Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quadratic forms on complex random matrices and multiple-antenna systems

In this correspondence, the densities of quadratic forms on complex random matrices and their joint eigenvalue densities are derived for applications to information theory. These densities are represented by complex hypergeometric functions of matrix arguments, which can be expressed in terms of complex zonal polynomials. The derived densities are used to evaluate the two most important information-theoretic measures, the so-called ergodic channel capacity and capacity versus outage of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) spatially correlated Rayleigh-distributed wireless communication channels. We also derive the probability density function of the mutual information between transmitted and received complex signals of MIMO systems with a finite number of transmit and receive antennas. Numerical results show how channel correlation degrades the capacity of MIMO communication systems.
DPM revisited: Utilizing root-part spatial distribution for vehicle viewpoint estimation

Vehicle viewpoint estimation plays an important role for intelligent transportation systems. We present an effective vehicle viewpoint estimation technique by utilizing the spatial location information of root and part objects detected in vehicle images via deformable part-based model (DPM). The viewpoint-aware spatial distribution of each part relative to the root is learned using the Gaussian mixture model. The discriminative capability of each part for each viewpoint is then estimated through measuring the Kullback Leibler divergence between pairwise viewpoint-aware spatial distributions. The discriminative information is finally used to compute the likelihood that the detected vehicle belongs to each viewpoint. Experimental results on a benchmark dataset demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed vehicle viewpoint estimation technique.
Over my fake body: body ownership illusions for studying the multisensory basis of own-body perception

Which is my body and how do I distinguish it from the bodies of others, or from objects in the surrounding environment? The perception of our own body and more particularly our sense of body ownership is taken for granted. Nevertheless, experimental findings from body ownership illusions (BOIs), show that under specific multisensory conditions, we can experience artificial body parts or fake bodies as our own body parts or body, respectively. The aim of the present paper is to discuss how and why BOIs are induced. We review several experimental findings concerning the spatial, temporal, and semantic principles of crossmodal stimuli that have been applied to induce BOIs. On the basis of these principles, we discuss theoretical approaches concerning the underlying mechanism of BOIs. We propose a conceptualization based on Bayesian causal inference for addressing how our nervous system could infer whether an object belongs to our own body, using multisensory, sensorimotor, and semantic information, and we discuss how this can account for several experimental findings. Finally, we point to neural network models as an implementational framework within which the computational problem behind BOIs could be addressed in the future.
Large-scale signatures of unconsciousness are consistent with a departure from critical dynamics

Loss of cortical integration and changes in the dynamics of electrophysiological brain signals characterize the transition from wakefulness towards unconsciousness. In this study, we arrive at a basic model explaining these observations based on the theory of phase transitions in complex systems. We studied the link between spatial and temporal correlations of large-scale brain activity recorded with functional magnetic resonance imaging during wakefulness, propofol-induced sedation and loss of consciousness and during the subsequent recovery. We observed that during unconsciousness activity in frontothalamic regions exhibited a reduction of long-range temporal correlations and a departure of functional connectivity from anatomical constraints. A model of a system exhibiting a phase transition reproduced our findings, as well as the diminished sensitivity of the cortex to external perturbations during unconsciousness. This framework unifies different observations about brain activity during unconsciousness and predicts that the principles we identified are universal and independent from its causes.
The Association of Parasitic Infections in Pregnancy and Maternal and Fetal Anemia: A Cohort Study in Coastal Kenya

Background Relative contribution of these infections on anemia in pregnancy is not certain. While measures to protect pregnant women against malaria have been scaling up, interventions against helminthes have received much less attention. In this study, we determine the relative impact of helminthes and malaria on maternal anemia. Methods A prospective observational study was conducted in coastal Kenya among a cohort of pregnant women who were recruited at their first antenatal care (ANC) visit and tested for malaria, hookworm, and other parasitic infections and anemia at enrollment. All women enrolled in the study received presumptive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, iron and multi-vitamins and women diagnosed with helminthic infections were treated with albendazole. Women delivering a live, term birth, were also tested for maternal anemia, fetal anemia and presence of infection at delivery. Principal Findings Of the 706 women studied, at the first ANC visit, 27% had moderate/severe anemia and 71% of women were anemic overall. The infections with highest prevalence were hookworm (24%), urogenital schistosomiasis (17%), trichuria (10%), and malaria (9%). In adjusted and unadjusted analyses, moderate/severe anemia at first ANC visit was associated with the higher intensities of hookworm and P. falciparum microscopy-malaria infections. At delivery, 34% of women had moderate/severe anemia and 18% of infants' cord hemoglobin was consistent with fetal anemia. While none of the maternal infections were significantly associated with fetal anemia, moderate/severe maternal anemia was associated with fetal anemia. Conclusions More than one quarter of women receiving standard ANC with IPTp for malaria had moderate/severe anemia in pregnancy and high rates of parasitic infection. Thus, addressing the role of co-infections, such as hookworm, as well as under-nutrition, and their contribution to anemia is needed.
Flavonoids Induce the Synthesis and Secretion of Neurotrophic Factors in Cultured Rat Astrocytes: A Signaling Response Mediated by Estrogen Receptor

Neurotrophic factors are playing vital roles in survival, growth, and function of neurons. Regulation of neurotrophic factors in the brain has been considered as one of the targets in developing drug or therapy against neuronal disorders. Flavonoids, a family of multifunctional natural compounds, are well known for their neuronal beneficial effects. Here, the effects of flavonoids on regulating neurotrophic factors were analyzed in cultured rat astrocytes. Astrocyte is a major secreting source of neurotrophic factors in the brain. Thirty-three flavonoids were screened in the cultures, and calycosin, isorhamnetin, luteolin, and genistein were identified to be highly active in inducing the synthesis and secretion of neurotrophic factors, including nerve growth factor (NGF), glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The inductions were in time- and dose-dependent manners. In cultured astrocytes, the phosphorylation of estrogen receptor was triggered by application of flavonoids. The phosphorylation was blocked by an inhibitor of estrogen receptor, which in parallel reduced the flavonoid-induced expression of neurotrophic factors. The results proposed the role of flavonoids in protecting brain diseases, and therefore these flavonoids could be developed for health food supplement for patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases.
Antimicrobial and Controlled Release Studies of a Novel Nystatin Conjugated Iron Oxide Nanocomposite

Nystatin is a tetraene diene polyene antibiotic showing a broad spectrum of antifungal activity. In the present study, we prepared a nystatin nanocomposite (Nyst-CS-MNP) by loading nystatin (Nyst) on chitosan (CS) coated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). The magnetic nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The XRD results showed that the MNPs and nanocomposite are pure magnetite. The FTIR analysis confirmed the binding of CS on the surface of the MNPs and also the loading of Nyst in the nanocomposite. The Nyst drug loading was estimated using UV-Vis instrumentation and showing a 14.9% loading in the nanocomposite. The TEM size image of the MNPs, CS-MNP, and Nyst-CS-MNP was 13, 11, and 8 nm, respectively. The release profile of the Nyst drug from the nanocomposite followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The antimicrobial activity of the as-synthesized Nyst and Nyst-CS-MNP nanocomposite was evaluated using an agar diffusion method and showed enhanced antifungal activity against Candida albicans. In this manner, this study introduces a novel nanocomposite that can decrease fungus activity on-demand for numerous medical applications.
Stochastic dominance : an approach to decision-making under risk

An allowed speed signal received from an off-vehicle source and an actual speed signal generated on-board are each converted from their original form to a signal having a relatively high frequency proportional to the represented speed. Each conversion is dual channel to produce two outputs, for the same signal, which are compared in digital cycle checking apparatus for identical frequencies to assure the validity of the frequency conversion and thus the speed signals. One frequency signal from each pair is compared in another digital cycle checking apparatus to determine if an over or under train speed condition exists. Each cycle checking means periodically simulates an improper comparison, after which the correct condition must be detected to provide a continued output. Thus the validity of the cycle check operations is assured. Each of the frequency pairs must check equal and a train underspeed condition detected to produce the complete set of output signals which allow train movement to continue.
Marketing, distribution and consumers

This two volume set presents work on topics central to the economics of agriculture - the quantitative representation of technology, market expectations, household production behaviour, consumer behaviour with uncertain quality and safety of goods, and issues of imperfect competition in food marketing. Volume Ia treats issues in agricultural production, representing the consequences of decades of work deepening and widening the original focus of agricultural economics on farm management. In addition to the theory and estimation of production and supply behaviour in agriculture, chapters are devoted to topics on which major advancements have been made: technological change; returns to agricultural research; the industrial structure of agriculture; land institutions and markets; and human capital and finance. Two chapters are further specialized to rural labour and household issues: migration and the role of women in developing countries. Volume Ib deals with the economics of agricultural products after they leave the farm. Seven chapters explain developments in application of dual approaches in household economies, the industrial organization of food marketing, marketing margins between farm and retail prices, spatial price analysis, commodity storage and price stabilization, commodity futures and options markets, and the economics of food safety. Volumes Ia and Ib each follow their specialized chapters with a synthesis chapter that brings together and assesses the main themes and issues of the field, and volume Ib concludes with an overall synthesis of the state of and prospects for agricultural economics as applied economic science.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Eucryptorrhynchus chinensis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Using 454 Pyrosequencing Technology

Eucryptorrhynchus chinensis Olivier (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is one of the most important pests of Ailanthus altissima; however, so far, no studies on the genome or transcriptome of E. chinensis have been reported. Using the Roche 454 FLX Titanium platform, an RNA pool obtained from E. chinensis eggs, larva, pupae, and adults was sequenced and assembled de novo to achieve maximum diversity of sampled transcripts. We obtained 1,441,137 (∼518 Mb) raw reads with an average length of 360 bp. After trimming, 89% qualified reads were produced and assembled into 35,509 isotigs with an average length of 440 bp, N50 of 1,048 bp, and 111,643 singletons. We generated 87,894 unigenes following a cluster analysis of the isotigs and singletons, and then functionally annotated the unigenes with gene descriptions. We obtained 23,363 GO assignments, and 12,724 unigenes were assigned to KOG. Based on these annotations, 294 biochemical pathways involved in growth, reproduction, and stress or immune responses were predicted. A total of 659,026 single nucleotide variants and 6,112 simple sequence repeats were detected. Our data provide comprehensive information on the sequence and possible functions of E. chinensis transcripts.
Interactive layout analysis and transcription systems for historic handwritten documents

The amount of digitized legacy documents has been rising dramatically over the last years due mainly to the increasing number of on-line digital libraries publishing this kind of documents, waiting to be classified and finally transcribed into a textual electronic format (such as ASCII or PDF). Nevertheless, most of the available fully-automatic applications addressing this task are far from being perfect and heavy and inefficient human intervention is often required to check and correct the results of such systems. In contrast, multimodal interactive-predictive approaches may allow the users to participate in the process helping the system to improve the overall performance. With this in mind, two sets of recent advances are introduced in this work: a novel interactive method for text block detection and two multimodal interactive handwritten text transcription systems which use active learning and interactive-predictive technologies in the recognition process.
The use of LC‐MS to identify differentially expressed proteins in docetaxel‐resistant prostate cancer cell lines

Docetaxel is a taxane‐derived chemotherapy drug that has been approved for treatment of prostate cancer. While docetaxel is frequently used as a treatment for hormone‐refractory prostate cancer, a subset of patients either do not respond to this treatment or those that do respond eventually become resistant to the drug over time. Resistance to docetaxel is complex and multi‐factoral and further understanding of the cellular biochemistry underlying resistance is vital to improve treatment efficacy. To identify proteins altered in the resistant phenotype, three parental cell lines DU145, 22RV1 and PC‐3, as well as their docetaxel resistant sub‐lines, were subjected to quantitative label‐free LC‐MS proteomic profiling. A total of 189 significant (p < 0.05) protein abundance changes were identified in the DU145 resistant sub‐lines, 254 in the 22RV1 sub‐lines, and 51 and 72 in the 8 and 12 nM resistant PC‐3 sub‐lines, respectively. From these, 29 proteins demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) fold change across two or more resistant variants. These included proteins indicative of an epithelial‐to‐mesenchemyl transition as well as altered heat shock response elements.
Affirmative Action and Black Entrepreneurship

This volume isolates the cause of continuing disparities not only between blacks and whites, but amongst blacks as well. Key factors discussed include the current state of the economy the influence of public policies, the persistence of urban poverty, economic opportunities, changes in family and social structure and equal opportunities. The city of Atlanta is used as a case study focusing on the emergence of the new black entrepreneur, with data on black businesses drawn from records of almost 1000 black owned firms.
Navigation and locomotion in virtual worlds via flight into hand-held miniatures

This paper describes the use of a World-in-Miniature (WIM) as a navigation and locomotion device in immersive virtual environments. The WIM is a hand-held miniature graphical representation of the virtual environment, similar to a map cube. When the user moves an object in the WIM, the object simultaneously moves in the surrounding virtual environment. When the user moves an iconic representation of himself, he moves (ﬂies) in the virtual environment. Flying the user in the full scale virtual world is confusing, because the user’s focus of attention is in the miniature, not in the full scale virtual world. We present the novel technique of ﬂying the user into the miniature, providing perceptual and cognitive constancy when updating the viewpoint.
Exploiting Discourse Relations between Sentences for Text Clustering

Over the years, the usage of discourse relations has been proven to enhance many applications such as text summarization, question answering and natural language generation. This paper proposes an approach that expands the benefit of discourse relations for natural language processing from a different aspect. We exploit the discourse relations existing between sentences to generate clusters of similar sentences from document sets. We first examined and defined the type of discourse relations that useful to retrieve sentences with identical content. We then assigned these relations to each sentence pair using a machine learning method. Finally we performed discourse relation-based clustering algorithm to generate clusters of similar sentences. We evaluated our method by measuring the cohesion and separation of the clusters and compared to a well recognized clustering method. The experimental result shows that our method performed significantly well, which demonstrated that discourse relation between sentences can be exploited for text clustering.
The European Convention on Human Rights and the Conflict in Northern Ireland

Preface 1. Introduction 2. The Background to the Conflict and the Rights Discourse 3. Early Fumblings with the Convention 4. Internment and Restrictions on Movement 5. Powers of Arrest 6. Detention Pending Charge or Trial 7. The Right Not to be Ill-treated 8. The Right to a Fair Trial 9. The Right to Life 10. The Right to a Private and Family Life 11. Freedom of Expression, Belief, and Assembly 12. Freedom from Discrimination 13. The Final Picture Appendix: Applications lodged in Strasbourg relating to the conflict in Northern Ireland
Generalized BROOF-L2R: A General Framework for Learning to Rank Based on Boosting and Random Forests

The task of retrieving information that really matters to the users is considered hard when taking into consideration the current and increasingly amount of available information. To improve the effectiveness of this information seeking task, systems have relied on the combination of many predictors by means of machine learning methods, a task also known as learning to rank (L2R). The most effective learning methods for this task are based on ensembles of tress (e.g., Random Forests) and/or boosting techniques (e.g., RankBoost, MART, LambdaMART). In this paper, we propose a general framework that smoothly combines ensembles of additive trees, specifically Random Forests, with Boosting in a original way for the task of L2R. In particular, we exploit out-of-bag samples as well as a selective weight updating strategy (according to the out-of-bag samples) to effectively enhance the ranking performance. We instantiate such a general framework by considering different loss functions, different ways of weighting the weak learners as well as different types of weak learners. In our experiments our rankers were able to outperform all state-of-the-art baselines in all considered datasets, using just a small percentage of the original training set and faster convergence rates.
Foreign direct investment-economic growth link: the role of domestic financial sector development in Bangladesh

This paper aims to investigate the links between foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic growth through financial sector’s development (FD) in the case of Bangladesh. Using annual data series of World Bank for the period of 1983-2008, the unrestricted error correction method (UECM) developed by Inder (1993) is employed. FDI alone affects economic growth negatively in the long run. However, FD variable and the interaction term between FD and FDI (FD*FDI) are showing positive impact on GDP growth in the case of Bangladesh. Public investment or public capital stock also stimulates economic growth in the long run. This paper proposes that Bangladesh government should undertake financial reforms to improve the efficiency of the domestic financial sector. Appropriate steps must be taken to further liberalize the capital account to enhance FDI. Care must be taken to ensure efficiency of delivery of services and increase productivity of public investment. This paper convincingly argues that there is a need for case-by- case study on such a project in view of each country’s unique characteristics. To the best of our knowledge, this study seems to be a good and unique contribution in literature with reference to Bangladesh as this is the pioneering attempt that employs UECM for a case study on Bangladesh.
Strategic Enrolment Management: Improving Student Satisfaction and Success in Portugal.

To improve student satisfaction and success, higher education institutions (HEIs) need to find their niche, establish their own identity and get on with doing what they do best. Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM) is a comprehensive process that requires understanding markets, supply and demand, programme development, and student recruitment and retention. SEM involves the entire institution, relies heavily on institutional research and ultimately establishes strategic goals that are placed within the framework of the overall institutional planning model. In this process, the HEI also creates a mission that distinguishes it from other institutions. This paper will examine the key components to a SEM model and discuss how this process is interfaced with institutional planning. It will also present a research project to gather data on HEIs throughout Portugal in an effort to show what must be done to create a SEM process in institutions there.
Secured Initialization of Dynamic Message Authentication in Wireless Devices

There are several protocols and mechanisms have been proposed to address the problem of initial secure key deployment in wireless networks. Most existing approaches work either with a small number of wireless devices (i.e., two) or otherwise rely on the presence of an auxiliary device. On the other hand, such components should support security applications such as message integrity, authentication, and time stamping. The latter are efficiently implemented by Dynamic Message Authentication Codes (DMAC). As clearly stated in the literature, current approved implementations of DMAC require resources that cannot be supported in constrained components. An approach to implement a compact DMAC by the use of stream ciphering is presented in this paper.