Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High-Capacity Coherent DCIs Using Pol-Muxed Carrier and LO-Less Receiver

Commonly used 4-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM-4) scheme limits the amount of data traffic that can be handled by the PAM-4 based data center interconnects (DCIs). Coherent links can support much higher data rates, albeit with a higher complexity of the receiver and much higher power consumption of the system. As a compromise solution, we suggest the use of a polarization multiplexed carrier based self-homodyne (PMC-SH) system for DCIs, which can support higher data rates with power consumption comparable to that of a PAM-4 system. Implementation of this scheme has been impeded earlier by the requirement of polarization control for proper separation of the carrier and the modulated signal at the receiver end. The proposed PMC-SH link with adaptive polarization control is a practical solution that facilitates a local oscillator (LO)-less and carrier phase recovery (CPR)-free coherent receiver. Simulation results successfully validate the proposed system for a 200 Gbps (50 Gbaud) PMC-SH 16-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (16-QAM) link. We also experimentally demonstrate a 32 Gbaud (128 Gb/s) PMC-SH 16-QAM link for a standard single-mode fiber channel. Furthermore, we analytically show that the PMC-SH scheme results in a significantly better bit-error-rate for a given transmission bit-rate or can double the data rate for a given bandwidth of electronics (when compared with the PAM-4 system).
Chapter 22 Co-creation : A way to reach sustainable social innovation ?

• A submitted manuscript is the version of the article upon submission and before peer-review. There can be important differences between the submitted version and the official published version of record. People interested in the research are advised to contact the author for the final version of the publication, or visit the DOI to the publisher's website. • The final author version and the galley proof are versions of the publication after peer review. • The final published version features the final layout of the paper including the volume, issue and page numbers.
Volatility in Panel Data of Household Expenditure

The variance of growth rates of recall food expenditure is usually greater than the variance of the income growth rate. Many researchers regard the strong volatility as a symptom of measurement error. Comparing two data sets, diary data and recall data, I find that the measurement error cannot account for the observed large variance in the consumption data. Variance decomposition of the consumption and income growth rates reveals that the permanent component of the consumption variance is smaller than that of the income variance, suggesting that the consumption smoothing holds in the long run. Short run fluctuation in consumption, however, is not caused by measurement error. The implication of this finding for the modeling of household behavior is also discussed.
Importance of Spatial Proximity between Venture Capital Investors and Investees in Germany

Based on 1182 dyads of venture capitalists and German portfolio companies involved in a financing round between 2002 and 2007, the study here examines the importance of spatial proximity between investors and investees in a dense economy. Analysis of this data shows that the probability of a financing relationship decreases by 8% if the journey time increases by one standard deviation. For deals involving very small or very large investment sums, and for less experienced venture capitalists and lead investors, spatial proximity is particularly important. The results suggest that even in economies with a dense infrastructure such as Germany spatial proximity between investor and investee impacts the likelihood of an investment.
Do Firms Buy Their Stock at Bargain Prices? Evidence from Actual Stock Repurchase Disclosures

Using new monthly data we investigate open-market repurchase executions of US firms. We find that firms repurchase at prices which are significantly lower than average market prices. This price discount is negatively related to size and positively related to market-to-book ratio. Firms’ repurchase activity is followed by a positive and significant abnormal return. Importantly, the market response occurs when firms disclose their actual repurchase data in earnings announcements, and this positive response is followed by a one month drift. Consistent with these results, we find that insider trading is positively related to actual repurchases.
PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS OF RASTERISED AUDIO FOR CROSS- SYNTHESIS

This paper describes a system for cross synthesis o f rasterised time-domain audio. Rasterisation of the audio allows alignment of the macroscopic features of audio samples of ins trument tones prior to principal component analysis (PCA). Specifi cally a novel algorithm for straightening and aligning rastogram features has been developed which is based on an interactive pro cess incorporating the Canny detection algorithm and variable re sampling. Timbral cross-synthesis is achieved by projecting a given instrument tone onto the principal components derived fro m a training set of sounds for a different tone. The alignment a lgorithm improves the efficiency of PCA for resynthesizing tone s.
Interactive comment on “ Selecting a climate model subset to optimise key ensemble properties ” by Nadja Herger et al

the aspects of their work that go beyond what has already been published. The example given as an application of their method does not seem well suited as a proof of concept to select an optimal ensemble for climate applications as it is too simple. A demonstration of how their method can be applied to multi-variable problems using multiple metrics as it would typically be needed for climate analyses would be more helpful. Another important point that is not discussed sufficiently is how to account for observational uncertainties, which is of key importance when ranking and benchmarking models. Also, even though the term ’model interdependence’ is repeatedly used, no attempt is made to define model interdependence or discuss the relevant aspects for determining an optimal ensemble. Further work is required to clarify what we can learn from this study and in which cases this method can be applied, before I can recommend publication in ESD, see details below.
The management of accounting numbers: Case study evidence from the ‘crash’ of an airline

Abstract Financial misrepresentation has usually been analysed by large‐scale empirical research. However, the generality gained from such an approach is at the cost of understanding the rich and complex nature of financial misrepresentation in real organisations.We adopt a case study approach to gain more insight into the incentives, embedded in contracts, which trigger decisions to engage in financial misrepresentation and the underlying elements of discretion in these processes. In particular, we examine whether contractual incentives should be considered as endogenous or exogenous and we take a more integrated and dynamic perspective than is typical. Our findings demonstrate that in order to understand the decision processes of real managers it is necessary to distinguish between negotiable and non‐negotiable contracts of the firm. Using a multi‐theory perspective we observe that the direction of the causation assumed in the agency framework (i.e. contracts influence behaviour) is often reversed in the case of negotiable contracts (i.e. managers influence contracts). The case findings also provide insights into a number of additional variables which enlarge the discretion of a senior manager to engage in financial misrepresentation. The manipulation of accounting numbers can be achieved by many mechanisms which traditional methods based on accruals would not detect. The use of a wider range of research methods is therefore desirable.
GENERALIZED NONLINEAR CANONICAL CORRELATION ANALYSIS WITH ORDERED CATEGORICAL AND DICHOTOMOUS DATA

In this paper, ordered categorical and dichotomous data are used in generalized nonlinear canonical correlation analysis to study the relationship between two or more sets of variables. Statistical analyses involving generalized nonlinear canonical correlation analysis, component loadings, and object scores are discussed in this paper. The proposed procedure is illustrated using a real data set (patients with high blood pressure). Analyses are done using SPSS program. The component loadings graph of the three sets shows the relationship between the three sets and their impact on the data set of patients with high blood pressure. The centroid graph of the categories also shows the relationship between them.
Positive Personality as a Predictor of High Resilience in Adolescence

This study was realized in order to explore the predictive relationships of dispositional optimism, life satisfaction, and generalized self-efficacy beliefs with resilience in a sample of 464 early, middle, and late Sicilian adolescents, randomly chosen from different Public Schools in Sicily, Italy. We used the following measures: the Italian version of Resiliency Attitudes and Skills Profile (De Caroli & Sagone, 2014), the Life Satisfaction Scale (Diener et al., 1985), the Life Orientation Test-Revised (Scheier & Carver, 1992), and the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (Schwarzer et al., 1995). Consistently with initial hypotheses, we found that highly optimist adolescents reported a more resilient profile than lowly optimist ones; highly satisfied and self-efficient adolescents showed a more resilient profile than lowly satisfied and self-efficient ones; additionally, the more the adolescents were optimist, the more they considered themselves as highly selfefficient and satisfied with their life, as well as the more the adolescents were satisfied with their life, the more they valued themselves as highly self-efficient in various circumstances. Future research will develop the role of positive aspects in depth (that is, optimism and life satisfaction) in healthy growth during infancy.
COMPARING THE OPTIMAL ALLOCATION IN STRATIFIED AND POST-STRATIFIED SAMPLING USING MULTI-ITEMS

Usually in sample surveys more than one population characteristics are estimated (multi-item). These characteristics may be of conflicting nature. Optimal allocation using a stratified random sample solves the statistical problem that may be found with proportional allocation, by ensuring that enough respondents are studied in each segment to provide the highest level of accuracy for the overall results. The study compared optimum allocation in stratified and post stratified sampling using multi-items and determined the variations of the components of the multi-items in the proposed model. The idea of optimum allocation based on the multi-items was approached using a linear programming problem that minimizes the covariance of the stratified variable subject to a fixed cost. The covariance matrix was defined based on the four socio-economic characteristics of 400 heads of household in Abeokuta South and Ijebu North Local Government Areas of Ogun State, Nigeria. The characteristics were occupation, income, household size and educational level. The data from the survey was transformed for each of the four characteristics. The estimates used in the computation were calculated using statistical analysis software Splus. From the analysis, it was seen that for both Abeokuta and Ijebu data sets, the variance based on the four characteristics as multivariate is less than that of the variables when considered as a univariate. From the results, it was seen that there was no difference in the percentage of the total variance accounted for by the different components from the merged sample when compared with the individual sample.
MATERIAL PARAMETERS CHARACTERIZING THE PERFORMANCE OF FLASHLAMP PUMPED BaLa 1 -

Complex oxides whose composition may be expressed by the general formula ΑBC3 O7 , where A stands for Ca, Sr or Ba, B stands for La or lanthanides from La to Gd and C for Al or Ga, form tetragonal crystals with a gehlenite structure (space group P42 1m). Large single crystals of BaLa 1-xNdx Ga3O7 can be grown by the Czochralski method using the automatic control of crystals diameter [1]. Their optical and spectral properties have been investigated and reported in several papers [2-4]. Basing on the results of spectroscopic investigations and on preliminary laser experiments, it has been concluded that BaLa 1x Ndx Ga3O7 is of interest for practical application as a laser active material [3].
Agent based VoIP Application with Reputation Mechanisms

In this paper we introduce our new VoIP model the aim of which is to meet the challenges of modern telephony. We present project concepts, details of implementation and our testing environment which was designed for testing many aspects of VoIP based systems. Our system combines mechanisms for ensuring best possible connection quality (QoS), load balance of servers in infrastructure, providing security mechanisms and giving control over the packet routing decisions. The system is based on Peer-to-Peer (P2P) model and data between users are routed over an overlay network, consisting of all participating peers as network nodes. In the logging process, each user is assigned to a specific node (based on his/her geographic location and nodes load). Every node also has a built-in mechanism allowing to mediate between the user and the main server (e.g. in logging process). Besides that, because nodes are participating in data transmission, we have control over the data flow route. It is possible to specify the desired route, so, regardless of the external routing protocol, we can avoid paths that are susceptible to eavesdropping. Another feature of presented system is usage of agents. Each agent acts with a single node. Its main task is to constantly control the quality of transmission. It analyzes such parameters like link bandwidth use, number of lost packets, time interval between each packets etc. The information collected by the agents from all nodes allows to built a dynamic routing table. Every node uses Dijkstra's algorithm to find the best at the moment route to all other nodes. The routes are constantly modified as a consequence of changes found by agents or updates sent by other nodes. To ensure greater security and high reliability of the system, we have provided a reputation mechanism. It is used during updating of the information about possible routes and their quality, given by other nodes. Owing to this solution nodes and routes which are more reliable get higher priority.
RASSF1C regulates miR-33a and EMT marker gene expression in lung cancer cells

RASSF1C functions as an oncogene in lung cancer cells by stimulating proliferation and migration, and reducing apoptosis. Further, RASSF1C up-regulates important protein-coding and non-coding genes involved in lung cancer cell growth, including the stem cell self-renewal gene, piwil1, and small noncoding PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs). In this article, we report the identification of microRNAs (miRNAs) that are modulated in lung cancer cells over-expressing RASSF1C. A lung cancer-specific miRNA PCR array screen was performed to identify RASSF1C target miRNA-coding genes using RNA isolated from the lung cancer cell line H1299 stably over-expressing RASSF1C and corresponding control. Several modulated miRNA genes were identified that are important in cancer cell proliferation and survival. Among the miRNAs down-regulated by RASSF1C is miRNA-33a-5p (miRNA-33a), which functions as a tumor suppressor in lung cancer cells. We validated that over-expression of RASSF1C down-regulates miR-33a expression and RASSF1C knockdown up-regulates miR-33a expression. We found that RASSF1C over-expression also increases β-catenin, vimentin, and snail protein levels in cells over-expressing miR-33a. In addition, we found that RASSF1C up-regulates the expression of ABCA1 mRNA which is a known target of miR-33a. Our findings suggest that RASSF1C may promote lung epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), resulting in the development of a lung cancer stem cell phenotype, progression, and metastasis, in part, through modulation of miR-33a expression. Our findings reveal a new mechanistic insight into how RASSF1C functions as an oncogene.
The neural systems of working memory: The Sternberg working memory task in a pediatric traumatic brain injury sample

The Neural Systems of Working Memory: The Sternberg Working Memory Task in a Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury Sample Jon Pertab Department of Psychology Doctor of Philosophy Working memory tasks are associated with the activation of widely distributed neural networks. The Sternberg working memory task has been used to explore the neural correlates associated with changes in memory load and the resolution of interference. Preliminary research suggests that the integrity of the anterior cingulate is correlated with resolving load adjustments but not in resolving interference demands; the opposite pattern of associations have been observed with the right middle frontal gyrus. Participants in the present study were 28 children who had sustained moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and 28 children who had sustained orthopedic injuries (OI). Participants were aged between 7 and 17 years at the time of injury (mean age = 13.2, s.d.=2.3). The groups were matched on age, gender, socioeconomic level, and pre-injury measures of behavioral and emotional functioning. Participants completed the Sternberg working memory task and structural MRI scans three months post injury. Automated brain parcellation software (Freesurfer) was used to calculate volumetric data for regions of interest. Regions of interest included the anterior cingulate and right middle frontal gyrus; additionally, the volume of the corpus callosum was used as an index of overall brain integrity. There were no significant differences between the groups on percent errors on the Sternberg task. Participants in the TBI group had significantly longer reaction times overall than the OI group. Interference in the Sternberg task has the potential to either help or hinder performance. Participants in the OI group displayed the anticipated effects of interference on reaction time whereas the TBI group as a whole did not display this pattern (priming effect not observed). The TBI group had significantly lower volumes in the regions of interest than the OI group. Hypothesized correlations between the regions of interest and changes in load / interference demands were partially supported. Exploratory analyses identified positive correlations between the volume of the right middle frontal gyrus and reaction time measures that warrant further exploration.
Limited farmer's response to cooperative initiatives in Rwanda's coffee sector

This paper investigates the limited farmer’s response to new initiatives in coffee cooperatives in Rwanda. These cooperatives are generally expected to improve production and farmers’ incomes. However, member rates and commitment in terms of trade with the cooperatives in the case study areas remained low. We describe the structure of the marketing chain of coffee in Rwanda, use a probit model to analyse the determinants of membership and compare determinants of costs of transactions between farmers and the cooperative and farmers and traders. Cooperatives buy coffee berries which are processed at the cooperative washing stations; traders buy dry coffee with less attention to quality. Results suggest that a group of farmers preferred to sell to traders because of their repeated transactions which are related to daily live and long-term relationships in the community. Furthermore, a lack of exclusion mechanisms from the cooperative inspires many free-riders; these are non-members who are given the opportunity to sell to the cooperative and get a better price for their coffee. The results imply that cooperatives need to assess and re-think their relational contracts with the farmers and that the cooperative will succeed in attracting and committing its members when they would build better trust relationships.
The Main Agency Problems and Their Consequences

The main aim of the paper is to present the most important conflicts of interest between "agents and principals" as well as the mechanisms for limiting these conflicts. The reduction of free cash flow through the use of debt, and the use of protective bond covenants, are important means of reducing agency costs. It is pointed out that new equity dilutes the holdings of managers with equity interests, increasing their motive to waste resources, while debt reduces free cash flow, and the opportunity for managers to waste resources. Various types of protective covenants are presented in the paper. Because shareholders must pay higher interest rates as insurance against their own selfish strategies they frequently make agreements with bondholders in the hope of paying lower interest rates. These agreements are incorporated as part of the loan document between shareholders and bondholders.These protective covenants should reduce the costs of bankruptcy and ultimately increase the value of the firm.
INTERNET OF THINGS-BASED PRODUCTS/SERVICES: PROCESS AND CHALLENGES ON DEVELOPING THE BUSINESS MODELS

Many companies nowadays are struggling to understand the unprecedented complexity of developing business models for products and services based on the Internet of Things. This article aims at investigating what are the elements to be taken into account in order to create a business model for IoT-based products/services and what are the main challenges faced in this process. To address these questions, we review the literature on the creation of business models for IoT and we analyze data from an action research involving the generation of a business model for an IoT-based product - a smart locker – in a small company. We explore how this process occurred and the challenges faced.
The use of gad o lin ium and eu ro pium con cen tra tions as con tam i nant trac ers in the Nida River wa ter shed in south-cen tral Po land Zdzis

This pa per pres ents the re sults of rare earth el e ment (REE) de ter mi na tions in the Nowiny wastewater treat ment plant (NWWTP) effluents and Nida River sys tem wa ters of the south east ern Kielce Re gion (south-cen tral Po land). Of the REE ex am ined, gad o lin ium and eu ro pium turned out to be very use ful for pin point ing anthropogenic and geogenic sources. Anthropogenic gad o lin ium (Gdanth), used as a con trast ing agent in mag netic res o nance im ag ing (MRI), is re leased from the NWWTP into the river drain age sys tem. This micropollutant is traced down stream over the dis tance of about 15 km. This river stretch is char ac ter ized by a strong pos i tive NASC-nor mal ized Gdanth anom aly with the GdNASC/GdNASC* ra tio above 1.1 (1.80–15.57) and the Gdanth in put vary ing from 44 to 94%. Two ad di tional pos i tive Gdanth anom a lies re corded in the rivers Bobrza and Nida point out to mix ing of effluents de rived from the NWWTP and other lo cal wastewater treat ment plants. In con trast, the Gdanth-un con tam i nated wa ters up stream, or down stream far away from the NWWTP dis play a dis tinct pos i tive NASC-nor mal ized Eu anom aly high lighted by a high Eu/Eu* ra tio in the range of 2.87 to 29.70. The lack of Gdanth anom aly up stream from the NWWTP also in di cates that there is no leak age of mu nic i pal sew age from the san i tary col lec tor sewer into the Silnica River. Thus Gd as a con tam i nant may be ef fec tively used as a tracer in sim i lar pol lu tion stud ies be cause it is rel a tively sim ple and cost-ef fec tive to dis crim i nate be tween con tam i nant con cen tra tions and nor mal back ground con cen tra tions.