Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MEASURING SIMILARITY OF AUTOMATICALLY EXTRACTED MELODIC PITCH CONTOURS FOR AUDIO-BASED QUERY BY HUMMING OF POLYPHONIC MUSIC COLLECTIONS

A study of melodic similarity of pitch contours automatically obtained from audio files in the context of Query by Humming is presented. Pitch contours are extracted directly from monophonic (query files) and polyphonic (commercial songs) audio files using a state-of-the-art algorithm MELODIA [SG12] for automatic estimation of predominant melodic contours. The contours are then coded using the Symbolic Aggregate Approximation [LKWL07] algorithm for the reduction of the huge amount of information each sequence contains, avoiding any step of automatic music transcription, and then compared using the subsequence matching and time warping method Smith-Waterman [SW81], being then an audio-based comparison. Results using the commented approach do not reach state-of-the-art results obtained by other authors in audio-based Query by Humming and, analyzing the results, the main conclusion is that Symbolic Aggregate Approximation might not be appropriate for this task.
EXCHANGE RATE VOLATILITY AND INTERNATIONAL VISITOR ARRIVALS TO THE HOME OF WORLD HERITAGE - CAMBODIA: FRESH EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE

Despite the Cambodian government has undergone different stages of economic reforms in its transition process to promote FDI and tourism exports, it cannot insulate itself against influences from the exchange rate volatility. This paper empirically explores the possible direction of causality between the volatility of exchange rate and international visitor arrivals to Cambodia using a bivariate augmented VAR model with ARDL representation. The findings show evidence of bidirectional causality between these two variables of interest while the impulse response results indicate that an exogenous shock in volatility of exchange rate could lead to a negative response of international visitor arrivals to Cambodia. The study recommends that the exchange rate volatility could be a policy concern when the capital accounts have been liberalized.
The internet practices of hotel companies: an analysis from Greece

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify and evaluate the practices hoteliers use to design their hotel web sites. It argues that hoteliers provide groups of relative information services, they provide them in different degrees of occurrence, and some of them being significant are not provided to meet the customers' demands, while others are provided regardless of their low perceived significance.Design/methodology/approach – This work distinguishes groups of information services according to their occurrence and significance. The content of 798 Greek hotel web sites is recorded using the frequencies of 66 information features. Also a sample of 17 users provides the significance ratings of the information features.Findings – Greek hotel web sites are primarily designed to serve as electronic brochures and, while they generally satisfy most of the users' needs, they partly serve as online transactions media, a function considered significant.Practical implications – Identifies and rates the rende.
Bank marketing investments and bank performance

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine empirically the effects of investments by US banks in advertising and promotion on their performance in the areas of profits and market share. Design/methodology/approach - The model presented in the paper is motivated by the theory of the profit function. We estimate a base model with a fixed-effects panel including an AR(1) disturbance over the period 2002-2006. To test for selection bias, we also estimate a Heckman model. Findings - It is found that bank profits and market share increase significantly with increased spending on advertising and promotion. Also, significant evidence is found of increasing returns to scale in this type of marketing expenditure. It is also found that increased expenditures on branching result in higher profits and increased market share, but without scale effects. The results are robust, the inclusion of variables is not suggested by profit function theory and corrected for prospective selection bias. Originality/value - The extant literature does not include research on the effectiveness of bank marketing from the viewpoint of its impact on profit performance. The findings should be of interest to academics in finance and marketing and to banking practitioners.
The discovery and development of sorafenib for the treatment of thyroid cancer

Introduction: Although the prognosis for most differentiated thyroid cancers (DTCs) remains excellent, recurrence and insensitivity to radioactive iodine (RAI) lead to therapeutic challenges and poorer outcomes. In defining the pathogenesis of DTC, multiple genetic alterations have been identified in key pathways focused around receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and the MAPK cascade. Sorafenib was specifically developed to target rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma (RAF) kinase in the MAPK pathway. It has been shown, however, to have potent inhibition of several key RTKs, RAF kinase and the V600E BRAF mutation, gaining FDA approval in November 2013 for advanced RAI-refractory DTC. Areas covered: The authors provide a review of the targeted RAF kinase discovery strategy as well as the preclinical and clinical development of sorafenib, leading to FDA approval of DTC. The authors also provide some insight into the clinical use of sorafenib and look at important considerations for treatment. Expert opinion: Sorafenib significantly improves progression-free survival in metastatic DTC patients who are RAI-refractory. However, the overall survival benefit is still unproven and requires additional follow up. Despite its cost and significant side-effect profile, which results in dose reductions in the majority of DTC patients, sorafenib should be considered for the treatment of RAI-refractory advanced DTC patients following evaluation of their individual risk–benefit stratification.
Delay-doppler frequency power spectrum estimation for vehicular propagation channels

In this contribution, an algorithm is derived based on the Space-Alternating Generalized Expectation-maximization (SAGE) algorithm for estimating the power spectrum of time-variant propagation channel dispersive in delay and Doppler frequency. The proposed algorithm utilizes a signal model where each component is characterized by a parametric delay-Doppler frequency power spectral density function. The parameter estimates obtained are directly the small-scale parameters required for constructing stochastic channel models. Compared with conventional modeling approaches that compute the small-scale parameters based on parameter estimates of propagation paths, the proposed algorithm can avoid the errors in the parameter estimation of specular paths, and provide accurate estimates of statistical parameters in the cases where a small amount of observation samples are available.
Top management team characteristics, decision-making style, and organizational performance

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the relationships among top management team (TMT) characteristics, strategic decision-making styles, and performance. A pair of questionnaires was distributed for each firm; one is for the leader, and the other is for the follower. Using structural equation modeling with data collected from 198 pairs of samples in Taiwan, the results indicated that TMT characteristics, including risk-taking propensity, innovative personality, and effective communication ability did have effects on strategic decision-making styles, which, in turn, affected the performance of each company. The contribution to theory and managerial implications of this study as well as directions for future research are discussed. Key words: Top management team (TMT) characteristics, decision-making style, organizational performance.
Efficiency Effects of Premium-Setting Regimes under Workers' Compensation: Canada and the United States

We develop a model in which it is predicted that more resources will be devoted to safety in a workers' compensation system with experience-rated premiums than in one with flat-rated premiums. We test this model by observing the effect on fatality rates of the move from flat rating to experience rating in the forestry and construction industries of Ontario, Canada. The evidence provides strong confirmation of the theory.
Corticotropin‐releasing factor increases mouse ventral tegmental area dopamine neuron firing through a protein kinase C‐dependent enhancement of Ih

Stress induces the release of the peptide corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) into the ventral tegmental area (VTA), and also increases dopamine levels in brain regions receiving dense VTA input. Therefore, stress may activate the mesolimbic dopamine system in part through the actions of CRF in the VTA. Here, we explored the mechanism by which CRF affects VTA dopamine neuron firing. Using patch‐clamp recordings from brain slices we first determined that the presence of Ih is an excellent predictor of dopamine content in mice. We next showed that CRF dose‐dependently increased VTA dopamine neuron firing, which was prevented by antagonism of the CRF receptor‐1 (CRF‐R1), and was mimicked by CRF‐R1 agonists. Inhibition of the phospholipase C (PLC)–protein kinase C (PKC) signalling pathway, but not the cAMP–protein kinase A (PKA) signalling pathway, prevented the increase in dopamine neuron firing by CRF. Furthermore, the effect of CRF on VTA dopamine neurons was not attenuated by blockade of IA, IK(Ca) or IKir, but was completely eliminated by inhibition of Ih. Although cAMP‐dependent modulation of Ih through changes in the voltage dependence of activation is well established, we surprisingly found that CRF, through a PKC‐dependent mechanism, enhanced Ih independent of changes in the voltage dependence of activation. Thus, our results demonstrated that CRF acted on the CRF‐R1 to stimulate the PLC–PKC signalling pathway, which in turn enhanced Ih to increase VTA dopamine neuron firing. These findings provide a cellular mechanism of the interaction between CRF and dopamine, which can be involved in promoting the avoidance of threatening stimuli, the pursuit of appetitive behaviours, as well as various psychiatric conditions.
Methodological Considerations in Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

In decision making regarding optimal resource allocation to safeguard public health, policymakers and healthcare providers rely on the availability and reliability of data about the relative costs and benefits of competing treatment options. One such an approach is based on cost effectiveness analysis (CEA) which is intended to be used as a combined metric of both the costs and health outcomes of alternative intervention strategies. However, the usual measures used in CEA are not readily analyzable based on standard statistical paradigms for inference. Further, reliable data may not always be available to estimate relevant parameters. Accordingly, it is essential to employ nonstandard procedures to compensate for information gaps and to address inferential difficulties. In this paper, we outline the issues associated with some of the commonly used techniques, with particular emphasis on the so-called network meta-analysis and indirect comparisons. Additional reference is made to the complexities introduced when data are used from observational studies. It is concluded that effective use of CEA in healthcare policy presupposes a careful appreciation of the underlying issues, and implementation of robust remedial measures to mitigate their impacts.
NF-kappa B activation correlates with disease phenotype in Crohn’s disease

Background/Aims Unregulated activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease. In this study, we investigated the clinical characteristics and disease outcome of Crohn’s disease patients with varying levels of the NF-κB activation. Methods Crohn’s disease patients who underwent surgical bowel resection were divided into two groups, based on the activation status of NF-κB. NF-κB activation was assessed by the immunoreactivity of nuclear NF-κB during immunohistochemical staining of bowel resection specimens. We compared the demographic, clinical and histologic characteristics between groups. Furthermore, the occurrence of reoperation, readmission, and medication change due to disease flare-up were investigated according to NF-κB activation status. Results Among 83 Crohn’s disease patients, 47 (56%) showed high NF-κB activity and 36 (44%) showed low NF-κB activity. Patients with high NF-κB activity had higher frequency of ileocolonic involvement (P = 0.028) and lower frequency of perianal involvement (P = 0.042) relative to those with low NF-κB activity. Total histologic scores were significantly higher in patients with high NF-κB activity than those with low NF-κB activity (P = 0.044). There was no significant difference in the frequency of reoperation, readmission, and medication change in relation to NF-κB activation status. Conclusions Crohn’s disease patients with high NF-κB activation showed specific clinical manifestations of higher frequency of ileocolonic involvement and lower frequency of perianal involvement relative to those with low NF-κB activation. High NF-κB activity was associated with higher histologic scores. However, the NF-κB activity did not affect the outcome and disease course after surgery.
FORECASTING INFLATION WITH A FINANCIAL CONDITIONS INDEX: THE CASE OF SINGAPORE

This paper explores whether a financial conditions index (FCI) can serve as a good predictor of inflation and hence, a useful guide to monetary policy in the context of Singapore by constructing an index that comprises interest rates, exchange rates, credit expansions, stock prices and house prices. The choice of these variables is motivated by the role they play in the monetary transmission mechanism and how they contribute to inflationary pressures in an economy. A weighted-sum approach is adopted for index construction whereby the weight assigned to each component is derived from the generalized impulse responses of a monetary VAR model estimated using quarterly data. Cross-correlations and Granger causality tests confirm the proposed index possesses good in-sample leading qualities over consumer price inflation. Using this index to generate predictions recursively from a direct multistep forecasting methodology yields substantial gains in out-of-sample prediction performance when compared with forecasts of a benchmark autoregressive model for inflation within the one-year forecast horizon.
It’s the little things: exploring the importance of commonplace events for early‐career teachers’ motivation

This paper seeks to provide a rationale for further researching the everyday events that keep teachers motivated or that discourage them. We put forward the idea that routine Affect Triggering Incidents (ATIs) are an important area for researchers to investigate in terms of how they impact teacher motivation and resilience. Two groups of participants in separate consecutive studies kept weekly diaries of incidents that made them feel good or bad about themselves in their work as teachers (Study 1) and added weekly inventories of their commitment to teaching as well as measures of self‐efficacy and self‐esteem (Study 2). An analysis of the ATIs in these diaries revealed that student engagement and student achievement are major factors in incidents triggering regular positive feelings while students’ behaviour and perceived difficulties around home influences are major factors in regular dissatisfaction. These everyday ATIs are important in the sense that they correlate significantly with measures of commitment to teaching, especially in the case of positive ATIs.
Together on the path to construction innovation: yet another example of escalation of commitment?

Collaborative innovation projects are projects in which firms join forces to cooperate in the development and commercialization of a new building product, system, or service. They represent an example of the type of inter-firm relationships that are said to enhance construction innovation. Organizational behaviour research, however, suggests that firms participating in such innovation projects run the risk of escalating commitment and may continue to invest for irrational reasons. It is therefore relevant to examine whether Dutch firms that invest, in collaboration with other firms, in the development and commercialization of a new building product, system, or service are susceptible to this escalation. Two escalation effects were investigated: the effect of expected loss of sunk costs, and the effect of perceived project stage. A survey was undertaken of 154 firms participating in 25 collaborative innovation projects. The results suggest that firms in the population under study are unlikely to fall victim to either of the two escalation effects. Rather, the negative association found between the expected loss of sunk costs and likelihood of continuing investment raises the question as to whether firms become more cautious when they have spent a lot.
Determinants of customer loyalty in Kenya: does corporate image play a moderating role?

Purpose – Although previous studies have attempted to explain why some customers remain loyal to a product or service provider and/or why others switch, few studies have interrogated the role of social pressure as well as the moderating role of corporate image. Methodology – The paper uses a composite measure of customer loyalty which provides both behavioral aspects and attitudinal loyalty. Survey data derived from a sample of 140 users of mobile services in Kenya was used and the hypotheses was tested using moderated regression analysis. Findings – The results indicate that perceived service value, service quality and social pressure were significant predictors of customer loyalty, while customer satisfaction was not significant. Corporate image was found to moderate the relationship between service value, service quality, social pressure and customer loyalty. Research limitations – Even though the study utilized a sample similar to other existing studies, future research should use larger samples, diff.
Hox‐7, a mouse homeobox gene with a novel pattern of expression during embryogenesis.

A new mouse Hox locus, Hox‐7, is defined on chromosome 5 by a gene homologous to the Drosophila gene msh, which contains a homeobox sequence distantly related to that of Antennapedia. By in situ hybridization, expression of Hox‐7 is detected in the neural fold of embryos, and also in cephalic neural crest. In addition, expression takes place in the developing valves of the embryonic heart. Mandibular and hyoid arches are strongly labelled, expression becoming restricted to the most distal part of mouth and face processes as development proceeds. Intense labelling is also observed in developing limb buds, in the distal region which has been shown to be essential for limb morphogenesis. The pronounced accumulation and regional localization of Hox‐7 transcripts in mandibular and limb processes point to a specific morphogenetic role for this mouse homeobox gene.
funSentiment at SemEval-2017 Task 5: Fine-Grained Sentiment Analysis on Financial Microblogs Using Word Vectors Built from StockTwits and Twitter

This paper describes the approach we used for SemEval-2017 Task 5: Fine-Grained Sentiment Analysis on Financial Microblogs. We use three types of word embeddings in our algorithm: word embeddings learned from 200 million tweets, sentiment-specific word embeddings learned from 10 million tweets using distance supervision, and word embeddings learned from 20 million StockTwits messages. In our approach, we also take the left and right context of the target company into consideration when generating polarity prediction features. All the features generated from different word embeddings and contexts are integrated together to train our algorithm
Inductive Power Link for a Wireless Cortical Implant With Two-Body Packaging

This paper presents an inductive power link for remote powering of a wireless cortical implant. The link includes a Class-E power amplifier, a gate driver, an inductive link, and an integrated rectifier. The coils of the inductive link are designed and optimized for remote powering from a distance of 10 mm (scalp thickness). The power amplifier is designed in order to allow closed-loop control of the power delivered to the implant, by controlling the supply voltage. Moreover, a gate driver is added to the system to drive the power amplifier and to characterize the gate losses. A new packaging topology is proposed in order to position the implant inside a hole in the cranial bone, without occupying a large area, but still obtaining a short distance between the remote powering coils. The package is fabricated by using biocompatible materials such as PDMS and Parylene-C. The power efficiency of the remote powering link is characterized for a wide range of load power (1-20 mW) delivered from the rectifier and is measured to be 24.6% at nominal load of 10 mW.
Development of model predictive guidance for underactuated marine vehicles: From simulations to experiments

A modular open source real-time simulation environment for linear model predictive control (LMPC) of line following at a constant depth is developed for underactuated marine vehicles. Two-stage tuning method of MPC's parameters is implemented as an extension of this simulator. MPC is used for high level control, i.e. setting the yaw rate reference, which is then tracked by the low level PID controllers. Simulation and experimental results show good performance of our MPC-PID control scheme when compared to ordinary PID controllers using Lyapunov-based guidance law.
The multilevel Monte Carlo method for stochastic differential equations driven by jump-diffusion processes

In this article we discuss the multilevel Monte Carlo method for stochastic differential equations driven by jump-diffusion processes. We show that for a reasonable jump intensity the multilevel Monte Carlo method for jump-diffusions reduces the computational complexity compared to the standard Monte Carlo method significantly for a given mean square accuracy. Carrying out numerical experiments on various examples, we compare the multilevel Monte Carlo method to standard Monte Carlo methods with and without variance reduction techniques. These experiments corroborate our theoretical findings and show for a sufficiently small mean square accuracy a significant reduction of the computational complexity of the multilevel Monte Carlo method compared to standard Monte Carlo methods.
Sraffa: the theoretical world of the 'old classical economists'

Sraffa's mature work is seen here as a re-discovery and resumption of the 'submerged and forgotten' approach of the 'old classical economists from Adam Smith to Ricardo'. Wages determined by broad economic and social forces entail there product prices determined independently of demand and supply functions. Some main questions raised for the modern economists by this radical reorientation of economic theory are then considered in order to conclude that it is aginst that background that Sraffa's mature work should be set with its three main contributions, of a rediscovery of the approach, of a complete and transparent solution of the problems of price determination it raises, and of its application to the critique of neoclassical theory. Among several developments originating from Sraffa's seminal work, two are singled out for mention: (i) the possibility of deficiencies of aggregate demand in the long period no less than in the short one; this follows naturally from the abandonment of the neoclassical theory of distribution, of which the role of the interset rate in equilibrating savings and investment is a corollary; (ii) the question of the distribution of the surplus between wages and profits in a modern economy where wages are no longer confined to subsistence.