Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The rate-distortion dimension of sets and measures

Data compression of independent samples drawn from a fractal set is considered. The asymptotic ratio of rate to magnitude log distortion characterizes the effective dimension occupied by the underlying distribution. This quantity is shown to be identical to Renyi's (1959) information dimension. For self-similar fractal sets this dimension is distribution dependent-in sharp contrast with the behavior of absolutely continuous measures. The rate-distortion dimension of a set is defined as the maximal rate-distortion dimension for distributions supported on this set. Kolmogorov's metric dimension is an upper bound on the rate-distortion dimension, while the Hausdorff dimension is a lower bound. Examples of sets for which the rate-distortion dimension differs from these bounds are provided. >
Association between psychological factors and adolescent smoking in seven cities in China

Background: Cigarette smoking is a culturally accepted behavior among adult males in China. However, there is limited information on smoking among Chinese adolescents, particularly the information on the relationship between psychological well-being and smoking behavior among this population. Purpose: This study explored associations between three psychological factors—anxiety, hostility, and depressive symptoms—and smoking behavior among Chinese adolescents. Methods: The data presented in this study are a cross-sectional slice from a longitudinal investigation of tobacco use and lifestyle carried out in China. The study population consisted of 4,724 7th and 11th grade students from seven large cities in China. Results: Odds ratios showed that anxiety, hostility, and depressive symptoms were significantly associated with a higher risk of lifetime smoking for both boys and girls. Conclusion: Much like their Western counterparts, Chinese adolescents face developmental stress. The resulting distress may increase their risk for substance use and other health-risk behaviors.
The fractional Talbot effect in differential x‐ray phase‐contrast imaging for extended and polychromatic x‐ray sources

The influence of different physical parameters, such as the source size and the energy spectrum, on the functional capability of a grating interferometer applied for phase‐contrast imaging is discussed using numerical simulations based on Fresnel diffraction theory. The presented simulation results explain why the interferometer could be well combined with polychromatic laboratory x‐ray sources in recent experiments. Furthermore, it is shown that the distance between the two gratings of the interferometer is not in general limited by the width of the photon energy spectrum. This implies that interferometers that give a further improved image quality for phase measurements can be designed, because the primary measurement signal for phase measurements can be increased by enlargement of this distance. Finally, the mathematical background and practical instructions for the quantitative evaluation of measurement data acquired with a polychromatic x‐ray source are given.
Training Watson - A Cognitive Systems Course

We developed a course in which students train an instance of Watson and develop an application that interacts with the trained instance. Additionally, students learn technical in-formation about the Jeopardy! version of Watson and they discuss a future infused with cognitive assistants. In this poster, we justify this course, characterize major assessment items and provide advice on choosing a domain.
Examination Methods of Life Quality in Cancer Patients of the Head and Neck

: Introduction: Oncological diseases in the area of the head and neck cause numerous functional disorders and changes in appearance, that make the quality of life worse. Objective: The purpose of this research is to follow up and analyze the methods, used to examination and evaluation of quality of life in patients with cancer of the head and neck. Discussion: Treatment and rehabilitation of cancer patients in maxillo-facial area is complicated and long process. This requires examination and assessment of their general physical and mental health. The main methods and tools for evaluation life quality in these patients are the surveys. Conclusion: The application of specific methods for examination the quality of life in patients with cancer of the head and neck allows an objective assessment of their condition, which supports the treatment and rehabilitation.
Mediating Role of Company Information in the Relationships among Perceived Risks and Purchase Intentions in an Online Retailing Context

Abstract The exponential growth of the online retail sector has attracted the attention of researchers across the globe. Understanding the consumer decision-making process in an online retail context is of vital importance to all online retailers. The objective of this study was to examine the direct and indirect impacts of perceived risks on consumers’ purchase intentions in an online shopping context. This study applied structural equation modeling to test the study model with data from 234 samples. We found a significant negative full mediating impact of performance risk, financial risk, physical risk, and psychological risk on consumers’ purchase intentions. Moreover, we found a partial mediating impact of social risk on purchase intentions. However, we did not find a mediating impact of time risk on purchase intentions. These empirical results may help online retailers to better understand their consumers, their intentions to purchase, and their level of risk perceptions. Accordingly, online marketers can frame contemporary strategies to attract retail customers, leading to greater profitability of the organization.
Modeling and analysis of dynamic properties of the hybrid transformer with MRC

this paper deals with the modelling and analysis of dynamic properties of the three-phase AC transformer with electromagnetic and electric (hybrid) coupling. The electromagnetic coupling is realized by means of the conventional transformer. The electrical coupling is realized by means of a matrix-reactance chopper (MRC), which is supplied from an auxiliary secondary winding of the transformer. In this paper there are descriptions of the proposed solution, with a presentation of their modeling and analysis of their dynamic properties.
Unified Kinetic Approach for Simulation of Gas Flows in Rarefied and Continuum Regimes

Abstract : This report was developed under a SBIR contract. The objective of this effort was to develop a computation fluid dynamics tool for air and space flight. Flow fields characterized by the simultaneous presence of continuum and rarefied regimes arise in many important applications, ranging from re-entry of aerospace vehicles to micro-fluidics. In this Phase II SBIR Project, we have developed a Unified Flow Solver with adaptive mesh and algorithm refinement based on direct numerical solution of the Boltzmann equation coupled to kinetic schemes of gas dynamics. Our strategy allowed easy coupling of the continuum and Boltzmann solvers in a hybrid code with automatic domain decomposition. We have demonstrated the UFS capabilities for several one-component gas flows and have confirmed that the hybrid method results in significant savings by limiting expensive kinetic solutions only to the regions where they are needed. The UFS could automatically introduce or remove kinetic patches to maximize accuracy and efficiency of simulations. We have extended UFS to molecular gases with rotationally and vibrationally degrees of freedom and to multi-component reactive gas mixtures. It was demonstrated that the UFS methodology could provide an efficient solution to practical problems of polyatomic gas mixtures of different degrees of rarefaction.
Photonic Generation of Binary Phase-Coded Microwave Signals With Large Frequency Tunability Using a Dual-Parallel Mach–Zehnder Modulator

We present a photonic approach to generating binary phase-coded microwave signals with large frequency tunability using a dual-parallel Mach-Zehnder modulator (DPMZM). The DPMZM consists of a pair of sub-MZMs embedded in the two arms of a parent MZM. In our scheme, one of the sub-MZMs is fed by a sinusoidal microwave signal to be phase-coded, and the other sub-MZM is driven by a rectangular coding signal. The optical signals from the two sub-MZMs are destructively interfered by adjusting the dc bias of the parent MZM. As a result, the optical carrier is binary phase coded. A binary phase-coded microwave signal is generated by beating between the optical carrier and the sidebands. The carrier frequency of the phase-coded microwave signal is widely tunable. Phase-coded microwave signals with two different frequencies at 10 and 20 GHz are experimentally generated, respectively.
Comparison of steps and energy expenditure assessment in adults of Fitbit Tracker and Ultra to the Actical and indirect calorimetry

Abstract Epidemic levels of inactivity are associated with chronic diseases and rising healthcare costs. To address this, accelerometers have been used to track levels of activity. The Fitbit and Fitbit Ultra are some of the newest commercially available accelerometers. The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of the Fitbit and Fitbit Ultra. Twenty-three subjects were fitted with two Fitbit and Fitbit Ultra accelerometers, two industry-standard accelerometers and an indirect calorimetry device. Subjects participated in 6-min bouts of treadmill walking, jogging and stair stepping. Results indicate the Fitbit and Fitbit Ultra are reliable and valid for activity monitoring (step counts) and determining energy expenditure while walking and jogging without an incline. The Fitbit and standard accelerometers under-estimated energy expenditure compared to indirect calorimetry for inclined activities. These data suggest the Fitbit and Fitbit Ultra are reliable and valid for monitoring over-ground energy expenditure.
Assessing Degrees of Web-2.0-ness for Websites: Model and Results for Product Websites in the Pharmaceutical Industry

This paper describes the development of a maturity model to assess the Web-2.0-ness of websites. The model draws on O’Reilly’s Web 2.0 principles and patterns. It distinguishes six dimensions with four degrees of 2.0-ness each. The rating scheme has been evaluated and refined to improve inter-rater reliability in a discussion and a coding iteration. This model raises awareness for 2.0-ness, helps to benchmark website design, and supports decisions about 2.0-ness adoption. Based on aggregated scores and a normal distribution, our sample of 44 pharmaceutical over-the-counter (OTC) product websites is classified in three maturity stages: Innovators, Adopters, and Laggards. The model can also be used for other industries and website types. In five of the six dimensions, at least one website reaches the top degree, but n one achieves top grades in every dimension. Diversity in 2.0-ness is observed for product websites in the pharmaceutical industry, as well as for one company’s different product brands. Further research will extend the 2.0-ness analysis to the overall web presence, including social media sites. Another next step is to relate 2.0-patterns to websites’ success measures.
Detection of Verrucomicrobia in a Pasture Soil by PCR-Mediated Amplification of 16S rRNA Genes

ABSTRACT Oligonucleotide primers were designed and used to amplify, by PCR, partial 16S rRNA genes of members of the bacterial divisionVerrucomicrobia in DNA extracted from a pasture soil. By applying most-probable-number theory to the assay, verrucomicrobia appeared to contribute some 0.2% of the soil DNA. Amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis of 53 cloned PCR-amplified partial 16S rRNA gene fragments and comparative sequence analysis of 21 nonchimeric partial 16S rRNA genes showed that these primers amplified only 16S rRNA genes of members of the Verrucomicrobia in DNA extracted from the soil.
High-value market opportunities for smallholder vegetable farmers in Arusha region, Tanzania

This study was conducted to determine high-value market opportunities for smallholder vegetable farmers in Arusha Region. To do so, the study provides a micro level survey. The survey was conducted on smallholder vegetable farmers and high-value markets in Arusha Region. The specific objectives were identifying the characteristics of smallholder vegetable farmers in Arusha Region; determining factors that influence smallholder vegetable farmers participation in high-value market opportunities; and examine the capability of smallholder vegetable farmers to become preferred suppliers in selected high-value markets. Data were collected from primary source. The primary source data for this study was collected from 200 vegetable farmers, and 30 high-value markets (supermarkets, schools, and hotels). The results showed that age of farmers, sex, their household, their level of education and their main occupation had a positive influence on vegetable farmers’ vegetable production and participation. For Binary logistic regressions it was found that vegetable farmers experience in growing cabbage and in growing tomato, distance to the high-value market, tomato yield, cabbage yield, and onion yield had a significant influence on smallholder farmers’ participation in high-value market. SWOT analysis showed farmers strength, weakness, opportunities, and threats that enable them to become preferred suppliers to the high-value markets. Smallholder farmers strength included; owning land, possession of skills in cultivating either cabbage, onion or tomato, year-round availability of water for irrigation, access to inputs, access to extension service, and availability of high-value market in their area. The smallholder farmer’s opportunities were good climatic conditions and training opportunities from various agricultural organizations.
Tomographic SAR imaging based on GTD model and compressed sensing

It is attractive for wideband Radar system that sampling rate can be reduced by compressed sensing method. The GTD model can simulate wideband scattering with high accuracy. A compressed sensing method for parameter estimation of GTD model is proposed, and is applied in tomographic SAR imaging. By this method, complex scatter intensity can be estimated accurately.
THE GENETIC BASIS OF ANTHOCYANIN BIOSYNTHESIS IN WHEAT , RYE AND WHEAT-RYE HYBRIDS UNDER NORMAL AND STRESS CONDITIONS

Anthocyanins are pigmented compounds in plants, which are known to play a protective role under different stress conditions. For example, anthocyanin content tends to increase under UV-B irradiation, drought, cold, toxic metals in soils and pathogens attack [1]. In bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and rye (Secale cereale L.), anthocyanin pigments are found in different organs such as culm, leaf, auricle, pericarp, coleoptiles and anther [2]. However, the genetic mechanisms underpinning formation of these traits as well as contribution of the pigmentation to stress tolerance have not been widely studied in wheat and rye. The aim of the current study was to investigate molecular-genetic mechanisms underlying anthocyanin pigmentation of the coleoptiles in wheat, rye and wheat-rye hybrids, and to estimate the role of the pigmentation in salt tolerance in wheat seedlings.
Designing Product-Service System solutions for value co-creation - Integrating Product-Service System and Service Design approaches

Researchers and practitioners have increasingly recognized the importance of offering value propositions to customers that enable value co-creation as discussed in the Service-Dominant Logic (S-D logic). S-D logic recognizes customers as active cocreators and posits that products and services are only means to an end. Also, different approaches, methods and tools have been developed to design value propositions however they still lack to explicit the S-D logic principles. The design of solutions that provide value-in-use is at the center of both Product Service System (PSS) approach and Service Design (SD). Whereas PSS focuses on designing required functions and aims at sustainability, embedding a more organization-centered approach and problem-solving way of thinking; SD adopts a more human-centered perspective for creative enquiry and focuses on the customer experience, orchestrating interactions between different actors that engage over time, in a complex socio-technological environment. Although SD becomes more established as a discipline, it tends to focus on the early stages of the design process and could further expand its impact if integrated with current organizational innovation approaches. Moreover, PSS design is currently well known in industries and similar principles may be shared among these disciplines. However, so far, these approaches have not been fully integrated. This paper analyses the PSS and SD approaches in light of the S-D logic. It attempts to provide a more comprehensive discussion about these two approaches and proposes a conceptual framework for integrating PSS organizational point of view; and SD human-centered focus to design better service.
Premenstrual Syndrome: Nutritional and Alternative Approaches

Since it was first identified in the 1930s, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) has presented the clinician with challenges from an etiological as well as treatment perspective. To know the cause is to know the cure. The cause of PMS appears to be a complicated interplay among hormones, neurotransmitters, nutrients and psychosocial factors. To complicate the picture further, the same imbalances are not present in every person suffering from PMS. This article is a review of the literature, citing numerous studies, sometimes with conflicting views, of the etiology and non-drug treatment for premenstrual syndrome. Specific nutrients and botanicals are discussed as they relate to particular neuroendocrine imbalances. In view of the fact that there appears not to be one particular deficiency or excess which can be identified in each case of PMS, the most reliable method of treatment involves a comprehensive approach which includes dietary changes, supplementation of specific nutrients and botanicals, and when indicated, use of identical to natural hormones such as progesterone. (Alt Med Rev 1997;2(1):12-25)
Framework for Identifying Appropriate Roles for the Public and Private Sector in National Broadband Deployments in Emerging Economies: The National Broadband Plan of India

Emerging economies recognize the substantial economic impact of broadband and hence are increasingly focusing on National Broadband Plans (NBPs). There is recognition that there are significant challenges in designing the institutional infrastructure required for broadband deployment, which are accentuated in a developing country context due to their weak existing institutional environment. But since the impact of telecom and broadband, in particular, is more significant in developing countries than in developed ones, policy makers in developing countries are increasingly focusing on NBPs. For example, policy makers in India realize that broadband could accelerate the increasing contribution of the service and knowledge sectors to India’s economy and also help to alleviate its poor physical service delivery in areas such as health, education, banking etc. and have adopted a NBP. In the context highlighted above, the key questions are what are the relative roles for the public sector/government and private sector? What institutional mechanisms could facilitate broadband deployment, both at the backbone, middle level and last mile? What are the key lessons learned? This paper examines the Indian case of broadband deployment with a view to developing a framework for the above in the context of emerging economies.
Cryopreservation Of Nili-Ravi Buffalo Bull Sperm in Cryodiluent Supplemented with Lolium perenne Protein Preparations.

BACKGROUND Semen from the Nili-Ravi buffalo bull, Bubalus bubalis, shows poor survival after freeze storage compared to bovine (Bos taurus and Bos indicus) semen. Freeze-susceptibility distinctions in these two genera have been attributed to differences in sperm membranes. MATERIALS AND METHODS We measured the impact of protein preparations derived from a frost-resistant perennial grass, Lolium perenne, with ice recrystallization inhibition activity on the low temperature storage of B. bubalis semen. RESULTS When the L. perenne preparations (0.1, 1, 10 µg/mL) were added to buffalo semen [2 ejaculates per bull (N=3) per replicate (r=3)] in Tris-citrate extender (50×106sperm mL-1), there was no impact on semen quality, as measured by sperm motility and plasma membrane integrity, after storage at 4 degree C (P>0.05). However, when semen supplemented with the grass proteins (0.1 and 1 µg mL-1) was evaluated after freezing and storage in liquid nitrogen for 24 h, post-thaw sperm progressive motility and plasma membrane integrity was higher (P<0.05) than in control samples. Post-thaw sperm viability and sperm acrosome integrity was similar (P > 0.05) to controls. CONCLUSION The improvement in cryopreserved buffalo sperm progressive motility and plasma membrane integrity suggests that the use of these easily-made preparations may improve fertility after cryopreservation and offers the prospect of improved conception rates after artificial insemination with cryopreservation.
Validation of the Korean version of the Syndrom Kurztest (SKT): a short test for the assessment of memory and attention

The Syndrom Kurztest SKT is a brief neuropsychological test battery that consists of nine subtests and defines two independent factors of memory and attention deficit. The aim of this study was to validate the Korean version of the SKT. The reliability of each subtest among three parallel Forms (A, B and C) of the Korean version was high (r = 0.46–0.95). The SKT had good concurrent validity with the Mini‐Mental State Examination (r = −0.83, p < 0.001). Factor analysis confirmed the presence of two primary factors, memory and attention. The overall similarities of the factor structures for the Korean data and those for the data from Germany and the USA provide evidence of the transcultural stability of the SKT. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wisdom-of-the-crowds to enhance innovation: state of the art

Our paper performs a systematic literature review on academic and non-academic studies on “wisdom of the crowds” or “collective intelligence” and its possible usage to enhance innovation, with or without financial compensation for the member of the crowd. We aggregate and critically compare contributions since 2004, when the concept was coined, in a conceptual framework meant to assist innovation professionals in sourcing various types of knowledge from the crowds. Key dimensions point towards different approaches according to the type of information/knowledge required, different types of target-crowd, according to company goals and phase of innovation process where knowledge is to be used.
Investigating the main factors that influence employee retention at private universities in Kurdistan

This study aimed to examine the main factors influencing employee retention at private universities in Kurdistan. A quantitative method was used to analyze the data in this study, the researcher prepared questionnaire and distributed in the private universities. The survey was divided into two sections; the first section was demographic analysis which started with respondent’s age, gender, and level of education. The second section of survey consisted of 28 questions regarding factors affecting employee retention. A random sampling method was used in this study. The researcher distributed 140 questionnaires, 115 questionnaires were received and being completed properly and 25 questionnaires were missing. Participants were varied as for age, gender and level of education. The findings revealed that the highest value was for job security, which demonstrates that the degree of employee retention increases by their job security factors. Keywords— employee retention, compensation, job security, demographic, private university, Kurdistan.