Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Information Content of Volatility Forecasts at Medium-term Horizons

Using realized volatility to estimate daily conditional volatility of financial returns, we compare forecasts of daily volatility from standard QML-estimated GARCH models, and from projections on past realized volatilities obtained from high-frequency data. We consider horizons extending to thirty trading days. The forecasts are compared with the unconditional sample variance of daily returns treated as a daily volatility forecast, allowing us to estimate the maximum horizon at which the model-based forecasts provide forecasting power, measured by MSE reduction. Using data from a Toronto Stock Exchange equity index and foreign exchange returns (DM/$US and Yen/$US), we find evidence of forecasting power at horizons of up to thirty trading days, on each of the three financial returns series. We also find some evidence that the result of (e.g.) Bollerslev and Wright (2001), that projections on past realized volatility provide better 1-step forecasts than the QML-GARCH forecasts, appears to extend to longer horizons up to around ten to fifteen trading days. At longer horizons, there appears to be little to distinguish the forecast methods. En utilisant la volatilite realisee pour estimer la volatilite conditionnelle quotidienne des rendements financiers, nous comparons les previsions de volatilite quotidienne effectuees a partir de modeles GARCH-QVM standard et a partir de projections directes sur les volatilites realisees. Nous considerons un horizon maximal de trente jours de transaction. Les previsions sont comparees a la variance non conditionnelle des rendements quotidiens, ce qui nous permet d'estimer l'horizon maximal pour lequel les modeles detiennent un pouvoir de prevision. Nous utilisons des donnees de l'indice TSE 35 et des taux de change DM/US$ et Yen/US$, et nos resultats montrent qu'il y a un pouvoir de prediction jusqu'a un horizon de trente jours, et ce, pour chacune des trois series. Nous montrons aussi que le resultat de Bollerslev et Wright (2001), resultat indiquant que les projections sont superieures sur l'horizon d'un jour, reste valide dans un horizon s'etendant jusqu'a dix ou quinze jours. Pour des horizons plus longs, les deux types de methodes de prevision ne se differencient guere.
How has grief tourism re-defined the social and judicial progress of the Madres de Plaza de Mayo?

How has Grief Tourism Re-defined the Social and Judicial Progress of the Madres de Plaza de Mayo? (May 2008) Sarah Louise Tonner, B.A. (Hons), The University of Sheffield Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Marian Eide The intent of this thesis is to examine the ways in which grief tourism has changed the nature and progress of the Madres de Plaza de Mayo as an organized group of mothers who have spent thirty years searching for answers about the fate of their disappeared children. This thesis will provide a historical overview of the Dirty War followed by a definition of grief tourism and an analysis of tourist’s motivations to visit sites of death and disaster. With the increase and development of mass communications, people are able to research and discover remote corners of the world very easily. Furthermore, death and disaster always features as the predominant portion of the daily news. With the free flow of information, whether desired or not, coupled with an innate fascination for the morose, one is enticed to discover and visit sites of death and disaster. Grief tourism has linked visitor destinations all over the world including the concentration camps in Germany, Ground Zero in New York and now, the Plaza de Mayo in Argentina. Research indicates that grief tourism emerges in many differing
An Evaluation of High-Performance Embedded Processing on MPPAs

Embedded signal processing is facing the challenges of increased performance as well as to achieve energy efficiency. Massively parallel processor arrays (MPPAs) consisting of hundreds of processing cores offer the possibility of meeting the growing performance demand in an energy efficient way by exploiting parallelism instead of scaling the clock frequency of a single processor. In this paper we evaluate two selected commercial architectures belonging to the category of MPPA. The adopted approach for the evaluation is to implement a real, industrial application in the form of compute-intensive parts of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems.
Assessing the Effect of Fire Regime on Coarse Woody Debris 1

This study used field data and modeling to examine how coarse woody debris (CWD) differs between two areas that experienced different fire regimes (120- to 300-year mean fire return intervals) in the 1500-1850 period. Although fire frequency and severity established the overall pattern of CWD succession, the interaction of fire regime with other controlling factors caused the differences in CWD mass at the landscape scale. CWD mass was almost twice as high in landscapes having an infrequent, stand-replacing fire regime (173 Mg/ha) as in landscapes having a moderately frequent, mixed-severity fire regime (95 Mg/ha). Factors that appear to have the greatest influence are decomposition rates, fire severity, fire frequency, and fuel consumption, suggesting that environment and stand structure—together with fire regime—are more important than fire regime alone. CWD levels have greater temporal variability in the infrequent, stand-replacing fire regime than in the mixed-severity regime, primarily because of the different timing of mortality.
Let's Have Fun Tonight: The Role of Pleasure in Daily Recovery from Work

The present study aims to advance insight into the role of pleasure in the daily effort-recovery cycle. Specifically, using a within-individual study design, we examine the associations between the pleasure employees experience during the evening after work and their recovery state that evening and at various points in time during the next workday. We also investigate associations between employees' recovery state at the end of the workday and the pleasure they experience during the subsequent evening. Multilevel analyses show that on days when employees experience higher levels of pleasure during the evening after work, they have a more favorable recovery state during that evening. Importantly, the extent to which employees experience pleasure during the evening after work is also positively related to their recovery state during the next workday. Finally, our study shows that on days when employees are in a more unfavorable recovery state at the end of the workday, they experience lower levels of pleasure during the subsequent evening after work. This study increases our insight into the role of pleasure in recovering from work and underlines the importance of engaging in pleasant activities after work.
Exploiting sparsity and rank-deficiency in dynamic MRI reconstruction

This work addresses the problem of dynamic MRI reconstruction from partially sampled K-space. When the frames of the dynamic MRI sequences are stacked as columns of a matrix, the resultant matrix is both sparse (in a transform domain) and rank-deficient. The dynamic MRI sequence is reconstructed by solving an optimization problem that minimizes a sum of sparsity and rank-deficiency penalties subject to data constraints (K-space data acquisition model). In this work, we propose a non-convex optimization problem for dynamic MRI reconstruction where the sparsity penalty is an lp-norm and the rank-deficiency penalty is the Schatten-q norm (0<;p,q≤1). There is no algorithm to solve this combined lp-norm and Schatten-q norm minimization problem; hence we derive a new algorithm based on the Majorization Minimization method. Our proposed method shows considerable improvement in reconstruction results over state-of-the-art techniques in dynamic MRI reconstruction.
Distribution of energy levels of a quantum free particle on a surface of revolution

We prove that the error term $\La(R)$ in the Weyl asymptotic formula $$\#\{ E_n\le R^2\}={\Vol M\over 4\pi} R^2+\La(R),$$ for the Laplace operator on a surface of revolution $M$ satisfying a twist hypothesis, has the form $\La(R) =R^{1/2}F(R)$ where $F(R)$ is an almost periodic function of the Besicovitch class $B^2$, and the Fourier series of $F(R)$ in $B^2$ is $\sum_\g A(\g)\cos(|\g|R-\phi)$ where the sum goes over all closed geodesics on $M$, and $A(\g)$ is computed through simple geometric characteristics of $\g$. We extend this result to surfaces of revolution, which violate the twist hypothesis and satisfy a more general Diophantine hypothesis. In this case we prove that $\La(R)=R^{2/3}\Phi(R)+R^{1/2}F(R)$, where $\Phi(R)$ is a finite sum of periodic functions and $F(R)$ is an almost periodic function of the Besicovitch class $B^2$. The Fourier series of $\Phi(R)$ and $F(R)$ are computed.
Sharing Receptive Fields with Your Neighbors: Tuning the Vertical System Cells to Wide Field Motion

In the blowfly, the direction-selective response of the 60 lobula-plate tangential cells has been ascribed to the integration of local motion information across their extensive dendritic trees. Because the lobula plate is organized retinotopically, the receptive fields of the tangential cells ought to be determined by their dendritic architecture. However, this appears not always to be the case. One compelling example is the exceptionally wide receptive fields of the vertical system (VS) tangential cells. Using dual-intracellular recordings, Haag and Borst (2004) found VS cells to be mutually coupled in such a way that each VS cell is connected exclusively to its immediate neighbors. This coupling may form the basis of the broad receptive fields of VS cells. Here, we tested this hypothesis directly by photoablating individual VS cells. The receptive field width of VS cells indeed narrowed after the ablation of single VS cells, specifically depending on whether the receptive field of the ablated cell was more frontal or more posterior to the recorded cell. In particular, the responses changed as if the neuron lost access to visual information from the ablated neuron and those VS cells more distal than it from the recorded neuron. These experiments provide strong evidence that the lateral connections among VS cells are a crucial component in the mechanism underlying their complex receptive fields, augmenting the direct columnar input to their dendrites.
On Aspect-Oriented Technology and Object-Oriented Design Patterns

More and more works are done on design patterns and aspect-oriented programming. These works mainly propose to use aspect-oriented programming mechanisms to provide new implementations of objectoriented design patterns. This paper illustrates our own approach by presenting an aspect-oriented implementation of the GoF Strategy pattern, and claims implementation is not sufficient: aspect-orientation also needs to be considered at the design level in the description of design patterns. We also discuss different issues relative to the “aspectization” of object-oriented design patterns.
Studies on metals in motor neuron disease

A slow but steady increase in neurodegenerative disorders has been noted in recent decades. Degenerations in the nervous system are found in Alzheimer s disease, Parkinson s disease and motor neuron diseases. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common of the motor neuron diseases. It is often considered a model disorder of neurodegeneration. Early symptoms of ALS are limb weakness or weakness in muscles of speech and swallowing. Muscle atrophy follow and a slowly progressing paralysis spreads to respiratory muscles invariably leading to death in respiratory failure. Neurophysiological investigations are necessary for proper diagnosis, and it is important to rule out treatable diagnostic alternatives such as myopathies or polyneuropathies. The cause of ALS is unknown. Prevailing theories include genetic, viral, inflammatory, oxidative or toxic mechanisms. Some indications point toward metallotoxic etiologies. Clusters of ALS have been observed in regions where geological conditions cause elevated metal concentrations in water and soil. Several studies show increased frequency of ALS in certain occupations. ALS-like conditions are found in animals, notably in horses, where metal exposure can be suspected. In addition animal metal exposure experiments show accumulations of metals in the spinal cord. The aim of this thesis project is to clarify the role of metals in ALS. The hypothesis tested is that neurotoxic metals contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of ALS. To study this we have measured concentrations of 22 metals in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma from patients with ALS and from controls, and correlated findings to literature data to suggest a model for ALS pathogenesis. Increased concentrations were found for the metals manganese, aluminum, cadmium, cobalt, copper, zinc, lead, vanadium and uranium in CSF from patients with ALS compared to controls. Manganese showed the most prominent correlation. Simultaneous sampling from plasma did not show these elevated concentrations, indicating metal accumulations in ALS CSF. Most of the metals detected in CSF from ALS patients are neurotoxicants. Studies of mercury distribution in a monkey showed mercury accumulations in the spinal cord after respiratory exposure to mercury. Motor neurons of the spinal cord seem to be more vulnerable to metal toxicity then surrounding cells, as they lack protection from the metal-binding protein metallothionein. Patient exposure to metals, distribution by the bloodstream, penetration of protective barriers and direct toxic effects on neurons of the spinal cord is suggested to be causative in ALS. It is concluded that neurotoxic metals can reach and affect the anterior horn cells of motor neurons and thereby contribute to the pathogenesis of ALS. ISBN 978-91-7549-046-5
Online classification of imagined hand movement using a consumer grade EEG device

Brain-Computer Interaction (BCI) is a technology developed with the purpose of building a pathway between the brain and computer which is independent of neuromuscular functions. Potential applications in rehabilitation of patients with motor disabilities and video gaming make BCI an important field of research. A task like controlling a prosthetic limb using BCI is challenging. Performing this with readily available consumer grade EEG devices complicates the matters further due to lower accuracies. This paper presents the work related to an online classifier for imagined hand movement implemented using Emotiv Epoc for EEG data capturing. The system attempts to discriminate between left and right hand movement imagination by analysing the recordings of two electrodes placed over the motor-cortex. Auto-Regression (AR) based signal processing techniques are employed to derive features that enable classification. Especially, a cumulative score based method is used for identification of user specific frequencies. The system is evaluated in an experiment involving 8 subjects where an average accuracy of 70.375% is achieved.
CIM to PIM Transformation : A criteria Based Evaluation

The Model Driven Architecture (MDA) of the Object Management Group (OMG) represents an approach of software development based on the use of models. The transformation of models is at the heart of the MDA (Model-Driven Architecture) approach. CIM to PIM transformation can be of a great support for domain experts and business analysts, but is not mentioned enough by OMG. Thus, we have decided to focus on this higher level of MDA and these transformations at the PIM level, first by this work of studying a number of research on this subject and then by a future work to improve contribution in this stage. In this paper, we provide an assessment based on criterions deducted from the framework MDA TM of the OMG and similar evaluations of the existing works for this stage of construction and transformation of CIM. The results of this study will make it easier, for future researchers, to provide a relevant method of CIM construction and transformation.
Percepción de profesores y estudiantes universitarios sobre la retroalimentación y su incidencia en el rendimiento

En este articulo se presentan los resultados de la investigacion que tuvo como objetivo determinar en que medida la aplicacion de un modelo de retroalimentacion mejora la percepcion de los profesores y estudiantes de la Licenciatura en Pedagogia Infantil, de una institucion universitaria ubicada en la ciudad de Bogota, Colombia sobre el significado que cobran las practicas de evaluacion formativa en el aprendizaje, y establecer si se presentan diferencias en cuanto al rendimiento academico. El metodo seleccionado fue el estudio mixto, la muestra la conformaron 40 estudiantes de pregrado y dos profesores. Se aplicaron tres instrumentos validados: un formato para emitir retroalimentacion, una encuesta y una entrevista semi-estructurada. Para analizar la informacion a nivel cuantitativo se calcularon parametros estadisticos con Excel y a nivel cualitativo se proceso la informacion con Atlas TI. Como resultado, se encontro que la implementacion del modelo de retroalimentacion de Hattie y Timperley (2007) mejoro la percepcion de los profesores y estudiantes sobre el significado que cobran las practicas de evaluacion formativa en el aprendizaje y que desde su percepcion la retroalimentacion contribuye a mejorar el rendimiento academico. Palabras clave: retroalimentacion, evaluacion, evaluacion formativa, rendimiento academico, metodos mixtos. Perception of teachers and university students about feedback and its impact on performance This article presents the results of the research that aimed to determine the extent to which the application of a feedback model improves the perception of teachers and students of the degree in Pedagogy of Children, in a university located in Bogota, Colombia, on the meaning that the practices of formative assessment have in learning, and to establish if there are differences in the academic performance. The method selected was the mixed study, the sample was composed of 40 undergraduate students and two teachers. Three validated instruments were applied: a format to report feedback, a survey and a semi-structured interview. To analyze the data at the quantitative level statistical parameters were calculated with Excel and at qualitative level data were processed with Atlas TI. As a result, it was found that the implementation of feedback model of Hattie and Timperley (2007), improved the perception of teachers and students about the significance of the formative assessment practices in learning and from their perception, feedback helps to improve academic performance. Keywords: feedback, assessment, formative assessment, academic performance, mixed study.
Writer Identification Using Texture Analysis

In this paper, we describe a new method to identify the writer of handwritten documents. There are many methods for signature verification or writer identification, but most of them require segmentation or connected component analysis. They are the kinds of content dependent identification methods as signature verification requires the writer to write the same text (e.g. his name). In our new method, we take the handwriting as an image containing some special texture, and writer identification is regarded as texture identification. This is a content independent for a particular script. We apply the well-established 2-D Gabor filtering technique and grey scale co-occurrence matrices to extract features of such textures and a weighted Euclidean distance classifier and K-nearest neighbor classifier to fulfill the identification task. Experiments are made using handwritings from different people in different languages and very promising results were achieved.
Perioperative bridging of chronic oral anticoagulation in patients undergoing pacemaker implantation--a study in 200 patients.

OBJECTIVE To assess the risk of bleeding and thromboembolism (TE) of bridging therapy with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in patients undergoing pacemaker implantation. BACKGROUND Current guidelines on peri-procedural management of patients with chronic oral anticoagulation (OAC) give no explicit recommendations on how to treat patients undergoing pacemaker implantations. METHODS AND RESULTS Since 2000 all patients with chronic OAC undergoing pacemaker implantation were prospectively enrolled and treated following a pre- specified bridging regimen with enoxaparin using reduced LMWH doses in patients at non high TE risk and renal impairment. Patients were followed up for 30 days regarding bleeding complications, incidence of thromboembolism, length of therapy and adverse events following bridging therapy. 200 patients (age 78.4 ± 8.3 years; 60.5% male) were enrolled and treated with enoxaparin for a mean of 7.3 ± 4.2 days. 109 patients (54.4%) were assigned to high TE risk and 91 (45.6%) to non high TE risk. Renal insufficiency (CrCl of <50 ml/min) was present in 92 patients (46%). After risk stratification 72.5% of patients (n = 145) were treated with reduced LMWH doses. Outpatient treatment was feasible in 39 patients (19.5%). Nine bleeding complications were observed (4.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.1-8.4%), including one major bleed (0.5%; 95% CI 0.01%-2.75%) and eight minor bleeds (4%; 95% CI 1.74%-7.73%). No thromboembolic complications evolved due to bridging therapy (0%; 95% CI 0.0-1.49%). After multivariate regression analysis independent predictors for bleedings were the development of thrombozytopenia (hazard ratio [HR] 6.0, 95% CI 0.3-139.8; P = 0.002), the prevalence of congestive heart failure (HR 4.5, 95% CI 0.9-22.2; P = 0.01), high TE risk (HR 6.9, 95% CI 1.9-25.6; P = 0.03) and an increasing CHADS₂ score (HR 2.3, 95% CI 1.0-5.4; P = 0.05). CONCLUSION Oral anticoagulation can be safely interrupted before pacemaker implantation under overlapping therapy with enoxaparin. Reducing heparin doses in patients with low thromboembolic risk and renal insufficiency led to a low incidence of major bleeding without increasing thromboembolic events.
Information Ergonomics Lectures for Creative Prototyping

The PAIPR (Programme for Advanced Interactive Prototype Research) group At the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC), has created a set of tools to assist students in learning information ergonomics through hands-on experience of prototyping and testing. These tools are supported by a grounding in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) theory provided by the Information Ergonomics lectures that are delivered to the second year BA and BSc Product Design courses. The aim of these lectures is to provide product design students with the tools and knowledge to rapidly create interactive information appliance prototypes that combine Product and Interface design. The lectures also aim to raise the awareness of usability issues in design. Using a case study, this paper shows how the lectures have impacted on a third year project, identifies where the lectures were most successful, and suggests opportunities for improvement.
Comparison of FSPM topologies applied in open-winding wind power system

Open-winding permanent magnet (PM) generator power system is an important research direction of wind power. Compared with rotor-PM motor, flux-switching permanent magnet (FSPM) machines have the advantage that is suitable for flux-weakening operation and has no risk of PM demagnetization. Hence, FSPM machine is applied to the open-winding power system in this paper and six topologies of FSPM machines are selected. With the aid of 2D finite element analysis, the electromagnetic torque, PM flux and self-inductances are investigated and compared with emphasis on the torque-speed characteristics. Furthermore, the new flux-weakening equation of open-winding FSPM wind power system is derived for the first time in this paper and the similarities and differences with the electromotor mathematical model is also revealed. The correctness of the equation is verified by simulation.