Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chapter 19 CPR-09

Property rights are defined in terms of five cumulative rights: access, extraction, management, exclusion, and alienation (sale) (see Chapter 17). Open access resources offer users only two rights: access and extraction. Common property resources (CPR) give community members the rights of access, extraction, management, and exclusion. Under CPR, the services of a resource such as fishing, grazing of animals, and the extraction of firewood or lumber from a forest are (1) excludable as a group (nonmembers are excluded, but members cannot be excluded), and (2) rival in use. CPR can thus be compared to private and open access resources in that they are rival; and they can be compared to club goods in that they are collectively excludable (Figure 1).
Do High Frequency Traders Need to be Regulated ? Evidence from Algorithmic Trading on Macro News

Stock index ETF and futures prices respond to macroeconomic announcement surprises within a tenth of a second, with trading intensity increasing ten-fold in the quarter second following the news release. Trading profits, however, are relatively small and decline in recent years. We find no evidence that the controversial practice of selling early access to macro news produces incremental profits. Our findings suggest that algorithmic traders operate in a highly competitive environment. Consistent with this view, we find event profits are decreasing in quote intensity. Order flow also becomes less informative over time as quotes respond to news directly rather than indirectly through trading.
Salivary Markers of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Status: Influence of External Factors

BACKGROUND: Salivary markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant status represent promising tool for the research of oral diseases. One of the criteria is the validation of these biomarkers from the perspective of the confounding and modifying factors. AIM: To examine the effect of circadian rhythm, tooth-brushing and ascorbic acid treatment on selected salivary markers of oxidative and carbonyl stress, and antioxidant status. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Whole unstimulated saliva samples were collected from 19 healthy participants three times during a day, before and after tooth-brushing, and before and after the administration of vitamin C (250 mg). Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), advanced glycation end products (AGEs), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured. RESULTS: Salivary AGEs levels varied significantly during the day (p < 0.05) with the highest concentrations in the morning. FRAP levels varied during the day (p < 0.01) with the highest concentrations in the afternoon. Tooth-brushing decreased AGEs (p < 0.05) and TBARS levels (p < 0.01) and increased FRAP levels (p < 0.05). Single intake of vitamin C significantly decreased AGEs (p < 0.001) and increased both FRAP (p < 0.01) and TAC (p < 0.01) concentrations. CONCLUSION: Significant daily variations were observed in salivary AGEs and FRAP levels. Tooth-brushing and treatment with vitamin C decreased carbonyl stress and increased the antioxidant status. These results are important from the perspective of using saliva for the research of oral diseases.
The CARMEN Virtual Laboratory: Web-Based Para- digms for Collaboration in Neurophysiology

Dissemination, reuse and sharing of digital resources is technically and culturally challenging in neuroscience – particularly in the area of Multi-Electrode Array (MEA) recording. Large, complex datasets are typical, with a heterogeneous range of data and code formats. The CARMEN project (http://www.carmen.org.uk/) aims to enable broad sharing or resources, through provision of a secure, online environment for data analysis, and curation of data, analysis code and experimental protocols.
BMICA-Independent Component Analysis Based on B-Spline Mutual Information Estimation for EEG Signals

Electroencephalogram (EEG) serves as an extremely valuable tool for clinicians and researchers to study the activity of the brain in a non-invasive manner. It has long been used for the diagnosis of brain damage, for categorizing sleep stages and various central nervous system disorders like seizures and epilepsy. The EEG source signals are mixed however with other signals such as Electrooculogram (EOG) and Electromyogram (EMG) which increase the difficulty in analyzing the pure EEG and obtaining the clinical information. This paper presents a new method for denoising artifacts in mixed EEG signals. To remove these artifacts the information theoretic concept of mutual information estimated using B-Spline was used in creating an approach for Independent Component Analysis (ICA). In this paper we present a B-Spline estimator for mutual information to find the independent components in EEG signals. Tests showed that B-Spline Mutual Information Independent Component Analysis (BMICA) exhibits better performance than the standard Independent Component Analysis algorithms of FastICA, JADE, SOBI and EFICA in similar simulations. BMICA was found to be also more reliable than the well known FastICA in producing purer EEG signals for analysis.
The Arrowhead Torus : a Cayley Graph on the 6-valent Grid

The «arrowhead torus» is a broadcast graph that we define on the 6-valent grid as a Cayley graph. We borrow the term from Mandelbrot who qualifies in that way one of the Sierpinski's famous fractal constructions. The 6-valent grid H = (V,¸E) is generated by three families of straight lines. We adopt the isotropic orientation S-> N, NE -> SW, NW ->SE and define the system of generators S ={s_1,¸s_2,¸s_3} whose elements are the three respective translations. The multiplication on S defines a group acting on the vertices of V with a basic set of relations. The arrowhead is the graph of a finite group generated by superimposing a cyclic relation for each direction. The arrowhead interconn- ection network has several important advantages. It has a bounded valence as a grid and the highest allowed valence for a 2D regular grid. As a Cayley graph, it allows recursive constructions and divide-and-conquer schemes for information dissemination, it is also vertex-transitive hence all routers will behave in a similar way. From construction it will appear finally as a good host for embedding subvalent topologies like the usual grid.
Diversification and Value-at-Risk

A pervasive and puzzling feature of banks’ Value-at-Risk (VaR) is its abnormally high level, which leads to excessive regulatory capital. A possible explanation for the tendency of commercial banks to overstate their VaR is that they incompletely account for the diversification effect among broad risk categories (e.g., equity, interest rate, commodity, credit spread, and foreign exchange). By underestimating the diversification effect, bank’s proprietary VaR models produce overly prudent market risk assessments. In this paper, we examine empirically the validity of this hypothesis using actual VaR data from major US commercial banks. In contrast to the VaR diversification hypothesis, we find that US banks show no sign of systematic underestimation of the diversification effect. In particular, diversification effects used by banks is very close to (and quite often larger than) our empirical diversification estimates. A direct implication of this finding is that individual VaRs for each broad risk category, just like aggregate VaRs, are biased risk assessments.
Improving preamble sampling performance in wireless sensor networks with state information

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) are characterized by stringent power constraints. Researchers focus on improving their power efficiency in order to allow building up networks that survive for long periods of time on limited battery resources without any human intervention. Improvements have been proposed for every hardware and software component, including every networking layer of the sensor nodes. Concerning the MAC layer, different strategies have been proposed, among which preamble sampling is promising. This technique limits the energy spent by nodes that are not recipients of a frame, and transfer a part of this cost to the transmitter. However, the basic technique leaves room for enhancements. We show that such optimization is possible by adapting the duty cycles of the nodes taking into consideration their depth in the routing tree. We experimentally demonstrate that a significant reduction in energy consumption may be obtained when using different preamble lengths throughout the network. Our results show that, with such inter-layer cooperation, the energy efficiency of nodes closer to the sink can be improved by up to 50%.
Grid-Based Data Stream Processing in e-Science

The field of e-science currently faces many challenges. Among the most important ones are the analysis of huge volumes of scientific data and the connection of various sciences and communities, thus enabling scientists to share scientific interests, data, and research results. These issues can be addressed by processing large data volumes on-thefly in the form of data streams and by combining multiple data sources and making the results available in a network. In this paper, we demonstrate how e-science can benefit from research in computer science in the field of data stream management. In particular, we are concerned with processing multiple data streams in grid-based peer-to-peer (P2P) networks. We introduce spatial matching, which is a current issue in astrophysics, as a real-life e-science scenario to show how a data stream management system (DSMS) can help in efficiently performing associated tasks. We describe our new way of solving the spatial matching problem and present some evaluation results. In the course of the evaluation, our DSMS StarGlobe proves to be a valuable computing platform for astrophysical applications.
Automatic detection of telugu single and multi-character text blocks in handwritten words

Every character recognition system is variant with respect to its specific characteristics and problems. Segmentation of touching and overlapping characters in Telugu handwritten documents is one of the integral and imperative research problems. The solutions to such problems are inexhaustible due to its lengthier computational processing. Attempts for extending the application of touching character segmentation algorithms globally for the entire textual blocks increase the time complexity to the overall process of Optical Character Recognition (OCR). Therefore the objective of the present work is to abridge the computational complexity involved in segmentation of touching characters that are commonly witnessed in Telugu application form documents. This paper proposes a novel approach for classification of multi-character text blocks (a group of touching or overlapping character blocks) and single character text blocks (isolated character blocks) in Telugu handwritten words based on histogram features. Initially the handwritten word is segmented into blocks based on the vertical projection profiles. Then each block is partitioned into eight equal regions based on the statistical quantities percentiles. We compute the number of peaks greater than the mean of a particular partition from the horizontal projection profiles obtained from each partition. The empirical relations are derived from the number of peaks features computed with respect to each partition through which the character blocks are distinguished as single or multicharacter text blocks. The experimental results are adequate and consistent with an overall accuracy of around 96.56%.
Comparison of cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes from the mouse and human genomes, including nomenclature recommendations for genes, pseudogenes and alternative-splice variants.

OBJECTIVES Completion of both the mouse and human genome sequences in the private and public sectors has prompted comparison between the two species at multiple levels. This review summarizes the cytochrome P450 (CYP) gene superfamily. For the first time, we have the ability to compare complete sets of CYP genes from two mammals. Use of the mouse as a model mammal, and as a surrogate for human biology, assumes reasonable similarity between the two. It is therefore of interest to catalog the genetic similarities and differences, and to clarify the limits of extrapolation from mouse to human. METHODS Data-mining methods have been used to find all the mouse and human CYP sequences; this includes 102 putatively functional genes and 88 pseudogenes in the mouse, and 57 putatively functional genes and 58 pseudogenes in the human. Comparison is made between all these genes, especially the seven main CYP gene clusters. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The seven CYP clusters are greatly expanded in the mouse with 72 functional genes versus only 27 in the human, while many pseudogenes are present; presumably this phenomenon will be seen in many other gene superfamily clusters. Complete identification of all pseudogene sequences is likely to be clinically important, because some of these highly similar exons can interfere with PCR-based genotyping assays. A naming procedure for each of four categories of CYP pseudogenes is proposed, and we encourage various gene nomenclature committees to consider seriously the adoption and application of this pseudogene nomenclature system.
Mobile devices in learning — Are students ready for the change?

Mobile devices are changing everyday lives and also change the way how people are engaging in particular activities. Teaching and learning is no exception, over the last ten years there has been an extensive research in this field, which revealed that student's acceptance of mobile learning is also influenced by the experience with mobile devices. Motivation of this study was to find out if university students are ready for the introduction of elements of m-learning. Readiness for m-learning in the context of this study covered the experience and also the ownership of mobile devices, since the introduction of mobile devices in learning will be covered under BYOD (bring your own device) policy. We designed three research questions that examined technological readiness (ownership and usage of mobile devices), ability to accomplish the task with mobile device and possibility to discover typology of smartphone users.
Obtaining SMT dictionaries for related languages

This study explores methods for developing Machine Translation dictionaries on the basis of word frequency lists coming from comparable corpora. We investigate (1) various methods to measure the similarity of cognates between related languages, (2) detection and removal of noisy cognate translations using SVM ranking. We show preliminary results on several Romance and Slavonic languages.
Intestinal Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Baccharis dracunculifolia in the Trinitrobenzenesulphonic Acid Model of Rat Colitis

Baccharis dracunculifolia DC (Asteraceae) is a Brazilian medicinal plant popularly used for its antiulcer and anti-inflammatory properties. This plant is the main botanical source of Brazilian green propolis, a natural product incorporated into food and beverages to improve health. The present study aimed to investigate the chemical profile and intestinal anti-inflammatory activity of B. dracunculifolia extract on experimental ulcerative colitis induced by trinitrobenzenosulfonic acid (TNBS). Colonic damage was evaluated macroscopically and biochemically through its evaluation of glutathione content and its myeloperoxidase (MPO) and alkaline phosphatase activities. Additional in vitro experiments were performed in order to test the antioxidant activity by inhibition of induced lipid peroxidation in the rat brain membrane. Phytochemical analysis was performed by HPLC using authentic standards. The administration of plant extract (5 and 50 mg kg−1) significantly attenuated the colonic damage induced by TNBS as evidenced both macroscopically and biochemically. This beneficial effect can be associated with an improvement in the colonic oxidative status, since plant extract prevented glutathione depletion, inhibited lipid peroxidation and reduced MPO activity. Caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, aromadendrin-4-O-methyl ether, 3-prenyl-p-coumaric acid, 3,5-diprenyl-p-coumaric acid and baccharin were detected in the plant extract.
If Factor Shares are Not Constant then We Have a Measurement Problem - Can We Solve It?

Recent evidence show that factor shares, if properly measured, are far from constant.Moreover, the shares of natural resources and raw labor seem to be negativelycorrelated with income per capita while the share of human and physical capital ispositively correlated with income per capita. Now, if factor shares are not constantthen (i) growth accounting exercises rely on a false assumption and (ii) there is ameasurement problem. The effect that changes in factor shares have on output dependon the relative abundance of factors and, for this reason, it is necessary to havecorrect measures. We propose an empirical methodology to solve the measurementissue and estimate TFP growth.
Fragile logo watermarking for public authentication

A new fragile logo watermarking scheme is proposed for public authentication and integrity verification of images. The security of the proposed block-wise scheme relies on a public encryption algorithm and a hash function. The encoding and decoding methods can provide public detection capabilities even in the absence of the image indices and the original logos. Furthermore, the detector automatically authenticates input images and extracts possible multiple logos and image indices, which can be used not only to localise tampered regions, but also to identify the original source of images used to generate counterfeit images. Results are reported to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
The biology and treatment of oligometastatic cancer

Clinical reports of limited and treatable cancer metastases, a disease state that exists in a transitional zone between localized and widespread systemic disease, were noted on occasion historically and are now termed oligometastasis. The ramification of a diagnosis of oligometastasis is a change in treatment paradigm, i.e. if the primary cancer site (if still present) is controlled, or resected, and the metastatic sites are ablated (surgically or with radiation), a prolonged disease-free interval, and perhaps even cure, may be achieved. Contemporary molecular diagnostics are edging closer to being able to determine where an individual metastatic deposit is within the continuum of malignancy. Preclinical models are on the outset of laying the groundwork for understanding the oligometastatic state. Meanwhile, in the clinic, patients are increasingly being designated as having oligometastatic disease and being treated owing to improved diagnostic imaging, novel treatment options with the potential to provide either direct or bridging therapy, and progressively broad definitions of oligometastasis.
Using Reinforcement Learning Techniques to Select the Best Action in Setplays with Multiple Possibilities in Robocup Soccer Simulation Teams

Set plays are predefined collaborative coordinate actions that players from any sport can use to gain advantage over its adversaries. Recently, a complete framework for creation and execution of this kind of coordinate behavior by teams composed of multiple independent agents was launched as free software (the Set play Framework). In this paper, an approach based on Reinforcement Learning(RL) is proposed, that allows the use of experience to devise the better course of action in set plays with multiple choices. Simulations results show that the proposed approach allows a team of simulated agents to improve its performance against a known adversary team, achieving better results than previously proposed approaches using RL.
The Role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the Evaluation of Peritoneal Thickening of Undetermined Origin

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess the value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) for the differentiation of peritoneal thickening of undetermined origin.This retrospective study included 103 patients (44 men and 59 women, age 59.2 ± 14.8 years) who had undergone 18F-FDG PET/CT for the evaluation of peritoneal thickening of undetermined origin. All 18F-FDG PET/CT images were visually interpreted, and the maximal standardized uptake values (SUVmax) were measured. We compared the role of 18F-FDGPET/CT with that of CT alone in detecting peritoneal thickening of undetermined origin. We also compared the differences between malignant and tuberculous peritoneal thickening in PET/CT parameters and clinical characteristics.The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy in detecting the primary cause of the peritoneal thickening were 76.2%, 78.9%, 94.1%, 42.9%, and 81.2%, respectively, for 18F-FDG PET/CT, and 58.3%, 84.2%, 94.2%, 31.4%, and 63.1%, respectively, for CT imaging. Malignant peritoneal thickening had significantly higher SUVmax than nontuberculous benign peritoneal thickening. However, tuberculous peritoneal thickening also had a high SUVmax. There were some factors that were significantly different between patients with tuberculous peritoneal thickening and those with malignant peritoneal thickening in our study; these included age, pattern of peritoneal thickening, and presence of ascites.18F-FDG PET/CT is useful for detecting the underlying cause of peritoneal thickening. Special attention should be paid to peritoneal tuberculosis, which has a high SUVmax and may mimic malignant peritoneal thickening. Multiple PET/CT parameters which were different in patients with tuberculous and malignant causes could be taken into consideration to make the differential diagnosis.
Resveratrol: Anti-Obesity Mechanisms of Action

Resveratrol is a non-flavonoid polyphenol which belongs to the stilbenes group and is produced naturally in several plants in response to injury or fungal attack. Resveratrol has been recently reported as preventing obesity. The present review aims to compile the evidence concerning the potential mechanisms of action which underlie the anti-obesity effects of resveratrol, obtained either in cultured cells lines and animal models. Published studies demonstrate that resveratrol has an anti-adipogenic effect. A good consensus concerning the involvement of a down-regulation of C/EBPα and PPARγ in this effect has been reached. Also, in vitro studies have demonstrated that resveratrol can increase apoptosis in mature adipocytes. Furthermore, different metabolic pathways involved in triacylglycerol metabolism in white adipose tissue have been shown to be targets for resveratrol. Both the inhibition of de novo lipogenesis and adipose tissue fatty acid uptake mediated by lipoprotein lipase play a role in explaining the reduction in body fat which resveratrol induces. As far as lipolysis is concerned, although this compound per se seems to be unable to induce lipolysis, it increases lipid mobilization stimulated by β-adrenergic agents. The increase in brown adipose tissue thermogenesis, and consequently the associated energy dissipation, can contribute to explaining the body-fat lowering effect of resveratrol. In addition to its effects on adipose tissue, resveratrol can also acts on other organs and tissues. Thus, it increases mitochondriogenesis and consequently fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle and liver. This effect can also contribute to the body-fat lowering effect of this molecule.