Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Channel Acquisition for Massive MIMO-OFDM With Adjustable Phase Shift Pilots

We propose adjustable phase shift pilots (APSPs) for channel acquisition in wideband massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems employing orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) to reduce the pilot overhead. Based on a physically motivated channel model, we first establish a relationship between channel space-frequency correlations and the channel power angle-delay spectrum in the massive antenna array regime, which reveals the channel sparsity in massive MIMO-OFDM. With this channel model, we then investigate channel acquisition, including channel estimation and channel prediction, for massive MIMO-OFDM with APSPs. We show that channel acquisition performance in terms of sum mean square error can be minimized if the user terminals' channel power distributions in the angle-delay domain can be made nonoverlapping with proper pilot phase shift scheduling. A simplified pilot phase shift scheduling algorithm is developed based on this optimal channel acquisition condition. The performance of APSPs is investigated for both one symbol and multiple symbol data models. Simulations demonstrate that the proposed APSP approach can provide substantial performance gains in terms of achievable spectral efficiency over the conventional phase shift orthogonal pilot approach in typical mobility scenarios.
Consistent Estimation of the Number of Cointegration Relations in a Vector Autoregressive Model

A class of criteria is developed which estimate the cointegration rank of a vector autore-gressive (VAR) model consistently. It turns out that the usual consistent criteria for lag length selection can be adapted for the present purpose. However, alternative criteria may be advantageous. The small sample relevance of the asymptotic results is demonstrated by a small simulation study. Both authors gratefully acknowledge nancial support by the DFG, Sonderforschungsbereich 373. We thank Dirk B uttner for carrying out the simulations.
BRENDA in 2017: new perspectives and new tools in BRENDA

The BRENDA enzyme database (www.brenda-enzymes.org) has developed into the main enzyme and enzyme-ligand information system in its 30 years of existence. The information is manually extracted from primary literature and extended by text mining procedures, integration of external data and prediction algorithms. Approximately 3 million data from 83 000 enzymes and 137 000 literature references constitute the manually annotated core. Text mining procedures extend these data with information on occurrence, enzyme-disease relationships and kinetic data. Prediction algorithms contribute locations and genome annotations. External data and links complete the data with sequences and 3D structures. A total of 206 000 enzyme ligands provide functional and structural data. BRENDA offers a complex query tool engine allowing the users an efficient access to the data via different search methods and explorers. The new design of the BRENDA entry page and the enzyme summary pages improves the user access and the performance. New interactive and intuitive BRENDA pathway maps give an overview on biochemical processes and facilitate the visualization of enzyme, ligand and organism information in the biochemical context. SCOPe and CATH, databases for protein structure classification, are included. New online and video tutorials provide online training for the users. BRENDA is freely available for academic users.
Does emotion regulation protect employees from the negative effects of workplace aggression?

Workplace aggression poses a significant challenge to organizations due to its potential impact on employees' mental and physical well-being. Using two studies, this article investigates whether emotion regulation could alleviate the negative effects of exposure to workplace aggression on employees' experience of strain, among social workers (N = 77) and emergency services personnel (N = 70). As predicted from coping theories of emotion regulation, Studies 1 and 2 showed that using the emotion regulation strategy of reappraisal during interactions with individuals from inside the organization (e.g., coworkers or managers) attenuated the workplace aggression–strain link. Conversely, but consistent with emotional labour theories of emotion regulation, engaging in reappraisal and suppression during interactions with legitimate outsiders (e.g., clients or patients) strengthened the workplace aggression–strain link. The findings have implications for both theory and practical interventions regarding workplace aggression.
S ep 2 01 5 Downlink SINR Balancing in CRAN under Limited Fronthaul Capacity

Cloud radio access network (C-RAN) with centralized baseba nd processing is envisioned as a promising candidate for the next-generation wireless communication network. However, the joint processing gain of C-RAN is fundamentally constrained by the finite-capacity fronthau l links between the central unit (CU) where joint processing is implemented and distributed access points known as remot e radio heads (RRHs). In this paper, we consider the downlink communication in a C-RAN with multi-antenna RRHs a nd single-antenna users, and investigate the joint RRH beamforming and user-RRH association problem to maximi ze the minimum signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) of all users subject to each RRH’s individual fr onthaul capacity constraint. The formulated problem is in general NP-hard due to the fronthaul capacity constrai nts and thus is difficult to be solved optimally. In this paper, we propose a new iterative method for this problem whi ch decouples the design of beamforming and user association, where the number of users served by each RRH is i teratively reduced until the obtained beamforming and user association solution satisfies the fronthaul capac ity constraints of all RRHs. A monotonic convergence is proved for the proposed algorithm, and it is shown by simulat ion that the algorithm achieves significant performance improvement over other heuristic solutions. Index Terms Cloud radio access network (C-RAN), fronthaul constraint, beamforming, user association, signal-to-interferenceplus-noise ratio (SINR) balancing.
Optimal Broadcast in All-Port Wormhole-Routed Hypercubes

We give an optimal algorithm that broadcasts on an n-dimensional hypercube in O(n/ log/sub 2/ (n+1)) routing steps with wormhole, e-cube routing and all-port communication. Previously, the best algorithm of P.K. McKinley and C. Trefftz (1993) requires [n/2] routing steps. We also give routing algorithms that achieve tight time bounds for n /spl les/7. >
U.S. Security and Border Protection Policy before and after 9/11: A Policy Impact Assessment

This study utilizes key analytical concepts from complex interdependence theory to examine the impact of U.S. security and border protection policy on the U.S.–Mexico land border before and after 9/11. It seeks to answer whether post-9/11 U.S. security and border protection policy responses make any difference to the protection of the U.S.–Mexican land border. The results of the analysis demonstrate that, other things being equal, post-9/11 U.S. security and border protection policy responses have had only marginal effects on the protection of the U.S.–Mexican land border compared to the pre-9/11 period. In other words, those policy responses make little difference when their performance is compared before and after 9/11. I conclude that the U.S.–Mexico land border is more secure, but is not completely safe in the aftermath of 9/11. Este estudio utiliza conceptos analiticos claves de la teoria de interdependencia compleja para examinar el impacto de la seguridad estadounidense y la politica de proteccion de la frontera en la tierra limite de E.U.–Mexico antes y despues del 11/9. Busca responder si las respuestas de seguridad estadounidense y politicas de proteccion posteriores hicieron alguna diferencia en la proteccion de la frontera de E.U.–Mexico. Los resultados del analisis demuestran que, ceteris paribus, la seguridad estadounidense y las respuestas de proteccion fronteriza posteriores han tenido solo efectos marginales en la proteccion de la misma comparados con el periodo anterior. En otras palabras, estas politicas de respuesta hicieron poca diferencia despues del 11/9 en comparacion con las condiciones que prevalecian antes de 11/9. Concluyo que la frontera E.U.–Mexico es mas segura, pero no completamente en el contexto que dejo el 11/9.
Prognostic value of the Rose questionnaire: a validation with future coronary events in the SMART study

Aim: The Rose questionnaire was developed in epidemiological studies to obtain a reproducible diagnosis of angina pectoris. We studied the prognostic value of this questionnaire with respect to the occurrence of future coronary events. Methods and results: We studied 7916 consecutive patients (mean age 56 years; 67% men) with clinically manifest vascular disease or cardiovascular risk factors, enrolled in the Second Manifestations of ARTerial disease (SMART) study from 1996 to 2009. At inclusion, all patients completed the Rose questionnaire. We investigated the prognostic value of four definitions of angina pectoris that were based on the following elements of the questionnaire (1) the full questionnaire; (2) three key questions concerning chest pain; (3) one question about discomfort or pain in the chest; (4) two questions about complaints when slowing down or stopping activities (the definition that is used in the SMART study). All patients were followed for new coronary events and interventions for an average of 4.6 years. Analyses were with multivariable Cox regression models. Discriminatory ability of the four definitions as assessed with areas under the receiver-operator characteristics curves was similar (range 0.708–0.726) for coronary events in isolation as well as in combination with coronary interventions. The models were assessed for their ability to improve risk stratification compared with each other; differences between definitions are small. Conclusion: Our data implicate that the use of a subset of questions of the Rose questionnaire performs equally well compared with the full Rose questionnaire regarding the prediction of coronary events.
Creating Greater Success in Succession Planning

The problem and the solution . The prevalence of formalized succession planning practices in organizations appears to be increasing, largely due to changing demographic and related trends. However, many organization leaders report low levels of confidence in their succession planning systems and processes. Best succession and talent management practices can help organizations achieve significant benefits, including improved financial performance. A practical, five-step approach to succession planning is proposed that incorporates both best practices and an innovative application of role theory. The approach should help organizations look to and prepare for the future more effectively, including better specifying the future requirements they will have for their leaders. Implications for human resource development (HRD) professionals and recommendations for further research are discussed.
Understanding Corporate Identity: The French School of Thought

Since the 1970s, French researchers have elaborated a theoretical framework built around the concept of organizational identity. This theoretical framework integrates concepts from several research disciplines, including sociology, psychology, psychoanalysis, and history. Although this approach focuses primarily on improving the understanding of the internal functioning of organizations, the approach also helps marketing professionals who are responsible for managing organizational image and organizational communications. The diagnosis of an organization's identity permits marketing executives to interpret the symbolic products produced by the organization, even though these symbolic products may not have been designed in a rational or deliberate manner. Reviews the principal concepts and methods elaborated over the last 20 years by researchers working in this perspective, emphasizing the importance of these ideas for marketing specialists. Describes recent developments in identity theory based on the sociological theory developed by Pierre Bourdieu. Presents an original diagnostic methodology - socioanalysis
MUSICAL AUDIO STREAM SEPARATION BY NON-NEGATIVE MATRIX FACTORIZATION

Our research is to develop a methodology for separating musical audio into streams of individual sound sources, such as instruments or voice. In this paper, we show the current progress of our research and a system built on the Non-negative Matrix Factorization (NMF) algorithm. The system was tested on both artificially mixed audio and real musical recording. This work is closely related to the task of blind source separation, computational auditory scene analysis and automatic music transcription. It will contribute to the areas such as music information retrieval, digital audio effects, and musical audio coding. Keywords– Blind Source Separation, Non-negative Matrix Factorization, Automatic Music Transcription
Return-Address Protection in C/C++ Code by Dependability Aspects

Due to shrinking structure sizes on memory chips, the probability of memory failures, such as spontaneous bit flips, is increasing. Especially in the domain of massproduced cheap embedded systems, hardware solutions are not affordable. Therefore, there is a need for cost-efficient software-based fault-tolerance mechanisms. In this paper we focus on such a mechanism for the protection of CPU stacks. A baseline assessment conducted with 21 benchmark and test programs shows that the stack is the most fault-susceptible data memory region – even more critical than the OS kernel’s scheduler data structure, for instance. Our mechanism, which is based on profiling and a generic aspect-oriented implementation, supports detection and correction of bit flips in return addresses and frame pointers on the stack. It thereby reduces the number of stack-related program failures by 48.7 % and the number of all RAM-related failures by 13.3 % on the average over all benchmarks. The average code size overhead is 3.76 %, and a runtime overhead is only measurable for the subset of short-running benchmarks.
Portrait value questionnaire's (PVQ) usefulness in explaining quality food‐related consumer behavior

Purpose - Schwartz's portrait value questionnaire (PVQ) has extensively been used in personal values research. The present paper aims to validate the 4'2item PVQ typology, using a nationally representative sample of 997 consumers. The main objective of the survey was to investigate whether higher-than-average regular purchasing of quality food products (i.e. organic and PDO labelled products) coincides with stronger identification with specific PVQ values. Design/methodology/approach - A questionnaire was distributed nationwide. Data were collected through personal interviews with 997 consumers. Confirmatory factor analysis and cluster analysis were the main analytical techniques used. Findings - At the value-based segmentation level of the analysis, identification with the PVQ value domains decreased per cluster progressively and jointly for almost all value domains, a trend that led to the identification of five distinctive national consumer segments. The trend of stronger identification with security, universalism and benevolence that appeared at the sample level re-emerged for the urban upper class, the countryside class I and the countryside class II, which accounted for two-thirds of the overall sample and were the clusters with the most dynamic quality food purchasing profile. Research limitations/implications - Despite the emergence of a clear relation between consumers' self-transcendence and security value similarity and higher-than-average frequency of quality food purchasing, quality food consumers did not form a separate and clearly diversified cluster if the PVQ inventory functions as a basis for segmentation. Future models should incorporate values together with intermediate-level constructs (e.g. beliefs and/or attitudes) when attempting to predict consumer behaviour towards quality food products. Originality/value - The paper shows that while values can be used to meaningfully segment quality food consumers, there is still much to learn regarding the direct and indirect determinants of quality food purchase behaviour.
Correlation of thyroid nodule fine‐needle aspiration cytology with corresponding histology at Mayo Clinic, 2001–2007: An institutional experience of 1,945 cases

Following the National Cancer Institute Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration State of the Science Conference, the thyroid fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) practice at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, conducted retrospective analyses correlating cytologic and histologic evaluations of thyroid nodules. Cytologic and histologic reports were retrieved for patients with thyroid nodules who underwent thyroid FNAB between January 2001 and December 2007, with subsequent surgical thyroid resection. Cases were classified by major cytologic and histologic diagnosis and specific diagnostic subcategories. Of 1,945 FNAB cytologic results, 180 (9.3%) were nondiagnostic; 512 (26.3%) were negative for malignancy; 27 (1.4%) were atypical; 729 (37.5%) were suspicious for malignancy; and 497 (25.6%) were positive for malignancy. Histology was benign in 1,179 (60.6%) and malignant in 766 (39.4%). For thyroid malignancy as the disease outcome, at cytologic thresholds of atypical, suspicious, and positive, overall sensitivity of thyroid FNAB was 94.5%, 94.1%, and 65.0%, respectively, and specificity was 46.0%, 48.3%, and 98.5%, respectively. Positive predictive value for all malignancies was 97.0%, and negative predictive value was 92.0%. When separated by specific malignant outcomes, diagnoses of papillary carcinoma, medullary carcinoma, and lymphoma had specificity of suspicious FNAB diagnoses ranging from 90.5% to 99.6%; positive predictive value ranged from 87.5% to 91.4%. For follicular or Hürthle carcinoma, suspicious FNAB diagnoses had a specificity of 52.5% and a positive predictive value of 5.9%. Sensitivity of indeterminate FNAB diagnoses ranged from 72.7% to 95.3%. For follicular or Hürthle pattern malignancies, indeterminate cytologic diagnoses should be interpreted with caution by the clinician considering surgical management. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012;40:E27–E32. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Reexamination of the Psychometric Properties of the School-Wide Evaluation Tool (SET)

As a follow-up to Horner et al., this study focuses on the internal consistency and validity of the School-wide Evaluation Tool (SET) at all school levels. Analyzing SET data from 833 elementary, 264 middle, and 93 high schools, the authors focused on (a) describing commonalities and differences in SET data across the school levels, (b) assessing the SET's internal consistency at all school levels, and (c) examining the SET's validity as the extent to which SET scores collected by external observers correlated with Team Implementation Checklist (TIC) scores reflecting internal self-assessments. Results indicated that overall, the SET performs best in elementary schools, shows less cohesion in middle and high schools, and highly correlates with TIC scores. Based on these results, the authors formulated a number of recommendations to improve the utility of SET data for research and implementation decisions across school levels and implementation phases.
An Accurate Closed-Form Approximation of the Distributed MIMO Outage Probability

The mutual information (MI) of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system over Rayleigh fading channel is known to asymptotically follow a normal probability distribution. In this paper, we first prove that the MI of distributed MIMO (DMIMO) system is also asymptotically equivalent to a Gaussian random variable (RV) by deriving its moment generating function (MGF) and by showing its equivalence with the MGF of a Gaussian RV. We then derive an accurate closed-form approximation of the outage probability for DMIMO system by using the mean and variance of the MI and show the uniqueness of its formulation. Finally, several applications for our analysis are presented.
Business models and information systems for sustainable development

Businesses are expected to explore market opportunities in the area of sustainable development, thus contributing to finding solutions aiming at sustainable quality of life. This will require adaptation and innovation of business models and information systems, with challenges of particular interest to the business modeling and software design community. This paper briefly discusses two relevant topics in this respect, namely (i) goal and value modeling, and (ii) model-driven development. We mention existing work that can be taken as a starting point for addressing sustainability issues, and we make some observations that may be taken into account when extending existing work.
Structure and Increased Thermostability of Rhodococcus sp. Naphthalene 1,2-Dioxygenase

ABSTRACT Rieske nonheme iron oxygenases form a large class of aromatic ring-hydroxylating dioxygenases found in microorganisms. These enzymes enable microorganisms to tolerate and even exclusively utilize aromatic compounds for growth, making them good candidates for use in synthesis of chiral intermediates and bioremediation. Studies of the chemical stability and thermostability of these enzymes thus become important. We report here the structure of free and substrate (indole)-bound forms of naphthalene dioxygenase from Rhodococcus sp. strain NCIMB12038. The structure of the Rhodococcus enzyme reveals that, despite a ∼30% sequence identity between these naphthalene dioxygenases, their overall structures superpose very well with a root mean square deviation of less than 1.6 Å. The differences in the active site of the two enzymes are pronounced near the entrance; however, indole binds to the Rhodococcus enzyme in the same orientation as in the Pseudomonas enzyme. Circular dichroism spectroscopy experiments show that the Rhodococcus enzyme has higher thermostability than the naphthalene dioxygenase from Pseudomonas species. The Pseudomonas enzyme has an apparent melting temperature of 55°C while the Rhodococcus enzyme does not completely unfold even at 95°C. Both enzymes, however, show similar unfolding behavior in urea, and the Rhodococcus enzyme is only slightly more tolerant to unfolding by guanidine hydrochloride. Structure analysis suggests that the higher thermostability of the Rhodococcus enzyme may be attributed to a larger buried surface area and extra salt bridge networks between the α and β subunits in the Rhodococcus enzyme.
Non-asymptotic performance bounds for downlink MU-MIMO scheduling

We consider the user selection downlink MU-MIMO scheduling problem in the practical case where there are more users than transmit antennas. First, we deduce a number of structural properties for the sum data rate maximization function under the reduced-complexity suboptimal approaches of zeroforcing dirty-paper (ZF-DP) and zero-forcing beamforming (ZFBF) precoding. Next, we take advantage of the algorithmic literature proposed in the context of combinatorial auctions when bidders have subadditive valuations and propose a novel, fast, greedy approach with very low computational complexity. Then, we establish that both the proposed greedy algorithm and a previously proposed algorithm, which iteratively augments the scheduled user set, attain a M-approximation factor for both ZF-BF and ZF-DP precodings, where M is the number of antennas. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that non-asymptotic performance bounds are obtained for this problem. Finally, we compare via simulations the average sum rates achieved by the greedy algorithms with the capacity of the channel and show that they all achieve the full multiplexing gain and their performance is not far from the optimal.