Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
the efficacy of foreign exchange market intervention in Malawi

The Malawi Kwacha was floated in February 1994. Since then, the Reserve Bank of Malawi has periodically intervened in the foreign exchange market. This paper analyses the effectiveness of foreign exchange market interventions carried out by the Reserve Bank of Malawi. We use a GARCH (1, 1) model to simultaneously estimate the effect of intervention on the mean and volatility of the Malawi kwacha. Using monthly exchange rates and official intervention data from January 2002 to February 2006, the empirical results suggest that intervention activities of the Reserve Bank of Malawi affect the kwacha. In line with similar findings elsewhere in the literature, the paper finds that net sales of dollars by the Reserve Bank of Malawi depreciate, rather than appreciate, the kwacha. This effect is very small, however. Moreover, the paper also finds that the Reserve Bank of Malawi intervention reduces the volatility of the kwacha. This shows that the Reserve Bank actually achieves its objective of smoothing out fluctuations of the kwacha. This can be evidenced by the stability of the kwacha during a greater part of 2004. Thus intervention is, to some extent, used as an effective tool for moderating fluctuations of the kwacha. However, its effectiveness is constrained by the amounts of foreign exchange reserves, which are usually low.
Applying Dynamic Model for Multiple Manoeuvring Target Tracking Using Particle Filtering

In this paper, we applied a dynamic model for manoeuvring targets in SIR particle filter algorithm for improving tracking accuracy of multiple manoeuvring targets. In our proposed approach, a color distribution model is used to detect changes of target's model . Our proposed approach controls deformation of target's model. If deformation of target's model is larger than a predetermined threshold, then the model will be updated. Global Nearest Neighbor (GNN) algorithm is used as data association algorithm. We named our proposed method as Deformation Detection Particle Filter (DDPF) . DDPF approach is compared with basic SIR-PF algorithm on real airshow videos. Comparisons results show that, the basic SIR-PF algorithm is not able to track the manoeuvring targets when the rotation or scaling is occurred in target' s model. However, DDPF approach updates target's model when the rotation or scaling is occurred. Thus, the proposed approach is able to track the manoeuvring targets more efficiently and accurately.
No-Arbitrage Restrictions and Yield Curve Forecasting

This paper proposes to use No-Arbitrage Affine Term Structure Models as prior information on a Vector Autoregression (VAR) of yields. We evaluate the forecasting performance of the proposed approach against alternative models such as an unrestricted VAR and a Random Walk. As a result, we show that using No-Arbitrage restrictions leads to significant improvements in forecasting the yield curve.
Sentiment mining: An approach for Bengali and Tamil tweets

This paper presents a proposed work for extracting the sentiments from tweets in Indian Language. We proposed a system that deal with the goal to extract the sentiments from Bengali & Tamil tweets. Our aim is to classify a given Bengali or Tamil tweets into three sentiment classes namely positive, negative or neutral. In recent time, Twitter gain much attention to NLP researchers as it is most widely used platform that allows the user to share there opinion in form of tweets. The proposed methodology used unigram and bi-gram models along with different supervised machine learning techniques. We also consider the use of features generated from lexical resources such as Wordnets and Emoticons Tagger.
Predicting References to Dynamically Allocated Objects

Dynamic storage allocation has become increasingly important in many applications, in part due to the use of the object-oriented paradigm. At the same time, processor architectures are including deeper cache memory hierarchies to hide the increasing latency to main memory. In this paper, we investigate efforts to predict which heap objects will be highly referenced at the time they are allocated. Our approach uses profile-based optimization, and considers a variety of different information sources present at the time of object allocation to predict the object’s reference frequency. Our results, based on measurements of four allocation intensive programs, show that program references to heap objects are highly skewed and that our prediction methods can successfully predict the program objects that will be the most highly referenced. We show that using this technique, a large fraction of a program’s heap references can be directed at a part of the heap that is small enough to fit in the cache (e.g., 8–64 kilobytes). ∗This research supported by NSF Grant CCR-9404669 and an equipment donation from Digital Equipment Corporation.
Computerized evaluation simulator based on the CIPP model

An attempt was made to build a computer simulation model based on an evaluation model. The model (CIPP) systematically examined each stage of evaluation activities (context, input, process, and product of a project). The administrators, funds, and program effectiveness were considered as major factors in a simulation model. An optimal solution approach was chosen to evaluate the simulation results. Jackson's time independent solution was used to calculate the solution. The purpose of this project was to construct an evaluation simulation model based on the CIPP model, so that the evaluator would be able to envisage the best-fit evaluation design using a given educational setting. The major factors were the characteristics of the students and the school, the preferential attitude of the administrators to a specific project and program, and the availability and capability of programs and funding agencies. This paper presents the methodology used in building the CIPP simulation. The study is composed of four sections: 1. A theoretical framework in which a systems analytical view of the CIPP model is presented. This includes descriptions and interactions of the functions within and between the components of CIPP model. 2. A system synthesis of the CIPP model in which the concept of probabilistic operations is implemented. 3. A theoretical presentation of the optimal solution of a simulation model which gives an estimation of what would be a good strategy an evaluator may adopt. 4. A summary of the results from the simulation experiment.
Contrasting responses of forest ecosystems to rising atmospheric CO2: Implications for the global C cycle

In two parallel but independent experiments, Free Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) technology was used to expose plots within contrasting evergreen loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) and deciduous sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.) forests to the level of CO2 anticipated in 2050. Net primary production (NPP) and net ecosystem production (NEP) increased in both forests. In the year 2000, after exposing pine and sweetgum to elevated CO2 for approximately 5 and 3 years, a complete budget calculation revealed increases in net ecosystem production (NEP) of 41% and 44% in the pine forest and sweetgum forest, respectively, representing the storage of an additional 174 gC m−2 and 128 gC m−2 in these forests. The stimulation of NPP without corresponding increases in leaf area index or light absorption in either forest resulted in 23–27% stimulation in radiation‐use efficiency, defined as NPP per unit absorbed photosynthetically active radiation. Greater plant respiration contributed to lower NPP in the loblolly pine forest than in the sweetgum forest, and these forests responded differently to CO2 enrichment. Where the pine forest added C primarily to long‐lived woody tissues, exposure to elevated CO2 caused a large increase in the production of labile fine roots in the sweetgum forest. Greater allocation to more labile tissues may cause more rapid cycling of C back to the atmosphere in the sweetgum forest compared to the pine forest. Imbalances in the N cycle may reduce the response of these forests to experimental exposure to elevated CO2 in the future, but even at the current stimulation observed for these forests, the effect of changes in land use on C sequestration are likely to be larger than the effect of CO2‐induced growth stimulation.
Development of a Preliminary Design Method for Subsonic Splittered Blades in Highly Loaded Axial-Flow Compressors

This paper presents a model for predicting the reference minimum-loss incidence and deviation angles of a blade arrangement with splitter vanes, which is probably a solution for future ultra-highly loaded axial compressor designs. The motivation of the modeling is to guide the blading design in splittered compressor design processes where the additional splitter vanes must be specially considered. The development of the model is based on a blade performance database from systematic numerical simulations. Basic correlations of the model are firstly proposed, which consider dominant blade geometry parameters related to blade loading, including camber angle and solidity. Secondly, geometric and aerodynamic corrections about orientation parameter, blade maximum thickness, inlet Mach number, and three-dimensional (3D) effects are empirically incorporated into the basic correlations. Eventually, a subsonic 3D splittered rotor is designed using the correlations coupled with the corrections obtained from the validation of the model. The results indicate that the model is able to achieve a good agreement within an error band of ±1.0° for the predictions of both reference minimum-loss incidence and deviation angles, and the rotor designed using the model accomplishes the desired work input and flow deflection.
Timed Quorum System for Large-Scale Dynamic Environments

This report presents Timed Quorum System (TQS), a new quorum system especially suited for large-scale and dynamic systems. TQS requires that two quorums intersect with high probability if they are used in the same small period of time. It proposes an algorithm that implements TQS and that verifies probabilistic atomicity: a consistency criterion that requires each operation to respect atomicity with high probability. This TQS implementation has quorum of size O(√nD) with expected access time of O(log√nD) message delays, where n measures the size of the system and D is a required parameter to handle dynamism.
Photocatalytic Degradation Study of Methylene Blue Solutions and Its Application to Dye Industry Effluent

Zinc oxide (ZnO) was used in the photocatalytic decolourisation and degradation study of a dye namely, methylene blue (MB). The effect of the various rate determining parameters like initial dye concentration, catalyst loading, pH of the medium, temperature of the dye solution on the photodegradation of MB were studied in detail. The various thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of the process were evaluated. The MB degradation and its reaction kinetics analysis was utilised in the photocatalytic treatment of an actual effluent collected from an industry manufacturing intermediates for dyes. It revealed that the effluent could be effectively decolourised and degraded by photocatalytic method, without generation of any hazardous wastes or by-products as evident from the considerable reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD) values.
Trade development strategy, regional economic development and cooperation: The case of the Murmansk region, Russia

The purpose of the article is to explore the concept of a trade development strategy and to identify its impact on cross-border trade and cooperation. The case focuses on the Murmansk region and cross-border trade with Finland. This study is designed as a qualitative, single-case, embedded study. Primary data collection was executed by means of a survey and semi-structured interviews. The acquired data were analyzed by developing a case description. In this study trade development strategy is understood from the practice theory perspective and is defined as a set of strategic activities initiated by formal and informal institutions. The concept of a trade development strategy includes activities related to (1) intelligent growth, (2) trade promotion, (3) infrastructure development, and (4) support for market access and international trade cooperation. This study reveals that the absence of a thoroughly devised international trade development strategy in the Murmansk region does not allow for the streamlining of strategizing activities related to trade development; therefore the activities tend to be uncoordinated and unbalanced.
A Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Survey Conducted Three Years after Halting Ivermectin Mass Treatment for Onchocerciasis in Guatemala

Background Mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin for onchocerciasis was provided in Guatemala’s Central Endemic Zone (CEZ) over a 24 year period (1988–2011). Elimination of Onchocerca volvulus transmission was declared in 2015 after a three year post MDA surveillance period (2012–2014) showed no evidence of recrudescence. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) towards onchocerciasis and ivermectin among residents in the post endemic CEZ. A major interest in this study was to determine what community residents thought about the end of the ivermectin MDA program. Methodology/Principal Findings A total of 148 interviews were conducted in November 2014 in four formerly hyperendemic communities using a standard questionnaire on smart phones. The majority (69%) of respondents knew that the MDA program had ended because the disease was no longer present in their communities, but a slight majority (53%) was personally unsure that onchocerciasis had really been eliminated. Sixty-three percent wanted to continue to receive ivermectin because of this uncertainty, or because ivermectin is effective against intestinal worms. Eighty-nine percent of respondents said that they would seek medical attention immediately if a family member had symptoms of onchocerciasis (especially the presence of a nodule), which is a finding very important for ongoing surveillance. Conclusions/Significance Many respondents wanted to continue receive ivermectin and more than half did not believe onchocerciasis had been eliminated. The ministry of health outreach services should be prepared to address ongoing concerns about onchocerciasis in the post endemic CEZ.
Robust web page segmentation for mobile terminal using content-distances and page layout information

The demand of browsing information from general Web pages using a mobile phone is increasing. However, since the majority of Web pages on the Internet are optimized for browsing from PCs, it is difficult for mobile phone users to obtain sufficient information from the Web. Therefore, a method to reconstruct PC-optimized Web pages for mobile phone users is essential. An example approach is to segment the Web page based on its structure, and utilize the hierarchy of the content element to regenerate a page suitable for mobile phone browsing. In our previous work, we have examined a robust automatic Web page segmentation scheme which uses the distance between content elements based on the relative HTML tag hierarchy, i.e., the number and depth of HTML tags in Web pages. However, this scheme has a problem that the content-distance based on the order of HTML tags does not always correspond to the intuitional distance between content elements on the actual layout of a Web page. In this paper, we propose a hybrid segmentation method which segments Web pages based on both the content-distance calculated by the previous scheme, and a novel approach which utilizes Web page layout information. Experiments conducted to evaluate the accuracy of Web page segmentation results prove that the proposed method can segment Web pages more accurately than conventional methods. Furthermore, implementation and evaluation of our system on the mobile phone prove that our method can realize superior usability compared to commercial Web browsers.
Design and Implementation of GIS-Based Logistic Information System

To improve the efficiency and high quality service of the logistic companies, a GIS-based logistics information system is designed and implemented by this paper. Firstly, it analyzes the requirements of the logistics management information system established on the GIS platform. The system realizes the application service by the architecture of B/S (Browser/Server) structure. Then the database design, the module and function design about the system are discussed in the paper. This framework in the practical application has made impressive result, and was provided as an effective one.
Protocol for Privacy-Preserving Set Pattern Matching

Motivated by the demand of databases outsourcing and its security concerns, privacy-preserving set operations have been a research hotspot in distributed scenario. By combining Shamir secret sharing scheme and homomorphic encryption, we propose a protocol for privacy-preserving set pattern matching, this protocol constructed in this paper is provably secure against a semi-honest adversary under the Decisional Diffie-Hellman assumption. This is the first specific protocol for privacy-preserving set pattern matching in the cryptographic model at present.
3D LIDAR processing for vehicle safety and environment recognition

Automotive safety systems like “Adaptive Cruise Control” (ACC), “Lane Change Assist” and pre-crash systems are nowadays dealing with the detection of vehicles on the road. All major upper class vehicle manufacturers like Mercedes, BMW, Chrysler and Lexus as well as leading suppliers (Bosch, Continental, Delphi) are currently developing intelligent vehicle safety systems. For vehicle environment perception many different sensors are under investigation. Well known and cheap devices like grayscale cameras are already integrated in many cars today, e.g. for parking assist functions. To meet the requirements for extremely reliable and robust environment recognition additional sensors and multi sensor data fusion approaches have to be applied. New sensors like 3-dimensional measuring multilayer laser scanner systems will be introduced in the near future to deliver environment information for these systems. By fusing multiple sensors like laser and radar systems the reliability level of automotive safety applications will be improved significantly. The paper presents an approach for the processing of the data of a multilayer laser scanner (lidar) for the detection of vehicles in road environments. The lidar data is processed using a new 3-dimensional occupancy grid. An example is given for an automotive pre-crash safety application.
Towards the Layout of Things

When writing a user interface (UI), the layout of its elements play an important role. Programmers should be able to specify the layout of UIs in an intuitive way, while being able to separate the concern of laying out the UI from the rest of the software implementation. Ideally, the same layout language can be used in multiple application domains, so the programmer only has to learn one set of layout concepts. In this paper we introduce such a general-purpose layout language. We obtain this language by abstracting from a layout language we have introduced in previous work for declaratively defining Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG). We show that this abstract layout language can be instantiated for multiple domains: the SVG library by which the language is inspired, ncurses-based text-based user interfaces, and iTasks. In all of these cases, a separation of concerns is maintained.
Posterior Cingulate Lactate as a Metabolic Biomarker in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment

Mitochondrial dysfunction represents a central factor within the pathogenesis of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) spectrum. We hypothesized that in vivo measurements of lactate (lac), a by-product of glycolysis, would correlate with functional impairment and measures of brain health in a cohort of 15 amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) individuals. Lac was quantified from the precuneus/posterior cingulate (PPC) using 2-dimensional J-resolved magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Additionally, standard behavioral and imaging markers of aMCI disease progression were acquired. PPC lac was negatively correlated with performance on the Wechsler logical memory tests and on the minimental state examination even after accounting for gray matter, cerebral spinal fluid volume, and age. No such relationships were observed between lac and performance on nonmemory tests. Significant negative relationships were also noted between PPC lac and hippocampal volume and PPC functional connectivity. Together, these results reveal that aMCI individuals with a greater disease progression have increased concentrations of PPC lac. Because lac is upregulated as a compensatory response to mitochondrial impairment, we propose that J-resolved MRS of lac is a noninvasive, surrogate biomarker of impaired metabolic function and would provide a useful means of tracking mitochondrial function during therapeutic trials targeting brain metabolism.
sBarse : Sparse biplots component analysis

A method for facilitating the principal components interpretation is proposed. The principal components loadings are simplified (sparsified) by exploring the approximation features of a list of sparse biplots. The resulting sparse (sBarse) loadings matrix have maximum product of adjusted variance and RV-coefficient. By construction, each original variable corresponds to only one sBarse component, which makes the solution transparent and uniquely interpretable. In addition, the method finds the appropriate number of components to retain. A well-studied data set is used for numerical illustration. Then the proposed method is applied to a real gene expression data set with p À n. Each sBarse component contains a cluster of genes, which are non-overlapping with the genes in the other components.
A disparity map estimation algorithm for the three-dimensional swept volume display: Optical adaptive direction Normalized Cross-Correlation window

This paper presents a disparity map estimation algorithm for the three-dimensional (3D) swept volume display based on multi-view stereo. In this paper, we first segment the interested object from row-aligned images by optical flow. Then the Normalized Cross-Correlation function and adaptive direction window are integrated for stereo correspondence, which means to use the direction window to fix boundary problems, statistical parameters to sparse texture issues, precise initial matching principle to repetitive texture troubles, image pyramids to the improvement of computation speed difficulties. The results show the robustness and efficiency of this algorithm.
Some Notes on Global Coordination of Local Linear Models

In this note we discuss two imrprovements of the EM algorithm for coordinated mixtures of probabilistic Factor Analyzers and Principal Component Analyzers. We also discuss methods for weighted low-rank approximations which can be used to optimize an objective quite similar to that of the coordinated mixtures of factor analyzers.