Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Joint Iterative Channel Estimation and Data Detection for MIMO-CDMA Systems over Frequency-Selective Fading Channels

In this paper, we present an iterative joint channel estimation and data detection technique for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) code-division multiple-access (CDMA) systems over frequency-selective fading channels. Based on the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm, the proposed iterative receiver achieves a performance close to the optimum maximum-likelihood (ML) receiver. In addition, the performance of the proposed receiver is optimized through weight coefficients using the minimum mean-square error (MMSE) criterion. Compared to the single-user bound, our results show that the proposed receiver can mitigate the multiple-access interference and attain the full system diversity. Furthermore, our simulation results confirm that the proposed receiver is near-far resistant and offers fast convergence in severe near-far scenarios.
Genetic diversity of Shigella spp. and their integron content.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence and resistance gene content of class 1 and 2 integrons among Shigella spp. and to study the genetic diversity of isolates using the pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) method. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 32 Shigella spp. were identified from 700 stool samples of patients with diarrhea from two provinces in Iran. S. sonnei (70.8%) and S. flexneri (62.5%) were the most frequent serogroups in Tehran and Razavi Khorasan provinces, respectively. Class 2 integrons were more frequent among Shigella spp. in comparison with class 1 integrons. Three different resistance gene arrays were identified among class 1 integrons. Dihydrofolate reductase (dfrA) gene cassette was detected in 78.9% of total integrons (class 1 and 2). PFGE analysis revealed clonal dissemination (62.5%) of a single clone with identical class 2 resistance gene content in Tehran province. Comparison of our Shigella pulsotypes with those published from other countries showed similar pulsotypes in India and Korea, with identical resistance profiles, which suggests dissemination of this (these) clone(s) in Asian countries. CONCLUSIONS Class 2 integrons were found to be predominant among our Shigella spp. This reflects the need to monitor the acquisition and dissemination of different resistant gene cassettes among integrons. Comparison of PFGE pattern through standard procedures promoted the molecular epidemiological surveys and identification of clonal isolates in Iran and other Asian countries.
A Computationally Efficient Super-Resolution Algorithm for Video Processing Using Partition Filters

We propose a computationally efficient super-resolution (SR) algorithm to produce high-resolution video from low-resolution (LR) video using partition-based weighted sum (PWS) filters. First, subpixel motion parameters are estimated from the LR video frames. These are used to position the observed LR pixels into a high-resolution (HR) grid. Finally, PWS filters are employed to simultaneously perform nonuniform interpolation (to fully populate the HR grid) and perform deconvolution of the system point spread function. The PWS filters operate with a moving window. At each window location, the output is formed using a weighted sum of the present pixels within the window. The weights are selected from a filter bank based on the configuration of missing pixels in the window and the intensity structure of the present pixels. We present an algorithm for applying the PWS SR filters to video that is computationally efficient and suitable for parallel implementation. A number of experimental results are presented to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed algorithm in comparison to several previously published methods. A detailed computational analysis of the partition-based SR filters is also presented
Grabcut-based abandoned object detection

This paper presents a detection-based method to subtract abandoned object from a surveillance scene. Unlike tracking-based approaches that are commonly complicated and unreliable on a crowded scene, the proposed method employs background (BG) modelling and focus only on immobile objects. The main contribution of our work is to build abandoned object detection system which is robust and can resist interference (shadow, illumination changes and occlusion). In addition, we introduce the MRF model and shadow removal to our system. MRF is a promising way to model neighbours' information when labeling the pixel that is either set to background or abandoned object. It represents the correlation and dependency in a pixel and its neighbours. By incorporating the MRF model, as shown in the experimental part, our method can efficiently reduce the false alarm. To evaluate the system's robustness, several dataset including CAVIAR datasets and outdoor test cases are both tested in our experiments.
An Augmented Iterative Array for High-Speed Binary Division

An augmented iterative array for binary division (IAD), is described. It uses carry-save reduction and carry-look-ahead principles to achieve high speed. Logic cost and speed comparisons with two other design techniques are presented. An 8-bit prototype model that operates in under 500 ns has been built from commercially available high-speed MSI TTL integrated circuits to verify the feasibility of the IAD scheme.
Investigation of interaural attenuation factors for frequencies above 8000 Hz.

Interaural attenuation values for frequencies from 8000 to 20 000 Hz were obtained from subjects with profound unilateral hearing loss. The values presented are specific to the Koss HV/1A earphone and cushion which is used as a transducer in our high‐frequency testing system. Data are provided regarding the influence of nontest ears at frequencies above 8000 Hz in cases where ear asymmetry exists.
Inequality and Punishment

After decades of steady expansion, state prison populations declined in recent years for the first time since 1972. Though the size of the decrease was small, it masks substantial state heterogeneity. This article investigates variation in state-level incarceration rates from 1980 through 2013, examining the factors associated with the rise and decline in prison populations. We find evidence for four key stories in explaining the prison decline: crime, budgets, politics, and inequality. Many of these relationships are consistent across decades, including the role of racial composition, violent crime, and Republican political dominance. In contrast, states’ fiscal capacity and economic inequality became more important after 2000. This research emphasizes the importance of examining changes over time in the correlates of incarceration growth and decline and represents the first effort to systematically understand the recent reversal in the trajectory of incarceration practices in the United States.
Automatic Document Classification

Abstract : Starting with a collection of 405 document abstracts dealing with computers, the experiment in automatic document classification proceeds to construct an empirically based mathematically derived classification system by use of a factor analysis technique. The documents are then classified into these derived categories by five subjects, and the resulting classification serves as a criterion against which the automatic classification is to be evaluated. Of the ninety documents in the Validation Group which contained two or more clue words, and which therefore could be automatically classified, 44 documents, or 48.9%, were placed into their correct categories by use of a computer formula. These results are almost identical to the results obtained by Maron in a previous experiment using the same data but with a different set of classification categories and a different computational formula. The experimental evidence supports the conclusion that automatic document classification is possible. Additional experiments are described which when executed should improve the accuracy of the automatic classification technique. (Author)
How Prevalent is Post-Decision Dissonance? Some Doubts and New Evidence

Recent research is exploring the case for cognitive or post-decision dissonance using the free-choice paradigm of Brehm (1956). Participants are repeatedly faced with a choice between items that they have given the same rating of liking, two items at a time, and it is found that items not chosen in one choice has a lower tendency of being chosen in a subsequent choice against a different alternative item. This tendency is interpreted as evidence for cognitive or post-decision dissonance. I argue that this interpretation of the evidence is invalid. Furthermore, I report a novel experiment in which participants were specifically asked to compare the items, allowing for a consistent interpretation of the evidence. I find no evidence of post-decision dissonance after a choice between items where one was viewed as more attractive than the other, but potentially some weak evidence of post-decision dissonance after a choice between items viewed as equally attractive.
The Democratic Tradition and the Evolution of Schooling in Norway

Preface Social and Educational Foundations in Norway Democracy and Education in Pre-Independent Norway Educational Alternatives at the Time of Independence Educational Imperatives in Independent Norway First Reform Cycle--A Norwegian School Structure Takes Form Educational Overtones in Romantic Nationalism The Winds of Educational Reform Social Reform Impulses at Mid-Century Hartvig Nissen and the Foundation of Modern Schooling Second Reform Cycle--A Norwegian Folk School A Common Foundation School Education Beyond the Folk School Extension of Participation in Education Workers and Their Education Third Reform Cycle--Toward a Unified School Education in a Free Norway: 1905 and Beyond The Labor Party Takes Command Education during World War II and Its Aftermath Fourth Reform Cycle--Structural Reform Completed Experimenting with New School Forms The Nine Year Basic School Reform at the Upper Secondary School Norwegian School Reform--Consequences and Problems Equality of Educational Opportunity Control Issues in Education Educational Reform in Norway Index
Design, Implementation and Evaluation of a Storage System for Delay-Tolerant Networks

Simple applications of networked information technology have been shown to have an impact in the developing regions in the areas of health care, education, commerce and productivity. However, use of information technology in developing regions setting is hampered by a lack of inexpensive reliable telecommunications infrastructure. In particular, existing applications relevant to this space are built using software architectures which assume always-on, low-latency, end-to-end connectivity. One potential connectivity solution is the Delay-Tolerant Networking (DTN) stack, an overlay network protocol that can route across network partitions and heterogeneous forms of network infrastructure. However, the DTN message-based interface is a poor fit for many applications as they are more naturally structured in terms of shared state. To address these issues, we present TierSync, a distributed eventually-consistent shared-storage synchronization primitive for DTNs. TierSync enables applications to share persistent data among TierSync nodes in an efficient and flexible manner. Novel features of the TierSync protocol include efficient support for fine grained partial sharing and the ability to arbitrarily order updates for data prioritization. We demonstrate an implementation of the TierSync protocol as a file-system and show useful applications can be easily ported to the TierSync system.
Gaussian structures and orthogonal polynomials

This thesis consists of four papers on the following topics in analysis and probability: analysis on Wiener space, asymptotic properties of orthogonal polynomials, and convergence rates in the central limit theorem. The first paper gives lower bounds on the constants in the Meyer inequality from the Malliavin calculus. It is shown that both constants grow at least like (p-1)-1 or like p when p approaches 1 or ∞ respectively. This agrees with known upper bounds. In the second paper, an extremal problem on Wiener chaos motivates an investigation of the Lp-norms of Hermite polynomials. This is followed up by similar computations for Charlier polynomials in the third paper. In both cases, the Lp-norms present a peculiar behaviour with certain threshold values of p, where the growth rate and the dominating intervals undergo a rapid change. The fourth paper analyzes a connection between probability and numerical analysis. More precisely, known estimates on the convergence rate of finite difference equations are "translated" into results on convergence rates of certain functionals in the central limit theorem. These are also extended, using interpolation of Banach spaces as a main tool. Besov spaces play a central role in the emerging results.
Teachers' Perceptions on Improvement of Declining Grade 8 Language Arts Test Scores

Teachers’ Perceptions on Improvement of Declining Grade 8 Language Arts Test Scores by John David McGroarty M.Ed., University of Phoenix, 2008 BS, University of Utah, 2006 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Walden University November 2015
Investigating the impacts of a changing climate on the risk of overheating and energy performance for a UK retirement village adapted to the nZEB standards

The death toll of the 2003 heat wave in Europe exceeded 35,000 heat-related deaths. The elderly population were the most affected. The current paradigm within the construction industry in cold-dominant countries is to design/retrofit buildings with high levels of insulation. Whilst thermal comfort may be reached during colder months with this approach, the risk of overheating can be increased during hotter months. This paper aims to examine the impacts of a changing climate on the risk of overheating and energy performance for a UK retirement village. For this study, the buildings within the retirement village will be designed to reach the nearly zero energy building standard. Consequently, the risk of overheating of the buildings within the retirement village as they currently stand and as zero energy buildings will be investigated under current and future climatic conditions. The analysis is carried out using thermal analysis simulation software (TAS, Edsl). Combined heat and power and combined cooling, heat and power will be investigated as mitigating strategies with regard to overheating. The results of this study do not undermine the importance of continuing to improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings but rather highlight that the approach undertaken should be reconsidered. Practical application : Currently, there is emphasis placed on retrofitting and designing buildings, with high energy efficiency standards. Whilst this is in line with our vision as a society towards reaching a decarbonised, sustainable future, this work highlights that doing so, carries risks with regard to overheating. Nonetheless, the results demonstrate that with the incorporation of suitable mitigation strategies and adequate ventilation strategies, it is possible to achieve an energy efficient building that meets the heating and cooling demand (and thereby thermal comfort of occupants) during the heating and non-heating season.
Remembering and Telling: Narrative Coherence and Phenomenal Aspects of Autobiographical Memories

Investigated the relationship between phenomenal qualities of autobiographical memories and narrative structure of written reports of them. In Experiment 1, 30 undergraduates provided 2 reports, the most momentous event of their lives (MPE) and their earliest childhood recollection (ECR). Reports were coded for 2 variables: narrative coherence (NC), and event specificity (SP). No significant relationship was found between NC and SP, nor between SP and type of event. Experiment 2 asked 40 undergraduates to report MPEs and correlated NC and subjective ratings of events from the Autobiographical Memory Questionnaire (AMQ): vividness of imagery, recollection, importance, consequences, and rehearsal. A significant correlation between importance rating and the orientation index points out to the flashbulb aspect of the memories. Significant correlation between volume report and recollection indicates an interaction between higher indices of recollection and individual’s predisposition to report the event in written form. Results did not corroborate a hypothesis of identity between autobiographical memory representation and expression.
Domestic family homicide in Australia

Updates Mouzos and Rushforth’s (2003) findings describing characteristics of domestic/family homicides in Australia from 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2012. Introduction In 2003, the Australian Institute of Criminology published a report that drew attention to the characteristics of domestic/family homicide based on the differing family relationships between victims and offenders (Mouzos & Rushforth 2003). This report presents data for the period 1 July 2002 through 30 June 2012 and provides an update to Mouzos and Rushforth (2003) and supplementary data to that disseminated in the Australian Institute of Criminology’s latest National Homicide Monitoring Program report covering the years 2010– 12.
2D location biases depth-from-disparity judgments but not vice versa

ABSTRACT Visual cognition in our 3D world requires understanding how we accurately localize objects in 2D and depth, and what influence both types of location information have on visual processing. Spatial location is known to play a special role in visual processing, but most of these findings have focused on the special role of 2D location. One such phenomena is the spatial congruency bias, where 2D location biases judgments of object features but features do not bias location judgments. This paradigm has recently been used to compare different types of location information in terms of how much they bias different types of features. Here we used this paradigm to ask a related question: whether 2D and depth-from-disparity location bias localization judgments for each other. We found that presenting two objects in the same 2D location biased position-in-depth judgments, but presenting two objects at the same depth (disparity) did not bias 2D location judgments. We conclude that an object’s 2D location may be automatically incorporated into perception of its depth location, but not vice versa, which is consistent with a fundamentally special role for 2D location in visual processing.
A physics-based algorithm for retrieving land-surface emissivity and temperature from EOS/MODIS data

The authors have developed a physics-based land-surface temperature (LST) algorithm for simultaneously retrieving surface band-averaged emissivities and temperatures from day/night pairs of MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) data in seven thermal infrared bands. The set of 14 nonlinear equations in the algorithm is solved with the statistical recession method and the least-squares fit method. This new LST algorithm was tested with simulated MODIS data for 80 sets of hand-averaged emissivities calculated from published spectral data of terrestrial materials in wide ranges of atmospheric and surface temperature conditions. Comprehensive sensitivity and error analysis has been made to evaluate the performance of the new LST algorithm and its dependence on variations in surface emissivity and temperature, upon atmospheric conditions, as well as the noise-equivalent temperature difference (NE/spl Delta/T) and calibration accuracy specifications of the MODIS Instrument. In cases with a systematic calibration error of 0.5%, the standard deviations of errors in retrieved surface daytime and nighttime temperatures fall between 0.4-0.5 K over a wide range of surface temperatures for mid-latitude summer conditions. The standard deviations of errors in retrieved emissivities in bands 31 and 32 (in the 10-12.5 /spl mu/m IR spectral window region) are 0.009, and the maximum error in retrieved LST values falls between 2-3 K.
Just pretty pictures? What diffusion tractography can add in clinical neuroscience

Purpose of reviewDiffusion tractography uses non-invasive brain imaging data to trace fibre bundles in the human brain in vivo. This raises immediate possibilities for clinical application but responsible use of this approach requires careful consideration of the scope and limitations of the technique. Recent findingsTo illustrate the potential for tractography to provide new information in clinical neuroscience we review recent studies in three broad areas: use of tractography for quantitative comparisons of specific white matter pathways in disease; evidence from tractography for the presence of qualitatively different pathways in congenital disorders or following recovery; use of tractography to gain insights into normal brain anatomy that can aid our understanding of the consequences of localised pathology, or guide interventions. SummaryDiffusion tractography opens exciting new possibilities for exploring features of brain anatomy that previously were not visible to us in vivo.
On the Operational Validity of Perceptual Peer Delinquency: Exploring Projection and Elements Contained in Perceptions

Objectives. The authors examine perceptions of a peer’s substance use to determine whether and to what degree individuals project their own behavior onto their perceptions of peer’s delinquency, and to determine whether the constructs of self-control and peer attachment are related to perceptions. Methods. Using a sample of 2,154 young adult respondents within friendship pairs in which each respondent reported their own substance use and their perception of the friend’s use, the authors estimate a series of regression models with perceptions of a peer’s alcohol, marijuana, Salvia divinorum, and hard drug use as dependent variables. Results. Perceptions of a peer’s substance use are approximately equally related to a peer’s and a respondent’s use of each substance. Projection occurs to a greater extent when perceiving low-frequency behaviors. Low self-control is sporadically associated with higher perceived substance use. Conclusions. Peer self-reported delinquency and perceptions of peer delinquency are distinct constructs. Because projection appears to be worse for infrequent behaviors, researchers should use caution when using low-frequency behaviors to measure perceptual peer delinquency. Although the data used are cross sectional, the perceptual measure is confounded by too many variables other than a peer’s actual delinquency to be considered a valid measure of the sole construct of peer delinquency.