Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Expressive Synthesis Model for Bowed String Instruments

The paper describes our recently developed model of physical sound generation and playing of bowed string instruments. We apply the waveguide string model and the friction bow-string interaction model for sound synthesis, parameterization of bowing styles, and a special notation for interpretation and expressive playing. Previous results are developed further in three aspects: interaction of the string with the left hand fingers, physically-based modeling of the bow motion, and the notational expression of bowing styles in addition to MIDI data. In order to faithfully reproduce both stationary and transient vibrations, we use a digital waveguide model for sound synthesis. Unlike previous models of bowed strings, we apply at the fingerboard a second scattering junction with moving position and varying impedance. This allows more realistic pitch transitions in legato playing and position changes, as well as production of flautato sounds and other dampening effects by the left hand finger. We simulate the various bowing styles (detache, martele, staccato, spiccato, saltato, etc.) by modulating the bow force and velocity with different envelopes, generated dynamically by a simple physical model of the bow, that partly takes into account the elasticity of the bow and dynamics of the player's right hand.
Identifying Factors and Techniques to Decrease the Positive Margin Rate in Partial Mastectomies: Have We Missed the Mark?

Breast conservation therapy (BCT) has a reported incidence of positive margins ranging widely in the literature from 20% to 70%. Efforts have been made to refine standards for partial mastectomy and to predict which patients are at highest risk for incomplete excision. Most have focused on histology and demographics. We sought to further define modifiable risk factors for positive margins and residual disease. A retrospective study was conducted of 567 consecutive partial mastectomies by 21 breast and general surgeons from 2009 to 2012. Four hundred fourteen cases of neoplasm were reviewed for localization, intraoperative assessment, excision technique, rates, and results of re‐excision/mastectomy. Histologic margins were positive in 23% of patients, 25% had margins 0.1–0.9 mm, and 7% had tumor within 1–1.9 mm. Residual tumor was identified at—in 61 cases: 38% (disease at margin), 21% (0.1–0.9 mm), and 14% (1–1.9 mm). Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) was present in 85% of residual disease on re‐excision and correlated to higher rates of re‐excision (p = <0.001), residual disease, and subsequent mastectomy. The use of multiple needles to localize neoplasms was associated with 2–3 times the likelihood for positive margins than when a single needle was required. The removal of additional margins at initial surgery correlated with improved rates of complete excision when DCIS was present. Patients must have careful analysis of specimen margins at the time of surgery and may benefit from additional tissue excision or routine shaving of the cavity of resection. Surgeons should conduct careful patient selection for BCT, in the context of multifocal, and multicentric disease. Patients for whom tumor localization requires bracketing may be at higher risk for positive margins and residual disease and should be counseled accordingly.
Market Efficiency of Rice Futures Market in Thailand

A futures exchange market of agricultural products in Thailand has just been established for a few years, especially in 5% broken white rice. Thailand is the biggest rice exporter in South East Asia that is very important to measure the efficiency of this market to reputation the Thai market in to the world standard. This empirical test tries to use the random walk 2 and random walk 3 to test the weak form efficiency market hypothesis. Another two tools are the filter rule and the trading strategies. If the test are conform to these tools and theories, their will assist to improve Thailand agriculture future exchange market. The testing tools that use in this empirical study are very useful even if our data very limited. Because the result from testing could tell us that Thailand agriculture future exchanges market is conform to the weak form efficiency market hypothesis. And can shown the good strategy to invest in Thailand agriculture future exchanges market, that investor can use this study as a line guide for their investment.
Design of nonbinary LDPC cycle codes based on cycle entropy

In this paper, we focus on the design of a type of low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes called cycle codes whose parity-check matrix have exactly weight-2 columns. An approach to design nonbinary LDPC cycle codes with good performance is presented based on cycle entropy defined here. This method can obtain an elegant distribution of the nonbinary elements over the Galois Field GF(q) among the cycles whose length is exactly equal to the girth. Simulation results demonstrate that the LDPC codes designed with the proposed algorithm perform better than the randomly-constructed nonbinary LDPC cycle codes.
Price-Based Power Allocation for Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access Systems

Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) is expected to be a promising multiple access technique for future wireless networks. In this letter, considering a cellular downlink NOMA system, we use game theory to model the interaction between the base station and multiple users as a Stackelberg game. The base station, which acts as the leader of the Stackelberg game, chooses a price on per transmitted power allocated to each user to maximize its own revenue. Each user chooses an optimal power to maximize its utility after the base station sets prices. The revenue function of the base station is ultimately expressed as a non-convex function of the power allocation among multiple users. We aim at solving the revenue maximization problem. We propose to decouple the problem into three optimization problems and employ alternating optimization algorithm to solve the problem. Simulation results show the proposed price-based power allocation scheme outperforms the uniform power allocation scheme.
Social Obsolescence of the TV Fee and the Financial Crisis of Finnish Public Service Media

Abstract One of the most common arguments in the current debate about financing public service media in Finland is that the traditional TV fee has become obsolete due to the technological development. However, instead of having abandoned TV for new media, people are actually using their traditional TV sets even more like before. Rather than being a victim of technological obsolescence, the problem of the TV fee is its diluting social acceptance due to a growing dominance of a neoliberal media paradigm.
Effects of Two Fare Policies on Public Transport Travel Behaviour: Evidence from South East Queensland, Australia

Congestion and peak loading are key concerns for public transport agencies in Australian cities. Two fare policies, off-peak discounts and volume rebates, have been adopted in South East Queensland (SEQ) attempting to alter passengers' travel behaviour. This research examines how these two fare policies have changed passengers' travel patterns by using newly available smart card data from automated fare collection systems. The findings indicate that current off-peak discounts do not significantly alter passengers' boarding times or encourage peak spreading. Volume rebates, however, do provide incentives to encourage more use of public transport, implying that this could be a way to reduce traffic congestion should most of the additional trips be diverted from other modes. The paper concludes with suggestions for additional, more sophisticated policies to ease congestion and peak loading.
Characterization of Mycobacterium smegmatis mutants defective in 1-d-myo-inosityl-2-amino-2-deoxy-alpha-d-glucopyranoside and mycothiol biosynthesis.

Mycothiol (MSH) is the major low molecular weight thiol in mycobacteria. Two chemical mutants with low MSH and one with no MSH (strain 49) were produced in Mycobacterium smegmatis mc2155 to assess the role of MSH in mycobacteria. Strain 49 was shown to not produce 1-d-myo-inosityl-2-amino-2-deoxy-alpha-d-glucopyranoside (GlcN-Ins), an intermediate in MSH biosynthesis. Relative to the parent strain, mutant 49 formed colonies more slowly on solid media and was more sensitive to H2O2 and rifampin, but less sensitive to isoniazid. Complementation of mutant 49 with DNA from M. tuberculosis H37Rv partially restored production of GlcN-Ins and MSH, and resistance to H2O2, but largely restored colony growth rate and sensitivity to rifampin and isoniazid. The results indicate that MSH and GlcN-Ins are not essential for in vitro survival of mycobacteria but may play significant roles in determining the sensitivity of mycobacteria to environmental toxins.
Comparative Analysis of Paw Pad Structure in the Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) and Domestic Cat (Felis catus)

The Clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is a medium‐sized highly arboreal cat. This study compares the structure of the digital, metacarpal and metatarsal pads of the manus and pes in N. nebulosa to that of the domestic cat (Felis catus). Covered by a stratified squamous cornified epithelium, the pads have a supple deposit of subepidermal fat that is partitioned by collagen fibers and extensively anchored to the muscle tendon sheaths. In both animals, a pes metatarsal pad suspensory ligament originates from the Mm. flexores digitorum profundi tendon and forms 3–4 small branches that project through the dermal fat layer and attach to the pad epidermis. In the cat manus, four tendons of equal size extend from the M. flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) to form the manica flexoria in digits 2–4 from which extends a metacarpal pad suspensory ligament (MPSL) on digits 2 and 5 that extends into the tela subcutanea and epidermis. On digits 3 and 4 MPSL extends directly from the FDS tendon itself. In contrast, manus FDS tendons 1 and 5 in N. nebulosa were thin and either project directly to the tela subcutanea (tendon 1) or connect with the manica flexoria forming a metacarpal pad suspensory ligament (tendon 5). Tendons 2–4 connect with the manica flexoria from which MPSL project into the tela subcutanea and epidermis. In both species, the suspensory ligaments may serve to contract the pad to conform to the under lying substrate, thus enhancing the animal's ability to grip branches while climbing. Anat Rec, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cascaded Direct Torque Control of Unbalanced PMSM With Low Torque and Flux Ripples

During operation or manufacturing, the electrical machines are often exposed to parasitic impedance in the phases, causing unbalanced three-phase currents and increased torque and flux ripples. To mitigate the undesired torque and flux ripples, this paper presents a modified cascaded direct torque control strategy for three-phase PMSMs, having asymmetric phase impedances. The proposed method aims to generate the positive and negative reference voltage vectors by extracting the sequential components of the stator flux and current in the stationary αβ frame. Then, these two vectors are combined to produce the modified reference voltage vector for space vector modulation. Moreover, for further torque ripple suppression, a standard proportional-integral regulator has been enhanced by a resonant controller tuning at twice of the fundamental frequency. Various experimental results verify the feasibility of the proposed strategy under dynamic and steady-state conditions.
Classification Rule Mining Using LPP and MA

To efficiently resolve classification rule mining problem, a novel classification rule mining algorithm is proposed by using Locality pursuit projection (LPP) and memetic algorithm (MA) in this paper. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm achieves much better performance than other related classification rule mining algorithms in terms of predictive accuracy and rule list mined simplicity.
The Price of Tail Risk in Liquidity and Returns

The likelihood of systemic risk presents a challenge for modern finance. In particular, it is important to know to what extent the market exacts a premium for exposure to ’tail risk’. In this paper, we use a simple estimate of two types of tail risk, in returns and liquidity, and measure their performance in a Fama and French (1993) style factor model. Empirically, return tail risk induces a monotonic pattern: stocks that are more sensitive to tail risk receive higher returns. Somewhat surprisingly, tail risk does not affect financial firms more than others. Tail risk exhibits relatively large returns and has very low correlations with other risk factors, suggesting that it represents a quite different type of risk. We document an economically and statistically significant premium between 1% and 3% for tail risk, which is robust to size, book-to-market, liquidity, downside risk, volatility and momentum. Furthermore, when we consider asset pricing tests, the only model to survive is one that augments the standard Fama-French model with a tail risk factor. Our results suggest that financial markets recognize tail risk in returns, which is reflected in the cross section of stocks. By contrast, liquidity tail risk is unpriced, which is a bit puzzling. When we estimate tail indices of liquidity and returns from high-frequency data, we discover they are always significantly correlated. This latter finding is consistent with the notion that episodes of tail risk in returns coincide with tail risk in liquidity.
The Evolution of the Insurance Sector in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union

This paper provides a detailed profile of the development of the insurance industry between 1989-98 in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and the New Independent States (NIS) of the former Soviet Union. In doing so, the author utilizes various sources of data to describe the nature of the insurance market in the region. On an individual host country basis, attention is given to data on premium income with respect to both life and non-life coverage, an analysis of average annual growth rates, as well as insurance density and penetration rates by type of coverage. The paper also addresses a number of issues pertaining to the competitive environment, including the legal conditions for insurance operators, a profile of the key players, and the role of foreign insurers operating within the region. The paper concludes by identifying the three main trends of the insurance industry in the region, the associated policy implications of each, as well as the need for future research.
SNS Acceptance of Older Adults Based the Extended TTF and UTAUT Model

The trust variable is added to the hybrid model which integrating task / technology fit and the unified theory of acceptance and usage of technology in this paper. This model is designed to explore those factors which influence older users continue to use the social networking services. Result shows that technical tasks matching,behavioral expectations,social impact,facilitating conditions and trust have a significant impaction,but performance expectations has little impaction. In addition,the acceptance behavior not only depends on the awareness of this new technology but also on the degree of matching tasks and technology.
Self-scaling reinforcement learning for fuzzy logic controller-applications to motion control of two-link brachiation robot

In this paper, we propose a new reinforcement learning algorithm to generate a fuzzy controller for robot motions. This algorithm generates a range of continuous real-valued actions, and the reinforcement signal is self-scaled. This prevents the weights from overshooting when the system receives very large reinforcement values. Therefore, this algorithm can obtain a solution in fewer iterations. The proposed method is applied to the control of the brachiation robot, which moves dynamically from branch to branch like a gibbon swinging its body in a pendulum-like fashion. Through computer simulations, we show the fast convergence and the robustness against disturbances.
Generation Y female and male decision-making styles in Iran: are they different?

In the early 2000s the Iranian government liberalized investment regulations and many foreign companies entered this high potential market where end-user consumers mainly comprise young people. Unfortunately, there are few studies of shopping behavior. This study compares Generation Y female and male consumer decision-making styles to offer guidelines to Iranian and overseas marketers. Sproles and Kendall's Consumer Styles Inventory (CSI) was adopted. The results show some differences between female and male decision-making styles, suggesting that gender affects shopping behavior. Identification of new traits suggests that CSI cannot be applied without considering socio-cultural factors.
Adaptive fuzzy-based tracking control for nonlinear SISO systems via VSS and H∞ approaches

An adaptive fuzzy-based tracking control equipped with VSS and control algorithms is proposed for nonlinear SISO systems involving plant uncertainties and external dis- turbances. Both well-defined VSS indirect and direct adaptive fuzzy-based control schemes are developed. In order to compensate the effect of the approximation error via the adaptive fuzzy system on the tracking control, a modified algebraic Riccati-like equation must be solved and consequently it can be shown that all the states and signals of the closed-loop system are bounded and the effect of the external disturbance on the tracking error can be attenuated to any prescribed level. Com- pared with the previous literature that also addresses the adaptive fuzzy-based tracking control as in this paper, this paper can be extended to handle a larger class of uncertain nonlinear systems by the incorporation of robust VSS and control techniques. Finally, simulation examples are included to confirm the validity and performance of the proposed control algorithms.
Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae induce different intracerebral mRNA cytokine patterns during the course of experimental bacterial meningitis

Using in situ hybridization with radiolabelled oligonucleotide probes, we studied the mRNA expression of IL‐1β, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐12, tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), TNF‐β, interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ), and transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) in the brain during the lethal course of experimental meningitis in a rat model inoculated intracisternally with Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) or Streptococcus pneumoniae and in uninfected control rats inoculated with the same volume of PBS. The production of IL‐1β, IL‐4, IL‐6 and IFN‐γ was also evaluated by immunohistochemistry. In the brain of Hib‐inoculated rats, there was marked mRNA expression of IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, IL‐12 and IFN‐γ. IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α were up‐regulated throughout the observation period at 2, 8 and 18 h post‐inoculation (p.i.), with similar patterns of induction. The Th1 cytokines IFN‐γ and TNF‐β were up‐regulated within 8 h p.i. IL‐10 and TGF‐β were down‐regulated at 18 h p.i. , while IL‐4 was not detected. In contrast, the brain of S. pneumoniae‐inoculated rats showed lower levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α, but higher levels of TNF‐β and detectable mRNA expression of IL‐4 when compared with Hib‐inoculated rats. IL‐12, IFN‐γ, IL‐10 and TGF‐β exhibited similar patterns of induction in the brains of Hib‐ and S. pneumoniae‐inoculated rats. At 18 h p.i. , immunohistochemistry showed similar patterns of IL‐1β, IL‐4, IL‐6 and IFN‐γ as mRNA expression in the brains of Hib‐ and S. pneumoniae‐inoculated rats. The differences of cytokine profiles induced by the two bacterial strains may imply that different immunomodulating approaches should be considered, depending on etiology.
Deteminants of cross‐contamination during home food preparation

Purpose – This paper aims to determine the potential for the spread of bacteria from raw meat and poultry during home food preparation to the surrounding kitchen environment, hands and prepared food due to unsafe handling practices, which are predicted by consumers' knowledge, behaviour and attitudes.Design/methodology/approach – The potential for transfer of E.coli and C. jejuni was monitored in a simulated domestic kitchen environment while food preparation was filmed (n=60 respondents). A survey was also administered.Findings – The results of the study show that transfer of bacteria around the kitchen environment and onto prepared meals are predicted by a lack of thoroughly washing contaminated hands, knives and chopping boards both during and after meal preparation. A higher level of perceived importance of correct food handling behaviour is associated with higher levels of educational attainment and age and food risk perceptions are positively associated with age.Practical implications – The results .
Interactive lung segmentation in abnormal human and animal chest CT scans.

PURPOSE Many medical image analysis systems require segmentation of the structures of interest as a first step. For scans with gross pathology, automatic segmentation methods may fail. The authors' aim is to develop a versatile, fast, and reliable interactive system to segment anatomical structures. In this study, this system was used for segmenting lungs in challenging thoracic computed tomography (CT) scans. METHODS In volumetric thoracic CT scans, the chest is segmented and divided into 3D volumes of interest (VOIs), containing voxels with similar densities. These VOIs are automatically labeled as either lung tissue or nonlung tissue. The automatic labeling results can be corrected using an interactive or a supervised interactive approach. When using the supervised interactive system, the user is shown the classification results per slice, whereupon he/she can adjust incorrect labels. The system is retrained continuously, taking the corrections and approvals of the user into account. In this way, the system learns to make a better distinction between lung tissue and nonlung tissue. When using the interactive framework without supervised learning, the user corrects all incorrectly labeled VOIs manually. Both interactive segmentation tools were tested on 32 volumetric CT scans of pigs, mice and humans, containing pulmonary abnormalities. RESULTS On average, supervised interactive lung segmentation took under 9 min of user interaction. Algorithm computing time was 2 min on average, but can easily be reduced. On average, 2.0% of all VOIs in a scan had to be relabeled. Lung segmentation using the interactive segmentation method took on average 13 min and involved relabeling 3.0% of all VOIs on average. The resulting segmentations correspond well to manual delineations of eight axial slices per scan, with an average Dice similarity coefficient of 0.933. CONCLUSIONS The authors have developed two fast and reliable methods for interactive lung segmentation in challenging chest CT images. Both systems do not require prior knowledge of the scans under consideration and work on a variety of scans.
Consumers' willingness to pay for ethical attributes

Purpose – In recent years, there has been a big increase in the use of ethical attributes as marketing appeals. The purpose of this paper is to examine consumers’ willingness to pay for three selected ethical attributes, namely “Organic”, “Recyclable Packaging” and “Fairtrade” in monetary terms. Design/methodology/approach – A modified choice-based experimental design with manipulation of the key constructs was used to estimate the mean value of how much consumers are willing to pay for the selected attributes attached to a box of premium chocolates. The results are based on the responses of a total of 208 consumers. Findings – Of the three attributes, “Recyclable Packaging” has the strongest influence on the purchase decision, although this attribute generates the least additional value. The aggregated result shows that although consumers are willing to pay more for the product with ethical attributes than the one that is without, still around a half of them are not willing to pay more. In terms of demog.