Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal pilot matrix design for training-based channel estimation in MIMO communications

This paper considers pilot-based (or training-based) channel matrix estimation in downlink multiuser multiple input multiple output (MIMO) wireless communication systems under Rician fading. The Bayesian approach is used to analyse and derive closed-form mathematical expressions for the minimum mean square estimator (MMSE) and the mean square error (MSE) in estimating the channel state information (CSI) where the long-term channel statistics are known a priori. It is shown how the pilot matrix can be designed to maximize the estimation performance. MATLAB simulation examples are used to evaluate the performance of the MMSE channel estimator for different training sequences and system statistics and to show how both the optimal length of the training sequence (number of columns of the pilot matrix) and the channel estimation error decreases with the spatial correlation.
Mechanical Properties of Steel Fiber-Reinforced Concrete

This paper presents the results from an experimental program and an analytical assessment of the influence of addition of fibers on mechanical properties of concrete. Models derived based on the regression analysis of 60 test data for various mechanical properties of steel fiber-reinforced concrete have been presented. The various strength properties studied are cube and cylinder compres- sive strength, split tensile strength, modulus of rupture and postcracking performance, modulus of elasticity, Poisson's ratio, and strain corresponding to peak compressive stress. The variables considered are grade of concrete, namely, normal strength 35 MPa, moderately high strength 65 MPa, and high-strength concrete 85 MPa, and the volume fraction of the fiber Vf=0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5%. The strength of steel fiber-reinforced concrete predicted using the proposed models have been compared with the test data from the present study and with various other test data reported in the literature. The proposed model predicted the test data quite accurately. The study indicates that the fiber matrix interaction contributes significantly to enhancement of mechanical properties caused by the introduction of fibers, which is at variance with both existing models and formulations based on the law of mixtures. 85 MPa with various fiber dosages Vf=0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5%. An empirical relationship for various mechanical properties of SFRC has been proposed. The proposed model attempts to bring out the significance of fiber matrix interaction in all the strength properties. This study reports the experimental results of the strength properties of SFRC, namely, cube and cylinder compressive strength, split tensile strength, modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, Poisson's ratio, and strain corresponding to peak com- pressive stress. Empirical relationships were developed for vari- ous strength properties based on the regression analysis of the 60 test data. It is expected that these proposed models would be helpful in assessing the strength properties of fiber-reinforced concrete based on the matrix strength and fiber-RI.
DETECTING LINEAR FEATURES BY SPATIAL POINT PROCESSES

Abstract. This paper proposes a novel approach for linear feature detection. The contribution is twofold: a novel model for spatial point processes and a new method for linear feature detection. It describes a linear feature as a string of points, represents all features in an image as a configuration of a spatial point process, and formulates feature detection as finding the optimal configuration of a spatial point process. Further, a prior term is proposed to favor straight linear configurations, and a data term is constructed to superpose the points on linear features. The proposed approach extracts straight linear features in a global framework. The paper reports ongoing work. As demonstrated in preliminary experiments, globally optimal linear features can be detected.
El arte del bertsolarismo: realidad y claves de la improvisación oral vasca

La expresión oral ha adquirido una importancia crucial en los procesos comunicativos que configuran la llamada Sociedad de la Información. Una de las modalidades más genuinas de la expresión oral, la improvisación cantada de los bertsolaris, ha sabido adaptarse a las nuevas circunstancias y constituirse en un circuito de información alternativo que goza en la actualidad de una significativa presencia en los medios y de un gran prestigio social. Este libro da cuenta de la compleja realidad del fenómeno oral improvisado que es el bertsolarismo. Se abre el libro con una exposición crítica de las características socio-culturales del bertsolarismo actual, de los retos y oportunidades que su adaptación a los nuevos tiempos comporta.A continuación,se ofrece una descripción detallada del proceso mental de creación del bertso improvisado, de sus estrategias y limitaciones. Finalmente, tras constatar la insuficiencia de los enfoques teóricos al uso y la necesidad de un método de análisis diferenciado para el bertsolarismo improvisado, se hace una propuesta de adaptación de la retórica clásica como marco teórico adecuado para analizar el bertsolarismo improvisado. El arte del bertsolarismo Realidad y claves de la improvisación oral vasca
Weighted complex projective 2-designs from bases : Optimal state determination by orthogonal measurements

We introduce the problem of constructing weighted complex projective 2-designs from the union of a family of orthonormal bases. If the weight remains constant across elements of the same basis, then such designs can be interpreted as generalizations of complete sets of mutually unbiased bases, being equivalent whenever the design is composed of d+1 bases in dimension d. We show that, for the purpose of quantum state determination, these designs specify an optimal collection of orthogonal measurements. Using highly nonlinear functions on Abelian groups, we construct explicit examples from d+2 orthonormal bases whenever d+1 is a prime power, covering dimensions d=6, 10, and 12, for example, where no complete sets of mutually unbiased bases have thus far been found.
A CHANDRA X-RAY STUDY OF THE INTERACTING BINARIES IN THE OLD OPEN CLUSTER NGC 6791

We present the first X-ray study of NGC 6791, one of the oldest open clusters known (8 Gyr). Our Chandra observation is aimed at uncovering the population of close interacting binaries down to LX ≈ 1 × 1030 erg s−1 (0.3–7 keV). We detect 86 sources within 8′ of the cluster center, including 59 inside the half-mass radius. We identify 20 sources with proper-motion cluster members, which are a mix of cataclysmic variables (CVs), active binaries (ABs), and binaries containing sub-subgiants. With follow-up optical spectroscopy, we confirm the nature of one CV. We discover one new, X-ray variable candidate CV with Balmer and He ii emission lines in its optical spectrum; this is the first X-ray-selected CV in an open cluster. The number of CVs per unit mass is consistent with the field, suggesting that the 3–4 CVs observed in NGC 6791 are primordial. We compare the X-ray properties of NGC 6791 with those of a few old open (NGC 6819, M 67) and globular clusters (47 Tuc, NGC 6397). It is puzzling that the number of ABs brighter than 1 × 1030 erg s−1 normalized by cluster mass is lower in NGC 6791 than in M 67 by a factor ∼3–7. CVs, ABs, and sub-subgiants brighter than 1 × 1030 erg s−1 are under-represented per unit mass in the globular clusters compared to the oldest open clusters, and this accounts for the lower total X-ray luminosity per unit mass of the former. This indicates that the net effect of dynamical encounters may be the destruction of even some of the hardest (i.e., X-ray-emitting) binaries.
Credit Card Fraud Detection Using HMM and K-Means Clustering Algorithm

During the last few years, the credit card system has been widely used as a process to initiate the global economy to develop significantly. A credit card providers has been issued millions of credit cards to their customers. While issuing credit cards to any wrong customers that can be a very crucial factor of a financial crisis. This paper presents an organized analysis and a survey of data mining methods and their applications in the credit card process. Our work focuses on data mining methods applied specifically in the credit card process which helps to emphasize much wider areas. This paper presents a novel mechanism for credit card fraud detection in combination of HMM and K-Means Algorithm. The proposed method identifies the fraudulent activities on the credit card. Keywords— data mining; credit card; New customer selection; fraud detection; Customer relationship management; repayment prediction.
Mapping Soil Erosion and Sediment Yield Susceptibility using RUSLE, Remote Sensing and GIS (Case study: Cham Gardalan Watershed, Iran)

The soil erosion is the most serious environmental problem in watershed areas in Iran. The main factors affecting the amount of soil erosion and sediment yield include vegetation cover, topography, soil, and climate. In order to describe the areas with high soil erosion and sediment yield risks and to develop adequate erosion preventation measures in watersheds of dams, erosion and sediment yield maps should be generated considering these factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the spatial distribution of annual soil loss and sediment yield in Cham Gardalan watershed, Ilam Province, Iran, using Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model. Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System(GIS) technologies were used for erosion and sediment yield risk mapping, based on the this model. The R-, K-, LS-, C- and P- factors were obtained from monthly and annual rainfall data, soil map of the region, 50-meter Digital Elevation Model (DEM), Remote Sensing (RS) techniques (with use of NDVI), and GIS, respectively. The mean values of the R, k-, LS-, C- and P- factors were 265.96 MJ mm ha −1 h −1 year −1 , 0.29 t h MJ -1 mm -1 , 14.31, 0.48 and 1 , respectively. The study indicated that the slope length (L) and slope steepness (S) of the RUSLE model (R 2 = 0.84) were the most effective factors controlling soil erosion in the region. The average annual soil loss and sediment yield is predicted up to 38.81 and 19.01 (t h -1 year -1 ), respectively. The measured average annual sediment yield 16.58 (t h -1 year -1 ) was very close to estimated value (19.01 t h -1 year -1 ). Moreover, the results indicated that 47.46%, 11.22%, 9.69%, 11.29%, 20.34% of the study area was under minimal, low, moderate, high and extreme actual erosion risks, respectively. Since 31.63% of the region is under high and extreme erosion risk, adoption of suitable conservation measures seems to be inevitable. The RUSLE model integrated with RS and GIS technologies has great potential for producing accurate and inexpensive erosion and sediment yield risk maps in Iran.
XIS-Analytics : a Domain Specific Language for Data Analysis ( Extended abstract of the MSc dissertation )

This research work proposes a model-driven development approach for data processing and analysis, called XIS-Analytics. This approach comprises a domain specific language, defined as a UML profile (the XIS-Analytics language) and a companion software framework (the XIS-Analytics framework). The XIS-Analytics language captures concepts from the domain of data analytics, more specifically from the data warehouse model, enabling the specification of these systems in understandable way by, even by non developer stakeholders. It divides mapping of the dataset, as well as the design of data visualizations in separate views, promoting a "separation of concerns" principle, reducing the complexity of the process. The XIS-Analytics framework provides support to the language by automatically generating the source code from the XIS-Analytics visualizations, through Model-to-Text transformations. By doing so, it enables any stakeholder, even non developers, to perceive the information within the dataset. Some preliminary evaluation of the approach has been made and the results are quite satisfactory. In a group of 12 users, using a scale of 1 to 5, users ranked XIS-Analytics language with a value of 4.38, XISAnalytics framework with 4.25 and the generated data visualizations with 4.375. XIS-Analytics is an innovative approach that uses the benefits of a model-driven development, to allow the user to interpret data in search for possible value. Keywords—Data Analytics; Data Visualization; Domain Specific Language; Model-Driven Development;
Changes in Research and Development of Medicinal Products since the Paediatric Regulation

The lack or incompleteness of evidence of the efficacy and safety of drugs used in children has been a growing concern in the recent past. The great majority of drugs prescribed to children are often given either on an unlicensed or an “off label” basis simply by extrapolating data for adults and without conducting any paediatric clinical, pharmacokinetics, dose finding, or formulation studies in the paediatric population. The paediatric pharmaceutical repertoire therefore comprised pills too large to swallow and extemporaneous formulations containing excipients unsafe or unpalatable to children. Diseases in children, however, are often different from their adult equivalents, and the processes underlying growth and development might lead to a different effect or an adverse drug reaction unseen in adults. The health and, therefore, quality of life of the children in Europe suffer from a lack of testing and authorisation of medicines for their use. It means that children are “orphans” of appropriate medicinal products and children continue to be exposed to risks, and at the same time miss out on therapeutic advances. This is particularly ironic considering that our modern system of medicines regulation, that ensures the high standards of safety, quality and efficacy of medicinal products for use in adults, was developed primarily in response to therapeutic disasters, or “drug catastrophes”, that occurred in children in the past ( such as the numerous cases of icterus induced by sulphanilamide which occurred in 1937 and the well-known phocomelia caused by thalidomide in the 1960s).
Automated Human Identification Using Ear Imaging

: Ear is a new area of advance biometrics that remains unchanged from childhood to early old age. It is unaffected by facial expressions, cosmetics and eye glasses. Nowadays, biometric system plays a important role in almost all the security aspects. As it uses earmark for the identification purpose which is impossible to steal or lose, they provide a better solution to pins and passwords. Automated identification through biometrics especially palm and iris recognition have been extensively used. An alternative to this is ear biometrics. It has been seen that finding two ears which are completely identical is almost impossible and ear does not change much with time, Moreover, ear satisfies all the properties that should be possessed by a biometric. [4]. The outer ear has been established as a stable and unique biometric characteristic. In previous years, increasing efforts have been made for creating an automated authentication system utilizing the outer ear. One important processing step in these systems is the detection of the ear region. Automated ear detection faces a number of challenges, such as invariant processing of both left and right ears, as well as the handling of occlusion and pose variations. We propose a new approach for the detection of ears, which uses features from texture and depth images, as well as context information. With a detection rate of 90% on profile images, our approach is highly reliable. Moreover, it is invariant to rotations and it can detect left and right ears. We also show, that our method is working under realistic conditions by providing simulation results on a more challenging dataset, which contains images of occluded ears from various poses.
From social rights to the market: neoliberalism and the knowledge economy

Public higher education has a long history, with its growth associated with mass higher education and the extension of a social right to education from secondary schooling to university education. Following the rise in student numbers since the 1970s, the aspiration to higher education has been universalized, although opportunities remain structured by social background. This paper looks at changing policies for higher education in the UK and the emergence of a neoliberal knowledge regime. This subordinates higher education to the market and shifts the burden of paying for degree courses onto students. It seeks to stratify institutions and extend the role of for-profit providers. From a role in the amelioration of social inequality, universities are now asked to participate actively in the widening inequalities associated with a neoliberal global market order.
La transition vers l’instabilité pour les ondes de choc multi-dimensionnelles

We consider multi-dimensional shock waves. We study their stability in Hadamard’s sense, following Erpenbeck and Majda’s strategy. When the unperturbed shock is close to a Lax shock which is already 1-d unstable, we show, under a generic hypothesis, that it cannot be strongly stable. We also characterize strong instability in terms of a sign of an explicit quadratic form. In most cases, the instability under 1-d perturbations, which occurs for exceptional shock waves, characterizes a transition between weak stability and strong instability in the multi-dimensional setting. Résumé. Nous considérons la stabilité des ondes de choc multi-dimensionnelles, en suivant la stratégie d’Erpenbeck et Majda. Lorsque le choc non perturbé est proche d’un choc de Lax longitudinalement instable, nous montrons, moyennant une hypothèse générique, que des ondes de surface sont présentes, empêchant ainsi la stabilité forte. Nous donnons aussi un critère d’instabilité forte en termes de signe d’une certaine forme quadratique. L’instabilité 1-d d’un choc est en général facile à établir, car elle revêt un caractère exceptionnel. Elle apparâıt comme une transition entre la stabilité faible et l’instabilité dans le contexte multi-d.
Bias in the Workplace: Consistent Evidence of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination 1998–2008

This report reviews more than 50 studies over the last decade and demonstrates a disturbing and consistent pattern: sexual orientation-based and gender identity discrimination is a common occurrence in many workplaces across the country. Surveys of GLBT individuals, studies of the sexual orientation earnings gap, and controlled experiments all provide evidence of discriminatory treatment.
Characterization of blue green algae isolated from Egyptian rice field with potential anti-hepatitis C active components

Several species of cyanobacteria has been recognized for its therapeutic value that can be used for treatment of malnutrition, cancer and viral infection. Many natural occurring cyanobacteria are known to produce toxins, for example, species of the genera Microcystis, Nodularia, Nostoc, Anabaena, Aphanizomenon, Cylindrospermopsis , and Planktothrix ( Oscillatoria ). Cyanotoxins are classified according to their mode of action in vertebrates as hepatotoxins, neurotoxins, cytotoxins, dermatotoxins, and irritants. Microcystin is a hepatotoxin which commonly found in Microcystis and it was found to be produced by other genera, including Anabaena, Nostoc, Nodularia , and Planktothrix . In the present study cyanobacteria strain isolated from Egyptian soil was purified, characterized and identified as Nostoc sp. and named Nostoc EGY . PCR-based techniques targeting the toxin biosynthesis genes were used verifying absence of toxic genes in the newly purified cyanobacteria. Cell lysate was prepared from the purified strain; the efficacy of this lysate to prevent hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication in vitro was proved qualitatively and quantitatively. Lysate prepared from isolated cyanobacteria after 10 and 25 days of cultivation was able to prevent replication of in vitro cultivated HCV. Keywords: Hepatitis C, green algae, cyanobacteria, polymerase chain reaction African Journal of Biotechnology , Vol. 13(9), pp. 1086-1096, 26 February, 2013
Comparative Effects of Antiepileptic Agents Dichrostachys glomerata Ethanol Extract and Carbamazepine on Seizures and Anxiety in Mice

Aim: Treatment for neurological disorders have been sought through both herbal and orthodox medicine, therefore this present study compared the antiepileptic effects of Dichrostachys glomerata (D. glomerata) and Carbamazepine (CBZ) on Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced seizures in mice. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four Swiss white mice of 20 – 30 g body weight were randomly divided into four groups of six mice. They were treated with normal saline (0.1 ml/10 g body weight i.p) for control, PTZ (65 mg/kg body weight i.p), D. glomerata (4.5 mg/kg body weight i.p) and CBZ (40 mg/kg body weight i,p). The seizure assay was carried out and the light-dark box and elevated Original Research Article Okon et al.; JAMMR, 24(4): 1-10, 2017; Article no.JAMMR. 36654 2 plus maze were used to test for anxiety. Treatment was for seven days. On the experimental day, tests were conducted 15 minutes after PTZ administration. CBZ served as the reference drug. Results: Both CBZ and D. glomerata increased the latency of seizure (p<0.001) but that of CBZ group was significantly higher (p<0.001) compared to DG group. CBZ significantly lowered (p<0.01) the duration of seizure compared to the D.G group. In the light-dark box, CBZ lowered the duration the mice spent in the dark chamber compared to the control and DG groups (p<0.05). In the elevated plus maze, CBZ and D. glomerata significantly decreased (p<0.05) the grooming duration compared to control. CBZ also significantly increased (p<0.05) the open arm entry frequency. Conclusion: D. glomerata exhibited anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effects in comparison to placebo. Although D. glomerata was effective in reducing seizures in mice, CBZ was observed to be more efficient in alleviating anxiety.
Cash Management DSS based on System Dynamics for MFIS

All the institutions which share a commitment to serving clients with low-incomes that have been excluded from the formal banking sector are part of the microfinance industry. The Consultative Group to Assist the Poorest (the apex association of international donors who support microfinance) regards microfinance as “a powerful tool to fight poverty” that can help poor people to “raise income, build their assets, and cushion themselves against external shocks”. Microfinance institutions (MFIs) have reached well over 100 million clients and achieved impressive repayment rates on loans. Because of the increase in the scale of operations, the concept and practice of microfinance have changed dramatically over the last decade and the microfinance is increasingly adopting a financial systems approach, either by operating on commercial lines or by systematically reducing reliance on interest rate subsidies and/or aid agency financial support. The objective of this paper is to identify the need of a support system for MFIs, select a domain for developing one such system and suggest an approach to develop the system. The paper introduces the reader to three terms ‘Microfinance’, ‘Cash Management’ and ‘Decision Support System’. This introduction is necessary as Microfinance is the chosen sector where the need for such a system is identified. Cash management is the chosen domain for which this system will be used. Decision support system is a technology which is used in different industries to develop such a system. The paper further defines the methodology for developing such a system. This methodology describes the tools and techniques which will be used to achieve the goal.