Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Device-to-Device Communication for Mobile Multimedia in Emerging 5G Networks

Device-to-device (D2D) communication, which utilizes mobile devices located within close proximity for direct connection and data exchange, holds great promise for improving energy and spectrum efficiency of mobile multimedia in 5G networks. It has been observed that most available D2D-based works—considered only the single-cell scenario with a single BS. Such scenario-based schemes, although tractable and able to illustrate the relationship between D2D links and cellular links, failed to take into account the distribution of surrounding base stations and user equipments (UEs), as well as the accumulated interference from ongoing transmissions in other cells. Furthermore, the single-tier network with one BS considered in available works is far from the real 5G scenario in which multi-tier BSs are heterogeneously distributed among the whole network area. In light of such observations, we present in this article a model for network coverage probability and average rate analysis in a D2D communication overlaying a two-tier downlink cellular network, where nineteen macro base stations (MBSs) with pico base stations (PBSs) placed at the end point of macro cell (hexagons) borders are employed according to the 3GPP specifications, and mobile users are spatially distributed according to the homogeneous Poisson Point Process model. Each mobile UE is able to establish a D2D link with adjacent UEs or connect to a nearby macro or pico base station. Stochastic geometric analysis is adopted to characterize the intratier interference distribution within the MBS-tier, PBS-tier, and D2D-tier based on which network coverage probability and per-user average rate are derived with a careful consideration of important issues such as threshold value, SINR value, user density, content hit rate, spectrum allocation, and cell coverage range. Our results show that, even for the overlaying case, D2D communication can significantly improve network coverage probability and per-user average downlink rate. Another finding is that the frequency allocation for D2D communications should be carefully tuned according to network settings, which may result in totally different varying behaviors for the per-user average rate.
Passivity-based teleoperation system for robots with parametric uncertainty and communication delay

Teleoperation systems developed in joint-space or task-space without taking into account parameter uncertainties impede the application of such framework on automation and manufacturing system. In this paper, a passivity-based control framework is proposed to accomplish teleoperation in the presence of unknown parameters and communication delays. First, we demonstrate that based on the addressed adaptive laws, the individual closed-loop robotic systems are passive. A passive coordination control is then utilized to ensure the position and velocity tracking between the local and remote robots. The interconnected system is proven to be stable, and experimental results are presented to verify the efficacy of the proposed control algorithms.
Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia the Impact of Housing Rehabilitation on Local Neighborhoods: the Case of St. Joseph's Carpenter Society Pictures of Sjcs Rehabilitated Homes Background

We thank Richard W. Lang for his valuable comments and suggestions. The paper also benefited from helpful discussions with The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia or the Federal Reserve System. Introduction Across the nation, nonprofit organizations located in poor and declining neighborhoods are promoting homeownership in the hopes that their efforts will stave off further decline and contribute to neighborhood stability. A common homeownership strategy among nonprofits is to acquire boarded-up or deteriorated houses at a low price, rehabilitate them, and then offer homeownership education and counseling to help new buyers purchase these homes at an affordable price. 1 For the most part, the impact of these nonprofit organizations can be seen simply by walking through the neighborhoods they serve: Their handiwork is evident in single rehabilitated homes or in huge swaths of land where blocks have been rebuilt (see Figure for examples of SJCS's work). As housing revitalization programs continue, however, nonprofit organizations like SJCS want to show quantitatively that neighborhood revitalization works – that the funds devoted to an area stabilize neighborhoods or, even more, that they initiate a surge of upward progress. Thus, this study assesses the quantitative impact that SJCS has on its target neighborhood. However, we are mindful of the obstacles involved in assessing the efforts of small community organizations. These difficulties are generally not associated with evaluating the neighborhood impact of larger community development efforts. A primary limitation is the availability of relevant data. This typically stems from the inability of small community organizations to fund the necessary task of data collection. Hence, this study will help illustrate what might be done to assess the efforts of a small community development organization. BEFORE AFTER 1 Throughout this study, any reference to Camden refers to the city of Camden unless stated otherwise .
Post-Discharge Mortality in Children with Severe Malnutrition and Pneumonia in Bangladesh

Background Post-discharge mortality among children with severe illness in resource-limited settings is under-recognized and there are limited data. We evaluated post-discharge mortality in a recently reported cohort of children with severe malnutrition and pneumonia, and identified characteristics associated with an increased risk of death. Methods Young children (<5 years of age) with severe malnutrition (WHO criteria) and radiographic pneumonia on admission to Dhaka Hospital of icddr,b over a 15-month period were managed according to standard protocols. Those discharged were followed-up and survival status at 12 weeks post-discharge was determined. Verbal autopsy was requested from families of those that died. Results Of 405 children hospitalized with severe malnutrition and pneumonia, 369 (median age, 10 months) were discharged alive with a follow-up plan. Of these, 32 (8.7%) died in the community within 3 months of discharge: median 22 (IQR 9–35) days from discharge to death. Most deaths were reportedly associated with acute onset of new respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms. Those that died following discharge were significantly younger (median 6 [IQR 3,12] months) and more severely malnourished, on admission and on discharge, than those that survived. Bivariate analysis found that severe wasting on admission (OR 3.64, 95% CI 1.66–7.97) and age <12 months (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.1–8.8) were significantly associated with post-discharge death. Of those that died in the community, none had attended a scheduled follow-up and care-seeking from a traditional healer was more common (p<0.001) compared to those who survived. Conclusion and Significance Post-discharge mortality was common in Bangladeshi children following inpatient care for severe malnutrition and pneumonia. The underlying contributing factors require a better understanding to inform the potential of interventions that could improve survival.
Circulating Secretory Phospholipase A2 Activity and Risk of Incident Coronary Events in Healthy Men and Women: The EPIC-NORFOLK Study

Objective—To assess the association between secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) activity, which encompasses several types of sPLA2, and cardiovascular disease (CAD) in healthy individuals. Methods and Results—We investigated this association in a nested case-control study among the 25 663 participants in EPIC-Norfolk cohort. Cases (n=991) were subjects in whom CAD developed during the 6 years of mean follow-up. Controls (n=1806) matched by age, sex, and enrollment time remained free of any CAD during follow-up. The risk of incident CAD was associated with increasing quartiles of sPLA2 activity (P<0.001). After adjustment for risk factors, C-reactive protein and sPLA2 type IIA concentration, the odds ratios of incident CAD in the second, third, and fourth quartiles of sPLA2 activity were 1.41, 1.33, and 1.56 (P=0.003), compared with the lowest quartile. sPLA2 activity and CRP were poorly correlated (r=0.15), and their combined values were more informative for incident risk of CAD than either biomarker alone. Subjects in the highest quartiles of sPLA2 activity and CRP had an adjusted odds ratio of 2.89 (95% confidence interval, 1.78 to 4.68; P<0.001) for CAD compared with those with the lowest quartiles of both markers. Conclusions—Measurement of serum sPLA2 activity provides additive prognostic value to traditional risk factors and CRP levels, and identifies a subgroup of individuals at high risk for incident CAD. Measurement of sPLA2 type II concentration had little added prognostic utility.
Chromosomal Rearrangements Formed by rrn Recombination Do Not Improve Replichore Balance in Host-Specific Salmonella enterica Serovars

Background Most of the ∼2,600 serovars of Salmonella enterica have a broad host range as well as a conserved gene order. In contrast, some Salmonella serovars are host-specific and frequently exhibit large chromosomal rearrangements from recombination between rrn operons. One hypothesis explaining these rearrangements suggests that replichore imbalance introduced from horizontal transfer of pathogenicity islands and prophages drives chromosomal rearrangements in an attempt to improve balance. Methodology/Principal Findings This hypothesis was directly tested by comparing the naturally-occurring chromosomal arrangement types to the theoretically possible arrangement types, and estimating their replichore balance using a calculator. In addition to previously characterized strains belonging to host-specific serovars, the arrangement types of 22 serovar Gallinarum strains was also determined. Only 48 out of 1,440 possible arrangement types were identified in 212 host-specific strains. While the replichores of most naturally-occurring arrangement types were well-balanced, most theoretical arrangement types had imbalanced replichores. Furthermore, the most common types of rearrangements did not change replichore balance. Conclusions/Significance The results did not support the hypothesis that replichore imbalance causes these rearrangements, and suggest that the rearrangements could be explained by aspects of a host-specific lifestyle.
Pleasing or Fighting Future Tastes? Projection Bias versus Conflict of Selves

Many real life choices concern consumption in future periods. Previous studies apparently demonstrate that people systematically mispredict future tastes in such situations. This evidence, however, is also consistent with the idea that people understand, but do not approve of their future tastes. To disentangle both approaches, we conducted a framed field experiment with commitment option. In our experiment, commitment was not a device against weak will. It was a judgment which a planner imposed on another planner. The results suggest that people do not always aim to please future tastes. People may sometimes experience a con ict between two far-sighted selves.
Collaborative research for the improvement of digital journalism practice

The combination of technological, organizational, and societal change constitutes a highly dynamic and complex research setting for Digital Journalism Studies, calling for process-oriented and inclusive research perspectives. At the same time, journalistic organizations have to generate sustainable innovativeness and creativity to remain relevant in these times of change. Action research offers a framework for research collaborations between scholars and practitioners, generating holistic and solution-oriented outcomes of value for science and practice. With the clear intention to induce change, action research starts with the reflection on practice with a view to improving it. This article argues for more action research in Digital Journalism Studies, elaborating on the opportunities for science and practice. A current action research project in Switzerland is introduced and evaluated to give an impression of this research culture. The remaining challenges derived from experiences in this project are also discussed.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Characteristics of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Isolated from Surface Waters and Sediments in a Canadian Urban-Agricultural Landscape

A hydrophobic grid membrane filtration—Shiga toxin immunoblot method was used to examine the prevalence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in four watersheds located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada, a region characterized by rapid urbanization and intensive agricultural activity. STEC were recovered from 21.6, 23.2, 19.5, and 9.2% of surface water samples collected monthly from five sites in each watershed over a period of 1 year. Overall prevalence was subject to seasonal variation however, ranging between 13.3% during fall months and 34.3% during winter months. STEC were also recovered from 23.8% of sediment samples collected in one randomly selected site. One hundred distinct STEC isolates distributed among 29 definitive and 4 ambiguous or indeterminate serotypes were recovered from water and sediments, including isolates from Canadian “priority” serogroups O157 (3), O26 (4), O103 (5), and O111 (7). Forty seven isolates were further characterized by analysis of whole genome sequences to detect Shiga toxin gene (stx 1 and stx 2), intimin gene (eaeA) allelic variants and acquired virulence factors. These analyses collectively showed that surface waters from the region support highly diverse STEC populations that include strains with virulence factors commonly associated with human pathotypes. The present work served to characterize the microbiological hazard implied by STEC to support future assessments of risks to public health arising from non-agricultural and agricultural uses of surface water resources in the region.
Isolation of human multipotent mesenchymal stem cells from second-trimester amniotic fluid using a novel two-stage culture protocol.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to isolate mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from amniotic fluid obtained by second-trimester amniocentesis. METHODS A novel two-stage culture protocol for culturing MSCs was developed. Flow cytometry, RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry were used to analyse the phenotypic characteristics of the cultured MSCs. Von Kossa, Oil Red O and TuJ-1 stainings were used to assess the differentiation potentials of MSCs. RESULTS Amniotic fluid-derived MSCs (AFMSCs) were successfully isolated, cultured and enriched without interfering with the routine process of fetal karyotyping. Flow cytometry analyses showed that they were positive for SH2, SH3, SH4, CD29, CD44 and HLA-ABC (MHC class I), low positive for CD90 and CD105, but negative for CD10, CD11b, CD14, CD34, CD117, HLA-DR, DP, DQ (MHC class II) and EMA. Importantly, a subpopulation of Oct-4-positive cells was detectable in our cultured AFMSCs. Under specific culture conditions, AFMSCs could be induced to differentiate into adipocytes, osteocytes and neuronal cells. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that human multipotent MSCs are present in second-trimester amniotic fluid. Considering the great potential of cellular therapy using fetal stem cells and the feasibility of intrauterine fetal tissue engineering, amniotic fluid may provide an excellent alternative source for investigation of human MSCs.
A boolean model for spam detection

Spam, also known as unsolicited or junk mail quickly became a major problem on the Internet. To address this growing burden of this type of spam, several detection techniques exist to automatically classify incoming emails as spam or legitimate. In this context, we propose a supervised classification approach based on Boolean cellular automaton. To evaluate the performance of this new approach, we conduct a series of experiments on the LingSpam corpus.
Are dust shell models well-suited to explain interferometric data of late-type stars in the near-infrared?

Recently available near-infrared interferometric data on late-type stars show a strong increase of diameter for asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars between the K ($2.0{-}2.4~{\rm \mu m}$) and L ($3.4{-}4.1~{\rm \mu m}$) bands. Aiming at an explanation of these findings, we chose the objects α Orionis (Betelgeuse), SW Virginis, and R Leonis, which are of different spectral types and stages of evolution, and which are surrounded by circumstellar envelopes with different optical thicknesses. For these stars, we compared observations with spherically symmetric dust shell models. Photometric and $11~{\rm \mu m}$ interferometric data were also taken into account to further constrain the models. – We find the following results. For all three AGB stars, the photosphere and dust shell model is consistent with the multi-wavelength photometric data. For α Orionis the model dust shell has a very small optical depth (0.0065 at $11~{\rm \mu m}$); the visibility data and model in K and L are essentially entirely photospheric with no significant contribution from the dust, and the visibility data at $11~{\rm \mu m}$ show a strong dust signature which agrees with the model. For SW Virginis the model dust shell has a small optical depth (0.045 at $11~{\rm \mu m}$); in K the visibility data and model are essentially purely photospheric, in L the visibility data demand a larger object than the photosphere plus dust model allows, and at $11~{\rm \mu m}$ there was no data available. For R Leonis the model dust shell has a moderate optical depth (0.1 at $11~{\rm \mu m}$); in K and L the visibility data and model situation is similar to that of SW Vir, and at $11~{\rm \mu m}$ the visibility data and model are in agreement. – We conclude that AGB models comprising a photosphere and dust shell, although consistent with SED data and also interferometric data in K and at $11~{\rm \mu m}$, cannot explain the visibility data in L ; an additional source of model opacity, possibly related to a gas component, is needed in L to be consistent with the visibility data.
A signal theoretic approach to measure the influence of image resolution for appearance-based vehicle detection

In this work a framework to measure the influence of training image resolution on classification performance for appearance-based object detection algorithms is presented. It is shown that based on sampling theory a reasonable image resolution for feature extraction can be chosen in advance, that is prior to the time consuming feature extraction and testing of the classifier. This is possible due to measuring the signal energy that is preserved in a low resolution image with respect to the optimal case of a high resolution image. The approach is justified using an AdaBoost algorithm with Haar-like features for vehicle detection. Tests of classifiers, trained with different resolutions, are performed and the results are presented. These results reveal that there is a good tradeoff between classification performance and computational load. The presented framework helps choosing a resolution for a good description of the training data.
The role of context in intuitive decision-making

Few writers have examined the contextual determinants of intuitive decision-making and none has examined the differential contribution to explaining intuition made by different perspectives on context. This study seeks to supply what is absent by examining the overall impact of combinations of variables representing three different perspectives (decision, environment and firm) on the use of intuition when making strategic decisions. The results indicate that the characteristics specific to the firm and to the environment appear to be more significant to intuition than does the nature of the decision; and that the impact of the contextual variables varies from one dimension to another. The research limitations are discussed and suggestions for future research are also offered.
AutoKey: human assisted key extraction

Key extraction is an inverse problem of ﬁnding the foreground, the background,and the alpha from an image and some hints. Although the chromakey solves this for a limited case (single background color), this is often too restrictive in practical situations. When the extraction from arbitrary background is necessary, this is currently done by a time consuming manual task. In order to reduce the operator load, attempts have been made to assist operators using either color space or image space information. However, existing approaches have their limitations. Especially, they leave too much work to operators. In this paper, we present a key extraction algo-rithm which for the ﬁrst time, addresses the problem quantitatively. We ﬁrst derive a partial differential equation that relates the gradient of an image to the alpha values. We then describe an efﬁcient algo-rithm that provides the alpha values as the solution of the equation. Along with our accurate motion estimation technique, it produces correct alpha values almost everywhere, leaving little work to operators. We also show that a careful design of the algorithm and the data representation greatly improves human interaction. At every step of the algorithm, human interaction is possible and it is intuitive.
Flash memory SSD based DBMS for data warehouses and data marts

Flash memory based high capacity SSDs open the doors for large enterprise applications for better performance and high reliability. Flash memory hardware characteristics not allow disk based schemes implication directly. For employing such schemes, we need to revise them on some level to make them effective for flash media storage. In this paper, we aim to implement DBMS on flash memory SSD based large enterprise applications. This paper presents the relevancy of SSD characteristics with storage features of data warehouses and data marts and proposes the architecture of data storage for variable-length records in and data retrieval using virtual sequential access method by multilevel indexing from flash memory based SSDs for such applications. We prove less overhead with high reliability, and more throughput compare to hard disk drives.