Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A SHOT NOISE MODEL FOR FINANCIAL ASSETS

In this article we propose and study a model for stock prices which allows for shot-noise effects. This means that abrupt changes caused by jumps may fade away as time goes by. This model is incomplete. We derive the minimal martingale measure in discrete and continuous time and discuss the associated hedging strategy. Finally, a simulation study is included to show that our model is able to produce smile effects.
Quality of life from oncological patients with definitive and temporary colostomy

INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent neoplasms in the western world. Colostomy, temporary or permanent, can be a serious limiting factor affecting the quality of life of oncological patients. OBJECTIVE: To compare the quality of life of oncological patients with definitive and temporary colostomy. METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study carried out at a public hospital in Brasilia, Federal District of Brazil. The study analyzed 39 patients with colorectal cancer, 76.9% males, sorted into two groups: definitive ostomy (n=26) and temporary ostomy (n=13). The World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-bref questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life. Data were analyzed using Excel 2007 and Statistical Package for Social Sciences 19.0. RESULTS: 50% of definitive and 76.9% of temporary ostomy patients reported that the physical pain did not interfere in the affairs. 38.5% of definitive and 46.2% of temporary ostomy accepted their physical appearance. 46.2% of definitive and 53.8% of temporary ostomy reported good quality of life. 84.6% of definitive and 46.2% of temporary ostomy did not enjoy their life. 50% of definitive and 53.8% of temporary ostomy were satisfied with their sleep. 57.7% of definitive and 53.8% of temporary ostomy considered the environments as healthy. Over 70% of definitive and over 50% of temporary ostomy had financial constraints and were dissatisfied with leisure opportunities, respectively. 69.2% of definitive and 46.2% of temporary ostomy presented lower libido. 88.5% of definitive and 61.5% of temporary ostomy attended the church. CONCLUSION: The results showed that temporary ostomy patients suffer the same afflictions as the patients with definitive ostomy, equally affecting the quality of life of these patients.
A Sphingolipid Elicitor-Inducible Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Is Regulated by the Small GTPase OsRac1 and Heterotrimeric G-Protein in Rice1[w]

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are activated in plants during responses to pathogens or to pathogen-derived elicitors and mediate intracellular stress responses. Here, we show that a rice (Oryza sativa) MAPK, OsMAPK6, was posttranslationally activated in a cell culture by a sphingolipid elicitor. Suppression of OsMAPK6 expression by RNA interference resulted in a strong reduction of pathogen-induced Phe ammonia-lyase mRNA, whereas the mRNA level of another rice MAPK, OsMAPK5a, was highly increased. Silencing of a small GTPase, OsRac1, by RNA interference or loss-of-function mutation (d1) of the heterotrimeric G-protein α-subunit gene resulted in a strong reduction of the OsMAPK6 protein levels and of kinase activation by a sphingolipid elicitor. Furthermore, coimmunoprecipitation experiments with OsRac1 and OsMAPK6 proteins showed that OsMAPK6 is closely associated with the active form of OsRac1, but not with inactive forms of OsRac1. These results indicate that these two G-proteins regulate an elicitor-inducible MAPK in rice at the protein level.
A SNR Scalability Scheme Based on the H . 264 / AVC Video Coding Standard

This paper proposes an efficient SNR scalable extension for the H.264/AVC video coding standard. The coder consists of two motion compensated sub-coders generating the base and the enhancement layers. The base layer is fully H.264 compatible while the enhancement layer bitstream has been modified. The enhancement layer coder uses the information of both layers in order to improve the coding efficiency.
Modeling of Pulse Propagation in Layered Structures With Resonant Nonlinearities Using a Generalized Time-Domain Transfer Matrix Method

We introduce a generalized time-domain transfer- matrix (TDTM) method, the only method to our knowledge that is capable of modeling high-index-contrast layered structures with dispersion and slow resonant nonlinearities. In this method transfer matrix is implemented in the time domain, either by switching between time and frequency domains using Fourier transform and its inverse operation, or by replacing the frequency variable (ω) with its temporal operator (-i (d/dt)). This approach allows us to implement the transfer matrix method (which can easily incorporate dispersion, is analytical in nature, and requires less computation time) in the time domain, where we can incorporate nonlinearity of various kinds, instantaneous (such as Kerr nonlinearity), or slow resonant nonlinearity (such as carrier-induced nonlinearity). This generalized TDTM method is capable of incorporate non-analytical forms of dispersion and of nonlinearity, making it a versatile tool for modeling optical devices where dispersion and nonlinearities are obtained phenomenologically. We also provide a few numerical examples to compare our method with the standard finite-difference time- domain (FDTD) method, as well as to examine the range of validity of our method. For pico-second and longer pulses, our results agree with the FDTD simulation results to within 1% and the computation time of our method is more than 100 fold reduced compared to that of FDTD for the longest pulse we used.
Local Learning Algorithms for Sequential Tasks in Neural Networks

In this paper we explore the concept of sequential learning and the efficacy of global and local neural network learning algorithms on a sequential learning task. Pseudorehearsal (a method developed by Robins [19] to solve the catastrophic forgetting problem which arises from the excessive plasticity of neural networks) is significantly more effective than other local learning algorithms for the sequential task. We further consider the concept of local learning and suggest that pseudorehearsal is so effective because it works directly at the level of the learned function, and not indirectly on the representation of the function within the network. We also briefly explore the effect of local learning on generalisation within the task.
Brain imaging in the unsedated pediatric patient: comparison of periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction and single-shot fast spin-echo sequences.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER or PROP) is an effective means of compensating for head motion during MR imaging in adults. The aim of this study was to assess the value of this novel technique in unsedated children. METHODS PROP T2-weighted fast spin-echo (FSE) imaging (TR/TE/NEX, 4000/83/2; 50 seconds) and T2-weighted single-shot FSE (SS-FSE) imaging (19,929/92/0.5; imaging time, 25 seconds) were performed in 35 unsedated children (mean age, 4.7 years +/- 4.2) who were undergoing brain MR imaging. Two observers assessed unlabelled images for motion artifact, other artifacts, visibility of pathology, and the preferred image overall. Sequences were compared by using the chi(2) test and concordant data from both observers. RESULTS Both PROP and the SS-FSE imaging offered equal degrees of motion correction. Metallic artifacts were worse on PROP imaging, likely because of a higher receiver bandwidth (P <.001, chi(2) test). Pathology was present in 28 subjects and equally well seen on PROP and SS-FSE images. Overall, PROP was preferred, largely because of its improvements in image contrast (P <.001, chi(2) test). CONCLUSION SS-FSE imaging and PROP provide equal motion correction, although PROP enables better assessment of the brain parenchyma.
Energy sector water use implications of a 2 °C climate policy

Quantifying water implications of energy transitions is important for assessing long-term freshwater sustainability since large volumes of water are currently used throughout the energy sector. In this paper, we assess direct global energy sector water use and thermal water pollution across a broad range of energy system transformation pathways to assess water impacts of a 2 °C climate policy. A global integrated assessment model is equipped with the capabilities to account for the water impacts of technologies located throughout the energy supply chain. The model framework is applied across a broad range of 2 °C scenarios to highlight long-term water impact uncertainties over the 21st century. We find that water implications vary significantly across scenarios, and that adaptation in power plant cooling technology can considerably reduce global freshwater withdrawals and thermal pollution. Global freshwater consumption increases across all of the investigated 2 °C scenarios as a result of rapidly expanding electricity demand in developing regions and the prevalence of freshwater-cooled thermal power generation. Reducing energy demand emerges as a robust strategy for water conservation, and enables increased technological flexibility on the supply side to fulfill ambitious climate objectives. The results underscore the importance of an integrated approach when developing water, energy, and climate policy, especially in regions where rapid growth in both energy and water demands is anticipated.
E-Learning Nutrition Education Program for Low-Income Adults: Perspectives of Key Stakeholders

Through focus group interviews, we examined the perceptions of Extension peer nutrition educators (n = 6) and low-income adults (n = 8) regarding the feasibility of an e-learning nutrition education program, titled Food eTalk, tailored to Georgians eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed). Findings indicated two themes: (a) Participants have regular smartphone-based Internet access, and nutrition education e-learning programs should be designed to match typical smartphone use patterns and (b) recommendations to increase Food eTalk engagement involve carefully selected content and consideration to mandate SNAP-Ed participation. These findings are informing user-centered development of Food eTalk and may be of use to others creating such programs.
THE EFFECT OF WORKING CAPITAL ON FIRM PERFORMANCE

This study aims to examine the effect of working capital on firm performance. To implement the operating activities, the company should be able to manage good working capital. Good working capital management can help to enhance the firm performance in the eyes of investors. In this research, working capital is measured using working capital turnover, inventory turnover, days of supply, and cash conversion cycle as independent variables, while firm performance is measured using net profit margin as the dependent variable. The sample of this research is a manufacturing company listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) period 2014-2016. Samples were taken by using purposive sampling and meeting the sample criteria. The anaysis technique used in this research is multiple regression analysis by using t test. The results of the study found that working capital turnover, days of supply, and cash conversion cycle negatively affect the performance of the company. While the variable of inventory turnover shows that inventory turnover has a positive effect on firm performance.
A Virtual Director Using Hidden Markov Models

Automatically computing a cinematographic consistent sequence of shots over a set of actions occurring in a 3D world is a complex task which requires not only the computation of appropriate shots (viewpoints) and appropriate transitions between shots (cuts), but the ability to encode and reproduce elements of cinematographic style. Models proposed in the literature, generally based on finite state machine or idiom‐based representations, provide limited functionalities to build sequences of shots. These approaches are not designed in mind to easily learn elements of cinematographic style, nor do they allow to perform significant variations in style over the same sequence of actions. In this paper, we propose a model for automated cinematography that can compute significant variations in terms of cinematographic style, with the ability to control the duration of shots and the possibility to add specific constraints to the desired sequence. The model is parametrized in a way that facilitates the application of learning techniques. By using a Hidden Markov Model representation of the editing process, we demonstrate the possibility of easily reproducing elements of style extracted from real movies. Results comparing our model with state‐of‐the‐art first‐order Markovian representations illustrate these features, and robustness of the learning technique is demonstrated through cross‐validation.
Comparison of single-port and conventional laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection

Background: Within the last two decades, surgical treatment of colorectal cancer has changed dramatically from large abdominal incisions to minimal access surgery. In the recent years, single port (SP) surgery has spawned from conventional laparoscopic surgery. The purpose of this study was to compare conventional with SP laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection (LAPR) for rectal cancer. Patients and Methods: This was a single-center non-randomised retrospective comparative study of prospectively collected data on 53 patients who underwent abdominoperineal resection for low rectal cancer; 41 with conventional laparoscopy and 12 with SP surgery. Results: Patients' characteristics were in general comparable, but patients in the conventional laparoscopy-group had a significantly higher American Society of Anesthesiologists-score. The operative time was slightly shorter in the conventional laparoscopy-group, but no differences were found in oncological margins of the resected specimen, in length of stay or readmission rate. Conclusions: SP LAPR appeared to be safe and feasible in selected patients. Adequate oncologic resections can be performed with acceptable morbidity and mortality. Larger randomised controlled trials with longer follow-up are needed to determine the beneficial role of this new procedure.
Thrombolysis with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator during early postpartum period: a review of the literature

Thromboembolic events are one of the leading causes of maternal death during the postpartum period. Postpartum thrombolytic therapy with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt‐PA) is controversial because the treatment may lead to massive bleeding. Data centralization may be beneficial for analyzing the safety and effectiveness of systemic thrombolysis during the early postpartum period. We performed a computerized MEDLINE and EMBASE search. We collected data for 13 cases of systemic thrombolytic therapy during the early postpartum period, when limiting the early postpartum period to 48 hours after delivery. Blood transfusion was necessary in all cases except for one (12/13; 92%). In seven cases (7/13; 54%), a large amount of blood was required for transfusion. Subsequent laparotomy to control bleeding was required in five cases (5/13; 38%), including three cases of hysterectomy and two cases of hematoma removal, all of which involved cesarean delivery. In cases of transvaginal delivery, there was no report of laparotomy. The occurrence of severe bleeding was high in relation to cesarean section, compared with vaginal deliveries. Using rt‐PA in relation to cesarean section might be worth avoiding. However, the paucity of data in the literature makes it difficult to assess the ultimate outcomes and safety of this treatment.
Protective effects of vaccines against experimental salmonellosis in racing pigeons

Five inactivated and one attenuated vaccine produced for the prevention of salmonellosis in pigeons were compared in an experimental challenge model. The birds were vaccinated according to the recommendations of the manufacturers and they were infected by gavage with a Salmonella typhimurium (var copenhagen) pigeon strain. The challenged control animals showed severe weight loss, excessive water intake over a prolonged period, and excreted large numbers of salmonellae. None of the vaccines fully protected the pigeons, and only an inactivated oil adjuvant vaccine was able to reduce the severity of the clinical signs significantly. Mortality was low and tended to increase with the severity of the clinical signs. These results do not justify the preventive use of salmonella vaccination in pigeons. Nevertheless, the oil adjuvant vaccine may help in the effective cleaning of lofts after an outbreak of salmonellosis.
Ultra wide-bandwidth micro energy harvester

An ultra wide-bandwidth resonating thin film PZT MEMS energy harvester has been designed, modeled, fabricated and tested. It harvests energy from parasitic ambient vibration at a wide range of amplitude and frequency via piezoelectric effect. At the present time, the designs of most piezoelectric energy devices have been based on high-Q linear cantilever beams that use the bending strain to generate electrical charge via piezoelectric effect. They suffer from very small bandwidth and low power density which prevents them from practical use. Contrarily, the new design utilizes the tensile stretching strain in doubly-anchored beams. The resultant stiffness nonlinearity due to the stretching provides a passive feedback and consequently a wide-band resonance. This wide bandwidth of resonance enables a robust power generation amid the uncertainty of the input vibration spectrum. The device is micro-fabricated by a combination of surface and bulk micro-machining processes. Released devices are packaged, poled and electro-mechanically tested to verify the wide-bandwidth nonlinear behavior of the system. Two orders of magnitude improvement in bandwidth and power density is demonstrated by comparing the frequency response of the system with that of an equivalent linear harvester with a similar Q-factor. Thesis Supervisor: Sang-Gook Kim Title: Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
A study on test image production using frequency domain correlation with convex function for radiographic inspection equipments

X-ray inspection is frequently used to inspect the solder bonds of surface-mounted components. This is especially true for LSIs since visual examination is made impossible because the package covers the BGA. The inherent instability of X-ray inspection and the low SNR of the resulting images are commonly offset by averaging a number of images; unfortunately, this increases the time taken. Our solution is to use fewer inspection images but achieve acceptable image quality by correlating them to a reference image by an image processing technique in the frequency domain.
Monolayer-Protected Gold Nanoparticles by the Self-Assembly of Micellar Poly(ethylene oxide)-b-Poly(ε-caprolactone) Block Copolymer

A study is presented of the preparation of gold nanoparticles incorporated into biodegradable micelles. Poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(e-caprolactone) (PEO-b-PCL) copolymer was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization, and the hydroxyl end group of the PCL block was modified with thioctic acid using dicyclohexyl carbodiimide as the coupling reagent. The PEO-b-PCL−thioctate ester (TE) thus obtained was used in a later step to form monolayer protected gold nanoparticles via the thioctate spacer. Gold nanoparticles stabilized with the PEO-b-PCL block (named Au/Block (x/y), where x/y is the mole feed ratio between HAuCl4 and PEO-b-PCL−TE) were prepared and analyzed. Au/Block (1/1), Au/Block (2/1), and Au/Block (3/1) nanoparticles were found to form stable dispersions in the organic solvents commonly used to dissolve the unlabeled block copolymer. The average diameter of the nanoparticles was determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and found to be 6 ± 2 nm. Au/Block (4/1) nanoparticle dispersions i.
Dissemination Strategies: The Evolution of Learning Resources on the Evaluation of Delirium, Dementia, and Depression

Clinicians experience great pressures to provide timely, effective, and evidence-based medical care. Educators can aid these clinicians through the development of new tools that can facilitate timely completion of clinical tasks. These tools should summarize evidence-based information in a convenient format that allows easy use. This article describes one process in which a group of Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center educators identified an area where important new information accrued, their development of a new clinical and teaching tool for imparting the new information, the initial dissemination of the tool to a preliminary target audience, and the initial evaluation of the new tool to determine how to improve its distribution and use beyond the original target audience. This article not subject to U.S. copyright law. Opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not reflect official policy of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Searching Services "on the Web": A Public Web Services Discovery Approach

With the surge of Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) and Web services, service discovery has become increasingly crucial. Public Web services that are available "on the Web" provide unlimited values for a great number of online service consumers and developers. However, the public UDDI Business Registry - the primary service discovery mechanism over the Internet - has been shut down permanently since 2006. This has raised serious problems for public Web services discovery. In this paper, we propose a WSDL-based public Web service discovery approach. It provides a simple-to-use yet effective Web service discovery mechanism that can retrieve relevant Web services directly from the Internet to suffice various requirements. The major contributions of this paper include: (1) a review on the state-of-the-art WSDL-based Web services discovery approaches; (2) the unique WSDL crawling and manipulation algorithms catering for the Vector Space Model, and (3) a proof-of-concept prototype - an online Web services search engine - based on the proposed approach.
Semantic and phonemic sequence effects in random word generation: A dissociation between Alzheimer's and Huntington's disease patients

Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients perform worse on category than letter fluency tasks, while Huntington's disease (HD) patients show the reverse pattern or comparable impairment on both tasks. We developed a random word generation task to further investigate these deficits. Twenty AD and 16 HD patients and 20 elderly and 16 middle-aged controls guessed which of three pictures (hat, cat, or dog) landed on a die's top face sixty times. Three consecutive response pairings were possible: semantic (cat–dog), phonemic (hat–cat), and neutral (hat–dog). Since healthy individuals avoid repeating meaningful associates (“repetition avoidance”), an increased pairing frequency reflects processing deficits. AD patients produced more semantic and HD patients more phonemic pairings compared to their respective control groups, indicating selective semantic and phonemic processing deficits in AD and HD patients, respectively. (JINS, 2005, 11, 303–310.)
A 12 GHz-Bandwidth CMOS Mixer With Variable Conversion Gain Capability

A broadband downconverter mixer using an operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) in the RF transconductor stage is presented in this paper. By changing the OTA's transconductance through a dc control voltage, the mixer's conversion gain is varied. Experimental results show that the mixer's conversion gain can vary from 17 dB down to 1.2 dB over a 12 GHz bandwidth. The maximum IP1 dB of the mixer is -3.7 dBm and its maximum IIP3 is + 8.6 dBm. Meanwhile, the maximum OP1dB is +7 dBm and the maximum OIP3 is +21 dBm. The circuit consumes a maximum of 5.9 mW of power from a 1.2 V supply. The chip occupies an area of 0.105 mm2 excluding bonding pads.