Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sodium Nickel Chloride Battery Performance in a Stationary Application

This study focuses on the backup power requirements of telecommunications operations that are representative of many stationary power storage applications across the utility spectrum. The study evaluated the performance of a Zebra NaNiCl2 battery at Southern California Edison's (SCE) Electric Vehicle Technical Center (EVTC). EVTC's experience with backup power systems, battery expertise, and ISO 9001:2000-registration uniquely qualifies the organization for the project. The Zebra NaNiCl2 battery under the telecommunication test protocols produces encouraging results over ambient temperatures ranging from -20degC, to 75degC
Essays in labour economics

My thesis focuses on the determinants of wage differentials. I analyse some of the immediate causes for wage differentials including different types of experience and coworker characteristics. In order to understand poverty and intergenerational wage inequality for marginalized groups we need to look at academic achievement in early schooling, I also investigate how reading achievement of non-affluent groups may be improved. The first chapter focuses on the effect of industry experience on wages. I estimate a simultaneous equation model using a large panel of Italian workers for the years 1986-2004. I find that wage returns to industry experience are much higher than wage returns to job seniority, and that returns to general labour market experience dominate the effects of both industry experience and job tenure. The second chapter investigates the effect of coworker characteristics on wages. I measure coworker characteristics by the average labor market value of coworkers’ observed and unobserved characteristics The effect of interest is identified from within-firm changes in workforce composition, controlling for person effects, firm effects, and sector-specific time trends. My estimates are based on a very large linked employer employee dataset of workers and firms from the Italian region of Veneto for the years 1982-2001. I find that a 10-percent increase in the average labour market value of coworker skills is associated with a 3.6 percent wage premium. Between 10 and 15 percent of the immigrant wage gap can be explained by differences in coworker characteristics. The last chapter investigates the effects of providing school districts with supplemental funding to support the language development of students who speak a non-standard English dialect. Exploiting the staggered uptake of this funding across school districts in British Columbia we find that the policy substantially improved the reading scores of Aboriginal students between grade 4 and grade 7.
A new look at age and area: the geographic and environmental expansion of genera during the Ordovician Radiation

Although available paleobiological data indicate that the geographic ranges of marine species are maintained throughout their entire observable durations, other evidence suggests, by contrast, that the ranges of higher taxa expand as they age, perhaps in association with increased species richness. Here, I utilize a database of Ordovician genus occurrences collected from the literature for several paleocontinents to demonstrate that a significant aging of the global biota during the Ordovician Radiation was accompanied by a geographic and environmental expansion of genus ranges. The proportion of genera occurring in two or more paleocontinents in the database, and two or more environmental zones within a six-zone onshore-offshore framework, increased significantly in the Caradocian and Ashgillian. Moreover, widespread genera tended to be significantly older than their endemic counterparts, suggesting a direct link between their ages and their environmental and geographic extents. Expansion in association with aging was corroborated further by demonstrating this pattern directly among genera that ranged from the Tremadocian through the Ashgillian. Taken together, these results are significant not only for what they reveal about the kinetics of a major, global-scale diversification, but also for what they suggest about the interpretation of relationships between diversity trends at the α (within-community) and β (between-community) levels.
Research on Human Behavior Recognition based on Deep Neural Network

In order to improve the recognition rate of human behavior by intelligent terminals, a network model for deep learning of human behavior recognition is proposed. Time series data is transformed into a deep network model by performing motion segmentation using a sliding window algorithm. Feature vectors are imported into the SoftMax classifier through end-to-end research, which identifies six daily behaviors such as walking, sitting, going upstairs, going downstairs, standing and lying down. By comparing the recognition effects of different models, it was found that the convolutional neural network introduced into Dropout achieved better recognition results in UCI HAR dataset.
Behavior-Based Intrusion Detection in Mobile Phone Systems

The field of mobile and wireless networking is reemerging amid unprecedented growth in the scale and diversity of computer networking. However, further increases in network security are necessary before the promise of mobile communication can be fulfilled. In this paper, we describe how neural networks and tools can be applied against frauds in analog mobile telecommunication networks. To the best of our knowledge there has been a lot of work done to secure the usage of mobile phones at the hardware level, but very little at the software level. In this paper, we present an on-line security system for fraud detection of impostors and improper use of mobile phone operations based on a neural network (NN) classifier. It acts solely on the recent information and past history of the mobile phone owner activities, and classifies the telephone users into classes according to their usage logs. Such logs contain the relevant characteristics for every call made by the user. As soon as the system identifies a fraud, it notifies both the carrier telecom and the victim about it immediately and not at the end of the monthly bill cycle. In our implementation, we make use of the radial basis function (RBF) model because of its simplicity and its flexibility to adapt to pattern changes, i.e., it encompasses the important characteristic of learning. By learning, a RBF NN can discover some regular patterns and the relation across them, and organize itself for making these associations. As a consequence it is widely used for solving classification and pattern recognition problems. Our results indicate that our system reduces significantly the telecom carriers's profit losses as well as the damage that might be passed to the clients. This might help the carriers to reduce the cost of phone calls and will, in turn, benefit the users.
Through-Silicon Via Capacitance–Voltage Hysteresis Modeling for 2.5-D and 3-D IC

We propose, for the first time, an explicit semiconductor physics-based through-silicon via (TSV) capacitance–voltage (CV) model. The effect of TSV CV hysteresis is demonstrated in the model, and the TSV capacitance is modeled with respect to dc bias voltage and the dimension of the TSV. The proposed model is verified by comparison to the measurement results. The effect of hysteresis in the model correlates well with the measurement results. This model can be utilized in a circuit level simulation to expand the possible application of the model to, but not limited to, hierarchical power distribution network impedance analysis, RC delay analysis, input–output power consumption analysis, and crosstalk and eye diagram simulation in any 3-D-IC systems using TSVs.
Cleaning MapReduce Workflows

Integrity constraints (ICs) such as Functional Dependencies (FDs) or Inclusion Dependencies (INDs) are commonly used in databases to check if input relations obey to certain pre-defined quality metrics. While Data-Intensive Scalable Computing (DISC) platforms such as MapReduce commonly accept as input (semi-structured) data not in relational format, still data is often transformed in key/value pairs when data is required to be re-partitioned; a process commonly referred to as shuffle. In this work, we present a Provenance-Aware model for assessing the quality of shuffled data: more precisely, we capture and model provenance using the PROV-DM W3C recommendation and we extend it with rules expressed à la Datalog to assess data quality dimensions by means of ICs metrics over DISC systems. In this way, data (and algorithmic) errors can be promptly and automatically detected without having to go through a lengthy process of output debugging.
On Information Bottleneck Graphs to design compress and forward quantizers with side information for multi-carrier transmission

This paper is concerned with practical quantizer design for Compress-and-Forward (CF) in combination with Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) in the 3-node relay channel. The Information Bottleneck (IB) method is an appropriate tool for this task as it maximizes relevant information given a specific restriction on the rate. Optimal quantization is not possible due the high complexity (dimensionality) of the problem since channel knowledge needs to be considered in addition compared to an Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN) channel. Therefore, recently introduced Information Bottleneck Graphs (IBGs) are used to simplify the problem. In this work, IBGs will be extended to exploit as well side information as stated by Wyner and Ziv. Furthermore, different IBGs will be distinguished to find the best trade-off between feasibility and exploitation of as much information as possible. Results in terms of achievable rates with a Bit Interleaved Coded Modulation (BICM) scheme reveal that the derived approaches lead to a better overall performance especially the more side information is considered at the relay.
The private policing of injured workers in Canada: legitimate management practices or human rights violations?*

Abstract This paper examines the use of private surveillance services in the context of workers’ compensation in Canada. Injured workers are now subject to clandestine surveillance by private investigators employed by employers and, in some provinces, by the workers’ compensation board itself. Surveillance is used not only to detect cases of fraud, where workers are receiving compensation benefits for temporary disability while performing undeclared work, but also to prove that workers are performing tasks of daily living that are incompatible with their functional impairment. The paper illustrates different situations in which such techniques are used and addresses some of the social and legal implications of these practices. The paper relies on interview data as well as traditional legal analysis. The legal issues to be addressed include those relating to privacy rights guaranteed both by human rights legislation and the Quebec Civil Code, Charter issues, including issues as to the admissibility of evidence, and finally issues regarding liability for damages resulting from the surveillance. In conclusion, the paper suggests that the use of surveillance techniques in the context of social security legislation not only represents, in many cases, a violation of fundamental rights, but also contributes to the stigmatisation of all injured workers and constitutes an impediment to successful and rapid rehabilitation from injury. The influence of economists and their concept of ‘moral hazard’, which promotes system design that discourages reliance on benefits, is seen as a possible explanation for the apparent tolerance of practices that would be judged illegal in other contexts.
A primer on meiotic resumption in starfish oocytes: The proposed signaling pathway triggered by maturation‐inducing hormone

This short review updates the maturation‐inducing hormonal signaling in starfish oocytes. In this system, the activation of cyclin B‐Cdc2 kinase (Cdk1) that leads to meiotic resumption does not require new protein synthesis. The key intracellular mediator after hormonal stimulation by 1‐methyladenine is the protein kinase Akt/PKB, which in turn directly downregulates Myt1 and upregulates Cdc25 toward the activation of cyclin B‐Cdc2. Mitotic kinases including Aurora, Plk1 and Greatwall are activated downstream of cyclin B‐Cdc2. The starfish oocyte thus provides a simple model system for the study of meiotic resumption. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 78:704–707, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of bafilomycin A1, a specific inhibitor of vacuolar (V‐type) proton ATPases, on the capacitation of rabbit spermatozoa

Mammalian spermatozoa maintain precisely regulated ionic gradients that must be modified during capacitation and the acrosome reaction. In other cell types, ionic gradients are mainly regulated by the presence in plasma membranes of three metabolically different types of ATPases. The modifications induced during in vitro capacitation of rabbit spermatozoa by the specific inhibition of V‐type H+‐ATPases with bafilomycin A were studied. We used chlortetracycline binding to rabbit spermatozoa to monitor capacitation, and the coomassie brilliant blue method to identify acrosome‐reacted sperm cells. There was a significant difference between the percentage of epididymal (66± 7%) and ejaculated (43± 11%) spermatozoa capacitated in vitro, after a 6‐h incubation period in the presence of Ca2+ without ATPase inhibitor. The presence of bafilomycin significantly reduced these numbers (25 ± 11 and 16± 8%, epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa, respectively) and eliminated the difference. Ejaculated spermatozoa capacitated in the absence of bafilomycin showed a linear increase in the percentage of acrosome reactions induced by the addition of A23187 (12± 5, 23± 6 and 31± 5 after 15, 30 and 45 min). The presence of 0.2 µmol l−1 bafilomycin during the capacitation incubation induced a significant decrease in the acrosome reaction percentages (4 ± 2, 8 ± 3 and 14 ± 4 after 15, 30 and 45 min). The addition of bafilomycin after the capacitating period had no effect upon the induction of the acrosome reaction by A23187. These results indicate that vacuolar ATPases play an important role during rabbit sperm capacitation. However, once the spermatozoa have been capacitated, V‐type ATPases do not have a significant participation during the acrosome reaction.
Employee Voice: A Human Resource Management Perspective

This article considers two dimensions of employee voice in nonunion businesses from both a strategic and a tactical human resource management perspective. The first dimension involves the formal nonunion grievance procedure, including the ombudsman, mediation, arbitration, and internal tribunals and peer review. The second dimension focuses on participative management, which takes such forms as total quality management programs. Like nonunion grievance procedures, participative management programs provide structured mechanisms for employees to provide information to management that is potentially valuable for decision-making purposes.
Mitochondrial Complex II Dysfunction Can Contribute Significantly to Genomic Instability after Exposure to Ionizing Radiation

Abstract Dayal, D. , Martin, S. M. , Owens, K. M. , Aykin-Burns, N. , Zhu, Y. , Boominathan, A. , Pain, D. , Limoli, C. L. , Goswami, P. C. , Domann, F. E. and Spitz, D. R. Mitochondrial Complex II Dysfunction Can Contribute Significantly to Genomic Instability after Exposure to Ionizing Radiation. Ionizing radiation induces chronic metabolic oxidative stress and a mutator phenotype in hamster fibroblasts that is mediated by H2O2, but the intracellular source of H2O2 is not well defined. To determine the role of mitochondria in the radiation-induced mutator phenotype, end points of mitochondrial function were determined in unstable (CS-9 and LS-12) and stable (114) hamster fibroblast cell lines derived from GM10115 cells exposed to 10 Gy X rays. Cell lines isolated after irradiation demonstrated a 20–40% loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and an increase in mitochondrial content compared to the parental cell line GM10115. Surprisingly, no differences were observed in steady-state levels of ATP (P > 0.05). Unstable clones demonstrated increased oxygen consumption (two- to threefold; CS-9) and/or increased mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complex II activity (twofold; LS-12). Using Western blot analysis and Blue Native gel electrophoresis, a significant increase in complex II subunit B protein levels was observed in LS-12 cells. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation assays revealed evidence of abnormal complex II assembly in LS-12 cells. Treatment of LS-12 cells with an inhibitor of ETC complex II (thenoyltrifluoroacetone) resulted in significant decreases in the steady-state levels of H2O2 and a 50% reduction in mutation frequency as well as a 16% reduction in CAD gene amplification frequency. These data show that radiation-induced genomic instability was accompanied by evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction leading to increased steady-state levels of H2O2 that contributed to increased mutation frequency and gene amplification. These results support the hypothesis that mitochondrial dysfunction originating from complex II can contribute to radiation-induced genomic instability by increasing steady-state levels of reactive oxygen species.
Genetic polymorphism in the 3′‐untranslated region of the E‐cadherin gene is associated with risk of different cancers

The genetic polymorphisms in E‐cadherin gene (CDH1) may affect invasive/metastatic disease development by altering gene transcriptional activity. In this paper, we investigated the effect of 3′‐UTR +54C/T polymorphism (rs1801026) in CDH1 gene on the risk and progression of several common cancers. Multiple completely independent case‐control analyses of 1081 cancer patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma (GCA), non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and cervical cancer and 1131 control subjects in northern Chinese populations. The results showed that the carriers with T allele were significantly decreased the risk of developing GCA, NSCLC, and cervical cancer, with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.67 (95% CI = 0.48–0.91), 0.68 (95% CI = 0.49–0.92), and 0.66 (95% CI = 0.48–0.92), respectively. There were no association between the frequency of genotype and the clinicopathological features of ESCC, GCA, and NSCLC, but the frequency of T allele was significantly lower in patients of stage III cervical cancer (P = 0.026). These results suggested that the 3′‐UTR +54C/T polymorphism in CDH1 may be a marker for genetic susceptibility of cancer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Missing the Mark With Latina Women With Type 2 Diabetes

Purpose The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore nutritional behaviors and attitudes among Latino women with type 2 diabetes. Methods Women over 18 years old and previously diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were recruited to participate in semi-structured qualitative interviews in their homes in Los Angeles, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada. Recruitment was conducted through flyers posted in local businesses. Interviews were conducted in Spanish or English. Data were transcribed and analyzed using an iterative process that involves reading interview transcripts and designating themes that arise from the data. Results Acquisition of nutritional knowledge and behavioral capability were positively associated with observational learning, formal nutritional education, and culturally competent meal planners. The use of traditional remedies and the consultation of naturistas reveal a tendency toward medical pluralism. In the home environment, husbands had the greatest influence on Latina women’s attitudes and perceived choices. Conclusions The social environment, including support and reinforcement, is critical for Latinas’ nutritional success. Observational learning is critical for Latinas’ behavioral capability.
A novel low-cost high-performance VLSI architecture for MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 CAVLC decoding

The demand of high quality video and high data compression enables MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 to adopt the context-based adaptive variable length code (CAVLC) technique contrary to the traditional MPEG-4 VLC techniques. The paper presents a novel, low-cost, high-performance VLSI architecture design for MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 CAVLC decoding. We exploit five different techniques to reduce both the hardware cost and power consumption, and to increase the data throughput rate. They are PCCF (partial combinational component freezing), HLLT (hierarchical logic for look-up tables), ZTEBA (zero-left table elimination by arithmetic), IDS (interleaved double stacks), and ZCS (zero codeword skip). The proposed design can decode every syntax element per cycle. The synthesis result shows that the design achieves maximum speed at 175 MHz. When we synthesize the proposed design at the clock constraint of 125 MHz, the hardware cost is about 4720 gates under a 0.18 /spl mu/m CMOS technology, which achieves the real-time processing requirement for H.264 video decoding on HD1080i format video.
Fracture risk and initial fixation of a cementless glenoid implant: The effect of numbers and types of screws

The initial fixation of an anatomical cementless glenoid component, provided by different numbers and types of screws, and the risk of bone fracture were evaluated by estimating the bone–implant interface micromotions and the principal strains around the prosthesis. Four different fixation configurations using locking or compression screws were tested. Estimation of the micromotions at the bone–implant interface was performed both experimentally, using an in vitro model, and computationally, using a numerical model. Principal bone strains were estimated using the numerical model. Subject variability was included by modelling two different bone qualities (healthy and rheumatoid bone). For the fixation configurations that used two screws, experimental and modelling results found that the micromotions at the bone–implant interface did not change with screw type. However, screw type had a significant effect on fixation when only one screw was used; in this case, a locking screw resulted in less micromotion at the bone–implant interface compared with the compression screw. Bone strains were predicted by the numerical model, and strains were found to be independent of the screw type; however, the predicted strain levels calculated in rheumatoid bone were larger than the strain levels that may cause bone damage for most considered arm positions. Predicted bone strain in healthy bone did not reach this level. While proper initial component fixation that allows biological fixation can be achieved by using additional screws, the risk of bone failure around the screws must be considered, especially in cases of weak bone.
Implementing the Availability Model of a Software-Defined Backbone Network in Möbius

Software-defined networking (SDN) promises to improve the programmability and flexibility of networks, but it may bring also new challenges that need to be explored. One open issue is the quantitative assessment of the properties of SDN backbone networks to determine whether they can provide similar availability to the traditional IP backbone networks. To achieve this goal, a two-level availability model that is able to capture the global network connectivity without neglecting the essential details and which includes a failure correlation assessment should be considered. The two-level availability model is composed by a structural model and the dynamic models of the principal minimal-cut sets of the network. The purpose of this technical report is to extensively present the implementation on Mobius of the Stochastic Activity Network (SAN) availability model of the network elements and the principal minimal-cut sets of a SDN backbone network and the corresponding traditional backbone network.