Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Perfect Storm - Why are some Operational Losses larger than others?

In mid 2004, after a lengthy period of industry consultation, the Basel Committee finally released its definitive rules on capital charges for Operational Risk under Basel II. In its proposals for allowing banks to calculate regulatory capital using their own internal models, the Basel Committee specified very stringent ‘quantitative standards’ for modelling operational risk. This has led to much discussion in the industry as to the types of statistical tools that could be used to calculate operational risk capital, under the so-called Loss Distribution Approach (LDA). Advanced techniques, such as Extreme Value Theory (EVT), have been proposed to satisfy the new regulatory requirements. However, LDA approaches make the assumptions that all loss events are drawn from the same underlying ‘model’, and can be grouped using the Basel II classification of ‘Loss Event Types’. The paper challenges these assumptions, specifically for the cases of the very largest losses, which have been shown to have a disproportionately high impact on quantitative measures resulting in inflated capital calculations. Using published examples, the paper argues that many of the very largest operational risk losses do not fit easily into the very broad ‘one size fits all’ Basel II event type classification, and, in fact, cut across many of the mandated categories. In statistical terms, these events should properly be considered as ‘outliers’ that should be removed from statistical analysis of the underlying distribution and addressed using other techniques. Furthermore the paper argues that, for some of these large events, a measurement approach that attempts to measure risk to an unrealistic level of precision (e.g. to the 99.9 th percentile demanded by Basel II) introduces ‘moral hazards’, encouraging managers to claim that risks have been fully mitigated to the (somewhat arbitrary) regulatory standard, rather than address the serious issues underlying these events. The illusory search for precision is no better illustrated than in the case of the real, but highly uncertain, potential for a Avian Flu Pandemic, where epidemiologists and medical experts are working within a six point scale for primary risks (death etc.) whereas banks are required to estimate capital to cover secondary impacts (i.e. monetary losses) to a precision of 1 in 1,000– clearly an unattainable task! This paper recognises and argues that much more research is needed into the quantitative and qualitative standards proposed by Basel II and is a contribution to these debates. In particular, the paper argues for much more detailed and specific research into how best to manage risks that are real but difficult to measure under Basel II, in effect, arguing for expanding and strengthening Pillars 2 and 3 of Basel II.
Crowd behaviour analysis using histograms of motion direction

A practical system for the automated analysis of crowded scenes will have to deal with multiple occlusions and tracking failures, in a context in which the cameras may move at any time to point in any direction, at any level of zoom. This paper presents a prototype component of such a system. Much work in crowd modelling assumes that the camera will be static for extended periods of time and that a model of the scene can therefore be learned; we do not make this assumption and instead build a simple representation of motion patterns that is applicable across different views and which learns motion scale rapidly. Our representation is based upon histograms of motion direction alongside an indication of motion speed. These can be used for detecting frames in which behaviour differs from the training set, and also for localisation of where in the image these anomalous events occur. We evaluate this work against five event-detection scenarios from the public PETS2009 crowd behaviour dataset.
On the Complexity of the Isomorphism Relation for Finitely Generated Groups

Working within the framework of descriptive set theory, we show that the isomorphism relation for finitely generated groups is a universal essentially countable Borel equivalence relation. We also prove the corresponding result for the conjugacy relation for subgroups of the free group on two generators. The proofs are group-theoretic, and we refer to descriptive set theory only for the relevant definitions and for motivation for the results.
Neuronal Phenotype Dependency of Agonist-Induced Internalization of the 5-HT1A Serotonin Receptor

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are aimed at increasing brain 5-HT tone; however, this expected effect has a slow onset after starting SSRI treatment because of initial activation of 5-HT1A autoreceptor-mediated negative feedback of 5-HT release. After chronic SSRI treatment, 5-HT1A autoreceptors desensitize, which allows 5-HT tone elevation. Because 5-HT1A receptor (5-HT1AR) internalization has been proposed as a possible mechanism underlying 5-HT1A autoreceptor desensitization, we examined whether this receptor could internalize under well controlled in vitro conditions in the LLC-CPK1 cell line and in raphe or hippocampal neurons from rat embryos. To this goal, cells were transfected with recombinant lentiviral vectors encoding N-terminal tagged 5-HT1AR, and exposed to various pharmacological conditions. Constitutive endocytosis and plasma membrane recycling of tagged-5-HT1AR was observed in LLC-PK1 cells as well as in neurons. Acute exposure (for 1 h) to the full 5-HT1AR agonists, 5-HT and 5-carboxamido-tryptamine, but not the partial agonist 8-OH-DPAT, triggered internalization of tagged 5-HT1AR in serotonergic neurons only. In contrast, sustained exposure (for 24 h) to all agonists induced tagged-5-HT1AR endocytosis in raphe serotonergic neurons and a portion of hippocampal neurons, but not LLC-PK1 cells and partial agonist displayed an effect only in serotonergic neurons. In all cases, agonist-induced tagged 5-HT1AR endocytosis was prevented by the 5-HT1AR antagonist, WAY-100635, which was inactive on its own. These data showed that agonist-induced 5-HT1AR internalization does exist in neurons and depends on agonist efficacy and neuronal phenotype. Its differential occurrence in serotonergic neurons supports the idea that 5-HT1AR internalization might underlie 5-HT1A autoreceptor desensitization under SSRI antidepressant therapy.
An Iterative Approach to Managing Uncertain Mappings in Dataspace Support Platforms

A DataSpace Support Platform (DSSP) is a self-sustained and self-managed system which needs to support uncertainty among its mediated schemas and its schema mappings. Some approaches for managing such uncertainty by assigning probabilities and reliability degrees to schema mappings have been proposed. Unfortunately, the number of mappings self-generated by a DSSP is usually too large and among those possible mappings, some might be totally correct and others partially correct. Therefore, providing probabilities or reliability degrees to the mappings is necessary but not sufficient to resolve uncertainty among them. This paper proposes a stepper-based approach called pos-mapping to managing reliable mappings using possibility theory. Instead of choosing a threshold for managing the reliable mappings, pos-mapping approach orders and divides the set of reliable mappings into subsets of possibility distributions and assigns to each of these subsets a recursive possibility degree function. The recursiveness of the possibility degree function leads to an incremental management of the possibility distributions. Experimental results show that our system is more efficient than the existing systems and the accuracy of the results increases with the number of reliable schemas in the DSSP.
A 10-bit 3-Msample/s CMOS Multipath Multibit Cyclic ADC

A 10-bit 3-Msample/s multibit cyclic A/D converter for mixed-signal LSIs with a small chip-area of 1.5mm2 and low power consumption of 10.8mW with a 2.7-V power supply was realized using a 0.8-μm CMOS process. This ADC module is designed for high-speed servo-controller LSIs used in harddisk-drive systems. We found that three-cycle cyclic conversion (four bit, three bit+(one redundant bit), and three bit+(one redundant bit)) was optimal for achieving 10-bit resolution with a small chip-area and low power consumption given a required conversion time of 0. 33μs. Our multipath architecture cut power consumption by 30% compared to conventional cyclic A/D converters. By adding one signal path between the residue amplifier and the four bit subADC, the settling timing requirement can be relaxed, and the amplifier’s power consumption thus reduced. key words: low-power, low-voltage, cyclic A/D converter,
Manipulation of vocal signal in mixed music signal using side information of F0 and backing spectrum

We have been developing a system that enables a listener of streaming audio to control the volume of independent part in a mixed audio signal in real-time. In the previous work, we proposed the basic framework of the system and proved the effectiveness of the proposed method. In this paper, we proposed a method to improve the quality of manipulated audio signal by improving the side information. The basic idea of the proposed method is to consider the ratio between the level of the signal to be manipulated and the backing signal. As an experimental result, we obtained that the proposed method improved the quality of the manipulated signal using 4 kbit/s side information.
Using Sketches to Estimate Two-way and Multi-way Associations

We should not have to look at the entire corpus (e.g., the Web) to know if two (or more) words are associated or not. A powerful sampling technique called Sketches was originally introduced to remove duplicate Web pages. We generalize sketches to estimate contingency tables and associations, using a maximum likelihood estimator to find the most likely contingency table given the sample, the margins (document frequencies) and the size of the collection. The proposed method has smaller errors and more flexibility than the original sketch method. Not unsurprisingly, computational work and statistical accuracy (variance or errors) depend on sampling rate, as will be shown both theoretically and empirically. Sampling methods become more and more important with larger and larger collections. At Web scale, sampling rates as low as 10−4 may suffice.
Round-Trip Engineering of Framework-Based Software using Framework-Specific Modeling Languages

This research combines three distinct areas: domain-specific modeling, object-oriented application frameworks and round-trip engineering. We introduce framework-specific modeling languages (FSMLs) which are used for the modeling of framework-based software and enable automated round-trip engineering. We describe a prototype implementation of an example FSML. We also present research outline and future work
An IEP for Me

Developing high-quality programming for students with moderate to severe disability (MSD) and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be challenging for teachers across the range of experience and training including those in rural contexts. This article outlines a process for the iterative refinement of teaching programs comprised of an evaluation of the current program, the identification of targets for improvement, the development of goals and objectives, and the creation of an implementation plan. Furthermore, strategies for facilitating implementation are discussed.
Detection of breast cancer using an asymmetric entropy measure

In this paper we present a new entropy measure to grow decision trees. This measure has the characteristic to be asymmetric, allowing the user to grow trees which better correspond to his expectation in terms of recall and precision on each class. Then we propose decision rules adapted to such trees. Experiments have been realized on real medical data from breast cancer screening units.
Growth of Massive Black Holes during Radiatively Inefficient Accretion Phases

We derive the black hole mass density as a function of redshift from the hard X-ray active galactic nucleus (AGN) luminosity function, assuming that massive black holes grow via accreting circumnuclear gases. The derived black hole mass density matches the measured local black hole mass density at z = 0, which requires the average radiative efficiency of AGNs to be ~0.1-0.17. The massive black holes in most faint AGNs and even normal galaxies are still accreting gases, although their accretion rates are very low. Radiatively inefficient accretion flows (RIAFs) are supposed in these faint sources, which should radiate mostly in the hard X-ray band. We calculate the contribution to the X-ray background (XRB) from both the bright AGNs and the RIAFs in faint AGNs and normal galaxies. Our calculations show that both the observed intensity and spectral shape of the XRB with an energy peak at ~30 keV can be well reproduced without including the emission of Compton-thick AGNs, if the massive black holes in faint AGNs and normal galaxies are spinning rapidly, with a ~ 0.9, and are accreting at rates of ṁ ~ (1.0-3.0) × 10-4. It indicates that less than ~5% of the local massive black hole mass density was accreted during radiatively inefficient accretion phases, which is obviously only an upper limit, because Compton-thick AGNs have not been considered. If the same number of Compton-thick AGNs with log NH = 24-25 as those with log NH = 23-24 is considered, the fraction of the local black hole mass density accumulated during inefficient accretion phases should be lower than ~2%. The constraints of the XRB can provide upper limits on the average accretion rate for inactive galaxies.
Coaching and Mentoring First-Year and Student Teachers

Reviewed by Lea Arnau, assistant principal at Shiloh High School in Gwinnett County, Georgia, and doctoral student in the Educational Leadership program at the University of Georgia, Athens. Correspondence concerning this review may be sent to Lea_Amau@Gwinnett.k12. ga.us. Most school administrators have experienced end-of-summer anxiety as they wonder what they can do to reignite a passion for education in their teach-
Erectile dysfunction in mice lacking the large‐conductance calcium‐activated potassium (BK) channel

Penile erection is dependent on the nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP‐dependent protein kinase I (PKGI) pathway. One important target of PKGI in smooth muscle is the large‐conductance, calcium‐activated potassium (BK) channel, which upon activation hyperpolarizes the smooth muscle cell membrane, causing relaxation. Relaxation of arterial and corpus cavernosum smooth muscle (CCSM) is necessary to increase blood flow into the corpora cavernosa that leads to penile tumescence. We investigated the functional role of BK channels in the corpus cavernosum utilizing a knock‐out mouse lacking the Slo gene (Slo−/−) responsible for the pore‐forming subunit of the BK channel. Whole‐cell currents were recorded from isolated CCSM cells of Slo+/+ and Slo−/− mice. Iberiotoxin‐sensitive voltage‐ and [Ca2+]‐activated K+ currents, the latter activated by local transient calcium releases (calcium sparks), were present in Slo+/+ CCSM cells, but absent in Slo−/− cells. CCSM strips from Slo−/− mice demonstrated a four‐fold increase in phasic contractions, in the presence of phenylephrine. Nerve‐evoked relaxations of precontracted strips were reduced by 50%, both in strips from Slo−/− mice and by blocking BK channels with iberiotoxin in the Slo+/+ strips. Consistent with the in vitro results, in vivo intracavernous pressure exhibited pronounced oscillations in Slo−/− mice, but not in Slo+/+ mice. Furthermore, intracavernous pressure increases to nerve stimulation, in vivo, were reduced by 22% in Slo−/−mice. These results indicate that the BK channel has an important role in erectile function, and loss of the BK channel leads to erectile dysfunction.
Higher-order M-theory corrections and the Kac–Moody algebra E10

It has been conjectured that the classical dynamics of M-theory is equivalent to a null geodesic motion in the infinite-dimensional coset space E10/K(E10), where K(E10) is the maximal compact subgroup of the hyperbolic Kac–Moody group E10. We here provide further evidence for this conjecture by showing that the leading higher-order corrections, quartic in the curvature and related 3-form-dependent terms, correspond to negative imaginary roots of E10. The conjecture entails certain predictions for which higher-order corrections are allowed: in particular corrections of type RM(DF)N are compatible with E10 only for M + N = 3k + 1. Furthermore, the leading parts of the R4, R7, … terms are predicted to be associated with singlets under the decomposition of E10. Although singlets are extremely rare among the 4400 752 653 representations of appearing in E10 up to level ℓ ⩽ 28, there are indeed singlets at levels ℓ = 10 and ℓ = 20 which do match with the R4 and the expected R7 corrections. Our analysis indicates a far more complicated behaviour of the theory near the cosmological singularity than suggested by the standard homogeneous ansätze.
Performance and Emission Characteristics of SI Engine using LPG-Ethanol Blends: A Review

Alternative fuels for both spark ignition and compression ignition engines have become very important owing to increased environmental protection concern, the need to reduce dependency on petroleum and even socioeconomic aspects. The investigations have been concentrated on decreasing fuel consumption by using alternative fuels and on lowering the concentration of toxic components in combustion products. As a gaseous fuel, gains from LPG have already been established in terms of low emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon. Ethanol is one of the fuel additive has some advantages such as better antiknock characteristics and the reduction of CO and HC emissions. It can be considered as renewable energy under the environmental consideration. In this study, a review of research paper on air-fuel ratio, operating cylinder pressure, ignition timing and compression ratio are some of the parameters that need to be analyzed and optimally exploited for better engine performance and reduced emissions. In the present paper a comprehensive review of various operating parameters and concerns have been prepared for better understanding of operating conditions and constraints for a LPG-Ethanol fuelled Spark Ignition engine at various
Validation of Computed Tomography-based Attenuation Correction of Deviation between Theoretical and Actual Values in Four Computed Tomography Scanners

Objective(s): In this study, we aimed to validate the accuracy of computed tomography-based attenuation correction (CTAC), using the bilinear scaling method. Methods: The measured attenuation coefficient (μm) was compared to the theoretical attenuation coefficient (μt), using four different CT scanners and an RMI 467 phantom. The effective energy of CT beam X-rays was calculated, using the aluminum half-value layer method and was used in conjunction with an attenuation coefficient map to convert the CT numbers to μm values for the photon energy of 140 keV. We measured the CT number of RMI 467 phantom for each of the four scanners and compared the μm and μt values for the effective energies of CT beam X-rays, effective atomic numbers, and physical densities. Results: The μm values for CT beam X-rays with low effective energies decreased in high construction elements, compared with CT beam X-rays of high effective energies. As the physical density increased, the μm values elevated linearly. Compared with other scanners, the μm values obtained from the scanner with CT beam X-rays of maximal effective energy increased once the effective atomic number exceeded 10.00. The μm value of soft tissue was equivalent to the μt value. However, the ratios of maximal difference between μm and μt values were 25.4% (lung tissue) and 21.5% (bone tissue), respectively. Additionally, the maximal difference in μm values was 6.0% in the bone tissue for each scanner. Conclusion: The bilinear scaling method could accurately convert CT numbers to μ values in soft tissues.
Joint Effect of Education and Main Lifetime Occupation on Late Life Health: A Cross-Sectional Study of Older Adults in Xiamen, China

Background The effects of education and occupation on health have been well documented individually, but little is known about their joint effect, especially their cumulative joint effect on late life health. Methods We enrolled 14,292 participants aged 60+ years by multistage sampling across 173 communities in Xiamen, China, in 2013. Heath status was assessed by the ability to perform six basic activities of daily life. Education was classified in four categories: ‘Illiterate’, ‘Primary’, ‘Junior high school’ and ‘Senior high school and beyond’. Main lifetime occupation was also four categorized: ‘Employed’, ‘Farmer’, ‘Jobless’ and ‘Others’. Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated by random-intercept multilevel models regressing health status on education and main lifetime occupation with or without their interactions, adjusting by some covariates. Results Totally, 13,880 participants had complete data, of whom 12.5% suffered from disability, and ‘Illiterate’ and ‘Farmer’ took up the greatest proportion (33.01% and 42.72%, respectively). Participants who were higher educated had better health status (ORs = 0.62, 0.46, and 0.44 for the ‘Primary’, ‘Junior high school’, and ‘Senior high school and beyond’, respectively, in comparison with ‘Illiterate’). Those who were long term jobless in early life had poorest heath (ORs = 1.88, 95% CI 1.47 to 2.40). Unexpectedly, for the farmers, the risk of poor health gradually increased in relation to higher education level (ORs = 1.26, 1.28, 1.40 and 2.24, respectively). For the ‘Employed’, similar ORs were obtained for the ‘Junior high school’ and ‘Senior high school and beyond’ educated (both ORs = 1.01). For the ‘Farmer’ and ‘Jobless’, participants who were ‘Illiterate’ and ‘Primary’ educated also showed similar ORs. Conclusions Both education and main lifetime occupation were associated with late life health. Higher education was observed to be associated with better health, but such educational advantage was mediated by main lifetime occupation.
Using eye movements to recognize activities on cartographic maps

The spatio-temporal characteristics of eye movements vary according to the activity the user of a cartographic map is performing. In this paper, we use these eye movement characteristics to automatically detect the map user's activity, an approach with great potential in gaze-assistive map interfaces. A dataset of 587 eye movement recordings from 17 participants was used to train and cross-validate a support vector machine (SVM) classifier over 229 features. The classifier can distinguish 6 common map activities with an accuracy of approx. 78%.
Enhancing 802.11 DCF MAC for TCP/IP communication

In this paper, we focus on the overhead caused by the conflict between TCP/IP and IEEE 802.11 technologies and propose two schemes: partial retransmission and ACK suppression to alleviate this issue. Our schemes can improve communication performance and error resiliency simultaneously in TCP/IP communication over 802.11 networks. Because our schemes require modification only to the IEEE 802.11 DCF and do not require any modification in IP or higher layers, users can use these schemes by replacing the 802.11 interfaces or device drivers of mobile machines and 802.11 access points. This means that the deployment issue of our scheme will be minor compared to the other solutions that require modifications of TCP/IP protocols or applications. Furthermore, the design of our schemes are quite simple so that they can be used in low CPU power devices, which is an important factor for mobile devices.