Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Some results on the reliability of multiple path-shaped facility location on networks

In this paper we study a location problem on networks that combines three important issues: 1) it considers that facilities are extensive, 2) it handles simultaneously the location of more than one facility, and 3) it incorporates reliability aspects related to the fact that facilities may fail. The problem consists of locating two path-shaped facilities minimizing the expected service cost in the long run, assuming that paths may become unavailable and their failure probabilities are known in advance. We discuss several aspects of the computational complexity of problems of locating two or more reliable paths on graphs, showing that multifacility path location with and without reliability issues is a difficult problem even for 2 facilities and on very special classes of graphs. In view of this, we focus on trees and provide a polynomial time algorithm that solves the 2 unreliable path location problem on tree networks in O(n2) time, where n is the number of vertices.
Investor communication in equity-based crowdfunding: a qualitative-empirical study

Purpose - – This study’s aim is to investigate the role of investor communication in equity-based crowdfunding. The study explores whether and how investor communication can reduce information asymmetries between investors and new ventures in equity-based crowdfunding, thereby facilitating the crowd’s investment decisions. Design/methodology/approach - – This paper follows an exploratory qualitative research approach based on semi-structured interviews with 23 market participants in equity-based crowdfunding: 12 investors, 6 new ventures and 5 third parties (mostly platform operators). After analyzing, coding and categorizing the data, this paper developed a theoretical framework and presented it in a set of six propositions. Findings - – The results indicate that the venture’s overall impression – especially perceived sympathy, openness and trustworthiness – is important to reduce perceived information asymmetries of investors in equity-based crowdfunding. To communicate these soft facts, personal communication seems to be replaced by pseudo-personal communication over the Internet (e.g. videos, investor relations channels and social media). In addition, the communications of third parties (e.g. other crowd investors, professional and experienced investors and other external stakeholders) influence the decision-making process of investors in equity-based crowdfunding. Third-party endorsements reduce the perceived information asymmetries and lower the importance of pseudo-personal communications by the venture. Originality/value - – Prior research shows that investor communication reduces information asymmetries between companies and investors. Currently, little is known about the role of investor communication in equity-based crowdfunding. This study focuses on the role of investor communication to reduce the perceived information asymmetries of investors in equity-based crowdfunding.
Probabilistic assessment of slope stability for earth-fill dams having random soil parameters

This paper deals with probabilistic slope stability analyses of earth-fill dams. Hydraulic conductivity, unit weight, cohesion and internal friction angle of the soil are considered as random variables. Seepage flow through the dam body is solved by Monte Carlo simulation method (MCSM). Reliability analyses of both upstream and downstream slopes of the dam are performed with reference to variations in pore water pressure using MCSM. Five different limit equilibrium methods are utilized for slope stability calculations. Soil sampling frequency is shown to be an important issue in the analyses. Also, the effect of stochastic seepage flow model on slope stability analysis is investigated. Deterministic seepage flow model is proved to cause underestimated reliability indices in probabilistic slope stability analysis.
Emotional Dysregulation and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury: A Meta-Analytic Review

Abstract Emotion dysregulation is generally agreed to be an important risk factor for non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). It is not clear, however, which aspects of emotional dysregulation are more strongly related to NSSI. This article aimed to present a meta-analytic review of the associations between the different dimensions of emotional dysregulation and NSSI. In total, 42 studies with 46 samples were included in the meta-analyses. Results showed that higher levels of emotional dysregulation in all eight dimensions (i.e., lack of emotional awareness, lack of emotional clarity, non-acceptance of emotional responses, limited access to effective emotional regulation strategies, difficulties controlling impulses when experiencing negative emotions, difficulties engaging in goal-directed behaviors when experiencing negative emotions, inability to express emotions, and emotional reactivity) were associated with increased risk of NSSI, with the strength of the associations between emotional reactivity and limited access to effective emotional regulation strategies and NSSI being the strongest. Moreover, NSSI measure type significantly moderated the association between limited access to emotional regulation strategies and NSSI. Findings of this review highlight some limitations of the existing literature, such as the use of cross-sectional designs, the inclusion of predominantly individuals from western countries, and the lack of examination of the mechanisms underlying the emotional regulation function of NSSI. These limitations represent important directions for future research.
Synergy of SEM and Ultramicrotomy: SBEM Spreading from Life Sciences to Materials Science

Serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBFSEM, SBEM) is a well established method in life sciences. The combination of ultramicrotomy and scanning electron microscopy enables imaging with high resolution and the reconstruction of big volumes compared to other methods. Recent publications, where computer simulations were performed additionally to volumetric information about different materials, show that this method will contribute to material sciences, technology and industry services.
Time averaging, ageing and delay analysis of financial time series

We introduce three strategies for the analysis of financial time series based on time averaged observables. These comprise the time averaged mean squared displacement (MSD) as well as the ageing and delay time methods for varying fractions of the financial time series. We explore these concepts via statistical analysis of historic time series for several Dow Jones Industrial indices for the period from the 1960s to 2015. Remarkably, we discover a simple universal law for the delay time averaged MSD. The observed features of the financial time series dynamics agree well with our analytical results for the time averaged measurables for geometric Brownian motion, underlying the famed Black–Scholes–Merton model. The concepts we promote here are shown to be useful for financial data analysis and enable one to unveil new universal features of stock market dynamics.
MicroRNA-181 inhibitor protects against sevoflurane-induced hippocampal apoptosis and memory impairment

We aimed to investigate whether miR-181 was associated with sevoflurane-induced neurodegeneration, as well as to elucidate the potential regulatory mechanism of miR-181 in hippocampus. We established a model by administering 2% sevoflurane into rats from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. We then conducted quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to determine the expression of miR-181. We then used lentivirual tools to down-regulate the expression of miR-181 in hippocampus, and discovered the effect of miR-181 inhibition on sevoflurane-induced hippocampal function and apoptosis after sevoflurane exposure using Morris water maze and hippocampal terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining. Besides, the expression levels of PSD95, total CREB and p-CREB were determined by western blot. miR-181 was significantly upregulated in hippocampus following general anesthesia by sevoflrane. In addition, sevoflrane could induce hippocampal apoptosis and memory impairment, and miR-181 inhibition could alleviate these negative effects induced by sevoflrane to some extent. Besides, miR-181 inhibition increased the expression of PSD95 and p-CREB/CREB that was significant decreased after sevoflrane exposure in hippocampus. Our findings indicate that miR-181 negatively modulated sevoflrane-induced hippocampal apoptosis and memory impairment possibly through regulating the levels of PSD95 and p-CREB/CREB ratio. MiR-181 inhibitor may effectively protect against sevoflurane-induced hippocampal impairments.
Attachment of Salmonella spp. to pork meat

Five strains of Salmonella, one wildtype and four knock-out mutants (the prg, flhDC, yhjH and fliC genes) were investigated based on their probability to attach and subsequently detach from a surface of pork fillet. The attachment followed by detachment was measured and modelled for two different contact times using cells coming from either a planktonic or an immobilized state of growth. The results showed that the probability of detachment generally decreased when the contact time increased and that the highest difference between contact times was achieved when the cells were grown planktonic. Introduction Severe infections caused by Salmonella contaminated food products still pose a threat to human health. A critical step in transferring Salmonella from animals to the consumer is usually through the slaughter process where contamination is almost unavoidable. A better understanding of the behaviour of Salmonella in food production environments is needed for optimization of the production and thereby minimizing the contamination. Attachment is an important prerequisite for adhesion and persistence of Salmonella in the food production chain. The adhesion of bacteria to a surface is influenced by many factors such as surface composition, roughness, charge and hydrophobicity of both the surface and the cells (Tresse et al. 2007). It is also affected by cell surface structures such as flagella and fimbriae (Dickson and Koohmaraie 1989, Li and Mclandsborough 1999). The surface structure typically results in the formation of colonies due to the immobilization of the bacteria. Previous studies have shown that certain bacteria under stressed conditions grow differently when they are immobilized as colonies, compared to their behaviour during planktonic growth (Brocklehurst et al. 1995, 1997). Using the IFR Gel Cassette System (Brocklehurst et al. 1995), which allows the study of immobilized cells, it is possible to mimic growth on biological surfaces so that growth in food (as immobilized cells) and planktonic growth (cells in solution) can be compared under controlled conditions. In this study, the Gel Cassette System was used together with a developed meat surface model in order to study whether Salmonella immobilized as colonies reacts differently according to the probability of detachment when transferred to a surface of pork meat compared to cells grown planktonic. From a wildtype Salmonella serotype Typhimurium, four knock-out strains (deletion of the prg and flhDC operon and the yhjH and fliC genes; all involved in the flagellum biosynthesis pathway) were constructed. The knock-out strains were investigated and compared to the wildtype strain with respect to their ability to detach from a pork fillet surface during a blotting series. Material and Methods Strains Strains used in this study are listed in Table 1.The deletion of the prg operon and the yhjH gene were made in Salmonella serotype Typhimurium 4/74 as described by Datsenko and Wanner (2000). Table 1. List of strains
Automatic Stabilisation, Discretionary Policy and the Stability Pact

This paper describes recent trends on the efficiency of stabilisers in the European Union. Using both macro evidence on the cyclical sensitivity of budget deficit to economic activity, and micro evidence on the tax and expenditure profiles, we conclude, in agreement with the recent literature, that the importance of automatic stabilisation has decreased. After remarking that this trend is contradictory with the current economic institutions of Europe relying exclusively on automatic stabilisation for the conduct of fiscal policy, we argue that increasing flexibility, one alternative way to reduce cyclical fluctuations, does not seem a viable path. The paper concludes defending the appropriateness of discretionary fiscal policy. We argue by means of a simple model that the theoretical arguments against its use are not conclusive, and we describe a recent stream of literature, based on structural VAR models, that concludes rather robustly for the effectiveness of discretionary fiscal policy in the short and long run.
The Relationship between Athletic Identity and Physical Activity among Former College Athletes

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between athletic identity and physical activity among former college athletes. The relationship was first examined with former Division I athletes (N=56) and then in a second sample of former Division III athletes (N=18) and non-athletes (N=31) from a small college. All participants (N=105) completed the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS), the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire, and the Stage of Exercise Behavior Change measure. The AIMS was a positive predictor of physical activity, and this relationship was stronger for alumni who had participated in college athletics. While former college athletes had higher AIMS scores, they were not more active than alumni who did not participate in college athletics. Former athletes were also more likely than non-athletes to report a decrease in physical activity after college. Substantial decreases in physical activity after the conclusion of a collegiate athletic career have important health implications for former college athletes, which warrant the development of transitional programs that promote lifelong physical activity participation among NCAA student-athletes.
Automatic Shadow Detection in 2D Ultrasound

Automatically detecting acoustic shadows is of great importance for automatic 2D ultrasound analysis ranging from anatomy segmentation to landmark detection. However, variation in shape and similarity in intensity to other structures in the image make shadow detection a very challenging task. In this paper, we propose an automatic shadow detection method to generate a pixel-wise shadow confidence map from weakly labelled annotations. Our method jointly uses; (1) a feature attribution map from a Wasserstein GAN and (2) an intensity saliency map from a graph cut model. The proposed method accurately highlights the shadow areas in two 2D ultrasound datasets comprising standard view planes as acquired during fetal screening. Moreover, the proposed method outperforms the state-of-the-art quantitatively and improves failure cases for automatic biometric measurement.
Bioactive coating for titanium based bone anchored implants

The aim of this study was to show that cathodic polarization can be used for coating commercial implant surfaces with an immobilized but functional and bioavailable surface layer of strontium (Sr). Moreover, this study assessed the effect of fluoride on Sr-attachment. XPS revealed that addition of fluorine (F) to the buffer during coating increased surface Sr-amounts but also changed the chemical surface composition by adding SrF2 alongside of SrO whereas pre-treatment of the surface by pickling in hydrofluoric acid appeared to hinder Sr-attachment. Assessment of the bio-availability hinted at a positive effect of Sr on cell differentiation given that the surface reactivity of the original surface remained unchanged. Additional SrF2 on the surface appeared to reduce undesired surface contamination while maintaining the surface microtopography and micro-morphology. Anyhow, this surface modification revealed to create nano-nodules on the surface.
Optomyography (OMG) : A Novel Technique for the Detection of Muscle Surface Displacement Using Photoelectric Sensors

Several techniques have been introduced for detecting, measuring, processing and analyzing the signals generated during muscular activities. With the development of more advanced technical solutions, the measurement and analysis of these signals help not only to understand the medical abnormalities and characterization of muscle activities but also to develop human machine interfaces of higher efficiency. In this work, a novel technique to detect and measure the displacement caused on the surface of the skin due to muscle activities was introduced and developed using near-infrared photoelectric sensors. The new technique was coined as OptoMyoGraphy (OMG). In order to evaluate the new technique, real-time pairs of signals were registered using two photoelectric sensors measuring near-infrared rays reflected on the forearm while moving the hand to make a number of different gestures. Different pairs of signals, changing over time and showing repeated patterns while repeating the same hand gesture, were measured for different hand gesture. The signal to noise ratio (SNR) of these signals was good enough to be able to differentiate among the pairs of signals which correspond to different hand gestures using visual inspection.
A study on Leisure Satisfaction and Quality of Life – Based on badminton participants

This study aims to discuss the situation and the relations between Leisure Satisfaction and Quality of Life of badminton participants. Badminton participants in Kaohsiung City were selected as the research subjects. With convenience sampling, 400 questionnaires were distributed during Aug. 10 th – Sep. 10 th , 2010. Total 360 valid copies were retrieved, with the retrieval rate 90%. Furthermore, t test, One-way Analysis of Variance, and Canonical Correlation Analysis were utilized for statistics analyses. The research outcomes are stated as follows. 1. The badminton participants with different marital status presented distinct Quality of Life, in which married badminton participants showed better Quality of Life than single participants on Social Factors and Physiological Factors. 2. The badminton participants with various occupations appeared different Leisure Satisfaction, in which participants as civil servants revealed better Social Interaction and Physical and Mental Conditions than the ones in agriculture and industry. 3. The badminton participants with distinct family monthly incomes displayed different Leisure Satisfaction, in which participants with more than 6000-dollar family monthly income showed better Social Interaction and Physical and Mental Conditions than the ones with less than 20000-dollar family monthly income. 4. Leisure Satisfaction of the badminton participants would affect Quality of Life.
Performance Evaluation of Digital Phase-Locked Loops for Advanced Deep Space Transponders

T. M. Nguyen and S. M. HinediCommunications Systems Research SectionH. -G. Yeh and C. KyriacouSpacecraft TelecommunicationsEquipment SectionThe performances of the digital phase-locked loops (DPLL's) for the advanceddeep-space transponders (ADT's) are investigated. DPLL's considered in this ar-ticle are derived from the analog phase-locked loop, which is currently employedby the NASA standard deep space transponder, using S-domain to Z-domain map-ping techniques. Three mappings are used to develop digital approximations of thestandard deep space analog phase-locked loop, namely the bilinear transformation(BT), impulse invariant transformation (liT), and step invariant transformation(SIT) techniques. The performance in terms of the closed loop phase and mag-nitude responses, carrier tracking jitter, and response of the loop to the phaseoffset (the difference between the incoming phase and reference phase) is evaluatedfor each digital approximation. Theoretical results of the carrier tracking jitterfor command-on and command-off cases are then validated by computer simula-tion. Both theoretical and computer simulation results show that at high samplingfrequency, the DPLL's approximated by all three transformations have the sametracking jitter. However, at low sampling frequency, the digital approximation us-ing BT outperforms the others. The minimum sampling frequency for adequatetracking performance is determined for each digital approximation of the analogloop. In addition, computer simulation shows that the DPLL developed by BTprovides faster response to the phase offset than liT and SIT.
Firm Characteristics and the Choice between Straight Debt and Convertible Debt among Malaysian Listed Companies

The study investigates the relationship between firm specific characteristics and choices between straight debt and convertible debt issuances by Malaysian listed companies. The unique irredeemable feature of most convertible debts issued in Malaysia and the fast growth of the Malaysian bond market following the Asian economic crisis render this study to be conducted. Seven firm characteristics variables were selected based on previous literature namely tax consideration, debt ratio, tangibility, firm size, growth opportunities, profitability, and net operating cash flow. The result concludes that relatively smaller companies with lower debt tax shield, higher debt ratio, lower profitability and lower growth opportunity are more likely to issue convertible debt. The findings are consistent with the trade-offs theory where tax consideration and bankruptcy are given due attention in financing decision but does not provide support for the ‘risk shifting hypothesis’ and ‘backdoor listing hypothesis’.
Title Financial Fraud Detection Model : Based on Random Forest Permalink

Business’s accelerated globalization has weakened regulatory capacity of the law and scholars have been paid attention to fraud detection in recent years. In this study, we introduced Random Forest (RF) for financial fraud technique detection and detailed features selection, variables’ importance measurement, partial correlation analysis and Multidimensional analysis. The results show that a combination of eight variables has the highest accuracy. The ratio of debt to equity (DEQUTY) is the most important variable in the model. Moreover, we applied four statistic methodologies, including parametric and non-parametric models to construct detection models and concluded that Random Forest has the highest accuracy and the non-parametric models have higher accuracy than non-parametric models. However, Random Forest can improve the detection efficiency significantly and have an important practical implication.
Multiscale design for solid freeform fabrication

One of the advantages of solid freeform fabrication is the ability to fabricate complex structures on multiple scales, from the macroscale features of an overall part to the mesoscale topology of its internal architecture and even the microstructure or composition of the constituent material. This manufacturing freedom poses the challenge of designing across these scales, especially when a part with designed mesostructure is part of a larger system with changing requirements that propagate across scales. A setbased multiscale design method is presented for coordinating design across scales and reducing iterative redesign of SFF parts and their mesostructures. The method is applied to design a miniature unmanned aerial vehicle system. The system is decomposed into disciplinary subsystems and constituent parts, including wings with honeycomb mesostructures that are topologically tailored for stiffness and strength and fabricated with selective laser sintering. The application illustrates how the design of freeform parts can be coordinated more efficiently with the design of parent systems.