Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Study of Classification Methods in Financial Risk Detection

Early detection of financial risks can help credit grantors and institutions to establish appropriate policies for credit products, reduce losses and increase revenue. In recent years, the application of data mining techniques, such as classification and clustering, in financial risk detection has drawn interest from academic researchers and industry practitioners. The performance of classification methods varied with different datasets. No single method has been found to be superior over others for all datasets. The goal of this paper is to provide comparative analysis of the ability of a selection of popular classification methods to predict financial risk. The outcome of this study can help financial institutions select appropriate classifiers for their specific tasks.
Global Political Risk and Currency Momentum

Using a measure of political risk, relative to the United States, that captures unexpected political conditions, we show that political risk is priced in the cross section of currency momentum and contains information beyond other risk factors. Our results are robust after controlling for transaction costs, reversals, and alternative limits to arbitrage. The global political environment affects the profitability of the momentum strategy in the foreign exchange market; investors following such strategies are compensated for the exposure to the global political risk of those currencies they hold, that is, the past winners, and exploit the lower returns of loser portfolios. The risk compensation is mainly justified by the different exposures of foreign currencies in the momentum portfolio to U.S. political shocks, which is the main component of global political risk.
Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Microfabrication of Pdlla Scaffolds

This study aimed to comprehend the potentialities of the microfabrication to produce tissue-engineering scaffolds. Structures presenting homogeneously distributed pores of size 100 and 200 µm were fabricated through layer-by-layer deposition of filaments of poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PDLLA) prepared from dichloromethane/dimethylformamide solutions. Rheological tests on the solution and molecular weight distributions of PDLLA, solvent cast films and microfabricated scaffolds were performed to determine which material conditions are optimal for the microfabricated system and to identify any possible material modification induced by the process. In vitro qualitative preliminary cell culture studies were conducted using MG63 osteoblast cell lines after assuring the non-cytotoxicity of the scaffold material by the lactate dehydrogenase in vitro toxicology assay; biological evaluations were initially performed using scaffolds with the smaller (100 µm) pore size. Scanning electron microscopy imaging was used to determine cell morphology distribution. A second cell culture test was performed, using the scaffold with the higher (200 µm) porosity. Confocal laser microscopy (CLM) was utilized to examine cell morphology and growth behaviour. Cellular metabolic activity and viability were also examined using Alamar Blue assay and further verifications were performed using CLM. Cell culture studies indicated homogeneous distribution, high viability and metabolic activity. Pore dimension affects cell distribution: pores <100 µm acted as barrier structures for the MG63 osteoblast cell line; penetration inside the matrix was hindered and cells grew on the outer part. Increasing pore size resulted in a more homogeneous cell distribution and penetration of cells inside the structure was achieved.
Molecular gas and continuum emission in 3C 48: evidence for two merger nuclei?

Received ; accepted Abstract. We present new interferometer observations of the CO(1-0) line and mm continuum emission from 3C48 — one of the nearest examples of a merger activating a quasar. Our new CO data show that most of the CO is not in a disk around the quasar 3C48, but rather in a second nucleus associated with the source 3C48A � 1 '' to the north-east, recently studied in the near-IR by Zuther et al. (2004). This main CO source has a strong velocity gradient (140km s −1 over about 1 '' ). Our new data also show a second, weaker CO source at the QSO itself. At 1.2mm, the continuum emission is elongated in the direction of the radio jet and towards 3C48A. We model the 1.2mm continuum with three different sources in 3C48 — the 3C48 QSO, the 3C48 jet, and the second nucleus 3C48A. We suggest that the unusually bright and extended nature of the jet may be due to its interaction with the second merger nucleus 3C48A.
Data dependency analysis using data-write detection techniques

One of the most researched topics in parallel programming is data dependency analysis and data write detection analysis. Traditionally researchers have used mathematical models to identify conflicts in a complex code. The accuracy of such results, however, depends on the correctness of the mathematical model. Additionally, implementation of a mathematical model is a huge task by itself. In this paper, we discuss three techniques for data dependency analysis namely duplicate variables, page fault interrupt, and debug registers. The techniques are discussed in details using sample C programs. However, these techniques can be extended to other programming languages as well. We further discuss the merits and demerits of each of the techniques.
A Memetic Algorithm for OSPF and DEFT routing to minimize network congestion

Interior gateway routing protocols like OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) and DEFT (Distributed ExponentiallyWeighted Flow Splitting) send flow through forward links towards the destination node. OSPF routes only on shortest-weight paths, whereas DEFT sends flow on all forward links, but with an exponential penalty on longer paths. Finding suitable weights for these protocols is known as the weight setting problem. In this article, we present a memetic algorithm for the weight setting problem using both protocols. The algorithm uses dynamic flow and dynamic shortest path computations. We report computational experiments that show that DEFT achieves less network congestion when compared with OSPF, while presenting a larger delay.
A DC-DC charge pump design based on voltage doublers

A novel organization of switched capacitor charge pump circuits based on voltage doubler structures is presented in this paper. Each voltage doubler takes a dc input and outputs a doubled dc voltage. By cascading n voltage doublers the output voltage increases up to 2/sup n/ times. A two-phase voltage doubler and a multiphase voltage doubler (MPVD) structures are discussed and design considerations are presented. A simulator working in the Q-V realm was used for simplified circuit level simulation. In order to evaluate the power delivered by a charge pump, a resistive load is attached to the output of the charge pump and an equivalent capacitance is evaluated. A comparison of the voltage doubler circuits with Dickson charge pump and Makowski's voltage multiplier is presented in terms of the area requirements, the voltage gain, and the power level. This paper also identifies optimum loading conditions for different configurations of the charge pumps. Design guidelines for the desired voltage and power levels are discussed. A two-stage MPVD was fabricated using MOSIS 2.0-/spl mu/m CMOS technology. It was designed with internal frequency regulation to reduce power consumption under no load condition.
Join Size Estimation on Boolean Tensors of RDF Data

The Resource Description Framework (RDF) represents information as subject--predicate--object triples. These triples are commonly interpreted as a directed labelled graph. We instead interpret the data as a 3-way Boolean tensor. Standard SPARQL queries then can be expressed using elementary Boolean algebra operations. We show how this representation helps to estimate the size of joins. Such estimates are valuable for query handling and our approach might yield more efficient implementations of SPARQL query processors.
Designing new architectures and protocols for wireless sensor networks: a perspective

Inspiring work in the areas of Wireless Sensor Net- works (WSNs) is being achieved, with Mobile Ad hoc Networks (MANETs) clearly a key ingredient to this. Primary constraints to system design in WSNs are bandwidth, energy, memory and processing. One pattern very evident from the very incipient stages of research in this area is the dominance of Internet design being transported to these environments. Though the Internet architecture is extremely appropriate for its environment, we argue that transporting it to WSN could only prove disastrous. What is to be learnt from the Internet is more a philosophy of building successful stacks. To that end we investigate "Stack Aware Architectures" and advocate its inclusion in stack de- signs. We also validate this concept by analyzing the Internet architecture for this property. Another pattern very evident in WSN research is that individual modules are validated over a set of workloads at least thought to be representative of the entire application domain. The class of applications and their requirements in WSNs, however, are varied. We go on further to analyze classes of applications that use WSNs, their individual requirements from the layers beneath, and a basic example to a dynamic and adaptive stack for WSN, suited for all application types (based on a per-packet mapping of functions required for it), which of course is also stack aware.
Depressive symptoms in adolescents: associations with white matter volume and marijuana use.

BACKGROUND Depressed mood has been associated with decreased white matter and reduced hippocampal volumes. However, the relationship between brain structure and mood may be unique among adolescents who use marijuana heavily. The goal of this study was to examine the relationship between white matter and hippocampal volumes and depressive symptoms among adolescent marijuana users and controls. METHODS Data were collected from marijuana users (n = 16) and demographically similar controls (n = 16) aged 16-18. Extensive exclusionary criteria included psychiatric and neurologic disorders, including major depression. Substance use, mood, and anatomical measures were collected after 28 days of monitored abstinence. RESULTS Marijuana (MJ) users demonstrated more depressive symptoms than controls (p < .05). MJ use (beta = .42, p < .005) and smaller white matter volume (beta = -.34, p < .03) each predicted higher levels of depressive symptoms on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. MJ use interacted with white matter volume (beta = -.55, p < .03) in predicting depression scores on the Beck Depression Inventory: among MJ users, but not controls, white matter volume was negatively associated with depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Marijuana use and white matter volume were additive and interactive in predicting depressive symptoms among adolescents. Subtle neurodevelopmental white matter abnormalities may disrupt the connections between areas involved in mood regulation.
Active home-based cancer treatment

Background Active home-based treatment represents a new model of health care. Chronic treatment requires continuous access to facilities that provide cancer care, with considerable effort, particularly economic, on the part of patients and caregivers. Oral chemotherapy could be limited as a consequence of poor compliance and adherence, especially by elderly patients. Methods We selected 30 cancer patients referred to our department and treated with oral therapy (capecitabine, vinorelbine, imatinib, sunitinib, sorafenib, temozolomide, ibandronate). This pilot study of oral therapy in the patient’s home was undertaken by a doctor and two nurses with experience in clinical oncology. The instruments used were clinical diaries recording home visits, hospital visits, need for caregiver support, and a questionnaire specially developed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), known as the QLQ-C30 version 2.0, concerning the acceptability of oral treatment from the patient’s perspective. Results This program decreased the need to access cancer facilities by 98.1%, promoted better quality of life for patients, as reflected in increased EORTC QLQ-C30 scores over time, allowing for greater adherence to oral treatment as a result of control of drug administration outside the hospital. This model has allowed treatment of patients with difficult access to care (elderly, disabled or otherwise needed caregivers) that in the project represent the majority (78% of these). Conclusions This model of active home care improves quality of life and adherence with oral therapy, reduces the need to visit the hospital, and consequently decreases the number of lost hours of work on the part of carers. Management of the service by the professionals involved revealed excellent control of the process by nursing staff, with minimal visits involving doctors.
The Solar Dynamo: Old, Recent, and New Problems

A number of problems of solar and stellar dynamo theory are briefly reviewed and the current status of possible solutions is discussed. Results of direct numerical simulations are described in view of mean-field dynamo theory and the relation between the α-effect and the inverse cascade of magnetic helicity is highlighted. The possibility of ‘catastrophic’ quenching of the α-effect is explained in terms of the constraint placed by the conservation of magnetic helicity.
Much Ado about the DSGE Model

This paper proves that DSGE model by Kydland, Prescott and Plosser is the repetition of an earlier calculation procedure advocated by Solow, and that its “prediction” is nothing but tautology. Tautology reproduces the original parameters and data, and its fit is naturally perfect, but tautology provides nothing new and cannot predict the future. The label DSGE is too exaggerated.
Custom-made instrumentation based on static analysis

Many dynamic analysis tools capture the occurrences of events at runtime. The longer programs are being monitored, the more accurate the data they provide to the user. Then, the runtime overhead must be kept as low as possible, because it decreases the user's productivity. Runtime performance overhead occurs due to identifying events, and storing them in a result data-structure. We address the latter issue by generating custom-made instrumentation code for each program. By using static analysis to get a priori knowledge about which events of interest can occur and where they can occur, tailored code for storing those events can be generated for each program. We evaluate our idea by comparing the runtime overhead of a "general purpose" dynamic analysis tool that captures points-to information for Java programs with approaches based on custom-made instrumentation code. Experiments suggest highly reduced performance overhead for the latter.
Quantification of Tortuosity and Fractal Dimension of the Lung Vessels in Pulmonary Hypertension Patients

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) can result in vascular pruning and increased tortuosity of the blood vessels. In this study we examined whether automatic extraction of lung vessels from contrast-enhanced thoracic computed tomography (CT) scans and calculation of tortuosity as well as 3D fractal dimension of the segmented lung vessels results in measures associated with PH. In this pilot study, 24 patients (18 with and 6 without PH) were examined with thorax CT following their diagnostic or follow-up right-sided heart catheterisation (RHC). Images of the whole thorax were acquired with a 128-slice dual-energy CT scanner. After lung identification, a vessel enhancement filter was used to estimate the lung vessel centerlines. From these, the vascular trees were generated. For each vessel segment the tortuosity was calculated using distance metric. Fractal dimension was computed using 3D box counting. Hemodynamic data from RHC was used for correlation analysis. Distance metric, the readout of vessel tortuosity, correlated with mean pulmonary arterial pressure (Spearman correlation coefficient: ρ = 0.60) and other relevant parameters, like pulmonary vascular resistance (ρ = 0.59), arterio-venous difference in oxygen (ρ = 0.54), arterial (ρ = −0.54) and venous oxygen saturation (ρ = −0.68). Moreover, distance metric increased with increase of WHO functional class. In contrast, 3D fractal dimension was only significantly correlated with arterial oxygen saturation (ρ = 0.47). Automatic detection of the lung vascular tree can provide clinically relevant measures of blood vessel morphology. Non-invasive quantification of pulmonary vessel tortuosity may provide a tool to evaluate the severity of pulmonary hypertension. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01607489
α2A-Adrenergic Receptors Filter Parabrachial Inputs to the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis

α2-adrenergic receptors (AR) within the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) reduce stress–reward interactions in rodent models. In addition to their roles as autoreceptors, BNST α2A-ARs suppress glutamatergic transmission. One prominent glutamatergic input to the BNST originates from the parabrachial nucleus (PBN) and consists of asymmetric axosomatic synapses containing calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and vGluT2. Here we provide immunoelectron microscopic data showing that many asymmetric axosomatic synapses in the BNST contain α2A-ARs. Further, we examined optically evoked glutamate release ex vivo in BNST from mice with virally delivered channelrhodopsin2 (ChR2) expression in PBN. In BNST from these animals, ChR2 partially colocalized with CGRP, and activation generated EPSCs in dorsal anterolateral BNST neurons that elicited two cell-type-specific outcomes: (1) feedforward inhibition or (2) an EPSP that elicited firing. We found that the α2A-AR agonist guanfacine selectively inhibited this PBN input to the BNST, preferentially reducing the excitatory response in ex vivo mouse brain slices. To begin to assess the overall impact of α2A-AR control of this PBN input on BNST excitatory transmission, we used a Thy1-COP4 mouse line with little postsynaptic ChR2 expression nor colocalization of ChR2 with CGRP in the BNST. In slices from these mice, we found that guanfacine enhanced, rather than suppressed, optogenetically initiated excitatory drive in BNST. Thus, our study reveals distinct actions of PBN afferents within the BNST and suggests that α2A-AR agonists may filter excitatory transmission in the BNST by inhibiting a component of the PBN input while enhancing the actions of other inputs.
Young People and Desistance from Crime: Perspectives from New Zealand

This thesis examines the process by which young people stop, or 'desist' from, criminal offending in New Zealand. It does so by presenting insights on desistance gained from observations and interviews with young ex-offenders and those who work closely with them. In doing so, it avoids the exaggerated responses to youth crime expressed in political rhetoric and the popular media, and instead focuses on factors that are deemed most valuable in desistance by those most involved. This primary research is presented in the context of the existing literature that establishes desistance as a process influenced by the interaction of multiple variables including individual, social, and structural factors. Analysis of structural factors highlights the need for young people, especially those who experience economic marginalisation or racial discrimination, to be provided with opportunities to change. While the current New Zealand youth justice system generally does well to limit the negative impact of formal system contact for young people, it is noted that the focus on individual plans and strategies fails to adequately address social relations and structural conditions that are integral to desistance processes. The results of this study show that young desisters have mainstream aspirations for stable employment and relationships. Key factors of desistance identified in this study include the influence of 'growing up', family support and positive relationships. In other words, desistance from crime was the result of moving towards something positive in life. It is therefore argued that desistance is also more likely to be sustained with ongoing personal and social support. Rather than being passive victims of structural inequalities, or completely rational actors, this study found young desisters to be influenced by a combination of structural, social and individual factors. The ultimate recommendation is to enhance existing policy through wider strategies that address structural issues, such as poverty and unemployment, together with the development of social and cultural capital, so that desistance processes can be further encouraged in New Zealand's young offenders.
Software based ultrasound B-mode/beamforming optimization on GPU and its performance prediction

In the paper, we design and optimize an ultrasound B-mode imaging including a high-computationally demanding beamformer on a commercial GPU. For the performance optimization, we explore the design space spanned with the use of different memory types, instruction scheduling and thread mapping strategies, etc. Then, with the developed B-mode imaging code, we conduct performance evaluations on various GPUs having different architectural features (e.g., the number of cores and core frequency). Through the experiments on various different GPU devices, we search “performance-significant-factors” which are hardware features of affecting B-mode imaging performance. Then, the analytical relationship between these GPU architectural design factors and the B-mode imaging performance is derived for our target application. At the commercial aspect of developing a product, we can select GPU architectures which are best suitable for the ultrasound applications through the prediction model. In the future, using the predictions, it would be also possible to customize a “cost-minimal” GPU architecture which satisfies a given performance constraint. In addition, the prediction model can be used to dynamically control the activity of GPU components according to the temporal requirement of performance and power/energy consumptions in portable ultrasound diagnosis systems.
Implications of Farm–Non-farm Population Shifts for Household Poverty Changes in Cameroon

This paper studies the implications of farmâ€“non-farm population shifts for household poverty outcomes in Cameroon. It uses total real expenditure per adult equivalent as the wellbeing indicator, as well as the 1996, 2001 and 2007 Cameroon household consumption surveys carried out by the governmentâ€™s statistics office. Results indicate that both the within-sector and between-sector effects are important in accounting for the fall in poverty, with the former largely accounting for the decline in the incidence, depth and severity of poverty. The inter-sector effects portray the role played by farmâ€“non-farm population shifts in alleviating poverty in the farm sector, while increasing it in the non-farm sector. This result also suggests the potential role of diversification-cum-migration in enhancing rural livelihood opportunities. The size of the within-farm effects has implications for public policy that encourages agricultural modernization as a sustainable means to engineer agricultural-based industrialization and which addresses the recurrent hikes in urban food prices.