AED use and PCa risk, which was attenuated by adjustment for healthcare utilisation. Moreover, our study showed no consistent dose-response pattern and no support for a stronger reduction related to HDAC inhibition. Further studies focusing on advanced PCa and PCa treatments are needed to better analyse the association between use of AED and risk of PCa.
Development of preferred orientation in polycrystalline TiN layers grown by ultrahigh vacuum reactive magnetron sputtering

The preferred orientation of polycrystalline TiN films grown by ultrahigh‐vacuum reactive‐magnetron sputter deposition on amorphous SiO2 at 350 °C in pure N2 discharges was controllably varied from (111) to completely (002) by varying the incident ion/metal flux ratio Ji/JTi from 1 to ≥5 with the N+2 ion energy Ei maintained constant at ≂20 eV (≂10 eV per incident accelerated N). All samples were slightly over‐stoichiometric with N/Ti=1.02±0.03. Films deposited with Ji/JTi=1 initially exhibit a mixed texture with competitive columnar growth which slowly evolves into a nearly complete (111) texture at film thicknesses greater than 1 μm. However, films grown with Ji/JTi≥5 exhibit an essentially complete (002) preferred orientation from the earliest observable stages. The normalized XRD (002) intensity ratio in thick layers increased from ≂0 to 1 as Ji/JTi was varied from 1 to ≥5. Both (111) and (001) interplanar spacings remained constant as a function of film thickness yielding a lattice constant of 0.4240.
Regression quantiles with errors-in-variables

Abstract In a lot of situations, variables are measured with errors. While this problem has been previously studied in the context of kernel regression, no work has been done in quantile regression. To estimate this function, we use deconvolution kernel estimators. We obtain asymptotic results (MSE and normality) for two estimators of conditional quantiles and analyse their finite sample performances via a large simulation study.
Singularly impulsive or generalized impulsive dynamical systems

The aim of this brief paper is to introduce a new class of systems, so called singularly impulsive or generalized impulsive dynamical systems. Dynamics of this system is characterized by the set of differential, difference, and algebraic equations. They represent the class of hybrid systems, where algebraic equations represent constraints that differential and difference equations need to satisfy.
Does urban-rural disparity exist in nicotine and alcohol dependence among Chinese older adults?

Abstract Background China is a large country with substantial urban-rural disparity. With the increasing concerns related to the rapid growth of the older adult population and problems related to smoking and alcohol consumption, this study aims to examine the potential urban-rural disparity associated with nicotine or alcohol dependence among Chinese older adults. Methods We used three waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey and included older adults who were 65 years old or above (CLHLS; n = 18,207). The Heckman two-step selection procedure was applied to reduce potential selection bias. The first and the second steps of the Heckman two-step selection procedure all included multivariable logistic regressions. Results In the final study sample, approximately 8.1% and 4.0% of older adults reported nicotine and alcohol dependence, respectively. In the first step of the Heckman selection procedure, urban residents were less likely to become current smokers and alcohol users than rural residents (all p < .05). However, urban-rural disparity was not associated with either nicotine or alcohol dependence (all p > .05). Conclusions We did not observe the urban-rural disparity in nicotine and alcohol dependence among Chinese older adults. Chinese policymakers should continue to strengthen national policy to combat smoking and alcohol consumption, especially older adults.
Impact of Exercise on Fatigue in Patients Undergoing Dialysis in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a current public health problem associated with progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), cardiovascular disease, and increased mortality rates. The disease is progressive. It is estimated that there are about 20-25 patients with milder kidney damage for every patient on renal replacement therapy. Physical activity is one of the critical elements for the prevention of chronic diseases and exercises in CKD help to improve muscular strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, overall function, and quality of life. Fatigue can cause an inability to perform exercises and can affect physiological and psychological function. There is a need to analyze the effects of exercises on fatigue in outpatients undergoing dialysis in the Indian rural population. Methods This study was a randomized, controlled, interventional, single-center trial. The participants diagnosed with ESRD and who were on hemodialysis were randomly assigned to group A, the exercise group (EG), which had exercise training during dialysis, and group B, the control group (CG), which had no added exercises during dialysis or at home and followed a standard routine method. The outcome measure of fatigue was evaluated through the total Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) score at 0, 12, 24, and 36 weeks. The exercise was pilot tested and planned based on the guidelines and carried out during hemodialysis two days a week. It was followed up with a five-day home exercise program when the patients did not undergo dialysis. Results A total of 48 participants were chosen for the study, of which 30 participants completed 36 weeks of training, with exercise adherence of more than 60%. There was a statistically significant difference in FAS between the two groups (F (3, 84) = 10.513, P < 0.001) at a 95% confidence interval (P < 0.05). Post hoc comparisons between groups at baseline and at 12 weeks indicated that there was no significant difference in FAS (P = 0.271 and P = 0.08), but recorded a significant difference (P = 0.001) at 24 and 36 weeks, respectively, between the EG and CG. Conclusions The results indicate that the intradialytic exercise intervention was effective in reducing the level of fatigue in outpatients undergoing dialysis on a long-term exercise program.
The Status of Professional Business Translators on the Danish Market: A Comparative Study of Company, Agency and Freelance Translators

Le present article rend compte d’une etude qui s’inscrit dans un vaste projet de recherche empirique visant a enqueter sur le statut des traducteurs et des interpretes professionnels dans des contextes varies. L’objectif de l’etude etait d’enqueter sur les differences de statut professionnel entre les trois groupes de traducteurs specialises professionnels, qui sont, d’apres nos estimations, en nombre relativement important sur le marche danois de la traduction : les traducteurs employes dans une societe, les traducteurs employes dans une agence, et les traducteurs independants. La methodologie fait appel a des donnees provenant de questionnaires remplis par un total de 244 traducteurs appartenant a l’un de ces trois groupes. Les perceptions des traducteurs a l’egard de leur statut professionnel ont ete etudiees et comparees grâce aux reponses fournies a des questions regroupees autour de quatre parametres relatifs au prestige professionnel : (1) salaire/revenus, (2) formation/expertise, (3) visibilite, (4) pouvoir/influence. Notre hypothese etait que les traducteurs employes dans une societe arriveraient au sommet de la hierarchie en termes de statut professionnel, suivis de pres par ceux qui sont employes dans une agence, tandis que les traducteurs independants se positionneraient au bas de la hierarchie. Bien que les resultats corroborent largement notre hypothese et conduisent a l’identification de certaines differences, les analyses nous ont, en fait, permis de reperer plus de similarites que de differences. Les analyses et les resultats sont presentes en detail, et de nouvelles voies de recherche sont suggerees.
Measures of maximal relative entropy with full support

Abstract Let π be a factor map from an irreducible shift of finite type X to a shift space Y. Let ν be an invariant probability measure on Y with full support. We show that every measure on X of maximal relative entropy over ν is fully supported. As a result, given any invariant probability measure ν on Y with full support, there is an invariant probability measure μ on X with full support that maps to ν under π. If ν is ergodic, μ can be chosen to be ergodic. These results can be generalized to the case of sofic shifts. We demonstrate that the results do not extend to general shift spaces by providing counterexamples.
Oscillatory and Asymptotic Behaviour of the Solutions of First-Order Functional Differential Equations

On etudie le comportement oscillatoire et asymptotique des solutions de l'equation y'(t)+γf(t, y(t), y(g 1 (t, y(t))), . , y(g n (t, y(t)))=Q(t), γ=±1, n≥1
Vector absorbing boundary conditions for nodal or mixed finite elements

We present 2D and 3D vector absorbing boundary conditions for unbounded microwave problems. Coupling with vector formulation leads to a non-symmetric system matrix. We show bow it is possible to symmetrise these conditions with the same degree of precision. Edge and corner conditions are also presented for rectangular boundaries.
Combatting Speckle in Sar Images: Vector Filtering and Sequential Classification Based on a Multiplicative Noise Model

We propose an adaptive vector linear minimum mean­ squared error (LMMSE) filter for multichannel images with multiplicative noise. We show theoretically that the mean­ squared error in the filter output is reduced by making use of the correlation between image bands. The vector and conven­ tional scalar LMMSE filters are applied to a 3 band SIR-B SAR image, and their performance is compared. We also show that the speckle noise distribution of an N-Iook ampli­ tude SAR image is square-root-of-gamma. Based on this dis­ tribution and a multiplicative noise model, we derive the per-pel maximum likelihood classifier. We extend this to the design of sequential and robust classifiers. These classifiers are also applied to the 3 band SIR-B SAR image.