Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Massive MIMO Downlink for Wireless Information and Energy Transfer With Energy Harvesting Receivers

We consider a system where a massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) base station (BS) transmits information and energy to multiple energy harvesting receivers. Each receiver has no power source and needs to harvest sufficient energy in order to decode its message from the received signal. Under either the power splitting mode or the time switching mode at the receivers, we consider two design problems. One is to maximize the minimum transmission rate among all receivers and the other is to optimize the system energy efficiency (EE) through jointly designing the power allocation proportions at the BS and the power splitting (or time switching) factors at the receivers. The optimal solutions to these problems are obtained either in terms of closed-form expressions or efficient algorithms by leveraging the asymptotic channel orthogonality and hardening effects of massive MIMO. The simulation results indicate that the power splitting mode outperforms the time switching mode in terms of both the minimum transmission rate and the system EE.
Reproductive sharing in animal societies: reproductive incentives or incomplete control by dominant breeders?

Optimal skew models explain reproductive sharing within social groups as resulting from reproductive incentives given by controlling dominants to subordinate* in return for peaceful cooperation. We explore two versions of an alternative, the incomplete control model, for the evolution of reproductive sharing within groups. In this model, dominants have only limited control over the allocation of reproduction and must expend effort to increase their share of the total group output We show that, when the relatedness between dominant and subordinate is symmetrical, (1) the subordinate's fraction of reproduction either increases with, or is insensitive to, the subordinate's genetic relatedness, r, to the dominant in both versions of the incomplete control model, whereas the subordinate's fraction of reproduction decreases with increasing r in the optimal skew model, (2) die subordinate's share of reproduction in the incomplete control model must exceed that in the optimal skew model, and (3) ecological factors affecting solitary breeding success do not directly affect the subordinate's share of reproduction in incomplete control model but do in the optimal skew model. When dominant-subordinate relatedness is asymmetrical (as is often the case in parent—offspring associations), the incomplete control model predicts no reproduction by the subordinate offspring regardless of group size for groups containing any mixture of unrelated and full-sibling subordinates, whereas the optimal skew models predict that such reproduction is possible when the group size is three or more. The available evidence indicates a negative relationship between relatedness and a subordinate's reproductive share in both vertebrate and hymenopteran societies, apparently supporting the predictions of the optimal skew, not incomplete control, class of models. However, such a negative relationship is not necessarily inconsistent with the incomplete control model when, as is true for some vertebrate studies, it results from a comparison of skews in genetically monogamous, nonincestuous groups of parents and their offspring (asymmetric relatednesses) with skews in groups of nonkin (symmetric relatednesses). Both models predict higher skews in parent-offspring associations. Occasional reproduction by subordinate offspring in groups of asymmetrical relatedness when such groups are larger than dyads is more consistent with the optimal skew model, however. Overall, current data on reproductive skew and its relationships to intragroup aggression and ecological constraints support the optimal skew model, but more data are needed to rule out the incomplete control model. These models are examples of two different general views of Lntrasocietal evolution: the tug-of-war view, in which group members engage in a struggle over resources, and the transactional view, in which group members exchange parcels of reproduction to induce beneficial behavior from each other.
Assessment of Islet Cell Autoantibodies (ICA and GADA) in patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is an autoimmune disease characterized by insulin deficiency resulting from cell-mediated and humeral autoimmune destruction of islet beta cells. The aim of the present study was to assess the occurrence of glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibodies (GADA), islet cell antibodies (ICA), and antinuclear antibodies (ANA) diabetic patients of AL-Najaf city in Iraq.
Genetic and developmental analysis of the sex-determining gene ‘double sex’ ( dsx ) of Drosophila melanogaster

Sex determination in Drosophila depends on the ratio of X chromosomes to sets of autosomes (X:A). This chromosomal signal is used to regulate a few control genes whose state of activity selects either the male or the female sexual pathway. We have studied the structure and function of dsx (double sex) which appears to be the last regulatory gene on whose function the sexual pathway eventually depends. We have mutagenized the locus, varied the doses of dominant dsx -mutations and wildtype alleles, and combined different dsx -alleles with recessive mutations in other sex-determining genes, such as ix , tra-2 and tra . The locus dsx harbours two genetic functions, dsx m to implement the male program, dsx f to implement the female program. We found that dsx m and dsx f can mutate independently although most mutations abolish both functions. We conclude that dsx m and dsx f each have their specific domain, but also share a large region of DNA that is essential for both functions. We present evidence that the dominant mutations correspond to a constitutive expression of the male-determining function dsx m , with the simultaneous abolishment of the female-determining function dsx f . This effect can be counteracted by two doses of expressed dsx f so that a female phenotype results. The products of one dose of expressed dsx m and one dose of expressed dsx f in the same cell appear to neutralize each other which leads to a null phenotype. The mutant combinations suggest that the product of dsx f requires the products of ix + , tra -2 + and tra + to become functional.
Short Introduction to Strategic Management: Index

The Short Introduction to Strategic Management provides an authoritative yet accessible account of strategic management and its contemporary challenges. It explains the roots and key rationales of the strategy field, discussing common models, tools and practices, to provide a complete overview of conventional analytical techniques in strategic management. Andersen extends the discussion to consider dynamic strategy making and how it can enable organizations to respond effectively to turbulent and unpredictable global business environments. There is a specific focus on multinational corporate strategy issues relevant to organizations operating across multiple international markets. Written in a clear and direct style, it will appeal to students and practising managers and executives alike.
Holographic tomography: hardware and software solutions for 3D quantitative biomedical imaging (Invited paper)

In this paper, we demonstrate the current concepts in holographic tomography (HT) realized within limited angular range with illumination scanning. The presented solutions are based on the work performed at Warsaw University of Technology in Poland and put in context with the state of the art in HT. Along with the theoretical framework for HT, the optimum reconstruction process and data visualization are described in detail. The paper is concluded with the description of hardware configuration and the visualization of tomographic reconstruction, which is calculated using a provided processing path.
Fiber orientation distribution from non-negative sparse recovery

We revisit the theory of spherical deconvolution and propose a new fiber orientation distribution (FOD) model that can efficiently reconstruct extremely narrow fiber-crossings from limited number of acquisitions. First, we show how to physically model fiber-orientations as rank-1 tensors. Then, we parameterize the FODs with tensors that are decomposable into non-negative sums of rank-1 tensors and finally, we propose a non-negative sparse recovery scheme to estimate FODs of any tensor order from limited acquisitions. Our method features three important advantages: (1) it estimates non-negative FODs, (2) it estimates the number of fiber-compartments, which need not be predefined and (3) it computes the fiber-directions directly, rendering maxima detection superfluous. We test for various SNRs on synthetic, phantom and real data and find our method accurate and robust to signal-noise: fibers crossing up to 23° are recovered from just 21 acquisitions. This opens new and exciting perspectives in diffusion MRI (dMRI), where our improved characterization of the FOD can be of great help for applications such as tractography.
Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease with a Mediterranean diet.

BACKGROUND Observational cohort studies and a secondary prevention trial have shown an inverse association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and cardiovascular risk. We conducted a randomized trial of this diet pattern for the primary prevention of cardiovascular events. METHODS In a multicenter trial in Spain, we randomly assigned participants who were at high cardiovascular risk, but with no cardiovascular disease at enrollment, to one of three diets: a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil, a Mediterranean diet supplemented with mixed nuts, or a control diet (advice to reduce dietary fat). Participants received quarterly individual and group educational sessions and, depending on group assignment, free provision of extra-virgin olive oil, mixed nuts, or small nonfood gifts. The primary end point was the rate of major cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, or death from cardiovascular causes). On the basis of the results of an interim analysis, the trial was stopped after a median follow-up of 4.8 years. RESULTS A total of 7447 persons were enrolled (age range, 55 to 80 years); 57% were women. The two Mediterranean-diet groups had good adherence to the intervention, according to self-reported intake and biomarker analyses. A primary end-point event occurred in 288 participants. The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios were 0.70 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54 to 0.92) and 0.72 (95% CI, 0.54 to 0.96) for the group assigned to a Mediterranean diet with extra-virgin olive oil (96 events) and the group assigned to a Mediterranean diet with nuts (83 events), respectively, versus the control group (109 events). No diet-related adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS Among persons at high cardiovascular risk, a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts reduced the incidence of major cardiovascular events. (Funded by the Spanish government's Instituto de Salud Carlos III and others; Controlled-Trials.com number, ISRCTN35739639.).
Variation of Δ14C and δ13C Values of Dissolved Humic and Fulvic Acids in the Tokachi River System in Northern Japan

Characteristics of dissolved humic and fulvic acids in river waters were studied during 2003–2005 at 4 sites located in the headwaters and in the upper and lower Tokachi River, including a lowland tributary site. Fulvic acids from the headwaters to downstream areas have similar elemental composition and 13C-NMR spectra. Humic acids have similar characteristics in the Tokachi River system. In contrast, δ13C and Δ14C values exhibit a decreasing trend from the upper to the lower and tributary sites, although the headwater site has heavier δ13C and lower Δ14C values than the upper site. Fulvic acids had similar δ13C values from the upper to lower sites, but 123′ higher in Δ14C than those of humic acids on average. The δ13C and Δ14C values exhibited differences in downward variation for humic and fulvic acids. In the Tokachi River system, these results suggest that differences in transport pathways and residence times of humic and fulvic acids reflect differences in the δ13C and Δ14C values in a single river basin.
Noise minimization in micromachined piezoelectric microphones

Piezoelectric MEMS microphones have been built for more than 30 years and they offer some advantages over other technologies such as improved linearity, simple construction, no need for a bias voltage or charge, and the ability to withstand high temperatures. Despite these advantages, a relatively high noise floor has always limited their utilization. Traditionally, the noise of these sensors has been minimized by viewing the pre-amplifier or amplifier as a black box with fixed gain and noise. This leads the designer to minimize noise by maximizing microphone sensitivity. By viewing the microphone-amplifier system together, we develop a different method of optimization, leading to lower noise. Further, by including the back cavity compliance of the package in the optimization, we can determine absolute limits on the minimum achievable noise floor with very few assumptions. To date, we have built piezoelectric MEMS microphones utilizing aluminum nitride with a 32 dBA noise floor. We can compute a minimum a.
Population dynamics of spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) and its interaction with natural enemies in sorghum

Sorghum stem borer, Chilo partellus Swinhoe is one of the serious pests of sorghum and maize crops in Asia and throughout East and South Africa. In India, it is becoming as the most damaging insect pest particularly in Dharwad region of north Karnataka by causing economic losses during kharif and rabi seasons. The observations on population dynamics of egg masses, larvae, pupae, number of plant damaged and parasitic interactions of natural enemies with larvae and pupae of C. partellus were recorded at weekly interval at Dharwad (Karnataka). The stem borer population was significantly higher in kharif than in rabi -summer crop. The larval parasitoid, Cotesia flavipes was found to be very active in kharif season and maximum parasitization of 29% was recorded in November whereas Sturmiopsis inferens was prevalent during rabi -summer crop and maximum parasitization of 28% was recorded during February. A population of 2% pupal parasitoid, Tetrastichus sp. , was also recorded during kharif season.
The relationship between first vertebra width and body length of atlantic salmon differs between parr and smolts

The relationship between the width of the first vertebra (WV) and the fork length (LF )o f Atlantic salmon diVers between parr and smolts. The previous use of the first vertebra to reconstruct the diets of predators from the bone remains of ingested prey will have underestimated the size of smolts and probably also their frequency of occurrence in the diet. Using the ratio WV:LF provides potential for diVerentiating between intact parr, smolts and pre-smolts in the diet. To model the impacts of predators on populations of fish, it is usually necessary to know what sizes offish are consumed. The diet of predators is commonly assessed by analysing the contents of their guts. Because the rate of digestion may be rapid compared with the rates of feeding and of processing sampled material, it is often the case that few intact prey items are extracted from predators that are killed. To overcome this problem, diet can be reconstructed using the bone remains of prey fishes (Fortunatova, 1951; Popova, 1978). In analysing the diet of sawbill ducks, common bird predators of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. , Feltham (1990, 1995a,b) used the first vertebra (the atlas bone) to diVerentiate between salmon and trout,Salmo truttaL. , and to estimate the lengths of the fish that had been consumed. He used a relationship between the first vertebra width (WV) and fork length (LF) derived from measurements of 200 juvenile trout and salmon of wild and hatchery origin (Feltham & Marquiss, 1989). Based on results obtained using this method, it has been concluded that sawbill ducks tend to select the smaller fish, and so to select resident parr rather than migrant smolts even during the spring smolt run, and that most of the smolts they eat are small in relation to the length range available (e.g. Feltham, 1990; Carss & Marquiss, 1991; Feltham, 1995a,b). Feltham & Marquiss (1989) derived their relationship between WV and LF from salmon of up to 15 cm but did not diVerentiate between parr and smolts. Salmon change shape, becoming more elongate, as they metamorphose from parr to smolts prior to migrating to sea (Hoar, 1976) and it is not known whether the relationship between WV and LF remains constant as this process occurs. In the present study, the relationships between atlas width and fish length in four groups of fish were analysed: wild and hatchery parr and smolts. The main objective was to assess the validity of extrapolating from regressions derived using parr to infer the size and occurrence of smolts in the diet of predators.
Food intake and utilization efficiency in silkworm Bombyx mori L. (Pure Mysore) reared at different temperature combinations

Rearing temperature has an important influence on the efficiency of food utilization by larvae of the silkworm Bombyx mori L. To assess food intake and utilization efficiency in B. mori reared at different temperature combinations, larvae of Pure Mysore race were fed ad libitum on M5 mulberry leaves and reared at four different constant temperatures, viz. 26, 28, 30 and 32°C during instars I to III and combinations of these temperatures during later instars (IV and V). The larvae reared at 28°C (T2) when young and combinations of temperatures 26-26, 28-26, 30-26 and 32-26°C later were taken as controls. The amount of dry food consumed was significantly higher, but a significant decrease in conversion efficiencies (K1 and K2) was noticed in silkworms reared young at 28°C than at the other temperatures. However, the dry food consumed, food converted, assimilation rate and assimilation efficiency increased with the increasing temperature, and larval duration and conversion efficiency decreased significantly with the rise in temperature during both young- and late-instar rearing. Comparisons between these two ages with regard to food utilization parameters were carried out and the factors responsible for these changes are discussed. RésuméLa température d’élevage a une grande importance sur l’efficacité de l’utilisation de la nourriture chez les chenilles du ver à soie Bombyx mori L. Afin d’évaluer la nourriture ingérée et l’efficacité de son assimilation chez le ver à soir élevé à différentes températures, des larves de la race pure Mysore sont nourrit sur des feuilles de mûrier M5 à trois températures constantes, 26, 28 et 32° pour les stades I à III et avec une combinaison de ces températures pour les derniers stades (IV et V). Les chenilles élevées à 28°C (T2) et ensuite avec les combinaisons 26-26, 28-26, 30-26 et 32-26°C constituent le témoin. Lorsque les jeunes chenilles sont élevées à 28°C, on constate que la quantité de nourriture sèche ingérée est significativement plus importante mais s’accompagne d’une diminution significative de l’assimilation (K1) et (K2). Cependant, la nourriture sèche ingérée, la nourriture convertie, le taux d’assimilation et l’efficacité de l’assimilation augmentent avec l’augmentation de la température et, la durée de développement larvaire et l’efficacité de la conversion diminuent lorsque la température augmente aussi bien pendant les stades jeunes qu’âgés. Les deux classes d’âges ont été comparés au regard des paramètres d’utilisation de la nourriture et les facteurs responsables de ces changements sont discutées.
Critical evaluation of diaminopimelic acid and ribonucleic acid as markers to estimate rumen pools and duodenal flows of bacterial and protozoal nitrogen

Whole animal mathematical models have become widely accepted as the only practical way to incorporate the vast amount of published data into conceptual models of animal metabolism. The ability to accurately predict dietary N requirements of dairy cows depends upon the ability to accurately measure digesta flow and identify the origins of its N. Four lactating Holstein cows were fed a low-protein (9.8% CP of DM) ration of 28.6% timothy silage, 27.2% whole crop barley silage, and 44.2% gram-based concentrate (DM basis). This was supplemented with 1.3 kg d−1 of ground barley mixed with either no protein supplement, 1.11 kg of soybean meal, 0.67 kg of blood meal or 0.20 kg of urea. Rumen bacteria and protozoa were isolated and assayed for components. Rumen ingesta were manually evacuated to estimate rumen pool sizes, and duodenal digesta were sampled to estimate intestinal flow. Use of diaminopimelic acid (DAPA) was judged to result in rumen bacterial N pool sizes that were quantitatively reasonable and refle.
Data Analytics for Privacy in Smart Grids

The emergence of smart grids has allowed for integrating new technologies in the power grid, with information flowing across the system allowing for more efficient power delivery and event response. Demand response is a new technology enabled by smart grids, which is a program aiming to reduce or shift peak demand by varying the price of electricity or offering incentives for changing consumption habits. Despite demand response benefits, privacy advocates have raised concerns with information leakages allowed by the type of high-resolution data collected by smart meters, as it can reveal customer usage patterns and different parties can take advantage of that data. In this thesis, a utility vs. privacy framework is developed to maximize the utility of using smart meter data while also minimizing the privacy leakages from the smart meter. Two frameworks are developed, the first, a fault localization technique for radial distribution systems by using alarm processing through binary integer linear programming. The second, a power scheduling tool that uses renewables, a battery, and appliance scheduling to disguise the customer usage patterns by matching it to an average and the resulting collected data is not revealing of any characteristics the customer wants to hide. Fault localization was tested on two radial distribution systems, and locates the fault every time, with the variation in time till detection depending on system size, how the system is branched, fault location, and sampling rate. Power scheduling was tested using simulated home data, different scenarios are run by varying battery, solar, appliance, and privacy parameters, and results are compared for various sampling rates. Both frameworks were successful in hiding privacy leakages based their respective privacy metric. Future research on the fault localization could expand to find two faults simultaneously, along with implementing an emergency mode to find faults quicker in a sampling cycle.
Credit Card Frauds and Measures to Detect and Prevent Them

Growth in the electronic payments sector has surpassed general economic growth and growth in other financial sectors. Electronic payments include credit, debit, and other electronic instruments used to transfer payments from consumers to merchants. A credit card is an instrument which provides instantaneous credit facilities to its holder to avail a variety of goods and services at the merchant outlet. It is made of plastic and hence popularly called as "plastic money". This paper elaborates about the timeline for innovation for credit cards, the modus operandi of credit card. It further analyses the credit card frauds and measures to detect and prevent them.