Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Supervised equalization of a linear communication channel using Generalized Orthogonal Basis (GOB)

This paper handles the supervised equalization of a Single Input Single Output (SISO) linear communication channel. The proposed equalizer is built on Generalized Orthogonal Basis (GOB). The yielded equalizer called Generalized Orthogonal Basis equalizer is tested on simulation for a linear numerical communication channel described by a transfer function and the GOB equalizer is tested in simulation where we study the performance of the equalizer developed ( constellation of the output of the equalizer and Mean Square Error MSE) and the noise effect. The GOB provides a reduced complexity equalizer and the GOB equalizer was compared to a Laguerre and FIR equalizer and the results are successful.
Cannabinoid CB1 receptor knockout mice exhibit markedly reduced voluntary alcohol consumption and lack alcohol‐induced dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens

The mechanisms underlying predisposition to alcohol abuse and alcoholism are poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the role of cannabinoid (CB1) receptors in (i) voluntary alcohol consumption, and (ii) acute alcohol‐induced dopamine (DA) release in the nucleus accumbens, using mice that lack the CB1 receptor gene (CB1–/–). CB1–/– mice exhibited dramatically reduced voluntary alcohol consumption, and completely lacked alcohol‐induced DA release in the nucleus accumbens, as compared to wild‐type mice. The gender difference, with female mice consuming significantly more alcohol than wild‐type male mice, was observed in wild‐type mice, whereas this gender difference was nonexistent in CB1 mutant male and female mice. There was also a significant gender difference, with the wild‐type, heterozygous, and mutant females consuming significantly more liquid and food than wild‐type, heterozygous and mutant males. However, the total volume of fluid consumption and food intake did not differ between wild‐type, heterozygous, and mutant mice. These results strongly suggest that the CB1 receptor system plays an important role in regulating the positive reinforcing properties of alcohol.
Opportunistic redundancy for improving reliability of embedded processors

The downscaling of technology features has brought the system developers an important design criteria, reliability, into prime consideration. Among reliability concerns, transient fault caused by external radiation effects and temperature gradients is becoming a significant factor for the erroneous execution of embedded processors. State-of-the-art reliability-aware design techniques for embedded processors are yet to take complete advantage of the instruction set and application knowledge. In this work, we present reliability protection techniques for embedded processors which opportunistically take advantage of the hardware redundancy. Several policies based on the reliability requirements from the applications are introduced to explore the reliability-performance trade-off. The efficiency of proposed techniques are demonstrated by using several embedded processors.
Provision of Farm Animal Welfare: Integrating Productivity and Non-Use Values

Decisions made by livestock producers inevitably determine the extent of actual farm animal welfare (FAW) provision in livestock production. This article identify key issues in the identification and empirical measurement of farmer's preferences for FAW-related, non-use values to encourage theoretically-sound future research to address relevant potential producer trade-off such as those between use and non-use values with consequences for the total amount of FAW provisions to be delivered to society. Producer preferences for specific non-use values, as well as their overall strength of preferences for non-use values relative to use values will determine their provision of FAW. Investment and/or adjustment costs, however, may prevent producers from changing their production system to their preferred choice and economic welfare measures will be biased whenever such costs are neglected.
Minimum Clinically Important Difference and Substantial Clinical Benefit in Pain, Functional, and Quality of Life Scales in Failed Back Surgery Syndrome Patients

Study Design. Prospective observational 1-year study. Objective. To determine minimum clinically important difference (MCID) and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) of outcome measures in failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) patients, as these metrics enable assessment of whether and when an intervention produces clinically meaningful effects in a patient. Summary of Background Data. Several methods have been devised to quantify clinically important difference, but MCID and SCB for FBSS patients has yet to be determined. Methods. Patients with persisting/recurrent low back pain (LBP) and/or leg pain after lumbar surgery who completed 16 weeks of treatment (n = 105) at two hospitals in Korea from November 2011 to September 2014 were analyzed. Global perceived effect was used to determine receiver operating characteristic curves in visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and short form-36 (SF-36) in an anchor-based approach. Results. MCIDs for ODI, LBP and leg pain VAS, physical component summary, mental health component summary (MCS), and overall health scores of SF-36 were 9.0, 22.5, 27.5, 10.2, 4.0, and 8.9, and SCBs were 15.0, 32.5, 37.0, 19.7, 19.3, and 21.1, respectively. MCID and SCB area under the curve was ≥0.8, and ≥0.7, respectively. Conclusion. LBP and leg pain VAS, ODI, and physical component summary of SF-36 may be used to measure responsiveness in FBSS patients. Level of Evidence: 3
Determinants That Control the Specific Interactions between TAB1 and p38α

ABSTRACT Previous studies have revealed that transforming growth factor-β-activated protein kinase 1 (TAB1) interacts with p38α and induces p38α autophosphorylation. Here, we examine the sequence requirements in TAB1 and p38α that drive their interaction. Deletion and point mutations in TAB1 reveal that a proline residue in the C terminus of TAB1 (Pro412) is necessary for its interaction with p38α. Furthermore, a cryptic D-domain-like docking site was identified adjacent to the N terminus of Pro412, putting Pro412 in the φB+3 position of the docking site. Through mutational analysis, we found that the previously identified hydrophobic docking groove in p38α is involved in this interaction, whereas the CD domain and ED domain are not. Furthermore, chimeric analysis with p38β (which does not bind to TAB1) revealed a previously unidentified locus of p38α comprising Thr218 and Ile275 that is essential for specific binding of p38α to TAB1. Converting either of these residues to the corresponding amino acid of p38β abolishes p38α interaction with TAB1. These p38α mutants still can be fully activated by p38α upstream activating kinase mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 6, but their basal activity and activation in response to some extracellular stimuli are reduced. Adjacent to Thr218 and Ile275 is a site where large conformational changes occur in the presence of docking-site peptides derived from p38α substrates and activators. This suggests that TAB1-induced autophosphorylation of p38α results from conformational changes that are similar but unique to those seen in p38α interactions with its substrates and activating kinases.
Formation of Molecular Complexes by N-Methyl-d-aspartate Receptor Subunit NR2B and Ryanodine Receptor 2 in Neonatal Rat Myocard*

The N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is a glutamate gated cation channel prevalent in the postsynaptic membranes of central nervous system neurons. The neurotransmitter receptor complex is thought to represent a tetramer where variable NR2 or NR3 polypeptides form heteromeric assemblies with an obligatory NR1 subunit. Recently, we showed that cardiac myocytes from perinatal rats transiently express the NMDA receptor subunit NR2B, the function of which in heart is unknown. To characterize the cardiac NR2B protein, we determined its subcellular distribution and specific molecular interaction partners. By immunostaining of rat heart tissue slices and acutely dissociated cardiac myocytes, the NR2B antigen was localized at the sarcomeric Z-bands. Using immunoprecipitation of detergent-solubilized NR2B protein and subsequent analysis employing matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry, ryanodine receptor 2 was identified as a molecular interaction partner of the cardiac NR2B polypeptide. Differences in antibody recognition indicate that the cardiac NR2B polypeptide carries a structurally altered C terminus as compared with the NR2B variant prevalent in central nervous system. Based on its localization and protein interaction, the function of cardiac NR2B protein may relate to mechanosensitivity or play a role in the regulation of the contractile apparatus of neonatal heart.
EVALUATING MEASURES TO IMPROVE AGRICULTURAL INPUT USE

This paper provides guidelines to assist policymakers and analysts in (1) identifying promising public and private actions for promoting agricultural intensification by improving the availability and profitability of agricultural inputs; and (2) evaluating the relative costs and benefits of alternative actions. The guidelines are illustrated by reference to a study of phosphate fertilizer promotion in Mali originally conducted by IFDC researchers.
How do I contribute to student teachers’ critical development?: A higher education practitioner’s personal account of a move towards a more critical and emancipatory pedagogy through design and technology

In this paper I explain how I have generated a living educational theory of practice, as a practitioner reflecting on action (Schon, 1995). I describe a self study action research project which I undertook to improve my practice, as a senior lecturer in initial teacher education. I explain how I have learnt to improve my capacity for critical consciousness as well as contribute to the capacity of those in whose learning I may have an educational influence. Through carrying out the research, I show how my values concerning emancipation, social justice and respect for the environment are realised more fully in my practice and how I use these values as living standards of judgement to test and validate my claim to knowledge. My claim is that I have contributed to improvement of students’ knowledge, understanding, awareness and critical consciousness of some aspects of global citizenship through my specialist subject, primary design and technology.
Crystal structure of isocitrate dehydrogenase from Aeropyrum pernix

Introduction. Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) catalyzes the reversible oxidative decarboxylation of D-isocitrate to 2-oxoglutarate and CO2, with NAD (EC 1.1.1.41) or NADP (EC 1.1.1.42) as a cofactor, in the presence of Mn or Mg . IDHs from each of the three domains of life have been cloned and sequenced, and dimeric and multimeric IDHs have been divided into three phylogenetic subfamilies. Subfamily II is mainly comprised of eukaryal NADP -dependent IDHs. Subfamily III is comprised of NAD -dependent hetero-oligomeric mitochondrial IDHs and one NADP -dependent IDH from Thermus thermophilus. Subfamily I is a prokaryotic group, in which the NAD and NADP usage is widespread within archaeal and bacterial enzymes. All archaeal IDHs belong to subfamily I and are closely related to the IDH from Escherichia coli (EcIDH) and that from Bacillus subtilis IDH (BsIDH), whose three-dimensional structures have already been reported. The cofactor specificity of EcIDH is conferred through interactions between NADP and several amino acid residues. These residues are practically conserved in the archaeal NADP -dependent IDHs and are in accordance with cofactor specificity. The activity of EcIDH is regulated through phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of the Ser113 residue, which is catalyzed by IDH kinase/phosphatase. The dimeric IDH from a hyperthermophilic archaeon, Aeropyrum pernix (ApIDH), also belongs to subfamily I and requires NADP as a cofactor. ApIDH is coded by an open reading frame (ORF) APE0689 and exhibits 48% amino acid sequence identity with EcIDH. The enzyme is the most thermostable IDH identified so far, with a melting temperature of 109.9°C. Here, we present the three-dimensional structure of ApIDH.
Behavior activity trace method - application to dead locks detection in a mobile robot navigation

In the paper a novel approach to representation of a history in a mobile robot navigation is presented. The main assumptions and key definitions of the proposed approach are discussed in this paper. An application of the method to detection a dead end situations that may occur during the work of reactive navigation systems is presented. The potential field method is used to create an algorithm that gets the robot out of the dead-lock. Simulations that show the effectiveness of the proposed method are also presented.
How Does Twitter User Behavior Vary Across Demographic Groups?

Demographically-tagged social media messages are a common source of data for computational social science. While these messages can indicate differences in beliefs and behaviors between demographic groups, we do not have a clear understanding of how different demographic groups use platforms such as Twitter. This paper presents a preliminary analysis of how groups’ differing behaviors may confound analyses of the groups themselves. We analyzed one million Twitter users by first inferring demographic attributes, and then measuring several indicators of Twitter behavior. We find differences in these indicators across demographic groups, suggesting that there may be underlying differences in how different demographic groups use Twitter.
Britain, the Charter of Rights and the spirit of the 1982 Canadian Constitution

The Canadian Constitution remained a British statute from 1867 to 1982, a situation that endured even after the country became independent in 1931. As a result, every time Canadians wanted constitutional changes, legislation had to be passed in Westminster. Between 1980 and 1982, following the Quebec referendum on independence, the then Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau undertook to change this situation. This meant devising a Canadian amending formula and, most importantly for Trudeau, the inclusion of an entrenched bill of rights in the constitution. Trudeau's initial project was opposed by eight of 10 provinces and this situation proved difficult for the UK. The opposing provinces lobbied British lawmakers in order to convince them to vote against the federal request. That situation eventually forced Ottawa to accept a diluted version of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Welfare Dominance: an Application to Commodity Taxation

The paper suggests a method which enables the user to identify commodities that all individuals who can agree on certain weak assumptions with regard to the social welfare function will agree upon as worth subsidizing or taxing in the absence of efficiency considerations. The method is based on an extension of the stochastic dominance criteria and it is illustrated using data from Israel.
Pengaruh Roe, Npm, Leverage dan Nilai Pasar terhadap Harga Saham

Analisis fundamental perusahaan dilakukan investor sebelum memilih saham mana yang akan dibeli guna memperoleh keuntungan di waktu mendatang. Perusahaan yang memiliki prospek baik adalah perusahaan yang mampu menjaga efisiensi pemanfaatan sumber dayanya dengan mencapai keuntungan yang baik. Investor harus mampu menganalisis kinerja keuangan perusahaan agar saham yang dipilihnya benar - benar memberikan hasil yang positif. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji pengaruh Return On Equity , Net Profit Margin , Debt to Equity Ratio dan Price Earning Ratio terhadap harga saham perusahaan properti dan real estate di Bursa Efek Indonesia. Metode penelitian ini adalah teknik analisis regresi berganda. Hasil pengujian menunjukkan bahwa Return On Equity dan Price Earning Ratio memiliki pengaruh positif signifikan terhadap harga saham, sedangkan Rasio Debt to Equity Ratio memiliki pengaruh negatif signifikan terhadap harga saham. Net Profit Margin berpengaruh tidak signifikan terhadap harga saham.
Improving web site security with data flow management

This dissertation describes two systems, Resin and BFlow, whose goal is to help Web developers build more secure Web sites. Resin and BFlow use data flow management to help reduce the security risks of using buggy or malicious code. Resin provides programmers with language-level mechanisms to track and manage the flow of data within the server. These mechanisms make it easy for programmers to catch server-side data flow bugs that result in security vulnerabilities, and prevent these bugs from being exploited. BFlow is a system that adds information flow control, a restrictive form of data flow management, both to the Web browser and to the interface between a browser and a server. BFlow makes it possible for a Web site to combine confidential data with untrusted JavaScript in its Web pages, without risking leaks of that data. This work makes a number of contributions. Resin introduces the idea of a data flow assertion and demonstrates how to build them using three language-level mechanisms, policy objects, data tracking, and filter objects. We built prototype implementations of Resin in both the PHP and Python runtimes. We adapt seven real off-the-shelf applications and implement 11 different security policies in Resin which thwart at least 27 real security vulnerabilities. BFlow introduces an information flow control model that fits the JavaScript communication mechanisms, and a system that maps that model to JavaScript’s existing isolation system. Together, these techniques allow untrusted JavaScript to read, compute with, and display confidential data without the risk of leaking that data, yet requires only minor changes to existing software. We built a prototype of the BFlow system and three different applications including a social networking application, a novel shared-data Web platform, and BFlogger, a third-party JavaScript platform similar to that of Blogger.com. We ported several untrusted JavaScript extensions from Blogger.com to BFlogger, and show that the extensions cannot leak data as they can in Blogger.com. Thesis Supervisor: Robert T. Morris Title: Associate Professor Thesis Supervisor: Nickolai Zeldovich Title: Assistant Professor
When and How Does Supplier Opportunism Matter for Small Retailers' Channel Relationships with the Suppliers?

This study examines the moderating influences of power‐dependence structure and environmental volatility on the relationships between supplier opportunism and its outcomes. Data were collected from 102 small retailers using a mail survey. The results of multiple regressions indicate that supplier opportunism decreases small retailer credibility/benevolence and long‐term orientation. Further, the findings show that the lower the small retailer dependence, the stronger the negative influences of supplier opportunism on small retailer long‐term orientation. Finally, the lower the environmental volatility, the stronger the negative influences of supplier opportunism on small retailer credibility/benevolence and its long‐term orientation. Marketing implications and recommendations are provided.
Human–robot interaction review and challenges on task planning and programming

The wide interest of research and industry in the human–robot interaction (HRI) related topics is proportional to the increased productivity and flexibility of the production lines, as it combines human and robot capabilities. This paper presents a review of recent research and progress on HRI, related to task planning/coordination and programming with emphasis on the manufacturing/production environment. Human–robot task allocation and scheduling, metrics for HRI, as well as the social aspects are reviewed. The role of digital human modelling systems for human–robot task planning related issues is also discussed. The process of learning by demonstration as well as the instructive systems is reviewed, focussing mainly on programming through visual guidance and imitation, voice commands and haptic interaction. The aspect of physical HRI as well as the safety related issues are also discussed. Additionally, a survey on multimodal communication frameworks is presented. Challenges encountered and directions for future research are discussed.
Comprehensively context-aware approach to guaranteeing multimedia conferencing services

Service-Oriented Communication (SOC) is a key research issue to enable media communications using the Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA). Motivated by the necessity to guarantee the service quality of our web-based multimedia conferencing system, we present a Comprehensively Context-Aware (CoCA) approach in this paper. One major problem in the existing end-to-end Quality of Service (QoS) management solutions is that they analyse and exploit the relationships between the QoS metrics and corresponding contexts in an isolated manner. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to leveraging such relationships in a comprehensive manner based on Bayesian networks and the fuzzy set theory. This approach includes three phases: 1) information feedback and training, 2) QoS-to-context mapping, and 3) optimal context adaption. We implement the proposed CoCA in the real multimedia conferencing system and compare its performance with the existing bandwidth aware and playback buffer aware schemes. Experimental results show that the proposed CoCA outperforms the competing approaches in improving the average video Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR). It also exhibits good performance in preventing the playback buffer starvation.
Detection of First- and Second-Line Drug Resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Clinical Isolates by Pyrosequencing

ABSTRACT Conventional phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (DST) methods for Mycobacterium tuberculosis are laborious and very time-consuming. Early detection of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) is essential for prevention and control of TB transmission. We have developed a pyrosequencing method for simultaneous detection of mutations associated with resistance to rifampin, isoniazid, ethambutol, amikacin, kanamycin, capreomycin, and ofloxacin. Seven pyrosequencing assays were optimized for following loci: rpoB, katG, embB, rrs, gyrA, and the promoter regions of inhA and eis. The molecular method was evaluated on a panel of 290 clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis. In comparison to phenotypic DST, the pyrosequencing method demonstrated high specificity (100%) and sensitivity (94.6%) for detection of multidrug-resistant M. tuberculosis as well as high specificity (99.3%) and sensitivity (86.9%) for detection of extensively drug-resistant M. tuberculosis. The short turnaround time combined with multilocus sequencing of several isolates in parallel makes pyrosequencing an attractive method for drug resistance screening in M. tuberculosis.
The European Union and women's rights: from the Europeanization of national agendas to the nationalization of a European agenda?

ABSTRACT Whereas in other policy sectors, established, national policies have become progressively ‘Europeanized’, the EC was a major catalyst in the generation and extension of national sex equality laws. The origins of these policies lie in second-wave feminism during the late 1960s and 1970s which sought to ‘reframe’ the way in which policies affecting women were addressed. This article highlights the importance of the EC institutions, notably the European Commission and the European Court of Justice in supporting the rights of working women and forcing national policy change. The impact of these measures has nevertheless been limited by the existence of national ‘policy hinterlands’ based upon conflicting policy frames. The future development of EC sex equality policies is uncertain. ‘Mainstreaming’ is a potentially important development, but its success depends upon the willingness of policy-makers to consider routinely the gender dimension of policy options. The provisions of the Amsterdam Treaty re.