Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Bit Allocation in Rateless Coded MISO Downlink System with Limited Feedback

Rateless coding is a new type of feed-forward incremental redundancy channel coding technique which can be incorporated with MIMO technology to exploit both the diversity and coding gain with possibly reduced channel feedback. In this paper, the benefits of limited feedback beamforming and rateless coding are investigated jointly in a multiple-input single-output (MISO) downlink system. Based on weight enumerator analysis and with the goal of improving the effective channel gain, we propose an adaptive bit allocation scheme by taking advantage of the inherent relationship between the feedback codebook size and the number of transmitted coded bits. Given the feedback codebook size, we derive the required minimum number of coded bits for a reliable data recovery. In addition, for the service with time delay constraint, the required feedback codebook size is also determined. Finally, numerical results are presented to validate our theoretical analysis.
The Recruitment of Passion and Community in the Service of Capital: Community Managers in the Digital Games Industry

Globalization and technical change have had a significant impact on work in the cultural industries. Online games are services that are networked, operate around the clock and require ongoing player and company input. The industry's content production networks are dispersed internationally, and many of its services are offered transnationally. These new services have generated new forms of work, like community management, which are often outsourced to near-to-market locations. Much of the research on media work is focused on high status creative occupations or the free labour of amateurs. This paper draws upon the findings of a content analysis of job advertisements and face-to-face interviews with community managers to examine the recruitment and work of community managers. Using scholarship on media production, media work and emotional labour this article argues that recruitment and organizational practices surrounding community managers appropriate passion, community, and experience in the service of capital, but also marginalize these workers. While community managers see themselves as creative workers, their visibility and creative autonomy are limited by organizational and workplace cultures.
Advancing Leadership

Preparing students to become active citizens and contributors to a democratic society is premised on teaching democratic principles and modeling standards of democratic practice at all levels of education. The purpose of this integrative literature review is to establish a conceptual framework grounded in literature and a model for cultivating democratic professional practice in education (DPPE) to advance leadership for school improvement. This work is presented in three parts: (a) a review of historical references, reports, and legislation that culminated in increased accountability and standards in P-12 public education; (b) a discussion of social patterns in education generally associated with bureaucracy versus democracy; and (c) a new contribution to the literature, a model for cultivating DPPE is conceptualized to encourage leading and teaching professionals to reflect on beliefs and evaluate practices in advancing leadership for school improvement. Recommendations are included for further research.
Inhibition of TRB3 Protects Photoreceptors against Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Induced Apoptosis after Experimental Retinal Detachment

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the expression of tribbles homologue 3 (TRB3) and its regulation on endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-induced photoreceptor apoptosis after retinal detachment (RD) using a rat model. Methods: RD animal model was created in Wistar rats by subretinal injection of 1% sodium hyaluronate. At various time points after RD, expression of TRB3 was detected by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting. TRB3 protein distribution in retina was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. RNA interference was used to inhibit TRB3 expression and subretinal injection of lentivirus TRB3 shRNA (LV-TRB3-sh) was performed. The rats were then randomly divided into four groups: normal control group, RD group, vehicle + RD group and LV-TRB3-sh + RD group. The mRNA and protein level of TRB3 as well as Caspase-12 were detected. TdT-mediated fluorescein-16-dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay was used to detect the apoptosis of retinal cells. Retinal outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness was measured to assess retina damage in each group. Results: TRB3 expression and TRB3-positive cell count were significantly increased after RD and peaked at day 3 after RD. The ratio of TUNEL-positive photoreceptors and expression of ERS-induced apoptosis marker Caspase-12 in LV-TRB3-sh + RD group were significantly reduced. The ONL thickness in LV-TRB3-sh + RD group was thicker than that both in RD group and vehicle + RD group. Conclusion: TRB3 expression is up-regulated in retinas after RD and knockdown of TRB3 protects photoreceptors against ERS-induced apoptosis. TRB3 may be a crucial molecule in photoreceptor apoptosis induced by ERS after RD.
Information Theory, Kelly Betting, Risk, Reward, Commission, and Omission: An Example Problem in Breast Cancer

In binary classification, two-way confusion matrices, with corresponding measures, such as sensitivity and specificity, have become so ubiquitous that those who review results may not realize there are other and more realistic ways to visualize data. This is, particularly, true when risk and reward considerations are important. The approach suggested here proposes that classification need not offer a conclusion on every instance within a data set. If an algorithm finds instances (e.g., patient cases in a medical data set) in which attributes pertaining to a patient's disease offer zero to nil information, there should be no classification offered. From the physician's perspective, disclosure of nil information should be welcome because it might prevent potentially harmful treatment. It follows from this that the developer of a classifier can provide summary results amendable for helping the consumer decide whether or not it is prudent to pass or act (commission versus omission). It is not always about balancing sensitivity and specificity in all cases, but optimizing action on some cases. The explanation is centered on John Kelly's link of gambling with Shannon information theory. In addition, Graham's margin of safety, Bernoulli's utiles, and Hippocratic Oath are important. An example problem is provided using a Netherlands Cancer Institute breast cancer data set. Recurrence score, a popular molecular-based assay for breast cancer prognosis, was found to have an uninformative zone. The uninformative subset had been grouped with positive results to garner higher sensitivity. Yet, because of a positive result, patients might be advised to undergo potentially harmful treatment in the absence of useful information.
Exploiting Best-Match Equations for Efficient Reinforcement Learning

This article presents and evaluates best-match learning, a new approach to reinforcement learning that trades off the sample efficiency of model-based methods with the space efficiency of model-free methods. Best-match learning works by approximating the solution to a set of best-match equations, which combine a sparse model with a model-free Q-value function constructed from samples not used by the model. We prove that, unlike regular sparse model-based methods, best-match learning is guaranteed to converge to the optimal Q-values in the tabular case. Empirical results demonstrate that best-match learning can substantially outperform regular sparse model-based methods, as well as several model-free methods that strive to improve the sample efficiency of temporal-difference methods. In addition, we demonstrate that best-match learning can be successfully combined with function approximation.
Electromyographical Comparison of Plank Variations Performed With and Without Instability Devices

Abstract Snarr, RL and Esco, MR. Electromyographical comparison of plank variations performed with and without instability devices. J Strength Cond Res 28(11): 3298–3305, 2014—Although there are multiple studies involving abdominal musculature activation and instability devices (e.g., Swiss balls), there is minimal research comparing them with a suspension device (e.g., TRX). The purpose of this investigation was to measure the electromyographical (EMG) activity of the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), and erector spinae while performing planks with and without multiple instability devices. Twelve apparently healthy men (n = 6; age = 23.92 ± 3.64 years) and women (n = 6; age = 22.57 ± 1.87 years) volunteered to participate in this study. All participants performed 2 isometric contractions of 5 different plank variations, with or without an instability device, where the order of the exercises was randomized. Mean peak and normalized EMG of the RA, EO, and erector spinae musculature were compared across the 5 exercises. Results indicated that planks performed with the instability devices increased EMG activity in the superficial musculature when compared with traditional stable planks. Therefore, a traditional plank performed on a labile device may be considered an advanced variation and appropriate for use when a greater challenge is warranted. However, caution should be taken for those individuals with a history or weakness in the lumbar region due to the increases in erector spinae activation during instability planks.
Multi-frequency and multi-polarization radar measurements over paddy rice field and their relationship with ground parameters

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between microwave backscatter signatures of different bands and polarizations and paddy field parameters so as to accumulate data for accurate inversion of these parameters. In the entire rice-growing season we altogether carried out eight experiments in three paddy fields separately and got a great amount of data of four frequencies (L,S,C,X), and three polarizations (HH,VV,VH). A wide range of ground parameters, such as leaf area index (LAI), biomass (fresh weight), canopy height, stem density, roughness and so on, were measured periodically through the season. In this paper, analyses based on statistical correlation showed that the lower-frequency bands (L, S) VH and HH polarization were highly correlated with LAI, biomass and canopy height while VV polarization was poorly correlated. But the highest correlation coefficient with stem density was found in S band VV polarization. Polarization difference had high correlation coefficients on some unique conditions. Besides, we did some research on the matter that whether the paddy field was flooded.
Constraint-based dynamics simulator for humanoid robots with shock absorbing mechanisms

We propose a simulation system that achieves realistic and efficient simulations of humanoid robots. This paper focuses on a constraint-based contact force solver and virtual spring-damper joints from among the components of the system. The contact force solver can accurately simulate contacts between rigid bodies including articulated rigid bodies. LCP-like formulation of constraint conditions is solved by an iterative calculation method that extends the Gauss-Seidel method. This paper clarifies how to integrate existing methods to implement a robust and efficient solver. Virtual spring-damper joints are proposed to simulate a shock absorbing mechanism that many biped humanoid robots have in their feet to increase the stability of walking motion. The combination of the rigid contact model and the elastic virtual joints can improve the accuracy of the simulation. The simulation system was verified by experiments using humanoid robot HRP-2, and the results shows the validity of the system.
Cultural Differences in Perceptions of Intragroup Conflict and Preferred Conflict-Management Behavior

This study focused on cultural differences in perceived relationship and task conflict within groups and preferences for active and agreeable conflict-management behavior. Task conflict (low vs. high) and relationship conflict (low vs. high) were manipulated within subjects in a 2 × 2 × 2 (culture) mixed design. Japanese (n = 100) and American (n = 121) undergraduate students rated each scenario with respect to task conflict, relationship conflict, and preferred conflict-management behavior. Results showed that task and relationship conflict were mistaken for each other in both cultures; however, Americans misattributed strong task conflict to relationship conflict more than Japanese. Cultural differences in preferred conflict management also emerged. Japanese preferred active conflict management more than Americans in the strong (vs. weak) task conflict situation when relationship conflict was low (vs. high), whereas Americans preferred active conflict management more than Japanese when relationship conflict was high—regardless of task conflict. Finally, Americans preferred agreeable conflict-management behavior more than Japanese when both types of conflict were low.
Use Case Patterns Driven Requirements Engineering

Based on a novel multi-phases process, a new use case patterns catalogue is constructed. This catalogue is then utilized as a framework for a new use case patterns driven approach for requirement engineering. The application of the approach in a Test Warehouse environment showed two main promising results. First, the approach could save up to 30% of the time required for the requirements engineering phase of software development projects. Second, resulted requirements models from the proposed approach showed high completeness percentage between 85% and 95%. Nevertheless, users raised a number of concerns that has been considered to outline prospective phases of this research.
A Modular Self-Controlled Photovoltaic Charger With InterIntegrated Circuit ( $\hbox{I}^{2}\hbox{C}$) Interface

This paper presents a modular self-controlled photovoltaic (PV) charger with maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and pulse-charging schemes. The studied PV modules can be flexibly parallel connected through interleaved operation using an interintegrated circuit (I2C) interface. The MPPT control of PV panel is implemented by using a current-sensing technique with the on-state resistance of the power switch. Both an expensive hall-effect sensor and additional current-sensing resistor are not needed. A pulse-charging scheme without extra battery-current sensor is also designed to prolong the lifetime of the acid-lead battery. The operation principles and design considerations of the proposed PV charger are analyzed and discussed. A laboratory prototype is implemented and tested to verify its feasibility.
Consolidation of object recognition memory requires HRI kinase‐dependent phosphorylation of eIF2α in the hippocampus

Local control of protein synthesis at synapses is crucial for synaptic plasticity and memory formation. However, little is known about the signals coupling neurotransmitter release with the translational machinery during these processes. Here, we studied the involvement of heme‐regulated inhibitor (HRI) kinase, a kinase activated by nitric oxide that phosphorylates eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), in object recognition (OR) memory consolidation. Phosphorylated eIF2α mediates two opposing effects upon translation: translational arrest of most mRNAs and translational activation of selected mRNAs bearing specific features in their 5′untranslated regions (5′UTRs). We found that HRI kinase activation in the CA1 region of the dorsal hippocampus is necessary for retention of OR memory in rats. Accordingly, learning induced a transient increase in the phosphorylation state of eIF2α in dorsal CA1 which was abolished by the HRI kinase inhibitor N‐(2,6‐dimethylbenzyl)‐6,7‐dimethoxy‐2H‐[1]benzofuro[3,2‐c]pyrazol‐3‐amine hydrochloride (AMI). The increase in p‐eIF2α was associated with increased expression of BACE1 and activating transcription factor 4, two proteins containing eIF2α‐responsive 5′UTRs in their mRNAs that play a key role in synaptic plasticity. Our data suggests that learning promotes the transient phosphorylation of eIF2α to allow for translation of specific 5′UTR‐mRNAs through a process requiring HRI kinase activation. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Music performance anxiety in classical musicians – what we know about what works

When pursued professionally, the demands of musical training and performance can interfere with musicians' well-being and health. Music performance anxiety, while energising at optimal levels, impairs performance quality when excessive. A range of interventions has been explored to address it. However, the poor methodological quality of such studies and the complexity of this issue should mobilise further research resources in this direction.
Sustainability and the local scale: squaring the peg?

This paper examines the causes of the failure by the Region of Waterloo (Ontario, Canada) to meet its objectives on sustainability. The analysis shows that in such macro matters as sustainability, scale does indeed matter, as do numerous other factors including the degree of trust in interrelations, perceptions and convictions, conflicting interests and competing agendas, the manner in which discourse occurs on policy formation and implementation, and ideology as expressed through partisan politics. This paper contributes to the discourse on sustainability in two ways. It proposes an evolutionary, multi-dimensional analytical framework to study sustainable development. The framework is then applied to a case study to underline the political implications of operationalising sustainable development
Dynamic routing and spectrum assignment in spectrum-flexible transparent optical networks

The continual growth of Internet traffic necessitates a high-capacity transmission platform and also highlights the importance of a multi-granularity transport network due to the flexible bitrates of Internet traffic. To meet these challenges, a spectrum-flexible optical network based on orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) transmission technologies has been proposed as a promising solution because of its large transport capacity and bandwidth flexibility. In spectrum-flexible optical networks, we focus on the complete dynamic routing and spectrum assignment (RSA) problem, which integrates the signal format selection subproblem, the routing subproblem, and the spectrum assignment subproblem. In the complete RSA problem, we jointly consider the spectrum continuity constraints, the transmission distance constraints, and the relationship between the traffic bitrate and the signal bandwidth. A nonlinear programing model is presented to state the complete RSA problem. To solve the problem, we introduce a decomposition approach that divides the nonlinear problem into three steps: selecting the modulation format, solving the linear basic RSA problem, and checking the transmission distances. Based on the decomposition, we propose two heuristic approaches: modulation level fixed and adaptive RSA approaches for the complete RSA problem. Through analysis of the approaches, we prove that, in theory, the modulation level adaptive RSA approach can find the optimal solution to the complete RSA problem. The two approaches are implemented and compared in simulations. The results prove that the modulation level adaptive approaches achieve a lower capacity blocking probability than the modulation level fixed approaches.
Normative CERAD-NP Performance Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Ireland

This article seeks to develop norms for the use of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Neuropsychological (CERAD-NP) in an Irish sample, and to assess the impact of age and education on performance. A survey style design was employed. Norms for the sample (N = 99) are compared to norms reported in United States, Australian, and Finnish studies. Performance was largely in keeping with US and Australian, but not Finnish, samples. Education level was found to affect memory and constructional praxis. The norms reported in the original US study seem appropriate to the Irish context, with the exception of confrontational naming. As this dimension has been found to be beneficial in differentiating mild Alzheimer's Disease from normal aging, this should be taken into consideration when using the battery.
Do long-term followed-up Branemark TM implants commonly show evidence of pathological bone breakdown ?

The first patient provided with osseointegrated oral implants was treated in 1965, but implant treatment first became a routine procedure during the 1980s. Since then, thousands of patients have undergone restoration with implants in the partially and fully edentulous jaw and encouraging reports on the treatment results have been published (1, 3, 11, 19, 20, 24, 27, 36, 37, 46). However, during the past 10 years an increasing number of scientific papers have been published on implants associated with peri-implant bone loss, in some cases referred to as peri-implantitis (12, 18, 21, 25, 26, 44). Radiographic data on bone loss provide essential information for classification of implant outcome and the present authors are critical of any criteria for success that omit the reporting of marginal bone loss (18, 21). Studies that present detailed radiographic data on both group and individual levels in their analyses of the prevalence of continuous bone loss generally describe different criteria for the inclusion of affected implants, resulting in prevalences from 7.7% to 39.7% in long-term follow-up studies (12, 25, 26, 44). Whether or not these prevalences are comparable among studies is an important question for proper risk analyses of implant patients. The purpose of the present review is to analyze the impact of different radiographic inclusion criteria in the same patient group and to analyze the concept of continuous bone loss and its potential relation to peri-implantitis.
Intensive Use of Bayesian Belief Networks for the Unified, Flexible and Adaptable Analysis of Misuses and Anomalies in Network Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems

This paper describes the ESIDE-Depian intrusion detection and prevention system, which uses Bayesian structural and parametric learning and also evidence propagation and adaptation, in order to improve the accuracy and manageability of network intrusion detection systems (NIDS). Current NIDS do not consider the two main detection paradigms, i.e. misuse detection and anomaly detection, in an unified style, so the analysis is not inherently complete. Besides, historical data are not generally used, neither for analysis nor for sequential adaptation of the knowledge representation models used for detection; hence this wealthy information about the essence and the potential trends of the target system is not commonly considered. Thus, by the generalized use of Bayesian belief networks, ESIDE-Depian achieves the main goal of detecting and preventing both well-known and also zero-day attacks with excellent results, by means of unified real-time analysis of network traffic.