Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Axis-Exchanged Compensation and Gait Parameters Analysis for High Accuracy Indoor Pedestrian Dead Reckoning

Pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR) is an effective way for navigation coupled with GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) or weak GNSS signal environment like indoor scenario. However, indoor location with an accuracy of 1 to 2 meters determined by PDR based on MEMS-IMU is still very challenging. For one thing, heading estimation is an important problem in PDR because of the singularities. For another thing, walking distance estimation is also a critical problem for pedestrian walking with randomness. Based on the above two problems, this paper proposed axis-exchanged compensation and gait parameters analysis algorithm to improve the navigation accuracy. In detail, an axis-exchanged compensation factored quaternion algorithm is put forward first to overcome the singularities in heading estimation without increasing the amount of computation. Besides, real-time heading is updated by R-adaptive Kalman filter. Moreover, gait parameters analysis algorithm can be divided into two steps: cadence detection and step length estimation. Thus, a method of cadence classification and interval symmetry is proposed to detect the cadence accurately. Furthermore, a step length model adjusted by cadence is established for step length estimation. Compared to the traditional PDR navigation, experimental results showed that the error of navigation reduces 32.6%.
Income diversification before and after economic shocks: evidence from urban and rural Zimbabwe

The article examines changes in income and activity diversification in Zimbabwe before and after macroeconomic policy changes and the droughts of the early 1990s. Data from two comparable national surveys straddling a period of economic volatility show that the percentage of households earning income from private and informal sources grew considerably, while income from government and formal sources declined. In general, rural households tend to have a more diversified portfolio of income than urban households, and the degree of income diversification decreases with the level of urbanisation. Following the shocks, there was a marked reduction in income diversification, notably among the poor. The findings thus strengthen the need for public provision of well-designed safety nets.
Research on surgical process based on Markov chain model within operating rooms

The surgery time duration estimation is the premise of operating room scheduling, the throughput of the surgical system and the utilization efficiency of medical resources are the bases of the allocation of medical resources. In this paper, we start with a general surgical process within operating rooms, then a Markov chain model and a closed, parallel network with limited resources are introduced to study such process. The surgery time duration estimation, the throughput and the utilization efficiency of medical resources are solved. And then an illustrative example using the new method is introduced to illustrate it, such a study will provide a reference for operating room scheduling and the allocation of the surgical medical resources.
A DNA Helicase Activity Is Associated with an MCM4, -6, and -7 Protein Complex*

All six minichromosome maintenance (MCM) proteins have DNA-dependent ATPase motifs in the central domain which is conserved from yeast to mammals. Our group purified MCM protein complexes consisting of MCM2, -4 (Cdc21), -6 (Mis5), and -7 (CDC47) proteins from HeLa cells by using histone-Sepharose column chromatography (Ishimi, Y., Ichinose, S., Omori, A., Sato K., and Kimura, H. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 24115–24122). The present study revealed that both ATPase activity and DNA helicase activity that displaces oligonucleotides annealed to single-stranded circular DNA are associated with an MCM protein complex. Both ATPase and DNA helicase activities were co-purified with a 600-kDa protein complex that is consisted of equal amounts of MCM4, -6, and -7 proteins. An immunodepletion of the MCM protein complex from the purified fraction using anti-MCM4 antibody resulted in the severe reduction of the DNA helicase activity. Displacement of DNA fragments by the DNA helicase suggested that it migrated along single-stranded DNA in the 3′ to 5′ direction, and the DNA helicase activity was detected only in the presence of hydrolyzable ATP or dATP. These results suggest that this helicase may be involved in the initiation of DNA replication as a DNA unwinding enzyme.
Analysing the knowledge base configuration that drives southwest Saxony’s automotive firms

So far little research has been undertaken on analysing automotive clusters from a knowledge base perspective. Existing studies provide ambiguous hints as to which knowledge base is crucial for automotive manufacturing and innovation processes. This article therefore aims to analyse the knowledge base configuration of automotive clusters in more detail. It does so by investigating the nature and geography of knowledge sourcing and interactive innovation processes of southwest Saxony’s automotive firms. Drawing on face-to-face interviews with representatives of 58 firms and social network analyses of knowledge transfers we show that the firms rely heavily on the synthetic knowledge base whereas the analytical knowledge base is comparatively weak. In the face of its precarious position between the highly innovative western automotive centres and the low-cost sites in central and eastern Europe, it is at least uncertain whether this knowledge base configuration will safeguard the clusters’ competitiveness in the long run.
Measuring Quality of Life in Spanish Municipalities

Abstract Measuring quality of life in municipalities entails two empirical challenges. First, collecting a set of relevant indicators that can be compared across the municipalities in the sample. Secondly, using an appropriate aggregating tool in order to construct a synthetic index. This paper measures quality of life for the largest 237 Spanish municipalities using Value Efficiency Analysis (VEA) to derive comparative scores by combining the information contained in 19 partial indicators. VEA is a refinement of DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) that imposes some consistency in the weights of the indicators used to construct the aggregate index. The indicators cover aspects related to consumption, social services, housing, transport, environment, labour market, health, culture and leisure, education and security. The results show that the Northern and Central regions in Spain attain the highest levels of quality of life, while the Southern regions report low living conditions. Education is the variable that requires the largest improvement in low performing municipalities, followed by health and culture facilities, pollution and crime. Population density, growth and ageing seem to relate positively to quality of life.
Comparative experimental study on two designed intravenous anaesthetic combinations in dogs

The goal of the present study is to design a good anaesthetic program for dogs which can lead to optimal anaesthesia with no or minimal post-operative adverse effects. For this purpose, we designed two anaesthetic combinations and compared their effects in Mongrel dogs: combination 'A' consisting of atropine, xylazine, ketamine plus propofol, and combination 'B' consisting of atropine, diazepam, ketamine plus propofol. The onset and duration of anaesthesia induction, the duration of maintenance as well as the period of recovery were recorded and compared for both combinations. Furthermore, heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature as well as blood picture were analyzed before and after administration of the proposed anaesthetic regimens. Administration of combination 'A' lead to rapid onset, within seconds, and induction of anaesthesia. The anaesthetic effect was maintained for approximately 29 minutes after injection of propofol. This was followed by very smooth recovery within approximately 68 minutes after induction of anaesthesia. In contrast, a less efficient induction and maintenance of anaesthesia as well as individual variability was observed after administration of combination 'B'. Approximately 14 minutes were needed for anaesthesia induction, which was maintained for 23 minutes after injection of propofol. Furthermore, administration of combination 'B' was associated with alterations in heart rate, body temperature and hematological picture. In conclusion, our results revealed that combined administration of atropine, xylazine, ketamine plus propofol (combination 'A') is considered satisfactory for anaesthesia in dogs with minimal post-operative side effects.
The mediating role of training utility in the relationship between training needs assessment and organizational effectiveness

In a survey among respondents from 96 organizations, we found that the utility of training partially mediated the relationship between Training Needs Assessment (TNA) comprehensiveness and the effectiveness of the organization. We did not find an effect of training quantity on training utility and organization effectiveness. Both TNA comprehensiveness and training quantity were found to be unrelated to organizational size. The results support the importance of conducting TNA in practice.
People Who Live in Glass Houses: A Response to Evans and Heath's Critique of our Note on Tactical Voting

In a recent Research Note, Evans and Heath cast doubt on the validity of our measure of tactical voting. We and our critics agree on a set of ‘Main reason’ tactical voters – those who said they voted tactically in response to the question, ‘What comes closest to the main reason you voted the way you did? ’ Unlike our critics, we reasoned that many of those who cast a tactical vote would not be identified so simply. Some respondents may have been reluctant to say they had voted for other than the best party. Others may have convinced themselves that the ‘best’ party was one that had a chance of winning and therefore answered in such a way as to place themselves squarely among non-tactical voters even though in other tactical circumstances they would have voted differently. Consequently, we sought to identify tactical behaviour through additional questions. Our final measure of tactical voting can be regarded as containing two components: the ‘main reason’ voters, who expressly told interviewers they voted for one party while ‘really preferring’ some other party, and ‘Other reason’ voters, whom we identified as tactical by their responses to additional questions. It is the ‘Other reason’ voters who are at issue.
HABIT PERSISTENCE AND ASSET RETURNS IN AN EXCHANGE ECONOMY

We examine asset prices and returns in the context of a pure exchange economy. Our purpose is to identify the key channels by which changes in preferences affect the equity premium and the risk-free rate and to develop intuition that is useful for understanding asset pricing in more complicated economies. Our analysis suggests that capital gains play a crucial role in generating empirically plausible mean equity premia.
Measurement of respiratory impedance by impulse oscillometry--effects of endotracheal tubes.

Impulse Oscillometry is a new, noninvasive method to measure respiratory impedance, i.e. airway resistance and reactance at different oscillation frequencies. These parameters are potentially useful for the monitoring of respiratory mechanics in the critically ill patent with respiratory dysfunction. The endotracheal tube, used to mechanically ventilate these patients, however, represents an additional nonlinear impedance that introduces artifacts into the measurements. The objective of this work was therefore to investigate the effects of clinically available endotracheal tubes on resistance and reactance of an in vitro analogue of the respiratory system. Additionally, the effects of decreasing the compressible gas volume in this experimental model, as a simulation of decreased lung capacity and compliance, was investigated. Impulse oscillometric measurements of the test analogue gave highly reproducible results with and without an endotracheal tube. The tubes had significant influence on the measurement of the test object at all frequencies investigated. Changes of low frequent reactance were negligible - at least if repetitive measurements of the same system are performed - for realistic measurement of airway resistance, a correction of the tube impedance or measurement of the pressure distal of the tube is required. Resistance increased and low frequent reactance decreased significantly with decreasing gas volume. These changes were of magnitudes higher than the variations due to the introduction of the endotracheal tubes. Our results suggest that changes of respiratory reactance measured with impulse oscillometry may be used as a monitoring parameter in intubated patients.
Is morning urinary protein/creatinine ratio a reliable estimator of 24-hour proteinuria in patients with glomerulonephritis and different levels of renal function?

BACKGROUND This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine whether a spot urine protein/creatinine ratio (UPr/UCr) provides accurate quantitation of 24-hr urinary protein excretion (24-hr Prot) in out-patients with primary glomerulonephritis (GN) and different renal function levels. METHODS Patients were classified into three groups according to creatinine (Cr) clearance (ml/min) and into five categories according to morning UPr/UCr. Correlation between 24-hr Prot and UPr/UCr was calculated according to the three renal function levels. The Bland and Altman method was used to assess agreement between 24-hr Prot and UPr/UCr. Agreement limits were obtained calculating the mean difference between 24-hr Prot and morning UPr/UCr +/- 2SD. Sensitivity and specificity were determined for different renal function levels and UPr/UCr cut-off values. RESULTS High correlation coefficients (r=0.91, 0.95 and 0.98) were observed in patients with normal, reduced and severely reduced renal function. Differences and variability between 24-hr Prot and UPr/UCr tended to increase with higher proteinuria levels, and this trend was observed for the three renal function levels. The best UPr/UCrcut-off values to detect abnormal or nephrotic proteinuria were, respectively, 0.3 and 2.6. CONCLUSIONS Correlation and agreement between UPr/UCr and 24-hr Prot was good for all renal function levels, but demonstrated more marked differences as urinary protein excretion increased. Morning UPr/UCr had good sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of 24-hr Prot, even in patients with reduced renal function.
The influence of Industrial Clusters' character on the growth of talents: an empirical research in four industrial clusters in China

This paper examines the influence of industrial clusters' character on talents' growth. The sample of this study is gained in four industrial clusters in China. It proved that: the economy of industrial clusters has a positive direct impact on the talents' growth in the clusters; the HR policy of industrial clusters has a positive direct impact on talents' growth in the clusters; the culture of industrial clusters does not have a direct impact on talents' growth in the clusters; the living setting of industrial clusters has a positive direct impact on talents' growth in the clusters; the HRM of companies in industrial clusters has a positive direct impact on talents' growth in the clusters; the culture and HR policy of industrial clusters has a positive direct impact on the HRM of companies in the clusters.
Research and improvement of maximum power point tracking for photovoltaic systems

In this paper, the advantages/disadvantages of several commonly used maximum power point tracking algorithm (Perturb & Observe, Incremental Conductance, Three Points Weighting, and Improved Perturb & Observe) are firstly discussed. Then, a Modified Perturb & Observe (MPO) method is proposed to achieve maximum power point tracking (MPPT) for a PV (photovoltaic) system and to improve the shortcomings of prior methods. The MPO method possesses a conveniently regulated capability of the perturbation, and stopping perturb while tracking to near the maximum power point. Such features can improve the power consumption problem of traditional Perturb & observe (PO) method in the maximum power point, while also increasing the speed of maximum power tracking to increase the system dynamic response. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed MPO method, a 120W PV system will be established, the MPO method and the others MPPT methods is used, respectively and compared. Finally, simulation and experimental results will be presented to verify the feasibility of the MPO algorithm.
Asymmetric information, firm investment and stock prices

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore the relations of investment and stock prices (Tobin-Q), the impact of asymmetric information on the investment sensitivity to stock price, and the impact of asymmetric information on the stock price sensitivity to investment. Design/methodology/approach - Research was conducted with 313 listed companies and 1,878 firm-year observations from Chinese stock market. Empirical studies were conducted based on two hypotheses by using Findings - The key findings of the paper are: managers are learning from the market when they make investment decisions; the asymmetric information has a significant negative impact on the investment sensitivity to stock price; and the asymmetric information has a significant positive impact on the stock price sensitivity to investment. Practical implications - The paper has a significant practical implication for regulation policy making in stock market. Originality/value - The paper fills the research gap in two points. It studies the impact of asymmetric information on the investment sensitivity to stock price, and the impact of asymmetric information on the stock price sensitivity to investment in Chinese stock market for the first time.
Cellulase Hyperproducing Mutants Derived from the Fungus Trichoderma reesei QM9414 Produced Large Amounts of Cellulase at the Enzymatic and Transcriptional Levels

Cellulase hyperproducing mutants derived from the fungus Trichoderma reesei QM9414 were analyzed. They exhibited higher filter-paper degrading activity and a lower growth rate than the wild-type QM9414 strain. Transcription of the cellobiohydrolase I and endoglucanase I genes in the mutants was also greater than that of QM9414, suggesting that cellulase hyperproduction by these mutants was regulated at the transcriptional level.
An eyeglasses-like stereo vision system as an assistive device for visually impaired

Over the past 20 years, different electronic devices have been developed to assist visually impaired avoid obstacles. However, these devices fail to get the favour from them as similar information can be obtained from a white cane already. In this paper, we present a wearable stereovision device that composes of an eyeglasses and an embedded system. Comparing to other travel aids, our system not only can help avoid obstacles but also stream real-time video to mobile phone over 3G networks. A healthy sighted individual can make use of the live video feed to provide guidance to a visually impaired user when losing direction. Besides, the imaging devices are mounted inside an eyeglasses which greatly reduces the form factor and more favourable to the visually impaired who prefer not to stand out in public. And through a series of parallel programming techniques, we can also achieve real-time stereo-matching on images synchronised with FPGA for depth recovery with our embedded system.
First Metatarsal Head OATS Technique: An Approach to Cartilage Damage

Osteochondral lesions of the first metatarsal head have long been recognized in patients with degenerative arthritis4 possibly resulting from trauma to the joint. 9 Treatment for widespread damage of the joint is either fusion or resection arthroplasty.3,6–8,10 When the damage is localized to the dorsal third of the joint, a simple cheilectomy suffices to remove the lesion and allows excellent results. While cheilectomy for a more dorsal cartilaginous lesion works well for the more common hallux rigidus, the central defect is low in the metatarsal head and too much joint surface would be removed if a cheilectomy were done. Alternative treatments include simple debridement, subchondral drilling, joint decompression osteotomy, or modified Keller interposition arthroplasty. A young active patient with a persistently painful defect in the middle of the metatarsal head poses a difficult treatment scenario. The patient often does not want a fusion, and the resection arthroplasty may lead to weakness and transfer metatarsalgia.5 The ability to harvest bone from one portion of the joint and insert it into a more centrally loaded and damaged part of the joint thus holds great promise. Normal articular cartilage rarely is restored with debridement, subchondral drilling, microfracture, or bone grafting. In the hallux, results after subchondral drilling have been less than rewarding. Osteochondral autograft transplant provides an articular plug that may restore normal biomechanics to the metatarsophalangeal joint, potentially minimizing joint degeneration. Originally done with focal osteochondritis dissecans lesions in the weightbearing surface of the femoral condyles, the OATS procedure has increasingly become an option for similar defects elsewhere in the body.