Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A troposphere tomography method considering the weighting of input information

Abstract. Troposphere tomography measurement using a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) generally consists of several types of input information including the observation equation, horizontal constraint equation, vertical constraint equation, and a priori constraint equation. The reasonable weightings of input information are a prerequisite for ensuring the reliability of the adjustment of the parameters. This forms the focus of this research, which tries to determine the weightings, including the observations, for the same type of equation and the optimal weightings for different types of equations. The optimal weightings of the proposed method are realized on the basis of the stable equilibrium relationship between different types of a posteriori unit weight variances, which are capable of adaptively adjusting the weightings for different types of equations and enables the ratio between the two arbitrary a posteriori unit weight variances to tend to unity. A troposphere tomography experiment, which was used to consider these weightings, was implemented using global positioning system (GPS) data from the Hong Kong Satellite Positioning Reference Station Network (SatRef). Numerical results show the applicability and stability of the proposed method for GPS troposphere tomography assessment under different weather conditions. In addition, the root mean square (RMS) error in the water vapor density differences between tomography-radiosonde and tomography-ECMWF (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts) are 0.91 and 1.63 g m−3, respectively, over a 21-day test.
Costs and Benefits of Financial Regulation: Short-Selling Bans and Transaction Taxes

We quantify the effects of financial regulation in an equilibrium model with delegated portfolio management. Fund managers trade stocks and bonds in an order-driven market, subject to transaction taxes and constraints on short-selling and leverage. Results are obtained on the equilibrium properties of portfolio choice, trading activity, market quality and price dynamics under the different regulations. We find that short- sale restrictions reduce short-term volatility and long swings in asset prices, while transaction taxes do more harm than good.
Dynamic Integration of Domestic Equity Price, Foreign Equity Price and Macroeconomic Indicators: Evidence from Malaysia

How does the extent of integration of the Malaysian equity market with the equity markets of Japan and USA vary at different time scales? How dynamic is the extent of co-movement of equity price with the major macroeconomic indicators of Malaysia? In order to answer these two major issues, this study attempts to investigate the dynamic integration of the Malaysian equity market with the equity markets of Japan and USA, along with the three major macroeconomic control variables: exchange rate, consumer’s price index (CPI) and industrial production (IP) of Malaysia. The methodology applied initially used the standard time series techniques such as, Johansen cointegration technique, vector error correction model (VECM), variance decompositions (VDCs), followed by the application of the recent dynamic rolling cointegration, Beveridge-Nelson (BN) time series decompositions and finally, wavelet coherence of time-scale decompositions on monthly data starting from February,1990. The study finds one significant cointegrating relationship, which could be an indication of incomplete integration process as evidenced in the dynamic rolling cointegration approach. VECM and VDC indicate that the Malaysian equity market appears to be more influenced by the Japanese equity market and CPI of Malaysia. BN decompositions evidence almost simultaneous co-movement of permanent and transitory components of all variables and the co-movement appears to be closer during the financial crises. Finally, the wavelet coherence suggests closer co-movement of the Malaysian equity market with the Japanese equity market, which tends to vary according to different time scales. The findings of wavelet coherence on co-movement of the equity prices at different time scales tend to be different from those of the standard time series techniques such as, VECM and VDCs. The results of the study have strong policy implications.
Performance Analysis of Conjugate descent learning Rule of Feed Forward Neural Networks for Pattern Classification

Conventional Backpropagation learning algorithm is frequently used for multilayer feed forward neural networks for pattern mapping. This learning rule uses first derivative of instantaneous local square error with respect to the current weight vector in the weight space. Therefore for every different presented pattern, the network exhibits the different local error and the weights modify in order to minimize the current local error. Therefore it frequently traps in the local minimum. The determination of the optimal weights is possible only when the global error is supposed to minimize. In this paper, we are providing the conjugate descent method to obtain the optimal weight vector. The conjugate descent method determines the second derivative of the error surface with respect to weight vector in the weight space. The proposed method indicates that the performance of feed forward neural network improves for pattern classification of handwritten English words.
A MONTE CARLO ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVE ESTIMATORS OF THE TOBIT MODEL

In recent years, many types of Tobit models have been suggested and various estimation methods proposed [see the survey by Amemiya (1981, 1984)]. However, little attention is given to the finite sample properties of the various estimators. This paper examines the small sample properties of some of the estimators of the Tobit model. These estimators include, among others, the Heckman’s two-step estimator (H2S), the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) and two nonlinear least squares estimators. Further, a three-step estimator (35E) and its weighted version, a weighted three-step estimator (W3SE), are also suggested and investigated. The paper investigates the effects of sample size, degree (level) of censoring and error distribution on the properties of the estimators. Under normally distributed error terms, the MLE estimator performed better than all estimators, followed by the 3SE estimator. However, both the MLE and 3SE estimators appear to be . sensitive for skewed @hi-square) distributed error terms. On the other hand, given a low level of censoring, the MLE estimator performs well under the student’s-t distribution. If the degree of censoring is high, the MLE estimates under the student’s-t distribution can be less efficient than the 3SE estimator. The H2S estimator, although less efficient compared to 3SE or MLE estimators in all cases, seems to perform well, given low levels of censoring. However, the H2S estimator can be misleading if used for hypothesis testing and confidence intervals even for large sample sizes and low degrees of censoring.
Engaging university learning: the experiences of students entering university via recognition of prior industrial experience

In this study, the academic experiences of 33 male students from an industrial background were investigated as they completed a two‐year education degree. The purpose of the study was to investigate the quality of student adjustment to an academic environment following extensive industrial training and experience. Students completed a series of questionnaires relating to learning as well as a series of open‐ended questions relating to academic and social adjustment. Data indicated that while students had developed a positive learning profile, a continued belief in the structural simplicity of knowledge appeared to have a significant diminishing effect on the quality of adjustment and on the quality of learning outcomes. Open‐ended responses revealed patterns of academic adjustment consistent with the restricted understanding of the nature of university learning. Implications of these data for both recognition of prior learning (RPL) entry and ongoing support are broached.
Aalborg Universitet Traffic sign detection and analysis

Traffic sign recognition (TSR) is a research field that has seen much activity in the recent decade. This paper introduces the problem and presents 4 recent papers on traffic sign detection and 4 recent papers on traffic sign classification. It attempts to extract recent trends in the field and touch upon unexplored areas, especially the lack of research into integrating TSR with a driver-in-the-loop system and some of the problems that presents. TSR is an exciting field with great promises for integration in driver assistance systems and that particular area deserves to be explored further.
STUDY ON THE FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP AMONG ROMANIAN STUDENTS

Students represent the social group with the best potential to generate entrepreneurs. Still, research has shown that there are several factors that determine people to choose or not a career in their own company. Starting from the study of students’ entrepreneurial intention, regardless of their study field and expectations concerning the education and political system, our research aims to highlight the factors that would favor a better development of entrepreneurship in Romania.
DENGUE-2 VIRUS ARTIFICIAL INFECTION OF BRAZILIAN COLONIZED AEDES AEGYPTI

Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes and caused by four viral serotypes (DENV 1-4). This mosquito-borne disease is a major public health problem and a threat to more than 2.5 billion people, who live in endemic areas. Aedes aegypti is the primary vector of dengue in the Americas. The present study shows the susceptibility of a colony strain of A. aegypti to Dengue 2 virus (DENV-2). A. aegypti females from a laboratory colony were infected with DENV-2 using a membrane feeding technique. The engorged females were dissected on different days (3, 6, 9, 12 and 15). The midguts, ovaries, carcasses and heads were separated. The samples were fixed and immunolabeled with anti-DENV-2 antibody to be analyzed by laser confocal microscopy (LCM). Infected mosquitoes from the 15th day had their heads and bodies dissected, separated and analyzed by RT-PCR with specific primers. Immunolabeling of the midguts and ovaries showed the presence of DENV-2 in the mosquitoes dissected from the third day until the last day of the experiment. The RT-PCR reactions of the heads and the bodies confirmed the mosquito infection with DENV-2. These results showed that the methodology used for the artificial infection with dengue virus was successful and demonstrated that our colonized A. aegypti mosquitoes were susceptible to artificial dengue infection. Future studies are in progress to better understand the process of invasion by dengue virus in Aedes mosquito. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.17525/vrr.v11i1-2.5
Thank you for your submission entitled “Alveolar Bone Thickness and Lower Incisor Position in Skeletal Class I and Class II Malocclusions Assessed with Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ”

Objective: To evaluate the possible differences in lower incisor position and bony support between Class II averageand high-angle patients and compared to subjects with Class I malocclusions. Materials and Methods: Cone-beam computed-tomography (CBCT) records of 79 patients were divided into two groups according to sagittal jaw relationships (Class I Class II). Then, groups were divided into averageand highangle subgroups. Six-angular, six-linear were performed. Independent samples t-test, Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn post-hoc tests were performed for statistical comparisons. Statistical significance was set at p<. 05. Results: Labial alveolar bone thickness was higher (1.4±0.47 mm) in Class I group compared to Class II (1.09±0.39 mm) group. (p=0.003). Greater differences were recorded for subgroup comparisons: lower incisor protrusion-proclination and lingual alveolar bone angle was greatest in Class II averageangle patients. Spongious bone was thicker in Class II average-angle subgroup compared to highangle subgroups. Root apex was closer to labial cortex in high-angle subgroups compared to Class II average-angle subgroup (p=0.004). Conclusion: Lower anterior bony support and lower incisor position showed distinct differences between average and high-angle Class II patients. These differences were not recorded to the same extent in Class I average and high-angle subjects.
ASSESSING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICIAN AVAILABILITY AND VIRAL LOAD SUPPRESSION IN BRITISH COLUMBIA.

Objectives In 2014, the Joint United Nations Programme HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) set the target of dramatically reducing the burden of HIV through expansion of access to timely HIV treatment. In order to achieve this target it is necessary to expand access to care along the HIV cascade of care. This study examines the relationship between viral suppression and the availability of physicians providing HIV treatment in British Columbia, Canada. Methods Data from the Drug Treatment Program of the British Columbia (BC) Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS was used for this analysis. The floating catchment method was used to assess physician availability. Multivariable Logistic Regression was used to implement a confounder selection technique to independently assess the relationship between physician availability and viral load suppression. Results Individuals with more than 25 physicians within a one-hour catchment were more likely to reside in urban areas and almost twice as likely to have a suppressed viral load (adjusted odd ratio: 1.97; 95% CI 1.50 - 2.58). Conclusions This study highlights the impact of physicians' availability on viral load levels. Mapping technology was used to identify the locations in which patients were most impacted by the lack of physicians.
ABSTRACT OF PhD THESIS Automatic Semantic Role Labeling using Selectional Preferences with Very Large Corpora

OF PhD THESIS Automatic Semantic Role Labeling using Selectional Preferences with Very Large Corpora Determinación Automática de Roles Semánticos usando Preferencias de Selección sobre Corpus muy Grandes Graduated: Hiram Calvo Center for Research in Computing (CIC) National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) Mexico City, Mexico, 07738
EFFECTS OF A POSITIVE EMOTION-BASED ADJUVANT PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPY IN COLORECTAL CANCER PATIENTS

The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a Psychological Intervention based on the positive psychology and the cognitive behavioral therapy in relieving "psychological problems" at the time of adjuvant chemotherapy treatment (Folfox Protocol) in patients with colorectal cancer. This Psychological Intervention is structured and designed to enhance positive emotions in these patients and will be called "Enhancing Positive Emotions Procedure" (EPEP). The design of this study was of two groups with pre-post-test and follow-up comparisons. All participants were recruited between October of 2012 and February of 2014. 52 subjects diagnosed with colorectal cancer were recruited at the Portuguese Institute of Oncology, Oporto, Portugal. Results of this research suggest that some features could be modified by the EPEP procedure, whereas some others would remain unchanged. Some dimensions of quality of life, as well as anxiety and positive emotions could be slightly improved by the EPEP Thus, coping skills and depression would not be affected by the EPEP. Thus, it can be stated, with caution, that EPEP should be useful to improve well-being in CRC patients receiving chemotherapy.
Optimizing Performance of Hadoop with Parameter Tuning

Optimizing Hadoop with the parameter tuning is an effective way to greatly improve the performance, but it usually costs too much time to identify the optimal parameters configuration because there are many parameters. Users are always blindly adjust too many parameters and are sometimes confused about which one could be changed at a higher-priority. To make optimization easier, classifying the parameter based on different applications will be helpful. In this paper, we will introduce a method that can classify these parameters in order that users can optimize performance more quickly and effectively for different applications.
Lyso-Gb 3 activates Notch 1 in human podocytes

Podocyte injury is an early feature of Fabry nephropathy, but themolecularmechanisms of podocyte injury are poorly understood. Lyso-Gb3 accumulates in serum in Fabry disease and increases extracellular matrix synthesis in podocytes. We explored the contribution of Notch1 signaling, a mediator of podocyte injury, to lyso-Gb3-elicited responses in cultured human podocytes. At clinically relevant concentrations, lyso-Gb3 activates podocyte Notch1 signaling, resulting in increased active Notch1 and HES1, a canonical Notch transcriptional target. A γ-secretase inhibitor or specific Notch1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) inhibited HES1 upregulation in response to lyso-Gb3. Notch1 siRNA or γ-secretase inhibition also prevented the lyso-Gb3-induced upregulation of Notch1, Notch ligand Jagged1 and chemokine (MCP1, RANTES) expression. Notch siRNA prevented the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), and NFκB activation contributed to Notch1-mediated inflammatory responses as the NFκB inhibitor, parthenolide, prevented lyso-Gb3-induced chemokine upregulation. Notch1 also mediates fibrogenic responses in podocytes as Notch siRNA prevented lyso-Gb3 upregulation of fibronectin mRNA. Supporting the clinical relevance of cell culture findings, active Notch1, Jagged1 andHES1were observed in Fabry kidney biopsies. Lyso-Gb3 elicited similar responses inmouse kidney. In conclusion, lysoGb3 promotes Notch1-mediated inflammatory and fibrogenic responses in podocytes that may contribute to Fabry nephropathy.
Legitimacy to Develop Fair Value Measurement Standards: The Case of the IVSC Discussion Paper – Determination of Fair Value of Intangible Assets for IFRS Reporting Purposes

This research studies, through a content analysis of the comment letters to the IVSC project on fair value determination of intangible assets, the legitimacy of this professional body, or of the accounting associations, to develop measurement standards specific to this accounting concept. At present, with the exception of FAS 157, no professional standard offers clear technical solutions for fair value determination for financial reporting purposes. We have come to the conclusion that, among respondents, accountants are more reserved than valuators in what regards the IVSC regulating of the fair value measurement. The Anglo-Saxon respondents are more open to accept the IVSC DP as compared to respondents from other countries, hence the IVSC legitimacy to develop fair value measurement standards. Generally, we consider that accounting bodies, rather than valuation bodies, should have legitimacy to develop fair value measurement standards.
Unlocking the potential of branding in social marketing services: utilising brand personality and brand personality appeal

Purpose This paper aims to demonstrate the utility of branding theory for social marketing services. Specifically, this is to our knowledge the first to investigate brand personality (BP) and brand personality appeal (BPA) in a single study as predictors for consumer attitudes and intentions to engage with a service. Design/methodology/approach The associations between BP and BPA and their subsequent associations with attitudes and intentions are tested in two service types, i.e. a commercial marketing service (banking) and a social marketing service (health screening). This involved a cross-sectional dual online survey administered to a sample of 395 women 50-69 years old in Queensland, Australia. This sampling criterion represented the primary target audience for the social marketing service, which was breastscreening and was maintained for the banking services sample. Multiple mediation analysis using a bootstrapping approach was conducted using Mplus 6.11. Findings BP and BPA perform similarly across the two service types. BP and BPA are related and have direct and indirect associations with consumer attitudes and behavioural intentions towards both commercial and social marketing services. Specifically, the BP traits of responsibility and activity were found to have significant direct and indirect relationships with attitudes and behavioural intentions towards both commercial and social marketing services. The relationships for the emotionality and simplicity traits were non-significant. The results also suggest that the attractiveness, favourability and clarity BPA traits had the strongest associations with consumer responses. Originality/value This study demonstrates the utility of using branding in social marketing services, which to date has been under-utilised. It also offers originality by combining BP and BPA in the same empirical inquiry, which to date has been examined separately. A new and alternative factor structure for BPA is provided, and future research is recommended to further examine BPA in this and other contexts.
Motives for customers to engage in co-creation activities

The focus of this paper is on the identification of motives for customers to engage in co-creation activities. Co-creation is the collaborative creation of value between a firm and the customer, an increasingly used method in new product development. The literature review shows six relevant motivational factors. A conceptual model has been derived from the finding in the literature. Empirical research has been based on this model. Results show that the Learning and Hedonic factor are on average highly rated. The Personal factor is strongly associated with the perception towards co-creation which influences participation. The findings are discussed with other results in the literature and are found to be to a certain extent comparable. Firms can use the insights provided in this paper to more effectively engage customers into co-creation activities while the paper as well contributes and incrementally build on existing knowledge on the topic of co-creation.
CFD Modeling of Devolatilization and Combustion of Shredded Tires and Pine Wood in Rotary Cement Kilns

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been used to study the devolatilization and combustion of large particles of shredded scrap tire “rubber” and pulverized pine wood “biomass” in a rotary cement kilns. The CFD model constitutes of modeling the hydrodynamics within the rotary kiln, heat transfer, devolatilization and co-combustion of rubber and biomass blends. Equivalent particle diameters of 1 mm and 2 mm for biomass and rubber, respectively, were used to simulate the process conditions and co-combustion in cement rotary kilns. The ratios of biomass substitution were varied from 5% to 20% on mass basis. The effect of the percentage of biomass content on the temperature distribution and devolatilization rate as well as wall heat transfer rate are presented. Results indicate that up to 20% biomass blend provides improved combustion characteristics compared with combustion of scrap tire alone. Further, the devolatilization rate was found to improve remarkably when scrap tire is blended with biomass. Most importantly, the biomass blend was found to increase the flame spreading and penetration, consequently improving the wall heat transfer rate, therefore providing favorable conditions for heat transfer to the cement clinker. The present study provides additional knowledge for future investigations on the use of biomass residues and some industrial wastes as alternative fuels for rotary cement kilns. That is, the use of alternative fuels in rotary cement kilns has a potential for economic improvement and environmental sustainability.