Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Linear and Nonlinear Exchange Rate Exposure and the Price of Exchange Rate Risk

Current empirical research concludes that the effect of exchange rates on US stock returns is negligible. In contrast, we present new evidence that numerous US industries are exposed to exchange rates. The differences between our findings and those in the extant literature are a result of using a new methodological approach which takes account of exchange rate regimes based on periods of depreciation and appreciation. Within each regime we show that first, the market's own exposure to exchange rates should be taken into account before considering industry exposure, second, bilateral rates should be used as opposed to a currency basket, and third, the possible nonlinear nature of exchange rate exposure should be considered. We present new empirical evidence of important economic and statistical linear and nonlinear relationships between exchange rates and industry stock returns. The size and sign of exposure coefficients in each regime depends on the extent to which an industry imports and exports. We also present new results regarding the pricing of bilateral currency risk which we find to be statistically and economically significant. The expected return earned due to exchange rates is positive when the dollar is appreciating and negative when the dollar is depreciating.
Facile synthesis of magnetic nanoparticle–coated single‐walled carbon nanotubes and its functional modification in epoxy resin

Magnetic single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were synthesized in a process consisting of two steps: (a) covalent in situ polymerization and grafting of poly (acrylic acid) (PAA) on the surface of SWCNTs, followed by (b) thermal decomposition of ferric triacetylacetonateto produce magnetite nanoparticles on the PAA-grafted SWCNTs. It was demonstrated that magnetic nanoparticle–coated SWCNTs dispersed in water by sonication would respond to an external magnetic field. On such functionalization, the reorientation of SWCNTs in an epoxy matrix could be produced using a magnet. This endowed the composites with desirable magnetic and mechanical properties. POLYM. COMPOS. , 31:2035–2041, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
FIXED POINTS, INTERSECTION THEOREMS, VARIATIONAL INEQUALITIES, AND EQUILIBRIUM THEOREMS

From a fixed point theorem for compact acyclic maps defined on admissible convex sets in the sense of Klee, we first deduce collectively fixed point theorems, intersection theorems for sets with convex sections, and quasi-equilibrium theorems. These quasi-equilibrium theorems are applied to give simple and unified proofs of the known variational inequalities of the Hartman-Stampacchia-Browder type. Moreover, from our new fixed point theorem, we deduce new variational inequalities which can be used to obtain fixed point results for convex-valued maps. Finally, various general economic equilibrium theorems are deduced in the forms of the Nash type, the Tarafdar type, and the Yannelis-Prabhakar type. Our results are stated for not-necessarily locally convex topological vector spaces and for abstract economies with arbitrary number of commodities and agents. Our new results extend a lot of known works with much simpler proofs.
Aqua-culture improved buckwheat sprouts with more abundant precious nutrients and hypolipidemic activity

Nutritional values of buckwheat reach maximum on day 8 sprouting by solid-phase cultivation (BSSC). The precious nutrients surveyed included linolenic acid, total polyphenolics, rutin, quercetin, l-ascorbic acid and γ-aminobutyric acid. To investigate whether a change of cultivation method could improve the nutritional status, we performed aquaculture. By performing chemical, biochemical and animal experiments, we found that maximization of nutrient levels in aquacultured buckwheat sprouts (BSAQ) occurred 2 days earlier than those from BSSC. Simultaneously, their bioactivities were much enhanced, being superior to BSSC regarding antioxidative, free radical scavenging (FRS), anti-low-density lipoprotein lipoperoxidative capabilities and hypolipidemic bioactivity with respect to serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in Syrian hamsters. In addition, serum low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and the ratios LDL-C/HDL-C and total cholesterol/HDL-C were all more efficiently suppressed by BSAQ diets. In conclusion, aquaculture is more efficient than the solid-phase cultivation with regard to acceleration and maximization of precious nutrient levels in buckwheat sprouts.
Cambrian archaeocyathan metazoans: revision of morphological characters and standardization of genus descriptions to establish an online identification tool.

Abstract Archaeocyatha represent the oldest calcified sponges and the first metazoans to build bioconstructions in association with calcimicrobes. They are a key group in biology, evolutionary studies, biostratigraphy, paleoecology and paleogeography of the early Cambrian times. The establishing of a new standardized terminology for archaeocyathans description has permitted the creation of the first knowledge base in English including descriptions of all archaeocyathan genera. This base, using the XPER² software package, is an integral part of the -Archaeocyatha- a knowledge base website, freely available at url http://www.infosyslab. fr/archaeocyatha. The website is composed of common information about Archaeocyatha, general remarks about the knowledge base, the description of the 307 genera recognized with images of type-specimens of type-species for each genus, as well as additional morphological data, an interactive free access key and its user guide. The automatic analysis and comparison of the digitized descriptions have identified some genera with highly similar morphology. These results are a great help for future taxonomic revisions and suggest a number of possible synonymies that require further study.
POST: Exploiting Dynamic Sociality for Mobile Advertising in Vehicular Networks

Mobile advertising in vehicular networks is of great interest with which timely information can be fast spread into the network. Given a limited budget for hiring seed vehicles, how to achieve the maximum advertising coverage within a given period of time is NP-hard. In this paper, we propose an innovative scheme, POST, for mobile advertising in vehicular networks. The POST design is based on two key observations we have found by analyzing three large-scale vehicular traces. First, vehicles demonstrate dynamic sociality in the network; second, such vehicular sociality has strong temporal correlations. With the knowledge, POST uses Markov chains to infer future vehicular sociality and adopts two greedy heuristics to select the most “centric” vehicles as seeds for mobile advertising. Extensive simulations based on three real data sets of taxi and bus traces have been carried out. The results show that POSTcan greatly improve the coverage and the intensity of advertising. For all the three involved data sets, it achieves an average gain of 64 percent comparing with the state-of-art schemes.
Pooled RNAi Screens - Technical and Biological Aspects

RNA interference (RNAi) screens have recently emerged as an exciting new tool for studying gene function in mammalian cells. In order to facilitate those studies, short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression libraries covering the entire human transcriptome have become commercially available. To make use of the full potential of such large-scale shRNA libraries, microarray-based methods have been developed to analyze complex pooled RNAi screens. In terms of microarray analysis, different strategies have been pursued by different research groups, largely influenced by the employed shRNA library. In this review, we compare the three major shRNA expression libraries with a focus on their suitability for a microarray-based analysis of pooled screens. We analyze and compare approaches previously used to perform pooled RNAi screens and point out their advantages as well as limitations.
Thermodynamic Analysis of ZrB2–SiC Oxidation: Formation of a SiC‐Depleted Region

A thermodynamic model was developed to explain the formation of a SiC-depleted layer during ZrB2–SiC oxidation in air at 1500°C. The proposed model suggests that a structure consisting of (1) a silica-rich layer, (2) a Zr-rich oxidized layer, and (3) a SiC-depleted zirconium diboride layer is thermodynamically stable. The SiC-depleted layer developed due to active oxidation of SiC. The oxygen partial pressure in the SiC-depleted layer was calculated to lie between 4.0 × 10−14 and 1.8 × 10−11 Pa. Even though SiC underwent active oxidation, the overall process was consistent with passive oxidation and the formation of a protective surface layer.
Quick change of walking direction of biped robot with foot slip in single-support phase

This paper proposes a method to realize a quick and natural turn, or a change of the walking direction in the middle of locomotion of a biped robot, which takes advantage of a slip between the sole of the foot on the ground and the ground. The turn occurs during a single support phase to shortening the time to turn. Based on the 3D dynamics of a biped model which consists of one particle for a swing foot and a rigid body representing the main body of the robot, the desired trajectory of the swing foot and the expected friction on the ground, the desired ankle motion is computed. Simulations were performed with a 20-DOF biped robot model and the results of the simulations are described.
Consensus Making Algorithms Based on Invariants Perception for Cognitive Sharing in Multi-robot

Visual recognition in multi-robot systems has a peculiar problem in that an observation from a different viewpoint gives a different perspective. Also, a representation of the same target object is highly affected by such a viewpoint or environmental condition. Hence it has become a challenge to realize cognitive sharing of the object or ROI between the robots without a help of artificial markers. In this paper, we propose consensus-making algorithms to acquire the viewpoint-invariant representation of the geometrical relations. Experimental results show the ability of cognitive sharing significantly improved by the proposed method.
Application of chaos analytic methods based on normal EEG

EEG (electroencephalogram) is usually used to analyze brain activity in clinical medicine; it can distinguish the abnormal circadian state from the normal circadian state. The paper presents some chaos time series analysis methods for analyzing the circadian state by the doctor/researcher. The validity of the methods is verified by some related graphs produced by computer simulation, and all these methods hold water in medical application and research.
Large dust grains in the inner region of circumstellar disks

Context. Simple geometrical ring models account well for near-infrared interferometric observations of dusty disks surrounding pre-main sequence stars of intermediate mass. Such models demonstrate that the dust distribution in these disks has an inner hole and puffed-up inner edge consistent with theoretical expectations. Aims. In this paper, we reanalyze the available interferometric observations of six intermediate mass pre-main sequence stars (CQ Tau, VV Ser, MWC 480, MWC 758, V1295 Aql and AB Aur) in the framework of a more detailed physical model of the inner region of the dusty disk. Our aim is to verify whether the model will allow us to constrain the disk and dust properties. Methods. Observed visibilities from the literature are compared with theoretical visibilities from our model. With the assumption that silicates are the most refractory dust species, our model computes self-consistently the shape and emission of the inner edge of the dusty disk (and hence its visibilities for given interferometer configurations). The only free parameters in our model are the inner disk orientation and the size of the dust grains. Results. In all objects with the exception of AB Aur, our self-consistent models reproduce both the interferometric results and the near-infrared spectral energy distribution. In four cases, grains larger than ~1.2 μ m, and possibly much larger are either required by or consistent with the observations. The inclination of the inner disk is found to be always larger than ~$30^{\circ}$, and in at least two objects much larger.
Refining tree recruitment models

We used a micrometeorological dispersal model to simulate seed and seedling distributions derived from subcanopy balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill. ) source trees in a trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) dominated forest. Our first objective was to determine the effect of substituting basal area for cone production as a proxy for seed output. The results showed that the r2 from the regression of predicted versus observed densities increased by ~5% for seeds and ~15% for seedling simulations. Our second objective was to determine the effects of changing the median horizontal wind speed. The median speed in this forest environment varies according to the proportion of leaves abscised. For values of the median expected wind speed between the extremes of leafless and full-canopy forests, the r2 of predicted versus observed varied between 0.35 and 0.49 for seeds and between 0.33 and 0.62 for seedling simulations. We demonstrated that the simple one-dimensional model can have added precision if the d.
Resonant frequency of annular ring antenna using shorting pins

In this paper a theoretical method for the measurement of resonant frequency of an annular ring antenna is presented with symmetric shorts using extended cavity model. The pins are loaded away from the centre of patch and the pins are equi-spaced on the circular disc. The shorting pins have been considered as inductive impedances at the frequency of interest. The results are presented for a case of four shorting pins.
Localized qualitative navigation for indoor environments

We describe a novel architecture for indoor navigation, based on qualitative representations of the variations in the interactions between the robot and its environment. We use these representations to localize and guide planning and reaction. The system accepts off-line as input a topological diagram of the environment. It then uses numerical simulation to generate a map, describing qualitative variations in the sensor behavior between adjacent regions in space. An off-line planner stores localized navigation information at each point in the map. During execution, an adaptive controller uses a short-term memory to improve its operation. The qualitative nature of our method, along with the localization performed by the topological planner result in a compact map representation and in linear-time performances for position estimation and path planning during execution. This architecture has been tested in simulation. Our results show that the proposed navigation method is tolerant of sensor inaccuracies, both in obstacle detection and orientation.
Intelligent routing strategies in wireless sensor networks for smart cities applications

In the context of Smart City environments, wireless sensor networking is playing a major role when enabling the utilization of networked infrastructures to introduce or improve a wide variety of services to be available to the citizens. How nodes communicate with each other is a key issue in these types of networks. This work presents a simple but yet efficient network discovery and tree construction protocol as well as an intelligent metric for route selection in smart environments that combines several parameters through the use of fuzzy logic. We have carried out an extensive set of experiments using the I3ASensorBed testbed, that shows the efficiency of our proposal, when compared to other well known routing metrics by reducing the system load and increasing the network efficiency.
A Novel Method for Pulsometry Based on Traditional Iranian Medicine

Arterial pulse measurement is one of the most important methods for evaluation of healthy conditions. In traditional Iranian medicine (TIM), physician may detect radial pulse by holding four fingers on the patient's wrist. By using this method, under standard condition, the detected pulses are subjective and erroneous, in case of weak and/or abnormal pulses, the ambiguity of diagnosis may rise. In this paper, we present an equipment which is designed and implemented for automation of traditional pulse detection method. By this novel system, the developed noninvasive diagnostic method and database based on the TIM are way forward to apply traditional medicine and diagnose patients with present technology. The accuracy for period measuring is 76% and systolic peak is 72%.
Single tone parameter estimation from discrete-time observations

Estimation of the parameters of a single-frequency complex tone from a finite number of noisy discrete-time observations is discussed. The appropriate Cramer-Rao bounds and maximum-likelihood (MI.) estimation algorithms are derived. Some properties of the ML estimators are proved. The relationship of ML estimation to the discrete Fourier transform is exploited to obtain practical algorithms. The threshold effect of one algorithm is analyzed and compared to simulation results. Other simulation results verify other aspects of the analysis.
Z-touch: a multi-touch system for detecting spatial gestures near the tabletop

We introduce Z-touch, a multi-touch table that can detect spatial hand gestures near the tabletop surface. This system uses a combination of a multilayered infrared (IR) laser plane and a high-speed camera. Multilayered IR line laser modules are synchronized with the shutter signal of the high-speed camera. This system allows user interaction on the basis of the posture of the user's fingers near the tabletop surface without the use of special markers or devices on the fingers.
Scalable Spatial Crowdsourcing: A Study of Distributed Algorithms

Recently spatial crowd sourcing was introduced as a natural extension to traditional crowd sourcing allowing for tasks to have a geospatial component, i.e., A task can only be performed if a worker is physically present at the location of the task. The problem of assigning spatial tasks to workers in a spatial crowd sourcing system can be formulated as a weighted bipartite b-matching graph problem that can be solved optimally by existing methods for the minimum cost maximum flow problem. However, these methods are still too complex to run repeatedly for an online system, especially when the number of incoming workers and tasks increases. Hence, we propose a class of approaches that utilizes an online partitioning method to reduce the problem space across a set of cloud servers to construct independent bipartite graphs and solve the assignment problem in parallel. Our approaches solve the spatial task assignment approximately but competitive to the exact solution. We experimentally verify that our approximate approaches outperform the centralized and Map Reduce version of the exact approach with acceptable accuracy and thus suitable for online spatial crowd sourcing at scale.
Graphene oxide paper as a saturable absorber for Er-doped fiber laser

In this work, femtosecond pulse generation in Er-doped fiber laser using graphene oxide (GO) paper based saturable absorber (SA) is presented. The article includes the characterization of optical properties of prepared SA material and detailed description of the laser performance. Stable mode-locking operation was achieved, with 515 fs soliton pulses centered at 1559 nm. The GO paper SA is characterized by 5.4% modulation depth and 155 MW/cm2 of saturation intensity. The nearly wavelength-independent linear absorption combined with straightforward fabrication process make it a suitable material for application as a SA in low-power mode-locked fiber lasers operating in various spectral ranges.
The Circle Model—support for relatives of people with dementia

Home care for cognitively impaired elderly puts tremendous stress and burden on their families. Therefore it is important to search for effective care models in order to provide support for this group. In this study, an intervention model—the Circle Model—was developed, tested and evaluated in six places in Sweden. The model is unique in that family caregivers and volunteers were trained together in study circles. After their training, the volunteers replaced the caregivers in the homes on a regular basis, which permitted the caregivers some relief from the demands of caregiving. Interviews were conducted with the participants to gather information about their training and relief care experiences. The caregivers reported that the study circle provided opportunity to exchange experiences with other people in similar situations. They felt a spirit of community with other relatives, and were able to increase their knowledge in care providing and coping strategies. The emphasis in temporary relief care by the volunteers was placed on providing the relatives with feelings of security and relaxation. The satisfaction among the Circle Model participants was reciprocal. The volunteers also reported high satisfaction and appreciation of the knowledge which they acquired from the caregivers. The Circle Model brings new dimensions to the home care situation and should be seen as a complement to social services support.Copyright © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Time course of improvement with antipsychotic medication in treatment-resistant schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND Improvements are greatest in the earlier weeks of antipsychotic treatment of patients with non-resistant schizophrenia. AIMS To address the early time-line for improvement with antipsychotics in treatment-resistant schizophrenia. METHOD Randomised double-blind trials of antipsychotic medication in adult patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia were investigated (last search June 2010). A series of metaregression analyses were carried out to examine the effect of time on the average item scores in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) or Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) at three or more distinct time points within the first 6 weeks of treatment. RESULTS Study duration varied from 4 weeks to 1 year and the definitions of treatment resistance as well as of treatment response were not necessarily consistent across 19 identified studies, resulting in highly variable rates of response (0–76%). The mean standardised baseline item score in the PANSS or BPRS was 3.4 (s.e. = 0.06) in the five studies included in the meta-regression analysis, with the average baseline Clinical Global Impression – Severity score being 5.2 (marked illness). For the pooled population treated with a range of antipsychotics (n = 1019), significant reductions in the mean item scores occurred during the first 4 weeks; improvements observed in later weeks were smaller and non-significant. In contrast, weekly improvement with clozapine was significant throughout (n = 356). CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide preliminary evidence that the majority of improvement with antipsychotics may occur relatively early.More consistent improvements with clozapine may be associated with a gradual titration. To further elucidate response patterns, future studies are needed to provide data over regular intervals during earlier stages of treatment.