Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Complexity-reduced iterative MAP receiver for interference suppression in OFDM-based spatial multiplexing systems

In this paper, we propose a reduced-complexity iterative algorithm for joint maximum a posteriori (MAP) detection and the cochannel interferences (CCIs) suppression in orthogonal frequency-division multiplex (OFDM)-based spatial multiplexing systems, also known as multiple-input-multiple-output systems. The receiver employs an iterative architecture in which each iteration stage consists of channel/covariance estimation for CCIs and MAP detection, which suppresses interference while detecting the data. The interference suppression is performed in the MAP detection by whitening the interferences through a combination of the estimated covariance with the conventional MAP detection metric. Moreover, a complexity-reduction scheme is proposed for implementing an iterative MAP receiver without incurring performance degradation. Extensive simulations have demonstrated that the proposed scheme dramatically improves the performance compared to that of an iterative MAP scheme without interference suppression. The receiver complexity is significantly reduced with negligible performance degradation. Furthermore, it also can effectively suppress not only synchronous CCIs, but also all kinds of asynchronous CCIs without any a priori information on the CCIs.
Hydrophobicity Profiles for Protein Sequence Analysis

Hydrophobic interactions are a major force in protein folding and numerous hydropathy scales have been developed to quantify the relative hydrophobicity of the amino acids. Hydropathy profiles can be used to examine the surface features of proteins in order to generate hypotheses that can be confirmed experimentally. This unit describes the application of hydrophobicity plots to typical problems and provides suggested uses for a few selected scales.
Automatic information retrieval of Chinese business card

Document image understanding techniques have been widely used in many application domains. Various kinds of documents have been researched and different methods are developed for information retrieval purpose. In this paper we present a practical method to extract information items from Chinese business card. Before retrieval information in business card, the image of business card had been segmented into little text regions and each text region had been recognized. Because the typeset of business card is variable, and both English and Chinese characters are used, so there are errors in segmentation and recognition result. We focus on building a robust model that can tolerate errors and extract syntax pattern of each text lines in business card, which using both layout information and logical information. By this model, many errors will be identified and adjusted. Finally, correct property will be assigned to each text region in business card, and recognition errors will be corrected.
Assessment of Quality of Life in Hypertensive Patients

Assessing the quality of life of hypertensive patients is an important issue as it’s much worse than healthy individuals. The aim of the study was to assess the quality of life in the hypertensive patients and to evaluate the functional capacity, physical aspects, pain, general health, vitality, social aspects, emotional aspects and mental health of the patient. The Study was conducted in a Tertiary care Hospital, Erode. A total of 300 patients were selected in the study period of 6 months. Short form 36 item (SF-36) health survey questionnaire was used in this study to assess the quality of life in hypertensive patients. In the present study, mental health (Avg. score 25.8) was the component mostly affected in hypertensive patients followed by emotional aspects (Avg. score 33.43) and vitality (Avg. score 36). Social aspects (Avg. score 83.14), physical aspects (Avg. score 75.4) and functional capacities (Avg. score 67.1) appear to be least affected. Pain (Avg. score 49.3) was moderately affected and physical aspect (Avg. score 75.4) was least affected by hypertension. Proper treatment and awareness about hypertension is necessary for the patient’s mental and emotional well being.
Sliding-Mode and Spring-Relaxation-Like Technique for Location Estimation in Wireless Sensor Networks

In order to reduce the location estimation error in wireless sensor network (WSN), a localization algorithm is proposed combining sliding-mode and spring-relaxation-like techniques for wireless sensor networks in this paper. Our proposed method takes advantage of the spring-relaxation technique. The overall accuracy of the location estimations is improved by sliding-mode technique. The convergence of the proposed algorithm is proved using the convergence conditions of discrete sliding-mode. Moreover, it requires only a few beacons with known locations to compute the location estimations of all sensors. Simulation examples demonstrate the overall accuracy of the proposed method.
Exploring the Suitability of Existing Tools for Constructing Executable Java Slices

Java is a managed programming language, and Java programs are executed in a virtual machine (VM) environment. Java VMs not only execute the primary application program, but also perform several other auxiliary tasks at runtime. Some of these auxiliary tasks, including the program profiling and security checks, are typically performed inline with the program execution, stalling the application progress and slowing program execution. We hypothesize that the execution of individual inline auxiliary tasks do not need knowledge of the entire previous program state. In such cases, it might be possible to abstract individual or sets of auxiliary tasks, along with the code statements that compute the required program state, and execute them in a separate thread. The results of such abstracted auxiliary tasks can then be made available to the main program before they are needed, eliminating the execution time stall and improving runtime program efficiency. However, to test this hypothesis we need access to robust tools to determine and generate the program slice required for each auxiliary task. The goal of this thesis is to study existing Java slicers, test their ability to generate correct executable slices, and evaluate their suitablity for this project. Additionally, we also aim to compare the size of the static slice with the minimal dynamic program slice for each task. This comparison will allow us to determine the quality of the static slicing algorithm for Java programs, and provide us with knowledge to enhance the slicing algorithm, is possible. To our knowledge, one of the most robust static Java slicer implementation available publicly is the Indus Java Analysis Framework developed at Kansas State University. We also found the latest dynamic java slicer, which was developed at Saarland University. For this thesis we study these two state-of-the-art Java slicers and evaluate their suitability for our parallelization project. We found that although the Indus slicer is a very efficient and robust tool for the tasks it was originally intended to per-
Islamic talismanic tradition in nineteenth-century Asante

interrelated combination of philosophy and practice" (p. 41). When speaking of conception, Trogawa accepts the Western biological notion of the union of semen and ovum (p. 48), which, as pointed out by Nawang Dakpa in his paper, 'Certain problems of embryology according to the Tibetan medical tradition' (pp. 82-95), is unknown to traditional Tibetan medicine (p. 84). Nawang Dakpa deals with some points of embryology according to the Vai.durya sngon-po ('Blue Beryl'), the famous commentary to the rGyud bzhi, written in 1678-1688 by the great scholar and lay regent of Tibet, Sangs-rgyas-rgyamtsho. The whole process of conception and birth is conveniently illustrated by two of the twelve black-and-white plates appended to Emmerick's paper (ES 16). Emmerick's contribution, 'Some Tibetan medical tankas' (pp. 56-78), is a detailed analysis of sixteen painted scrolls photographed during the author's visit to the Medical and Astrological College of Lhasa in 1983. Emmerick has compared these pictures with relevant Tibetan medical iconographic sources published up to 1988. The paintings belong to a series of seventy-nine scrolls, the earliest set of which was commissioned by Sangs-rgyas-rgya-mtsho to illustrate his Vaiduirya sngon-po. Although a set has been recently published by Serindia in Tibetan medical paintings (by Y Parfilonovitch, G Done and F Meyer, London, 1992), Emmerick's contribution is interesting in as much as it shows variants between paintings belonging to different sets, both in the iconography and in the captions. A place apart is occupied by Charles Bawden's paper, 'Written and printed sources for the study of Mongolian medicine' (pp. 100-25), where the author, besides classifying the literature on the subject, attempts to assess the bearing which the Tibetan medical tradition had upon Mongolian medicine. Biographical notes on the contributors are appended to the volume (pp. 126-8). It is a pity that the publication of these proceedings should have been delayed for so many years and followed that of Tibetan medical paintings, which have provided so much new information, especially concerning the Tibetan materia medica. In spite of this handicap, Aspects of classical Tibetan medicine is a useful contribution to the history of Tibetan medicine and shows that the only possible approach to such a complicated topic is the close collaboration of Western and Tibetan physicians, linguists and historians.
The recessive phenotype displayed by a dominant negative microphthalmia-associated transcription factor mutant is a result of impaired nucleation potential

In the DNA binding domain of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), four mutations are reported: mi, Mi wh, mi ew, and mi or. MITFs encoded by the mi, Mi wh, mi ew, and Mi or mutant alleles (mi-MITF, Mi wh-MITF, Mi ew-MITF, and Mi or-MITF, respectively) interfered with the DNA binding of wild-type MITF, TFE3, and another basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper protein in vitro. Polyclonal antibody against MITF was produced and used for investigating the subcellular localization of mutant MITFs. Immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting revealed that more than 99% of wild-type MITF and Mi wh-MITF located in nuclei of transfected NIH 3T3 and 293T cells. In contrast, mi-MITF predominantly located in the cytoplasm of cells transfected with the corresponding plasmid. When the immunoglobulin G (IgG)-conjugated peptides representing a part of the DNA binding domain containing mi and Mi wh mutations were microinjected into the cytoplasm of NRK49F cells, wild-type peptide and Mi wh-type peptide-IgG conjugate localized in nuclei but mi-type peptide-IgG conjugate was detectable only in the cytoplasm. It was also demonstrated that the nuclear translocation potential of Mi or-MITF was normal but that Mi ew-MITF was impaired as well as mi-MITF. In cotransfection assay, a strong dominant negative effect of Mi wh-MITF against wild-type MITF-dependent transactivation system on tyrosinase promoter was observed, but mi-MITF had a small effect. However, by the conjugation of simian virus 40 large-T-antigen-derived nuclear localization signal to mi-MITF, the dominant negative effect was enhanced. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the interaction between wild-type MITF and mi-MITF occurred in the cytoplasm and that mi-MITF had an inhibitory effect on nuclear localization potential of wild-type MITF.
The Transfer of Control in British and German IPOs

This paper analyses the evolution of ownership and control in German and UK IPOs. In a first stage we try to explain why the pre-IPO shareholders of some firms sell out whereas those of other firms do not. German IPOs are matched by size with UK IPOs to obtain a first sample and matched by industry to obtain a second sample. Ownership and control for both matched samples evolves in a different way. An empirical model based on recent theories of ownership is specified, which explains differences in ownership within and across the two countries. The main explanatory factors are different levels of risk, liquidity constraints of the initial shareholders and different levels of pre-IPO ownership concentration. In a second stage we examine whether the targets of takeovers have different characteristics than firms that become widely held. We do not find any major differences.
Trapping of Soliton Molecule in a Graphene-Based Mode-Locked Ytterbium-Doped Fiber Laser

We reported on the trapping of soliton molecule in a passively mode-locked ytterbium-doped fiber laser with a microfiber-based graphene saturable absorber (GSA). By virtue of the highly nonlinear effect of microfiber-based GSA, the multipulse formation, such as the soliton molecule, is greatly enhanced despite of the all-normal dispersion regime. Depending on the cavity parameter selections, it was found that the conventional multisoliton could be reconstructed and then evolve into the soliton molecule. The soliton molecule trapping of two polarization components with a 0.65-nm wavelength separation was observed, which propagated as a group-velocity locked vector soliton despite of the cavity birefringence. The obtained results provide an enhanced understanding of dynamics of the soliton molecule.
Distributed-Memory Parallel Algorithms for Counting and Listing Triangles in Big Graphs

Big graphs (networks) arising in numerous application areas pose significant challenges for graph analysts as these graphs grow to billions of nodes and edges and are prohibitively large to fit in the main memory. Finding the number of triangles in a graph is an important problem in the mining and analysis of graphs. In this paper, we present two efficient MPI-based distributed memory parallel algorithms for counting triangles in big graphs. The first algorithm employs overlapping partitioning and efficient load balancing schemes to provide a very fast parallel algorithm. The algorithm scales well to networks with billions of nodes and can compute the exact number of triangles in a network with 10 billion edges in 16 minutes. The second algorithm divides the network into non-overlapping partitions leading to a space-efficient algorithm. Our results on both artificial and real-world networks demonstrate a significant space saving with this algorithm. We also present a novel approach that reduces communication cost drastically leading the algorithm to both a space- and runtime-efficient algorithm. Further, we demonstrate how our algorithms can be used to list all triangles in a graph and compute clustering coefficients of nodes. Our algorithm can also be adapted to a parallel approximation algorithm using an edge sparsification method.
Text-independent speaker recognition using orthogonal linear prediction

The main objective of this work was to investigate the effectiveness of long-term averages of the orthogonal linear prediction parameters in text-independent speaker recognition. To investigate the possibility of feature selection, a technique using dynamic programming (1) was used to select a subset of k best features among the entire set N. The results indicate that the parameters comprising the optimal set chosen are speaker-dependedt. Verification accuracies of 96.5% were obtained using the selected optimal 8- parameter (out of 12) feature set for each speaker in a verification scheme, in which the reference parameters were generated from 100 seconds of time-spaced voiced speech and the test parameters were generated from 5 seconds of voiced speech.
Comparison of corticosterone responses to acute stressors: Chronic jugular vein versus trunk blood samples in mice

A commonly used method for obtaining blood samples from mice is decapitation. However, there is an obvious need for repeated blood sampling in mice under stress-free conditions. Here, we describe a simple technique to repeatedly collect blood samples from conscious, freely moving mice through a chronically implanted jugular vein catheter. Furthermore, we compare plasma corticosterone (CORT) concentrations in samples obtained through the catheter 1 day after surgery with samples taken from trunk blood obtained under basal or acute stress conditions. CORT concentrations in repeated 100-μl venous blood samples were found to be similar to trunk blood samples both under basal conditions and after stressor exposure collected at identical time points (at 5, 15, and 60 min). Using both techniques, we demonstrate a progressive increase in CORT levels until 15 min after termination of stressor exposure and a decrease towards baseline values 60 min later. Anxiety-related behavior, as assessed on the elevated plus maze 3–4 days after surgery, did not differ between catheterized and non-catheterized mice. Our results provide evidence for application of jugular vein catheterization as a technique for repeated blood sampling in conscious laboratory mice. Use of this technique will greatly reduce the number of animals required for experiments involving endocrine endpoints.
Three-Phase VSI Optimal Switching Loss Reduction Using Variable Switching Frequency

Loss reduction in converters is one of main targets in power electronics to obtain higher efficiency and lower thermal stress, which can enhance the lifetime of devices. This paper presents a variable switching frequency technique for switching loss reduction in a three-phase voltage source inverter, obtaining similar output current quality as that of a space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) algorithm. This type of optimization has not been applied for a three-phase system before. Simulation and experimental results are also shown. The output current ripple rms value of three-phase SVPWM is used as the optimization constraint. Results of the optimization of the switching losses with quality constraints in the switching frequency as the variable are presented for different load angles and compared with classical SVPWM. Experimental results show that this technique can save up to nearly $19\%$ in switching losses with similar total harmonic distortion of the output current, concluding that converter losses are reduced without reducing output current quality.
Modelling Takeover Likelihood

This paper employs a multinomial logit model in an attempt to better understand the motives behind takeovers. The results from the multinomial logit models show that the characteristics of hostile and friendly targets differ significantly and that these differences also vary depending on the time period under investigation. The results give some support to the disciplining role of the hostile takeover. Furthermore, conclusions based on a simple binomial logit model are likely to be misleading and result in incorrect inferences regarding the characteristics of firms subject to takeover.
Bribery as Negotiation: A Decision Making Perspective

The majority of research in conflict management focuses on conflict resolution: the process of reaching a mutually beneficial solution for the negotiating parties. However, some negotiations impart substantial negative externalities onto third parties, so resolving the conflict may not be a socially optimal solution. Bribery is one such example: potential bribe-givers and bribe-takers often negotiate on the price, speed and quality of services. The outcome of a “successful” negotiation may be a structurally unsound building, or a driver’s license holder who cannot drive. The current paper examines bribery from a behavioral decision making perspective, zooming in on the economic and moral motivations of the negotiating parties and argues that the assignment of moral responsibility for bribery exchanges may play a significant role in the process. The lessons and policy suggestions stemming from this framework are compared and contrasted to the currently dominant approaches for controlling corruption: economic incentives and publicity campaigns condemning bribery.
Comparative Appraisal of Metro Stations in Delhi Using Data Envelopment Analysis in a Multimodal Context

Urban public transit is a critical component for sustainable urban development and is crucial to multisector expansion of a developing economy. Continuous monitoring of infrastructure performance and assessment of its effectiveness are required to continually improve service quality. The urban agglomeration of Delhi, India, was studied for the efficacy of its multimodal urban public transit system. The toolkit used was Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), a linear optimization technique that estimates relative efficiencies of its decision making units (DMUs) for a multitude of inputs and outputs. The study area includes the Red and Yellow lines of the Delhi Metro network. Commuter-based questionnaires were used to collect 1,328 valid responses about demographic, travel time, and quality perception parameters, which were analyzed, and relative rankings of the DMUs were evaluated. The efficiency was analyzed according to the Red and Yellow lines divided into seven corridor segments and individual stations. Results revealed efficiency scores and inefficiency slacks for which improvement strategies are proposed.
Debt Issuances, Capital Structure Changes and Stock Return Performance

Debt financing is a major source of corporate financing in many emerging countries including Malaysia. However, the knowledge on shareholders wealth created from debt financing decision and sources of the wealth creation is scant and inconclusive. The scarcity of literature is more noticeable in emerging market environment and market where Islamic debt securities coexist with conventional debt securities. In response to this knowledge gap, this study attempts to examine the short and long run stock return performance of debt security issuers as well as the determinants of the long run stock return performance. Samples of 136, 165, 145, and 126 bond issues during January 2001 to October 2009 are used for analyzing short run announcement effects, as well as one, two, and three year performance, respectively. Using event study method, this study finds that the shareholders of bond-issuing firm experience significantly positive wealth creation around the announcement of the issues. Value weighted average of cumulative abnormal return and buy and hold abnormal return of the portfolio of debt issuers as well as the intercept of Fama-French three factor model is used for estimating the long run performance. The significance of buy and hold return is tested by implementing bootstrapped skewness adjusted, and heteroscedasticity and serial correlation consistent t-statistics. Results show that the shareholders of bond issuing firms experience significant long run performance in three-year period after the issue. Among the significant determinants, capital structure change, growth opportunity, and ownership concentration influence long run performance positively. The effects of growth opportunity and ownership concentration are significantly moderated by capital structure changes. Some variables only affect the long run performance when the debt issuance is associated with capital structure change. Among them, choice of Islamic debt, debt tax shield. and free cash flow which influence the long run performance negatively, while firm size influences positively. As a whole, this study finds evidence for partial applicability of trade off and agency costs theory in explaining long run wealth creation by the debt financing decision in Malaysia. The results of this study indicate that large companies and high ownership concentration companies should issue debts for meeting their financial requirement. Large companies can enjoy the benefits of issuing debts, such as interest tax saving, without facing severe financial distress costs, while high ownership concentration companies that issue debts can retain control on the companies' activities and overcome usage of free cash flows for private benefits.