Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fairness with an Honest Minority and a

We provide a simple protocol for secret reconstruction in any threshold secret sharing scheme, and prove that it is fair when executed with many rational parties together with a small minority of honest parties. That is, all parties will learn the secret with high probability when the honest parties follow the protocol and the rational parties act in their own self-interest (as captured by a set-Nash analogue of trembling hand perfect equilibrium). The protocol only requires a standard (synchronous) broadcast channel, tolerates both early stopping and incorrectly computed messages, and only requires 2 rounds of communication. Previous protocols for this problem in the cryptographic or economic models have either required an honest majority, used strong communication channels that enable simultaneous exchange of information, or settled for approximate notions of security/equilibria. They all also required a nonconstant number of rounds of communication.
The Contribution of ISAAC to the Understanding of Asthma

WHAT IS ISAAC? The rising trend of asthma prevalence in industrialized countries has become a major public-health issue. However, despite intensive research in past decades, the mechanisms underlying this increase are still largely unclear. One way to investigate the etiology of a disease is through international comparisons of its prevalence. This provides us with the opportunity to evaluate whether our current knowledge of putative risk factors can account for the differences seen among different populations (including different populations with the same ethnic origins) and at different times. Furthermore, this may help identify "new" risk factors that hitherto have not been hypothesized or adequately studied. This approach has been used in the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). '
Performance limitations of an optical IM-DD transmission system due to polarization mode dispersion

An analytical approach is presented to evaluate the impact of polarization mode dispersion on the average bit error rate (BER) performance of an intensity modulated direct detection (IM-DD) optical transmission system considering Maxwellian distribution for the differential group delay (DGD). The results show that the performance of an IM-DD system suffers power penalty of 0.27 dB, 0.45 dB and 2.4 dB corresponding to mean DGD of 20 ps, 35 ps and 40 ps respectively at a BER of 10-9 operating at a bit rate of 10 Gb/s. Furthermore, at increased values of the mean DGD there occur BER floors above 10-9 which can not be lowered by further increasing the signal power. It is noticed that BER floors occur at about 2x10-9, 10-7 and 10-5 corresponding to mean DGD of 45 ps, 50 ps and 60 ps respectively at 10Gb/s. The effect of PMD is found to be more detrimental at higher bit rates.
Informality and Poverty: A Causality Dilemma with Application to Egypt

This paper analyzed the inverse causality between informality and poverty in Egypt, in addition to the impact of different individual and socio demographic factors affecting both of them. Using the â€œEgypt Labor Market Panel Surveyâ€ (ELMPS) 2012, we studied the impact of individual, socio demographic, householdâ€™s and firm characteristics, in addition to regional dummies, on the likelihood of being informal wage worker as well as on the incidence of being poor for male householdâ€™s head. Our results came in line with the literature; informality and poverty are concentrated among the less educated and low skilled occupations in rural areas. Moreover, small firms, with limited access to capital market are more likely to offer informal employment. Our findings revealed that informality in Egypt might be a voluntary and supply led form of employment and not a result of being trapped into poverty.
Singing the Syllables: Translating Spelling into Music in Tibetan Spelling Chant

Every literate culture has ways of saying how the written words of its main language are made up of units of writing. In English, this is called spelling. This chapter looks at spelling in Tibetan, where it is called ‘sbyor klog’ (pronounced a little like ‘jaw lock’). It adopts the special perspective, however, in keeping with the theme for this volume of ‘sound in translation’, of how the spelling is really chanted by a lama. This is called Tibetan spelling chant (henceforth TSC). Although ‘sound’ appears self-explanatory—the lama is, after all, creating sound when he chants—the reader will find that in TSC, sound is not a straightforward notion. First, there are two different kinds of sound involved—namely, speech sounds and musical sounds (and it is sometimes not easy to tell them apart). Second, there are many different ways at which these sounds can be looked: acoustically, for example, or historically. These differences are important for understanding TSC.
The Target of 5-Lipoxygenase is a Novel Strategy over Human Urological Tumors than the Target of Cyclooxygenase-2

The metabolism of arachidonic acid by either the cyclooxygenase (COX) or lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway generates eicosanoids, which have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of human diseases, including cancer. It is now considered that they play important roles in tumor promotion, progression, and metastasis, also, the involvement of COX and LOX expression and function in tumor growth and metastasis has been reported in human tumor cell lines. In this study, we examined the expression of COX and LOX in human urological tumors (renal cell carcinoma, bladder tumor, prostate cancer, testicular cancer) by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR, and we also examined the effects of COX and LOX (5- and 12-LOX) inhibitors in those cells by MTT assay, hoechest staining, and flow cytometry. COX-2, 5-LOX and 12-LOX expressions were significantly more extensive and intense in malignant tissues than in normal tissues. Furthermore, 5-LOX inhibitor induced the reduction of malignant cell viability through early apoptosis. These results demonstrated COX-2 and LOX were induced in urological tumors, and 5-LOX inhibitor may mediate potent antiproliferative effects against urological tumors cells. Thus, 5-LOX may become a new target in the treatment of urological tumors.
Dynamic Structural Equation Models

This article presents dynamic structural equation modeling (DSEM), which can be used to study the evolution of observed and latent variables as well as the structural equation models over time. DSEM is suitable for analyzing intensive longitudinal data where observations from multiple individuals are collected at many points in time. The modeling framework encompasses previously published DSEM models and is a comprehensive attempt to combine time-series modeling with structural equation modeling. DSEM is estimated with Bayesian methods using the Markov chain Monte Carlo Gibbs sampler and the Metropolis–Hastings sampler. We provide a detailed description of the estimation algorithm as implemented in the Mplus software package. DSEM can be used for longitudinal analysis of any duration and with any number of observations across time. Simulation studies are used to illustrate the framework and study the performance of the estimation method. Methods for evaluating model fit are also discussed.
Brittle creep, damage and time to failure in rocks

We propose a numerical model based on static fatigue laws in order to model the time-dependent damage and deformation of rocks under creep. An empirical relation between time to failure and applied stress is used to simulate the behavior of each element of our finite element model. We review available data on creep experiments in order to study how the material properties and the loading conditions control the failure time. The main parameter that controls the failure time is the applied stress. Two commonly used models, an exponential tfexp (bs/s0) and a power law function tfsb0 fit the data as well. These time-to-failure laws are used at the scale of each element to simulate its damage as a function of its stress history. An element is damaged by decreasing its Young's modulus to simulate the effect of increasing crack density at smaller scales. Elastic interactions between elements and heterogeneity of the mechanical properties lead to the emergence of a complex macroscopic behavior, which is richer than the elementary one. In particular, we observe primary and tertiary creep regimes associated respectively with a power law decay and increase of the rate of strain, damage event and energy release. Our model produces a power law distribution of damage event sizes, with an average size that increases with time as a power law until macroscopic failure. Damage localization emerges at the transition between primary and tertiary creep, when damage rate starts accelerating. The final state of the simulation shows highly damaged bands, similar to shear bands observed in laboratory experiments. The thickness and the orientation of these bands depend on the applied stress. This model thus reproduces many properties of rock creep, which were previously not modeled simultaneously.
Multiscale approach for simulations of Kelvin Probe force microscopy with atomic resolution

The distance dependence and atomic-scale contrast recently observed in nominal contact potential difference (CPD) signals simultaneously recorded by the Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) using non-contact atomic force microscopy is addressed theoretically. In particular, we consider probing an insulating surface where the applied bias voltage affects electrostatic forces acting on the atomic scale. Our approach is a multiscale one. First, the electrostatics of the macroscopic tip-cantilever-sample system is treated, both analytically and numerically. Then the resulting electric field under the tip apex is inserted into a series of density functional theory calculations for a realistic neutral but reactive silicon nano-scale tip interacting with a NaCl(001) sample. Theoretical expressions for amplitude modulation (AM) and frequency modulation (FM) KPFM signals and for the corresponding local contact potential differences (LCPD) are obtained and evaluated for several tip oscillation amplitudes A up to 10 nm. For A = 0.01 nm, the computed LCPD contrast is proportional to the slope of the atomistic force versus bias in the AM mode and to its derivative with respect to the tip-sample separation in the FM mode. Being essentially constant over a few Volts, this slope is the basic quantity which determines variations of the atomic-scale LCPD contrast. Already above A = 0.1 nm, the LCPD contrasts in both modes exhibit almost the same spatial dependence as the slope. As the most basic quantity, the slope is shown to be approximately expressed in terms of intrinsic charge distribution and dipole moment and their variation due to the chemical interactions. The slope is also influenced by the macroscopic bodies. As a second part, we introduce a method to measure the distances between atomic configurations which is useful when seeking the tip-apex structures. The broad application of this method includes conformational search and machine-learning based interatomic potentials.
Monadic Sequence Testing and Explicit Test-Refinements 3

We present an abstract framework for sequence testing that is implemented in Isabelle/HOL-TestGen. Our framework is based on the theory of state-exception monads, explicitly modelled in HOL, and can cope with typed input and output, interleaving executions including abort, and synchronisation. The framework is particularly geared towards symbolic execution and has proven effective in several large case-studies involving system models based on large (or infinite) state. On this basis, we rephrase the concept of test-refinements for inclusion, deadlock and IOCO-like tests, together with a formal theory of its relation to traditional, IO-automata based notions.
Catching the Boomerang : The Product Return

One of the newest emerging areas of research in supply chain management is Reverse Logistics. It involves all activities related to the flow of products from the customer back to the supplier. In the last decade scholars have developed theories and models, however empirical data is still in its infancy. In response, this paper strives to close this gap by conducting research to create new knowledge on the first element of reverse logistics, which is the product return process. The main intention of having a return process is to handle returned products efficiently in order to recover value and to save costs. Therefore, it is a value-adding operation and can become profitable for the company. The purpose of this study is to investigate the implementation and perception of the return process of Swedish e-retailers. Sweden is considered to be one of the most matured e-commerce markets. In addition, e-retailers experience the highest rate of product returns. Together those two factors influenced the decision to dedicate this thesis to this particular region and industry. Initially, this paper introduces reverse logistics focusing specifically on the product return process. An overview of the existing theories and concepts within the return process is presented and summarized, resulting in the creation of the Boomerang Return Model. Based on this foundation the questionnaire was created. By cooperating with the Swedish e-retail federation Svensk Distanshandel, access to the industry was gained to perform a quantitative study. It was found that the empirical data only gives insight into the implementation and perception of the return process of small sized companies. The findings demonstrate the limited awareness of the importance of an efficient return process. Companies tend to perceive the return process as unimportant instead of value adding. Hence, there is an opportunity for improvements in the Swedish e-retail market. From these findings a modified version of the Boomerang Return Model was created to adjust the initial model particularly for small sized companies. The model can be utilized as a theoretical groundwork in future research. Additionally, it could also serve as guidance for small companies how to implement an appropriate return process.
The influence of Media Violence on Aggressive Behaviour among Adolescents in Selected Secondary Schools in Ogbomoso, Nigeria

The incidence of media violence on aggressive behaviour among adolescents has become a serious physiological, emotional and psychological issue. This study investigated the influence of media violence on aggressive behaviour among adolescents in secondary Schools in Ogbomoso. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. The target population for the study was made up of all secondary school adolescents in Ogbomoso zone. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the six secondary schools from the forty public secondary schools, while two private schools were selected from the twelve viable ones. Total of 400 respondents were selected for the research work. Influence of Media Violence on Aggressive Behaviour Questionnaire (IMVABQ) was administered. The questionnaire contained twenty-five items with reliability co-efficient of 0.72. Three null hypotheses were generated and tested at 0.05 alpha level of significant. Descriptive, t-test, ANOVA and Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) were the statistical tools used to analyze the data generated. The major findings indicated that there was no significant influence of media violence on aggressive behaviour on the basis of gender. The findings further showed that there was a significant influence of media violence on aggressive behaviour on the basis of age. While the result of the third hypothesis indicated that there was significant influence of media violence on aggressive behaviour on the basis of School type (private or public schools). Based on these findings, recommendations were made which include the need for professional counsellors to intensify effort in organizing counselling programmes for the adolescents on the evil of their exposure to violent media programme. Both parents and government should set up modalities to reduce the in flock of violent media programme in both private and national television stations. Again, there is the need for parents to be more vigilant in helping and censoring their adolescents 'consumption of violent media programmes.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) Some remarks on very-well-poised 87 series

Nonpolynomial basic hypergeometric eigenfunctions of the Askey–Wilson second order difference operator are known to be expressible as very-well-poised 8φ7 series. In this paper we use this fact to derive various basic hypergeometric and theta function identities. We relate most of them to identities from the existing literature on basic hypergeometric series. This leads for example to a new derivation of a known quadratic transformation formula for very-well-poised 8φ7 series. We also provide a link to Chalykh’s theory on (rank one, BC type) Baker–Akhiezer functions.
The Effects of Dogs on Wildlife Communities

Abstract Domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) are frequent visitors to protected areas, but little is known about how they affect wildlife communities. We studied the effects of dogs on wildlife communities by comparing the activity levels of wildlife in areas that prohibited dogs with areas that allowed dogs. We measured wildlife activity on trails and up to 200 m away from trails using five methods: (1) pellet plots, (2) track plates, (3) remote triggered cameras, (4) on-trail scat surveys, and (5) mapping prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) burrow locations. The presence of dogs along recreational trails correlated with altered patterns of habitat utilization by several species. Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) activity was significantly lower within 100 m of trails in areas that allowed dogs than in areas that prohibited dogs. Small mammals, including squirrels (Sciurus spp.) and rabbits (Sylvilagus spp.), also exhibited reduced levels of activity within 50 m of trails in areas that allowed dogs when compared with areas without. The density of prairie dog burrows was lower within 25 m of trails in areas that allowed dogs. The presence of dogs also affected carnivore activity. Bobcat (Felis rufus) detections were lower in areas that allowed dogs, and red fox (Vulpes vulpes) detections were higher. These findings have implications for the management of natural areas, particularly those that allow dogs to be off-leash.
Ribosome exit tunnel can entropically stabilize α-helices

Several experiments have suggested that newly synthesized polypeptide chains can adopt helical structures deep within the ribosome exit tunnel. We hypothesize that confinement in the roughly cylindrical tunnel can entropically stabilize α-helices. The hypothesis is validated by using theory and simulations of coarse-grained off-lattice models. The model helix, which is unstable in the bulk, is stabilized in a cylindrical cavity provided the diameter (D) of the cylinder exceeds a critical value D*. When D < D* both the helical content and the helix–coil transition temperature (Tf) decrease abruptly. Surprisingly, we find that the stability of the α-helix depends on the number (N) of amino acid residues. Entropic stabilization, as measured by changes in Tf, increases nonlinearly as N increases. The simulation results are in quantitative agreement with a standard helix–coil theory that takes into account entropy cost of confining a polypeptide chain in a cylinder. The results of this work are in qualitative accord with most of the findings of a recent experiment in which N-dependent ribosome-induced helix stabilization of transmembrane sequences was measured by fluorescence resonance energy transfer.
Sliding Mode Speed and Position Control of Induction Motor Drive in Cascade Connection

This chapter deals with sliding mode application in control of an induction motor (IM) torque, speed, and position. Classical, direct approaches to control mentioned variables are described. Their drawbacks are presented and analyzed. Direct control structures are then compared with the proposed cascade sliding mode control structures. These structures allow to control all of the IM variables effectively, simultaneously ensuring supervision of all remaining variables. All of the analyzed structures are illustrated with block diagrams, as well as with simulation and experimental test results. chattering. This solution allows to supervise the value of the electromagnetic torque, while reducing the control error effectively.
Novel role for the double‐stranded RNA‐activated protein kinase PKR: modulation of macrophage infection by the protozoan parasite Leishmania

The evolution of Leishmania infection depends on the balance between microbicidal and suppressor macrophage functions. Double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA)‐activated protein kinase R (PKR), a classic antiviral protein, is able to regulate a number of signaling pathways and macrophage functions. We investigated the possible role of PKR in the modulation of Leishmania infection. Our data demonstrated that Leishmania amazonensis infection led to PKR activation and increased PKR levels. Consistently, in macrophages from PKR knockout 129Sv/Ev mice and RAW‐264.7 cells stably expressing a dominant‐negative (DN) construct of PKR (DN‐PKR), L. amazonensis infection was strongly reduced. The treatment of infected macrophages with the synthetic double‐stranded RNA poly(I:C), a potent PKR inductor, increased L. amazonensis intracellular proliferation. This effect was reversed by 2‐aminopurine (2‐AP), a pharmacological inhibitor of PKR, as well as by the expression of DN‐PKR. NO release induced by dsRNA treatment was inhibited by L. amazonensis through NF‐κB modulation. PKR activation induced by dsRNA also resulted in IL‐10 production, whose neutralization with specific antibody completely abrogated L. amazonensis proliferation. Our data demonstrated a new role of PKR in protozoan parasitic infection through IL‐10 modulation. —Pereira, R. M. S. , Teixeira, K. L. D. , Barreto‐de‐Souza, V. Calegari‐Silva, T. C. , De‐Melo, D. B. , Soares, D. C. , Bou‐Habib, D. C. , Silva, A. M. , Saraiva, E. M. , Lopes, U. G. Novel role for the double‐stranded RNA‐activated protein kinase PKR: modulation of macrophage infection by the protozoan parasite Leishmania. FASEB J. 24, 617–626 (2010). www.fasebj. org
Fakulteta za matematiko in fiziko Seminar Ib Lensfree Microscopy and Digital

Lensfree microscopy is a derivative method of a more general digital holography, where interference pattern of light, e.g. hologram, is digitally captured and then used to numerically reconstruct the real image. The numerical reconstruction is generally performed using algorithms employing the effective fast Fourier transformation (FFT) as their core component. This novel method can be used to produce inexpensive devices with high resolution, high magnification and unprecedented field of view. Devices and methods range from ultra-portable on-the-field cellphone digital holographic microscopes to Pixel SuperResolution devices with subpixel reconstruction for quality of resulting images close to that of classical optical microscopes, without the added bulk of optical equipment. Some research on applicative aspects of said devices has been made in the last years, showing promising results for their general use. Lensfree Microscopy and Digital Holography Jošt Stergar