Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Allocation de ressources pour la transmission de données multimedia scalables

Cette these s'interesse aux problemes d'allocation de ressources pour la transmission de donnees multimedia scalables sous contraintes de qualite de service (QoS) sur les reseaux heterogenes. Les liaisons filaires et sans fil considerees (DS-CDMA, OFDMA) sont appliquees a des services de transmission d'images et de parole sur des canaux a evanouissements lents ou rapides, avec ou sans multitrajets. Les ressources de la couche Physique etudiees ici sont : les rendements de code correcteur d'erreur, utilises pour proteger les donnees, les ordres de modulations et les porteuses les supportant, ainsi que la puissance leur etant allouee. L'objectif de ce document est d'allouer ces ressources de facon a maximiser le debit source des donnees multimedia hierarchisees (en classes d'importance) sous contrainte de QoS cibles et de charge du systeme en reception en s'appuyant sur une connaissance parfaite ou partielle des canaux de propagation. La QoS de ces reseaux heterogenes est exprimee en terme de qualite percue du point de vue de l'utilisateur grâce aux taux d'erreurs binaires (TEB) par classe venant du codeur source scalable. Dans ce contexte, nous proposons plusieurs strategies d'adaptation de lien ; l. Leur originalite est 1) de se baser sur la possible troncature des classes a transmettre et 2) d'utiliser le degre de sensibilite de ces classes aux erreurs de transmission sur le canal pour adapter leur protection contre les erreurs conformement aux exigences de QoS et en fonction de l'etat du canal. Les schemas de transmission explorent plusieurs criteres d'optimisation des ressources : la minimisation de la charge utile du systeme ainsi que l'optimisation de la robustesse de la transmission aux erreurs d'estimation du canal. Pour chacun, nous decrivons l'allocation optimale de porteuses, de modulations, de rendements de code et de puissances maximisant le debit source de l'utilisateur tout en verifiant les contraintes du systeme en reception. Nous montrons ainsi que ces strategies d'allocation sont adaptables a de nombreux schemas de communication, nous en presentons les performances et les comparons aux strategies de l'Etat de l'Art.
Trajectory generation for cooperating robots

A formulation for online trajectory generation for two robots cooperating to perform an assembly task is derived. The two robots are treated as a single redundant system. A Jacobian is formulated that relates the joint rates of the entire system to the relative motion of one of the hands with respect to the other. The minimum norm solution of this relative Jacobian equation results in a set of joint rates which perform the cooperative task. In addition to the cooperative task, secondary goals, which include obstacle and joint limit avoidance, are specified using velocities in the null space of the relative Jacobian. This formulation also allows the robots to be controlled in parallel on independent tasks
Disabling accommodation barriers: A study exploring how to better accommodate government employees with anxiety disorders.

BACKGROUND Accommodating mental health in the workplace is challenging. Despite policy efforts to encourage the availability of mental health accommodations in the workplace, employees experiencing mental illness are missing out on accommodations that they need. OBJECTIVE To inform vocational rehabilitation professionals and managers in the public service of best practice accommodations for government employees with anxiety disorders. METHODS Thematic analysis was applied to data collected from the online Accommodating Government Employees with Anxiety Disorders Survey undertaken by 71 Australian public service employees diagnosed with at least one anxiety disorder. RESULTS Our research results include theme and sub-theme representations of accommodations received, accommodations reported as missing, accommodations that study participants felt they couldn't request, along with rejected accommodations. CONCLUSION From the study participants' accounts, three key findings supporting desirable vocational outcomes become apparent. First, that the availability of 'standard' flexible work arrangements, along with personalised accommodations, can assist persons with anxiety disorders (where needed) to reach and retain government positions. Second, the chief barriers reported to making accommodation requests revolve around fears of being stigmatised and penalised. Finally, there is a need for managerial decision-makers to remain open-minded, particularly when assessing requests for accommodations that may break from government norms.
Coordination with Independent Private Values: Why Pedestrians Sometimes Bump into Each Other

Motivated by trying to better understand the norms that govern pedestrian traffic, I study symmetric two-player coordination games with independent private values. The strategies of "always pass on the left" and "always pass on the right" are always equilibria of this game. Some such games, however, also have other (pure strategy)equilibria with a positive likelihood of mis-coordination. Perhaps surprisingly, in some such games, these Pareto-inefficient equilibria, with a positive likelihood of mis-coordination, are the only evolutionarily stable equilibria of the game.
Flexible grid-connection technique of Quasi-Z source photovoltaic power generation system based on direct power control

To make the Quasi-Z-source inverter applied in photovoltaic systems better, a flexible grid-connection method based on direct power control is proposed. The proposed method adopted grid power to control APF directly, thus the detection of harmonics and reactive current of loads is omitted. Moreover, space vector modulation (SVM) is adopted to keep switching frequency constant and improve dynamic performance. In this paper, the reference value of power control loop is acquired from the Quasi-Z source network and the power compensation required by maximum power point tracker (MPPT) is also considered. Therefore a comprehensive optimization of active power loss and the compensational performance is achieved. Besides, the control reliability is improved and the cost is reduced. Simulation results verified the validity and feasibility of the approach.
Preparing to teach : perceptions of graduate entry teacher education students

International reviews of teaching and teacher education have highlighted the importance of quality teachers in improving the outcomes of students. Teachers may enter the teaching profession through a variety of pathways. Currently in Australia, one pathway is through graduate entry teacher education programs in which people who already hold university degrees outside of education can undertake one-year formal teacher preparation programs. It may be argued that graduate entry teachers value add to the teaching profession as they bring with them a range of careers and wealth of experiences often beyond those of teachers who enter the profession through traditional four-year Bachelor of Education programs. This paper reports on a study that investigated the preparedness to teach of a group of graduate entry teacher education students as they prepared to exit from university and enter the teaching profession. The study concluded that this group of graduating teachers perceived that the field experience components in their formal teacher education programs contributed most to their beginning professional learning. The study revealed also that this group of graduating teachers sought further professional learning opportunities in the canonical skills of teaching. These findings may be used to inform the design of future teacher education programs.
The Impact of Technological Opportunities and Innovative Capabilities on Firms' Output Innovation

In this study, we analyse the effect that external sources of knowledge and absorptive capacity exert on a firm's output innovation. In addition, we examine the moderating influence of absorptive capacity on the effect that technological opportunities have on output innovation. Empirical research was carried out on a sample of 91 Spanish firms from the ceramic tile industry. Absorptive capacity is operationalized by 'systematic or continuous R&D' and output innovation by 'percentage of sales from new products'. Technological opportunities are divided into several industry and non-industry related variables. Our results show the positive effect that both the industry's technological opportunities and a systematic approach to R&D exert on output innovation. Moreover, firms with a systematic approach to R&D usually achieve higher innovation output than firms which do not follow this approach. The innovation results of this second group decrease as a result of embedded technology acquisition.
Demand for inputs in milk production: The case of Tokat province

The purpose of this study was to determine the gross margin and price, cross and morishima technical substitution elasticities for the cost inputs which play a key role in the milk produced in enterprises making animal insurance (Group I) and not making animal insurance (Group II), such as labour, feed, health and energy in Turhal district of Tokat province in Turkey. Model solutions were performed with Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR), using Translog production function. In enterprises Group I, own price elasticities of labour, feed, health and energy were estimated from the inputs demand model as -0.344, -0.247, -0.312 and -0.309, respectively. In enterprises Group II also own price elasticities of labour, feed, health and energy were estimated from the inputs demand model as -0.184, -0.197, -0.989 and -0.607, respectively. In addition, the gross margin calculated for the enterprises Group I was found to be more than three times as high as the ones calculated for the enterprises of Group II. Key words: Translog function, cost, demand, milk, Turkey.
Multi-dimensional time series-based application server aging model

To observe and study the performance degradation of the application server, client-request programs and server monitoring programs are designed for different scenarios to record different parameters — five categories and 36 parameters altogether. In this paper, primary component analysis method is adopted to reduce dimension, and then multi-dimensional time series analysis method used to set up a model-based on key performance parameter of application server middleware. The statistical result of analyzing the measured data shows that the predicting values derived from the multi-dimensional time series-based application server aging model can match the initial data very well, and that the predicting precision is obviously improved in contrast with the one-dimensional auto regression model. So the aging model may well be adopted for real time predicting of run-time system and its predicting result can be further used as the trigger of system maintenance follow-up action.
CpxRA Influences Xenorhabdus nematophila Colonization Initiation and Outgrowth in Steinernema carpocapsae Nematodes through Regulation of the nil Locus

ABSTRACT The gammaproteobacterium Xenorhabdus nematophila mutualistically colonizes an intestinal region of a soil-dwelling nematode and is a blood pathogen of insects. The X. nematophila CpxRA two-component regulatory system is necessary for both of these host interactions (E. Herbert et al., Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 73:7826-7836, 2007). Mutualistic association of X. nematophila with its nematode host consists of two stages: initiation, where a small number of bacterial cells establish themselves in the colonization site, and outgrowth, where these cells grow to fill the space. In this study, we show that the Cpx system is necessary for both of these stages. X. nematophila ΔcpxR1 colonized fewer nematodes than its wild-type parent and did not achieve as high a density as did the wild type within a portion of the colonized nematodes. To test whether the ΔcpxR1 host interaction phenotypes are due to its overexpression of mrxA, encoding the type I pilin subunit protein, we assessed the colonization phenotype of a ΔcpxR1 ΔmrxA1 double mutant. This mutant displayed the same colonization defect as ΔcpxR1, indicating that CpxR negative regulation of mrxA does not play a detectable role in X. nematophila-host interactions. CpxR positively regulates expression of nilA, nilB, and nilC genes necessary for nematode colonization. Here we show that the nematode colonization defect of the ΔcpxR1 mutant is rescued by elevating nil gene expression through mutation of nilR, a negative regulator of nilA, nilB, and nilC. These data suggest that the nematode colonization defect previously observed in ΔcpxR1 is caused, at least in part, by altered regulation of nilA, nilB, and nilC.
A Pattern for the Representation of Legal Relations in a Legal Core Ontology

This paper extends UFO-L, a Legal Core Ontology (LCO) based on Robert Alexy’s Theory of Constitutional Rights and grounded on the Unified Foundational Ontology (UFO). We present the first pattern of UFO-L’s patterns catalogue and its application. The general idea is to use these ontological patterns to support the modeling of legal concepts in conceptual models of the legal domain. Moreover, our approach has the specific purpose of emphasizing the use of a relational perspective rather than a normative perspective of the Law.
Grid integration of 10kW solar panel

Renewable energy resources such as wind and solar are more widely used for power generation. Photovoltaic panels are used to convert solar energy into electrical energy. Solar energy can be used for both stand alone and grid side applications. Grid tied systems are connected to electrical grid and allow residents of building to use solar energy. The photovoltaic system consists of PV panels connected through DC-DC converter and DC-AC inverter to the grid. The IV and PV characteristics of PV panels are used to determine the MPP. The MPPT algorithm used for tracking maximum power is incremental conductance algorithm. In addition to operate at the international standards, three phase PWM inverter with PI controller is used. This paper deals with the grid interaction of 10kW panel and the study of real power flow from the source to the utility grid.
Bordetella pertussis filamentous hemagglutinin: evaluation as a protective antigen and colonization factor in a mouse respiratory infection model

Filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA) is a cell surface protein of Bordetella pertussis which functions as an adhesin for this organism. It is a component of many new acellular pertussis vaccines. The proposed role of FHA in immunity to pertussis is based on animal studies which have produced some conflicting results. To clarify this situation, we reexamined the protective activity of FHA in an adult mouse respiratory infection model. Four-week-old BALB/c mice were immunized with one or two doses of 4 or 8 micrograms of FHA and then aerosol challenged with B. pertussis Tohama I. In control mice receiving tetanus toxoid, the CFU in the lungs increased from 10(5) immediately following infection to greater than 10(6) by days 5 and 9 after challenge. Mice immunized with FHA by the intraperitoneal or intramuscular route had significantly reduced bacterial colonization in the lungs. A decrease in colonization of the trachea was also observed in FHA-immunized mice. Evaluation of antibody responses in these mice revealed high titers of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM to FHA in sera and of IgG to FHA in lung lavage fluids. No IgA to FHA was detected. BALB/c mice were also passively immunized intravenously with either goat or rat antibodies to FHA and then aerosol challenged 24 h later, when anti-FHA antibodies were detected in the respiratory tract. Lung and tracheal colonization was markedly reduced in mice immunized with FHA-specific antibodies compared with those receiving control antibodies. In additional studies, the role of FHA in the colonization of the mouse respiratory tract was evaluated by using strain BP101, an FHA mutant of B. pertussis. FHA was important in the initial colonization of the mouse trachea, but was not required for colonization of the trachea later in the infection. FHA was not a factor in colonization of the lungs. Collectively, these experiments demonstrate (i) that systemic immunization with FHA can provide significant protection against B. pertussis infection in both the lower and upper respiratory tract of mice as defined by the lungs and trachea, respectively; (ii) that this protection is mediated primarily by serum antibodies to FHA, which transudate into respiratory secretions; and (iii) that FHA is an important upper respiratory tract colonization factor. These studies provide further evidence for the role of FHA in pertussis pathogenesis and immunity.
Demographic variables in demand analysis

In this paper [the authors discuss] five procedures for incorporating demographic variables into theoretically plausible demand systems: translating scaling and the Gorman reverse Gorman and implicit Prais-Houthakker procedures. These five procedures are used to incorporate a single demographic variable--the number of children in a household--into the generalized CES demand system using household budget data for the United Kingdom for the period 1966-1972 (EXCERPT)
Social Contracts as Assets : A Possible Solution to the Time-Consistency Problem

The authors present a new solution to the time-consistency problem that appears capable of enforcing ex ante policy i n settings where other enforcement mechanisms do not work. The soluti on involves a social contract that specifies the optimal ex ante poli cy and is effectively sold by successive old generations to successiv e young generations, who pay for the social contract through intergen erational transfers. Both old and young generations have an economic incentive to fulfill the social contract. The authors apply the solut ion to show how an equilibrium without excessive capital taxation can be enforced, despite an ongoing temptation to impose ex post capital levies. Copyright 1988 by American Economic Association.
The Efficacy of Diquafosol Ophthalmic Solution in Non-Sjögren and Sjögren Syndrome Dry Eye Patients Unresponsive to Artificial Tear.

PURPOSE This study evaluates the efficacy of 3% diquafosol tetrasodium ophthalmic solution in Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and non-SS dry eye patients unresponsive to conventional artificial tear. METHODS This retrospective study included 38 dry eye patients (11 with SS and 27 with non-SS) who were treated with 3% diquafosol due to lack of response to artificial tear treatment for more than 3 months. Signs such as tear film break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer-I test, and total ocular staining score (OSS), which consisted of corneal OSS and conjunctival OSS, were evaluated at baseline and the first visit after treatment. Symptoms were quantified using visual analog scale (VAS) and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) scores. Changes of parameters after treatment in all the patients and differences of changes in SS and non-SS were evaluated. RESULTS In total population, total OSS and corneal OSS improved average 6 weeks after diquafosol treatment (all P < 0.05, paired t-test), although conjunctival OSS had no improvement. TBUT increased after treatment (P = 0.036), while Schirmer-I test, OSDI, and VAS showed no improvement. With respect to comparisons, total and corneal OSS improved in non-SS patients and TBUT improved in SS patients (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Three percent diquafosol tetrasodium treatment could be considered as an additive or substitute treatment when artificial tear treatment is insufficient, as it improved OSS and TBUT. This study also demonstrated that diquafosol treatment is beneficial for TBUT improvement in SS, while it is beneficial for OSS improvement in non-SS dry eye patients.
Did the Kyoto Protocol fail? An evaluation of the effect of the Kyoto Protocol on CO2 emissions

Abstract In this paper, we empirically investigate the impact of the Kyoto Protocol on CO2 emissions using a sample of 170 countries over the period 1992–2009. We propose the use of a difference-in-differences estimator with matching to address the endogeneity of the policy variable, namely Kyoto commitments. Countries are matched according to observable characteristics to create a suitable counterfactual. We correspondingly estimate a panel data model for the whole sample and the matched sample and compare the results to those obtained using an instrumental variable approach. The main results indicate that Kyoto Protocol commitments have a measurable reducing effect on CO2 emissions, indicating that a treaty often deemed a ‘failure’ may in fact be producing some non-negligible effects for those who signed it.
In Vivo Optical Neuroimaging

used in a wide range of research applications including: general pathology studies, development of clinically relevant disease models, testing of novel optical probes, and pharmacokinetic evaluation of therapeutics, including those designed to cross the BBB[1,2]. Optical imaging has several technical advantages over other imaging modalities. It is easy to use, allows high animal throughput, has low infrastructure cost, and can make use of numerous, commercially available, target-specific probes including: antibody conjugate probes that recognize specific antigenic targets, and various small molecule and/or activatable probes that are designed to detect markers of specific physiological phenomenon (e.g. matrix metalloproteinase enzymes as markers of inflammatory sites). Absorption and scattering of light signals in tissue does limit in vivo optical imaging to a depth of 2cm or less. However, the speed and sensitivity of optical imaging make it an optimal research tool for the development of disease-specific molecular probes and for cell tracking. Research findings from preclinical optical imaging may ultimately be translatable to clinical modalities/applications. In this article, we highlight some studies of optical neuroimaging using the Bruker In-Vivo optical imaging platforms. In Vivo Optical Neuroimaging Nikita Agarwal1, Todd A. Sasser2, Jens Waldeck3, Andrew Van Praagh2
The British gambler's fallacy

People facing choices under uncertainty, and gamblers in particular, are often subject to statistical fallacies. This paper explores the hypothesis that if lotto players were subject to the ‘gambler's fallacy’, predictable fluctuations in the number of jackpots would occur. Evidence, based on a Poisson regression model in which the number of winning bets is conditional on the history of draws, indicates that number selection in the UK is only marginally affected by the history of draws.
An Enhanced Method for Valuation of IT Investments as Real Options

A least-squares Monte Carlo (LSM) approach, suggested in Longstaff and Schwartz (2001), has become the dominant focus of numerical methods to compute the price of real options with multi-factors or compound options. In this paper, however, we demonstrate that when option maturity is long and volatility is high, the LSM approach has a serious problem in estimating option values because of its sensitivity relative to the number of regressors and biases in the high order moments of the lognormal distribution generated from the simulated discrete paths. To resolve these problems, we have developed a new two-step procedure, called an enhanced nonparametric Monte Carlo (ENPM) simulation. We also apply the procedure to the valuation of an IT investment project in a venture-firm as real options, adjusted through a decreasing rate of return shortfall over time which corresponds to the investment’s unique risk. The empirical study shows that unlike NPV, the real options approach might lead to recommending the investment in the project. More interestingly, the negligence of the unique risk can distort option values to a considerable extent.