Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Fused-Lasso-Based Doppler Imaging Algorithm for Spinning Targets With Occlusion Effect

The occlusion effect of targets with the spinning motion is usually ubiquitous when illuminated by the radar. Considering this effect in a single range Doppler imaging for spinning targets is of practical significance. In this paper, we develop a novel approach to image spinning targets with occlusion effect, which is referred to as a fused-Lasso-based Doppler-only snapshot imaging. Due to the spinning motion, the radar illuminates different parts of the target at each observation instant, which causes the backscattering intensities of the scatterers, are slowly time-varying. The 2D fused-Lasso model is introduced to capture this time-varying characteristic. Furthermore, the underlying factors for the imaging performance are thoughtfully analyzed. The proposed method is able to adaptively estimate the shadowed region, do Doppler imaging, and work well in low radar pulse repetition frequency situations. Finally, a series of simulations is carried out to validate the performance of the proposed method.
Institutional Investors, Monitoring, and the Transformation of Underperforming Firms

We focus on chronically underperforming firms and assess the roles of institutional investors in either facilitating asset redeployment or entrenching managers. We find that, in aggregate, institutions exhibit a flight to quality, selling shares in firms that subsequently fail. For underperforming firms that survive, institutional holdings are associated with improved performance, but abnormal returns are still negative and return on assets and Tobin’s Q are still low. Our evidence suggests that many of the findings in previous research of positive relationships between institutional holdings and abnormal returns, return on assets, and Tobin’s Q may be entirely explained by flight to quality combined with the distressed firm anomaly. We find no evidence that holdings of traditional activist public pension funds lead to improved performance. Nor do performance results support positive roles for institutions with long-term holdings. However, activist hedge funds are different in that they significantly increase holdings in firms that are subsequently acquired. Also, short-term holdings by institutions are associated with positive subsequent performance. Results for institutional blockholders are mixed, reflecting their heterogeneity. The distinction between independent and non-independent (gray) institutions does not appear to matter. We contrast the results to those for consistently overperforming firms; the analysis points to a more limited governance role of institutions for firms that are performing well.
Expression and Purification of the Crystalline Surface Layer Protein of Rickettsia typhi

The crystalline surface layer (S‐layer) protein (SLP) of Rickettsia typhi is known as the protective antigen against murine typhus. We previously reported a cloning and sequence analysis of the SLP gene of R. typhi (slpT) and showed that the open reading frame of this gene encodes both the SLP and a 32‐kDa protein. To express only the SLP from this gene, the putative signal sequence and the 32‐kDa protein portion were removed from the slpT. This protein was expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein, consisting of the SLP and maltose binding protein. The recombinant protein reacted strongly with polyclonal antiserum of a patient with murine typhus.
Development of an Automated Cattle Feed Mixer

A prototype system has been designed to automate the use of a Cattle Feed Mixer with the aim of optimizing the efficiency, precision and consistency of the mix. Many additional nutrients are added into cattle feed at various times throughout their lactation cycle in order to produce optimum milk quantity and quality. Multiple herds also require various quantities of additional nutrients. At present these nutrients are calculated, weighed and individually added to the mixer by hand. The need for automation was apparent in this field as the quantity and quality of milk varies dramatically depending on the cattle’s supplement intake. The reported design uses separate feed tanks to control the quantity of individual powder nutrients. Peristaltic pumps and stepper motors control the quantities of liquid nutrient additives and actuators vary the feed rate of the mix and extension of the feed conveyor. To accomplish this, weigh sensors, strain gauges, rotary encoders, stepper motors, flow sensors, linear actuators and micro controllers were used. The prototype has been tested on a small scale implementation.
Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists IT IS 6 MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT ® Feature Climate change 2011 : A status report on US policy

A growing partisan divide in Congress stalled almost all new federal climate policy in 2011. The divide frustrated efforts to pass a cap-and-trade carbon permitting system, spawned a battle between the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Congress, pushed most substantive climate change policy down to the municipal level and hindered US ability to effectively negotiate an international climate agreement. Amid the federal partisan wrangling, US cities have enacted far-sighted climate policy initiatives, and the growing cost of fossil fuels has stimulated investment in renewable energy, edging the country closer to commercially viable alternatives to fossil fuels. These trends could help provide an alternate route to climate mitigation, even without international treaties or national legislation. But the inevitable shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources would be greatly hastened by federal action to tax carbon dioxide emissions and use the revenue generated to support alternative energy technologies. That action is extremely unlikely to occur unless climate change comes to be seen in the United States as a practical, rather than ideological, issue.
MULTI CRITERIA DECISION MAKING FOR SUPPLY CHAIN PARTNERS: A MULTI AGENT SIMULATION APPROACH

Abstract Decision making process between supply chain partners becomes more and more complicated, and today's enterprises need advanced and efficient decision tools. Intelligent agent technology can provide an appropriate framework to integrate advanced decision techniques in an efficient way. We propose, in the present work, a multi layers supply chain model managed by intelligent agents able to communicate and make decisions. For this, we use multi-criteria decision making approach based on customer's preferences. This paper presents also a detailed criteria study and a simulation prototype implementation. Some illustrative computational results are shown.
Airline Mergers and Alliances

This document (of 306 pages) comprises the proceedings of a roundtable on airline mergers and alliances held at the OECD in October 1999. Although airlines have long sought to enter alliances with one another, the last five years has seen an important new development - the crystallisation of international airline alliances around 4-5 major airline groupings. The scope and nature of these alliances differ, but there is a tendency towards co-operation on all aspects of the airline business. These super-alliances come as close to actual mergers as aviations Byzantine regulations allow, raising fundamental questions for competition policy-makers and enforcers. These alliances have the potential both to enhance the level and quality of services offered to consumers and, at the same time, to significantly restrict competition. This roundtable addressed issues such as: Why do airlines seek to enter such alliances? How do allliances restrict competition? What is the role played by frequent-flyer programmes and other loyalty schemes? What remedies should competition authorities consider to alleviate the harmful effects of allliances? What is the appropriate role for international co-operation between authorities? This document contains a background paper by the Secretariat, together with 11 submissions from OECD countries and a summary of the oral discussion.
Discrete Summation

These theories introduce basic concepts and proofs about discrete summation: shifts, formal summation, falling factorials and stirling numbers. As proof of concept, a simple summation conversion is provided. 1 Stirling numbers of first and second kind theory Stirling imports Main begin 1.1 Stirling numbers of the second kind fun Stirling :: nat ⇒ nat ⇒ nat where Stirling 0 0 = 1 | Stirling 0 (Suc k) = 0 | Stirling (Suc n) 0 = 0 | Stirling (Suc n) (Suc k) = Suc k ∗ Stirling n (Suc k) + Stirling n k lemma Stirling-1 [simp]: Stirling (Suc n) (Suc 0 ) = 1 by (induct n) simp-all lemma Stirling-less [simp]: n < k =⇒ Stirling n k = 0 by (induct n k rule: Stirling .induct) simp-all lemma Stirling-same [simp]: Stirling n n = 1 by (induct n) simp-all lemma Stirling-2-2 : Stirling (Suc (Suc n)) (Suc (Suc 0 )) = 2 ˆ Suc n − 1 proof (induct n)
Patent Expiration, Entry, and Competition in the U.S. Pharmaceutical Industry

THE ETHICAL PHARMACEUTICAL industry is an important one, not so much for its economic size as for the benefits that it delivers to users of its products. The industry has been transformed structurally since the 1940s from a producer of selected chemicals to a research-oriented sector that makes a major contribution to the technology of health care. I Its very success in generating a stream of new drugs with important therapeutic benefits has involved the industry in intense public policy debates over the financing of the cost of its research, the veracity of claims for its products, the prices charged for them (not to mention who pays those charges), and the socially optimal degree of patent protection.
Balance-Sheet Ratios and Stock Returns: An Analysis for Italian Banks

The paper assesses whether the monthly returns of the listed shares of Italian banks are predicted by changes in balance-sheet indicators. The sample covers the period from January 1997 to June 2003. Estimates use both unadjusted and risk-adjusted returns. Results show that the stock returns of Italian banks are positively related to past profitability, liquidity, and asset quality, while they are not significantly affected by banksi? ½ capital ratios. Furthermore, in the sample period an increase in traditional lending activity leads to higher stock returns.
Exploiting Qualitative (Narrative) Information from Annual Reports for the Purpose of Accounting Based Firm Valuation – A Markov Chain Approach

There can be little doubt that accounting research is increasingly facing a narrative turn. Accounting practice, that is, standard setters as well as financial analysts on the other hand increasingly face a valuation gap springing from the fact that the value drivers of companies are not captured by the financial statements. Providing tailwind to these developments and addressing the needs of accounting practice, we present an extension of the well-known Ohlson valuation model (1995) based on Markov chains that allows for empirically estimating the firm value contribution of arbitrary qualitative information. Moreover, econometric implementation issues are discussed.
The Demand Curves for Financial Assets and the Implied Cost of Capital in Segmented Markets

The shape of the demand curve for stocks and the marginal cost of capital are two related issues . The CAPM and APT imply that demand curves for equity are virtually flat. In Modigliani and Miller's firm valuation model the demand curve for a financial asset is also perfectly elastic, implying that the asset’s price is independent of its supply. Hence, for similar projects the marginal cost of capital is equal to the firm’s average cost of capital (Modigliani and Miller’s proposition III). Flat demand curves for stocks are in sharp contradiction to the empirical evidence, revealing downward sloping demand curves. In this paper we reconcile the empirical evidence with portfolio theory. We derive a formula for the demand curve in a portfolio context, first in the CAPM framework and then in the segmented market framework. We explicitly show that in the CAPM setting demand curves are indeed virtually flat. However, in the more realistic case of a segmented market, where investors typically hold only a few risky assets in their portfolios (Barber and Odean 2000), the demand function has a steep negative slope, conforming to the empirical evidence. We analyze the implication of the results to the firm’s cost of capital and contrast them with M&M's proposition III.
Cation regulation of anion current activated by cell swelling in two types of human epithelial cancer cells.

1. In epithelial cells, hyposmotic stress induces visible cell swelling and large Cl‐ currents, which deactivate on return to isotonic solutions and are abolished by 0.1‐0.5 mM DIDS (4,4'‐diisothiocyanatostilbene‐2,2'‐disulphonic acid). During depolarizing voltage clamp pulses, the currents activate rapidly and show time‐dependent relaxation with associated tail currents on return to negative potentials. 2. We used whole‐cell and outside‐out patch recording to study volume activation of Cl‐ currents in the epithelial cancer cell lines H69AR and HeLa S5. In a 210 or 160 mosmol l‐1 hyposmotic bathing solution containing 90 mM NaCl, 1 mM Ca2+ and 1 mM Mg2+, current relaxation was rapid, occurred positive to the Cl‐ reversal potential and reduced current to < 30% of its peak level at +100 mV. 3. Replacement of most bath inorganic cations by N‐methyl‐D‐glucamine (NMDG) at constant Cl‐ concentration and osmolarity eliminated most of the current relaxation and caused an increase in steady‐state current levels. Steady‐state current was 85 +/‐ 6% of peak current at +100 mV in NMDG‐Cl bath solution. This ratio fell to 55 +/‐ 2% (n = 5) when 1 mM Mg2+ was re‐added to the bath. 4. Re‐addition of Mg2+ or other Group II metals (Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+) induced immediate changes in current relaxation in a dose‐ and species‐dependent manner. Concentrations of Mg2+ as low as 0.1 mM were effective in causing Cl‐ current relaxation. The IC50 for steady‐state current block by external Mg2+ was 1.75 mM. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Sync Class: Visualization System for In-Class Student Synchronization

The engagement of students in a classroom is an important factor in education. Teachers are not only expected to possess strong teaching skills but also be simultaneously attentive to their students. Researchers have found that the most effective teaching happens when students in the room are in sync with one another. [1] However, assessing the classroom environment is not always easy for teachers especially when they teach multiple students at a time. The number of students per classroom can vary from a handful of student to over 50, this in turn can cause difficulty for teachers to provide an equal amount of attention per student, or even to be clearly attentive to the entire class environment. In this paper, we introduce an intelligent support system called "Sync Class" that helps teachers have access to a quantitative representation of how much students are in sync in a classroom. The system has a web camera placed in front of the classroom observing each student's face to detect students' engagement with the teacher. The system visualizes students' engagement in real time and alternatively, the system can also be used to analyze each student's attentiveness after class. We conducted several experiments to assess and evaluate the accuracy and capability of the system while also establishing usability for teachers. The teachers who tested our system, especially novice teachers, find it helpful to better understand student engagement whilst teaching. They are eager to utilize the system in future classes to respond to students, especially those who are disengaged, and better support their learning by effectively and promptly deploying interventions when needed.
Critical assessment 20: on carbon excess in bainitic ferrite

For several decades, the question of carbon supersaturation in bainitic ferrite has attracted the attention of physical metallurgists. Originally, this was associated with excess carbon due to the displacive nature of phase transformation and its subsequent trapping at defects in bainitic ferrite. The development of advanced experimental techniques, such as atom probe tomography and in situ synchrotron and neutron X-ray diffraction, has provided new insights into carbon distribution within bainitic ferrite. Possible explanations for carbon excess in solid solution are discussed, and the pathways for the future advancement of this research question are suggested.
Women In Paid Employment – The Care Factor

63.7% of women are now in some form of paid employment in New Zealand, which is in line with the OECD average of 65%. However, of those women, approximately a third in part-time paid employment and women make up over two-thirds of all part-time workers. One of the most cited reasons for women’s limited participation in, or absence from, the labour market is the cost and availability of childcare. In New Zealand, as in many other countries, mothers still undertake the vast majority of care for children. This paper examines the childcare situation in New Zealand. Taking a broad perspective of what is captured by the term ‘childcare’, it outlines the various types of government support currently provided to children up to age 13, and summarises the total cost of funding. The purpose of the paper is to collate information about the range of services provided by the government which incorporate an element of care. This information can be analysed by academics and policy makers to determine whether the services currently provided are efficient and effective, and meets the needs of parents. The paper also raises two issues for further consideration, which it does not address itself. Firstly, the various mechanisms for government support, in terms of demand-led and supply-side funding, and whether they should be targeted or universal. Secondly, the types of childcare which are not government funded – the informal childcare provided by family, particularly grandparents and older siblings, and friends. These areas may be of relevant future research, particularly if change to the current situation is desired.
A Review of Asian Financial Crisis in the End of 1990s

In Asian Financial Crisis during the end of 1990s, millions of people lost their money in one day, international investors were reluctant to lend to developing countries, leading to economic slowdowns in developing countries in many parts of the world. This paper will talk about how the crisis become, speculators how to speculated the financial market, a case in HK how to defeat speculators attack, and IMF provided support package for rescuing attacked countries. We hope our paper can give some ideas to people and show the importance on balancing the domestic economy to avoid the crisis happen again.
Regulation of Amino Acid Influx and Efflux at the Basolateral Plasma Membrane of the Salivary Gland Epithelium: Effects of Parasympathetic Nerve Stimulation

Basolateral amino acid transport systems in the salivary epithelium of resting and secreting cat submandibular glands were characterized by means of a rapid paired-tracer dilution technique. Amino acid uptake was measured by comparison of venous tracer concentration profiles for a labeled amino acid and D-mannitol (an extracellular tracer of similar size) following an intra-arterial bolus injection of both radioactive molecules. Unidirectional uptake of 21 amino acids, dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin was quantified in non-secreting glands. During 8 Hz parasympathetic nerve stimulation, significant epithelial uptakes were measured for L-[3H] alanine and L-[3H] phenylalanine, but less than 0.2% of the injected amino acid was recovered in the collected saliva. In non-secreting glands, cross-inhibition studies of L-[3H] alanine, L-[3H] phenylalanine, and L-[3H] lysine uptake by unlabeled amino acid competitors and detailed kinetic influx experiments indicated that epithelial uptake was mediated by three distinct parallel transport systems: ASC (short-chain neutral), L (branched-chain and aromatic neutral), and y+ (cationic). Rapid metabolism of alanine was inhibited by aminooxyacetate, and the metabolic uncoupler dinitrophenol selectively accelerated the efflux of transported large neutral amino acids and L-lysine. Concurrent autoradiographic experiments suggest that transport sites for small and large neutral amino acids are localized in the basolateral plasma membrane of acinar, demilunar, and striated ductal cells.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Patients with Open Physes

From July 1988 to August 1989, six children with open physes and injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament were treated operatively. All injuries involved twisting episodes during sports activities. All six patients had meniscal abnormalities, and, additionally, one patient sustained a Grade III medial ligament tear and had a lateral patellar dislocation. Operative reconstruction used hamstring tendons and placed a groove over the front of the tibia and a groove over the top of the femur without violation of the growth plates. The anterior cru ciate ligament was primarily repaired (three patients) at the time of reconstruction, if possible. At 3 months, one patient underwent arthroscopic resection of adhesions for arthrofibrosis. There were no other complications. Five patients were evaluated with clinical examination, radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging, and func tional testing at an average followup of 33.2 months (range, 25 to 38). Four of the five had returned to their preinjury level of sports participation. Manual maximum KT-1 000 arthrometer side-to-side differences averaged 3.6 ± 1.9 mm. The average Lysholm knee score was 95.2 ± 2.5; the average Hospital for Special Surgery knee score was 96.6 ± 2.3. There were no growth plate injuries. Despite the overall clinical stability, magnetic resonance image scans of the five patients consistently demonstrated areas of increased signal in the anterior cruciate ligament grafts.
Arm exercise and hyperinflation in patients with COPD: effect of arm training.

BACKGROUND Unlike studies on leg exercise, reports on the regulation of dynamic hyperinflation during arm exercise are scanty. We ascertained the following in patients with COPD: (1) whether and to what extent upper-limb exercise results in dynamic hyperinflation, and (2) the mechanism whereby an arm-training program (ATP) reduces arm effort and dyspnea. PATIENTS Twelve patients with moderate-to-severe COPD were tested during incremental, symptom-limited arm exercise after a non-intervention control period (pre-ATP) and after ATP. METHODS Exercise testing (1-min increments of 5 W) was performed using an arm ergometer. Oxygen uptake (V(O2)), carbon dioxide output, minute ventilation (Ve), tidal volume, and respiratory rate (RR) were measured continuously during the tests. Inspiratory capacity (IC), exercise dyspnea, and arm effort using a Borg scale were assessed at each step of exercise. RESULTS Arm exercise resulted in a significant decrease in IC and significant positive relationships of IC with an increase in V(O2) and exercise dyspnea and arm effort. The results of ATP were as follows: (1) a significant increase in exercise capacity (p < 0.001); (2) no change in the relationships of exercise dyspnea and arm effort with Ve and IC, and of IC with V(O2); (3) at a standardized work rate, Ve, exercise dyspnea, and arm effort significantly decreased, while the decrease in IC was significantly less (p < 0.01) than before the ATP; the decrease in Ve was accomplished primarily by a decrease in RR; and (4) at standardized Ve, exercise dyspnea and arm effort decreased significantly. CONCLUSIONS Arm exercise results in the association of dynamic hyperinflation, exercise dyspnea, and arm effort in COPD patients. An ATP increases arm endurance, modulates dynamic hyperinflation, and reduces symptoms.