Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the estimation of improper noise in multicarrier DSL systems

In this paper we consider the estimation of improper noise in multicarrier DSL systems. We show that the improperness of baseband noise relates to the mirrored frequency components in the positive and negative frequency halves. Spectral leakage in the receiver requires in general widely linear estimation (WLE) techniques of the noise instead of less complex linear estimation (LE) techniques. We describe how to take into account for the improperness in the estimation and how it is possible to neglect it by using smooth receiver windowing. This is demonstrated by using two similar but conceptually different noise estimators, which are based on deterministic and stochastic noise models, combined with LE or WLE. We also describe some practical properties of improper noise estimation in multicarrier DSL systems by showing intuition pleasing connections to spectral leakage, receiver windowing, dimensionality and model parameters, residual noise interference, and complexity.
Radar Image-Based Positioning for USV Under GPS Denial Environment

Unmanned surface vehicle (USV) is an important application of unmanned systems, and these USVs provide safe and secure operation in hostile environments. But these USVs are highly reliant on their positioning system, such as global position system (GPS), and loss of positioning information from GPS can cause catastrophe. To overcome this positioning challenge for a USV under a GPS denial environment, we propose a real-time positioning algorithm based on radar and satellite images to determine the USV position. The algorithm takes coastline as a registration feature to implement an image registration between a horizontal viewing angle image from a radar and a vertical viewing angle image from a satellite. The contributions of this paper consist of two parts. First, a coastline feature extraction method based on edge gray features for both radar and satellite images is provided. Second, a high-efficiency image registration method, which takes the dimensionality reduction distance as an indicator, was proposed for the USV embedded system. The results from six typical application scenarios show that the maximum positioning error of the proposed algorithm is 28.02 m under the worst case. A continuous positioning experiment shows that the average error of the algorithm is 9.77 m, which indicates that the algorithm can meet the positioning requirements of a USV under GPS denial environment.
Rationalität im Alltagshandeln: Über den Erklärungswert der Rational Choice-Theorie für systematische Antwortverzerrungen im Interview

aus dem Inhaltsverzeichnis: Einleitung; Das Interview als soziale Interaktion; Befragtenverhalten als "Rationale Wahl"; Die Empirische Bewahrung des Rational Choice-Ansatzes zur Erklarung von Antwortverzerrungen; Der Rational Choice-Ansatz zur Erklarung von Alltagshandlungen; Schlusfolgerungen;
Using Brief Functional Assessments to Identify Specific Contexts for Problem Behavior Maintained by Positive and Negative Reinforcement

We examined the use of brief outpatient functional assessment techniques to identify idiosyncratic discriminative stimuli for problem behavior maintained by positive and negative reinforcement in the form of access to tangible items and escape from specific academic activities. Two children participated in the assessment. Interviews with the parents prior to the functional assessment revealed that problem behavior occurred under very specific stimulus conditions. These specific stimulus conditions were incorporated within the outpatient functional assessment. The results of the functional assessments showed that problem behavior occurred almost exclusively during those assessment conditions that included the idiosyncratic stimuli identified in the prior interviews. The implications of these results for conducting brief outpatient functional assessments were discussed.
Automated Selection of Legacy Systems SOA Modernization Strategies using Decision Theory

Legacy systems modernization is one of the most pressing issues for enterprise organizations. The continuous emergence of new technologies that are proven to be more robust, scalable, and maintainable, such as those using the Service Oriented Architectures (SOA), is currently attracting a lot of legacy systems modernization stakeholders. SOA legacy system modernization projects have induced a lot of researchers to address the full modernization project life cycle starting from architecture reconstruction, code analysis, modernization strategy selection, until eventually the actual strategy to be used in modernization is selected. Such strategy selection could depend on the component/module type of the legacy system (user interface, data layer, business functionality layers) and would also depend upon the platform, programming language used in the legacy system (Mainframe, Windows VC++, .etc), as well as the type of strategy used to modernize the system. Since there are a lot of characteristics that control the selection of a modernization strategy, the modernization selection process gets tougher and tougher with the increase of such characteristics. Accordingly, we are presenting a modernization selection process along with a decision making tool that handles much of those characteristics altogether using decision theory to come up with the most optimal strategy to be used in modernizing the legacy systems in question.
Protein crystallography for non‐crystallographers, or how to get the best (but not more) from published macromolecular structures

The number of macromolecular structures deposited in the Protein Data Bank now exceeds 45 000, with the vast majority determined using crystallographic methods. Thousands of studies describing such structures have been published in the scientific literature, and 14 Nobel prizes in chemistry or medicine have been awarded to protein crystallographers. As important as these structures are for understanding the processes that take place in living organisms and also for practical applications such as drug design, many non‐crystallographers still have problems with critical evaluation of the structural literature data. This review attempts to provide a brief outline of technical aspects of crystallography and to explain the meaning of some parameters that should be evaluated by users of macromolecular structures in order to interpret, but not over‐interpret, the information present in the coordinate files and in their description. A discussion of the extent of the information that can be gleaned from the coordinates of structures solved at different resolution, as well as problems and pitfalls encountered in structure determination and interpretation are also covered.
Cultivating strategic foresight in practice: A relational perspective

Drawing on relationalism as a theoretical lens, we examine how normative organizing structures, rights and authority relationships influence the cultivation of strategic foresight among organizational members lower down the organizational hierarchy. We adopt a case-based approach involving three software firms, whose innovation teams served as our empirical research sites. Our study highlights the triadic influence of individual, organizational and contextual organizing practices on the cultivation of strategic foresight. We identify four relational assemblages of practices that enable (or impede) the enactment of strategic foresight in practice. These include strategic conversations, perspective taking and reflexivity-in-practice, over-emphasis on formal knowledge and technical rationality, and benevolent conspiracies. We add to research on strategic foresight by extending our understanding of the vital role that lower-level employees may play in the cultivation of organizational ‘foresightfulness’. We therefore urge management advisors to accord lower-level input recognizably respectful consideration, if not adoption.
Comprendre la participation des internautes au crowdsourcing : une étude des antécédents de l'intention de participation à une plateforme créative

L’objectif de ce travail doctoral est de mieux comprendre la participation des internautes au crowdsourcing d’activites creatives, souvent employe dans le marketing pour generer de nouvelles idees d’innovation et de communication. Apres avoir defini et conceptuellement delimite le terme de crowdsourcing, nous proposons une revue de litterature au sujet des participants et de leurs motivations de participation. Nous presentons ensuite les resultats de trois etudes exploratoires visant a completer notre comprehension du profil des participants et des facteurs influencant leur participation sur une plateforme de crowdsourcing. La revue de litterature et les resultats de nos etudes exploratoires nous permettent ensuite de proposer et de tester un modele theorique, base sur la Theorie du Comportement Planifie (TCP), grâce a un questionnaire envoye aux membres de la plateforme eYeka. L’analyse de 1 261 reponses et le croisement avec des donnees secondaires revelent que l’intention de participation est predite par l’attitude envers le brief (qui est elle-meme expliquee par l’autonomie percue) et l’attitude envers la plateforme, mais pas par l’attitude envers la marque initiatrice du concours. La pression des proches est egalement positivement et significativement liee a l’intention de participation, mais les variables culturelles n’ont pas les effets moderateurs que nous proposons. Finalement, nous trouvons que l’intention de participation predit positivement la participation effective, et ce lien est modere par la situation professionnelle de l’internaute. Nous terminons notre travail par une discussion des resultats et des propositions de recherches a envisager dans le futur.
Psychological Aspects of the Investigative Interview: Children’s Suggestibility

Ugotovitve: Strokovnjaki vedno bolj poudarjajo pomen individualnih razlik znotraj posamezne starostne skupine. Verjetnost, da bodo lažne informacije, ki so otrokom eksplicitno posredovane, vplivale na njihovo poročanje o določenem dogodku, je med predšolskimi otroki precej večja kot med starejšimi otroki ali odraslimi. Socialni in kognitivni mehanizmi, ki stojijo za učinki sugestibilnosti, se v različnih oblikah izpraševanja precej razlikujejo.
Effect of DDAVP on Endotoxin-Induced Intravascular Coagulation in Rabbits

Summary We have evaluated the effect of l-Deamino-8D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP) on an experimental model of intravascular coagulation (DIC) induced in rabbits by injection of 20 µg kg–1 h–1 during 6 h of E. coli lipopolysaccharide. DDAVP significantly ameliorated the platelet drop and fibrinogen decrease (p <0.01) induced by endotoxin in control animals. A significant reduction in factor XII consumption (p <0.01) and a decrease in the generation of endotoxin induced PAI-1 activity in rabbits circulation was also observed (p <0.005). Moreover, fibrin deposition in kidneys of rabbits receiving DDAVP was significantly reduced as compared to control animals. Finally, the mortality rate in the control group was significantly higher than in DDAVP-treated rabbits (p <0.01). The hemostatic changes induced by DDAVP correlated with lower fibrin deposition and reduction in mortality rates.
SexEd.com: values and norms in web-based sexuality education -- statistical data included.

There is also evidence that teens are not only using the Internet but they are using it as a resource to find answers to their questions. According to a U.S. News On Line report on the growing number of online sexuality education resources 25% of the questions received at www.drgreen. com a site actually intended for parents questions regarding pediatric care are from adolescents (Melton 1999). Moreover a recent article from New York Times on the Web described the unique sense of privacy and anonymity teens feel on the Internet making it easier to seek out information and ask difficult questions such as those concerning sexuality. Indeed the first and last elements of Cooper Boies Maheu and Greenfields (2000) "Triple A engine" (access affordability and anonymity) are particularly critical to teen users in search of sensitive information regarding sexuality. By combining a focus on sexuality and the Internet as a vehicle of information and values dissemination this study integrates two critical and central components of adolescents lives. Moreover the virtually unregulated scope and content of the Internet is in sharp contrast to the sexuality education curricula employed by schools which are subjected to rigorous scrutiny by various governing bodies (e.g. legislators administrators parents). In order to describe the conceptual foundation of the current study a basic overview of SBSE will be provided followed by an exploration of the three critiques of SBSE: it is problem-focused it reifies gendered constructions of sexuality and it narrowly defines adolescent sexuality. (excerpt)
Are Social Psychological Laws Cross-Culturally Valid?

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility of social psychological findings across cultures and subcultures in order to evaluate the cross-cultural validity of empirically based social psychological laws. Six studies were sampled from four major social psychological journals. Each study was replicated on two Israeli samples, one similar to that of the original study and the other differing in some respect. Results indicate that those original findings that were replicated primarily involved main effects. Interactions were generally not replicated. Those interactions that proved significant were usually in directions different from those obtained in the original studies. These findings indicate the necessity for replications on both cross-cultural and intracultural levels. Methodological aspects of such studies are discussed.
Optimization of Airborne Endotoxin Exposure Assessment: Effects of Filter Type, Transport Conditions, Extraction Solutions, and Storage of Samples and Extracts

ABSTRACT Endotoxin exposure occurs in homes and occupational environments and is known to cause adverse health effects. In order to compare results from different studies and establish standards, airborne endotoxin exposures should be assessed using standardized methods. Although the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) developed guidelines for endotoxin exposure assessment, these leave room for individual interpretation. The influence of methods of sampling, extraction, and analysis has never been investigated in a full experimental design. Thus, we sought to fully elucidate the importance of all facets of endotoxin assessment. Inhalable dust samples collected simultaneously were used to investigate the effects on and interactions with airborne endotoxin concentration in two working environments of filter type (glass fiber or Teflon), transport conditions (with/without desiccant), sample storage (−20 or 4°C), extraction solution (pyrogen-free water [PFW] or PFW plus 0.05% Tween 20), extract storage (−20 or 4°C), and assay solution (PFW or PFW plus 0.05% Tween 20). Four hundred samples were collected and randomly distributed over the 20 combinations of treatments. There were no differences found for transport conditions and storage temperature of extracts. Also, no interactions between study variables existed. Sampling on glass-fiber filters, storage of samples in the freezer, and extraction in PFW plus 0.05% Tween 20 resulted in 1.3-, 1.1-, and 2.1-fold-higher estimated endotoxin concentrations, respectively. Use of PFW plus 0.05% Tween 20 in the assay solution had an additive effect. Thus, this study investigated gaps in the CEN protocol and provides data with which to fully specify a protocol for standardization of endotoxin exposure assessment.
Effects of beta-mannanase addition to corn-soybean meal diets on growth performance, carcass traits, and nutrient digestibility of weanling and growing-finishing pigs.

Four experiments were conducted to determine the effects of adding a beta-mannanase preparation (Hemicell, ChemGen, Gaithersburg, MD) to corn-soybean meal-based diets on growth performance and nutrient digestibility of weanling and growing-finishing pigs. In Exp. 1, 156 weanling pigs (20 d, 6.27 kg BW) were allotted to four dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design. Treatments were a factorial arrangement of diet complexity (complex vs simple) and addition of 3-mannanase preparation (0 vs 0.05%). Pigs were fed in three dietary phases (Phase 1, d 0 to 14; Phase 2, d 14 to 28; and Phase 3, d 28 to 42). Pigs fed complex diets gained faster and were more efficient (P < 0.05) during Phase 1 compared with pigs fed simple diets. Overall, gain:feed ratio (G:F) tended to be improved (P < 0.10) for pigs fed complex diets and it was improved (P < 0.01) for those fed diets with beta-mannanase. In Exp. 2, 117 pigs (44 d, 13.62 kg BW) were allotted randomly to three dietary treatments. Dietary treatments were 1) a corn-soybean meal-based control, 2) the control diet with soybean oil added to increase metabolizable energy (ME) by 100 kcal/kg, and 3) the control diet with 0.05% beta-mannanase preparation. Beta-mannanase or soybean oil improved (P < 0.05) G:F compared with pigs fed the control diet. In Exp. 3, 60 pigs (22.5 kg BW) were allotted randomly to the three dietary treatments used in Exp. 2. Dietary treatments were fed in three phases (23 to 53 kg, 53 to 82 kg, and 82 to 109 kg with 0.95, 0.80, and 0.65% lysine, respectively). Overall, the addition of soybean oil tended to improve G:F (P < 0.10) compared with that of pigs fed the control diet, and G:F was similar (P > 0.54) for pigs fed diets with soybean oil or beta-mannanase. Also, addition of beta-mannanase increased ADG (P < 0.05) compared with that of pigs fed the control or soybean oil diets. There were no differences (P > or = 0.10) in longissimus muscle area or backfat; however, on a fat-free basis, pigs fed the diet with beta-mannanase had greater (P < 0.05) lean gain than pigs fed the control or soybean oil diets. In Exp. 4, 12 barrows (93 kg BW) were allotted randomly to one of the three dietary treatments used in Exp. 3. Addition of 3-mannanase had no effect (P > 0.10) on energy, nitrogen, phosphorus, or dry matter digestibility. These results suggest that beta-mannanase may improve growth performance in weanling and growing-finishing pigs but has minimal effects on nutrient digestibility.
Factor Structure and Measurement Invariance of the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory – Child Version (OCI-CV) in General Population

Evidence-based assessment is necessary as a first step for developing psychopathological studies and assessing the effectiveness of empirically validated treatments. There are several measures of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and/or symptomatology in children and adolescents, but all of them present some limitations. The Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R) by Foa and her colleagues has showed to be a good self-report measure to capture the dimensionality of OCD in adults and adolescents. The child version of the OCI (OCI-CV) was validated for clinical children and adolescents in 2010, showing excellent psychometric properties. The objective of this study was to examine the factor structure and invariance of the OCI-CV in the general population. Results showed a six-factor structure with one second-order factor, good consistency values, and invariance across region, age, and sex. The OCI-CV is an excellent inventory for assessing the dimensions of OCD symptomatology in general populations of children and adolescents. The invariance across sex and age warrants its utilization for research purposes.
Training Kindergarten Children To Discriminate Letter-Like Forms1

To learn to differentiate and recognize letters is one of the primary steps in learning to read, and this task is often a major source of difficulty in reading instruction (Vernon, 1957). Not only are certain letters of the alphabet quite similar in form to others, but in some cases they are merely rotations and reversals of others, e.g., b, d, and q, p. These letters, in fact, produce the most confusion and difficulty (Smith, 1928; Gibson et al., 1962; Popp, 1964).
Management's Unsung Theorist: An Examination of the Works of Lillian M. Gilbreth

Dr. Lillian Moller Gilbreth (1878-1972) was a researcher, a management consultant, a university professor, and a working mother. She advanced management theory by introducing a humanistic approach to the field of scientific management. She emphasized training, motivating, and improving the quality of life of the average worker long before these ideas came into vogue. As a consultant and university professor, she worked for the advancement of women, the handicapped, and older workers.
Primary metastatic osteosarcoma: presentation and outcome of patients treated on neoadjuvant Cooperative Osteosarcoma Study Group protocols.

PURPOSE To determine demographic data and define prognostic factors for long-term outcome in patients presenting with high-grade osteosarcoma of bone with clinically detectable metastases at initial presentation. PATIENTS AND METHODS Of 1,765 patients with newly diagnosed, previously untreated high-grade osteosarcomas of bone registered in the neoadjuvant Cooperative Osteosarcoma Study Group studies before 1999, 202 patients (11.4%) had proven metastases at diagnosis and therefore were enrolled onto an analysis of demographic-, tumor-, and treatment-related variables, response, and survival. The intended therapeutic strategy included pre- and postoperative multiagent chemotherapy as well as aggressive surgery of all resectable lesions. RESULTS With a median follow-up of 1.9 years (5.5 years for survivors), 60 patients were alive, 37 of whom were in continuously complete surgical remission. Actuarial overall survival rates at 5 and 10 (same value for 15) years were 29% (SE = 3%) and 24% (SE = 4%), respectively. In univariate analysis, survival was significantly correlated with patient age, site of the primary tumor, number and location of metastases, number of involved organ systems, histologic response of the primary tumor to preoperative chemotherapy, and completeness and time point of surgical resection of all tumor sites. However, after multivariate Cox regression analysis, only multiple metastases at diagnosis (relative hazard rate [RHR] = 2.3) and macroscopically incomplete surgical resection (RHR = 2.4) remained significantly associated with inferior outcomes. CONCLUSION The number of metastases at diagnosis and the completeness of surgical resection of all clinically detected tumor sites are of independent prognostic value in patients with proven primary metastatic osteosarcoma.
Matrix and frequency-domain inequalities for all guaranteed cost controllers of uncertain linear systems with unmatched uncertainties

A differential game approach is used in this paper to derive all guaranteed cost linear state feedback controllers for linear uncertain systems in which a norm bounded uncertainty enters both the state and the input matrices. Generalizing previous results, we do not assume the uncertainties to be `matched', in other words they may enter the system dynamics through different matrices. The guaranteed cost control law for this general structure, as well as necessary and sufficient conditions for its existence, is shown to be expressed in terms of either Lur'e-Riccati inequality for some minimax problem or linear matrix inequality being dependent on two parameters. The frequency-domain inequality is derived in terms of a feedback gain immediately, under which a given state feedback corresponds to a guaranteed cost controller. A well-known result of Kalman on inverse optimality is generalized to the case of uncertain timeinvariant systems.