Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Training-Based Iterative Detection/Channel Estimation Scheme for Large Non-Orthogonal STBC MIMO Systems

In this paper, we propose a training-based channel estimation scheme for large non-orthogonal space-time block coded (STBC) MIMO systems. The proposed scheme employs a block transmission strategy where an Nt×Nt pilot matrix is sent (for training purposes) followed by several Nt × Nt square data STBC matrices, where Nt is the number of transmit antennas. At the receiver, we iterate between channel estimation (using an MMSE estimator) and detection (using a low-complexity likelihood ascent search (LAS) detector) till convergence or for a fixed number of iterations. Our simulation results show that excellent bit error rate and nearness-to-capacity performance are achieved by the proposed scheme at low complexities. The fact that we could show such good results for large STBCs (e.g., 16×16 STBC from cyclic division algebras) operating at spectral efficiencies in excess of 20 bps/Hz (even after accounting for the overheads meant for pilot-based channel estimation and turbo coding) establishes the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
On the Independence Number of Random Cubic Graphs

We show that as n∞, the independence number α(G), for almost all 3-regular graphs G on n vertices, is at least (6 log(3/2) – 2 – ϵ)n, for any constant ϵ>0. We prove this by analyzing a greedy algorithm for finding independent sets. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Term Project Final Report for CPSC 526 – Statistical Models of Poses Using Inverse Kinematics

In this project, we built the inverse kinematics(IK) system which can generate some novel and natural poses. Our system consists of 2 components. The first component is the offline training process: we started with reading motion capture data, followed by Principle Component Analysis(PCA) to reduce the dimension of the input data. Then the Gaussian Mixture Model(GMM) is learned to fit the data on the latent space in order to compute the Probability Distribution Function(PDF). Finally, for each pose in the original pose space, there is an associated PDF value for it. The second component of the system is the online optimization process which can be repeatedly used for different PDF’s to generate new poses. This system can generate the most likely poses which are similar to the training data and fulfill the user constraints. Different types of input data will lead to different styles of inverse kinematics. We also demonstrat our system in the context of interactive character posing.
Measures for Determining English Language Proficiency and the Resulting Implications for Instructional Provision and Intervention

Although numerous English language proficiency (ELP) measures currently exist, many were developed prior to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB). These pre-NCLB measures typically focused on social language proficiency, whereas post-NCLB measures are linked to ELP standards and focus on academic language proficiency (ALP). ELP measures are typically used for accountability purposes and to determine eligibility for services; less attention has been given to their utility in enhancing classroom instruction and intervention provision. Inconsistency in scores between pre- and post-NCLB measures frequently leaves educators wondering whether English language learners (ELLs) have the necessary ALP to benefit from classroom instruction. This study investigates the intervention validity of ELP assessment by examining the concurrent validity of various pre-NCLB measures to a recently developed post-NCLB measure. As hypothesized, results indicate moderate correlations between pre- and post-NCLB measures, suggesting that ALP-focused post-NCLB measures are likely to provide more utility for ELL classroom instruction and intervention provision.
Reflexivity in Qualitative Accounting Research

The substance of qualitative research is reality reconstruction, which is reconstructing the reality of the subjects regarding their social world. The researcher is, in fact, making claims on behalf of the subjects. As such, reflexivity is important in qualitative research. The core concern in the issue of reflexivity deals with representations of the social reality; the types of representations the researcher is involved with and also the relationship between the researcher and the subjects. Scrutiny of our research practises is necessary in order to address such issues. As such, this paper discusses the issue of reflexivity in qualitative accounting research. The role of the theoretical framework and the researchers own values and assumptions, and how it influences the research process are also discussed.
On the Nature of Reactance and its Role in Persuasive Health Communication

Reactance theory might be profitably applied to understanding failures in persuasive health communication but for one drawback: The developer of the theory contends that reactance cannot be measured. Rejecting this position, this paper develops four alternative conceptual perspectives on the nature of reactance (i.e., combinations of cognition and affect), then provides an empirical test of each. Two parallel studies were conducted, one advocating flossing the other urging students to limit their alcohol intake In both cases, a composite index of anger and negative cognitions fully mediated the effects of threat-to-freedom and trait reactance on attitude and intention. The data showed that, in fact, reactance can be operationalized as a composite of self-report indices of anger and negative cognitions. The implications for persuasive communication, in general, are considered as well the specific findings for flossing and drinking.
A wavelet network speech recognition system to control an augmented reality object

This paper presents a virtual object control method of augmented reality scene. We have based on control approach on speech recognition. The idea came from human-machine interaction. The speech recognition system is based on wavelet network. In this paper, we have briefly described the used toolkit to do with the augmented reality. Then, we present the speech recognition approach the training and recognition approach. Finally, we present the results.
Biological relevance of fatty acyl heterogeneity to the neural membrane dynamics of Rhesus macaques during normative aging

Lipidomic analyses of the frontal cortex of Rhesus macaques across three selected age groups (young, sexually-mature, old) revealed that docosahexaenoic acids (DHAs) displayed notable and unique accretions in sexually-mature macaques for all phospholipid classes examined, which were not observable in all remaining polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) investigated. On the other hand, arachidonic acid (ARA) exhibited sharp attritions in the membrane lipidomes of sexually-mature macaques, a decline which was attenuated only for cardiolipins (CLs). DHA enrichment in phospholipids was lost in old macaques, with accompanying augmentations in very-long-chain sphingomyelins (VLC-SMs). Age-dependent alterations in membrane lipidomes point to a possibly complex temporal interplay between DHA-enriched membrane microdomains and SM-/cholesterol-rich rafts in neural membranes during normative aging. Lipid co-regulation data revealed an increasingly intense degree of co-regulation between membrane lipid classes with age, and suggest that reduction in CLs during normative brain aging may prompt alternative membrane lipid synthetic pathways driven by a compromised energy availability in the aging brain.
Timing analysis using propositional satisfiability

The existence of false paths represents a significant and computationally complex problem in the timing analysis of combinational and sequential circuits. In this paper we describe propositional satisfiability based algorithms for timing analysis, which introduce significant perfomance improvements over existing procedures. In particular we address the problems of circuit delay computation and path delay validation, describing algorithms and providing experimental results for both problems.
Digenic Inheritance in Cystinuria Mouse Model

Cystinuria is an aminoaciduria caused by mutations in the genes that encode the two subunits of the amino acid transport system b0,+, responsible for the renal reabsorption of cystine and dibasic amino acids. The clinical symptoms of cystinuria relate to nephrolithiasis, due to the precipitation of cystine in urine. Mutations in SLC3A1, which codes for the heavy subunit rBAT, cause cystinuria type A, whereas mutations in SLC7A9, which encodes the light subunit b0,+AT, cause cystinuria type B. By crossing Slc3a1 -/- with Slc7a9 -/- mice we generated a type AB cystinuria mouse model to test digenic inheritance of cystinuria. The 9 genotypes obtained have been analyzed at early (2- and 5-months) and late stage (8-months) of the disease. Monitoring the lithiasic phenotype by X-ray, urine amino acid content analysis and protein expression studies have shown that double heterozygous mice (Slc7a9 +/- Slc3a1 +/-) present lower expression of system b0,+ and higher hyperexcretion of cystine than single heterozygotes (Slc7a9 +/- Slc3a1 +/+ and Slc7a9 +/+ Slc3a1 +/-) and give rise to lithiasis in 4% of the mice, demonstrating that cystinuria has a digenic inheritance in this mouse model. Moreover in this study it has been demonstrated a genotype/phenotype correlation in type AB cystinuria mouse model providing new insights for further molecular and genetic studies of cystinuria patients.
Symptom experience associated with immunosuppressive drugs after liver transplantation in adults: possible relationship with medication non‐compliance?

Abstract: Symptom experience (occurrence and perceived distress) associated with side effects of immunosuppressive medications in organ transplant patients may well be associated with poorer quality of life and medication non‐compliance. The aims of this study were: first, to assess symptom experience in clinically stable adult patients during long‐term follow‐up after liver transplantation; and second, to study the relationship between symptom experience and medication non‐compliance. This cross‐sectional study included 123 liver transplant patients. Symptom experience was assessed using the “Modified Transplant Symptom Occurrence and Symptom Distress Scale” (29‐item version) at the annual evaluation. According to the duration of follow‐up, patients were divided into a short‐term (1–4 yr) and a long‐term (5–18 yr) cohort. Medication non‐compliance was measured using electronic monitoring. Results showed that increased hair growth was the most frequent symptom in both sexes. Symptom distress was more serious in women than in men. The most distressing symptom in women was excessive and/or painful periods, while in men this was impotence. Clear differences were revealed at item level between symptom occurrence and symptom distress in relationship with the two time cohorts and between sexes. No relationship was found between symptom experience and prednisolone non‐compliance.
The Ethical Implications of Ignoring Shareholder Directives to Remove Antitakeover Provisions

Managers have a unique fiduciary responsibility to shareholders of a firm that implies a set of ethical obligations. At a minimum, managers are required to protect shareholder’s interests when other stakeholders are unaffected by their decision. This ethical imperative has been established in the literature. In cases of conflicts of interest between managers and shareholders, the board of directors of the firm has an ethical obligation to shareholders. The structure of the board can affect its ability to fulfill this obligation. Two specific cases where managerial actions have been argued to be unethical are the adoption of classified boards and poison pills. In this study, we empirically analyze the role of board structure in protecting shareholder rights in the specific case of antitakeover provisions. We test this question on a sample of firms whose shareholders have voted to remove antitakeover provisions and find that independent, focused boards are more likely to accede to shareholder resolutions than are less independent boards. Board size is also important and related to other board structures. We draw implications of this finding for future research on the ethics of board governance. What’s really needed is a change in mindset—one that fosters not only a culture of compliance but also a company-wide environment that fosters ethical behavior and decision-making. —William H. Donaldson, SEC Chairman (2004)
The Impact of Deregulation on the Employment and Wages of Airline Mechanics

This paper describes the effects of deregulation on negotiated wage rates and employment levels of aircraft mechanics in the scheduled airline industry between 1978 and 1984. A firm-by-firm analysis of the established trunk airlines shows relatively small changes in real wage rates since 1978, and only recent changes in interfirm wage differentials. Employment growth rates, however, have varied widely, both among the established trunk airlines and between them and the new-entrant and former local service airlines. The data suggest that deregulation shifted 5,000 to 7,000 maintenance jobs from the established trunks to the smaller airlines. The shift may have reduced average hourly earnings of mechanics in the industry by as much as 5 percent below the level they would have reached in the absence of deregulation.
Assessing Cross-Cultural Equivalence Through Confirmatory Factor Analysis

This article presents a study in which Picot’s caregiver rewards scale (PCRS), originally developed in English, was cross-culturally validated with 137 Chinese adult children family caregivers in the United States using confirmatory factor analysis. A one-factor structure of the 21-item revised Chinese PCRS was supported as indicated by goodness-of-fit index = . 94, adjusted goodness-of-fit index = . 93, standardized root mean square residual = . 09, and chi-square to df ratio = 2.7. Chi-square for this model was (X2 [189, n = 137] = 514, p < .05). The standardized alpha was . 90. All factor loadings were significant (p < .00) and above . 30. Construct validity was supported by significant associations with caregivers’ filial beliefs (r = .32, p < .01) and caregivers’ filial affection toward parents (r = .23, p < .05). Results suggest that the Chinese PCRS is a summative measure of perceived caregiver rewards with potential for evaluating interventions to reduce perceived burden among adult children family caregivers.
A Longitudinal Investigation of Psychological and Neural Mechanisms of Weight Loss

Although obesity is fundamentally a problem of energy balance wherein calorie intake exceeds calorie output, there is a multitude of psychological and neural factors inherent in eating and overeating. Behavioral and neuroimaging research suggests a relationship between emotion regulation and eating behavior. However, the connections among psychological characteristics, brain function, and weight loss maintenance are poorly understood. Accordingly, in the present study, fMRI was used to examine how two psychological characteristics, emotion amplification and rumination, are related to (a) neural response to food images both before (baseline [BL]) and after (3M) participants undergo a three-month behavioral weight loss intervention, and (b) initial weight loss and weight loss maintenance. Emotion amplification was associated with decreased activation in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) from BL to 3M. Rumination was associated with decreased activation in DLPFC from BL to 3M and increased activation in lateral prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, parahippocampal gyrus, and amygdala from BL to 3M. Rumination was also inversely correlated with BL post-meal activation in DLPFC and caudate; activation in these two regions was prospectively associated with more weight loss from BL to 3M. Findings suggest that emotion amplification and rumination contribute to how food stimuli are processed at a neural level. Potential mechanisms for behavioral regulation and treatment implications are discussed.
Here are my Data Files. Here are my Queries. Where are my Results?

Database management systems (DBMS) provide incredible exibility and performance when it comes to query processing, scalability and accuracy. To fully exploit DBMS features, however, the user must dene a schema, load the data, tune the system for the expected workload, and answer several questions. Should the database use a column-store, a row-store or some hybrid format? What indices should be created? All these questions make for a formidable and time-consuming hurdle, often deterring new applications or imposing high cost to existing ones. A characteristic example is that of scientic databases with huge data sets. The prohibitive initialization cost and complexity still forces scientists to rely on \ancient" tools for their data management tasks, delaying scientic understanding and progress.
Improving Ischemic Beat Classification Using Fuzzy-Genetic Based PCA And ICA

—In this paper, an improved version of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Independent Component Analysis (ICA) is proposed for feature extraction to classify the ischemic beats from electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. The Fuzzy C-Means (FCM) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) is combined with PCA and ICA to extract more relevant features; the proposed methods are named as Fuzzy-Genetic based PCA (FGPCA) and Fuzzy-Genetic based ICA (FGICA). Least Square Support Vector Machine (LSSVM) is used to classify the beats into ischemic or non-ischemic, with the features from the FGPCA and FGICA. The ECG beats used in this paper are collected from European ST-T database. There is totally 2040 beats extracted from 17 different patients. The performance of our proposed method is compared with the linear PCA and ICA, shown that the proposed methods improve the sensitivity of ischemic classification.
Merging Ray Tracing and Rasterization in Mixed Reality

In mixed reality, virtual objects are inserted into a video stream of a real environment. This technique can be used for many applications including marketing, simulations and cultural heritage. Therefore it is important that the images look plausible. Many applications also have real time constraints. With traditional rasterization it is difficult to create realistic reflections and refractions. In ray tracing on the other hand this is a trivial task, but rendering is slow. The solution described in this work uses the graphics card for speeding up ray tracing. Additionally it employs a rasterizer for diffuse surfaces and only traces rays if there is a reflective or refractive surface visible. This works by creating a ray tracing mask using the fast rasterizer in a first step. It holds true for reflective or refractive surfaces and false otherwise. Then all diffuse objects are drawn using the rasterizer. Finally rays are traced on each pixel which is masked as reflective or refractive surface by the ray tracing mask. These rays produce secondary rays which can hit a diffuse surface eventually. In this case the ray tracer takes over the shading. Results show, that our hybrid rendering method allows high quality reflections and refractions while still having interactive frame rates in mixed reality scenarios.
Verification of Nerve Root Decompression during Minimally-Invasive Lumbar Microdiskectomy: A Practical Application of Surgeon-Driven Evoked EMG

Lumbar microendoscopic diskectomy (MED) has gained widespread acceptance as an alternative to conventional open microdiskectomy due to several potential advantages, including reductions in postoperative pain and recovery time. However, constraints in visualization and working space present technical difficulties in the verification of nerve root decompression and the identification of sequestered disc fragments. This study was undertaken to investigate whether a surgeon-driven, evoked EMG paradigm could be used for intraoperative verification of nerve root decompression within the technical and mechanical confines of lumbar MED. Twenty-two patients underwent intraoperative EMG stimulation threshold recordings during lumbar microendoscopic diskectomy. In this series, the EMG threshold recorded directly from the nerve root immediately prior to diskectomy was 8.6 +/- 4.4 mA. Following decompression, the threshold was 4.2 +/- 2.1 mA. The difference in pre- and post-decompression EMG stimulation threshold, 4.4 +/- 4.0 mA, was statistically significant (p < 0.001). In two of the 22 cases (9.1 %), the EMG threshold was initially unchanged following diskectomy, and further exploration revealed sequestered disc fragments. After removal of these fragments, an appropriate decrease in the EMG threshold was observed. The results from this study suggest that surgeon-driven, evoked EMG threshold testing may provide a simple, effective adjunct to lumbar microendoscopic diskectomy for intraoperative verification of nerve root decompression.
Optimization-Based Islanding of Power Networks Using Piecewise Linear AC Power Flow

In this paper, a flexible optimization-based framework for intentional islanding is presented. The decision is made of which transmission lines to switch in order to split the network while minimizing disruption, the amount of load shed, or grouping coherent generators. The approach uses a piecewise linear model of AC power flow, which allows the voltage and reactive power to be considered directly when designing the islands. Demonstrations on standard test networks show that solution of the problem provides islands that are balanced in real and reactive power, satisfy AC power flow laws, and have a healthy voltage profile.
Unified Analysis of Diversity Reception in the Presence of Impulsive Noise

We consider a single-input–multiple-output (SIMO) system over generalized and composite fading channels using the mixture Gamma (MG) distribution in the presence of impulsive noise, which is modeled by the Middleton's Class-A (MCA) and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\epsilon$</tex-math></inline-formula>- mixture noise models. First, we develop a simple and effective information-theoretic approach to determine the optimal number of components for the MG distribution based on the Bayesian information criterion. We then derive novel pairwise error probability (PEP) expressions for the considered system with maximal-ratio combining and selection combining at the receiver. The derived PEP expressions involve finite singlefold integrals, which are further simplified to rather more tractable expressions that are applicable for the special case of integer values of the scale parameter <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\beta_{k}$</tex-math></inline-formula>. Furthermore, we provide analytical tractable expressions for the average channel capacity under the impulsive noise assumption for the considered system. Analytical and Monte Carlo simulation analyses are presented to validate the analytical results.