Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Causality among Stock Market and Macroeconomic Factors: A Comparison of Conventional and Islamic Stocks

Shari’a compliant stocks are a recent development under Islamic finance, whereby stocks are screened through Shari’a compliance filters. This study is conducted to understand and document the important monetary factors contributing in determining stock prices of Shari’a compliant companies in Pakistan. Our sample includes all 97 non-financial Shari’a compliant companies screened by Al-Meezan Investment Management Ltd, based on accounting results of 2009. We have included ten macroeconomic variables in addition to market index in our study over a ten-year period (2001-10). We use JJ cointegration and OLS regression. Results identified the four important variables including interest rate, exchange rate, foreign direct investment and market index contributing in stock returns’ variations of Shari’a compliant securities. Evidence favors multifactor model for pricing of securities at KSE.
Generalization of the cross-entropy error function to improve the error backpropagation algorithm

This paper generalizes the cross-entropy error function to improve the EBP (error back propagation) algorithm of multilayer perceptrons. The generalized error function reduces the probability that output nodes are near the wrong extreme value as well as the correct extreme value of sigmoid function. As a result, we can accelerate the learning speed of the EBP algorithm with improved generalization performance. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated in a handwritten digit recognition task.
Kajian Desain Sirkulasi Ruang Luar Dan Ruang Dalam Bagi Penyandang Cacat Pada Kawasan Bangunan Ciwalk ( Cihampelas Walk )

Kawasan bangunan publik merupakan suatu kawasan yang diperuntukan untuk umum, dengan berbagai fasilitas guna memenuhi bermacam-macam kebutuhan di dalamnya. Belakangan ini, keberadaan penyandang cacat pada kawasan bangunan publik kurang mendapat perhatian, meskipun hal ini sudah ada Peraturan Pemerintah Kota Bandung No.02 Tahun 2009 yang mewajibkan bahwa bangunan publik di Indonesia harus dapat mendukung aksesibilitas bagi penyandang cacat. Ciwalk merupakan suatu kawasan bangunan publik, yang asri menjadi objek studi yang menarik untuk dikaji. Pola sirkulasi menurut DK Ching (Bentuk Ruang dan Susunan 1996) yang terbentuk sebagai penghubung antar ruang luar dan penguhubung ruang dalam bangunan pada lahan berkontur dikawasan Ciwalk ini akan dirasakan berat bagi penyandang cacat. Faktor-faktor kenyamanan penunjang seperti sarana dan prasarana harus memenuhi persyaratan sesuai dengan Peraturan Menteri No. 30/PRT/M/2006 tentang Pedoman Teknis Fasilitas dan Aksesibilitas Pada Bangunan dan Lingkungan. Penyandang cacat dapat beraktifitas di kawasan publik Ciwalk baik diluar maupun dalam bangunan dengan mudah tanpa bantuan orang lain. Kajian ini dilakukan dengan metoda analisis deskriptif kualitatif dari segi pola tata letak ruang luar dan ruang dalam, sirkulasi, material, signage, sarana dan prasarana. Kemudian metoda kuantitatif diarahkan untuk mengukur sudut kemiringan atau ramp dan lebar koridor. Kedua metoda tersebut untuk membandingkan data dilapangan dengan literatur dan peraturan yang terkait, Hasilnya menunjukkan bahwa aksesibilitas sirkulasi bagi penyandang cacat di kawasan Ciwalk masih kurang dapat memberikan kenyamanan terhadap penyandang cacat sebagai pengguna bangunan publik
IndexAccess:A GUI Movement System by Back-of-Device Interaction for One-Handed Operation on a Large Screen Smartphone

The use of large screen smartphones has been increasing yearly. Large screens have many advantages in that they can display a lot of information at once. However, when people operate smartphones with one hand, several usability problems can occur due to the posture of the user’s hand when holding the device. Among those problems, a significant one we have noticed was that it is difficult to reach the top of the screen with the thumb. In this paper, we propose “IndexAccess”: a system to assist the one-handed operation of comparatively large smartphones by pulling down the GUI on the screen by back-of-device operation using one’s finger (excluding the thumb). In this study, we implemented the IndexAccess system with an application for iOS and a sensor module. After this, we conducted an experiment to investigate the performance and effectiveness of this system on usability by comparing it with Apple’s Reachability in an experiment. Consequently, IndexAccess enables the participants to point more rapidly in the upper half area of screen than Reachability. On the other hand, the participants touched slower in the lower half of the screen than Reachability. It is thought that one of the reasons for this is the prototype was detecting the position of the index finger and moving the display at all times. Consequently, we will improve the usability of IndexAccess by using a pressure-sensitive touch panel instead of a photo-reflective sensor. We will also attempt to move the display not only vertically but horizontally.
The De Ritis and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratios May Aid in the Risk Assessment of Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Purpose This study aimed to determine whether baseline blood inflammatory markers can predict progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Methods The study included 158 patients with mRCC treated with first-line targeted therapy between 2002 and 2016. A multivariable cox proportional hazards model identified inflammatory factors that predict PFS and OS. Using bootstrap method, new prognostic model compared with Heng and modified MSKCC risk model (mMSKCC). The effect of inflammatory factors were investigated by comparing increased C-index adding significant inflammatory factors to Heng and mMSKCC model. Results On multivariable analysis, nephrectomy (HR 0.48), NLR (HR 1.04), were significant risk factors for PFS; nephrectomy (HR 0.38), hemoglobin (HR 1.71), alkaline phosphatase (HR 1.73), NLR (HR 1.01) and DRR (HR 1.34), were significant factors for OS (p<0.05). Our new model that incorporated NLR and DRR had higher (though insignificant) predictability (C-index=0.610) than mMSKCC risk model (C-index=0.569) in PFS and significantly better predictability (C-index=0.727) than Heng and mMSKCC risk model (C-index, 0.661, 0.612, respectively) in OS. Adding inflammatory factors to the Heng criteria (C-index, 0.697 for OS) and MSKCC (0.691 for OS) tended to improve their predictive abilities. Conclusions The NLR and DRR may increase predictive ability compared to the established Heng and mMSKCC risk models in mRCC.
A Study on User Authentication based on Keystroke Dynamics of Long and Free Texts

Keystroke dynamics refers to a way of typing a string of characters. Since one has his/her own typing behavior, one’s keystroke dynamics can be used as a distinctive biometric feature for user authentication. In this paper, two authentication algorithms based on keystroke dynamics of long and free texts are proposed. The first is the K-S score, which is based on the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, and the second is the ‘R-A’ measure, which combines ‘R’ and ‘A’ measures proposed by Gunetti and Picardi (2005). In order to verify the authentication performance of the proposed algorithms, we collected more than 3,000 key latencies from 34 subjects in Korean and 35 subjects in English. Compared with three benchmark algorithms, we found that the K-S score was outstanding when the reference and test key latencies were not sufficient, while the ‘R-A’ measure was the best when enough reference and test key latencies were provided. 1) Keyword: keystroke dynamics, user authentication, free texts, kolmogorov-smirnov test, R-A measure
A MEMS-based projection display

A period of rapid growth and change in the display industry has recently given rise to many new display technologies. One such technology, the Digital Micromirror Device/sup TM/ (DMD), developed at Texas Instruments, represents a unique application of microelectromechanical systems to the area of projection displays. In this paper, we describe a representative example of a DMD-based projection display engine, the digital display engine (DDE). The DDE is based on a single-DMD device having array dimensions of 800/spl times/600 elements, illuminated by a metal halide arc lamp through a compact optics train. The engine is designed for portable and fixed conference-room graphics and video display applications, and many design decisions were made to tailor the engine for its intended venue. The design of the projection engine optics and electronics is discussed, along with the basic operation, manufacture, and reliability of the DMD itself.
Strategies of the War on Cancer: To Kill or to Neutralize?

Fifteen years ago, the question “Why do we lose the war on cancer? ” sounded (1). After an interview with the world’s leading oncologists, the author presented, in particular, explanations such as: “Cancer is a challenge like no other,” “A very tough set of problems,” and “Focus on individual cellular mechanisms to the near exclusion of what’s happening in the organism as a whole. ” One of the solutions to the problem would be “Changing the way we think about cancer. ” Until now, this radical turn has not occurred: the global cancer incidence is growing and many problems remain unsolved. As a result, the advice to change the way we think about cancer and cancer treatment has become even more relevant.
Asymmetry and Hypoplasia of Intracranial Arteries - Is it Possible to Define Universal Criteria Based on Anatomical Specimens, CT-Angiography and MRI-Angiography?

Poster: "ECR 2011 / C-1853 / Asymmetry and Hypoplasia of Intracranial Arteries - Is it Possible to Define Universal Criteria Based on Anatomical Specimens, CT-Angiography and MRI-Angiography? " by: "R. Haetinger1, E. A. Liberti1, N. A. T. Regattieri2, R. Eustaquio - Silva3; 1Sao Paulo, SP/BR, 2Curitiba/BR, 3Vitoria/BR"
Barriers to nutrition management among people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy

ii LIST OF TABLES . viii CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION Background of the Problem . 1 Purpose of the Study . 4 Research Questions . 6 Theoretical Lens. 7 Organization of the Paper . 8 CHAPTER 2: REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE Clinical Factors, Nutrition, and HIV . 9 Nutrition and Immunity . 9 Nutrition and Weight Loss . 10 ARV-Related Issues . 11 Food-Related Side Effects . 12 Metabolic Effects . 12 Social Factors, Nutrition, and HIV . 13 Food Insecurity . 13 Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations for People Living with HIV . 14 Standard Nutrition Therapy Protocols for Clinicians . 17
Ruff by Peggy Shaw and Lois Weaver (review)

In the second section, titled colors and muses, we took our seats as performers connected issues of local sustainability to a global context through shorter performances based on conversations from the Life is Living festivals. In a spoken-word piece about a Sudanese woman he met in Chicago, Bamuthi connected genocide in the Sudan, homicide in Chicago, and issues of ecological health: “Me and the woman whose son just died are sitting on a bench. ” He rapped about the idea that the language of green is not big enough to hold life and living in urban centers: “I ask a mother about environment / She tells me of guns / of emotionally disabled boys. ” Later, Tolmaire riffed on “food insecurities,” inspired by the story of an urban farm organizer she met in Houston who provides meals in return for farm labor: “you have the right to education, clean water, you should have the right to fresh food. ” While Soulati crooned the blues, Bamuthi spun a tale of talking to his 9-year-old son about the complicated legacies of Tupac and the Black Panthers. The narratives built on one another as the performers moved among an array of vocal, musical, and movement-based performances.
Relationship between Iliotibial Band Tightness and Occurance of Low Back Pain and Sciatica

Back pain is the most frequent and common problem in the society. It is also one of the most frequent presenting symptoms in clinical practice1. The incidence of low back ache (LBA) in the population is increasing rapidly. Among the new episodes of back pain, 80% leads to chronic disability and chronic back pain4. Most of the previous studies have indicated that 70% to 80% of the population has had at least one episode of LBA in their lifetime The mechanical low back pain is the pain, which varies with physical activity [e.g.- prolonged sitting, bending forward] and with time. This pain is located in the lumbosacral region, buttocks and thighs with no radiation to foot or toes. The pain increases or decreases with repeated movement 1. Sciatica refers to a neurotic type of pain along the course of the sciatic nerve. Pain extends down the posterior thigh, lower leg to the sole of the foot and along lateral aspect of the lower leg to the dorsum of the foot. A number of studies have been done to find out the association of these mechanical factors with LBA. Frank R. Ober, performed fasciotomy for patients with LBA and sciatica and found marked diminution in symptoms for majority of patients within twenty four hours following operation. However till date, hardly any studies have been done to find out the correlation of IT band tightness and the occurrence of LBA and sciatica.
Cat face recognition using deep learning

Abstract. In Taiwan, there are more than 3 thousand cats and dogs missing every year. Losing pets could be extremely painful for owners. It also places burden on animal shelters in trying to return the pets to the owners. Although implanting microchips has always been a way to solve the missing pet problem, it may cause health problems (e.g., inflammatory reaction and cancer) to animals. Hence, a noninvasive approach for identifying missing pets is needed. This work proposed to identify cats noninvasively using face recognition. A database that contains 1500 images of 150 different cats was developed. Facial parts (e.g., eyes, nose, and mouth) were identified using convolutional neural networks. The features of the facial parts (e.g., eigenface) were then qualified and were used for identifying the cats with support vector machines (SVMs). The proposed method achieves an identification accuracy of 94.1%.
Development of a probabilistic ocean modelling system based on NEMO 3.5: application at eddying resolution

Abstract. This paper presents the technical implementation of a new, probabilistic version of the NEMO ocean–sea-ice modelling system. Ensemble simulations with N members running simultaneously within a single executable, and interacting mutually if needed, are made possible through an enhanced message-passing interface (MPI) strategy including a double parallelization in the spatial and ensemble dimensions. An example application is then given to illustrate the implementation, performances, and potential use of this novel probabilistic modelling tool. A large ensemble of 50 global ocean–sea-ice hindcasts has been performed over the period 1960–2015 at eddy-permitting resolution (1∕4°) for the OCCIPUT (oceanic chaos – impacts, structure, predictability) project. This application aims to simultaneously simulate the intrinsic/chaotic and the atmospherically forced contributions to the ocean variability, from mesoscale turbulence to interannual-to-multidecadal timescales. Such an ensemble indeed provides a unique way to disentangle and study both contributions, as the forced variability may be estimated through the ensemble mean, and the intrinsic chaotic variability may be estimated through the ensemble spread.
Adverse Family Experiences Are Associated With Age of Diagnosis Among Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

&NA; Date Presented 4/1/2017 Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may pose a significant barrier to timely diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder among U.S. children. By identifying ACEs early in a family's history, occupational therapy practitioners have the opportunity to reduce family stress and support parents in meeting their children's treatment needs. Primary Author and Speaker: Kristin Berg Additional Authors and Speakers: Beth Pfeiffer Contributing Authors: Cheng‐Shi Shiu, Kruti Acharya, Michael Msall, Elizabeth Pfeiffer
Protecting confidentiality in statistical analysis outputs from a virtual data centre

In this paper we are concerned with protecting confidentiality in statistical analysis outputs from a virtual data centre. This is an increasingly popular approach in which data are held in a secure environment and are made available to a researcher over a secure internet connection. The researcher has unrestricted access to the data, which is regulated by applicable legislation and researcher agreements. Current systems generally rely on expert manual checking of analysis outputs and/or confidentiality requirements in the applicable legislation and researcher agreements. We believe that a desirable, though potentially interim, solution is to train researchers to conduct the output confidentialisation themselves, while recognising that they will probably not be experts in confidentiality protection methods. Eventually automated systems for output confidentialisation may become available. In this paper we describe a proposal for a two-stage process involving: • Dataset preparation by the data custodian before loading the data into the virtual data centre • Confidentialisation of the analysis outputs by the researcher on removal from the secure environment The second stage makes use of a checklist developed to assist researchers. However, it would be essential to provide researchers with training in disclosure control as part of the virtual data centre researcher and project approval process.
On the Creation of Risk: Framing of Microplastics Risks in Science and Media

The public is concerned about plastic pollution, while clear‐cut scientific evidence for an environmental risk of microplastics is absent. This contrast between incomplete scientific knowledge and public risk perception is an interesting case for investigating how “environmental risk” is transformed in science communication. This study examines how microplastics risks are framed in peer‐reviewed publications and online newspaper articles, respectively. It also analyzes if the contents conveyed by the frames used in science and the media are consistent. The results show that most scientific studies (67%) frame microplastics risks as hypothetical or uncertain, while 24% present them as established. In contrast, most media articles reporting on microplastic impacts (93%) imply that risks of microplastics exist and harmful consequences are highly probable. The creation of simple narratives (journalists) and the emphasis on potentially negative impacts (scientists) contribute to this inconsistency. The transformation of an uncertain risk into an actual risk is further caused by two inconsistent risk conceptions, namely risk being the probability of a negative outcome (environmental scientists) or being the uncertainty of a negative outcome itself (public). Although the latter differs from the risks identified “objectively” by scientific methods, it allows understanding the risk perception of the public and decision‐makers.
The Asymmetry of Merge

This paper addresses the following question: What kind of properties must the structure-building operation Merge have such that, given a Numeration, the grammar will build the ‘right’ structure and avoid generating ill-formed configurations? The answer we will propose is that Merge should be seen as an asymmetric operation in the sense of relating two items whose sets of morpho-syntactic features are in a proper inclusion relation. In addition, we propose a partition of features into two stacks: categorial features and operator features. This distinction is independently motivated as it feeds into the definition of External Merge and Internal Merge (Chomsky’s 2001). The proper inclusion condition will be assumed to hold for both of these operations, but the set of features under consideration for the evaluation of the proper inclusion relation differs: strictly categorial features for External Merge, and the whole set of features of lexical items for Internal Merge.
LOCALIZATION AND MAPPING USING A NON-CENTRAL CATADIOPTRIC CAMERA SYSTEM

Abstract. This work details the development of an indoor navigation and mapping system using a non-central catadioptric omnidirectional camera and its implementation for mobile applications. Omnidirectional catadioptric cameras find their use in navigation and mapping of robotic platforms, owing to their wide field of view. Having a wider field of view, or rather a potential 360° field of view, allows the system to “see and move” more freely in the navigation space. A catadioptric camera system is a low cost system which consists of a mirror and a camera. Any perspective camera can be used. A platform was constructed in order to combine the mirror and a camera to build a catadioptric system. A calibration method was developed in order to obtain the relative position and orientation between the two components so that they can be considered as one monolithic system. The mathematical model for localizing the system was determined using conditions based on the reflective properties of the mirror. The obtained platform positions were then used to map the environment using epipolar geometry. Experiments were performed to test the mathematical models and the achieved location and mapping accuracies of the system. An iterative process of positioning and mapping was applied to determine object coordinates of an indoor environment while navigating the mobile platform. Camera localization and 3D coordinates of object points obtained decimetre level accuracies.
Health planning and community participation: case studies in South-East Asia.

operation by one's neighbors. Massard recounts the various forms of village reciprocity, and discusses the villagers' manipulation of kinship ties in order to receive, or ignore the call for, aid. Land, the basis of wealth and social prestige, is discussed in detail, including the system of land tenure as viewed in history and by contemporary villagers, and tendencies in its inheritance. Adoption and fostering of children are discussed in this connection, as are marriage and divorce. An important part of the economic network is the circulation of food. Massard discusses the cultural rules governing gifts of raw and cooked foodstuffs, and relates them to the religious and agricultural calendars. Weddings and circumcisions see the most intense circulation of services and redistribution of foods, and also the borrowing and lending of dishes, mats, candelabra, and other ceremonial objects. Once again, Massard necessarily discusses kinship, here in relation to reciprocal obligations and rules of distribution. Kinship ties are stretched by the movement of villagers to the city and FELDA projects, but marriage, childbirth, and religious celebrations draw migrants back, and none will renounce their future rights and privileges in the village. Those who seek an understanding of the ecological possibilities and problems that pervade Malay village economy and society will find much of value in Nous gens de Ganchong. It is unfortunate, however, that the author has not provided readers with an index.