Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stochastic dynamic Thurstone-Mosteller models for sports tournaments

In the course of national sports tournaments, usually lasting several months, it is expected that the abilities of teams taking part in the tournament change in time. A dynamic extension of the Thurstone-Mosteller model for paired comparison data is introduced to model the outcomes of sporting contests allowing for time-varying abilities. It is assumed that the development of teams' abilities follows a stationary process and a team-specific home effect is considered. The likelihood function of the proposed model requires the approximation of a high dimensional integral. This difficulty is overcome by means of maximum simulated likelihood via the Geweke-Hajivassiliou-Keane algorithm. Ranking of teams and forecasting future match results are performed through a Metropolis-Hastings algorithm. The methodology is applied to sports data with and without tied contests, namely the 2006-2007 Italian volleyball league and the 2008-2009 Italian Serie A football season.
WHEAT CLEANING DECISIONS AT COUNTRY ELEVATORS

This article presents a mathematical programming model of wheat cleaning and blending decisions at a country elevator. Simulations are performed to illustrate the sensitivity of cleaning to selected variables, including the value of screenings, transportation costs, and market discounts for excess dockage. In addition, the model is used to assess the impact of including dockage in the grade standards for wheat.
A Policy Driven Architecture for Effective Service Allocation in Cloud Environment

A Cloud Environment provides the integration of multiple clients and server in a distributed environment. But in this environment the cloud servers are limited and there are number of cloud clients. To perform the effective cloud service allocation, some rule oriented model is required that can perform the analysis on the cloud server features as well as client characteristic analysis. In this work, a policy based architecture is shown that covers the cloud service allocation along with location identification and migration assistance.
Causal Relationships and Network Parameters in Effective Brain Connectivity

synaptic connections. This huge number of connections between individual processingelements provides the fundamental scaffold for neuronal ensembles to become transientlysynchronized or functionally connected [1]. A similar complex network configuration anddynamics can also be found at the macroscopic scales of systems neuroscience and brainimaging [2]. The emergence of dynamically coupled cell assemblies represents the neurophy‐siological substrate for cognitive function such as perception, learning, thinking [3]. Under‐standing the complex network organization of the brain on the basis of neuroimaging datarepresents one of the most impervious challenges for systems neuroscience.Several measures to evaluate at various scales (single cells, cortical columns, or brain areas)how the different parts of the brain communicate have been recently proposed. We can classifythem, according to their symmetry, into two groups: symmetric and asymmetric measures.Symmetric measures, such as correlation, coherence, phase synchronization indexes (PLV,PLI), evaluate functional connectivity, i.e. statistically significant relationships between signalsrecorded from spatially remote neurophysiological events. On the other hand, the asymmetricones are able to detect effective connectivity i.e. information flow (the influence one neuronalsystem exerts over another) [4], and therefore they reveal the direction of the interaction.Granger Causality (GC) belongs to this latter group.
A search for new variable stars in NGC 6231

NGC6231 is a well-studied young open cluster hosting several variable stars. In the (cid:12)eld six (cid:12) Cephei stars, several eclipsing binaries and one (cid:14) Scuti star are known (as well as a foreground (cid:14) Scuti star). In an ongoing e(cid:11)ort to map and study the variability in NGC 6231, we present new results based on CCD time-series data optimised for the bright (cid:12) Cephei stars as well as data optimised for much fainter stars. We detect 17 new variable stars in the cluster, including three (cid:14) Scuti stars, three γ Doradus candidates, three Slowly Pulsating B star candidates and one, or possibly two, new (cid:12) Cephei stars.
A plasma protein marker for population genetic studies of the desert tortoise ( Xerobates agassizi )

-Fifty-seven individual plasma samples from desert tortoises (Xerobates aga.ssizi) representing 10 separate populations were analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis using alkaline buffers. An albumin·like protein was found to be polymorphic for two electromorphs in northem populations inbabiting the Mohave Desert Province, wlliJe Sonoran Desert populations to the south were monomorphic. The genetic divergence demonstrated in this survey is similar to earUer studies and provides evidence for the Colorado River as a potential barrier to gene flow among tortoise populations. These data suggest that tortoise plasma, examined by various electrophoretic methods, Ulay prOVide a nondestructive means ofdetermining the broad regional origin ofdesert tortoises. Desert tortoises (Xerabates agassizi) presently inhabit two regions of southwestern Utah, separated east and west by the Beaver Dam Mountains. The population dynamics of the Beaver Dam Slope tortoises (west of the mountains) have been severely impacted by both human and animal activities during the past several decades. Despite both federal and state protective regulations, tortoise numbers in the slope region are probably at an all-time low (Mike Coffeen, UDWR, personal communication). Two stable populations near St. George, east of the Beaver Dam Moun: tains, face new human development projects that threaten the future of these previously isolated populations. The eastern populations are found in Paradise and City Creek canyons, and relocation of some tortoises from these populations is presently under consideration by the Utah DivisiOn of Wildlife Resources. However, several relocation issues remain unresolved, including methods of collection, conditioning, transport, sex ratios, and specimen numbers involved. One problem to be addressed is the question of genetic compatibility of Utah's tortoise populations, especially if any of the tortoises east of the Beaver Dam Mountains are translocated to the western slope. Few data are available comparing the physiology or morphology of Utah's separate lortoise populations. Rainboth et al. (1989) electrophoretically analyzed whole blood homogenates of 146 desert tortoises from two separate localities in California for alIozyme expression at 23 loci. The two populations were quite similar, as each locality contained unique elements only when alIozyrne combinations were used and there was a considerable degree ofoverlap in allozyme frequency. Lamb et al. (1989) included five tortoises from Paradise Canyon in an analysis of phylogeographie patterns in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of the gopher tortoise complex. Their data indicated that these individuals fit within an eastern Mohave «clone" representing the northern Arizona and eastern Nevada region. Also, Jennings (1985) included five tortoises from the Beaver Dam Slope region IVen,otO Research. Laboratory, Veten,ns AdmJoirlnltiQn MedOl Center, Sill. ~e aty. Utah 84146. 'Hogle Zoological Car<:kns, Salt Ltire Cfty, Utah 84148. 3DepartmentofZoology, Brigh.m Young Univemty, ProI'O, lJW! 8460Z.
Challenges Faced by MNCs in Pakistan Due to Unethical Practice of National Pharmaceuticals Industry

The aim of this study is to give a broad overview of the main challenges faces by Multinational companies (MNCs) of pharmaceuticals in Pakistan. The aim of study is also to investigate ethical Challenges facing by pharmaceuticals companies in Pakistan. In Pakistan market pharmaceutical companies influence the physicians’ or professionals and sometime force them to prescribe their products by all means. In Pakistan, there is no strong mechanism to monitor the drug promotional movement by pharmaceutical industry although the fact is that there is sufficient evidence that irrational pharmacotherapy is gradually more encountered even in the urban countries due to unethical practices of pharmaceutical promotion. These papers focuses on the Multinational Pharmaceutical industry and have discussed the changes of last 10 years because of decreased economic status, costly healthcare facilities, illegal and un-ethical practices and off course because of low quality products. Some major challenges facing by complex MNCs Pharmaceutical business are focused and discussed in this article. This include the unethical practice of general physicians, decline in the discovery, approval and marketing of new chemical entities (NCE) or drugs, competition from generics drugs, low quality products, overburden on regulatory authorities in Pakistan, regulatory pressures, political influence on regulatory authorities, counterfeit drugs and raw material source. We have also discussed in this article some local and MNCs brand quality, and we found that MNCs are meeting quality parameters. There is strong proof that associations between local industry and physicians influence the prescribing behaviour along with clinical decision making.
Multi-class categorization based on cluster analysis and TFIDF

In the logic of automatic text classification, this study presents a procedure based on the analysis of clusters and the TFIDF index to generate a multi-class categorization of documents. Starting from a set of appropriately selected terms, we proceed to a non-supervised disjunctive classification into groups. The set of terms characterizing each cluster identifies the thematic dictionary of the group. For each document, we calculate the TFIDF associated with each dictionary. The multi-class categorization is obtained on the basis of the higher values of TFIDF for each document. An example of this procedure applied to a corpus of some one-hundred reviews of restaurants is proposed. Riassunto In una logica di classificazione automatica di testi, questo lavoro propone una procedura basata sull’utilizzo in sequenza della cluster analysis e del TFIDF per generare una categorizzazione multi-classe di documenti. Sulla base di termini opportunamente selezionati si procede ad una classificazione non supervisionata in gruppi disgiunti, e come tale univoca. Il set di termini caratterizzanti ciascun cluster individua il dizionario tematico del gruppo. Per ciascun documento si calcolano i TFIDF associati a ciascun dizionario. La categorizzazione multiclasse e ottenuta sulla base dei valori piu alti dei TFIDF per ciascun documento. Si propone un esempio della procedura sul corpus di trecento recensioni di ristoranti.
Happiness Studies and Legal Policy

Social scientists have conducted numerous empirical and experimental studies of self-reported happiness. This review focuses on two fundamental areas of research in happiness and law, namely alternative measures of happiness and various policies to foster happiness. There are many aspects, concepts, dimensions, and visions of happiness. Empirical findings often depend critically on which particular measure of happiness is analyzed. Happiness studies have applications to national well-being indices; policy evaluation; civil judicial and jury decision making about liability and damages in cases of sexual harassment, employment discrimination, and torts; optimal tax law design; family law; criminal sentencing; legal education; and legal practice. There are decision-making, health, productivity, and psychological benefits to various types of happiness. There are more or less paternalistic happiness interventions, including policies to encourage regular physical exercise, good sleep, and meditation. Hopefully,.
THE IMPACT OF MARKET REFORMS ON SPATIAL VOLATILITY OF MAIZE PRICE IN TANZANIA

The impacts of market reforms on prices volatility in developing countries are not well understood because analysts have not been able to predict the impacts. This study investigates whether the reforms have exacerbated the degree of spatial volatility of maize price in Tanzania using ARCH-M model. Results indicate that developed regions might have experienced less volatile prices than less developed regions. Infrastructure development to increase the volume of trade between the regions is recommended.
Biotests in Ecotoxicology: Current Practice and Problems

Nowadays ecotoxicology plays the role of a theoretician – methodical unifying centre for the optimization of man – biosphere relations and sustainable existence of life on the Earth. The main basis for its development is the classical toxicology—studies of chemical compounds’ effects on man, but ecotoxicology is the original part, following it. According to the modern concept, the ecotoxicology is a science for migration, transformation and utilization of different toxic ingredients (with organic, inorganic or organic-mineral chemical nature; with natural biotic or abiotic origin and artificial, mainly anthropogenic origin) in the environment and their impact on Macrobiological systems with different levels of integration as groups of individuals, population, community, ecosystem, etc. studied in ecology. In this chapter, the types of ecotoxicological tests are discussed in detail with a set of examples about used species, advantages and disadvantages of different types of toxicity testing. The application of exposed natural ecosystems or man-made analogue systems is also commented as the environmentally more realistic approach for ecotoxicological testing. These test systems are increasingly becoming in aquatic ecotoxicology practice, but they are contemporary challenge in terrestrial testing. The development of test systems for realistic assessment of contaminant toxicity is essential for the efficient control of human influence on the environment.
Effect of age and blood collection site on the metabolic profile of ostriches

The serum metabolic profile of ostriches was studied in relation to the blood collection site (jugular vs. wing vein) and age (1 vs. 2 years) on 20 male birds. Blood was collected from the birds in the morning, after 12 h of fasting. Different collection site did not affect the examined parameters, but some statistically significant differences were observed between the age groups. However, all the parameters agreed with the data reported in the literature and contribute to our knowledge of the metabolic profile of ostriches.
XVII Century Ottoman Chronic Tarih-I Naima in Corpus Comparison

An Ottoman prose work Tarihi Naima (Naima's Histor y) for a long time has been the subject of special interest for literary critics, historians and linguists due to its stylistic features. The general comparison of the chronicle frequency lexical parameters with other Ottoman prose texts by corpus approach demonstrated that it had been created according to the canons of Ottoman Prose Literature and rules of its language norm. Yet at the same time Tarihi Naima differs from other t exts in some obscure, inexpressive form which let the annalist work stay quite famous in Ottoman Literature for two centuries and not be forgotten aswas the chronicle "Seyahatname" of the famous traveler Evliya Chelebi. Corpus approach enables an exact idiolect analysis due to its broad comparison with other texts in synchronistic and diachronic perspective. The comparison is usually based on the data of texts frequency vocabularies and syntax. At the same time, the correlation analysis between frequency vocabularies rank parameters can be used for the sample validation while compiling electronic documents collection (Prohorov, 2002). Such collection (corpus) in total of 21Ottoman prose texts was created for our research on idiostyle of the 18th century Turkish chronicle "Tarihi Naima" (Naima's History), or in the full name:"The Garden of Husayn in the Summary of the Chronicles of Eastand West" (Ravḍatu'l�Ḥuseynfi ḫulāsati aḫbāri'l�ḫāfiqa yn), written by the first vakanuvis (state chronicler) of Ottoman Empire Mustafa Naima (1655�1716). While researching his idiostyle, we proceeded from the linguistic view of this phenomenon as deviation from language norm and tried to fix it in empirical statistical way. In our case, the calculation of the Pierson correlation coefficient (R) between rank parameters of electronic documents vocabularies verified the sampling adequacy for created corpus. However, the analogical computation between frequency vocabularies of researched text and documents collection demonstrated lexical deviation of "Tarihi Naima" from other Ottoman chr onicles. Meanwhile lexicon of selected documents in the view of their common frequency dictionary and according to high lexical closeness between them can be considered as hypothetical language norm of Ottoman chronicles. Method
Planktonic rotifers of a saline-lowland river : The Salado River (Argentina)

Fil: Neschuk, Nancy Carolina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Limnologia "Dr. Raul A. Ringuelet". Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Instituto de Limnologia; Argentina
Inhibitory Effects of Temperature, pH, and Potassium Sorbate against Natural Microflora in Strawberry Paste during Storage

and yeasts/molds were under the detection limit (<10 cells/g). Growth inhibitiondegrees of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, total coliforms, and lactic acid bacteria were also evaluated basedon three hurdles of preservative, storage temperature, and pH of strawberry paste prepared as model system.Strawberry paste was stored at low (4
Desarrollo de tecnología para el estudio de la activación rápida de canales iónicos

Los canales ionicos son proteinas multimericas que regulan el pasaje de iones a traves de la membrana celular acoplando su funcionamiento a factores externos como el voltaje de membrana y/o presencia de ligandos especificos. Sus dinamicas de cambio de estado pueden ser descriptas cuantitativamente en terminos de un proceso de Markov, aleatorio y sin memoria. Las constantes cineticas de estos procesos pueden ser obtenidas, a partir de resultados experimentales, con la estimacion de la maxima verosimilitud (EMV), empleando el algoritmo recursivo de cadenas ocultas de Markov. En el caso particular de los canales activados por ligando se han postulado estados parciales de energia intermedia (FLIP-STATE), para explicar retardos durante la activacion del receptor. Para dilucidar si la existencia de estos estados es una propiedad del receptor o de cada una de las subunidades es necesario poder realizar aplicaciones de agonista aun mas breves que las del estado de arte (0.2 ms). Por tal motivo en esta tesis se presenta la creacion de un metodo que permite realizar aplicaciones discretas de agonista ultra-rapidas (20 μs), sobre una preparacion de outside-out patch clamp, marcando una mejora sustancial de 10- 50 veces comparado con el estado del arte actual y a los dispositivos comerciales, respectivamente. Se analizo el rango de condiciones en el que esta tecnica puede s er empleada y se realizaron modificaciones para generar aplicaciones arbitrarias del agonista maximizando la informacion cinetica obtenida por experimento. Por ultimo, se realizo un analisis teorico, bajo la optica de la estadistica Bayesiana, de la respuesta de canales a aplicaciones ultra-cortas de agonista. Empleando esta tecnica y metodo de analisis puede discriminarse entre modelos que ajustan igualmente los datos experimentales.
LTE Femtocell Simulation of Different Modulation Technique under Different Multipath Fading

The vision of Self-Organizing Networks (SON) has been drawing considerable attention as a major axis for the development of future networks. As an essential functionality in SON, cell outage detection is developed to autonomously detect macrocells or femtocells that are inoperative and unable to provide service. However, due to the two-tier macro femto network architecture and the small coverage nature of femtocells, it is challenging to enable outage detection functionality in femtocell networks. Self-healing functionality in femtocell aims to resolve the loss of coverage or capacity induced by cell outage to the extent possible in the femtocell networks. Existing systems uses local cooperation architecture which seeks solutions with the need for local collaboration among femtocells. Specifically, an outage is detected based on the measurements of surrounding femtocells. Based on these local measurements, a proper set of neighbor femto APs tune their parameters to compensate for the outage. The outage occurs due improper arrangements of femtocell network. Proper placing of the femtocell access points reduces the outage problems. The signal strength, threshold and various parameters are calculated for different configurations and for different modulation technique using a simulation mechanism. The analysis of the same is done . from this analysis proper configuration of the femtocell network is obtained.
Croissance et caractérisation de nanofils de GaN et d'hétérostructures filaires de GaN/AIN

Ce travail de these porte sur la croissance par epitaxie par jets moleculaires assistee plasma et sur la caracterisation de nanofils (NF) de GaN et d'heterostructures filaires de GaN/AlN. Dans un premier temps, la morphologie des NFs de GaN (densite, longueur moyenne, diametre moyen, dispersion de longueurs) est etudiee en fonction des parametres de croissance. Via la diffraction d'electrons rapides, la morphologie des NFs GaN est correlee a la dynamique de nucleation de ces derniers. Des experiences de diffraction de rayons X en incidence rasante effectuees a l'ESRF permettent egalement de clarifier les processus de nucleation des NFs GaN. Nous demontrons ensuite l'utilisation de la diffraction de rayons X resonnante pour determiner la polarite des NFs GaN. Nous montrons que ces derniers sont de polarite N lorsque fabriques sur Si nu. Des tests complementaires de gravure selective au KOH revelent que les NFs GaN fabriques sur un substrat de Si recouvert d'un fin buffer d'AlN ainsi que ceux dont la fabrication est initiee apres pre-deposition de Ga sur la surface du Si, sont aussi de polarite N. Concernant les heterostructures filaires GaN-AlN, la croissance d'AlN autour et sur les nanofils de GaN est etudiee en fonction de divers parametres de croissance. Le rapport d'aspect des coquilles d'AlN (longueur/epaisseur) est decrit par un modele geometrique. En utilisant une combinaison de diffraction anomale multi-longueurs d'onde, de microscopie en transmission de haute resolution et des calculs theoriques, l'etat de contrainte des coeurs de GaN est analyse en fonction de l'epaisseur de la coquille. Cette contrainte augmente avec l'epaisseur de la coquille tant que l'AlN croit de maniere homogene autour des NFs de GaN. Des lors que la coquille est asymetrique, le systeme relaxe plastiquement. Nous etudions enfin la possibilite de fabriquer des ilots de GaN dans des NFs AlN. Nous determinons le rayon critique de NFs AlN au-dessus duquel le GaN depose subit une transition de forme de 2D a 3D. L'analyse des proprietes optiques de ces nanostructures originales revele la presence de nombreux etats localises.