Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Directors’ human capital, firm strategy, and firm performance

Ideally, corporations are directed by boards whose directors provide valuable human capital that match the firms’ strategy. We investigate how directors’ human capital (international experience, industrial know-how, CEO experience, and financial know-how) affects firm performance including the firm’s strategy (diversification and internationalization) and how human capital is related to acquisition strategies (non-diversifying and international acquisitions). Our sample consists of 560 firm-year observations in Switzerland. We find empirical evidence that directors’ human capital affects firm performance and that this relationship depends on the firm’s strategy. Furthermore, human capital is also correlated with acquisition strategy. The study shows that focusing on board independence and compliance issues may be unrewarding in board research and practice.
Design, fabrication and testing of a miniature wall climbing robot using smart robotic feet

A miniature wall climbing robot equipped with two smart robotic feet (SRF) is developed and tested. It is controlled autonomously by a PIC16F876 microcontroller and a 6 volt power supply onboard. Each SRF contains a suction cup with a diameter of 40 mm, a vacuum pump, a pressure sensor, and a micro valve. The robot’s motion is driven by two servo motors which are electronically linked and synchronized. In addition to climbing vertical walls, it is designed to transition between a floor and a wall, as well as change direction while walking on a surface. Currently, the robot can walk on surfaces ranging from horizontal to an uphill angle of 70 degrees.
Parameter-Induced Stochastic Resonance and baseband Binary PAM Signals Transmission over an AWGN Channel

From the point of information theory, the baseband binary pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) signals transmission, via tuning the nonlinear receiver’s parameters, is studied over an additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel. It is demonstrated that the channel capacity of baseband binary communication systems, for a given signal added noise, can be maximized by optimal designed receivers. This new form of stochastic resonance (SR) is referred to as parameter-induced stochastic resonance (PSR) in a broad sense. PSR eect does not require that the input signals are subthreshold. The characteristic behavior of channel capacity versus transmission bit rate is also studied. For reproducing the original binary signals more correctly, time scale transformation method and the approach of ensemble average probability of error bits are introduced. We observe a marked enhancement of the channel capacity for binary PAM signals transmission by PSR in numerical simulations. With this theory and method, the practical applications are considered.
Insert-Friendly Hierarchical Numbering Schemes for XML

Numbering schemes for labeling XML nodes are the key design element to support generic XML storage and high-efficiency access in relational databases or other reliable stores. In this paper we present a class of hierarchical numbering schemes that combine two prior published schemes [2, 13] by authors of this paper. No schema is required for the data, and streaming access is supported. Our schemes support fast query processing and fast retrieval of document fragments while supporting insertion of new nodes, or sub-trees, at arbitrary positions within a document, without the need to relabel any old nodes. These insertion capabilities are not supported in other numbering schemes that have appeared in the literature. We also present a detailed quantitative analysis to comparatively evaluate the effectiveness and performance of the new numbering schemes.
A direct digital frequency synthesizer with fourth-order phase domain ΔΣ noise shaper and 12-bit current-steering DAC

This paper presents a direct digital frequency synthesizer (DDFS) with a 16-bit accumulator, a fourth-order phase domain single-stage AS interpolator, and a 300-MS/s 12-bit current-steering DAC based on the Q 2 Random Walk switching scheme. The ΔΣ interpolator is used to reduce the phase truncation error and the ROM size. The implemented fourth-order single-stage AS noise shaper reduces the effective phase bits by four and reduces the ROM size by 16 times. The DDFS prototype is fabricated in a 0.35-μm CMOS technology with active area of 1.11 mm 2 including a 12-bit DAC. The measured DDFS spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) is greater than 78 dB using a reduced ROM with 8-bit phase, 12-bit amplitude resolution and a size of 0.09 mm 2 . The total power consumption of the DDFS is 200 mW with a 3.3-V power supply.
Bayesian analysis of two‐component mixture distributions applied to estimating malaria attributable fractions

Malaria illness can be diagnosed by the presence of fever and parasitaemia. However, in highly endemic areas the diagnosis of clinical malaria can be difficult since children may tolerate parasites without fever and may have fever due to other causes. We propose a novel, simulation‐based Bayesian approach for obtaining precise estimates of the probabilities of children with different levels of parasitaemia having fever due to malaria, by formulating the problem as a mixture of distributions. The methodology suggested is a general methodology for decomposing any two‐component mixture distribution nonparametrically, when an independent training sample is available from one of the components. It is based on the assumption that one of the component distributions lies on the left of the other but there is some overlap between the distributions.
Surface Mosaic Synthesis with Irregular Tiles

Mosaics are widely used for surface decoration to produce appealing visual effects. We present a method for synthesizing digital surface mosaics with irregularly shaped tiles, which are a type of tiles often used for mosaics design. Our method employs both continuous optimization and combinatorial optimization to improve tile arrangement. In the continuous optimization step, we iteratively partition the base surface into approximate Voronoi regions of the tiles and optimize the positions and orientations of the tiles to achieve a tight fit. Combination optimization performs tile permutation and replacement to further increase surface coverage and diversify tile selection. The alternative applications of these two optimization steps lead to rich combination of tiles and high surface coverage. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our solution with extensive experiments and comparisons.
A 3D Predict Hexagon Search Algorithm for Fast Block Motion Estimation on H. 264 Video Coding

In the upcoming video coding standard, MPEG-4 AVC/JVT/H.264, motion estimation is allowed to use multiple references and multiple block sizes to improve the rate-distortion performance. However, full exhaustive search of all block sizes is computational intensive with complexity increasing linearly to the number of allowed reference frame and block size. In this paper, a novel search algorithm, three dimensional predict hexagon search (3DPHS) is proposed. The 3DPHS patterns depend on the characteristics of motion vector distribution. It can predict the hexagon search pattern in horizontal or vertical direction. The proposed algorithm also considered the characteristics of multiple references and multiple block sizes in H.264. It can save all the same level search points for higher definition video sequences. The analysis shows that the speed improvement of 3DPHS over the diamond search (DS) and the hexagon based search (HEXBS) is about 58% and 53% respectively
Measuring the correlation between variables based on the probability density function estimation

Mutual information (MI) is always used as the indicator of nonlinear correlation between the variables. The computation of MI can be finished only the continuous-value variables are discretized. In this paper, one new strategy of computing the MI between variables is proposed. The probability density estimation (PDE) is used to determine the density functions in our method. An approximate technology is applied to replace the computation of integral. Finally, MI based on PDE can be obtained. Through the artificially experimental simulations, the performance and rationality of our new method are demonstrated. The experimental results show that our method is feasible, effective and efficient.
A two-phase feature selection method using both filter and wrapper

Feature selection is an integral step of the data mining process to find an optimal subset of features. After examining the problems with both the filter and the wrapper approach to feature selection, we propose a two-phase (filter and wrapper) feature selection algorithm that can take advantage of both approaches. It begins by running GFSIC (Genetic Feature Selection with Inconsistency Criterion), a filter approach, to remove irrelevant features, then it runs SBFCV (Sensitivity-Based Feature selection with v-fold Cross-Validation), a wrapper approach, to remove redundant or useless features. Analysis and experimental studies show the effectiveness and scalability of the proposed algorithm. The generalization of the neural network is improved when the algorithm is used to pre-process the training data by eliminating irrelevant and useless features from the neural network's consideration.
Ontology Functional Dependencies

We extend traditional functional dependencies (FDs) for data quality purposes to accommodate ontological variations in the attribute values. We begin by formally defining a novel class of dependencies called ontological FDs, which strictly generalize traditional FDs by allowing differences controlled by an ontology database. The ontology databases contain information about synonyms. We then focus on designing the efficient algorithm for data verification over ontology FDs as well as discuss current and future work.
Modeling Event-driven Time Series with Generalized Hidden Semi-Markov Models

This report introduces a new model for event-driven temporal sequence processing: Generalized Hidden Semi-Markov Models (GHSMMs). GHSMMs are an extension of hidden Markov models to continuous time that builds on turning the stochastic process of hidden state traversals into a semi-Markov process. A large variety of probability distributions can be used to specify transition durations. It is shown how GHSMMs can be used to address the principle problems of temporal sequence processing: sequence generation, sequence recognition and sequence prediction. Additionally, an algorithm is described how the parameters of GHSMMs can be determined from a set of training data: The Baum-Welch algorithm is extended by an embedded expectation-maximization algorithm. Under some conditions the procedure can be simplified to the estimation of distribution moments. A proof of convergence and a complexity assessment are provided.
Different HLA-B27 subtypes present the same immunodominant Epstein-Barr virus peptide

An immunological basis has been postulated for the strong association between at least five subtypes of the HLA-B27 allele (B27.01, .02, .04, .05, and .06) and ankylosing spondylitis, namely that cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses are induced against an "arthritogenic" peptide that these different subtypes can all present. This requires a degree of overlap between the peptide binding repertoires of different B27 molecules. The present work, using CTL responses to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) as a model system in which to identify B27-restricted epitopes, provides the first direct evidence that different disease- related alleles can present the same immunodominant peptide. We first noted that EBV-specific CTL clones, whether from B27.05-, B27.02-, or B27.04-positive donors, were largely subtype-specific in their restriction, recognizing only EBV-transformed B cell lines of the relevant B27 subtype. However, when tested against targets expressing individual EBV proteins from recombinant vaccinia virus vectors, all B27.05-restricted, all B27.02-restricted, and a proportion of B27.04- restricted clones were reactive to the same viral nuclear antigen, Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen (EBNA)3C. In subsequent peptide sensitization assays, all the EBNA3C-specific clones tested and also the EBNA3C-specific component within polyclonal CTL preparations from B27.05-, B27.02-, or B27.04-positive donors recognized the same immunodominant viral peptide RRIYDLIEL (EBNA3C residues 258-266). This sequence accords well with the proposed B27.05 peptide motif and clearly must be accommodated within the different peptide binding grooves of B27.05, B27.02, and B27.04 molecules. Clonal analysis revealed a second component of the B27.04-restricted response that was not shared with other subtypes. This was directed against an EBV latent membrane protein LMP2 epitope whose sequence RRRWRRLTV satisfies some but not all requirements of the B27.05 peptide motif. We conclude that there is indeed a degree of functional overlap between different B27 subtypes in their selection and presentation of CTL epitopes.
Preprocessing of Slovak Blog Articles for Clustering

Web content clustering is very important part of topic detection and tracking issue. In our paper we focus on pre-processing phase of web content clustering. We focus on blog articles published in Slovak language. We evaluate the impact of different data pre-processing methods on success of blog clustering. We found out that applying various text data manipulation techniques in preprocessing can improve the quality of clusters. The quality of clusters is measured by traditional clustering metrics like precision, recall and F-measure.
The multikey Web cache simulator: a platform for designing proxy cache management techniques

Proxy caches have become an important mechanism to reduce latencies. Efficient management techniques for proxy caches which exploits Web-objects inherent characteristics are an essential key to reach good performance. One important segment of the replacement algorithms being applied today are the multikey algorithms that use several key or object characteristics to decide which object or objects must be replaced. This feature is not considered in most of the current simulators. In this paper we propose a proxy-cache platform to check the performance of Web object based on multikey management techniques and algorithms. The proposed platform is coded in a modular way, which allows the implementation of new algorithms or policies proposals in an easy and robust manner. In addition to the classical performance metrics like the hit ratio and the byte hit ratio, the proposed framework also offers the response time perceived by users.
Understanding and supporting personal activity management by IT service workers

Many recent studies provide evidence of the challenges experienced by knowledge workers while multi-tasking among several projects and initiatives. Work is often interrupted, and this results in people leaving activities pending until they have the time, information, resources or energy to reassume them. Among the different types of knowledge workers, those working directly with Information Technology (IT) or offering IT services -- software developers, support engineers, systems administrators or database managers --, experience particularly challenging scenarios of multi-tasking given the varied, crisis-driven and reactive nature of their work. Previous recommendations and technological solutions to ameliorate these challenges give limited attention to individual's preferences and to understanding how and what tools and strategies could benefit IT service workers as individuals. Based on the analysis of characteristics of IT service work and a consolidation of findings regarding personal activity management processes, we present the design of a software tool to support those processes and discuss findings of its usage by four IT service workers over a period of eight weeks. We found that the tool is used as a central repository to orchestrate personal activity, complementing the use of e-mail clients and shared calendars as well as supporting essential aspects of IT-service work such as multi-tasking and detailed work articulation.
Active Zone Protein Bassoon Co-Localizes with Presynaptic Calcium Channel, Modifies Channel Function, and Recovers from Aging Related Loss by Exercise

The P/Q-type voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCCs) are essential for synaptic transmission at adult mammalian neuromuscular junctions (NMJs); however, the subsynaptic location of VDCCs relative to active zones in rodent NMJs, and the functional modification of VDCCs by the interaction with active zone protein Bassoon remain unknown. Here, we show that P/Q-type VDCCs distribute in a punctate pattern within the NMJ presynaptic terminals and align in three dimensions with Bassoon. This distribution pattern of P/Q-type VDCCs and Bassoon in NMJs is consistent with our previous study demonstrating the binding of VDCCs and Bassoon. In addition, we now show that the interaction between P/Q-type VDCCs and Bassoon significantly suppressed the inactivation property of P/Q-type VDCCs, suggesting that the Ca2+ influx may be augmented by Bassoon for efficient synaptic transmission at NMJs. However, presynaptic Bassoon level was significantly attenuated in aged rat NMJs, which suggests an attenuation of VDCC function due to a lack of this interaction between VDCC and Bassoon. Importantly, the decreased Bassoon level in aged NMJs was ameliorated by isometric strength training of muscles for two months. The training increased Bassoon immunoreactivity in NMJs without affecting synapse size. These results demonstrated that the P/Q-type VDCCs preferentially accumulate at NMJ active zones and play essential role in synaptic transmission in conjunction with the active zone protein Bassoon. This molecular mechanism becomes impaired by aging, which suggests altered synaptic function in aged NMJs. However, Bassoon level in aged NMJs can be improved by muscle exercise.
Improving Delaunay triangulation for application-level multicast

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in application-level multicast (ALM), where the multicast related functionalities are moved to end-hosts. One of the promising ALM protocols is Delaunay triangulation (DT), which constructs an overlay mesh using 2-D Delaunay triangulation (DT) and makes use of compass routing to forward packets. However, DT protocol as it is originally proposed suffers from several weaknesses: 1) it requires users to input its geographic location, and assumes that the location correlates well with network distance; 2) it tends to form multiple connections across two domains, and hence has a high usage of long delay (interdomain) links; 3) it does not consider the fanout of a host, therefore some less-powerful hosts may serve too many users, leading to degradation of service. To address these problems, we propose to use global network positioning (GNP) for host location estimation and forward delegation to limit the fanout of a host explicitly and efficiently trade off the network resource usage with latency. Using Internet-like topologies, we show that our scheme, as compared to the original DT protocol, can substantially reduce average relative delay penalty, physical link stresses and network resource usage while meeting the processing capability of the hosts in the network.
Perceived trustworthiness of online shops

Trust has been found to be crucial for consumer behaviour towards online shops. However, existing studies on the role of trust in electronic commerce are mainly based on ad hoc scales to measure trustworthiness, merely rely on self-reported consequences of trust such as intention to buy, and focus on low-risk products. In a web-based study, 634 participants interacted with a provider of medical goods, that is a simulated online pharmacy. The study develops and employs a psychometrically sound scale for assessing perceived trustworthiness of online shops. Moreover, it examines the impact of trustworthiness on both consumers' intended and actual behaviour towards online shops. Results show that trustworthiness promotes both intention to buy and actual financial risk taking. Perceived risk was not found to moderate the relationship between trustworthiness and intention to buy. Instead, trustworthiness partially mediated the influence of perceived risk on intention to buy. The results from the scale development challenge multidimensional conceptualizations of trust; comparing this finding with other studies suggests that the duration of the relationship might moderate the dimensionality of trust. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ENFOQUES PARA LA CALIDAD EN LOS FUNDAMENTOS DE DISEÑO Y PEDAGÓGICOS EN LOS MOOCS

Connectivism and behaviorism are the main educational paradigms that describes the two most known types of MOOCs, named as cMOOCs and xMOOCs. Some aspects of pedagogical approximation in this type of courses are the mainstream of study and debate nowadays, such as quality and adequate approaching. In this reflection, it’s shown some reflections about problematical pedagogy approaches to be solved and pedagogical and design approaches from various authors to bring quality to MOOCs.
Internal and external components of the bacterial flagellar motor rotate as a unit

Significance Intracellular components of the bacterial flagellar motor acted on by force-generating elements of the stator to power rotation of the extracellular hook and filament have been visualized by EM. Their molecular composition is known, but their actual rotation has never been shown. Here, a method for bleaching and probing a fusion protein rigidly linked to one of the innermost components of the flagellar motor of Escherichia coli, FliN, was used to show that the components commonly thought to rotate as a unit actually do so. Most bacteria that swim, including Escherichia coli, are propelled by helical filaments, each driven at its base by a rotary motor powered by a proton or a sodium ion electrochemical gradient. Each motor contains a number of stator complexes, comprising 4MotA 2MotB or 4PomA 2PomB, proteins anchored to the rigid peptidoglycan layer of the cell wall. These proteins exert torque on a rotor that spans the inner membrane. A shaft connected to the rotor passes through the peptidoglycan and the outer membrane through bushings, the P and L rings, connecting to the filament by a flexible coupling known as the hook. Although the external components, the hook and the filament, are known to rotate, having been tethered to glass or marked by latex beads, the rotation of the internal components has remained only a reasonable assumption. Here, by using polarized light to bleach and probe an internal YFP-FliN fusion, we show that the innermost components of the cytoplasmic ring rotate at a rate similar to that of the hook.
Loanword Adaptation and Phonological Theory

This paper examines English-based loanwords in Standard Mandarin in light of various proposals on how loanwords are adapted and processed, and discusses the implications of the findings in loanword adaptation for phonological theory. There have been three major approaches to the adaptation and processing of sound-based loanwords: the Perception Approach, the Phonology Approach, and the PerceptionPhonology Approach. By examining how Standard Mandarin adapts English consonants, vowels, and stress for loanwords, I show that the combined PerceptionPhonology Approach better accounts for the data. The data and processes of loanword adaptation contribute to issues related to how the interaction of phonetics and phonology can be modeled. The degree to which and how features are perceived and modified in the adaptation process suggest relative saliency and/or asymmetrical relationship between features, and thus have interesting implications for feature theory in particular and phonological theory in general.