Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ways of Learning about Leisure Meanings

This article examines the epistemological claims made by four paradigms used to study leisure meanings: behaviorism, cognitivism, individual constructivism, and social constructivism. These paradigms represent diverse and contrasting theoretical explanations of how individuals gain knowledge about and give meaning to the phenomenon of leisure and of how these meanings differ and change. Analysis of each paradigm illustrates limitations in their capacity to explain how individuals learn about leisure and suggests the need for alternative explanations. Arguments are advanced in favor of an experientialist paradigm characterized by a research specialization called phenomenography as an additional and complementary theoretical approach to studying the multiple meanings of leisure.
Standard model contributions to the neutrino index of refraction in the early Universe.

With the standard electroweak interactions, the lowest-order coherent forward-scattering amplitudes of neutrinos in a {ital CP}-symmetric medium (such as the early Universe) are zero, and the index of refraction of a propagating neutrino can only arise from the expansion of gauge-boson propagators, from radiative corrections, and from new physics interactions. Motivated by nucleosynthesis constraints on a possible sterile neutrino (suggested by the solar-neutrino deficit and a possible 17-keV neutrino), we calculate the standard model contributions to the neutrino index of refraction in the early Universe, focusing on the period when the temperature was of the order of a few MeV. We find sizable radiative corrections to the tree-level result obtained by the expansion of the gauge-boson propagator. For {nu}{sub {ital e}}+{ital e}({ital {bar e}}){r arrow}{nu}{sub {ital e}}+{ital e}({ital {bar e}}) the leading-log correction is about +10%, while for {nu}{sub {ital e}}+{nu}{sub {ital e}}({bar {nu}}{sub {ital e}}){r arrow}{nu}{sub {ital e}}+{nu}{sub {ital e}}({bar {nu}}{sub {ital e}}) the correction is about +20%. Depending on the family mixing (if any), effects from different family scattering can be dominated by radiative corrections. The result for {nu}+{gamma}{r arrow}{nu}+{gamma} is zero at the one-loop level, even if neutrinos are massive. The cancellation of infrared divergence in amore » coherent process is also discussed. « less
Real exchange rates over a century: the case of the Drachma / Sterling rate, 1833-1939

Recent studies on real exchange rates advocate the use of long samples in order to reveal the low frequency properties of the processes. The present paper contributes to this strand of the literature by exploiting recently released time series for the drachma/sterling rate for the period 1833-1939. This is an interesting period as it covers different exchange rate regimes and the effects of important historical events. In the paper, the mean-reverting behaviour of the real drachma/sterling exchange rate is initially examined applying univariate unit root tests and then the validity of Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) is tested using cointegration analysis. The results provide support for a weak PPP relationship, which turns out to be robust across different sub-periods characterised by different exchange rate regimes. Adjustment to PPP is reached at a relatively high speed and occurs via movements of the nominal exchange rate.
GFP Facilitates Native Purification of Recombinant Perlucin Derivatives and Delays the Precipitation of Calcium Carbonate

Insolubility is one of the possible functions of proteins involved in biomineralization, which often limits their native purification. This becomes a major problem especially when recombinant expression systems are required to obtain larger amounts. For example, the mollusc shell provides a rich source of unconventional proteins, which can interfere in manifold ways with different mineral phases and interfaces. Therefore, the relevance of such proteins for biotechnological processes is still in its infancy. Here we report a simple and reproducible purification procedure for a GFP-tagged lectin involved in biomineralization, originally isolated from mother-of-pearl in abalone shells. An optimization of E. coli host cell culture conditions was the key to obtain reasonable yields and high degrees of purity by using simple one-step affinity chromatography. We identified a dual functional role for the GFP domain when it became part of a mineralizing system in vitro. First, the GFP domain improved the solubility of an otherwise insoluble protein, in this case recombinant perlucin derivatives. Second, GFP inhibited calcium carbonate precipitation in a concentration dependent manner. This was demonstrated here using a simple bulk assay over a time period of 400 seconds. At concentrations of 2 µg/ml and higher, the inhibitory effect was observed predominantly for HCO3 − as the first ionic interaction partner, but not necessarily for Ca2+ . The interference of GFP-tagged perlucin derivatives with the precipitation of calcium carbonate generated different types of GFP-fluorescent composite calcite crystals. GFP-tagging offers therefore a genetically tunable tool to gently modify mechanical and optical properties of synthetic biocomposite minerals.
Jointly Optimal MMSE design for non-redundant FIR precoding and equalization

We provide a filterbank precoding framework (FBP) for frequency selective channels using the minimum mean squared error (MMSE) criterion. The design obviates the need for introducing a guard interval between successive blocks, and hence can achieve the maximum possible bandwidth efficiency. This is especially useful in cases where the channel is of a high order. We treat both the presence and the absence of channel knowledge at the transmitter. In the former case, we obtain the jointly optimal precoder-equalizer pair of the specified order. In the latter case, we use a zero padding precoder, and obtain the MMSE equalizer. No restriction on the dimension or nature of the channel matrix is imposed. Simulation results indicate that the filterbank approach outperforms block based methods like OFDM and eigenmode precoding.
Exploration of audiovisual heritage using audio indexing technology

This paper discusses audio indexing tools that have been implemented for the disclosure of Dutch audiovisual cultural heritage collections. It explains the role of language models and their adaptation to historical settings and the adaptation of acoustic models for homogeneous audio collections. In addition to the benefits of cross-media linking, the requirements for successful tuning and improvement of available tools for indexing the heterogeneous A/V collections from the cultural heritage domain are reviewed. And finally the paper argues that research is needed to cope with the varying information needs for different types of users.
Cynomolgus monkeys are successfully and persistently infected with hepatitis E virus genotype 3 (HEV-3) after long-term immunosuppressive therapy

Epidemiological studies found that hepatitis E virus genotype 3 (HEV-3) infection was associated with chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis in immunocompromised patients. Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between the host immunosuppressive status and the occurrence of HEV-related chronic hepatitis. Here we describe a successful experimental study, using cynomolgus monkeys previously treated with tacrolimus, a potent calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant, and infected with a Brazilian HEV-3 strain isolated from naturally infected pigs. HEV infected monkeys were followed up during 160 days post infection (dpi) by clinical signs; virological, biochemical and haematological parameters; and liver histopathology. The tacrolimus blood levels were monitored throughout the experiment. Immunosuppression was confirmed by clinical and laboratorial findings, such as: moderate weight loss, alopecia, and herpes virus opportunistic infection. In this study, chronic HEV infection was characterized by the mild increase of liver enzymes serum levels; persistent RNA viremia and viral faecal shedding; and liver histopathology. Three out of four immunosuppressed monkeys showed recurrent HEV RNA detection in liver samples, evident hepatocellular ballooning degeneration, mild to severe macro and microvesicular steatosis (zone 1), scattered hepatocellular apoptosis, and lobular focal inflammation. At 69 dpi, liver biopsies of all infected monkeys revealed evident ballooning degeneration (zone 3), discrete hepatocellular apoptosis, and at most mild portal and intra-acinar focal inflammation. At 160 dpi, the three chronically HEV infected monkeys showed microscopic features (piecemeal necrosis) corresponding to chronic hepatitis in absence of fibrosis and cirrhosis in liver parenchyma. Within 4-months follow up, the tacrolimus-immunosuppressed cynomolgus monkeys infected with a Brazilian swine HEV-3 strain exhibited more severe hepatic lesions progressing to chronic hepatitis without liver fibrosis, similarly as shown in tacrolimus-immunosuppressed solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. The cause-effect relationship between HEV infection and tacrolimus treatment was confirmed in this experiment.
Current Treatment of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: Should We Add Life to the Remaining Years or Add Years to the Remaining Life?

According to the ejection fraction, patients with heart failure may be divided into two different groups: heart failure with preserved or reduced ejection fraction. In recent years, accumulating studies showed that increased mortality and morbidity rates of these two groups are nearly equal. More importantly, despite decline in mortality after treatment in regard to current guideline in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, there are still no trials resulting in improved outcome in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction so far. Thus, novel pathophysiological mechanisms are under development, and other new viewpoints, such as multiple comorbidities resulting in increased non-cardiac deaths in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction, were presented recently. In this review, we will focus on the tested as well as the promising therapeutic options that are currently studied in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, along with a brief discussion of pathophysiological mechanisms and diagnostic options that are helpful to increase our understanding of novel therapeutic strategies.
Acategoriality as mental instability

Mental representations are based upon categories in which the state of a mental system is stable. Acategorial states, on the other hand, are distinguished by unstable behavior. A refined and compact terminology for the description of categorial and acategorial mental states and their stability properties is introduced within the framework of the theory of dynamical systems. The relevant concepts are illustrated by selected empirical observations in cognitive neuroscience. Alterations of the category of the first person singular and features of creative activity will be discussed as examples for the phenomenology of acategorial states.
Inference of Bidders’ Risk Attitudes in Ascending Auctions with Endogenous Entry, Second Version

Biddersâ€™ risk attitudes have important implications for sellers seeking to maximize expected revenues. In ascending auctions, auction theory predicts bid distributions in Bayesian Nash equilibrium does not convey any information about bidders' risk preference. We propose a new approach for inference of biddersâ€™ risk attitudes when they make endogenous participation decisions. Our approach is based on the idea that bidders' risk premium - the difference between ex ante expected profits from entry and the certainty equivalent - required for entry into the auction is strictly positive if and only if bidders are risk averse. We show bidders' expected profits from entry into auctions is nonparametrically recoverable, if a researcher observes the distribution of transaction prices, bidders' entry decisions and some noisy measures of entry costs. We propose a nonparametric test which attains the correct level asymptotically under the null of risk-neutrality, and is consistent under fixed alternatives. We provide Monte Carlo evidence of the finite sample performance of the test. We also establish identification of risk attitudes in more general auction models, where in the entry stage bidders receive signals that are correlated with private values to be drawn in the bidding stage.
The Detectability of the First Stars and Their Cluster Enrichment Signatures

We conduct a comprehensive investigation of the detectability of the first stars and their enrichment signatures in galaxy clusters. As the initial mass function (IMF) of these Population III stars is unknown and likely to be biased to high masses, we base our study on analytical models that parameterize these uncertainties and allow us to make general statements. We show that the mean metallicity of outflows from Population III objects containing these stars is well above the critical transition metallicity (Zcr ~ 10-4 Z☉) that marks the formation of normal stars. Thus, the fraction of Population III objects formed as a function of redshift is heavily dependent on the distribution of metals and fairly independent of the mean metallicity of the universe, or the precise value of Zcr. Using an analytic model of inhomogeneous structure formation, we study the evolution of Population III objects as a function of the star formation efficiency, IMF, and efficiency of outflow generation. For all models, Population III objects tend to be in the 106.5-107.0 M☉ mass range, just large enough to cool within a Hubble time, but small enough that they are not clustered near areas of previous star formation. Although the mean metallicity exceeds Zcr at z ~ 15 in all models, the peak of Population III star formation occurs at z ~ 10, and such stars continue to form well into the observable range. We discuss the observational properties of these objects, some of which may have already been detected in ongoing surveys of high-redshift Lyα emitters. Finally, we combine our Population III distributions with the yield models of Heger & Woosley to study their impact on the intracluster medium (ICM) in galaxy clusters. We find that Population III stars can contribute no more than 20% of the iron observed in the ICM, but if they form with characteristic masses ~200-260 M☉, their peculiar elemental yields help to reconcile theoretical models with the observed Fe and Si/Fe abundances. However, these stars tend to overproduce S/Fe and can account only for the O/Fe ratio in the inner regions of poor clusters. Additionally, the associated supernova heating falls far short of the observed level of ~1 keV per ICM gas particle. Thus, the properties of the first objects may be best determined by direct observation.
SYSTEMATIC DISCRETIZATION OF INPUT/OUTPUT MAPS AND CONTROL OF PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

We present a framework for the direct discretization of the input/output map of dynamical systems governed by linear partial differential equations with distributed inputs and outputs. The approximation consists of two steps. First, the input and output signals are discretized in space and time, resulting in finite dimensional spaces for the input and output signals. These are then used to approximate the dynamics of the system. The approximation errors in both steps are balanced and a matrix representation of an approximate input/output map is constructed which can be further reduced using singular value decompositions. We present the discretization framework, corresponding error estimates, and the SVD-based system reduction method. The theoretical results are illustrated with some applications in the optimal control of partial differential equations.
Cyclical Fiscal Policy, Output Volatility, and Economic Growth

This paper provides a comprehensive empirical assessment of the relation between the cyclicality of fiscal policy, output volatility, and economic growth, using a large cross-section of 88 countries over the period 1960 to 2004. Identification of the effects of (endogenous) cyclical fiscal policy is achieved by exploiting the exogeneity of countries’ political and institutional characteristics, which we find to be relevant determinants of fiscal cyclicality. There are three main results: First, both pro- and countercyclical fiscal policy amplify output volatility, much in a way like pure fiscal shocks that are unrelated to the cycle. Second, output volatility, due to variations in cyclical and discretionary fiscal policy, is negatively associated with economic growth. Third, there is no direct effect of cyclicality of economic growth other than through output volatility. These findings advocate the introduction of fiscal rules that limit the use of (discretionary and) cyclical fiscal policy to improve growth performance by reducing volatility.
Is PROGRESA working

This document summarizes 24 months of extensive research by the International Food Policy Research Institute designed to evaluate whether PROGRESA has been successful at achieving its goals. The evaluation analyzes what has been the impact of PROGRESA on education, health, and nutrition as well as in other areas, such as women's status and work incentives.
Probing and Fault Injection of Distributed Protocol Implementations

Ensuring that a distributed system with strict dependability constraints meets its prescribed speciication is a growing challenge that confronts software developers and system engineers. This paper presents a technique for probing and fault injection of fault-tolerant distributed protocols. The proposed technique, called script-driven probing and fault injection, can be used for studying the behavior of distributed systems and for detecting design and implementation errors of fault-tolerant protocols. The focus of this work is on fault injection techniques that can be used to demonstrate three aspects of a target protocol: i) detection of design or implementation errors, ii) identiication of violations of protocol speciications, and iii) insight into design decisions made by the implementors. The emphasis of our approach is on experimental techniques intended to identify speciic \problems" in a protocol or its implementation rather than the evaluation of system dependability through statistical metrics such as fault coverage. To demonstrate the capabilities of this technique, the paper describes a probing and fault injection tool, called the PFI tool (Probe/Fault Injection Tool), and a summary of several extensive experiments that studied the behavior of two protocols: the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) 5,28] and the Group Membership Protocol (GMP) 20].
Privacy conserving and secure distribution of personal health information using cloud

Handle the privacy information in the cloud faces the lot of security issues. If we maintain the medical information in the cloud means we need to provide the more security protection for the sensitive information's. Personal Health Information system is the system for preserving the privacy and distributing the information in secret way using Cloud Computing. Storing the medical information in third party cloud server, there is the chance for viewing and there is the chance for the information leakage. So here we need to protect the sensitive information's. The better way to protect the medical information's is, storing the sensitive information in the form of cipher text. In this paper we made a detailed study on Attribute Based Encryption and Attribute Based Broadcast Encryption for securing the Personal Health Information. And also in this paper we present the Personal Health Information system and we implement the system from different angle for securing the Personal Health Information with the help of Asymmetric key Cryptography and Message Digest. And also we are using the Attribute Based Broadcast Encryption. And we present the Time Granularity based log record scheme. To maintaining the log record we using the Third Party Auditor for strong back end protection. We show the experimental result of the PHIS in this paper.
Robustness of PID-controlled Manipulators vis-à-vis Actuator Dynamics and External Disturbances

We present a robustness analysis for PID-controlled robot manipulators. For robot manipulators under the influence of external disturbances and a wide class of neglected dynamics, we provide establish uniform semiglobal practical asymptotic stability and propose a tuning procedure of the PID gains in order to achieve any given precision from any given bounded set of initial conditions. In contrasts to other works on robust stability of PIDs, we do not use La Salle's principle but provide a strict Lyapunov function. The perturbations that we consider include discontinuous functions of the state, such as coulomb friction. As corollaries of our main results, one may conclude the same stability property for the case of motion control using linear PID.
Using the Treasury Nominal and Inflation-Indexed Spread to Estimate Expected Long-Run Changes in the CPI-U under Inflation Uncertainty, Risk Aversion, and the Probability of Deflation: Technical Paper 2003-10

Yield spreads between rates on Treasury nominal and inflation-indexed securities are thought to be distorted measures of expected inflation because of various biases. Three sources of bias are investigated in this paper: risk aversion, inflation uncertainty, and failure to account for the explicit option on the redemption value of the Treasuryâ€™s inflation-indexed security when there is a probability of deflation. The analysis produces estimates of all three biases. It finds that significant bias could arise from the second and third sources, while any bias from the first
Empowering Video Storytellers : Concept Discovery and Annotation for Large Audio-Video-Text Archives

A large amount of video content is available and stored by broadcasters, libraries and other enterprises. However, the lack of effective and efficient tools for searching and retrieving has prevented video becoming a major value asset. Much work has been done for retrieving video information from constrained structured domains, such as news and sports, but general solutions for unstructured audio-video-language intensive content are missing.
Complexity of Two-Variable Logic on Finite Trees

Verification of properties expressed in the two-variable fragment of first-order logic FO2 has been investigated in a number of contexts. The satisfiability problem for FO2 over arbitrary structures is known to be NEXPTIME-complete, with satisfiable formulas having exponential-sized models. Over words, where FO2 is known to have the same expressiveness as unary temporal logic, satisfiability is again NEXPTIME-complete. Over finite labelled ordered trees, FO2 has the same expressiveness as navigational XPath, a popular query language for XML documents. Prior work on XPath and FO2 gives a 2EXPTIME bound for satisfiability of FO2 over trees. This work contains a comprehensive analysis of the complexity of FO2 on trees, and on the size and depth of models. We show that different techniques are required depending on the vocabulary used, whether the trees are ranked or unranked, and the encoding of labels on trees. We also look at a natural restriction of FO2, its guarded version, GF2. Our results depend on an analysis of types in models of FO2 formulas, including techniques for controlling the number of distinct subtrees, the depth, and the size of a witness to satisfiability for FO2 sentences over finite trees.